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The 9 Day China Express Southbound- Beijing to Shanghai explores Beijing, Forbidden City, Great Wall, Xi’an, Terracotta Warriors, Shanghai & Zhujiajiao.

Day 1: Beijing
Your trip starts today with your arrival in Beijing. No activities are planned, so arrive early if you can, as there is plenty to see. There will be a pre-tour briefing with your tour leader late in the afternoon. Please note that your Tour Leader will collect the Local Payment during your group meeting so be sure to take the 300 US dollars to the meeting along with your travel insurance details. Please bring new USD notes/bills in large denominations. Please see the notice board in the hotel reception for details. The briefing is usually followed by a optional group dinner – Beijing Duck is delicious!

Days 2-4: Beijing
Beijing is abundant in cultural and historical sites. The vast Forbidden City, built nearly 600 years ago and off limits to citizens for almost all that time, is a truly amazing place. The size might surprise you (it is huge!), but what makes it fascinating is that every square metre is interesting, ranging from intricately carved walkways to colourful, painted ceilings.

Temple of Heaven is the other fine example of extraordinary workmanship and architecture. We will travel to Simatai Great Wall, a largely unrestored and, as such, more authentic section of the famous wall, not crowded with hordes of other tourists. Climbing up this incredible man-made engineer and surveying the spectacular surrounding countryside is an unforgettable experience.

There is also ample free time in the itinerary, allowing you to make your own discoveries and explorations. In the evening, you have the chance to enjoy a performance of the unique Beijing Opera or Kongfu (Martial Arts) Show(optional).

We leave Beijing on the overnight train in Day 4, travelling in “soft-class”, four-berth compartments. The 11-hour trip is a great opportunity to make Chinese friends if you share the compartment with locals.
Meals included: 3 breakfasts

Days 5-6: Xi’an
Xi”an topped the other ancient capital cities in China. Many wonderful places are on your exploration list. Food options are excellent here as well, ranging from delicious Muslim fare to great little dumplings in local restaurants. Widely known as the first capital of a united China in 221 BC, the city is the deep root of Chinese history. A half-day tour to the renowned Terracotta Warriors shows us to these unearthed pottery statues, considered one of the most important archaeological finds of the 20th Century. Over 6,000 of them were individually sculpted from clay, each having a different cost, height, even facial expression. They are standing in battle formation, facing east in order to protect the tomb of China's first Emperor, the great Qin Shi Huang Di. These soldiers were accidentally discovered by local farmers in 1974.

A free day can easily be spent wandering the narrow streets among the Muslim quarter where we find quaint shops, lively markets, groups of white-bearded men in skull caps sipping tea in dingy cafes. For those who are interested in history, please do not miss Shaanxi History Museum, which introduces you the total history of Chinese civilization.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch

Day 7: Shanghai
We will take a morning flight to Shanghai and will be transferred to our hotel located near the famous Bund or waterfront area, with dozens of imposing European colonial buildings, remnants of the concession era, along the promenade. The shopping area on Nanjing Road is situated nearby. We will enjoy free time in Shanghai, and your tour leader can show you how to find the way to the famous Yuyuan Gardens and Bazaar, a representative of private garden in south China and highlight of the city. We might have opportunities to try some wonderful food stalls as well. Acrobat here is recommended for your entertainment at night.
Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 8: Zhujiajiao
In the morning we drive to Zhujiajiao, which is one of the most beautiful watertown in China. It is noted for its profound cultural background, the well preserved ancient residential houses, the elegant watery views and the strong local colored traditions and customs.
Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 9: Shanghai
The tour PANDA organized will end after breakfast. You can take an evening flight back home, or stay more extra nights for further discovery on your own pace. The transfer to the airport is not included, however, your tour leader will be on hand to advise you as to the options available.
Meals included: 1 breakfast