10 Days Classic China Tour: Beijing Xian Guilin Shanghai

Nihao! Welcome to Beijing, China's capital city. Your guide and driver will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel in downtown Beijing. The rest of the day is yours to rest or explore on your own.

Arrival Ideas:

Beijing has two international airports - Capital (PEK) and Daxing (PKX)  - with flights from most major cities worldwide. High-speed trains connect Beijing to Xian (4-5 hours), Shanghai (4.5-6 hours), and Zhengzhou (2.5-3 hours).

Free Time Ideas:

Ask your guide for recommendations based on your arrival time. They might suggest a walk through Wangfujing Street or a visit to the Temple of Heaven park.

After breakfast, be guided by our local professional guide to fully explore Beijing. Your journey begins at the iconic Tian’anmen Square, the vast heart of the capital and a symbol of modern China.

From there, walk through the imposing Meridian Gate into the Forbidden City, the world’s largest and most well-preserved palace complex. Once the exclusive domain of 24 emperors, this "city within a city" boasts over 8,728 rooms of architectural brilliance. Follow the grand central axis as your guide leads you through the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Central Harmony, and the Hall of Preserving Harmony. Along the way, you’ll uncover the fascinating, often secret, stories of imperial power, court intrigue, and the daily lives of those who once ruled from behind these crimson walls.

After immersing yourself in the imperial past, ascend the hill at Jingshan Park (about 15 minutes’ walk). From this vantage point, you’ll be rewarded with the most famous panoramic view in Beijing: the breathtaking sea of golden-tiled roofs of the Forbidden City set against the striking backdrop of the modern city skyline. It is the perfect spot to capture the contrast between old and new.

In the afternoon, trade the grand palaces for the intimate charm of Beijing’s old Hutongs. Experience this authentic side of the capital by rickshaw, weaving through the narrow, winding alleys where ordinary Beijingers have lived for centuries. As you glide past traditional courtyard homes (siheyuan) and bustling local markets, you’ll discover the quiet, resilient spirit of "Old Beijing" that still thrives in the shadows of the city's skyscrapers.

On this day, your journey begins with a scenic 1.5 to 2-hour drive northwest to the Mutianyu Great Wall. Renowned as the best-preserved section of this ancient wonder, Mutianyu offers a more serene experience than other parts of the wall, allowing you to truly connect with its history. With its 23 original Ming-era watchtowers snaking across the verdant mountain ridges, it stands as a testament to ancient engineering and resilience.

Upon arrival, take a comfortable cable car ride that soars above the lush forest canopy, depositing you directly at the 14th watchtower. From here, you will embark on a memorable hike along the wall’s rugged spine. Surrounded by ancient pines and cypresses, you’ll enjoy breathtaking vistas of the wall winding like a stone dragon over the hills. For the ultimate photo opportunity, challenge yourself to reach the 20th watchtower, where the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape are simply unmatched. After soaking in the scenery, you will take cable car descent back to the base.

After your hike, we return to the heart of Beijing for a striking contrast between the ancient and the modern. You will make a photo stop outside the Bird's Nest (National Stadium) and the Water Cube (National Aquatics Center). These architectural masterpieces, which gained global fame during the 2008 Summer Olympics and were revitalized for the 2022 Winter Games, represent the bold, futuristic face of China’s capital.

Following this final look at Beijing’s modern skyline, you will be transferred back to your hotel for rest.

Visit the Summer Palace, the royal family's summer escape. This "Museum of Royal Gardens" features temples, pavilions, and the beautiful Kunming Lake. Take a leisurely walk along the Long Corridor, decorated with thousands of painted scenes.

After the tour, your guide will escort you to the train station for a high-speed train to Xian (about 4.5-5.5 hours). Upon arrival, your Xian guide will meet you and take you to your hotel.

Welcome to Xian, capital of 13 ancient dynasties.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel. Drive about 40km (about 1 hour) to uncover one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world - the Terracotta Army Museum, which was built by the first emperor of China - Qin Shihuang to protect him in his afterlife.

There are about 8,000 vivid life-size Terracotta Warriors found so far. First, pay a visit to the largest and most imposing pit which is believed to contain over 6,000 terracotta figures of soldiers and horses.  

After lunch, drive back to downtown to visit the Ancient City Wall (also known as the Fortification of Xian). The city wall is a kind of defensive structure in Ancient Times and represents one of the oldest, largest, and best-preserved Chinese city walls. Spend some time leisurely walking on the wall and enjoy its inner and outer walls, watchtowers, and moat, and have panoramic views of modern Xian. 

(Optional biking experience: If you want to cycle on the ancient city wall, please tell your ideas to your travel expert.)

Late in the afternoon, go to explore the vivid local life when you go to wander happily around the bustling and lively Muslim Quarter. It is a paradise mixed with different local snacks and Muslim culture.

