First-Timers' Must: Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai Golden Triangle

As China’s capital, Beijing is home to two major international airports and numerous global flight routes, making it easy to find direct or well-priced connecting flights.

Beijing stands as the cultural and political heart of China, offering an accessible window into the country’s long and storied past. Must-see landmarks include the Forbidden City - a magnificent imperial palace complex from the Ming and Qing dynasties - and the Great Wall, an awe-inspiring ancient fortification spanning rugged mountains. The Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests, remains a masterpiece of Chinese ritual architecture.

Beyond the iconic sites, Beijing invites you to connect with local life. Wander through the traditional alleyways known as hutongs, take a rickshaw ride through historic neighborhoods, and join hands-on cultural activities like dumpling making, paper cutting, and diabolo (Chinese yo-yo) playing. Don’t miss Beijing’s culinary delights, from aromatic Peking duck to hearty zhajiangmian (noodles with fried sauce).

Despite its status as a bustling metropolis, Beijing remains an affordable destination. Accommodation, guides, and transportation are reasonably priced, so including Beijing in your itinerary won’t stretch your budget.

Many travelers choose Xi’an as their second stop - and for good reason. As the ancient capital of multiple dynasties, Xi’an offers an even deeper dive into China’s historical and cultural roots.

The Terracotta Army is an unmissable highlight: thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots guarding the tomb of China’s first emperor. After exploring this archaeological wonder, you can visit other cultural landmarks like the Bell and Drum Towers or the grand Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

Be sure to explore the vibrant Muslim Quarter, where you can sample delicious street food such as yangrou paomo (crumbled flatbread in mutton soup). For an unforgettable evening, enjoy a Tang Dynasty-style imperial banquet accompanied by traditional music and dance performances. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even dress up in Hanfu - elegant traditional clothing - and take photos along the ancient City Wall.

Like Beijing, Xi’an offers excellent value, allowing you to experience profound history without overspending.

If Beijing and Xi’an embody China’s past, Shanghai showcases its dynamic present and future. Ascend one of the world’s tallest skyscrapers for breathtaking city views, stroll along the historic Bund with its mix of colonial and modern architecture, or experience the future today - like ordering a coffee delivered by drone.

To extend your stay, take a relaxing day trip to one of the region’s charming water towns, such as Zhujiajiao, known for its ancient canals and stone bridges.

Shanghai also has two international airports, making it just as easy to depart as it was to arrive.

A well-paced tour of these three cities takes about 7–10 days and can be enjoyed year-round - making it easy to fit into holiday breaks like Christmas or summer vacation. What’s more, travelers from eligible countries can benefit from China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy, allowing visits to these cities without a visa.

The itinerary is light on physical demands. Aside from sections of the Great Wall, there are no strenuous hikes, making it suitable for children, seniors, and families. If you travel with us, we can arrange kid-friendly activities to keep everyone engaged and happy.

Beijing and Shanghai’s global air connectivity ensures smooth travel, and while Shanghai is slightly more expensive, costs across all three cities remain manageable. You won’t need to worry about blowing your budget.

Finally, these cities have well-developed tourism infrastructures. It’s easy to find guides who speak not only English, but also Spanish, Italian, Japanese, and other languages.

Let us help you create a seamless and memorable first journey to China - one you’ll treasure for years to come.