Itinerary Details

Unveil the Lives of China's Royal Family in their Hidden Halls

Get off the ordinary sightseeing route in the Forbidden City. Listen to the interesting stories of the famous personalities that are not told by typical tour guides.

Witness the Great Wall and Enjoy the Dreamy Night Views

Take a relaxed walk through the Gubei Water Town, exploring its charming shops, cozy cafes, and picturesque bridges. See both a restored section and a wild section of the Wall. See the Simatai Wall lit up along a mountain ridge at night.

Understand Beijing by Tasting Its Traditional Food

Enjoy an authentic Beijing roast duck dinner in a time-honored brand restaurant.

Unveil the Secrets of the Terracotta Army

Your local guide will show you around the Terracotta Army and unveil some secrets of the world wonder. See the life-size warriors at the site, get to know how ancient craftsmen made them. 

Enjoy a Cruise in the Painting Gallery of the God

Relax on a top-class guided Li River cruise, enjoying spectacular landscapes. Find the exact sight on the note of RMB20.

Feast Your Eyes on the Best Scenery of the Rice Terraces

The Longji Rice Terraces are known widely for the awe-inspiring view. Standing on top of such a huge man-made wonder is itself an extraordinary experience.

Discover the Hidden Stories of the Bund

The Bund in Shanghai is a captivating blend of old and new, where the grand neoclassical architecture of the past faces the shimmering glass towers of Pudong, casting golden reflections onto the Huangpu River, especially enchanting at sunrise or under the soft glow of evening lights.

A Blend of Traditional Chinese architecture and Serene Natural Beauty-Yu Garden

Yu Garden, a classic Chinese garden from the Ming Dynasty, is a must-see tourist attraction in Shanghai. Wander through its tranquil landscapes, ancient pavilions, intricate rockeries, and lotus-filled ponds, experiencing the serenity and elegance of traditional Chinese architecture. This historic site offers an immersive experience into Chinese garden design, showcasing the art of harmonious balance between nature and man-made structures.

Itinerary Quick Look

We’re happy to tailor this 11-day private tour to match your interests. Please note that the time frame is for reference only and may vary due to traffic conditions on the day of your tour.

Day 1   Arrival in Beijing

Airport Pickup: You will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel in downtown Beijing to check in and rest.

Hotel Recommendation: Stay at a premium hotel in the city center, close to major attractions for convenient sightseeing.

Free Time: In the evening, take a leisurely walk around Wangfujing Pedestrian Street, enjoying the city’s night view or sampling Beijing's famous snacks.

Day 2  Tiananmen Square – Forbidden City – Hutong Tour

Tiananmen Square (Morning): Start your day with a visit to Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest city square and a symbol of Beijing.

Forbidden City (Midday): Enter the Forbidden City to explore the grandeur of China’s imperial palace from the Ming and Qing dynasties. A guided tour is recommended, and it takes about 3 hours to visit.

Peking Duck Lunch: Enjoy an authentic Peking Duck lunch at renowned restaurants like Quanjude or Da Dong.

Hutong Tour (Afternoon): In the afternoon, explore Beijing’s traditional Hutongs, where you can take a rickshaw ride to experience the local way of life and see the traditional courtyard houses.

Day 3: Summer Palace – Gubei Water Town – Simatai Great Wall Night Tour

Summer Palace (Morning): Start your day at the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous imperial gardens in Beijing. Explore its stunning landscapes, including Kunming Lake, Longevity Hill, and the Long Corridor, while learning about Chinese imperial history and traditional garden design. 

Gubei Water Town (Afternoon): After lunch (at your own expense), travel to Gubei Water Town, a picturesque water town near the Great Wall that features traditional northern Chinese architecture and charming canals. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the town, taking in its quaint shops, cafes, and scenic bridges, perfect for capturing beautiful photos.

