Flavors of Time in Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai

Touch down in China's capital, where tradition meets modern rhythm. Your guide will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Settle in and get ready for a journey filled with stories, flavors, and timeless landmarks.

Stand at the symbolic center of China in Tiananmen Square before stepping through the towering red gates of the Forbidden City. Behind these ancient walls lies a world of imperial rituals, golden rooftops, and hidden courtyards. In the afternoon, retreat into the Hutongs, where a traditional teahouse tucked in a quiet alley offers a chance to sip jasmine tea and taste Beijing snacks while listening to stories of old Beijing life.

Begin the day where emperors once prayed for good harvests - the Temple of Heaven. Locals fill the park with morning dances and games beneath ancient cypress trees. Then journey into the mountains to walk the Great Wall at Mutianyu, where stone watchtowers wind across dramatic ridges. A countryside lunch at a local farmhouse brings simple northern flavors to your table.

This morning, visit a local market to experience Beijing's daily life. Browse breakfast stalls, watch vendors prepare fresh food, and soak up the lively atmosphere. If you'd like to try some local breakfast favorites, look out for jianbing (Chinese savory crepes) or fried dough sticks.

After breakfast, board a high-speed train to Xi'an, watching the city fade into fields and hills as ancient China beckons in the west.

Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the station and take you to the hotel for check-in.

Today, visit the Terracotta Warriors Museum, where rows of clay soldiers stand in formation. They were buried to guard the tomb of China's first emperor, and no two faces are alike. See the exquisite Bronze Chariots and Horses nearby, remarkable artifacts from ancient China that showcase the craftsmanship and engineering skills in details.

In the evening, walk through Grand Tang Everbright City. The buildings are styled after Tang dynasty architecture, and the lights come on after dark. Depending on the schedule of the day, you may also watch cultural performances after dark.

Walk along Xi'an's Ancient City Wall, a landmark reflecting the city's long history. Then head to the Muslim Quarter to wander through bustling alleys lined with street stalls and get a taste of everyday life in Xi'an. Sample a local favorite, choosing between biangbiang noodles and roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), accompanied by refreshing pomegranate juice or traditional Chinese yogurt.

Afterward, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, your guide will assist with hotel transfer. The rest of the day is free for a leisurely walk or an evening snack by the river.

Start your day on the Bund, where grand colonial façades face off against Shanghai's sleek skyscrapers across the river. Then wander the leafy lanes of the former French Concession - quiet elegance lined with sycamore trees and Art Deco villas. Enjoy a leisurely dim sum lunch before exploring a local market in Tianzifang, where street snacks are tucked between creative studios and craft shops. End the day with a peaceful stroll through the tranquil Yuyuan Garden, followed by sweeping views of the city from the top of Shanghai Tower.

After breakfast, step into a bustling local market, where stalls brim with live seafood and fresh produce. Pick out your own ingredients in preparation for the cooking class to follow. Led by a local chef, the class teaches you how to craft delicate dim sum or stir-fry with precision - then sit down and savor the delicious meal you've created.

Later, explore the Shanghai Museum, one of China’s most prestigious cultural institutions, known for both its architecture - shaped like an ancient bronze vessel - and its unparalleled collection. From intricately cast bronzes to rare calligraphy scrolls and luminous jade artifacts, each gallery reveals the depth and refinement of Chinese civilization.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight. As you leave, carry with you not just souvenirs, but the tastes, textures, and tales of three unforgettable cities.