Duration

6 Days 5 Nights

Country

China

Maximum Traveller

Min Pax

6 Days Classical China end Xian

id:2603177

Day 27 – Thursday August 2026

Day 03 – Thursday September 2026

Day 10 – Thursday September 2026

Day 17 – Thursday September 2026

Day 24 – Thursday September 2026

Day 01 – Thursday October 2026

Day 08 – Thursday October 2026

Day 15 – Thursday October 2026

Day 22 – Thursday October 2026

Day 29 – Thursday October 2026

Day 12 – Thursday November 2026

Day 26 – Thursday November 2026

Day 10 – Thursday December 2026

Day 24 – Thursday December 2026

Day 07 – Thursday January 2027

Day 21 – Thursday January 2027

Day 04 – Thursday February 2027

Day 18 – Thursday February 2027

Overview
Itinerary
Cost Info
FAQ
Map
Gallery

Overview

Discover the ancient heart of China on this 6-day journey from the ultra-modern skyline of Shanghai to the historic treasures of Central China. Begin in Shanghai, exploring the striking contrast between Pudong's futuristic towers and the Bund's grand 19th-century architecture, along with the classical Yuyuan Garden and the artisan-filled streets of Tianzifang.

Board a high-speed train for a scenic journey across the country to Luoyang, where you'll marvel at the extraordinary Longmen Caves — over 100,000 Buddha statues carved into cliffs along the Yi River, best experienced both on foot and by boat. Continue through the ancient White Horse Monastery, one of Buddhism's earliest centers in China, and the historic city of Sanmenxia along the Yellow River, before arriving in legendary Xian, the eastern starting point of the Silk Road.

Spend a full day uncovering Xian's remarkable history, from the world-famous Terracotta Army to the vibrant Muslim Quarter, the Great Mosque, and a traditional percussion performance at the Drum Tower.

With comfortable high-speed rail travel, expert local guiding throughout, and a rich mix of UNESCO World Heritage sites, ancient temples, and vibrant city life, this 6-day trip is perfect for travelers seeking a deep, well-rounded introduction to China's imperial past and dynamic present.

Itinerary

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1 - THU.
Shanghai
Welcome to China! Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. We arrive in Shanghai, a cosmopolitan city of over 15 million residents, home to China's largest commercial port and its most international metropolis.

Shanghai: 33ºC - 33ºC, few clouds
Day 2 - FRI.
Shanghai
08:30 a.m. - This morning, we'll explore the highlights of this fascinating city.

Our tour will begin in Pudong, Shanghai's striking financial district, located across the Huangpu River. We'll admire its futuristic skyline, including the iconic Pearl Tower, and take a stroll along the elevated walkways, offering breathtaking views of the modern skyscrapers.

Next, we'll board a local ferry to cross the river, allowing us to take in Shanghai's impressive cityscape from the water while observing daily life along the bustling waterfront.

Upon arrival, we'll explore the Bund, home to a collection of grand 19th-century European-style buildings, a striking contrast to the modern skyline of Pudong.

Our tour will continue in Shanghai's Old City, where we'll visit the Yuyuan Garden, a beautiful private garden built during the Ming Dynasty. Here, we'll also enjoy an explanation of traditional tea, an integral part of Chinese culture.

We'll then pass through Xintiandi, one of the city's most fashionable districts, known for its blend of historical charm and modern elegance.

Lunch will be included.

In the afternoon, we'll visit Tianzifang, a former residential area famous for its narrow, labyrinth-like streets, lined with artisanal shops, trendy boutiques, and art galleries.

We'll conclude our tour with a final stroll along the Bund, appreciating its historical architecture and the European influence on the city's past.

06:30 p.m. - Our tour will come to an end. You may return to the hotel by bus or choose to stay in the city center (if so, return to the hotel will be at your own expense. We recommend carrying the hotel's address written in Chinese to show the taxi driver).

Shanghai: 33ºC - 33ºC, few clouds
Day 3 - SAT.
Shanghai - Luoyang Distance traveled by high-speed train: 1,020 km
Scenery: A diverse landscape of plains, mountains, rice paddies, and lush greenery, all enjoyed from the comfort of our high-speed train.

Note: Train schedules are subject to change. Each passenger must carry their own luggage. Do not pack sprays or aerosols larger than 100ml in your suitcase, as they may be confiscated at the security checkpoint.

05:30 a.m. - Departure from the hotel. A picnic-style breakfast will be provided. Transfer to the railway station.

07:17 a.m. - We'll board one of China's high-speed trains for an exciting journey across the country. Sit back and enjoy the ever-changing scenery as we pass through vast plains, terraced rice fields, and mountainous landscapes.

01:10 p.m. - Luoyang – Longmen. Arrival. Lunch will be included.

After lunch, we'll visit the awe-inspiring Longmen Caves, an extraordinary collection of Buddhist carvings stretching over a kilometer along the rocky cliffs of the Yi River. With more than 100,000 Buddha statues etched into the rock, this UNESCO-listed site is one of China's most remarkable cultural treasures. We'll explore the most impressive caves on foot and then take a boat ride for a unique perspective from the water.

Note: The boat ride may be canceled due to adverse weather conditions or river flooding.

05:30 p.m. - Departure from Longmen.

06:15 p.m. - Luoyang. Arrival and transfer to the Old Town, where we'll pass through its impressive city walls and immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of its illuminated streets. This experience offers a glimpse into the daily life of a historic provincial capital in inland China.

Return to the hotel. Overnight stay in Luoyang.

Shanghai: 33ºC - 33ºC, few clouds - Luoyang: 31ºC - 31ºC, light rain
Day 4 - SUN.
Luoyang - White Horse Monastery - Sanmenxia - Xian Total distance covered: 410 km
Scenery: Pleasant landscapes along the route.