Simatai Great Wall Night Tour (Evening): In the evening, embark on a night tour of the Simatai Great Wall, one of the most breathtaking sections of the Great Wall of China. Experience stunning views of the wall illuminated at night. Take a cable car up, walk along the ancient fortifications, and soak in the serene atmosphere under the stars.

Visit the Great Wall at Night

The Summer Palace

Day 4  Temple of Heaven – High-Speed Train to Xi’an

Temple of Heaven (Morning): After breakfast, visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors prayed for good harvests. Famous for its architectural and historical significance, the visit takes around 2 hours.

Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant.

Beijing West Railway Station: Around 12:55 PM, you will be transferred to the railway station to take a high-speed train to Xi’an (approximately 5.5 hours).

Arrival in Xi'an: Upon arrival around 17:08 PM, you’ll be picked up and transferred to your hotel in downtown Xi’an.

Optional: Enjoy the Legend of the Camel Bells, a performance in the evening.

Day 5  Terracotta Army – Xi’an Ancient City Wall – Great Mosque – Muslim Quarter

Terracotta Army Museum (Morning): In the morning, head to Lintong to visit the world-famous Terracotta Army Museum, where you can discover the grandeur of the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. The tour lasts about 3 hours.

Xi'an Ancient City Wall (Afternoon): Return to the city to explore the well-preserved Ming Dynasty City Wall. You can walk or rent a bike to ride along the wall and enjoy panoramic views of Xi'an.

Great Mosque: Visit the Great Mosque, one of the oldest and most famous Islamic structures in China, combining Chinese and Islamic architectural styles.

Muslim Quarter: In the evening, explore the Muslim Quarter, where you can taste local Muslim street food such as lamb skewers, roujiamo (meat sandwiches), and noodles.

Optional: Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show in the evening.

The Terracotta Army

Day 6  Big Wild Goose Pagoda – Hanyangling Tomb – Fly to Guilin

Big Wild Goose Pagoda: Visit the iconic landmark to explore Xi'an’s history and Buddhist influence.

Hanyangling Tomb: Explore the mausoleum of Emperor Jing of Han and learn more about Han Dynasty history and culture.

Lunch: Enjoy local snacks before heading to the airport for your 18:50 flight to Guilin.

Arrival in Guilin: Upon arrival around 21:00, you will be transferred to your hotel.

The Big Goose Pagoda

Day 7: Guilin Highlights – Elephant Trunk Hill – Li River Cruise to Yangshuo – West Street

Elephant Trunk Hill (Morning): Start your day with a visit to Elephant Trunk Hill, a must-see Guilin tourist attraction. This iconic natural landmark, resembling an elephant drinking from the Li River, offers stunning views of Guilin’s karst landscape. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and capture the beauty of this famous spot, which is an essential part of any Guilin itinerary.

Li River Cruise to Yangshuo (Late Morning to Early Afternoon): Embark on the Li River Cruise, a world-renowned journey through one of the most picturesque regions of China’s karst mountains. Sail through breathtaking scenery with mist-covered peaks, bamboo groves, and charming villages along the Li River. This is often regarded as the best way to experience Guilin's natural beauty.

Yangshuo Arrival (Afternoon): Arrive in the quaint town of Yangshuo, which is surrounded by stunning mountains. Check into your hotel and prepare to explore this popular Yangshuo tourist destination.

West Street (Evening): In the evening, stroll through West Street, Yangshuo’s vibrant center filled with cafes, shops, and street performers. Known as the “Foreigner’s Street,” this pedestrian-only area is a lively spot for Yangshuo nightlife and a mix of local and international culture.

The Li River

Day 8: Yangshuo to Longji Rice Terraces – Guilin Return

Depart for Longji Rice Terraces (Morning): After breakfast, travel to the famous Longji Rice Terraces, also known as the Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces, located in Longsheng County (about 2.5-3 hours away). These terraces are one of the most impressive examples of agricultural terraces in China and a top Guilin day trip destination.

