10 Days Beijing-Xian-Guilin-Shanghai Small Group Tour

Morning: Start the day at Tian’anmen Square, the symbolic heart of modern China. Take photos of Tian’anmen Gate, the Monument to the People’s Heroes, and the Great Hall of the People. Continue walking into the Forbidden City, the largest imperial palace complex in the world. Explore the grand halls, imperial courtyards, and ancient treasures while learning about the lives of Ming and Qing emperors. The palace’s central axis reveals the most important ceremonial buildings and architectural highlights.

After the visit, take a short uphill walk to Jingshan Park, where you can enjoy a panoramic view over the entire Forbidden City and the traditional rooftops of old Beijing blending into the modern skyline.

Afternoon: Continue to the Summer Palace, a UNESCO-listed imperial garden and royal retreat. Walk along Kunming Lake, admire the Long Corridor’s painted scenes, and explore bridges, pavilions, and temples designed in perfect harmony with natural landscapes. This site reflects the peak of traditional Chinese garden design and offers a peaceful contrast to the city’s busy center.

Travel Notes:

• The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays (alternative: Temple of Heaven or Prince Gong’s Mansion).
• Expect moderate walking; comfortable shoes are strongly recommended.

Transportation: Private vehicle for full-day sightseeing
Dining: Breakfast + Lunch included
Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Beijing

Morning: After breakfast, drive approximately 1.5–2 hours to the Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the most scenic and best-preserved sections of the Great Wall. Take a cable car up to the mountain ridge and begin your hike along ancient stone pathways and restored watchtowers. Enjoy sweeping views of green mountains, forested valleys, and the winding wall stretching into the distance. You can choose different hiking routes depending on your energy level, from easy walks to more challenging climbs toward higher watchtowers.

Afternoon: Return to downtown Beijing and stop for photos at the Bird’s Nest (National Stadium) and Water Cube (National Aquatics Center), iconic structures from the 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2022 Winter Games. These landmarks highlight the contrast between ancient Chinese heritage and modern architectural innovation. After the visit, transfer back to the hotel for rest.

Travel Tips:

• Bring comfortable walking shoes and light outdoor clothing.
• Carry sunscreen, water, and a hat during warmer seasons.
• Cable car and toboggan ride options are available at Mutianyu (optional cost).

Transportation: Private vehicle + round-trip transfer
Dining: Breakfast + Lunch included
Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Beijing

Morning: After breakfast, transfer to the railway station and take a high-speed train from Beijing to Xi’an (approx. 4.5–5.5 hours). