Noah Thompson
April 3, 2026
Customized China Tours Tailored Just for You
This 12-day custom private tour whisks you across five of China’s most unmissable destinations, starting in Hong Kong and winding through Shanghai, Xi’an, and Zhangjiajie before concluding in the capital Beijing. Tailored entirely to your unique travel preferences, it lets you experience China’s one-of-a-kind blend of ancient history, modern vibrancy, and breathtaking natural scenery on your own schedule, far from the crowds of standard group tours. Backed by competitive great-value pricing and secure, trusted payment systems, this curated itinerary delivers a seamless, unforgettable cross-China adventure.
This 12-day cross-China adventure starts in the vibrant East-meets-West fusion metropolis of Hong Kong, travels north to glittering modern Shanghai, pauses to explore the jagged, dramatic karst peaks of Zhangjiajie, dives into ancient imperial history in Xi’an, and wraps up at the iconic cultural landmarks of China’s capital Beijing. The route carefully balances big-city energy, quiet traditional culture, and once-in-a-lifetime natural wonders, giving you a complete, well-rounded taste of China’s incredible diversity in one seamless private trip.
Arrive in dynamic Hong Kong and settle into your accommodation, with the full day free to explore at your own leisure. Wander local street markets, sip authentic Cantonese milk tea, or head up to Victoria Peak for postcard-perfect sunset views over the city’s iconic skyline. 🏨 Overnight stay in Hong Kong.
Spend a second full day exploring Hong Kong’s unique blend of culture, shopping, and natural beauty on your own terms. Start your day with a delicious included 🍽️ breakfast, then head out to visit ancient temples, relax on an outlying island beach, or browse designer boutiques in Central. 🏨 Overnight stay in Hong Kong.
After a filling included 🍽️ breakfast, check out of your Hong Kong hotel and board your flight for Shanghai. Arrive in the evening, meet your private local guide, and settle into your accommodation to rest before the next day’s adventures. 🏨 Overnight stay in Shanghai.
Today is packed with Shanghai’s best mix of history, culture, and craft. Kick off with an included 🍽️ breakfast, then dive into thousands of years of Chinese art and heritage at the world-class Shanghai Museum. Next, wander the ornate traditional pavilions of Yu Garden, then browse handmade handicrafts and local snacks at bustling Yuyuan Market. You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at traditional silk making at a local production workshop, before ending the day strolling the tree-lined, historic lanes of the Former French Concession. 🍽️ Breakfast and lunch are included. 🏨 Overnight stay in Shanghai.
Start your journey west to Zhangjiajie with an included 🍽️ breakfast, and make a scenic stop along the way: a 1.5-hour drive to Xitang, one of China’s most charming ancient water towns. Glide along the town’s willow-lined canals on a leisurely boat ride, admiring centuries-old riverside courtyard homes before continuing to Zhangjiajie. Check into your accommodation after your day of travel. 🍽️ Breakfast included. 🏨 Overnight stay in Zhangjiajie.
Spend a full day exploring Zhangjiajie’s otherworldly mountain landscapes, starting with an included 🍽️ breakfast. First, wander through the dramatic Wulinyuan Scenic Area, then ride the famous Bailong Elevator up to the cliffside Yuanjiajie Scenic Area. Next, take a scenic cable car into the Tianzi Mountain Natural Reserve, where you’ll see the iconic natural First Bridge under the Sun, plus the unique Fairy Maiden Presenting Flowers rock formation and Imperial Brush Peak. Finish the day with a gentle stroll through the scenic Ten-mile Gallery valley. 🍽️ Breakfast and lunch are included. 🏨 Overnight stay in Zhangjiajie.
After an included 🍽️ breakfast, enjoy two more unforgettable Zhangjiajie experiences before traveling to Xi’an. First, take a peaceful boat ride across the crystal-clear, mountain-fringed waters of Baofeng Lake. Next, ride one of the world’s longest cable cars (7,455 meters, a 30-minute scenic ride) up to Tianmen Mountain for sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. After your adventure, travel to Xi’an and check into your accommodation. 🍽️ Breakfast and lunch are included. 🏨 Overnight stay in Xi'an.
Dive into thousands of years of Chinese imperial history today, starting with an included 🍽️ breakfast. Your first stop is the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, where you’ll marvel at thousands of life-sized clay soldiers built to guard the tomb of China’s first emperor. Next, wander bustling Muslim Street, Xi’an’s oldest food and market quarter, to soak up local atmosphere, before exploring the historic Drum Tower at the heart of the old city. 🍽️ Breakfast and lunch are included. 🏨 Overnight stay in Xi'an.
