About This Trip
This 13-day classic China itinerary, spanning Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, and Shanghai, is designed to inspire you to explore the wonders of magical China luxuriously and comfortably, perfect for your first journey.
Travel with your knowledgeable guides to visit iconic landmarks like the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, and the Bund. Join in a private Tai Chi class and a cooking class gives you an insight into authentic local life. Comfortable air-conditioned vehicles and high-end luxurious hotels will provide enough space to rest and relax.
Itinerary Summary
- DAYPLACE
- 1 - 4Beijing
- 5 - 6Xi'an
- 7 - 9Guilin
- 10 -13Shanghai
Itinerary
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Day 1: Welcome to Beijing, China
Our private guide will await your arrival, holding a sign with your name. After a warm greeting, be escorted to your hotel in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. The Peninsula Beijing in the city center is an ideal base for you to explore this charming city. If you want to experience the traditional Quadrangle Courtyard, Aman Summer Palace, equipped with exquisite furnishings of the Ming and Qing dynasties, would be an ideal choice.
- Beijing
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Day 2: Appreciate the Beauty of Forbidden City
After a brief stop at Tiananmen Square, today we will focus on a tour of the Forbidden City, the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Following the expert guide, stroll around this vast grand and enjoy traditional Chinese wooden-style architectural beauty. Outside are numerous streets, locally named Hutongs, with conventional teahouses, restaurants, and handicrafts scattered. Ride a rickshaw along the narrow streets, getting an insight into locals' daily lives.
For dinner, you may consider the Home hidden inside the hutongs, where the freshest ingredients will be cooked in a fusion of Chinese and Western styles.
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- Beijing
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Day 3: Marvel at the Great Wall
Spend approximately one hour learning Tai Chi from a master instructor in the sacred Temple of Heaven, rejuvenating both body and mind for the day ahead - just as the locals do. Afterward, explore the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and other imperial religious buildings.
Later, proceed to the Mutianyu Great Wall. It is a stunning and less-crowded section of this UNESCO-recognized ancient wonder. With round-trip cable cars, you'll get to the top effortlessly and set aside energy to explore more parts of the wall. Tonight, be prepared to savor the world-famous Beijing cuisine - Peking Duck in a time-honored brand restaurant.
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- Beijing
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Day 4: Traditional Costumes Photo Shooting, Beijing - Xi'an
Start your day with a traditional photoshoot session, connecting with Beijing's timeless charm. Get dressed up in authentic costumes from your choice of Chinese dynasties and pose for some fantastic vacation photos with magnificent ancient buildings as the background.
After that, depart for Xi'an by high-speed train. Once you arrive, be escorted to your luxurious hotel for check-in. Located in the historic area of the Ming Dynasty city walls, Sofitel Legend Peoples Grand Hotel allows you to immerse yourself in its rich culture.
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- Xi'an
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Day 5: Xi'an Great Terracotta Army
Today we will head to the legendary Terracotta Warriors. About 2,000 years ago, Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of a unified China, built this underground army - with over 8,000 life-size terracotta soldiers - to protect him in his afterlife. You'll also see the two bronze chariots and horses, showing the superb casting and production techniques of the Qin Dynasty.
In the evening, hop on a tuk-tuk and explore hidden corners of the city. During the tour, you'll sample Shaanxi cuisine specialties like the iconic Biang Biang Noodles and Soup Dumplings.
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- Xi'an
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Day 6: Family Visit in Xi'an, Xi'an - Guilin
Rise early to visit a local family. The enthusiastic host will take you through their daily life, bringing you into a local market to buy fresh ingredients, joining the local playing cards, and guiding you to cook some dishes. After dining with what you cooked, you'll have time to stroll around the Muslim Quarter.
Later, inside the centuries-old Courtyard of the Gao Family, learn about Chinese calligraphy and write Chinese characters with a brush. In the late afternoon, fly to Guilin for the night, where you'll stay at the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel, Guilin, renowned for its stunning river views, lush gardens, and warm, world-class hospitality.
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- Guilin
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Day 7: Day Excursion to Longji Rice Terrace
Just a two-hour drive outside Guilin is the Longji Rice Terraces. These terraces are a testament to the ingenuity and wisdom of the Zhuang, Yao, and Miao ethnic minorities, created in ancient times as a harmonious blend of human effort and nature's challenges. Here, you will see the terraced fields extend up the mountains and have a chance to meet local women dressed in traditional clothing. After the tour, go back to the city to relax.
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- Guilin
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Day 8: Cruise Down Li River
The best way to enjoy the picturesque Karst landscape along the Li River is by cruise, which is what you'll do this morning. Take in the stunning landscape during the cruise down to Yangshuo.
Disembark and then spend some time rambling around the vibrant West Street before heading to your hotel. Banyan Tree Yangshuo, a 20-minute car ride from downtown Yangshuo, is a beautiful resort to escape the city hustle.
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- Yangshuo
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Day 9: Enjoy Yangshuo Countryside at Your Own Pace
Yangshuo is a great place to relax with its idyllic countryside. There are several ways for you to explore this charming area. Couples prefer to take in its beauty by biking, while families with children may like to try kayaking along its crystal waters. Feel free to tell your consultant what way you prefer.
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- Yangshuo
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Day 10: Yangshuo - Guilin - Shanghai
After breakfast, take a private transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, a local guide will greet you and escort you to your luxurious hotel for check-in. Banyan Tree Shanghai on the Bund by the Huangpu River provides spectacular views of the city.
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- Shanghai
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Day 11: Modern City Sightseeing
Begin the morning with a leisurely city walk from Fuxing Park to Bugaoli. Experience authentic daily life while the knowledge guide tells the historical story of old Shanghai. Continue to the Bund, where gorgeous colonial architecture lines contrast futuristic buildings creating a unique streetscape. You'll go up to the Shanghai Tower for a 360-degree view of the city after a stop at the traditional Yu Garden.
As a melting pot of different cultures, Shanghai offers various creative restaurants from Shanghai-native dishes to Michelin to meet your needs. Feel free to get some ideas from your consultants or guides.
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- Shanghai
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Day 12: Free Time in the Metropolis of Shanghai
Today is yours to explore this metropolis according to your interests. Learn more about Chinese culture in one of the world-famous museums, or hang out around the streets to seek some great souvenirs. If you prefer, drive out of the city and spend a day in the ancient water town of Xitang.
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- Shanghai
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Day 13: Shanghai, Departure
Enjoy some free time until your private driver takes you to the airport for your departure flight.
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