Nine days across Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai covered a lot and the high speed trains made the distances feel small. Every transfer was met and every ticket pre booked, so we just showed up. The guides were strongest in Xi’an and Shanghai. One or two early pickups tired the kids out, but otherwise excellent value for a multi city private trip.

Reviewed to: 9-Day Beijing Xi'an and Shanghai Tour with Comfortable Bullet Train Travel

Doing Beijing and Xi’an together by bullet train took the stress out of our first China trip. The train connections were booked for us with seats together, which mattered with all our luggage. In Xi’an the Warriors got a proper guided visit rather than a rushed walk. Each city had its own guide and they passed our notes along. Some long days, but well organised.

Reviewed to: Stress-Free 5-Day Beijing and Xi'an Journey: Embrace the Comfort of Bullet Train Connections

This four day Xi’an and Luoyang route was well planned. We saw the Warriors and the old wall, then took the train to Luoyang for the grottoes, with Huashan worked in smartly. The guides in each city coordinated so nothing got lost between handovers. Accommodation suggestions were helpful and genuinely mid range as promised.

Reviewed to: Exclusive 4-Day Xi'an & Luoyang Tour: Discover Huashan’s Beauty & Cultural Treasures

Three days covering Xi’an and Huashan gave a nice balance. The pacing was good, Warriors and city first, then the mountain when we had fresh legs. Our driver was careful on the winding roads and never rushed us. They even swapped the second day after rain so we did the indoor museum instead. That flexibility is why I would pick a private tour over a big bus.

Reviewed to: Enchanting 3-Day Xi'an Tour: Explore Terracotta Warriors & Conquer the Majestic Huashan Mountain

Two days was a good length to see Xi’an without hurrying. Day one was the Warriors and museum, day two the old city and Datang Everbright City at night, which was magical all lit up. The guide remembered we liked dumplings and pointed us to a place on our free evening. Hotel pickup and tickets were all sorted, would book again.

Reviewed to: Epic 2-Day Xi'an Private Tour: Uncover Terracotta Warriors & the Magic of Datang Everbright City

The night food tour was honestly the best part of our Xi’an trip. Our local guide took us down side streets in the Muslim Quarter we would never have found alone and we tried maybe eight different dishes, the rou jiamo, persimmon cakes, lamb skewers. He knew which stalls were fresh and busy. Great for a first timer who does not want to guess where to eat, go hungry.

Reviewed to: Exquisite Xi'an Night Tour Indulge in Mouthwatering Culinary Delights and Authentic Muslim Cuisine

Combining the Terracotta Warriors with the Song of Everlasting Sorrow performance made for a great day. The show itself was stunning, the lighting on the mountain stage is something you do not forget. Our guide gave enough context at the Warriors that the performance landed emotionally. Transfers to and from the venue were smooth and on time.

Reviewed to: Xi'an Day Tour Package: Remarkable Terracotta Warriors & Enchanting Song of Everlasting Sorrow Performance

Long day but the Longmen Grottoes are breathtaking and the high speed train made it easy. The guide was knowledgeable about the Buddhist carvings and we also caught Shaolin Temple. Only reason for four stars is the pace at Shaolin felt a touch tight, we would have liked twenty more minutes there. Train tickets and transfers were all handled so we did not stress.

Reviewed to: Smooth Xi'an to Luoyang Day Tour: Enjoy a Comfortable & Efficient High-Speed Train Trip to Longmen Grottoes and Shaolin Temple

The Huashan day trip from Xi’an was long but worth every hour. Our guide timed the cable car so we avoided the worst queues and knew which peaks were realistic for our fitness level. The views near the plank walk were unforgettable. They dropped us back later than planned but called ahead so the hotel was expecting us. Bring good shoes, they warned us and I am grateful.

Reviewed to: Xi'an to Huashan Day Trip: Experience the Breathtaking Scenery of Mt. Huashan

I had a half day before my train and this fit perfectly. The morning departure option meant I beat the crowds at the Warriors and had the pits almost to myself for a while. The driver met me at the hotel and brought me back with time to spare for my bullet train. Simple, well run, no upsell, exactly what I needed for a short stop.

Reviewed to: Highly Recommended Private Half-Day Xi'an Terracotta Warriors Tour with Optional Morning or Afternoon Departure