Classic Budget Train Tour

Upon arriving in Beijing, please make your own way to the hotel we have reserved for you.

► Transportation Reference from Airport to Your Hotel:
1. From Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK): Take the Capital Airport Express to Qianmen Station, transfer to Line 8, and exit at Tianqiao Station (Exit D). Finally, walk 15 minutes to your hotel. The total journey takes about 1.5 hours and costs CNY 29 (USD 4). Alternatively, a taxi takes around 1 hour and costs CNY 150-200 (USD 21-28).
2. From Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX): Board the Daxing Airport Express to Caoqiao Station, transfer to Line 10 toward Dahongmen, then change to Line 8 and alight at Tianqiao Station (Exit D). From there, it’s a 15-minute walk to the hotel. Total travel time is about 1 hour 20 minutes, costing CNY 39 (USD 5). For greater convenience, a taxi is available at a fare and travel time similar to that from PEK.

► Free Time Suggestions:
After settling in, you may rest at the hotel or visit Jingshan Park on your own. The park’s hill once marked the highest point in old Beijing, offering a sweeping view over the Forbidden City. Alternatively, explore Qianmen Street, a vibrant pedestrian street full of food, shops, and traditional architecture. Consider dining at Quanjude, a time-honored restaurant famous for its Peking Roast Duck. The duck is glazed with honey, maltose, and white vinegar, then roasted over fruitwood until the skin turns a glossy jujube-red. Served with paper-thin pancakes, sweet bean sauce, spring onions, and cucumbers, it offers a feast for the palate. A whole duck costs around CNY 300 (USD 43), which includes pancakes and assorted side dishes, enough for two to three people to share.

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Beijing Temple of Heaven (3 stars)

In the morning, your guide and the driver will pick you up with a comfortable vehicle and accompany you to Tiananmen Square. Standing with numerous historical architectures and monuments, it is the “power corner” of Beijing. Passing through the majestic Tiananmen Tower, we’ll enter the best-preserved and largest wooden palace complex, the Forbidden City. As you walk through the Outer Court, dominated by the Three Great Halls, you’ll be struck by the shimmering golden roofs that symbolize imperial authority. Standing in the vast courtyard, you can imagine the grand ceremonies held here six centuries ago. Yet beyond its symbolic power, the palace conceals stories of political struggle. When you reach the Longzong Gate north of the Three Great Halls, look up, and you’ll see a wooden plaque still bearing an embedded arrowhead. About two centuries ago, while the emperor was away hunting, rebels stormed the palace with insider help, reaching this very gate. During the fighting, an arrow struck the plaque. After quelling the rebellion, the emperor ordered the arrowhead to remain as a permanent warning.

In the afternoon, we’ll drive to the Mutianyu Great Wall. A 30-minute hike will bring you to the rampart, where you’ll feel as if you’re standing atop a stone dragon winding through the mountains, offering panoramic views of the surroundings. Legend tells that during the wall’s construction, a newlywed man was conscripted and never returned. His bride traveled thousands of miles to find him, only to learn that he had fallen from the cliffs while building the wall. She wept here for three days and nights, so grief-stricken that a section of the wall crumbled. After descending, the guide and the driver will offer you a smooth transfer back to your hotel. On the return journey, we’ll pass by traditional Hutong areas, where you are welcome to disembark and discover on your own. You can stroll along Shichahai Lake as the sunset paints the water golden, watch Back Lake’s bars illuminate when night comes, or visit Tobacco Pipe Lane to sample local snacks such as traditional pastries, noodles with fried bean sauce, and sesame oil tofu. Please arrange your own return transportation to the hotel afterward: board Metro Line 8 from the Shichahai Station, and get off at the Tianqiao Station after 7 stops, then a 15-minute walk will lead you back to the hotel. The entire journey takes 40 minutes at CNY 4 (USD 0.6). Car-hailing is not significantly faster (35 minutes), but costs CNY 45 (USD 6).