07:20 a.m. - Departure from the hotel.

08:10 a.m. - White Horse Buddhist Monastery. Arrival at this vast and historically significant monastery, a major center for Buddhist study and pilgrimage, welcoming practitioners from around the world.

09:30 a.m. - Departure from the monastery.

11:30 a.m. - Sanmenxia. Arrival in this historic city, located along the Yellow River. We'll visit the Baolun Temple, home to an impressive high pagoda, and then explore the renowned Guo State Museum, considered one of the finest in China. Here, we'll see the remarkable funeral chariots of the ancient Guo State, offering a fascinating glimpse into early Chinese civilization.

Lunch will be included.

02:30 p.m. - Departure from Sanmenxia. As we continue eastward, we'll pass by the majestic Mount Hua, one of China's five sacred mountains, revered for its dramatic peaks and spiritual significance.

06:30 p.m. - Xian. Arrival in this legendary city, once the starting point of the Silk Road and home to an extraordinary historical and cultural heritage. Overnight stay in Xian.

Luoyang: 31ºC - 31ºC, light rain - Longmen: 33ºC - 33ºC, few clouds - Sanmenxia - Xian: 31ºC - 31ºC, overcast clouds
Day 5 - MON.
Xian Total distance covered: 105 km
Important Note: A passport is required for entry to the Terracotta Army Museum.

08:00 a.m. - We'll start the day with a visit to the Terracotta Army, one of the most extraordinary archaeological discoveries in the world. This vast underground army, with thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, was created to protect the tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Located less than an hour from downtown Xian, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient Chinese history.

Free time for lunch.

01:50 p.m. - Departure from the Terracotta Army Museum.

02:50 p.m. - Xian. Upon arrival, we'll visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, an elegant Buddhist structure dating back to the Tang Dynasty.

Next, we'll explore the walled city center, walking through the vibrant Muslim Quarter, where centuries of cultural and religious influences have shaped the city's identity. We'll enter the Great Mosque of Xian, a unique blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture.

Our tour will also include entrance to the Drum Tower, where we'll enjoy a short performance of traditional Chinese percussion instruments.

After the guided tour, you'll have free time to continue exploring the bustling historic center at your own pace.

06:30 p.m. - End of our visit. You may return to the hotel by bus or choose to stay in the city center to explore further on your own.

Xian: 31ºC - 31ºC, overcast clouds
Day 6 - TUE.
Xian: 31ºC - 31ºC, overcast clouds
After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
PLANNED HOTELS FOR THIS TOUR.
4 STAR HOTELS
NOVOTEL SHANGHAI ATLANTIS****
Т.: 2150366666
28 Pu Dong Avenue 200120 SHANGHAI CHINA
200120 SHANGHAI
CHINA

RAMADA BY WYNDHAM DOWNTOWN****
Т.: 37965150000
76 Jinguyuan Road, Luoyang
471000 LUOYANG
CHINA

DELTA BY MARRIOTT XIAN*****
Т.: 2968528888
West of Longshu North Road, No. 22, Lian Hu Qu, Xi´An, Shaanxi, China, 710014
710014 XIAN

Cost Info

Price includes

General Services: Travel by bus with English speaking guide, basic travel insurance, hotel and breakfast buffet.
Includes arrival transfer
City tour in: Shanghai, Xian
Boat: Boat trip in Longmen grottoes
Evening transfer: Luoyang Old City
Ticket admission: Yuyuan Garden, White Horse Temple in Luoyang , The Longmen Buddhist Grottoes , Baoulon Temple, Guo Museum in Sanmexia , Terracota Army Museum, Small Wild Goose Pagoda, mosque, show of traditional instrument playing in Drum Tower (not always guaranteed) in Xian
Ferry: Huangpu River in Shanghai
High speed train: Shanghai - Luoyang
3 Lunch included in: Shanghai, Luoyang, Sanmexia.
Pre and Post Nights' Accommodation as per itinerary.

Price excludes

EXCLUDES;

International flight bookings
Domestic connections
Hotel extensions
Drop off Airport transfers
Travel insurance guidance
Visa information
Private sightseeing

FAQ

FAQ Expand All

FAQ 1; Is the Terracotta Army as impressive in person as it looks in photos — and is this trip worth it just for that?
It's even more impressive in person — thousands of life-sized clay soldiers stretching across an underground complex is something photos genuinely can't capture. But this itinerary gives you far more than one bucket-list stop: you also get the 100,000-statue Longmen Caves, the walled ancient city of Xian, and Shanghai's futuristic skyline, all in one seamless 6-day trip. Browse the full day-by-day itinerary and pricing on our website, or follow us on Instagram for real traveler photos from this exact route.
FAQ 2; How do we get between Shanghai, Luoyang, and Xian — is the travel exhausting?
Not at all — the journey between cities is part of the experience itself. You'll travel by China's high-speed rail network, cruising in comfort while watching the landscape shift from Shanghai's skyline to terraced rice fields and mountain scenery, arriving in Luoyang in a matter of hours. It's fast, scenic, and far more relaxing than flying. Reach out through our website or DM us on social media to check current departure dates and train schedules for this route.
FAQ 3; Is this trip good for first-time visitors to China, or is it better suited to experienced travelers?
This is an excellent first China trip — it's guided every step of the way, with English-speaking guides handling logistics, tickets, and navigation at every major site, so you can focus on the experience rather than the planning. From the Terracotta Army to the Muslim Quarter's Great Mosque, it's designed to give first-time visitors a genuine, well-rounded introduction to the country's history and culture. Contact our travel specialists through thevicmos.com or message us directly on Facebook or Instagram to start planning your trip today.

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from $1,354.00

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6 Days Classical China end Xian