Minimum Guests
2 PersonActivate Day
12 Nights/ 13 DaysIdeal for culture enthusiasts and nature lovers, this itinerary unveils China’s dual charm—dynamic modernity and profound heritage. Start in Shanghai, where futuristic skyscrapers meet colonial-era lanes. Then escape to Guilin and Yangshuo, drifting along the Li River to marvel at karst peaks and idyllic villages, a living Chinese painting. Next, Xi’an enchants with the Terracotta Army, a UNESCO site, and ancient city walls. End in Beijing, exploring the Forbidden City, Great Wall, and Temple of Heaven—icons of imperial glory.
Highlights include immersive experiences: cycling through Yangshuo’s countryside, tasting local delicacies (Shanghai xiaolongbao, Xi’an noodles), and witnessing China’s past-present blend. Well-paced and diverse, it balances sightseeing with relaxation, perfect for first-time visitors eager to grasp China’s essence.
Tour Timeline
If you need to increase or reduce the number of travellers, please contact us for customised arrangements.
- Enjoy a private pickup from your airport, with a guide accompanying you and providing support throughout the transfer.
- None
- Private Van
- We organise ground transport linked to your cruise schedule, with an English-speaking guide accompanying and assisting you throughout the journey.
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Yu Gardens
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.
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The Old Town
Wander Shanghai’s Old Town with cobbled streets and traditional shops selling herbal medicine, tea, handicrafts, and local snacks. Immerse yourself in historical Shanghai while enjoying a charming cultural experience—perfect for shopping and photography.
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Urban Planning Museum
Visit the Urban Planning Exhibition Hall at People’s Square, featuring a scale model of Shanghai and its recent developments. Discover the city’s transformation and architecture—a must-see for enthusiasts of modern urban design.
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People's Square
People's Square, located at the core of downtown Shanghai, serves as the city’s political, cultural, and transportation hub, often hailed as "the heart of Shanghai." Surrounded by iconic landmarks—including the Shanghai Municipal Government Building, Shanghai Museum (housed in a classic round-shaped structure inspired by ancient bronze cauldrons), Shanghai Grand Theatre, and Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center—it blends administrative functions with cultural richness. The square itself is a spacious, landscaped public area adorned with lawns, fountains, and sculptures, offering a peaceful retreat amid the urban bustle. It is also a major transportation interchange, with access to multiple subway lines, making it easily reachable for visitors. As a symbol of Shanghai’s modernity and dynamism, People's Square attracts both locals and tourists, who come to admire its architecture, enjoy leisure time, or explore the nearby cultural institutions.
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The Bund
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.
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Shanghai-Style Welcome Dinner
Shanghai Welcome Dinner: A culinary celebration blending tradition and innovation, showcasing the city’s iconic flavors. Savor delicate local specialties—from savory xiaolongbao (steamed dumplings) and crispy shengjian mantou (pan-fried buns) to fresh seafood and braised pork belly—paired with premium local beverages. Crafted to offer a warm introduction to Shanghai’s gastronomic heritage, this meal balances authentic tastes with elegant presentation, reflecting the city’s blend of classic charm and modern vibrancy. A perfect start to your Shanghai journey, inviting you to taste the essence of this dynamic metropolis.
- Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner
- Private Van
- Enjoy a comfortable intercity transfer in a private vehicle with an English-speaking guide accompanying and assisting you throughout the journey.
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Zhujiajiao Watertown
Explore Zhujiajiao, an ancient water town over 1,700 years old. Wander stone bridges, traditional houses, and canals—the “Venice of the East.” Visit Fangsheng Bridge and local shops, enjoy a family-run restaurant lunch, and soak in the charming atmosphere.
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Shanghai Tower 118
Visit Shanghai Tower, China’s tallest building and the world’s second tallest. Ride high-speed elevators to the 118th-floor observation deck for panoramic views of Shanghai’s skyline. With 127 floors and five podium levels, this landmark is a modern engineering marvel and a prime attraction for sightseeing enthusiasts.
- Breakfast , Lunch
- Private Van
- We arrange smooth ground transport connected to your flight schedule, operated without guiding support. (Shanghai to Guilin)
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Reed Flute Cave
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.
- Breakfast , Lunch
- Private Van
- Take a relaxed 4-hour cruiser to Yangshuo (Guilin to Yangshuo)
- Breakfast
- Private Van
- Enjoy a comfortable intercity transfer in a private vehicle with a professional driver.
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Tai Chi Lesson
Join a Tai Chi lesson and experience this traditional Chinese martial art. Learn slow, flowing movements that promote balance, relaxation, and wellness. Practicing Tai Chi in a serene garden or riverside setting offers a peaceful glimpse into local culture and ancient wellness traditions.
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Yangshuo countryside tour
Explore Yangshuo’s scenic countryside on a leisurely stroll through charming villages. Witness locals farming, enjoy lush rice paddies, and discover traditional rural life. Later, relax on cobblestone streets and absorb the stunning natural scenery—a perfect blend of culture and nature for curious travelers.
