China’s Golden Triangle Tour – Journey Through Timeless Wonders
Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai
15 - 26 September 2026
From €3,499 per person sharing
The Golden Triangle Tour of China offers a captivating journey through the country's rich history and modern marvels. Beginning in Beijing, travelers explore Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven, each steeped in imperial grandeur. Iconic landmarks like the Great Wall and the serene Summer Palace showcase ancient China’s architectural prowess and natural beauty. A bullet train ride to Xi'an reveals the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors Museum and the majestic Big Wild Goose Pagoda. In Shanghai, the itinerary includes the historic Yu Garden, the spiritual Jade Buddha Temple, and the juxtaposition of the Bund’s colonial architecture against the city's glittering modern skyline. Evenings offer opportunities for cultural shows, river cruises, and traditional dining, ensuring a comprehensive experience of China’s cultural heritage and contemporary vibrancy.
On this tour, you will be accompanied from Dublin Airport by Sean Collins of Stein Travel. With extensive experience in the travel industry and a deep passion for the cultures of the Far East, Sean will ensure a seamless transition to this captivating and culturally rich destination. Committed to providing a rewarding and stress-free experience, he will be with you throughout the journey to help you make the most of every moment.
Call us now on (01) 517 5990 or request a quote by filling out the form at the bottom of the page.
Tuesday, 15 September – Depart Ireland
Embark on your journey with an afternoon from Ireland. This will done with direct flights from
Dublin to Beijing, cutting out the need for any stopovers.
Included: Meals on flight
Wednesday, 16 September – Arrival in Beijing
Upon arrival in Beijing, guests will provided with early check in to rest after the flight. In the
afternoon, you will be taken to a local restaurant for lunch for your first introduction to
Chinese cuisine. After lunch, you will enjoy a leisurely walk through the historic Hutong
neighbourhoods. These narrow alleyways offer a glimpse into traditional Beijing life, with
quaint courtyards and local markets. The day concludes with dinner at the hotel.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Thursday, 17 September – Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven
The day begins with a visit to Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square, followed
by an exploration of the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the afternoon,
guests will visit the Temple of Heaven, another UNESCO site, where ancient emperors
prayed for good harvests. A stop for lunch (provided) will be included in the tour, with dinner
(provided) at another selected eatery.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Friday, 18 September – Mutianyu Great Wall and Evening at Qianmen Street
Guests will spend the morning visiting the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, renowned for
its scenic beauty and fewer tourists. With a range of Western and Chinese restaurants
available at the Great Wall Tourist Area, lunch will be own expense. After lunch, the evening
will be free to explore Qianmen Street, a bustling area filled with shops and eateries. After
shopping, you can use this night to grab a quick bite and relax for the evening, or find a
nearby by eatery to try something different out.
Included: Breakfast
Saturday, 19 September – Summer Palace and Acrobatic Show
The day starts with a visit to the Summer Palace, a vast imperial garden with beautiful
landscapes and historical architecture. In the afternoon, guests will enjoy an acrobatic show,
showcasing stunning feats of balance and agility. Dinner will be at a local restaurant.
Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Sunday, 20 September – Bullet Train to Xi'an and Calligraphy Class
The journey continues with a high-speed bullet train ride to Xi'an. Upon arrival, guests will
participate in a calligraphy class, learning the art of traditional Chinese writing. Dinner will be
at the hotel this evening.
Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Monday, 21 September – Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Terracotta Building, and Terracotta Museum
This day will start off with a tour of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, one of the
most significant archaeological sites in the world. Following your tour of these incredible
structures, you will continue to a workshop where you will have the chance to make your
own Terracotta Warrior, and lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, we will visit the Big Wild
Goose Pagoda, a historic Buddhist pagoda in the centre of the Xi’an Old City. Dinner at own
discretion this evening.
Included: Breakfast & Lunch
Tuesday, 22 September – Flight to Shanghai and Huangpu River Cruise
Guests will fly to Shanghai, where they will embark on an evening cruise along the Huangpu
River. This cruise offers stunning views of Shanghai's illuminated skyline. Dinner will be at a
local restaurant.
Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Wednesday, 23 September – Yu Garden, Chenghuangmiao Bazaar, the Bund, and Cooking Class
Your day will start with a walking tour of the Bund, a famous waterfront area renowned for its
classical architectural styles. After this you will continue to Yu Garden, a classical Chinese
garden, and the Chenghuangmiao Bazaar, known for its traditional shops and food stalls.
The day concludes with a cooking class, where they will learn to prepare traditional Chinese
dishes. Lunch will be included and tonight will be a night to relax with a dinner in the hotel, or
to enjoy or a quiet dinner out in Shanghai.