► Notes: 
1. Due to overwhelming popularity, Forbidden City tickets consistently sell out within minutes of release. Reservations are required seven days in advance. We strongly recommend confirming your tour with us at least eight days before your visit to ensure we can secure your entry.
2. All visitors are required to go through thorough security checks before entering Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, which are in place to ensure public safety and to protect the palace’s relics, so you need to be aware that it may cause significant waiting times.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Beijing Temple of Heaven (3 stars)

After breakfast, your guide and the driver will meet you at the hotel lobby and accompany you to embark on today’s sightseeing at the Temple of Heaven, the world’s largest royal sacrificial complex. Its two core structures, the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest and the Circular Mound Altar, are connected by the Vermilion Steps Bridge. This pathway is divided into three parallel sections, with the central lane, paved with white marble exclusively for divines, through which the deities’ tablets would be carried to the altar. You may see some people lying on the marble, which is because of an old belief that sun-baked jade stone holds healing properties.

Next, experience old Beijing’s charm with a rickshaw ride through the Hutongs. The gentle ringing of bicycle bells echoes in the serene lanes flanked by gray walls and crimson gates, instantly transporting you back to old Beijing. Afterwards, let’s proceed to the Lama Temple, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery of the Gelug school. Originally the residence of the Emperor Yongzheng (1736-1796 AD) before his reign, the temple complex features intricate pavilions, caisson ceilings, and decorated pillars. It is also regarded as one of China’s most powerful places for making wishes. If you choose to pray here, please be specific, since local lore says the deities serving here were once small animals and may find elaborate requests confusing.

We’ll end the day at the Summer Palace, an imperial resort centered around Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake. As light softens in the afternoon, a stroll along the lake offers lovely views of the Seventeen-Arch Bridge and surrounding waters tinged in the golden hue of sunset. If time permits, you can climb Longevity Hill for a panoramic vista. Finally, your guide and the driver will offer you a smooth hotel transfer. 

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Beijing Temple of Heaven (3 stars)

After checking out this morning, please arrange your own transfer to Beijing West Railway Station. Your high-speed train tickets to Xi’an have been pre-booked by us and are included in your itinerary. You can take the subway Line 8 to Zhushikou Station and transfer to Line 7 to reach Beijing West Railway Station, taking approximately 40 minutes at CNY 4 (USD 0.6). Taxi is only 10 minutes faster, but costs around CNY 50 (USD 7).

During the 4.5-hour high-speed train journey, you’ll travel at speeds of up to 350 km/h across the North China Plain and the Yellow River, and follow the Qinling Mountains into Northwest China. Upon arrival at Xi’an North Railway Station, make your own way to your hotel: take the subway Line 2 to the North Street Station (Exit C), then walk about 5 minutes to your hotel, roughly 40 minutes in total, costing less than 1 US dollar. While taxis take a similar time, but cost significantly more, about CNY 100 (USD 14).

After self-check-in at the hotel, you may explore the city’s evening atmosphere on your own. A 15-minute walk will bring you to the Bell Tower, one of Xi’an’s most vibrant commercial centers. This 600-year-old landmark glows with golden lights after dark, creating a striking contrast against modern surroundings. You’ll see visitors dressed in traditional attire taking photos at this iconic intersection. Please return to your hotel independently after your exploration.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Days Inn City Centre Xi’an (3 stars)

This morning, your guide and the driver will pick you up from your hotel for a visit to the Terracotta Army Museum. If the Great Wall stands as China’s most magnificent above-ground wonder, then the Terracotta Army surely represents its most breathtaking underground treasure. Inside the excavation pits, you’ll witness a life-sized military formation of more than 8,000 clay soldiers and horses. You may wonder how such a massive army remained concealed for over 2,000 years. One of the reasons is that, located near Mount Li, the site was gradually buried by soil erosion. Additionally, evidence of robbers’ tunnels in Pit No. 2 indicates it was not entirely forgotten. Local folklore regarded the figures as inauspicious guardians of the tomb, an accidental shield that helped preserve them through the ages.Then, we’ll proceed to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. Originally built in 652 AD, it was renovated five times before acquiring its present form. It was here that the renowned monk Xuanzang (602–664 AD) translated Buddhist scriptures brought from India. A curious belief later spread that eating soil from the pagoda’s base could boost intelligence, leading to such extensive digging that the structure developed a slight tilt, which is still visible today.

