🌟 Highlights
- Experience the full range of China’s magic across 4 iconic destinations, blending 5,000 years of imperial history, jaw-dropping natural scenery, and modern metropolitan energy all in one trip.
- Enjoy intimate, hands-on local experiences you won’t find on generic tours, from crafting your own mini terracotta warrior to practicing Tai Chi on an ancient city wall.
- Tick every bucket-list China sight off your list, from the Great Wall and Terracotta Army to the Li River’s karst peaks and Shanghai’s iconic Bund.
- Book with peace of mind thanks to transparent, unbeatable pricing and secure, trusted payment processes for a stress-free experience.
🗺️ Itinerary Overview
This 11-day curated journey starts in the ancient imperial capital of Beijing, where you’ll dive into dynastic history and explore China’s most famous royal landmarks. From Beijing, you’ll travel west to Xi’an, the cradle of Chinese civilization and home to the legendary Terracotta Army, before heading south to Guilin — China’s scenic gem famous for its misty karst mountains and winding Li River. Your trip wraps up in dynamic, global Shanghai, where centuries-old traditional neighborhoods stand alongside sparkling modern skyscrapers. This route is carefully designed to give you a complete, well-rounded introduction to China, balancing iconic sights with authentic local encounters.
📖 Day-by-Day Itinerary
🌟 Day 1: Beijing
Today you’ll arrive in China’s buzzing capital and check into your hotel 🏨 to settle in after your travels. The rest of the day is free for you to explore your neighborhood, grab your first taste of Beijing street food, or simply rest and get ready for the days of adventure ahead.
🌟 Day 2: Beijing
Kick off your first full day of exploration with a 2-3 hour guided tour of sprawling Tiananmen Square, the political and cultural heart of modern Beijing, before stepping into the Forbidden City — the centuries-old walled compound that served as the home of Chinese emperors for hundreds of years. After exploring the palace grounds, you’ll visit the tranquil Temple of Heaven, where ancient emperors once held annual worship ceremonies. 🍽️ You’ll enjoy a lunch of authentic local Beijing cuisine at a nearby neighborhood restaurant. When evening falls, cap off your day with a thrilling acrobatic performance at Beijing’s iconic Red Theater. 🏨 Overnight in Beijing.
🌟 Day 3: Beijing
Today you’ll visit one of the world’s greatest wonders: the Great Wall of China, at the scenic, less crowded Mutianyu section. You’ll ride a round-trip cable car up to the wall to save your energy for exploring the ancient battlements, which snake across misty mountain peaks as far as the eye can see. After wandering the wall, celebrate your visit with a group toast of red wine with your fellow travelers, then stop for photos outside the iconic Olympic National Stadium (the Bird’s Nest) before heading back to the city. 🍽️ Breakfast and a buffet lunch are included today. 🏨 Overnight in Beijing.
🌟 Day 4: Beijing to Xi'an
Before departing Beijing for Xi’an, you’ll visit the Summer Palace, the lush lakeside retreat where Qing Dynasty emperors escaped the summer heat. Wander past ancient pavilions, across historic stone bridges, and along the iconic covered promenade, soaking in the tranquil beauty of this royal escape. 🍽️ Breakfast and lunch are included today, before you travel to Xi’an and check into your accommodation 🏨 for the night.
🌟 Day 5: Xi'an
Dive into 2,000 years of ancient Chinese history with a full day exploring Xi’an’s most iconic landmark: the Terracotta Army. You’ll tour the world-famous museum that houses thousands of life-size clay warriors built to guard the tomb of China’s first emperor, then visit the family home of the local farmer who first discovered the legendary warriors. Next, try your hand at a traditional craft: you’ll create your own mini clay warrior alongside a local artisan, to take home as a one-of-a-kind souvenir. End your day with a visit to the 7th-century Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a historic Buddhist landmark that once housed ancient scriptures brought back from India. 🍽️ Breakfast, a local lunch at a neighborhood restaurant, and a traditional Xi’an dumpling dinner are included today. 🏨 Overnight in Xi'an.
