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Palace Cities & Shanxi Courtyards
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CULTURE · PRIVATE JOURNEY

Palace Cities & Shanxi Courtyards

Nine private days among Beijing’s palaces, Xi’an’s archaeology, Pingyao’s merchant courtyards and Shanghai’s waterfront

Every journey can be tailored to you.

Your dates, route, pace, stays and experiences.Tailor this journey
Beijing → Xi’an → Pingyao → Taiyuan → Shanghai
START / FINISHBeijing → Shanghai

THE JOURNEY

Discover China through the places people built to rule, trade and live, from Beijing’s palace halls to Pingyao’s courtyard lanes and the riverfront of Shanghai.

A palace courtyard and a merchant’s doorway offer very different ways into China’s past. This journey brings them together: Beijing’s imperial spaces, the clay figures of Xi’an, the banking houses and lanes of Pingyao, and Shanghai’s gardens and waterfront. Rail journeys carry you inland before a flight from Taiyuan brings you east to Shanghai. Begin with this nine-day route, then work with us to tailor the hotels, guiding and daily pace to the people in your party.

HeritagePrivate journeysCity and landscape
01

Why this journey

01

Explore Beijing’s imperial courtyards and the quieter lanes of its hutong neighbourhoods.

02

Look closely at the Terracotta Army before returning to the towers and market streets of old Xi’an.

03

Discover Pingyao’s banking heritage and the carved details of the Qiao family’s courtyard residence.

04

Finish among Shanghai’s garden rooms, old-city lanes and open riverfront.

DAY BY DAY

Your day-by-day journey.

Use this itinerary as a starting point. We can adjust the route, time in each place and experiences with you while planning your trip.

Beijing

Your first day in Beijing

Meet your local host and take a private transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day follows your arrival time, giving you room to settle in before exploring the capital.

DOAirport welcome and private hotel transfer
EATAt leisure
STAYBeijing · hotel confirmed in your proposal
MOVEPrivate transfers and local touring as listed
02

Getting around

HOW YOU MOVE

The road is part of the story.

Connections chosen for comfort, timing and the rhythm of the route.

03 TRANSPORT DETAILS
Your party, your vehiclePrivate transfers and city touring As listed in your daily itinerary

Your private vehicle links each day’s hotel, station or airport with the touring stops in your itinerary.

4 photos

Local drivers and guides coordinate the meeting points around your confirmed schedule. We match vehicle capacity to your party and luggage; the make and model may vary.

IMAGES 4

Private transfer luggage assistanceRepresentative photograph; the exact service is confirmed in your proposal.Photo: A driver loading a traveller’s suitcase into the rear of a private car by Holiday Extras · Unsplash License · Resized for web; displayed with responsive cropping.
Private minivanRepresentative photograph; the exact service is confirmed in your proposal.Photo: Modern black minivan travelling on a broad urban roadway by Lee Salem · Pexels License · Resized for web; displayed with responsive cropping.
Professional driverRepresentative photograph; the exact service is confirmed in your proposal.Photo: Professional driver holding the steering wheel inside a clean vehicle by Tim Samuel · Pexels License · Resized for web; displayed with responsive cropping.
Private vehicle rear seatingRepresentative photograph; the exact service is confirmed in your proposal.Photo: Spacious pale-leather rear passenger seats inside a modern vehicle by Ammy K · Pexels License · Resized for web; displayed with responsive cropping.
Reserved second-class seatingChina by high-speed rail The rail connections in your itinerary

Travel between the cities on your route by daytime high-speed train, with station transfers arranged for you.

4 photos

Once tickets are released, we confirm your train numbers, stations and departure times. Keep the identification used for your booking within reach. The photographs show representative trains and cabins.

