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12-Day Classic Wonders: Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Shanghai

Customisable Itinerary
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Trip Overview

Journey through China’s most iconic cities and landscapes on this immersive tour. Begin in Beijing, exploring the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and savoring Beijing Roast Duck. Wander hutongs, cruise the Summer Palace lake, and experience the Great Wall by day and night at Mutianyu and Simatai. Take a high-speed train to Xi’an to marvel at the Terracotta Warriors, ancient city walls, and vibrant Muslim Quarter. Discover Guilin’s Longsheng Rice Terraces and local villages, then cruise the Li River to Yangshuo’s dramatic karst scenery. Conclude in Shanghai, where modern marvels and historic streets create lasting memories.

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Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Beijing

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Arrival in Beijing

Welcome to China! Upon your arrival in Beijing you will be met at the airport transferred to your hotel. The drive takes around 1.5 hours. Check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day. You are free to relax or explore at your leisure.

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    Accommodation

    Beijing Peace Hotel 4 star

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Beijing Capital International Airport to Peace Hotel - Peace Palace Ballroom

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    Destinations

    Beijing

Day 2

Beijing Imperial Highlights: Tiananmen, Forbidden City & Local Cuisine

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Beijing Imperial Highlights: Tiananmen, Forbidden City & Local Cuisine

This guided tour lasts eight hours, starting at 9 am and ending at 5 pm. Visit Tiananmen Square and the Temple of Heaven, two important landmarks in Beijing. Explore the Forbidden City with the Emperor's Tour for a deeper understanding of its history. Lunch is provided at popular local restaurants, offering a taste of regional cuisine. The day concludes with a Beijing Roast Duck dinner, allowing you to experience one of the city's most famous dishes.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Beijing Peace Hotel 4 star

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    Activities

    Tiananmen Square

    Temple of Heaven

    Discover the Forbidden City via Our Emperor's Tour

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    Restaurants

    Beijing Roast Duck

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    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

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    Destinations

    Beijing

Day 3

Beijing Heritage & Summer Palace Cultural Journey

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Beijing Heritage & Summer Palace Cultural Journey

Experience an expertly curated nine-hour journey through Beijing’s dynamic core. Discover the rich heritage of Huguo Temple Hutong, where aromatic street fare delights the senses. Immerse yourself in Dongcheng District, navigating its intricate alleys steeped in history. Cruise serenely across the Summer Palace’s tranquil lake before appreciating the refined beauty of the Garden of Virtue and Harmony. Conclude your day by savoring authentic Beijing cuisine at a renowned local restaurant.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Beijing Peace Hotel 4 star

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    Activities

    Hutong Walking Tour in Dongcheng District

    Summer Palace

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Beijing

Day 4

Mutianyu & Simatai Great Wall Adventure with Gubei Water Town

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Mutianyu & Simatai Great Wall Adventure with Gubei Water Town

Go on an exhilarating 11-hour adventure, beginning at sunrise as you ascend the legendary Mutianyu Great Wall by cable car. Savor a delicious lunch at a bustling local eatery before delving into the charming alleys of Gubei Water Town. As dusk falls, ride the cable car to the illuminated Simatai section and experience the Great Wall’s dramatic beauty under the stars—an unforgettable journey through history and excitement.

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    Accommodation

    Beijing Wtown Hotspring Resort4 star

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    Activities

    The Mutianyu Great Wall

    Gubei Water Town

    Great Wall of China

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    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

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    Destinations

    Beijing

Day 5

Beijing to Xian by Train

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Beijing to Xian by Train

Begin your day with a transfer from your Beijing hotel to the train station where you will catch a train to Xi’an. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel.

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    Accommodation

    Eastern House4 star

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Beijing Wtown Hotspring Resort to Beijing Station

    Train from Beijing to Xi'An

    Private Driver from Xi'an Station to Eastern House

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    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

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    Destinations

    Beijing

    Xi'an

Day 6

Xi’an Terracotta Warriors & Ancient City Wall Experience

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Xi’an Terracotta Warriors & Ancient City Wall Experience

Set out at 8am for an immersive nine-hour guided experience that unveils the wonders of the Terracotta Army. Examine the famed warriors up close, handle genuine Qin Dynasty artifacts, and take part in a hands-on warrior restoration activity. Continue by exploring the majestic Ancient City Wall, where history echoes with every step. Savor a flavorful lunch at a beloved local restaurant, sampling regional delicacies and soaking in the lively atmosphere of the city’s celebrated food scene.

