First Time China Trip: Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin & Shanghai

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.

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.

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.

Return to Xi'an city and step into the vibrant embrace of the Great Tang All Day Mall, a bustling pedestrian street that recreates the splendor and atmosphere of China's prosperous Tang Dynasty. Be enchanted by traditional street performances at every turn: young maidens in ancient Tang garb playing the pipa, skilled traditional jugglers, and the mesmerizing Sichuan face-changing art, all creating an immersive experience of ancient

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Explore the lively local markets at Bugaoli and Sipai Road, where you can immerse yourself in Shanghai's street culture, browse a variety of local goods, and savor tempting Shanghai street snacks and delicacies, from steamed buns to sweet pastries and fresh local treats.