After ascending the Xi’an City Wall for panoramic urban views, we’ll escort you back to your hotel. On the way, we’ll pass by the lively Muslim Quarter, a vibrant culinary district that overflows with halal food stalls and restaurants. Those who want to experience Xi’an’s after-dark atmosphere are welcome to disembark here for independent exploration. Don’t miss savoring local specialties, such as Chinese hamburger, sticky jujube rice cakes, and cold noodles. After the visit, walk 10 minutes back to the hotel on your own.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Days Inn City Centre Xi’an (3 stars)

After breakfast, please head to Xi’an North Railway Station independently to board the 3.5-hour high-speed train to Chengdu. We’ll secure your train tickets in advance, which is included in the quotation. Upon arrival, you can take a taxi at an approximate cost of CNY 40-50 (USD 5-7) to the hotel reserved for you. Or take Chengdu Metro Line 7 to Taipingyuan Station, transfer to Line 3 heading to Hongpailou Station (Exit C), and then walk about 5 minutes to reach your hotel.

After settling in, you may visit Jinli Ancient Street on your own. Take Metro Line 10 from Hongpailou Station for 2 stops and alight at Wuhouci Station (Exit A2); a 2-minute walk will lead you to the antique street. With a history spanning more than 1,700 years, this historic lane was once a bustling hub of silk and brocade trade. Today, it features traditional architecture housing local eateries, souvenir shops, and pubs. Be sure to try street snacks such as baked egg pancakes, ice jelly, and leaf-wrapped glutinous rice balls. You may also encounter traditional craft demonstrations like sugar painting, shadow puppetry, and the mesmerizing face-changing art of Sichuan Opera. Please trace back to the hotel independently after your visit.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Chengdu Wuhou (3 stars)

You are likely drawn to Chengdu by the fame of its giant pandas. This morning, your guide and the driver will accompany you to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. While characters like “Panda” from the animated sitcom “We Bare Bears” showcase remarkable agility of this kind of black-and-white creature, real pandas are actually rather lumbering, whose round bodies often cause comical tumbles. But don’t mistake their clumsiness for weakness! In ancient time, their strength and resilience earned them the nickname “living battle tanks.” In addition to watching adult pandas, you’ll have the chance to see panda cubs lounging on the grass or playfully wrestling like living stuffed toys.

Later, we’ll drive to Leshan, where you’ll board a vessel to view the Leshan Giant Buddha, the world’s tallest stone-carved Buddha statue, constructed starting in 713 AD. This treacherous stretch of water was once prone to shipwrecks, believed to be caused by river demons. The 71-meter-high (232-foot) statue was carved into the cliffs to subdue these spirits. From the boat, you can see the statue’s half-closed eyes gazing serenely over the river, while its feet press down on what’s said to be the demons’ lair. The boat will pause for 5–10 minutes in front of the statue. Don’t miss your photo opportunity! After the cruise, your guide and the driver will escort you back to your hotel.   

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Chengdu Wuhou (3 stars)

This morning, please take a taxi or metro by yourself to the high-speed rail station for your journey to Chongqing. Your high-speed train tickets have been pre-booked by us and are included in your itinerary. Upon arrival at any of Chongqing’s three main stations, please manage your own transfer to your hotel: a taxi takes about 40 minutes and costs approximately CNY 50 (USD 7), while metro is a budget-friendly alternative (under USD 1) but requires multiple transfers and takes around 1 hour.

You may have a first impression of Chongqing from American YouTuber IShowSpeed’s streams, captivated by its “8D” cityscape that feels like it’s straight out of a cyberpunk video game. Today, you can follow in his footsteps to explore this magic city independently.

From your hotel, a seven-minute walk will take you to Jiaochangkou Station, where you can board Light Rail Line 2 toward Liziba Station. Riding in the first carriage offers a front-row view as the train enters directly into a residential building. For memorable photos, exit at Exit 1 to the viewing platform, where you can take a playful forced-perspective shot of “swallowing” the train.

