tours

classic china

Small Groups

Country Collection

Top Rated

4.8

158 Reviews

Classic China

9-Day Small Group China Tour to Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai

Save up to US$ 404

Classic China Guided Tour
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When do you want to travel?

Travel & Accommodation

9 days, 1 country and 3 cities

8 nights accommodation

Meals

8 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 3 Dinners

Group Size & Activity Level

Average 16 people, Balanced

Itinerary

View day-by-day trip itinerary

Beijing to Shanghai, China’s Past and Present

Uncover the heart of China on this immersive Small Group tour, limited to just 18 guests. From the legendary Great Wall to the imperial grandeur of the Forbidden City, you’ll step into centuries of history. In Xi’an, stand in awe before the Terracotta Warriors, then take a slower pace through Beijing’s hutongs by rickshaw, where a local family welcomes you for an exclusive, hands-on dumpling-making experience. Visit a traditional jade workshop and explore the dynamic contrasts of Shanghai, where ancient traditions sit alongside a soaring skyline. From quiet alleyways to iconic wonders, this journey reveals China through its stories, flavours and unforgettable people.

How you’ll travel
Guided throughout, with authentic local connections.

4-star stays

Selected hotel dinners plus a locally hosted meal

Deluxe coach travel and select flights

30 Experiences

View Itinerary

Trip map

Classic China Guided Tour Map 2027

Day By Day Itinerary

9-day itinerary from Beijing to Shanghai visiting 1 Country and 3 Cities.

Choose your dates

View:

About this trip

Sightseeing highlights

Explore Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai

Visit Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the Great Wall of China at Juyongguan, the Sacred Way in Beijing, Hutong residences, the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, the Bund waterfront and the Jin Mao Tower in Shanghai

See Local people practicing Tai Chi in the morning and the Shanghai Acrobats

What's included?

View Airport Transfer Information

An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

All porterage and restaurant gratuities

All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

Must-see sightseeing

Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

Optional Experiences and free time

On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.

Flights from Beijing to Xi'an and Xi'an to Shanghai

Frequently asked questions

Live, unedited & independent traveller reviews

Classic China - Small Group trip reviews

Classic China - Small Group trip reviews

Overall Trip Rating

4.8/

5

167 reviews

independently verified reviews

98% of reviewers would recommend to a friend.

"TRAFALGAR fails on Customer Service!"

James Carson

3/5

Reviewed on 10/26/2026 09:44:29

Couldn’t get any answers concerning VISA for China. Luggage requirement in brochure was wrong.

...

Trusted Customer

5/5

Reviewed on 10/25/2026 02:00:32

It was a great trip and would recommend it

"China 🇨🇳"

Esther Terry Stansu

5/5

Reviewed on 10/09/2026 09:41:24

The service provided by our director was amazing. The service provided by Trafalgar office

...

"enjoyable trip to china"

Michael Amsbury

5/5

Reviewed on 10/07/2026 18:11:22

the tour guide was beyond excellent ok..love the 5 star hotel and just the right amount of time in

...

"Beautiful China"

Trusted Customer

5/5

Reviewed on 10/02/2026 09:03:00

That you can call them at anytime w questions ❓ always answer or get back to you I'm not a computer

...

Brenda Wadlin

5/5

Reviewed on 10/02/2026 09:00:52

"Classic China"

Trusted Customer

5/5

Reviewed on 07/27/2026 08:13:16

Very helpful in every way. Our guides were helpful and ensured our safety and enjoyment. *Personal

...

Trusted Customer

4/5

Reviewed on 07/23/2026 08:37:55

Trusted Customer

5/5

Reviewed on 07/23/2026 07:51:43

Trusted Customer

5/5

Reviewed on 07/23/2026 07:45:56

The excursions were excellent

You'll make a positive impact to people, planet and wildlife on this tour

Three Giraffes Under Acacia Tree

Feel good (and do good) travel

It feels good to do good. These sustainable travel experiences help you meet inspiring people, support local communities, and make amazing memories that last a lifetime.​

Beautiful scene of Farmers Walking On Rice Fields Terraces at dawn

Sustainable development

Our sustainable experiences help advance 11 of the United Nations SDGs and make the world that little bit better.

Two Women In Traditional Costume Walking In The Mountains Near Moray Peru

Unique to TTC

Under our sustainability strategy, we've committed to have at least one MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on every single one of our tours by 2024.

#TTClassicChina

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