Enjoy this tour of Beijing, Xi’an, Guilin and Shanghai that balances heritage sites with natural landscapes. Take a trip along the Li River to Guilin to see the beautiful waterways and majestic mountains and experience the many cultural heritages of Beijing and Xi’an. This classic China tour offers great experiences.
Itinerary:
B=breakfast
Day 01: Arrive at Beijing
Upon your arrival in Beijing by plane, be met and assisted to your hotel by a local guide and driver. The rest of the day is free for you to rest or explore. Stay overnight in Beijing.
Day 02: Beijing City Tour (B)
Today, you will gaze across Tiananmen Square and enter the Forbidden City, where emperors ruled for five hundred years. Then, you will take a short hike up the hill in Jiangshan Park for a commanding view over the Forbidden City. Afterward, you will drive to the old part of Beijing – the Shichahai area. Here, you will visit one of the old courtyards and have a Hutong tour by rickshaw. You will have plenty of time to explore this area, including Yandai Xiejie and the Drum Tower. Overnight in Beijing.
Day 03: Badaling Great Wall / Ming Tombs
Today, you will visit two of China’s most incredible attractions: the Great Wall and the Ming Tombs. Accompanied by your guide, you will visit the best-known spot, Badaling, and marvel at the spectacular scenery surrounding the Badaling section. Then, you will explore the Chang Ling Tomb, a magnificent burial site of a Ming emperor. Overnight in Beijing.
Day 04: Beijing Half Day City Tour / High Speed Train to Xi’an (B)
In the morning, head to visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Summer Palace, a royal garden. This beautiful garden boasts spectacular scenery and a man-made lake named Kunming, best viewed from Longevity Hill (Wanshou Shan), a place once reserved exclusively for the imperial court. Enjoy the beautiful scenery and see the ancient palaces, temples, and gardens dating back to the Qing Dynasty. The Summer Palace is also renowned as one of the four classic gardens in China. In the afternoon, take the high-speed train to Xi’an (about 5 hours). Upon arrival in Xi’an, to be picked up and transferred to hotel by your local guide/driver. Stay overnight in Xi’an.
Day 05: Xi’an City Tour (B)
Your first day in Xi’an begins with a visit to the 8th wonder of the world, the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, one of China’s must-see attractions. Built for Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, to defend his mausoleum and prepare him for rule in the afterlife. You will see more than 10,000 life-sized clay warriors and their chariots, waiting for their emperor to awaken them.
Afterwards, return to downtown Xi’an for lunch and continue your visit to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. This ancient building has been rebuilt over the centuries but is considered the key landmark of Xi’an and can offer a unique bird’s eye view of the city. Xi’an is famous for its Muslim culture; you will be arranged to visit the Muslim Quarters and the Great Mosque. Feel the unique ethnic atmosphere of the Hui cultural minority as you safely walk through the narrow streets. In the evening, you can choose to enjoy a traditional dumpling banquet followed by a Tang Dynasty culture show. (Optional)
Day 06: Xi’an Half Day City Tour / Flight to Guilin (B)
Today, you will start another half-day tour to visit Xi’an. First, drive to visit the Beilin Museum (Forest of Stone Steles Museum), which is a treasure trove of Chinese calligraphy, historical documents, and stone carvings, housing over 3,000 steles. Next is a stop at the oldest and best-preserved city walls in China, Xi’an City Wall. You can choose to rent bicycles and ride along part of the wall.
Afterwards head straight to Shuyuan Men Street, this ancient street where you can observe life as it was during the Tang dynasty. It’s a great place to buy some local souvenirs for your family or friends. Late in the afternoon, drive to the airport and fly to Guilin. Upon arrival at Guilin, your Guilin local guide will meet you at the airport and assist you to your hotel.
Day 07: Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo /Yangshuo Countryside Tour (B/L)
Take a 4-hour morning cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo on the Li River, enjoying scenic views of mountains, fields, and riverbanks. In the afternoon, opt for a bicycle ride or bamboo rafting (additional cost, pay on your own) along the Yulong River to experience the countryside and rural life, including a local family visit. Overnight stay in Yangshuo.
