- 4.9/5 352 Latest reviews
- Destination: China, South Korea
- Duration: 12 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: Classic
About This Trip
This 12-day private trip pairs China’s imperial capitals with South Korea’s coast and palaces. You spend seven days in Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai, then fly to Busan and take the KTX train to Seoul.
You see the Forbidden City and the Terracotta Army, then a cliffside sea temple in Busan, the painted hillside of Gamcheon and the royal palaces of Seoul. It is a tailor-made trip with a private guide in each country, one international flight and several train days. Entry rules for both countries depend on your passport, so check the official pages before you book.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 3
Beijing
Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Mutianyu Great Wall
4 - 5
Xi’an
High-speed train, Terracotta Army, Muslim Quarter
6 - 7
Shanghai
Flight, the Bund, Yu Garden, French Concession
8 - 9
Busan
Flight, Haedong Yonggungsa, Gamcheon, Jagalchi Market
10 - 11
Seoul
KTX train, Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon Hanok Village
12
Seoul
Departure
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
Your driver meets you at the airport and takes you to your hotel, usually 45-90 minutes away. Rest after the flight. Your guide stops by to go over the route and the passport you need for ticketed sites and trains.
- Beijing
- Day 2: Forbidden City and Jingshan Park
Walk Tiananmen Square and the central axis of the Forbidden City, the palace of Ming and Qing emperors. Tickets are capped and the site is closed on Mondays, so we plan around it. Finish at Jingshan Park for a view back over the golden roofs.
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- Beijing
- Day 3: Temple of Heaven and the Great Wall
Visit the Temple of Heaven in the morning, when locals practice tai chi in the park. In the afternoon, drive about 1.5 hours to Mutianyu and take the cable car up to walk between the watchtowers. Bring water and a hat, since there’s little shade.
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- Beijing
- Day 4: Hutongs and High-Speed Train to Xi’an
Ride through Beijing’s old hutong lanes in the morning. After lunch, take the high-speed train to Xi’an, about 4.5 hours, and arrive in the evening. This is a part-sightseeing, part-travel day.
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- Xi’an
- Day 5: Terracotta Army and the Muslim Quarter
Go early to the Terracotta Army, about 40 minutes from the city, before the tour groups arrive. Walk the pits of life-size soldiers and see the bronze chariots. In the evening, eat your way through the Muslim Quarter’s food stalls.
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- Xi’an
- Day 6: Xi’an Home Cooking, Then Shanghai
Spend the morning in a local home learning to make dumplings or noodles. Then fly to Shanghai, about 2 hours, and check in. You can drop the home visit if you’d rather have an easier day.
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- Shanghai
- Day 7: The Bund, Yu Garden and the French Concession
Walk the Bund, with early 20th-century banks facing the Pudong skyline, then visit Yu Garden, a Ming-era garden. In the afternoon, stroll the tree-lined streets of the Former French Concession. The Shanghai Tower view is optional if time allows.
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- Shanghai
- Day 8: Fly to Busan
Fly from Shanghai to Busan, about 2 hours, and your driver meets you after immigration. Check in at your hotel and spend the evening by the sea at Haeundae or Gwangalli beach. Expect a light day, since most of it is travel.
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- Busan
- Day 9: Busan’s Temple, Village and Market
Start at Haedong Yonggungsa, a sea temple on the east coast, about an hour from the center, and go early to beat the crowds. In the afternoon, walk the colorful hillside lanes of Gamcheon Culture Village. Finish at Jagalchi Fish Market for seafood, and allow time for the drive between stops.
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- Busan
- Day 10: KTX Journey to Seoul
Start the day with a fast and comfortable ride from Busan to Seoul on the KTX high-speed train. After arriving, enjoy a free afternoon to spend as you wish—explore Seoul’s lively neighborhoods, visit nearby sights, or take time to rest and unwind at your leisure.
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- Seoul
- Day 11: Exploring Seoul’s Heritage
Set out on a guided exploration of Seoul’s must-see landmarks. Hidden among modern high-rises stands the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace, a 14th-century royal complex of the Joseon Dynasty. With your expert guide, watch the changing of the guard, appreciate the elegant palace design, and gain insight into Korean culture at the National Folk Museum.
Continue your walk through the picturesque Bukchon Hanok Village, home to beautifully preserved traditional residences that reflect Korea’s past. Then soak up the creative atmosphere of Insa-dong, famous for its art-filled streets and distinctive boutiques. Conclude the day at lively Gwangjang Market, where you can taste local street foods and browse authentic local goods.
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- Seoul
- Day 12: Seoul, Departure
After checking out of your hotel, meet your driver for a transfer to the airport. Depart from Seoul with wonderful memories of your journey through South Korea and China. Have a pleasant and safe trip home!
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