🌟 Day 6: Xi'an
Start your day slowly with a gentle Tai Chi practice in Xi’an’s City Wall Park, led by a local instructor. After your practice, you’ll climb up to the top of Xi’an incredibly well-preserved ancient city wall, where you can take in panoramic views of the entire city. Next, wander through the lively, fragrant Muslim Quarter, Xi’an’s historic hub of Islamic culture packed with street food stalls and artisan shops. End your day with a visit to the 1,000-year-old Great Mosque, a unique landmark that blends traditional Chinese and Islamic architecture. 🍽️ Breakfast and an a la carte lunch of local Xi’an specialties in the Muslim Quarter are included today. 🏨 Overnight in Xi'an.
🌟 Day 7: Xi'an to Guilin
After breakfast, you’ll travel from Xi’an to Guilin, the scenic southern city famous for its otherworldly karst mountain landscapes. Once you arrive, you’ll explore two of Guilin’s most iconic natural sights: first, Reed Flute Cave, a stunning limestone cave filled with dramatic, otherworldly rock formations. Next, you’ll visit Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin’s most recognizable landmark — a natural rock formation that looks just like an elephant dipping its trunk into the Li River. 🍽️ Breakfast is included today. 🏨 Overnight in Guilin.
🌟 Day 8: Guilin - Yangshuo - Guilin
Today you’ll experience the iconic scenery that has inspired Chinese painters for centuries: a full scenic cruise along the Li River, from Guilin downstream to the charming town of Yangshuo. As you glide across the misty river, you’ll pass dramatic karst peaks rising straight from the water on all sides. 🍽️ Breakfast is included, and you’ll enjoy a simple Chinese box lunch for lunch right on the cruise. Once you dock in Yangshuo, you’ll stroll along lively West Street, Yangshuo’s popular pedestrian hub, then visit a local villager’s home in the quiet Yangshuo countryside to get a glimpse of daily rural life in southern China. After your visit, you’ll head back to Guilin for the night. 🏨 Overnight in Guilin.
🌟 Day 9: Guilin to Shanghai
After breakfast, you’ll travel from scenic Guilin to China’s dynamic global metropolis, Shanghai. Settle into your hotel 🏨 when you arrive, and enjoy the rest of the day free to explore your surroundings, grab a coffee, or catch your first glimpse of Shanghai’s famous skyline. 🍽️ Breakfast is included today.
🌟 Day 10: Shanghai
Get a full taste of Shanghai’s perfect mix of old and new today. Start at the Shanghai Museum, one of China’s best museums, where you can browse thousands of years of Chinese art and artifacts spanning every dynasty. Next, wander through the classic Yu Garden, a tranquil traditional Chinese garden dating back to the Ming Dynasty, and browse the bustling traditional bazaar surrounding the garden for snacks and souvenirs. In the evening, stroll along the historic Bund, Shanghai’s iconic waterfront lined with colonial-era architecture, opposite the sparkling skyscraper skyline of Pudong. End your day with a relaxing one-hour cruise along the Huangpu River, taking in panoramic views of the city. 🍽️ Breakfast is included today. 🏨 Overnight in Shanghai.
🌟 Day 11: Shanghai
Today marks the end of your China adventure! After breakfast, you’ll check out of your hotel and head to the airport for your departure flight, taking home endless memories of your journey across China. 🍽️ Breakfast is included today.
✅ What's Included
- Guided tour of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, plus entry to the Temple of Heaven and Red Theater acrobatic performance
- Access to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, round-trip cable car ride, and group red wine toast at the Great Wall, plus a photo stop at Olympic National Stadium (Bird's Nest)
- Traditional rickshaw ride through Beijing hutong alleys, entry to a local family courtyard house, and entry to the Summer Palace
- Entry to the Terracotta Army Museum, visit to the Terracotta Army discoverer's family home, hands-on mini clay warrior workshop with a local artisan, and entry to Big Wild Goose Pagoda
- All included meals as listed in the daily itinerary, plus all intercity and local transport for the duration of the tour
❌ What's Not Included
- No core itinerary activities or mandatory fees are excluded from this all-inclusive tour package
ℹ️ Important Information
