Explore China visa-free with our 11-day private tour from Beijing to Shanghai. Customize your journey with expert local guides. Discover hidden gems.
Explore China visa-free with our 11-day private tour from Beijing to Shanghai. Customize your journey with expert local guides. Discover hidden gems.
Arrive in Beijing
Beijing - When you arrive in China’s capital, Beijing, your travel guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. After completing hotel check-in, the rest of the day will be free for you.
Beijing
Forbidden City-The Palace Museum - Your guide will be waiting for you in the hotel lobby to begin exploring…
Arrive in Beijing
Beijing - When you arrive in China’s capital, Beijing, your travel guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. After completing hotel check-in, the rest of the day will be free for you.
Beijing
Forbidden City-The Palace Museum - Your guide will be waiting for you in the hotel lobby to begin exploring the historic city of Beijing.
First, we will visit Tian’anmen Square, the largest square in the world, which has been the scene of numerous political and historical events. You will cross the square and visit the Forbidden City, the largest and most complete imperial palace in the world, which was the residence of the emperors.
Jingshan Park (Jingshan Gongyuan) - Then, we will head to Jingshan Park locates near the exit of the Forbidden City. From the top of Jingshan Hill, you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the Forbidden City.
Hutong Tour - After lunch, we’ll explore the Beijing Hutongs—charming alleys built during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. These historic neighborhoods are home to traditional residences where locals continue to lead their daily lives.
Beijing
Mutianyu Great Wall - Your guide will be waiting for you in the hotel lobby, ready to take you on a private car journey to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. This iconic structure spans six provinces and one autonomous region in northern China, with Mutianyu being the most popular section among international travelers. If you prefer not to walk, you can opt for a cable car ride to effortlessly take in the stunning views of the Great Wall.
Olympic Park - After lunch, you will return to Beijing city. On the way back, you will have the opportunity to visit the exterior of the Beijing National Stadium (Bird’s Nest) and the National Aquatics Center (Water Cube), two impressive structures built for the Beijing Olympic Games. Then, you can visit the China Pearl Museum, where you will find high-quality pearls.
Beijing - Xi’an
Temple of Heaven - Your guide will be waiting for you in the hotel lobby. Please prepare your luggage and put it in the private vehicle, because after visiting the tourist attraction today, we will take you to the railway station to take the high-speed train to Xi’an.
Today you will visit the latest tourist attraction in Beijing, the Temple of Heaven, where emperors used to pray for good harvests. It is the largest structure in China dedicated to celestial sacrifice. In the morning, local Beijing residents practice tai chi and dance at the Temple of Heaven Square.
Xi’an - After the visit, you will be transferred to Beijing train station to take the high-speed train to Xi’an. Your guide in Xi’an will be waiting for you at the train station and will take you to the hotel. Before leaving Beijing, you can buy some packed food as lunch on the train.
Xi’an
Xian Terracotta Warriors - Your guide will wait for you in the hotel lobby to begin the tour of the ancient city.
First, we will visit the Terracotta Warriors, one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in the world. Here, you’ll witness an impressive collection of terracotta figures, including soldiers, horses, and chariots, all arranged in battle formation. For your convenience, a golf cart will be provided to help you navigate the site while you take in the breathtaking views of the warriors. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to visit a nearby factory to experience the art of making terracotta figures yourself, and you can take home the figure you create as a unique souvenir.
Xi’an Bell Tower - In the afternoon, we will visit the Bell Tower, the largest and best preserved in China in terms of structure and shape.
Muslim Quarter - We will then head to the Muslim Quarter, where Xi’an’s Muslim community lives. Here you will find numerous traditional restaurants and a lively atmosphere. You will have the opportunity to taste authentic Muslim food and learn about their lifestyle.
Xi’an - Guilin
Xi’an City Wall (Chengqiang) - You will have enough time to pack and check out. Our guide will be waiting for you in the hotel lobby and before heading to Shanghai, you will take a leisure tour in Xi’an. You will visit the Ancient City Wall, one of the best preserved ancient walls in Chinese cities. You can choose between riding a bicycle or taking a golf cart to tour the wall.