IMAGES 4

Beijing to Xi’an by high-speed railRepresentative photograph; the exact service is confirmed in your proposal.Photo: Second-class seating inside a Chinese CR400AF high-speed train by N509FZ · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized for web; displayed with responsive cropping.
Fuxing high-speed train exteriorRepresentative photograph; the exact service is confirmed in your proposal.Photo: White-and-red CR400AF Fuxing high-speed train exterior running on open track by N509FZ · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized for web; displayed with responsive cropping.
High-speed train at the platformRepresentative photograph; the exact service is confirmed in your proposal.Photo: China Railway high-speed train stopped beside a station platform in early-morning light by Kristoffer Trolle · CC BY 2.0 · Resized for web; displayed with responsive cropping.
Fuxing second-class cabinRepresentative photograph; the exact service is confirmed in your proposal.Photo: Rows of second-class seats inside a CR400AF-B Fuxing high-speed train by XiaYZ2023 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized for web; displayed with responsive cropping.
Economy flights and airport transfersOnward connections by air The flight connections in your itinerary

The flights listed in your route, including applicable taxes, are set out in your tailored proposal.

4 photos

Your proposal confirms where you will fly. At ticketing, we confirm the airline, airports, baggage allowance and timings. The photographs give a sense of the flight experience and do not specify a carrier.

IMAGES 4

Xi’an to Shanghai by airRepresentative photograph; the exact service is confirmed in your proposal.Photo: An aircraft wing seen through a window above a bright cloud deck by Maksim Shutov · Unsplash License · Resized for web; displayed with responsive cropping.
Economy-class cabinRepresentative photograph; the exact service is confirmed in your proposal.Photo: Natural-colour view down an aircraft economy cabin with passengers seated by Daniel Frese · Pexels License · Resized for web; displayed with responsive cropping.
Aircraft at the airportRepresentative photograph; the exact service is confirmed in your proposal.Photo: Passenger aircraft on a sunlit airport apron with ground-service equipment by El Jundi · Pexels License · Resized for web; displayed with responsive cropping.
Airport departure gateRepresentative photograph; the exact service is confirmed in your proposal.Photo: Travellers waiting at an airport gate with passenger aircraft visible outside by Bennie Bates · Unsplash License · Resized for web; displayed with responsive cropping.

SLEEP

A soft landing, every night.

Places to settle in, chosen for comfort, character and a genuine sense of place.

01 STAY DETAIL
Hotels selected around your routeThoughtfully located stays Your overnight destinations

Settle into comfortable hotels at each stop, with breakfast on the mornings listed in your itinerary.

4 photos

We agree hotel names, room categories and bedding with you in your private proposal. Each day identifies your overnight city. The photographs show hotel spaces in China as examples; the exact property and room are confirmed separately.

IMAGES 4

Twin-bed guest room inside Beijing HotelRepresentative photograph; the exact service is confirmed in your proposal.Photo: Twin-bed guest room inside Beijing Hotel by N509FZ · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized for web; displayed with responsive cropping.
Central courtyard with monumental stone figures at Grand Dynasty Culture Hotel Xi’anRepresentative photograph; the exact service is confirmed in your proposal.Photo: Central courtyard with monumental stone figures at Grand Dynasty Culture Hotel Xi’an by Gerd Eichmann · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized for web; displayed with responsive cropping.
Lobby interior at Radisson Blu New World Hotel ShanghaiRepresentative photograph; the exact service is confirmed in your proposal.Photo: Lobby interior at Radisson Blu New World Hotel Shanghai by Another Believer · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized for web; displayed with responsive cropping.
Chandelier-lit interior entrance in Block B of the Beijing Hotel complexRepresentative photograph; the exact service is confirmed in your proposal.Photo: Chandelier-lit interior entrance in Block B of the Beijing Hotel complex by Charlie fong · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized for web; displayed with responsive cropping.

EAT

The journey, told at the table.

Restaurants, markets and local tables that give each place its flavour.

01 DINING DETAIL
Meals mapped to each dayBreakfasts and regional tables Along your journey

Begin the day with hotel breakfast and enjoy the lunches marked in your plan, leaving other meals open for your own discoveries.

4 photos

The food photographs introduce regional dishes rather than a fixed menu. Duck dinners, banquets and evening shows are optional unless added to your proposal. Tell us your dietary preferences before confirmation so we can check the menus.

