15-Day China Family Tour With Pandas & Li River Cruise

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.

Explore Beijing’s historic hutongs, narrow lanes that reflect ancient Chinese Feng Shui and community life. Stroll past traditional Siheyuan courtyards, watch locals playing mah-jong, and soak in the old-world charm. Perfect for cultural exploration and photography in Beijing’s living history districts.

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.

The Mutianyu Great Wall is located in Mutianyu Village, Bohai Town, Huairou District, Beijing, 73 kilometers away from the city center. It is known as the "Great Wall of Ten Thousand Miles, Mutianyu is the only one". The Mutianyu Great Wall, with a total length of 5400 meters, is the longest Great Wall in China and one of the sixteen scenic spots in Beijing. In the first year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty (1368), the Mutianyu Great Wall was built under the supervision of General Xu Da, a subordinate of Zhu Yuanzhang, on the site of the Northern Qi Great Wall.
Mutianyu Great Wall is the essence of the Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty. This section of the Great Wall connects the Gubeikou in the east and Juyongguan in the west. Since ancient times, it has been a military important place to defend the capital, with Zhengguan Platform, Dajiaolou, eagle flying upside down and other landscapes. The wall of the Great Wall remains intact, which better reflects the ancient charm of the Great Wall, and has profound historical value and high cultural value.

On the way back to the city in the late afternoon, you'll pass by the Olympic Bird Nest and Water Cube.

Shenlu, also known as the Thirteen Tombs Shendao, is the leading architectural complex of the Ming Changling Mausoleum, located in Changping District, Beijing. Originally established for Changling, it later became the shared main Shinto of the mausoleum area due to the separation of other mausoleum Shinto from this path. Founded in the early years of the Ming Dynasty's Zhengtong reign and completed in the 19th year of the Ming Dynasty's Jiajing reign (1540), it is now a national level cultural relic protection unit. The total length of the building complex is 7.3 kilometers, including the stone memorial archway, the three hole bridge, the grand palace gate, the Shengong Shengde Stele Pavilion, the stone statue living, the Longfeng Gate (also known as the flame memorial archway), the south five hole bridge, the seven hole bridge, the north five hole bridge and other tomb facilities and bridge and culvert buildings. The shape of the stone memorial archway is five doors, six columns, and eleven floors. The stone statue living is composed of twelve pairs of stone animals and six pairs of stone men, which are finely carved and vividly shaped. The Ming Thirteen Tombs already have Changling, Dingling, Zhaoling, Kangling, Yongling, Siling, Jingling and Changling Shenlu open to the public, among which Changling, Dingling, Zhaoling and Shenlu are regular open scenic spots

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

Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese philosophical category, explains the process of the universe from infinity to Tai Chi, and even the transformation of all things. It is said that it was drawn by Fuxi's perception of the vortex formed by the confluence of rivers and Luo rivers.
Tai Chi is the state before the opening of heaven and earth and the separation of yin and yang in chaos. The Book of Changes verse states: "Therefore, there is Tai Chi, which is the birth of two rituals. The two elements refer to the Yin and Yang elements of Tai Chi. Tai Chi "is a fundamental concept in the Book of Changes, first introduced in the" Book of Changes - Xici Shang ":" Yi has Tai Chi, which gives birth to two rituals, two rituals give birth to four images, four images give birth to eight trigrams, eight trigrams determine good and bad fortune, and good and bad fortune give birth to great achievements. Yi, there are eight changes in ten to form a hexagram. "Around the Da Yan divination method, various dynasties have explored the philosophical meaning of Tai Chi with different emphases.

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.

Try your hand at crafting a mini terracotta warrior in a local workshop. Under the guidance of skilled artisans, the whole family can mold and paint their own small terracotta warriors, gaining a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship of the ancient artisans while creating unique family souvenirs.

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.

Walk along Xi’an’s Ancient City Wall, built in 1370 with 12-meter-high walls and 98 watchtowers. Take in sweeping city views, explore well-preserved ramparts, and appreciate the defensive ingenuity of this historic fortification—a must-do cultural experience in Xi’an.

Visit the Bell and Drum Towers, Xi’an’s geographic center since 1380. Climb the towers, admire intricate wooden architecture, and hear the historic drum performances—a key landmark offering cultural insight and photo opportunities in Xi’an.

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.

As evening falls, immerse yourself in the splendor of Tang Paradise, a cultural theme park that brings the glory of the Tang Dynasty to life. Wander through the beautifully designed gardens, pavilions, and lakes, and enjoy evening performances including traditional music, dance, and light shows. The park's magical atmosphere and family-friendly environment make it a perfect way to end the day.

Unwind in the serene Wangjianglou Park, a beautiful urban park famous for its historic pavilions and lush bamboo groves. Partake in the local pastime of tea tasting while admiring the view from the historic Wangjiang Tower, which overlooks the Jinjiang River. The whole family can enjoy relaxing together with a cup of authentic Sichuan tea, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of nature, making it a perfect way to recharge after the journey.

