🌟 Highlights
- Private, hassle-free 16-day journey covering 8 of China's most iconic cultural and natural destinations in one seamless itinerary
- Balances must-see world-famous landmarks with hands-on immersive local experiences, from panda watching to traditional tea making
- Mixes thousands of years of imperial history, dramatic natural scenery, and vibrant modern Chinese culture for a well-rounded trip
- All core activities, meals, and accommodation are pre-arranged for a stress-free first-time exploration of China
🗺️ Itinerary Overview
This handpicked private tour begins in the ancient imperial capital of Beijing, weaving through northern China's legendary historic sites before moving west to Xi'an, home of the world-famous Terracotta Warriors. From there you'll travel south to Chengdu to meet giant pandas, then on to Guilin to explore dramatic karst mountains and rolling rice terraces. The trip wraps up along the scenic Yangtze River delta, visiting the classic gardens of Hangzhou and Suzhou, before ending in the dazzling global metropolis of Shanghai. The route is curated to showcase China's incredible diversity, giving travelers a complete look at the country's most beloved highlights.
📖 Day-by-Day Itinerary
🌟 Day 1: Beijing
After your arrival in Beijing, you'll be greeted and escorted to your central city accommodation to rest after your travels.
🏨 Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Beijing Minzuyuan or similar comparable property
🌟 Day 2: Beijing
Kick off your exploration at iconic Tiananmen Square, then step inside the sprawling Forbidden City, once the exclusive home of Chinese emperors for more than 500 years. After wandering the palace grounds, climb to the top of Jingshan Park for sweeping panoramic views of the entire city and palace complex. Wrap up your day with a fun rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of a traditional Beijing hutong, where you'll stop to visit a local family in their historic courtyard home.
🍽️ Included: Breakfast + authentic Chinese lunch at a popular local restaurant
🏨 Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Beijing Minzuyuan or similar comparable property
🌟 Day 3: Beijing
Start your morning with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, where ancient emperors once prayed for bountiful harvests, then stop at a local jade carving factory to watch master artisans practice their ancient craft. The highlight of the day is a trip to the stunning Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China – you can choose to hike along the well-preserved wall or take a relaxing cable car up to the scenic overlook sections. Before heading back to your hotel, stop for a photo opportunity outside the iconic Bird's Nest Stadium and Water Cube, built for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
🍽️ Included: Breakfast + local Chinese lunch arranged near the Great Wall
🏨 Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Beijing Minzuyuan or similar comparable property
🌟 Day 4: Beijing → Xi'an
Before departing Beijing for Xi'an, spend the morning exploring the sprawling imperial summer retreat of the Summer Palace. Take a peaceful boat ride across the glistening waters of Kunming Lake, soaking in views of tree-covered hills and historic pavilions that line the shore, before boarding your transport to Xi'an. You'll check in to your Xi'an hotel upon arrival.
🍽️ Included: Breakfast + Chinese lunch
🏨 Accommodation: Meihao Hotel Xi'an East Street or similar comparable property
🌟 Day 5: Xi'an
Today you'll explore one of China's greatest ancient wonders: the Qin Terracotta Warrior Army, thousands of life-sized clay warriors built to guard the first emperor's tomb for eternity. After exploring the archaeological site, get hands-on at a local pottery workshop to try your hand at making your own clay figure. In the afternoon, visit the iconic Xi'an Bell Tower in the heart of the city, then head to Gao's Courtyard to watch traditional Chinese paper-cutting and shadow puppetry demonstrations.
🍽️ Included: Breakfast + local Chinese lunch arranged near attractions
🏨 Accommodation: Meihao Hotel Xi'an East Street or similar comparable property
🌟 Day 6: Xi'an → Chengdu
Start your day with a leisurely tour of Xi'an's well-preserved Ancient City Wall – you can choose to cycle along the top of the wall or ride a comfortable sightseeing car to take in the views. After that, stop to visit the historic Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the lively public square at its northern base, before traveling onward to Chengdu. You'll check in to your Chengdu accommodation once you arrive.
🍽️ Included: Breakfast + lunch
🏨 Accommodation: Tianfu Sunshine Hotel or similar (including Grand Hyatt Chengdu upgrade options)
🌟 Day 7: Chengdu
No trip to Chengdu is complete without meeting China's most beloved animal: the giant panda! Spend your morning at the Chengdu Giant Panda Research and Breeding Center, where you can watch these fluffy bears play and munch on fresh bamboo. In the afternoon, wander through the relaxed, local atmosphere of People's Park, then take a stroll through the lantern-lit lanes of Jinli Ancient Street, browsing local handicrafts and sampling street snacks.
🍽️ Included: Breakfast + classic Sichuan lunch at a popular local restaurant
🏨 Accommodation: Tianfu Sunshine Hotel or similar (including Grand Hyatt Chengdu upgrade options)
🌟 Day 8: Chengdu → Guilin
Start the day exploring two of Chengdu's most important historic cultural sites: first, the ancient Jinsha Ruins Museum, home to 3,000-year-old artifacts from the ancient Shu Kingdom, then Wuhou Temple, a memorial dedicated to the legendary Three Kingdoms-era hero Zhuge Liang. After exploring, you'll travel onward to Guilin, arriving in time to check in to your hotel.