IMAGES 4

A Chinese breakfast spread with noodles, toppings and chopsticksRepresentative photograph; the exact service is confirmed in your proposal.Photo: A Chinese breakfast spread with noodles, toppings and chopsticks by Frank Zhang · Unsplash License · Resized for web; displayed with responsive cropping.
Sliced Peking duck with pancakes, scallions, cucumber and sauceRepresentative photograph; the exact service is confirmed in your proposal.Photo: Sliced Peking duck with pancakes, scallions, cucumber and sauce by Anagoria · CC BY 3.0 · Resized for web; displayed with responsive cropping.
Close-up of a Xi’an roujiamo filled with seasoned meatRepresentative photograph; the exact service is confirmed in your proposal.Photo: Close-up of a Xi’an roujiamo filled with seasoned meat by KQuhen · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized for web; displayed with responsive cropping.
Shanghai xiaolongbao in a bamboo steamer with one dumpling on a spoonRepresentative photograph; the exact service is confirmed in your proposal.Photo: Shanghai xiaolongbao in a bamboo steamer with one dumpling on a spoon by Robigasp · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized for web; displayed with responsive cropping.

THE FINE PRINT, MADE CLEAR

What’s taken care of.

Included

8 hotel nights with 8 breakfasts

6 lunches as marked in the daily plan

Private local guiding, listed sightseeing admissions and private ground transfers

Second-class rail: Beijing–Xi’an; Xi’an–Pingyao

Economy flights with applicable taxes: Taiyuan–Shanghai

Applicable service charges and government taxes

Not included

International flights

Visas, travel insurance and personal expenses

Tips for guides and drivers

Unlisted meals, optional dinners, shows and excursions

03

Before you go

Documents & entry

  • Travel documents matching the identification used for transport reservations

Entry and visa requirements depend on nationality and the wider travel plan. ChinaHue can provide itinerary documents, but travellers should confirm current rules before departure.

Insurance & safety

Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is strongly recommended and is not included in the route.

Local support and activity-specific briefings are provided throughout the journey.

Accessibility & families

Share mobility requirements before booking so walking routes, vehicle access and hotel choices can be reviewed.

Children travel with a responsible adult; age-appropriate pacing and vehicle seating can be discussed during tailoring.

What to pack

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Weather layer and sun protection
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Passport used for ticket reservations

MAKE IT YOURS

Your dates,
your pace.

Send your preferred dates and party details. We will confirm hotels, transport schedules, pricing and any pace adjustments in a private proposal.

TAILORED QUOTEOn request
Tailor this journey

Tell us what you need. We reply within one business day and can create a private proposal for your account.

Payment, commitment & arrangements

Your tailored proposal and booking agreement define the payment schedule and confirm your commitment.

Ticketing and supplier bookings begin only after the payment condition in your signed proposal is met.

Your final proposal shows the complete price, taxes and statutory charges before any payment is requested.

The deposit is 30% and the balance is due 45 days before departure.

Cancellation & refund schedule

Cancellation fees vary by days before departure and confirmed supplier costs.

90 days or more90+ days before departure90% refund
45–89 days45+ days before departure60% refund
15–44 days15+ days before departure30% refund

Self-service cancellation closes 15 days before departure · Asia/Shanghai · policy 2026.1.

Not automatically refundable: Confirmed supplier charges · Issued air and rail tickets

Booking terms

Final services are confirmed in your proposal and booking agreement.

24/7 support

Your local support contact is provided before travel.

FROM THE ROAD

See the journey in motion.

Photography, short stories and longer films—all in one place.
The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China.jpgThe Great Wall winding over the mountains at MutianyuPhoto: The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China.jpg by Lloyd Tudor · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized for web; displayed with responsive cropping.
Qin Terracotta Army, Pit 1 09.jpgTerracotta warriors in Pit One near Xi’anPhoto: Qin Terracotta Army, Pit 1 09.jpg by Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D. · CC0 · Resized for web; displayed with responsive cropping.
1 pingyao ancient city aerial pano 2019.jpgA panoramic view of the ancient walled city of PingyaoPhoto: 1 pingyao ancient city aerial pano 2019.jpg by Chensiyuan · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized for web; displayed with responsive cropping.
Huangpu Bund 2.jpgThe Huangpu riverfront promenade in ShanghaiPhoto: Huangpu Bund 2.jpg by EditQ · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized for web; displayed with responsive cropping.

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Photo credits