- 4.9/5 509 Latest reviews
- Destination: China
- Duration: 14 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: Classic
About This Trip
This 14-day itinerary offers a balanced and leisurely experience, combining China's most famous landmarks with activities suited for seniors. Highlights include the gentle Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, ideal for comfortable exploration, and the serene beauty of Guilin’s landscapes, complemented by cultural insights from China’s historic cities.
With private transfers, well-appointed accommodations, knowledgeable guides, and a flexible pace, this journey ensures a smooth, enriching, and unforgettable experience across China.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 4
Beijing
Great Wall, Forbidden City, Rickshaw Hutong Tour, Temple of Heaven
5 - 7
Xi'an
Terracotta Warriors, Tang Palace Court Banquet, Local Family Visit, Shadow Puppet Show & Calligraphy Experience, Muslim Street
8 - 9
Guilin
Li River Cruise, Countryside of Yangshuo
10 - 12
Hangzhou
West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Wuzhen, Tea Picking
13 - 14
Shanghai
The Bund, Yu Garden, Dim Sum Meal, French Concession
Itinerary
- Day 1: Beijing Arrival
Welcome to Beijing, China’s vibrant capital! Upon arrival, your guide will greet you in the arrivals hall holding a name sign with the Odynovo logo. You’ll then be escorted to your hotel for a seamless check-in. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax and acclimate to the local time.
- Beijing
- Day 2: Imperial Forbidden City & Hutong Rickshaw Experience
Step back into China’s imperial past with a visit to the magnificent Forbidden City, once the residence of Ming and Qing dynasty emperors. As you stroll through its vast courtyards and imposing halls, you’ll discover fascinating details about royal life, traditions, and ceremonial customs of ancient China.
Your guide will collect you from the hotel and escort you to the city center, stopping first at Tiananmen Square, a landmark deeply connected to China’s modern and imperial history. Continue into the Forbidden City, where your guide will explain the symbolic architecture, ornate decorations, and hidden meanings behind the palace design.
Later in the day, visit the Temple of Heaven, an elegant complex where emperors once held rituals to ensure prosperous harvests. Today, it also serves as a favorite gathering place for locals, offering a glimpse into everyday Beijing life as residents practice Tai Chi, stroll through the park, and enjoy social activities.
- B , L
- Beijing
- Day 3: Exploring the Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall
After breakfast, set out on a scenic drive of approximately two hours to reach the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Renowned for its year-round beauty and well-preserved watchtowers, Mutianyu offers an excellent balance of history and comfort. A round-trip cable car is included, allowing for easy access, while light walking along the wall lets you fully enjoy the panoramic mountain views. With its gentle gradients and well-maintained paths, this section is especially suitable for senior travelers. After the visit, return to the city for a relaxing remainder of the day.
- B , L
- Beijing
- Day 4: Temple of Heaven Visit & High-Speed Train to Xi’an
Begin your day with a peaceful visit to the Temple of Heaven, a sacred site where ancient emperors once prayed for abundant harvests. Today, it serves as a favorite gathering place for local residents, especially in the morning when you may see seniors practicing Tai Chi and other traditional exercises—feel free to join and experience the calm atmosphere.
In the afternoon, your guide will escort you to the railway station to board a smooth and comfortable high-speed train bound for Xi’an. After arrival, you will be welcomed by your local guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in and rest.
- B
- Xi’an
- Day 5: Terracotta Army Exploration & Tang Dynasty Banquet Experience
Begin your morning with a visit to the renowned Terracotta Warriors Museum, part of the vast mausoleum of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. This extraordinary underground army features thousands of life-sized soldiers, no two alike, vividly reflecting the military power and artistic achievement of the Qin Empire over 2,200 years ago.
In the afternoon, return to your hotel to relax and recharge.
As evening falls, head to the Tang Palace for a memorable dinner experience. In an elegant setting inspired by Tang-dynasty imperial banquets, savor classic Chinese cuisine while enjoying captivating music and dance performances that bring the splendor of ancient court life to the stage.
- B , L , D
- Xi’an
- Day 6: Home-Style Cooking Experience & Traditional Shadow Puppetry
Today offers a deeper connection to Xi’an’s everyday life and traditions through food and folk arts. In the morning, visit a local family and learn how to prepare authentic Xi’an specialties such as dumplings and hand-pulled noodles, along with cherished home recipes. If time permits, accompany your host to a neighborhood market to select fresh ingredients and observe the lively atmosphere of local shopping.
Continue to Gao Family Courtyard, Xi’an’s best-preserved traditional residence. Enjoy a captivating shadow puppet performance, where an experienced artist animates colorful figures behind an illuminated screen, bringing classic stories to life. You’ll also have the chance to practice Chinese calligraphy and keep your own artwork as a meaningful keepsake.
Conclude the day with a leisurely walk through the bustling Muslim Quarter, sampling popular street foods and experiencing the vibrant culture of the Hui community.