Exploring Longji Terraces (Late Morning to Early Afternoon): Hike through the scenic Longji Rice Terraces, exploring the terraced fields that have been carved into the mountains for over 600 years. Visit traditional Zhuang and Yao minority villages to learn about their unique cultures and agricultural practices. The panoramic views of the rice terraces make it a favorite spot for photography.

Lunch at a Local Restaurant: Enjoy a traditional meal at a local farmhouse restaurant, where you can taste authentic rural Chinese cuisine, including bamboo-cooked rice and wild vegetables.

Return to Guilin (Afternoon): After lunch, head back to Guilin in the afternoon. Relax in your hotel or take the evening to explore Guilin city on your own.

Day 9: Early Morning Visit to Seven Star Park – Transfer to Airport – Flight to Shanghai

Seven Star Park (Morning): Start early with a visit to Seven Star Park, one of the largest parks in Guilin, featuring beautiful gardens, caves, and the famous Camel Hill. Spend 1.5 hours exploring the park’s lush landscapes, natural rock formations, and historic sites.

Airport Transfer (8:00 AM): After visiting Seven Star Park, transfer to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport, which is about a 50-minute drive from the park.

Flight to Shanghai (11:10 AM): Board your flight to Shanghai, departing at 11:10 AM and arriving at Shanghai Pudong International Airport around 1:40 PM. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. We recommend booking your stay near The Bund or Nanjing Road.

Free Time: After checking in, take the rest of the day to explore at your own pace. You can stroll along the bustling Nanjing Road, one of the world’s busiest shopping streets, lined with a variety of stores, restaurants, and cafes.

Day 10  The Bund – Chenghuang Temple – Yu Garden – French Concession (Tianzifang & Xintiandi) – Huangpu River Cruise

The Bund (Morning): Start your day with a refreshing morning walk along The Bund, the famous waterfront area lined with colonial-era buildings and stunning views of the modern skyscrapers in Pudong, including the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, and Jin Mao Tower. It’s a great spot for photos and to feel the pulse of the city. You can also visit some of the iconic buildings like the Peace Hotel or the Customs House.

Chenghuang Temple (Mid-Morning): Head to Chenghuang Temple (City God Temple), a significant Taoist temple and marketplace in the old city. The temple itself is a great place to explore traditional Chinese architecture and religious culture. The surrounding bazaar offers a variety of snacks, souvenirs, and local crafts.

Yu Garden (Midday): Located next to Chenghuang Temple, Yu Garden is a classical Chinese garden that dates back to the Ming Dynasty. Stroll through its serene landscapes, ancient pavilions, rockeries, and ponds, taking in the peace and beauty of one of Shanghai's most treasured historic sites. A visit here can offer insight into Chinese garden art and design.

Lunch Recommendation: Have lunch at a nearby restaurant offering traditional Shanghainese cuisine. Popular dishes include xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), shengjianbao (pan-fried dumplings), and lion's head meatballs.

Tianzifang (Afternoon): In the afternoon, visit Tianzifang, located in the French Concession. This maze of narrow alleyways is home to trendy boutiques, art galleries, cafes, and craft shops. It offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern creativity, making it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists.

Xintiandi (Late Afternoon): From Tianzifang, head to Xintiandi, a pedestrian street known for its stylish mix of old Shikumen architecture and modern cafes, restaurants, and shopping. It’s a popular spot to relax, people-watch, and grab a coffee or tea. The area also offers historical significance, as it’s where the First Congress of the Chinese Communist Party was held in 1921.

Huangpu River Cruise(Evening): In the evening, enjoy a Huangpu River Cruise. This scenic boat ride offers breathtaking views of Shanghai’s skyline, with the modern skyscrapers of Pudong on one side and the historic buildings of The Bund on the other. The city is beautifully illuminated at night, creating an unforgettable experience as you glide along the river.

Day 11   Departure from Shanghai

Airport Transfer: Depending on your flight time, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure, concluding your 11-day journey.