Explore Dujiangyan Panda Conservation Centre, located in scenic Sichuan countryside. The base provides refuge for giant pandas and aims to reintroduce them to the wild. Visitors can see pandas in spacious, natural enclosures, learn about breeding programs, and enjoy one of China’s most authentic panda experiences—a highlight of any Chengdu itinerary.

delve into the enigmatic past at the Sanxingdui Museum, housing myriads of peculiar relics of a lost civilization that thrived along the banks of the Yangtze between 3,000 and 5,000 years ago. The museum's fascinating collection includes giant bronze masks, golden scepters, and jade artifacts with unique and mysterious designs that will spark the curiosity of both children and adults. Your guide will share the intriguing stories behind these archaeological wonders, making the ancient civilization come alive.

Walk through the magical Reed Flute Cave, a limestone wonder illuminated by colorful lights. Admire stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and natural formations shaped over thousands of years. This top Guilin attraction combines geology, artistry, and legend—offering a surreal and unforgettable experience.

Mopanshan Wharf - Longtoushan Wharf

Sail from Guilin to Yangshuo on the iconic Li River. Glide past dramatic karst peaks, serene fishing villages, and verdant paddies. This four-hour cruise captures the essence of southern China’s natural beauty and rural lifestyle, offering photographers and travelers unforgettable scenery along one of the world’s most picturesque rivers.

Spend the day in the enchanting countryside of Yangshuo with a family biking adventure, following parts of the renowned "Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains, Riding in the Painting" outdoor sports route. Rent comfortable bicycles suitable for all ages, including child seats or tandem bikes, and discover quaint villages, vibrant farmland, and gurgling streams with floating bamboo rafts. The flat, well-maintained country roads offer a safe and enjoyable biking experience, with stunning karst scenery surrounding you at every turn, and you can even catch a glimpse of the majestic Jiuma Huashan from different angles along the way.

Drive deeper into more rustic areas and engage with local farmers. Partake in their daily activities, such as vegetable farming, rice harvesting (season-dependent), and traditional cooking. The whole family can learn to make signature local dishes like farm-style tofu and rice cakes, under the guidance of friendly villagers. This hands-on experience allows children to connect with nature and learn about rural Chinese life, creating lasting family memories.

Begin your day with a scenic journey aboard the iconic Peak Tram, a historic funicular railway that whisks you to the summit of Victoria Peak, Hong Kong's most famous mountain. From this lofty vantage point, bask in the breathtaking panoramic view of Hong Kong's iconic skyline, the sparkling Victoria Harbour, and the lush green mountains that surround the city.

Descend to the vibrant Central Mid-levels Escalator area and discover Tai Kwun, a unique art and cultural hub housed in a beautifully restored former colonial police station and prison. This historic complex now features art galleries, performance spaces, heritage exhibits, and trendy cafes, offering a unique glimpse into Hong Kong's colonial heritage and its vibrant contemporary art scene.

Explore the vibrant Mid-Levels neighborhood, famous for its colorful street art and tree-lined streets. Take the Central-Mid-Levels Escalator, the world's longest outdoor covered escalator system, for a unique transportation experience. The neighborhood's trendy cafes, boutique shops, and street art murals provide plenty of opportunities for family photos and casual exploration.

End the day with playful moments on the soft sands of Repulse Bay Beach, one of Hong Kong's most popular family beaches. The calm, shallow waters are perfect for children to splash in, while the golden sand offers space for building sandcastles and relaxing. The beach's family-friendly facilities, including changing rooms and snack bars, make it a perfect way to spend the afternoon as a family.

Visit the captivating Wong Tai Sin Temple, one of Hong Kong's most famous and popular Taoist temples, dedicated to the immortal Wong Tai Sin, who is believed to grant wishes and answer prayers. Experience the traditional "kau cim" fortune-telling ritual, where you can shake a bamboo tube to draw a fortune stick and seek divine guidance, and admire the temple's intricate Chinese architecture, colorful statues, and serene courtyards.

Explore the vibrant stalls of the Ladies Market, Goldfish Street, and the Bird Garden in Mong Kok, offering a feast for the senses. The Ladies Market features a wide range of affordable souvenirs, clothing, and toys perfect for children, while Goldfish Street's colorful fish tanks and Bird Garden's singing birds will captivate young minds. This bustling neighborhood offers a glimpse into Hong Kong's lively street culture.

After a delicious Cantonese dim sum lunch, spark the children's curiosity at the Hong Kong Science Museum. The museum's interactive exhibits cover a wide range of scientific topics, including physics, biology, and technology, with hands-on displays that allow children to learn through play. Highlights include the Force Lab, Mirror Maze, and life-sized dinosaur models, making it a fun and educational experience for the whole family.

Continue to the Avenue of Stars, a waterfront promenade honoring Hong Kong's film industry. Children will enjoy spotting handprints of famous actors like Jackie Chan and Michelle Yeoh, while the whole family can admire the stunning views of Victoria Harbor and the Hong Kong Island skyline.

Board a Chinese junk boat and conclude your day with the Symphony of Lights, Hong Kong's famous evening light show. Admire the illuminated cityscape as buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbor light up in a coordinated display set to music. The boat ride offers a unique perspective of the show, with the gentle sway of the boat and magical lights creating a memorable family experience.