Start your day with an included 🍽️ breakfast, then try your hand at traditional Chinese wellness with a 1-hour Tai Chi session led by a skilled local master. After your class, grab a bike for a fun cycling excursion along the top of Xi’an’s perfectly preserved Ancient City Wall, with panoramic views of the city stretching out around you. After your activities, travel to Beijing and check into your accommodation. 🍽️ Breakfast included. 🏨 Overnight stay in Beijing.
Explore Beijing’s most iconic imperial landmarks today, starting with an included 🍽️ breakfast. First, visit expansive Tiananmen Square, the historic heart of the capital, then step into the 600-year-old Forbidden City, once the exclusive home of Chinese emperors, to explore its sprawling palaces and hidden gardens. In the afternoon, head to the scenic Summer Palace, where you can wander past ancient temples, ornate pavilions, historic stone bridges, and traditional theaters spread along the shores of Kunming Lake. End the day with a unique stop at a local pearl store, where you can design your own custom piece of pearl jewelry. 🍽️ Breakfast and lunch are included. 🏨 Overnight stay in Beijing.
Today brings one of China’s most iconic once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Start with an included 🍽️ breakfast, then visit the stunning Temple of Heaven, the sacred site where Ming and Qing emperors once held annual worship ceremonies for good harvests. After exploring the temple’s iconic circular architecture, head to the peaceful, well-preserved Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. You’ll have time to explore 1.4 miles of the wall, passing 22 historic blockhouses and watchtowers with sweeping views over the forested mountains. 🍽️ Breakfast and lunch are included. 🏨 Overnight stay in Beijing.
Enjoy a final included 🍽️ breakfast at your Beijing hotel, with free time for any last-minute shopping or sightseeing before your departure. Your 12-day Chinese adventure concludes with transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
Min 2 · Max 20 people per group
Traveler reviews
April 3, 2026
Starting in Hong Kong and ending in Beijing gave such a perfect overview of both modern and ancient China. Each day was well-paced, with enough free time to wander and explore on our own between scheduled activities. The private van and guide meant we never had to wait for large groups, which saved us so much time.
February 19, 2026
I was nervous about planning a big multi-city trip to China, but Lynn from HelloChinaTrip customized everything perfectly for our family of four. She adjusted the itinerary when my kid wanted extra time at the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, which made the trip feel totally personal. Every guide we had was knowledgeable, and the hotels were centrally located so we never wasted time commuting. This 12-day journey is the best vacation we've ever taken as a family.
January 9, 2026
As a first-time visitor to China, I couldn't have asked for a better introduction to the country. The custom itinerary fit all my must-see spots perfectly, and I never felt rushed or overscheduled.
November 22, 2025
Every detail of this trip was flawlessly taken care of from start to finish.
October 28, 2025
I'd book this exact tour again in a heartbeat.
September 30, 2025
My wife and I took this tour for our 25th wedding anniversary, and it was the most memorable trip we've ever been on. We requested slower pacing because we don't like to rush from site to site, and the tour company adjusted everything perfectly to match our preference. We loved being able to compare the energy of Hong Kong and Shanghai with the ancient history of Xi'an and the stunning natural beauty of Zhangjiajie, it really showed how diverse China is. Every meal we had was delicious, and our guides were always happy to answer all our questions about local culture and daily life. I would absolutely recommend this bespoke tour to anyone who wants to see the best of China without the hassle of large group travel.
June 17, 2025
Zhangjiajie was the highlight of the trip for me, and our guide knew all the best hidden viewpoints that aren't packed with tourists. We got stunning photos of the Avatar mountains without hundreds of other people in the frame, which was such a nice surprise. In Xi'an, we learned so much more about the Terracotta Army than we would have just wandering on our own, and in Shanghai we got to try amazing local food at street stalls our guide recommended. This tour really balances culture, nature, and city life perfectly.
March 12, 2025
This private tour exceeded every expectation I had.
February 1, 2025
The tour itself was perfectly organized and our guides were fantastic, but we traveled during Chinese New Year and encountered far larger crowds than we expected at major sites. That's the only downside, everything else was incredible.
December 18, 2024
Private transport and a dedicated guide at every stop made this trip so stress-free. We got to see all the iconic sites from the Terracotta Army to Zhangjiajie's quartz peaks without rushing.