- B , L
- Xi’an
- Day 7: Fly to Guilin & Evening Lakeside Stroll
Today you will travel to Guilin by air, arriving in a relaxed riverside city celebrated for its dramatic karst mountains and tranquil atmosphere—an ideal place to unwind after several days of sightseeing. Upon landing, your local guide will greet you and assist with the transfer to your hotel for check-in.
After some time to rest, head out to visit Guilin’s most famous natural symbol, Elephant Trunk Hill. This unique rock formation resembles an elephant lowering its trunk into the river below. As night approaches, enjoy a gentle walk around Banyan Lake and Cedar Lake, where illuminated bridges, pagodas, and reflections on the water create a calm and enchanting evening experience.
- B , L
- Guilin
- Day 8: Li River Scenic Cruise to Yangshuo
Following breakfast, check out from your hotel and enjoy a comfortable drive of about 50 minutes to Zhujiang Pier. Here, you will embark on a relaxing cruise along the Li River toward Yangshuo. The approximately four-hour journey (subject to water conditions) reveals some of southern China’s most iconic scenery, with emerald waters, dramatic karst mountains, and quiet villages dotting the riverbanks. A light lunch will be provided on board as you take in the postcard-worthy views.
Upon arrival in Yangshuo in the early afternoon, take time to wander along the bustling West Street, known for its blend of local charm, cafés, and boutique shops. You will then be escorted to your hotel to check in and unwind for the evening.
- B , L
- Yangshuo
- Day 9: Yangshuo to Hangzhou via Guilin
Begin your day surrounded by Yangshuo’s tranquil scenery of rolling green hills and calm rivers. Enjoy a relaxed morning at leisure, whether you choose to unwind at the hotel or take a peaceful stroll nearby to soak in the natural beauty.
Later in the day, travel by road back to Guilin Airport to board your flight to Hangzhou. Upon landing, your local guide will be there to welcome you and transfer you to your hotel, where you can settle in and rest after the journey.
- B
- Hangzhou
- Day 10: Discovering West Lake & Hangzhou Traditions
Accompanied by your guide, explore the timeless beauty of West Lake, a place celebrated for its poetic landscapes and rich cultural heritage. As you wander through this open-air garden city, hear the legends and stories that give the lake its enduring charm. For a leisurely perspective, enjoy a relaxing electric boat cruise, gliding across the water to admire the harmonious blend of lake views, gentle hills, and classical gardens.
In the afternoon, continue to Lingyin Temple, one of China’s most important and tranquil Buddhist sanctuaries, set amid lush greenery. Afterwards, step into a traditional Chinese medicine pharmacy, where the air is filled with the aromas of dried herbs and roots. Learn how this ancient healing practice remains part of daily life, and sample a cup of herbal tea if you wish.
Conclude your day with a walk along Hefang Street, a lively historic lane where you can taste a popular local delicacy made from fragrant lotus root powder.
- B , L
- Hangzhou
- Day 11: Exploring the Historic Water Town of Wuzhen
Set out on a pleasant drive of around 80 km from Hangzhou to the charming water town of Wuzhen. Wander through its stone-paved streets and cross elegant arched bridges while taking in the sight of classic riverside homes, peaceful canals, and the rhythm of daily life by the water. In the Xizha (West Scenic Area), savor authentic Jiangnan cuisine and observe local artisans at work, preserving age-old crafts. Conclude your visit with a gentle boat cruise along the ancient waterways before heading back to Hangzhou.
- B , L
- Shanghai
- Day 12: Tea Culture Experience in Hangzhou & Transfer to Shanghai
Begin your day with a visit to Meijiawu Tea Village, where you’ll enjoy a peaceful introduction to Hangzhou’s renowned tea culture. Take part in a hands-on tea-picking activity, learn traditional tea-processing methods, and savor freshly brewed local tea amid the scenic rural surroundings.
Later in the day, board a high-speed train to Shanghai. On arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in and a well-earned rest.
- B , L
- Shanghai
- Day 13: Discover the Highlights of Shanghai
Begin your exploration at the Bund, where historic European-style buildings stretch along the riverbank, offering striking views of Pudong’s futuristic skyline across the Huangpu River. Continue to Yu Garden, a well-preserved Ming Dynasty classical garden featuring elegant pavilions, tranquil ponds, and meandering walkways.
Next, visit a traditional silk workshop to observe the delicate art of silk production. Enjoy a flavorful dim sum lunch at the famous Jade Garden Teahouse, a perfect introduction to Shanghai’s refined dining culture.
In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxed walk from the greenery of Fuxing Park to Bugaoli Stone Gate and Sipailou Road. Browse bustling local markets filled with snacks, crafts, and everyday street life. Conclude your day in the French Concession, strolling along leafy avenues lined with historic villas, cafés, and boutiques that reflect the city’s timeless charm.
- B , L
- Shanghai
- Day 14:Farewell to Shanghai & Journey Home
Today marks the conclusion of your memorable journey through China. At the appropriate time, your guide and driver will meet you at the hotel and escort you to the airport for your return flight. We wish you a smooth journey home and hope the memories of this trip stay with you for years to come.
- B
Quick Question
CONTACT A TRAVEL EXPERT
1-to-1 Service | Reply within 24hrs | Expert's Advice