🍽️ Included: Breakfast + lunch or flavorful local Sichuan hotpot
🏨 Accommodation: Hampton by Hilton Guilin Xiufeng or similar comparable property
🌟 Day 9: Guilin → Longsheng
Take a scenic day trip to the stunning Longji Rice Terraces, carved into the mountainside by generations of local minority farmers. You'll trek along winding paths through the layered green terraced fields, stopping to explore traditional minority villages and meet local residents who call this mountain home. After a home-style lunch in the village, you'll head back to Guilin for the night.
🍽️ Included: Breakfast + lunch at a local minority village restaurant
🏨 Accommodation: Hampton by Hilton Guilin Xiufeng or similar comparable property
🌟 Day 10: Guilin → Yangshuo
Today you'll take a world-famous cruise along the Li River, soaking in postcard-perfect views of dramatic karst limestone peaks that rise straight from the river's glassy banks. A buffet lunch is served right on board your cruise ship as you sail. Once you reach Yangshuo, you can explore lively pedestrian West Street by foot or sightseeing car, then go for a relaxed bicycle ride through the beautiful countryside around Yulong River before heading back to Guilin for the night.
🍽️ Included: Breakfast + buffet lunch on board the Li River cruise
🏨 Accommodation: Hampton by Hilton Guilin Xiufeng or similar comparable property
🌟 Day 11: Guilin → Hangzhou
After breakfast, you'll depart Guilin and travel onward to the scenic eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou. Upon arrival, you'll be escorted to your local hotel to settle in for the night.
🍽️ Included: Breakfast + lunch
🏨 Accommodation: Wenhua Jinglan Hotel Hangzhou or similar comparable property
🌟 Day 12: Hangzhou
Dive into Hangzhou's famous world-class tea culture with a visit to Meijiawu Tea Village, a traditional village that has produced premium Longjing green tea for hundreds of years. You'll visit a local farmer's home to learn how to pick tea leaves, process tea, and even cook with tea. Later, head to iconic West Lake: you'll get sweeping panoramic views of the lake from Chenghuang Pavilion, then take a peaceful boat ride across the lake's calm, scenic waters.
🍽️ Included: Breakfast + lunch
🏨 Accommodation: Wenhua Jinglan Hotel Hangzhou or similar comparable property
🌟 Day 13: Hangzhou → Suzhou
After exploring Hangzhou, you'll travel north to Suzhou, famous the world over for its elegant traditional Chinese gardens. Once you arrive, you'll tour two of Suzhou's most beautiful gardens: the serene Lingering Garden, famous for its dynamic rock formations and quiet pavilions, and Lion Grove Garden, known for its intricate maze of limestone karst rock formations. Wrap up the day with a leisurely stroll along Pingjiang Ancient Street, a preserved historic lane lined with traditional shops and courtyard homes.
🍽️ Included: Breakfast + lunch
🏨 Accommodation: Hotel Soul or similar comparable properties including Garden Hotel Suzhou
🌟 Day 14: Suzhou → Shanghai
Today you'll visit the beautiful ancient Tongli Water Town, a classic Jiangnan water town crisscrossed with winding canals. Take a traditional wooden boat trip along the quiet waterways, passing historic stone bridges and traditional whitewashed courtyard homes, soaking in the relaxed old-world atmosphere of the town. After exploring, you'll travel onward to Shanghai, checking in to your hotel upon arrival.
🍽️ Included: Breakfast + lunch
🏨 Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Shanghai Putuo or similar comparable property
🌟 Day 15: Shanghai
Spend your last full day of the tour exploring Shanghai's fascinating mix of old and new. Start by exploring old Shanghai in the historic Shikumen neighborhood, where traditional stone-gate houses line the narrow lanes. Next, take an orientation walk along the world-famous Bund, Shanghai's iconic waterfront lined with historic colonial-era buildings. Visit the classic Yuyuan Garden in the heart of old Shanghai, then end the day at the serene Jade Buddha Temple, home to two giant ancient jade Buddha statues.
🍽️ Included: Breakfast + local Chinese lunch
🏨 Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Shanghai Putuo or similar comparable property
🌟 Day 16: Shanghai Departure
After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, you'll be escorted to Shanghai's airport for your departure flight, bringing your 16-day Chinese adventure to a close.
🍽️ Included: Breakfast
✅ What's Included
- All entrance fees for all scheduled attractions and activities
- All private transportation between cities, attractions, and accommodation
- 15 nights of pre-arranged quality accommodation at 3-4 star (with optional 5 star upgrades)
- Daily breakfast and lunch as outlined in the day-by-day itinerary
- All scheduled experience activities including rickshaw rides, boat cruises, cultural workshops, and demonstrations
❌ What's Not Included
- International airfare to/from your starting point (Beijing) and departure from your ending point (Shanghai)
- Personal expenses including souvenirs, extra meals outside of scheduled lunches, travel insurance, and gratuities for guides and drivers
ℹ️ Important Information