Included: Breakfast & Lunch (cooking class)
Thursday, 24 September – Zhujiajiao Water Town and Xiantiani Area
Guests will visit Zhujiajiao Water Town, an ancient town known for its picturesque canals
and traditional architecture. In the afternoon, they will explore the Xiantiani area, a trendy
district known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Lunch (own expense) and
dinner will be at local restaurants.
Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Friday, 25 September – Depart Shanghai
On the final day, guests will prepare for their departure. There are no scheduled activities,
providing time to pack and relax before their flight home.
Included: Breakfast
Saturday, 26 September – Arrive in Ireland
After an overnight flight back to Ireland, you can now let real life settle back in while you
reminisce on the sights you saw, the experiences you engaged in, and the memories you
made.
On this trip, we are offering the ability to extend your trip by 3 nights with a cruise down the Yangtze River to take in breath-taking views of misty mountains, ancient temples, and dramatic gorges. With Luxurious on board amenities blended with tranquil waters, these last few days will help create a serene and unforgettable journey at the end of an already incredible trip.
Friday, 25 September – Depart Shanghai and Embark on your Cruise
While everyone else prepares to fly home to Ireland, a flight from Shanghai to Chongqing
awaits you, where your river journey will begin beneath the hush of dusk. Your first day on
board will include your standard safety briefings, a buffet dinner, and your Captain’s
Welcome Reception.
Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Saturday, 26 September – Tai Chi, Ghost Cities and Spectacular Shows
Begin your day on the Yangtze with morning coffee, tea, and pastries, followed by a peaceful
Tai Chi session on deck. After a generous buffet breakfast, embark on a fascinating shore
excursion to the legendary Fengdu Ghost City. Return on board for a delicious lunch and
spend the afternoon enjoying a variety of cultural activities. In the evening, indulge in a dinner buffet before taking in the spectacular War Fire of the Three Kingdoms show. Late-night snacks are served to round off the day, with free-flowing house wine, local beer, and soft drinks included during lunch and dinner.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Sunday, 27 September – Relax & Unwind
Relax on deck as the ship glides through the dramatic cliffs of Qutang Gorge. Enjoy a variety
of onboard activities before a satisfying lunch buffet, then take in the breathtaking beauty of
the Wu Gorge. In the afternoon, set out on a scenic shore excursion to the serene Shennv
Stream. Return on board for a buffet dinner, followed by a fun-filled Crew Cabaret and Talent
Show. Midnight snacks await to end the evening, with free-flowing house wine, local beer,
and soft drinks included at lunch and dinner.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Monday, 28 September – Three Gorges Dam, Disembark and Head Home
After a final buffet breakfast on board, disembark at Maoping Pier in Yichang for a guided shore excursion to the impressive Three Gorges Dam Project Site, including the River Closure Memorial Park and the Dam Museum. Luggage handling is provided for your convenience, and your journey concludes in downtown Yichang for onward travel.
For those opting for the extended experience, you’ll transfer to a smaller boat to explore the remarkable Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift (CNY290/person, payable onboard), before continuing to the main dam site and concluding in Yichang city.
After reaching Yichang city, you will be transferred to Yichang Airport to start your journey home. A stopover in Beijing will be included on this journey.
Included: Breakfast
Tuesday, 29 September – Arrive in Ireland
After an overnight flight back to Ireland, you can now let real life settle back in while you reminisce on the sights you saw, the experiences you engaged in, and the memories you made.
The price for this travel package is from €3,499 per person sharing.
The price for the cruise extention is from €1,649 per person sharing.
The single supplement:
- Full Trip – €799
- Cruise Extension – €599
A non-refundable deposit of €750 per person is due at time of booking, plus any optional supplements. The remaining balance is due 12 weeks before travel.
Insurance is available from €39 per person.
Standard Package:
- Return Direct International flights
- 23kg checked bag per person
- 1 x High speed train journey
- 2 x Domestic Flight
- Private airport/train station transfers
- Transfers to/from locations included in tour
- English speaking local guides
- 4 Nights accommodation in 5* Sunworld Hotel Beijing
- 2 Nights accommodation in 4* Xian Grand Noble Hotel
- 3 Night accommodation in 5* Shanghai Jinjiang Tower
- 9 Breakfasts
- 3 Lunch
- 6 Dinners
- Stein Travel Tour Director
- 24/7 Support
Flight Times*
Outbound
Flight 1 : Dublin – Beijing // 1200 – 0510
Inbound
Flight 1 : Shanghai – Beijing // 2015 – 2230
Flight 2 : Beijing – Dublin // 0250 – 0700
* Please note your flight times may vary if you include the cruise extension