Continue on Line 2 and alight at Linjiangmen Station (Exit 2) to Kuixing Tower to experience Chongqing’s intricate terrain. Standing on its square, you may think you’re at ground level, until you look over the railing and realize you’re actually 22 stories up. After crossing the bridge, take the elevator down and walk 10 minutes west to Hongya Cave. This stunning complex is built in the style of traditional stilted houses. As evening falls, golden lights transform Hongya Cave into a fairy-tale palace. You can admire the full view from the opposite side of the road or climb the nearby red bridge to see its neon reflections dance on the river. Inside, browse handicraft shops and food stalls while sampling local treats like tofu pudding, glutinous rice balls, and grilled sweet potato noodles. After your visit, it’s just a 5-minute walk back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mercure Chongqing Downtown (4 stars)

In the morning, you can check out and leave your luggage at the hotel’s front desk, and further explore Chongqing on your own. Walk 10 minutes to Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street, one of Chongqing’s busiest commercial hubs. The area features diverse shopping options and leads to the city’s landmark Liberation Monument. At the northeastern end, you’ll spot the striking Guotai Art Center, designed in red and black to resemble a glowing bonfire. From there, it’s about 15 minutes on foot to the northern station of the Yangtze River Cableway. A one-way ride costs CNY 20 (USD 3) and offers sweeping city views as you glide above the river.

Around noon, return to the hotel to get your luggage: take Light Rail Line 6 from Shangxinjie Station and ride 1 stop to Xiaoshizi Station (Exit 9), costing less than USD 1, wand walk 7 minutes to the hotel. A taxi takes roughly the same amount of time but offers door-to-door convenience for approximately CNY 30 (USD 4). Once you have your luggage, please proceed independently to the railway station for a 4.5-hour high-speed train to Zhangjiajie. Your train ticket is included in our package and will be booked for you in advance.

Upon arrival in Zhangjiajie, take Bus 16 for 12 stops to Libin Primary School Station, and then walk 5 minutes to reach your hotel. This route requires 35-40 minutes and costs under USD 1. A taxi journey takes about 20 minutes for approximately CNY 30 (USD 4).

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Century Platinum Hotel (4 stars)

This morning, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Upon arrival, the Bailong Elevator will whisk you 326 meters (1,069 feet) upward in just two minutes, equivalent to soaring up a 107-story building. Stepping out of the elevator, you’ll directly enter Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, the real-world inspiration for the “Hallelujah Mountains” from the Pandora world in the movie “Avatar”. For a panoramic view of the stone pillars forest, make your way to the Enchanting Terrace. Local legend says a young girl once wandered here when a sudden mist descended; as the shadows of the stone pillars shifted mysteriously through the mist, she vanished without a trace.

Next, a park shuttle will take you to Yangjiajie Scenic Area. Here, instead of scattered pillars, you’ll see rows of parallel stone walls stretching across the landscape like a “Natural Great Wall” sculpted by the forces of nature. Then, another shuttle ride will escort you to Tianzi Mountain, the highest peak in the park, where a row of slender, brush-like rock formations will greet you. Folklore holds that these were formed from the writing brushes of the mountain’s ancient king. At sunset, the peaks appear dipped in golden ink, glowing softly in the twilight. Your day will conclude with a scenic cable car descent, after which we’ll finally convoy you back to your hotel. 

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Century Platinum Hotel (4 stars)

In the morning, the guide and the driver will pick you up from the hotel and accompany you to the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. Upon arrival, we will directly head to the Glass Bridge, where you’ll feel your heart beat rock as the 300-meter-deep (984-foot) chasm opens beneath your feet. Through the transparent panels, the winding streams and lush vegetation at the canyon bottom seem close enough to touch. On misty days, the bridge appears to float among clouds, creating a surreal sensation of walking through the sky.