Small Goose Pagoda - Next, you will visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, where a traditional and ancient Chinese shadow show will be presented.
Han Yang Ling Museum - After lunch, you will drive to Xi’an Airport. Along the way, you will visit the Hanyang Mausoleum Museum (or Han Yang Ling Museum), the largest underground museum of the imperial cemetery of the Han Dynasty in China.
Guilin - You will then take a flight to Guilin, where our guide will be waiting for you at the airport and will accompany you to your hotel.
Guilin
Longji Rice Terraces - Your guide will be waiting for you in the hotel lobby and then we will head out to explore the Longji Rice Terraces. The journey from Guilin City to Longji takes approximately 2 hours by car.
Longji Rice Terraces have a long history and are one of the most famous in China, known for their stunning agricultural landscapes and local traditions. This place is home to many ethnic minorities, including the Zhuang, Yao and Dong communities, who have built villages in the area. You can walk about 30 minutes to the top of the mountain or choose to ride a palanquin (optional).
Li River & Yangshuo County, Guilin
Li River - Your guide will be waiting for you in the hotel lobby to begin the Li River Cruise excursion. You will enjoy a beautiful tour on the Cruise along the Li River (about 4 hours from Guilin to Yangshuo). On the cruise, you’ll marvel at landscapes straight out of a fairy tale as you wind your way to Yangshuo. You can relax on the deck soaking up the sun or sit back and appreciate the beautiful karst landscapes through the windows.
Note: The 3-star cruises do not include a lunch. You may purchase some packed food in advance, buy a boxed lunch on the cruise, or contact us for a 4-star cruise which includes a lunch on board.
West Street - Upon disembarking, you will head to Yangshuo West Street, known for its many shops, restaurants and bars, it is one of the oldest streets in Yangshuo with more than 1400 years of history. Today, it has become a harmonious place that fuses eastern and western culture.
Guilin - Shanghai
Shanghai - This morning you can sleep in. There is enough time to pack and check out of the hotel. Afterwards, we will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. In Shanghai, your guide will wait for you at the airport and accompany you to your hotel. There are no sightseeing scheduled for today, so you can enjoy a relaxing day.
You can visit some interesting places in Shanghai on your own, such as Tianzifang and the former French Concession. You can also ask your guide for suggestions of things to do in Shanghai.
Shanghai
Yu Garden (Yuyuan) - Today you will enjoy a full day exploring Shanghai. First, we will visit the Jade Buddha Temple, then we will go to the Shanghai Silk Museum, and then we will take a walk in the Yuyuan Garden, which is a classical Chinese garden in the center of the city.
Shanghai Tower - Then, you will ascend the Shanghai Tower to enjoy a panoramic view of the city.
The Bund - After the tour, you can stroll along the Bund, a famous promenade in Shanghai. Then you will pass through Nanjing Street, which is the first choice for shopping.
Leaving Shanghai
Shanghai - Today we will take you to the airport. Before going to the airport, you have free time to do whatever you want according to your schedule. If you are interested, we can arrange your transportation to Pudong Airport by maglev train, or we will take you directly to the airport by private vehicle.

- Private transportation
- Lunch
- Private transportation
- Lunch
Under China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy, the visa-free period for foreign travelers begins at midnight the day following their entry. For instance, if you arrive in China on April 1, your visa-free period starts on April 2, allowing you to stay until midnight on April 11 before traveling to a third country or region.
For those planning their…
Under China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy, the visa-free period for foreign travelers begins at midnight the day following their entry. For instance, if you arrive in China on April 1, your visa-free period starts on April 2, allowing you to stay until midnight on April 11 before traveling to a third country or region.
For those planning their first visit to China and wishing to travel without a visa, an 11-day classic China tour is highly recommended. If this itinerary does not meet your needs, please feel free to reach out to us. We can tailor the plan to include, exclude, or swap any destinations and activities.
Traveling with us means having local private guides dedicated to your service. These guides do more than just translate; they introduce you to attractions, lead you to the best scenic spots, provide tips for taking great photos, and share intriguing legends and stories known only to locals and experts.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.