Noah Thompson
April 17, 2026
This 7-day private China tour blends dynamic urban culture, timeless history, and jaw-dropping natural scenery across three unmissable destinations: modern Shanghai, history-packed Xi'an, and the stunning "wonderland" landscape of Guilin. You’ll enjoy a fully personalized, hassle-free experience the entire trip, with your own dedicated private guide and private driver included right in the package. Curated as a top traveler pick, this tour delivers excellent value with competitive pricing and trusted, secure payment options for total peace of mind.



This 7-day private journey starts in the buzzing, fast-paced metropolis of Shanghai, where you dive into the city’s layered mix of ancient tradition and modern innovation. After exploring Shanghai’s most charming historic neighborhoods, you travel south to Guilin, the crown jewel of Chinese natural scenery, where you cruise the iconic Li River, bike through idyllic countryside villages, and explore Guilin’s most famous karst landmarks. The private format of this tour lets you linger at the sights that interest you most, with no rushing to keep up with large group tours.
🌟 Day 1: Shanghai
Touch down in Shanghai to kick off your adventure, with the rest of the day free to settle into your accommodation and get acclimated to the city. Take your time exploring the area around your hotel, or grab a bite of iconic local Shanghainese soup dumplings to start your trip off right.
🌟 Day 2: Shanghai
Start your first full day of exploration with a tasty included breakfast 🍽️. Wander the tree-lined, colonial-era boulevards of the French Concession, then step into the quiet, beautifully designed classical landscapes of Yuyuan Garden to escape the city buzz. Next, you’ll visit the lively Old City God Temple complex to experience traditional local culture, before wandering the historic storefronts of Shanghai Old Street and peeking into everyday local life as you stroll through the winding, narrow nongtang alleyways.
🌟 Day 3: Shanghai → Guilin
Fuel up for your travel day with an included breakfast 🍽️ before making your way from Shanghai to Guilin, China’s most famous natural beauty destination. Once you arrive, check into your hotel 🏨 and enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure, whether you want to relax or take a quick stroll around the neighborhood.
🌟 Day 4: Guilin → Yangshuo
Kick off your Guilin adventure with an included morning breakfast 🍽️, then board your 5-hour cruise along the legendary Li River. Soak in postcard-perfect views of jagged limestone karst peaks rising straight from the river water – scenery that has inspired Chinese artists for centuries. After docking in Yangshuo, explore the charming laid-back riverside town, then take a leisurely walk down lively West Street, packed with local craft shops, cafes, and street food stalls.
🌟 Day 5: Yangshuo
After an included breakfast 🍽️, grab a bicycle for a relaxed day of exploring the Yangshuo countryside. Wind your way past green rice paddies and towering karst outcrops as you visit the quiet rural communities of Yima Village and Chaolong Village, stopping along the way to admire the clear, calm waters of the Yulong River. This slow-paced day lets you experience authentic rural Chinese life far from crowded tourist hubs.
🌟 Day 6: Yangshuo → Guilin
Enjoy your included daily breakfast 🍽️ before traveling back from Yangshuo to Guilin to visit two of the city’s most iconic natural landmarks. First, explore Reed Flute Cave, where you’ll wander through vast chambers of dramatic limestone formations, lit up with vibrant magical light displays that create an otherworldly atmosphere. Next, stop at Guilin’s most famous landmark, Elephant Trunk Hill, and climb to the summit for sweeping panoramic views of the Li River below. Check into your Guilin hotel 🏨 for your final night of the trip.
🌟 Day 7: Guilin (Departure)
Your 7-day Chinese adventure comes to a close today. After checking out of your hotel, you’ll be transferred to Guilin’s airport for your onward departure, leaving you with lasting memories of iconic Chinese culture and scenery.
Min 2 · Max 20 people per group
Traveler reviews
April 17, 2026
My wife and I booked this tour for our 10th anniversary trip, and it could not have been more perfect. Our guide in Shanghai took us to a hidden local dim sum spot that we never would have found on our own, and in Guilin our bamboo raft ride was far more peaceful than we expected. Learning about the history of the Terracotta Warriors from our Xi’an guide made the experience way more meaningful than just wandering around the site alone. All the transportation was seamless, the accommodations were comfortable and well-located, and we left feeling like we got a real taste of China instead of just checking off tourist spots. I would 100% recommend this tour to any first-time visitor to China.
January 9, 2026
Every part of this trip was perfectly organized, and the karst scenery in Guilin took my breath away.
May 21, 2025
I gave this 4 stars only because it poured during our two days in Guilin, which cut into our time on the Li River cruise—everything else with the tour was flawless. Our private guide in Xi’an had so many fun stories about the Terracotta Warriors that made the history feel alive, and the rooftop view of Shanghai’s Bund at sunset was unforgettable. The private car meant we never had to wait for shared shuttles or navigate confusing public transit on our own. Even with the wonderful, this trip was still one of the best vacations my family has ever taken.
April 30, 2025
I loved how we got to see three totally different sides of China in just one week—from Shanghai’s glitzy skyscrapers to Xi’an’s ancient ruins to Guilin’s otherworldly karst mountains. The private tour format meant we could stop for photos or extra local snacks whenever we wanted, which was way better than a crowded big group tour.
March 12, 2025
This private tour was the perfect introduction to China, exceeded every expectation I had.
December 18, 2024
Our consultant Ethan from HelloChinaTrip customized a small adjustment for our dietary restrictions perfectly. The private guide and driver in every city were incredibly knowledgeable and never rushed us. This tour balanced city, history, and nature so well I’d book it again tomorrow.