We’ll then proceed to Tianmen Mountain, where the magnificent Tianmen Cave known as “Heaven’s Gate” has long been regarded as a portal to paradise. The 999-step staircase leading to the cave symbolizes a sacred path to the heaven and has previously hosted world-famous parkour competitions and automotive challenge events. Here, you’ll also experience the round-trip cableway, transmountain escalator, and the cliff-hanging Glass Skywalk, which offers thrilling views and multiple vantage points of the Tianmen Cave. After descending the mountain, our vehicle will be waiting to escort you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Century Platinum Hotel (4 stars)

This morning, please make your own way to Zhangjiajie Airport for your 2-hour flight to Shanghai. The flight will be booked by us in advance and included in our price. A taxi from your hotel to Zhangjiajie Airport takes approximately 15 minutes and costs CNY 25-30 (USD 3-4). If time permits, you may take Bus No. 4 for a 23-stop journey requiring about 1 hour 10 minutes at under USD 1.

Upon landing at Shanghai Pudong Airport, please proceed independently to your hotel. Take Metro Line 2 to East Nanjing Road Station (Exit 3), then walk 15 minutes to the hotel. The total trip takes about 1 hour at CNY 7 (USD 1). Taxis don’t significantly save time (around 50 minutes) and are considerably more expensive at approximately CNY 200 (USD 28).

After checking in, you may explore Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street by yourself, a 15-20-minute walk north of your hotel. This historic boulevard blends time-honored shops and restaurants housed in Western classical architecture, reflecting Shanghai’s early prosperity. As you walk east, the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower emerges in the distance across the Huangpu River.

From the east end of the pedestrian street, it’s a 9-minute walk to the Bund. Originally a 19th‑century dock area that attracted foreign merchants and diplomats, it is now famous for its 52 unique buildings with different architectural styles, from Gothic to Baroque. After dark, golden lights illuminate the historical facades, creating a striking contrast with the modern skyline across the river. You may stroll south along the promenade, enjoy the river breeze and spectacular night views, and finally walk 15 minutes back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Campanile Shanghai Bund Hotel (3 stars)

Today, you are free to explore Shanghai at your own pace. Here is a suggested itinerary for your reference.

You can start your day with a 15-minute walk to Yu Garden, a classical landscape garden nestled within the modern metropolis. Winding paths will lead you through artificial rockeries, tranquil ponds, and traditional pavilions, offering a window into the lifestyle of wealthy families in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD). Adjacent to the garden stands the City God Temple, dedicated to the city’s guardian deity, who has watched over Shanghai for over six centuries. In the past, locals came here seeking divine justice when wronged. Outside the temple, the Yu Garden Bazaar will welcome you with flagstone streets, traditional-style buildings, and vintage-style signs forming a charming overhead mosaic. It’s an ideal place to sample local snacks such as steamed soup buns and scallion oil noodles.

Afterward, take Metro Line 14 to Lujiazui. Station. Exit 6 leads to the Oriental Pearl Tower, while Exit 8 brings you to the Shanghai Tower, the city’s tallest skyscraper. Its distinctive spiral form has earned it the playful nickname “The Eggbeater.” Together with the bottle-opener-shaped Shanghai World Financial Center and the syringe-like Jin Mao Tower, the trio is humorously called the “Kitchenware Set.” If interested, you can ascend the 118th-floor observation deck on Shanghai Tower for panoramic city views. The admission ticket costs CNY 180 (USD 25). Finally, return via Line 14 to Yu Garden Station, and walk 10 minutes back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Campanile Shanghai Bund Hotel (3 stars)

After checking out the hotel, please manage your own way to the Shanghai Pudong Airport for your homebound flight. Direct flights to Helsinki (HEL) are available on multiple days each week, excluding Mondays and Wednesdays. You may choose between Finnair flight AY88 (21:00/5:15+1) with a 14-hour journey, or Juneyao Air flight HO1607 (08:40/12:55+1), which completes the trip in 10 hours 15 minutes.

Should you wish to extend your China train tour to other Asian destinations like Thailand, Japan, or Vietnam, we would be delighted to craft an itinerary for your continued exploration. You are welcome to consult with us at any time.

Meals: Breakfast