This morning, your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel and head to the Xian Museum. Located in a beautiful park setting, this museum houses thousands of relics that tell the story of Xian's 3,000-year history and its role as an ancient capital.

Next, visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. Situated inside the Da Ci'en Temple, this iconic Tang-style structure is a landmark of Xian. It was originally built to store Buddhist scriptures brought back from India.

Following the tour, your driver will escort you to the airport for your flight to Guilin (approximately 2 hours).

Upon arrival, our team will meet you at the airport exit and provide a private transfer to your downtown hotel. After checking in, the rest of the day is yours to relax.

After breakfast, drive about 1 hour to the pier to begin your Li River Cruise. This 84-kilometer journey is famously ranked by National Geographic as one of the world's "Top 10 Watery Wonders."

During the 4.5-hour cruise, you will drift past thousands of limestone karst peaks and winding river bends. Keep an eye out for grazing water buffalo, local farmers in the fields, and traditional villages nestled at the base of the hills.

Upon reaching Yangshuo, your driver will meet you at the dock and transfer you to your hotel for a short rest. Afterward, head out to explore the Yangshuo Countryside, known for its peaceful rural charm.

You can choose to hop on a bike or rent an electric scooter to navigate the narrow paths. This route takes you through lush rice paddies and past quiet hamlets, offering a "postcard-perfect" view of the surrounding karst landscape.

Later, spend your evening on West Street. This is the most vibrant part of Yangshuo, where modern cafes and bars sit alongside traditional souvenir shops.

It is a unique fusion of Western and Chinese cultures, making it the ideal spot for nightlife. Whether you want to sample local snacks, enjoy a coffee, or simply soak up the energetic atmosphere, West Street is the place to be.

Begin your final morning in Guilin by visiting the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill. Often considered the city’s symbol, this majestic limestone formation looks exactly like a giant elephant dipping its trunk into the crystal-clear waters of the Li River. It is a quintessential photo opportunity that perfectly captures the spirit of Guilin.

Next, step into a subterranean wonderland at the Reed Flute Cave. As you wander through this ancient karst grotto, you will be surrounded by a dazzling array of stalactites and stalagmites, illuminated by colorful, artistic lighting. The reflections in the underground pools create an otherworldly atmosphere, making you feel as though you have stepped into a glittering crystal palace.

After soaking in the natural wonders of Guilin, it is time to head to the airport for your flight to the bustling metropolis of Shanghai (about 2.5 hours).

Upon your arrival in Shanghai, you will be warmly greeted by your local guide, who will assist with your luggage and provide a comfortable transfer to your hotel. As you drive into the city, get ready for the dazzling skyline and vibrant energy of China’s most modern city.

After breakfast, our local team will take you to explore the old and new Shanghai.

Begin your day at the world-renowned Shanghai Museum, an architectural marvel shaped like an ancient bronze ding vessel. Housing over 120,000 precious cultural relics, this museum is a treasure trove of Chinese history. Wander through the galleries to admire exquisite ancient bronzes, including the legendary Da Ke Ding, as well as ceramics, calligraphy, and jade that span 5,000 years of civilization.

Later,you will have a visit to the Shanghai Tower, China's tallest skyscraper. Ascend to the 118th-floor observation deck, soaring 546 meters above the ground. From this "Top of Shanghai," you will be treated to an unparalleled, breathtaking panoramic view of the sprawling metropolis.

Next, step back into the Ming Dynasty at Yu Garden. This classical masterpiece is a tranquil sanctuary of winding paths, ornate rockeries, crystal-clear ponds, and traditional pavilions. After soaking in the serenity, immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of the adjacent Yuyuan Bazaar. It’s the perfect spot to sample authentic Shanghainese street snacks like xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and browse for unique, traditional souvenirs.

In the late afternoon, experience the pulse of the city on Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, a bustling thoroughfare that serves as the commercial heart of Shanghai. Continue your walk to the iconic The Bund, where you can marvel at the stunning contrast between the historic, European-style colonial buildings on one side and the futuristic, glittering skyscrapers of the Lujiazui financial district across the Huangpu River.

After the tou, be transferred back to your hotel in Shanghai.

After breakfast, it is time to end your trip with us. Depending on your flight or train schedule, you may have some free time to take a final stroll in Shanghai or pick up last-minute souvenirs. Our local team will meet you at the hotel lobby and escort you to the airport or train station for your onward journey.

Trip Extension Ideas:

If you have more time in China, we can help you extend your trip to other breathtaking corners of China. Whether you want to see the Giant Pandas in Chengdu, hike the otherworldly peaks of Zhangjiajie, explore the spiritual landscapes of Tibet, witness the sunrise over the granite cliffs of Huangshan, or immerse yourself in the ethnic diversity of Yunnan, we are here to craft your next perfect itinerary.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your classic China tour. It has been a pleasure to be part of your travel story. Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you back to China soon!