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    Accommodation

    Eastern House4 star

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    Activities

    Ancient City Wall

    Terracotta Army

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    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Xi'an

Day 7

Xi’an Cultural Exploration & Flight to Guilin

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Xi’an Cultural Exploration & Flight to Guilin

Dive into the heart of Xi’an, where winding alleys invite discovery and ancient monuments tell stories of past dynasties. Visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, then explore the Xi’an Museum. Experience the vibrant Muslim Quarter, sampling local street food and traditions. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before transferring to the airport for your flight to Guilin. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.

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    Accommodation

    Guilin Lijiang Waterfall Hotel4 star

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    Activities

    Small Wild Goose Pagoda

    Xi'an Museum

    Muslim Quarter

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Plane from Xi'An to Guilin

    Private Driver from Guilin Liangjiang International Airport to Guilin Lijiang Waterfall Hotel

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    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

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    Destinations

    Xi'an

    Guilin

Day 8

Longsheng Rice Terraces & Cultural Village Experience

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Longsheng Rice Terraces & Cultural Village Experience

Travel from Guilin to the Longsheng Rice Terraces, where emerald-green fields cascade across rolling hills. Visit minority villages with an expert guide who shares local traditions.

Enjoy a hands-on experience making bamboo-tube rice with a local family, followed by authentic Longsheng cuisine at a local restaurant.

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    Accommodation

    Guilin Lijiang Waterfall Hotel4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Minority Village and Longsheng Rice Terraced Field

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    Transportations

    Private Driver from Guilin to Longsheng Various Nationalities Autonomous County

    Private Driver from Longsheng Various Nationalities Autonomous County to Guilin

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    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Guilin

Day 9

River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo

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River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo

Set sail at sunrise on the Li River aboard a 4-star vessel from Guilin to Yangshuo. Admire karst peaks and green hills reflected in the water as morning mist creates a scenic landscape. Pass traditional villages along the riverbanks and watch local fishermen on bamboo rafts. Enjoy a peaceful journey through one of China’s most iconic natural settings.

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    Accommodation

    Yangshuo Mountain Retreat4 star

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    Transportations

    Boat from Guilin to Yangshuo County

    Private Driver from Yangshuo County to Yangshuo Mountain Retreat

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    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

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    Destinations

    Guilin

Day 10

Yangshuo Exploration & Flight to Shanghai

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Yangshuo Exploration & Flight to Shanghai

Venture off the beaten path into Yangshuo’s landscapes, where green rice paddies and quiet trails set the scene for exploration. Enjoy local flavours at a small, tucked-away eatery away from the main tourist areas.

Your guide and driver will transfer you from Yangshuo to Guilin Airport for your flight to Shanghai. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

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    Accommodation

    Sunrise On The Bund Hotel5 star

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    Activities

    Discover the Rural China by Exploring the Less Touristy Countryside in Yangshuo

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    Transportations

    Private Driver from Yangshuo County to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport

    Plane from Guilin to Shanghai

    Private Driver from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Sunrise On The Bund Hotel Luxury

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    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

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    Destinations

    Guilin

    Shanghai

Day 11

Shanghai City Tour

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Shanghai City Tour

Start your day in Shanghai with a visit to Shanghai Tower for panoramic city views, followed by a walk along the Bund, where historic and modern architecture meet.

Enjoy a half-day customised experience tailored to your interests, with a local lunch included. Explore key areas of the city and discover its main highlights.

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    Accommodation

    Sunrise On The Bund Hotel5 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Shanghai in Progress (visit Shanghai Tower and the Bund in-depth)

    Half-Day Customized Icing-on-the-Cake Experience

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    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

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    Destinations

    Shanghai

Day 12

Departure Day

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Departure Day

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, followed by check-out. You will then be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.

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    Transportations

    Private Driver from Sunrise On The Bund Hotel Luxury to Shanghai Pudong International Airport

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Shanghai

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What’s included?

  • 11 nights accommodation
  • 17 activities
  • 11 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 1 dinner
  • Airport transfer
  • Domestic flights
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

What’s not included?

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits