North China Rail & Cities

Travel from Beijing to Xi’an and on to Shanghai on a nine-day route through some of China’s best-known places. Walk the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, explore Beijing’s hutongs with a local leader, and spend a night on an overnight train to Xi’an. In Xi’an, visit the Terracotta Warriors and the Muslim Quarter, with free time to add your own plans, from cycling the City Walls to sampling local food. Finish in Shanghai, where a leader-led walk along the Bund and through old lanes gives you a practical first look at the city before time to explore at your own pace. This trip suits travellers who like a mix of guided sightseeing and independent time. You’ll use public transport in China, including overnight trains, so packing light is a good idea and some patience will help at busy stations and popular sites. Overnight train travel is in hard sleeper class, with six-berth compartments. Some sightseeing options mentioned in the itinerary may need to be booked separately.