If you are looking for the perfect introduction to the Middle Kingdom, this 10-day Shanghai, Guilin, Xian, and Beijing tour is the gold standard. It captures the very essence of China—balancing the high-octane energy of its modern megacities with the ancient soul of its imperial past and the poetic beauty of its natural landscapes.
Your journey begins in Shanghai, where colonial history meets the space-age architecture of the Bund. From the coast, we fly into the heart of a traditional Chinese ink painting: Guilin. Here, you'll cruise the Li River between limestone peaks that have inspired poets for centuries. Next, the clock turns back 2,000 years in Xian as you stand face-to-face with the Terracotta Army. Finally, the grand finale unfolds in Beijing, where you'll walk the ramparts of the Great Wall and explore the hidden courtyards of the Forbidden City.
Shanghai - Guilin - Xian - Beijing 
Departure:
Available All Year Round 
Category:
China Tours 
Theme:
Culture, History, Nature 
Suitable:
Families, Couples, Solo Adventurers, and Seniors
Private TourUpon arrival in Shanghai, your local guide will meet and transfer you to the hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel in Shanghai
Meals: /
Commence your tour of Shanghai with a visit to the Shanghai Museum, a massive museum housing over 140,000 artifacts, presenting the full history and culture of this cosmopolitan city. Enjoy a walk along the Bund, iconic and prestigious, one of the most well-preserved demonstrations of the glamour of old Shanghai. Walk Nanjing Road, the busiest shopping precinct in China. Change tempo and visit Yuyuan Garden, where you can marvel at the artistically designed traditional Chinese gardens; then stroll around the nearby Chenghuangmiao bazaars and make a worthwhile detour and visit the Shikumen Museum in New Spot (Xintiandi) for a true taste of old world Shanghai. Make the most of your afternoon by wandering the quiet streets of Dongping Road or Sinan Road in the Former French Concession, where you will find the essence of classic Shanghai.
Accommodation: Hotel in Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast in hotel
After breakfast, this morning, you'll be accompanied by your guide to Shanghai Airport for the flight to Guilin. On arrival in Guilin, you'll be met by your local guide and start your tour at Elephant Trunk Hill, the most recognizable landmark in Guilin for its resemblance to an elephant standing in the water. Move on to the beautifully eerie Reed Flute Cave, featuring a walk through unusual stalactite formations. Follow these local sights with a visit to Seven Star Park, after which you will be driven to your hotel and have free time to enjoy the rest of the day.
Accommodation: Hotel in Guilin
Meals: Breakfast in hotel
This morning your guide will meet you at your hotel and take you to Mopanshan Pier to embark on your Li River Cruise. On arrival, appreciate the slower pace and country feel of this small rural town. Enjoy a free night and dine with the locals at West Street.
Accommodation: Hotel in Yangshuo
Meals: Breakfast in hotel
After breakfast, you will be driven back to the airport in Guilin to board your flight to Xi'an. On arrival, you will be picked up and escorted to the hotel by your local guide. The rest of the day is free for you to explore and relax.
Accommodation: Hotel in Xi'an
Meals: Breakfast in hotel
Today's tour highlight is the world-renowned Terracotta Army. Recognized as the largest underground military base in the world, take in this extraordinary archaeological discovery, which houses thousands of unique life-sized figures. Return to the city and explore Xi'an's ancient City Wall, currently the largest and best-preserved wall of its type in China. Enclosing China's former capital city and almost 14 kilometers long, enjoy your free time by exploring on foot or by bicycle. For a change of pace, take in the quiet of Xi'an's Great Mosque, located in the middle of the city's old block. Built mid the seventh century, the Great Mosque is the oldest and largest Islamic mosque in China. Mix with locals and find food of every flavor in Muslim Quarter, which is bustling with authentic eateries and travel souvenirs. Today's final destination is Xi'an's famous Bell Tower and Drum Tower Square. Return to your hotel for a relaxed evening or book a dinner, show, or both for an evening of entertainment.
Accommodation: Hotel in Xi'an
Meals: Breakfast in hotel
Following on from the morning's activities, you'll be driven to the airport for your flight to Beijing. Upon arrival in Beijing, your local guide will meet and transfer you to the hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel in Beijing
Meals: Breakfast in hotel
After breakfast today explore Beijing with your guide who will collect you from the hotel. Visit the world's largest city square, Tian'anmen Square. Make your way across the road to the magnificent Forbidden City, a culturally historic landmark in China, which was the former residence of Chinese royalty and courtiers for five centuries. After the Forbidden City tour, exploration continues with a visit to the Summer Palace. Appreciate the beautiful gardens and imagine the lifestyle of royalty and courtiers who enjoyed this summer resort during imperial times. A stopover at Beijing's stadium and pool, the Bird's Nest and Water Cube.
Accommodation: Hotel in Beijing
Meals: Breakfast in hotel
It will be an exciting day today. In the early morning, guide will pick you up from your hotel lobby and you'll enjoy the drive to explore the Mutianyu Great Wall, a less frequented part of China's 1,400-year-old iconic landmark, located approximately 70 kilometres from Beijing. Take a pleasant and comfortable round-trip cable car transfer over the picturesque scenery, then walk the wall to take in the Ming dynasty guard towers and sensational views. On return to the city in the afternoon, exploration continues with a visit to the Confucius Temple and Imperial College Museum. Stroll through Wudaoying Hutong and experience local life as you wander through quaint shops, enjoy a coffee, and gain an insider's view of a real Beijing community.
Accommodation: Hotel in Beijing
Meals: Breakfast in hotel
Your tour guide will collect you at the hotel and drive you to the airport for your flight home.
Accommodation: /
Meals: Breakfast in hotel
1. Flexibility: Itineraries and schedules may be adjusted based on local conditions to ensure the best possible experience. We appreciate your understanding. In the event of force majeure or sudden policy adjustments—such as ticket unavailability at certain attractions—our agency will either issue a full refund for the admission tickets or arrange an alternative attraction of equal value.
2. Special Dietary Needs: Please let us know in advance if you have any dietary preferences (e.g., vegetarian, vegan) or food allergies. We will coordinate with our restaurants and guides to cater to your needs.
3. Hotel Hours: Standard check-in is after 14:00, and check-out is before 12:00. Early check-in or late check-out can be arranged upon request, subject to availability and an additional surcharge.
4. Price Inclusions: Our comprehensive tour package includes hand-picked hotel stays as specified in the itinerary, alongside private transfers in a comfortable, climate-controlled vehicle with a dedicated professional driver. Throughout your journey, expert, English-speaking local guides will provide insightful commentary, and all admission tickets for scheduled sightseeing spots and activities are fully covered. Additionally, the price encompasses daily breakfasts at your hotels, specially arranged lunches on all guided touring days, and all applicable local governmental taxes and service charges.
5. Price Exclusions: Please note that the tour price excludes international airfare, unmentioned domestic flights, visa processing fees, stamping fees, and related embassy charges. It also does not cover personal travel insurance, laundry, telephone calls, or other expenses of a personal nature, as well as any meals, snacks, beverages, activities, or services not explicitly stated in the tour program. Gratuities for local guides, drivers, hotel porters, and restaurant staff are left to your discretion. Furthermore, tour prices are based on twin-sharing occupancy; if you are traveling solo, we will arrange for you to share a twin room with another traveler of the same sex in most cases, but should you prefer a private room, a Single Room Supplement will apply based on your specific travel dates.
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