Victor’s 11-Day Budget-Friendly China Family Tour: Beijing Xi’an Shanghai

A few months ago, Victor first reached out to me about bringing his son to China. At the time, his vacation was very limited-just 5 days. Paying for expensive international flights for such a short trip didn’t seem worthwhile, so that plan was put on hold.

Not long ago, he contacted me again. This time, with a longer holiday at hand, he decided to travel with his wife and son on an 11-day journey through China. The itinerary covered Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai, with an additional day trip to a water town.

Thoughtful Planning: Saving Money While Maximizing Joy

Victor emphasized that he had a limited budget and wanted to keep costs under control without sacrificing experiences. To achieve this, I designed the itinerary with great care. In Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai, I arranged group tours instead of private ones-ensuring both cost savings and coverage of the key highlights.

For the water town experience, I compared Zhouzhuang and Zhujiajiao for him. Zhouzhuang is more famous, but Zhujiajiao retains the charm of Ming and Qing-era architecture, is closer to Shanghai, and offers lower transportation costs. After thorough discussion, Victor happily accepted Zhujiajiao as the choice.

For accommodations, I suggested a triple arrangement with an extra bed in one room. This setup was both comfortable and budget-friendly, ultimately saving them around USD 600. While the savings may not seem huge, helping guests enjoy a fulfilling trip within their budget gave me a strong sense of satisfaction and joy.

The Passport Crisis Resolved in Time

Less than a month before departure, while collecting passport details, I discovered that Victor’s wife and son’s passports were valid for less than six months-below the minimum required for entry into China. This was a serious issue that could have jeopardized the entire trip.

I immediately informed Victor and advised him to renew their passports right away. To my relief, Victor responded swiftly: from identifying the issue to submitting new passports, it took only five days. Our quick communication and efficient cooperation turned a potential crisis into a smooth resolution. This trust and responsiveness ensured the trip went forward as planned.

Trip Highlights

Beijing (Day 1–4)

Upon arrival in Beijing, the family explored Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City, and Jingshan Park, where they marveled at the sweeping view of the city’s central axis. At the Summer Palace, they experienced the poetic beauty of royal gardens. At Mutianyu Great Wall, they took a cable car up to the 14th watchtower, hiked to the 20th, and soaked in the spectacular scenery of the Wall winding across the green mountains. On the way back, they stopped for photos at the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, symbols of the 2008 Olympics.

Xi’an (Day 4–6)

After taking the high-speed train, they arrived in Xi'an, the ancient capital of 13 dynasties. They visited the legendary Terracotta Warriors, witnessing the grandeur of the Qin Empire more than 2,000 years ago. Walking atop the Ancient City Wall, they admired the blend of history and modernity, and enjoyed the evening lights at the Bell and Drum Tower Square. They also explored the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and the lively Muslim Quarter, where Tang Dynasty heritage meets diverse street food culture.

Shanghai (Day 6–9)

The final stop was modern Shanghai. They ascended the Shanghai Tower for panoramic skyline views, admired treasures at the Shanghai Museum, and strolled through Yu Garden and the bustling bazaar nearby. At night, the Bund glowed with dazzling lights, where colonial-era architecture and futuristic skyscrapers faced each other across the Huangpu River. To complete the journey, they ventured into Zhujiajiao Water Town, gliding through canals under stone bridges, enjoying the serenity and charm of a Jiangnan water village.

A Perfect Ending

This trip allowed Victor and his family to deeply experience both China’s ancient heritage and modern vitality-while staying within their limited budget. Before heading home, Victor told me:

“Thank you, Doria. This journey not only saved us money, but also gave us unforgettable memories in every city. It has even brought our family closer together.”

My Service Philosophy

Whether it’s pre-trip planning, on-trip support, or post-trip follow-up, I am always available, ready to solve problems for my guests. I believe that in travel, what matters most is not just the places you reach, but the peace of mind and smoothness along the way.

That’s why I strive to communicate clearly and promptly, and to attend to every detail with care and thoughtfulness. To me, travel is not only about destinations-it is a shared journey with my clients. My goal is to use professionalism and dedication to ensure each traveler feels secure and cared for, transforming possible challenges into warm and lasting memories.