Day 08: Yangshuo Countryside Tour / Drive to Longji Rice Terraces (B)
Morning head to visit Xianggong hill (Husband Mountain), it takes about 15 minutes to the top of the hill where you will be amazed by the breathtaking panoramic views of Li River and the surrounded Karst Mountain peaks. Then continue with a 3-hour drive to the Longji Rice Terraces, passing by stunning mountain ranges. Explore Longji Rice Terraces and visit Ping’an village. Stay overnight in Ping’an Village.
Day 09: Hiking at Longji Rice Terraces / Flight to Shanghai (B)
Spend the day hiking in Ping’an Village, where you’ll be treated to the stunning scenery of rice terraces and get a glimpse into the life of local minority villages. Choose from trails lasting between 1 to 3 hours, depending on your fitness level. Be sure to let your guide know your preferences to receive tailored recommendations. In the afternoon, make your way back to Guilin to catch your late afternoon flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival at Shanghai, you will be met and transferred to hotel in the downtown.
Day 10 Shanghai City Tour (B)
In the morning, cross the Huangpu River and head to the Oriental Pearl TV Tower located at the tip of Lujiazui in the Pudong District. Recognized globally as the official landmark of Shanghai, it offers breathtaking views of the city and the Huangpu River. Next, visit Yu Garden, a beautiful garden established by a Ming Dynasty government officer, renowned for its intricate layout, stunning pavilions, and extensive use of rockeries and water features that capture the essence of nature. Afterwards, explore Shanghai Old Street to gain insights into Shanghai’s history. After lunch, head to Xintiandi in the French Concession. Originally the site of the first congress of China’s Communist Party, it is now a vibrant cultural center of Shanghai featuring cafes, bars, bookstores, and boutiques.
Finally, experience the historical charm of the Bund along the Huangpu River. Your day tour in Shanghai ends at Nanjing Road, which offers a bustling shopping experience. In the evening you might consider enjoying a spectacular Chinese Acrobatics show (available only on weekends) or take an evening cruise along the Huangpu River to enjoy the night view of the Bund (additional fee). Overnight stay in Shanghai.
Day 11: One Day Excruision to Tongli Water Town near Shanghai (B)
In the morning, you will be driven to Tongli, a water town in Suzhou, an ancient town with over 1,000 years of history. The town is famous for its system of canals, and is characterized by water, bridges, and ancient architecture. A cruise on the canals to witness the breathtaking scenery of Tongli will be arranged. You will also walk along the small alleys to explore this ancient town. You will drive back to Shanghai in the afternoon, freely explore Shanghai on your own.
Day 12: Departure from Shanghai (B)
Your guide/driver will pick you up from your hotel in Shanghai at the agreed time for your flight departure. Your memorable China 9-day tour ends.
Quotation Inclusions:
•All required government taxes and travel agency handling fee.
• Guide: Local guides certified by the tourism board and fluent in English.
• Transportation: Private transfer between airports & train stations, hotels, and all sightseeing spots by A/C Sedan car or minivan with licensed drivers.
•Entrance Tickets: Personal entrance tickets fee per this program.
• One-way flight ticket from Xi’an to Guilin, and Guilin to Shanghai, based on economy class, tax and fuel included.
• One-way high-speed train ticket from Beijing to Xi’an, based on the 2nd class soft seat.
• Accommodation listed below (11 nights): based on twin/double room with daily breakfast.
• (2) bottles of drinking water are provided daily.
• Guides and drivers’ food.
Quotation Exclusions:
• Your own lunch/dinner.
• International flight tickets to Beijing and departing from Shanghai.
• Tipping for your guides and drivers, tip as you wish.
• Personal expense: laundry, drinks, Internet, telephone calls, etc.
• Optional sites or activity marked in itinerary during this trip such as cultural shows,bicycle renting fee at Xi’an great wall, bamboo rafting at Yangshuo, etc.