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Afternoon at leisure
Enjoy your afternoon.
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Cormorant fishing
Witness the ancient tradition of cormorant fishing, practiced in Guilin for centuries. Skilled fishermen use trained birds to catch fish with remarkable precision. This living cultural heritage provides a unique glimpse into local life along the Li River—a fascinating Guilin attraction blending nature and tradition.
- Breakfast , Lunch
- Private Van
- Drive around 1 hour back to Guilin (Yangshuo to Guilin)
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Tea Picking Activity at Qixian Peak in Yangshuo
Nestled amid the otherworldly karst peaks of Yangshuo, Qixian Peak offers an immersive tea picking experience that weaves together nature, culture and craftsmanship. As you ascend the lush, terraced slopes dotted with tender tea shoots, you’ll be guided by local tea farmers who share age-old techniques—how to pluck the "one bud and two leaves" that yield the finest Biluochun and local Yangshuo green tea. The crisp mountain air carries the fresh, grassy aroma of tea, while the panoramic view of karst pinnacles piercing the clouds adds a breathtaking backdrop to your harvest. After picking, you’ll step into a traditional tea house to learn about withering, rolling and drying the leaves, then savor a cup of freshly brewed tea made from your own pickings. This activity isn’t just a hands-on adventure; it’s a chance to connect with Yangshuo’s tea-growing legacy and feel the harmony between humans and the land that shapes this region’s renowned teas.
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Ronghu lake
Ronghu Lake is a key part of Guilin's Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area, boasting beautiful scenery and free admission. Start at the Ancient South Gate, touching the bricks and stones of the Southern Song Dynasty city wall and admiring the plaque inscribed by Guo Moruo as well as the thousand-year-old banyan tree. Then walk across Beidou Bridge, the longest white jade bridge in Guangxi, climb to the central island, and feel the poetic charm of Huang Tingjian mooring his boat by Furong Pavilion. Next, go to the Ancient Banyan Double Bridges to enjoy the distant view by the lake, then visit the Bai Mansion on the north bank of Ronghu Lake to experience the depth of history. Finally, head to the Ronghu Branch of Guilin Library by the lake, read by the window, and enjoy a peaceful time.
- Breakfast , Lunch
- Private Van
- Enjoy a private pickup from your airport, with a guide accompanying you and providing support throughout the transfer.
- Enjoy your flight from Guilin to Xi'an. (Guilin to Xi'an)
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Little Wild Goose Pagoda
Visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda, surviving a massive Tang Dynasty earthquake. Explore ancient gardens and pagoda architecture, and enjoy a serene oasis amid bustling Xi’an—a site rich in Buddhist history and culture.
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Tang Song Dance And Dumpling Banquet
Delight in a Shui Jiao dumpling dinner while watching a Tang Dynasty dancing show. Experience traditional cuisine paired with historic entertainment—a unique cultural and culinary Xi’an experience.
- Breakfast , Dinner
- Private Van
- Take an hour to the Terra Cotta Warriors Museum
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Terracotta Warriors
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.
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Ancient City Wall (Xi’an)
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.
- Breakfast , Lunch
- Private Van
- Transfer from Xi'an to Beijing by a bullet train. (Xi'an to Beijing)
- Pickup from train station to your hotel.
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Day at leisure
Enjoy your day in Beijing.
- Breakfast
- Private Van
- Enjoy a comfortable private vehicle with an English-speaking guide accompanying and assisting you throughout the journey.
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The Great Wall Mutianyu Section
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.
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Summer Palace
Stroll through the enchanting Summer Palace, China’s largest royal garden. Cruise across Kunming Lake, admire the marble boat, and walk the world’s longest painted corridor. With over 3,000 ancient structures, it’s a tranquil blend of nature and imperial grandeur—perfect for a Beijing sightseeing day.
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Acrobatic Show
Be amazed by Beijing’s world-famous Acrobatic Show—a fusion of artistry, athleticism, and storytelling. Watch daring stunts, elegant contortionists, and aerial feats that defy gravity. This performance blends Chinese tradition with modern stagecraft, leaving audiences thrilled and inspired.
- Breakfast , Lunch
- Private Van
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Tiananmen Square
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.
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Forbidden City
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.
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Temple of Heaven
Explore the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of Ming architecture symbolizing the harmony between heaven and earth. Once used by emperors to pray for good harvests, today it’s a peaceful retreat filled with locals practising tai chi. A must-see Beijing attraction and World Heritage Site.
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Peking Duck Dinner
Savor Beijing’s world-famous Peking Duck. Crispy skin, tender meat, and traditional preparation make this dish a national culinary symbol and an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
- Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner
- Public Transportation
- Enjoy a private drop-off from your hotel, with a guide accompanying you and assisting throughout the transfer to your departure point.
- Breakfast
- Private Van
Accommodation
We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.

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