- 4.9/5 1542 Latest reviews
- Destination: China
- Duration: 12 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: Classic
About This Trip
China’s rich culture stretches back thousands of years, shaped by its diverse geography and natural resources, giving rise to unique traditions and economic traits. Beginning in Shanghai and concluding in Beijing, this tour reveals China’s many facets: the bustling city life behind Shanghai’s gleaming skyscrapers along the Huangpu River, the stunning natural scenery of the Li River, the charming pandas at Chengdu Research Base, and the historic grandeur of the Great Wall and the world-famous Terracotta Warriors.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 2
Shanghai
The Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Museum, Fuxing Park
3 - 5
Guilin
Li River Cruise, Yangshuo West Street, Reed Flute Cave
6
Chengdu
Giant Panda Breeding Base, Wenshu Temple, Chengdu City Tour
7 - 9
Xi'an
Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Cooking with Locals
10 - 12
Beijing
Mutianyu Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Shanghai
Welcome to China! Upon landing in Shanghai, your local guide and driver will greet you and transfer you privately to your hotel for check-in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, either relaxing at the hotel or venturing out to explore the vibrant city life of Shanghai.
- Shanghai
- Day 2: Shanghai Leisure & Cultural Tour
Begin your day at the Shanghai Museum, home to an impressive collection of exhibits that meet international standards.
Next, visit Yu Garden, a beautifully designed garden from the 16th century showcasing classic Chinese architectural style. Take a stroll along the Bund, one of the best-preserved areas reflecting the charm of Old Shanghai from the 1920s.
In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely walk in Fuxing Park, where locals gather for activities like dancing, playing cards, practicing Taiji, or badminton. Continue to Bugaoli to admire the traditional Stone Arched Gates, and stop at a local food market to sample popular dim sum treats.
End your day with the option of watching a spectacular Acrobatic Show, making for an unforgettable evening in Shanghai.
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- Shanghai
- Day 3: Flight from Shanghai to Guilin
Enjoy some free time in the morning before being transferred to the airport for your flight to Guilin. After approximately 2.5 hours, you will be greeted by your local guide upon arrival. Check into your hotel and take some leisure time to explore Guilin at your own pace.
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- Guilin
- Day 4: Guilin – Li River Cruise to Yangshuo
After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to Zhujiang Pier (approximately 50 minutes) to embark on a scenic Li River cruise to Yangshuo. Marvel at the stunning karst peaks and breathtaking landscapes that line the riverbanks.
Arrive in Yangshuo around 1:30 pm (disembarkation time may vary with the season) and stroll along the lively West Street, where you can browse for unique souvenirs. In the late afternoon, return to Guilin by car, a drive of about 1.5 hours.
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- Guilin
- Day 5: Flight from Guilin to Chengdu
After checking out from your hotel, visit the Reed Flute Cave, a stunning example of Karst formations illuminated with enchanting lights. Following the tour, transfer to the airport for your flight to Chengdu. Upon arrival, your local guide and driver will meet you and escort you to your hotel.
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- Chengdu
- Day 6: Chengdu – Panda Encounter & Cultural Exploration
Begin your morning with a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding before 8:30 am, when the pandas are most active. Stroll along the bamboo-lined paths and enjoy close-up encounters with pandas of all ages in their naturalistic habitats.
Next, explore the serene Wenshu Temple, a hidden Buddhist gem where you can admire exquisite architecture and experience the relaxed pace of life in Chengdu. Later, head to Jinli Old Street to sample delicious local snacks, browse intricate handicrafts, and enjoy lively folk performances along this vibrant street.
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- Chengdu
- Day 7: Chengdu – Xi’an by High-Speed Train
Enjoy some free time in the morning before being transferred to the railway station for your bullet train to Xi’an. Upon arrival, your guide will greet you and escort you to your hotel for check-in and relaxation.
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- Xi’an
- Day 8: Xi’an – Terracotta Warriors & Ancient City Highlights
Begin the day with a visit to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, marveling at the thousands of life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots unearthed in this remarkable archaeological site.
