Explore China’s most breathtaking iconic landscapes and cultural highlights over 9 unforgettable days on this premium small-group luxury tour, visiting three unmissable destinations: imperial Beijing, historic Xi’an, and the stunning karst river scenery of Guilin. This fully all-inclusive trip prioritizes both comfort and great value, with stays at luxurious 5-star hotels throughout your journey, secure trusted payment processing, and competitive pricing that makes it a top pick for discerning travelers.
This carefully curated luxury tour takes you on a sweeping journey through China’s most beloved natural and cultural treasures: starting in the buzzing imperial capital Beijing, where you explore centuries of royal history and iconic landmarks, then traveling west to ancient Xi’an, home of the legendary Terracotta Army and millennia of dynastic culture, before finishing in scenic Guilin, where you soak in the dramatic karst mountain and river scenery that has inspired Chinese artists for centuries. The route balances bucket-list sights, hands-on local encounters, and 5-star comfort, letting you fully immerse in China without any of the planning hassle.
Kick off your cross-China adventure today as you arrive in Beijing, China’s historic and vibrant capital. Our local team will greet you on arrival and escort you to your 5-star accommodation at Hotel New Otani Chang Fu Gong, where you can relax, shake off travel fatigue, and prepare for the exciting days of exploration ahead 🏨.
After a filling Western buffet breakfast 🍽️, dive into a full day of iconic Beijing exploration. You’ll first stroll across the vast, historic Tiananmen Square before stepping into the Forbidden City, once the exclusive private residence of Chinese emperors, where you’ll wander ornate palaces and uncover centuries of imperial secrets. Next, visit the Temple of Heaven, the site of ancient imperial worship ceremonies, with its stunning traditional architecture and tranquil gardens. As night falls, catch a thrilling acrobatic performance at Beijing’s famous Red Theater, then sit down for a special welcome a la carte dinner before returning to your 5-star hotel 🏨.
Wake up to a hearty Western buffet breakfast 🍽️ before heading out for one of your trip’s most anticipated experiences: a day at the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. You’ll skip the longest lines and ride a round-trip cable car up to the wall, so you can walk along the ancient stone ramparts with sweeping mountain views all around. Celebrate your time on this world wonder with a group red wine toast before heading back to the city, where you’ll stop for photos at the iconic Olympic National Stadium (Bird’s Nest). Next, take a slow rickshaw ride through narrow, historic Hutong alleys to see authentic old Beijing neighborhood life, with a buffet lunch served along the way. End the night back at your 5-star Hotel New Otani Chang Fu Gong 🏨.
After your morning Western buffet breakfast 🍽️, explore Beijing’s beautiful imperial Summer Palace, a UNESCO-listed garden retreat filled with lakeside pavilions, historic corridors, and lush greenery. After a delicious lunch, you’ll transfer to Xi’an, the ancient capital of 13 Chinese dynasties, for the next leg of your journey. On arrival, check into your 5-star accommodation at Crowne Plaza Xi’an for the night 🏨.
Today is dedicated to Xi’an’s most famous ancient wonder: the Terracotta Army. After a Western buffet breakfast 🍽️, head to the UNESCO-listed excavation site to marvel at thousands of life-sized clay warriors built to guard Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. You’ll get an intimate look at local history with a visit to the family home of the farmer who first discovered the warriors, then get hands-on: mold and decorate your own mini clay warrior to take home as a one-of-a-kind souvenir. Next, visit the iconic 1,300-year-old Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a historic Buddhist landmark. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Xi’an dumpling dinner followed by the famous Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show, then return to your 5-star Crowne Plaza Xi’an for the night 🏨.
After a Western buffet breakfast 🍽️, start your morning with a gentle, authentic Tai Chi practice led by a local master in the green spaces of Xi’an’s City Wall Park. After your practice, explore the ancient Xi’an City Wall — one of the largest and best-preserved ancient city walls in the world — where you can walk or bike along the ramparts for sweeping views of the city. Next, wander through the bustling Muslim Quarter, Xi’an’s historic hub of Islamic culture, where you’ll sample a range of famous local street foods as you explore, before visiting the Great Mosque, a stunning 1,000-year-old landmark blending Chinese and Islamic architecture. A full local flavor lunch is served along the way, and you’ll return to your 5-star Crowne Plaza Xi’an for the night 🏨.
After a Western buffet breakfast 🍽️, transfer from Xi’an to Guilin, China’s most famous destination for dramatic karst mountain scenery. On arrival, check into your 5-star Sheraton Guilin hotel, then head out to explore two of Guilin’s most iconic natural landmarks. First, wander through the otherworldly Reed Flute Cave, a massive limestone cave filled with unique glowing stalactite and stalagmite formations. Next, visit Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin’s most recognizable natural landmark, a rock formation that looks just like a giant elephant drinking from the Li River. End the day back at your 5-star Sheraton Guilin for the night 🏨.
After a Western buffet breakfast 🍽️, embark on the highlight of your Guilin trip: a full scenic cruise along the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo. Drift past dramatic, steep karst peaks rising straight from the river, passing bamboo groves and traditional fishing villages, with postcard views around every turn. Enjoy a box lunch right on board the cruise as you take in the scenery. Once you arrive in Yangshuo, stroll through lively West Street, Yangshuo’s famous pedestrian shopping and dining area, then head into the surrounding countryside for a warm visit to a local peasant’s home to experience daily rural life in southern China. After your day of exploration, transfer back to Guilin and end the night at your 5-star Sheraton Guilin 🏨.
After a final Western buffet breakfast 🍽️, your 9-day China landscape adventure comes to an end. Our team will assist with all your departure arrangements, leaving you with unforgettable memories of China’s natural beauty and ancient history.
Min 2 · Max 20 people per group
Traveler reviews
April 10, 2026
The small group size made this tour feel so personal, unlike the massive bus tours I’ve been on in the past. Every stop was thoughtfully chosen to highlight both incredible natural landscapes and iconic cultural highlights across three of China’s most unmissable destinations. The included local food at every stop was far better than I expected for an all-inclusive group tour!
January 22, 2026
I booked this trip to celebrate my 30th birthday with my partner, and it ended up being the most unforgettable trip we’ve ever taken. From cruising the misty Li River in Guilin to walking through the historic Forbidden City in Beijing, every moment felt intentional and magical. The small group size let us get to know our fellow travelers and ask our guide plenty of questions without feeling herded like on large tours. The comfortable 5-star accommodations were the perfect cherry on top after full days of exploring, making this a truly premium luxury experience from start to finish.
May 2, 2025
We traveled during the first week of May peak season, so popular spots like Guilin’s hill lookouts and Xi’an’s Terracotta Warrior site were a bit more wonderful than we anticipated. The 5-star hotels were incredibly comfortable and our small group size made navigating everything much smoother than it would have been on a large mass tour.
February 18, 2025
This all-inclusive 9-day China landscape tour was the perfect blend of luxury and adventure I’d been dreaming of.
December 28, 2024
My consultant Sunny from HelloChinaTrip helped me adjust a few small dietary details before the trip started, and everything went completely off without a hitch. The itinerary was perfectly paced, giving us enough time to soak in imperial history in Beijing, wander the stunning karst landscapes in Guilin, and marvel at the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an without feeling rushed. All the 5-star hotels were centrally located, spotlessly clean, and the all-inclusive pricing meant I never had to worry about hidden fees along the way. This is hands down the best organized international luxury tour I’ve ever joined, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a stress-free introduction to China.
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