14-Day Senior-Friendly China Tour With Hangzhou & Guilin

Visit Tiananmen Square, one of the world’s largest public squares. Home to the Monument to the People’s Heroes and Mao Zedong’s Mausoleum, it represents modern China’s heart and history. Capture the spirit of Beijing at this iconic landmark surrounded by monumental architecture.

Discover the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with nearly 1,000 buildings, grand halls, and defensive walls. Built in the 15th century, it showcases imperial architecture, traditional Chinese craftsmanship, and fascinating history—a must-visit Beijing landmark and heritage site.

Meander through the labyrinthine Hutongs, the traditional alleyways of old Beijing. Enjoy a fun family rickshaw ride through the narrow streets, passing by courtyard homes and local shops, and get a glimpse of authentic Beijing life that's far from the modern cityscape.

Participate in a hands-on Chinese calligraphy experience, where the whole family can learn to write Chinese characters with a brush pen. Under the guidance of a professional instructor, create your own calligraphy works as unique souvenirs, making sweet family memories through this traditional art form.

Walk Mutianyu, a well-restored Great Wall section with cable car access. Surrounded by lush mountains, it’s less crowded than other sections and ideal for panoramic views. This Beijing attraction combines historical exploration, scenic hiking, and photo opportunities.

Temple of Heaven Park, formerly known as "Temple of Heaven and Earth", is located at No. 7 Dongli, Temple of Heaven, Dongcheng District, Beijing. It was first built in the 18th year of the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty (1420) and renamed "Temple of Heaven" in the 9th year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty (1530). It was the site for emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties to "worship heaven" and "pray for valleys", with a total area of 273 hectares. It is the largest existing ancient sacrificial building complex in China and the largest and most well preserved ancient sacrificial building complex in the world. On January 1, 1918, it was designated as Temple of Heaven Park and opened to the public

Marvel at the Terracotta Warriors, Qin Shi Huang’s army entombed to protect him in the afterlife. Each life-sized warrior has unique facial features and uniforms. Visit the nearby art ceramics and lacquer factory for souvenirs—a world-renowned archaeological treasure.

In the evening, enjoy a special dinner at the Tang Palace. Set in a grand banquet hall inspired by Tang-dynasty court life, you'll dine on refined traditional dishes carefully prepared to suit senior tastes (not too spicy, easy to chew). While dining, watch elegant music and dance performances that recreate the grandeur of an imperial feast, transporting you back to the prosperous Tang Dynasty. This memorable evening combines delicious cuisine with cultural entertainment, perfect for seniors.

Visit a local Xi'an family and experience authentic Chinese home life. Learn to cook traditional homely food together, such as dumplings or hand-pulled noodles, under the guidance of the host family. This immersive experience allows the whole family to interact with locals, learn about Chinese family customs, and enjoy the fruits of your labor as part of the meal.

Stroll through Xi’an Muslim Quarter inside the city wall. Explore narrow lanes filled with local stalls, Islamic food shops, and vibrant street life—a sensory and cultural experience reflecting Xi’an’s Silk Road heritage.

Visit Elephant Trunk Hill, where the Li and Taohua Rivers meet, forming the shape of a giant elephant drinking water. Explore surrounding ancient sites including Puxian Pagoda and Yunfeng Temple. This iconic Guilin landmark offers a striking mix of natural wonder and cultural heritage for visitors.

Embark on a scenic Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo. Glide past towering karst peaks, rice paddies, and tranquil villages, capturing iconic landscapes seen in Chinese ink paintings. This immersive cruise is one of the most scenic Guilin attractions and offers a peaceful way to admire the region’s natural beauty.

take a leisurely stroll through lively West Street. The street is pedestrian-only, flat and lined with cafés, shops and restaurants. Take your time to wander, browse for souvenirs, or relax in a quiet café with a cup of tea. Yangshuo's laid-back atmosphere and beautiful surroundings make it a perfect place to unwind before being transferred to your senior-friendly hotel for check-in and rest.

Wake up to the views of green hills and clear rivers in Yangshuo. Take the morning at your own pace—relax in the comfort of your hotel, enjoy a leisurely breakfast, or take a gentle walk around the hotel grounds to breathe in the fresh countryside air. This flexible morning allows you to rest and recharge as needed, with no scheduled activities to ensure maximum comfort.

Enjoy a romantic cruise on Hangzhou’s West Lake. Pass scenic temples, pagodas, and gardens, then stroll Qinghefang Street and visit historic Manor Houses. Experience Hangzhou’s classic charm, beautiful landscapes, and cultural heritage.

Wander Lingyin Temple, the Temple of Inspired Seclusion. Admire ancient halls, statues, and serene gardens. A major Buddhist cultural site, it showcases Hangzhou’s spiritual history amidst peaceful natural surroundings.

Next, visit a traditional Chinese medicine drugstore, surrounded by the rich fragrance of herbs. As you browse the rows of roots, flowers, and dried ingredients, you'll learn about the principles of traditional Chinese medicine and how this time-honored practice continues to shape everyday life for local people. Try a small sample of nourishing herbal tea (suitable for seniors) if you're interested, experiencing the health-preserving culture of China.

End the day with a leisurely stroll along Hefang Street, a historic pedestrian street lined with traditional shops and snack stalls. The street is flat and easy to walk, with plenty of places to rest. Sample a beloved local treat made from lotus root powder—smooth, nutritious and perfect for seniors. Browse the traditional handicrafts and soak up the lively yet relaxed atmosphere of this historic street.

