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China Discovery (RDX) 2026
Itinerary
DAY 1 USA – Beijing, China: Fly to China
Board your international flight to Beijing, China’s vibrant capital where centuries of imperial history meet modern ambition. Sit back, relax, and prepare for the unforgettable journey ahead.
DAY 2 Arrive in Beijing: Arrival & Leisure Time in Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, China’s historic and cultural capital. Meet your local guide upon arrival and transfer to your centrally located five-star hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to unwind or begin exploring the city’s remarkable character.
Hotels:
Grand Millennium Beijing or Similar (Standard Room) DELUXE ★★★★★
Grand Hyatt Beijing or Similar (Standard Twin) LUXURY ★★★★★
DAY 3 Beijing: Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square & Summer Palace
Begin your exploration of Beijing with a journey through 3,000 years of imperial grandeur. Visit Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square and a symbol of modern China’s political history. Step into the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former imperial palace that housed 24 emperors over five centuries. Wander its vast courtyards and ornate halls steeped in dynastic legacy. In the afternoon, stroll the tranquil grounds of the Summer Palace, also a UNESCO site, where traditional Chinese landscaping blends seamlessly with lakeside vistas. En route back to the hotel, enjoy photo stops at the iconic Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, architectural marvels of the 2008 Olympics. In the evening, delight in a traditional Peking duck dinner.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotels:
Grand Millennium Beijing or Similar (Standard Room) DELUXE ★★★★★
Grand Hyatt Beijing or Similar (Standard Twin) LUXURY ★★★★★
DAY 4 Beijing: Great Wall of China & Temple of Heaven
After breakfast at your hotel, travel to the Great Wall Badaling, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built over 2,000 years ago to stave off nomadic invasions from the north, the gargantuan wall trails for over 5,500 miles across China like an imperial dragon. Stride along the battlements and behold the views over the mountains and valleys stretching into the distance. Next, continue to visit Temple of Heaven, a fascinating complex of imperial cult buildings centered on a sacrificial altar pavilion. Constructed in the early 15th century, the temple compound was used by China’s emperors to perform animal sacrifices that they believed would secure bountiful harvests. Return to the city for an evening at leisure.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Hotels:
Grand Millennium Beijing or Similar (Standard Room) DELUXE ★★★★★
Grand Hyatt Beijing or Similar (Standard Twin) LUXURY ★★★★★
DAY 5 Beijing – Xian by flight: Fly to Xian & City Wall
This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Xi’an, a cradle of Chinese civilization and eastern terminus of the Silk Road. Upon arrival, explore the well-preserved Ancient City Wall, one of the oldest and largest in China, offering commanding views of the cityscape from its ramparts. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel.
Included: Breakfast, Dinner at hotel
Hotels:
Hilton Xian or Similar (Standard Room) DELUXE ★★★★★
The Westin Xian or Similar (Standard Twin) LUXURY ★★★★★
DAY 6 Xian: Terracotta Warriors & Tang Dynasty Dinner Show
Once the capital of several dynasties and the eastern gateway of the Silk Road, Xian holds over 3,000 years of history. Its greatest treasure—the Terracotta Army—was unearthed in 1974 by local farmers. This vast army of over 6,000 life-sized soldiers and horses was buried to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang, China’s first unifier, in the afterlife. After exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a 7th-century landmark of Buddhist significance. Tonight, enjoy the Tang Dynasty Dinner Show, a vivid portrayal of imperial elegance.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and show
Hotels:
Hilton Xian or Similar (Standard Room) DELUXE ★★★★★
The Westin Xian or Similar (Standard Twin) LUXURY ★★★★★
DAY 7 Xian – Shanghai by flight: Fly to Shanghai + Orientation Tour
Take a flight to Shanghai, China’s largest city, after breakfast this morning. Located where the Yangtze River empties into the East China Sea, and sometimes referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, this exciting city mixes 21st-century skyscrapers with elegant 1930s architecture, old world teahouses and traditional pagodas and pavilions. In the afternoon, discover the rich history at the Shanghai Historical Museum, then enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Xintiandi.
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Hotels:
Swissotel Grand Shanghai or Similar (Standard Room) DELUXE ★★★★★
The Portman Ritz-Carlton Shanghai or Similar (Standard Room) LUXURY ★★★★★
DAY 8 Shanghai: Full-Day City Tour
After breakfast, begin your day with a guided tour of the Bund, Shanghai’s iconic waterfront promenade. Framed by stately colonial-era buildings and offering striking views of the Pudong skyline, the Bund reflects the city’s rich blend of history and modernity. Continue to the lively City God Temple Bazaar and stroll along bustling Nanjing Road, famed for its shopping and street life. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore at your own pace. In the evening, savor a flavorful Shanghai-style dinner before a scenic boat ride on the Huangpu River, where illuminated landmarks cast a magical glow over the city.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotels:
Swissotel Grand Shanghai or Similar (Standard Room) DELUXE ★★★★★
The Portman Ritz-Carlton Shanghai or Similar (Standard Room) LUXURY ★★★★★
DAY 9 Shanghai – Suzhou Optional Tour: Day at Leisure or Optional Suzhou Tour
A free day today gives you the opportunity to explore dynamic Shanghai independently, perhaps browsing for souvenirs and enjoying its tempting restaurants. Alternatively, book our optional excursion to Suzhou, often called the ‘Venice of the East’. Strategically situated on an ancient trade route, Suzhou has been an epicenter of silk production for centuries and serves up photogenic canals, stone bridges and ornamental gardens. Discover its highlights on a guided tour, which includes a cruise on the Grand Canal and time at the Master of the Nets Garden. Return to Shanghai late afternoon.
Included: Breakfast
Hotels:
Swissotel Grand Shanghai or Similar (Standard Room) DELUXE ★★★★★
The Portman Ritz-Carlton Shanghai or Similar (Standard Room) LUXURY ★★★★★
Optional Tours:
Suzhou One Day tour with lunch (min 10 pax): $85 pp
DAY 10 Shanghai - USA: Depart from Shanghai
Transfer to the airport for your international flight. Depart with unforgettable memories of China’s ancient wonders and modern marvels.
Included: Breakfast
DATE & PRICES
All prices are listed per person (based on double occupancy).
Notes about tour prices:
* Advertised land portion prices are per person in double occupancy.
* For international air ticket price, please call Ritz Tours for pricing.
* For child rate please see “Charge for Children” in "Terms & Conditions".
As of Apr 7, 2026