In the afternoon, explore the Ancient City Wall, China’s largest and best-preserved city wall. Afterwards, wander through the Muslim Quarter to experience local culture and sample a variety of traditional snacks.
In the evening, history enthusiasts can attend the Tang Dynasty Show to enjoy the music, dance, and performances celebrating the golden age of ancient China.
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- Xi’an
- Day 9: Culinary Experience in Xi’an & Flight to Beijing
Enjoy a memorable experience cooking with a local family in Xi’an. Learn to prepare traditional dumplings, hand-pulled noodles, and other home-style dishes. If time allows, accompany your hosts to the market to select fresh ingredients. Savor the dishes you’ve made for lunch.
Afterward, transfer to the airport for your flight to Beijing to continue your journey.
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- Beijing
- Day 10: Beijing – Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven
Start your day at Tiananmen Square, a site of great cultural and historical importance that has witnessed numerous key events, including the founding of the People’s Republic of China. From there, proceed to the magnificent Forbidden City, the imperial residence of 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Continue to the Temple of Heaven, where ancient emperors performed rituals to honor Heaven and pray for bountiful harvests.
In the evening, you may choose to attend a Kung Fu Show, enjoying an impressive blend of traditional Chinese martial arts, storytelling, music, dance, and acrobatics.
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- Beijing
- Day 11: Beijing – Mutianyu Great Wall & Changling Tomb
After breakfast, drive approximately 2 hours to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, a quieter area featuring 22 watchtowers and fortresses. Enjoy panoramic views of the winding Wall and the surrounding mountains. A round-trip cable car is available, and you can also take a moderate hike along the Wall.
Next, visit Changling Tomb to explore the rare relics and gain insight into the life of Emperor Yongle, whose reign marked the peak of the Ming Dynasty.
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- Beijing
- Day 12: Departure from Beijing
Spend some free time in the morning until your guide and driver pick you up for a private transfer to the airport for your onward flight home.
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Accommodation Options
The hotels listed below have been carefully selected based on customer feedback. You can either choose the ones you'd like to stay in or allow our travel experts to recommend options tailored to your specific requirements.
Shanghai 2 Nights
- 5.0
Top Choice
Maxx by Steigenberger on the Bund Shanghai
Address: 1 East Jinling Road, Shanghai, China
- 4.0
Hengshan Garden Hotel
Address: 516 Hengshan Road, Xuhui and Minhang, Shanghai, China
Guilin 2 Nights
- 5.0
Top Choice
Guilin Shangri-la Hotel
Address: 111 Huan Cheng Bei Er Lu, Guilin, Guangxi, China
- 5.0
Sheraton Guilin Hotel
Address: 15 Binjiang Road, Guilin, Guangxi, China
- 4.0
Guilin Bravo Hotel
Address: 14 South Ronghu Road, Guilin, Guangxi, China
- 4.0
Jolie Vue Boutique Hotel Guilin
Address: No. 8 Binjiang Road, Xiangshan District, Guilin, Guangxi, China
Chengdu 2 Nights
- 5.0
Dorsett Chengdu
Address: 168 Xi Yulong Street, Chengdu 610041, China
- 4.0
Holiday Inn Chengdu Oriental Plaza
Address: 231 Zhiquanduan, East Avenue, Jinjiang District, Chengdu, China
- 4.0
Top Choice
Xizang Hotel Chengdu
Address: No. 10 North Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
Xi'an 2 Nights
- 4.0
Top Choice
Grand Noble Hotel Xian
Address: No. 334 East Street, Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, China
- 4.0
Eastern House Boutique Hotel
Address: 300 m West of Fen Lane, South Street, Beilin District, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710002, China
- 5.0
Hilton Xi'an
Address: No.199 Dongxin Road, Xincheng District, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
Beijing 3 Nights
- 4.0
Top Choice
Beijing Novotel Peace Hotel
Address: 3 Jinyu lane, Wangfujing, Beijing, China
- 5.0
Top Choice
The Regent Beijing
Address: 99# Jinbao Road, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
- 4.0
Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing
Address: 97 Jinbao Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
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