Explore Wuzhen, an authentic Chinese water town near Shanghai. Wander canals, stone bridges, and ancient houses. Observe traditional life, enjoy local cuisine, and step back into centuries of history—a charming, less commercialized cultural experience.

End the visit with a relaxing boat ride through Wuzhen's old canals. Board a small, stable boat and glide past traditional houses and stone bridges, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and unique perspective of the water town. The boat ride is smooth and gentle, perfect for seniors to sit back and appreciate the scenery. In the western area of Xizha, enjoy authentic Jiangnan dishes for lunch—light, fresh and suitable for senior palates—before returning to Hangzhou.

Before departing for Shanghai, visit Meijiawu Tea Village, a serene countryside village famous for its Longjing tea. Enjoy a relaxing cultural experience in the peaceful tea plantations. Under the guidance of local farmers, try your hand at tea picking—an easy, gentle activity that allows you to connect with nature. Learn about the tea-making process from plucking to drying, then enjoy a tasting of fresh local Longjing tea in a traditional tea house. The tranquil surroundings, fresh air and fragrant tea create a perfect relaxing morning for seniors.

Stroll along the Bund to admire Shanghai’s colonial architecture, from 1850s trade houses to glamorous 1920s Art Deco buildings. This waterfront promenade showcases the city’s rich history and cultural heritage, contrasting with the futuristic Pudong skyline—an iconic Shanghai attraction for photography and history lovers.

Explore Yu Gardens, a classic Ming Dynasty garden built as a retirement gift for Pan Yunduan’s father. Stroll past koi ponds, jade rocks, and ornate pavilions while soaking in traditional Chinese landscaping. A peaceful Shanghai cultural experience perfect for photography and history lovers.

Visit a traditional silk workshop to see the fine craftsmanship of Chinese silk weaving. Watch skilled artisans demonstrate the silk-making process from cocoon to fabric—an interesting and seated activity. Learn about the history of Chinese silk and browse the exquisite silk products, with no pressure to purchase.

Enjoy a delicious dim sum lunch at the well-known Jade Garden Teahouse. Dim sum is perfect for seniors—bite-sized, easy to chew and varied in flavor. Choose from a selection of steamed, boiled and baked dim sum dishes, paired with a cup of fragrant tea. The restaurant is comfortable and accessible, with friendly staff to assist with ordering.

The Shanghai French Concession was a French concession established in Shanghai from 1849 to 1943, and was the largest of the four French concessions in China in terms of area. Its initial area covered 986 acres, and after multiple expansions, it reached 15000 acres by 1914. The concession is famous for French wutong street trees, Parisian style building planning and independent municipal management system. Jinling East Road, as the first major road in the French concession, has become a commercial center. The building's exterior walls are mostly marked with municipal facilities marked with the words "CMF".
After the establishment of the French Concession in 1849, the Shanghai Anglo American French Land Charter was signed in 1854 to break away from the joint concession system. In 1869, the autonomy was established through the Organizational Charter of the Public Council. During the Battle of Shanghai in 1937, it was not occupied by the Japanese army due to the deterrence of the French navy. In 1943, it was transferred from the Vichy French regime to the Wang puppet government and ended. There are police agencies such as the Marand Police Station located within the concession. The authorities of the French Concession had protected the publication of revolutionary publications and participated in mediating cases related to prominent residences of the Kuomintang. The Provisional Government of South Korea was established in the Shanghai French Concession in 1919 and set up offices in multiple locations within the concession. Among them, No. 4, Lane 306, Madang Road was its longest used and most well preserved office.

Various carnivals and concerts are often held in the park. The square cultural event held in September 1993 marked the beginning of Shanghai's urban square culture and has been held for 11 years now. Fuxing Park is the only garden in Shanghai that retains the French classical style, and it is also a masterpiece of the fusion of Chinese and Western garden cultures in modern Shanghai. More than 1700 sycamores (French wutong tree) with more than 50 years of age in the park rank first in the city. One sycamore near the south gate can be called "the second in Shanghai". There are also rare tree species such as European horse chestnut, yellow wattle and quercus. Since 21, the park has introduced public art works such as "Fei Ming chair" through the "Art Season around the Renaissance Park", and linked INS Park to create an E-sports space.

In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk from the peaceful Fuxing Park to Bugaoli Stone Gate and Sipailou Road. Fuxing Park features flat paths, lush greenery and plenty of benches, where locals gather to practice tai chi and play chess. Continue to explore lively markets filled with local snacks, handicrafts, and everyday scenes of Shanghai life. Finally, wander the charming streets of the French Concession, with its tree-lined avenues, boutique shops and historic villas that exude a sense of nostalgia. The entire walking route is carefully planned to be flat and short, with frequent rest stops.

In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk from the peaceful Fuxing Park to Bugaoli Stone Gate and Sipailou Road. Fuxing Park features flat paths, lush greenery and plenty of benches, where locals gather to practice tai chi and play chess. Continue to explore lively markets filled with local snacks, handicrafts, and everyday scenes of Shanghai life. Finally, wander the charming streets of the French Concession, with its tree-lined avenues, boutique shops and historic villas that exude a sense of nostalgia. The entire walking route is carefully planned to be flat and short, with frequent rest stops.