Silk Road to Modernity — Shanghai & Xi'an
Highlights
- Terracotta Warriors
- The Bund
- City Wall of Xi'an
- Yu Garden
- French Concession
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Shanghai — The Bund
Arrive in Shanghai, ride the world's fastest commercial train, evening stroll along the iconic Bund.
Attractions
The Bund · Nanjing Road
Transport
Maglev train from Pudong Airport
Accommodation
Hotel in People's Square area
Day 2: Old Shanghai — Yu Garden & French Concession
Explore the classical Yu Garden, then wander through the charming French Concession neighborhood.
Attractions
Yu Garden · Yuyuan Bazaar · French Concession · Tianzifang
Transport
Metro and walking
Accommodation
Hotel in People's Square area
Day 3: Pudong Skyline & Zhujiajiao Water Town
Morning views from Shanghai Tower, afternoon escape to the picturesque water town of Zhujiajiao.
Attractions
Shanghai Tower (observation deck) · Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town
Transport
Metro and chartered bus
Accommodation
Hotel in People's Square area
Day 4: Shanghai Museums & Departure to Xi'an
Morning at Shanghai Museum, afternoon high-speed rail to Xi'an, arrive in the evening.
Attractions
Shanghai Museum · People's Square
Transport
High-speed rail to Xi'an (approx. 6.5 hours)
Accommodation
Hotel in Xi'an city center
Day 5: Terracotta Warriors
Full day at the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army, one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in history.
Attractions
Terracotta Warriors Museum (Pits 1, 2 & 3) · Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum
Transport
Chartered bus from hotel
Accommodation
Hotel in Xi'an city center
Day 6: Xi'an City Wall & Muslim Quarter
Cycle along the ancient city wall, explore the vibrant Muslim Quarter, taste street food specialties.
Attractions
Xi'an City Wall (cycling) · Great Mosque · Muslim Quarter · Bell Tower
Transport
Bicycle on city wall, walking
Accommodation
Hotel in Xi'an city center
Day 7: Huaqing Hot Springs & Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Explore the imperial Huaqing Hot Springs and the landmark Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
Attractions
Huaqing Hot Springs · Big Wild Goose Pagoda · Tang Paradise
Transport
Metro and bus
Accommodation
Hotel in Xi'an city center
Day 8: Shaanxi History Museum
Immerse yourself in 3,000 years of Chinese history at one of the country's finest museums.
Attractions
Shaanxi History Museum · Small Wild Goose Pagoda · Xi'an City Moat
Transport
Metro
Accommodation
Hotel in Xi'an city center
Day 9: Xi'an Cooking Class & Departure Prep
Learn to make traditional Shaanxi dishes in a morning cooking class, afternoon at leisure.
Attractions
Local cooking class · Shuyuanmen Cultural Street
Transport
Walking
Accommodation
Hotel in Xi'an city center
Day 10: Departure
Final morning exploring the Drum Tower area, then transfer to the airport for departure.
Attractions
Drum Tower area morning market
Transport
Taxi/shuttle to Xi'an Xianyang Airport
Accommodation
N/A