Arrive in Beijing

Beijing - Upon arriving in Beijing, the capital of China, a travel guide will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. After checking in, you will have the remainder of the day to yourself.

Beijing

Forbidden City-The Palace Museum - Your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby to start your exploration of Beijing’s historic sites. The first stop is Tian’anmen Square, the largest square globally, known for its significant political and historical events. After crossing the square, you will visit the Forbidden City, the most extensive and well-preserved imperial palace worldwide, once home to emperors.

Jingshan Park (Jingshan Gongyuan) - Next, you will proceed to Jingshan Park, located near the Forbidden City’s exit. From Jingshan Hill’s summit, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Forbidden City.

Hutong Tour - Following lunch, you will explore the Beijing Hutongs—charming alleys from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. These historic neighborhoods feature traditional residences where locals continue their daily lives.

Beijing

Mutianyu Great Wall - Your guide will be ready in the hotel lobby 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 favored section among international visitors. If walking isn’t preferred, a cable car ride is available to effortlessly enjoy the Great Wall’s stunning views.

Olympic Park - After lunch, you will return to Beijing city. On the way back, you will have the chance to see the exterior of the Beijing National Stadium (Bird’s Nest) and the National Aquatics Center (Water Cube), two remarkable structures from the Beijing Olympic Games. You can also visit the China Pearl Museum, known for its high-quality pearls.

Beijing - Xi’an

Temple of Heaven - Your guide will be waiting in the hotel lobby. Please prepare your luggage and place it in the private vehicle, as after today’s sightseeing, you will be taken to the railway station for a high-speed train to Xi’an.

Today, you will visit the Temple of Heaven, Beijing’s latest tourist attraction, where emperors once prayed for good harvests. It is China’s largest structure dedicated to celestial sacrifice. In the morning, local 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 board the high-speed train to Xi’an. Your Xi’an guide will meet you at the train station and escort you to your hotel. Before leaving Beijing, you can purchase packed food for lunch on the train.

Xi’an

Xian Terracotta Warriors - Your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby to start the tour of this ancient city.

First, you will visit the Terracotta Warriors, one of the world’s most significant archaeological discoveries. Here, you’ll see an impressive collection of terracotta figures, including soldiers, horses, and chariots, all arranged in battle formation. A golf cart will be provided for your convenience to navigate the site while enjoying the breathtaking views of the warriors. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a nearby factory to learn the art of making terracotta figures and take home the figure you create as a unique souvenir.

Xi’an Bell Tower - In the afternoon, you will visit the Bell Tower, the largest and best-preserved in China in terms of structure and shape.

Muslim Quarter - You will then head to the Muslim Quarter, home to Xi’an’s Muslim community. Here, you will find numerous traditional restaurants and a lively atmosphere. You will have the chance to taste authentic Muslim food and learn about their lifestyle.

Xi’an - Guilin

Xi’an City Wall (Chengqiang) - You will have ample time to pack and check out. Our guide will meet you in the hotel lobby, and before heading to Shanghai, you will enjoy a leisurely 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 meet you at the airport and accompany you to your hotel.

Guilin

Longji Rice Terraces - Your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby, and then you 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 rich history and are among the most famous in China, known for their stunning agricultural landscapes and local traditions. This area is home to many ethnic minorities, including the Zhuang, Yao, and Dong communities, who have built villages in the region. 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 meet 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 ample time to pack and check out of the hotel. Afterwards, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. In Shanghai, your guide will meet you at the airport and accompany you to your hotel. There are no sightseeing activities 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, you will visit the Jade Buddha Temple, then proceed to the Shanghai Silk Museum, and take a walk in the Yuyuan Garden, a classical Chinese garden in the city’s center.

Shanghai Tower - Next, 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, you will be taken to the airport. Before heading to the airport, you have free time to do whatever you wish according to your schedule. If interested, transportation to Pudong Airport by maglev train can be arranged, or you will be taken directly to the airport by private vehicle.

• 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 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.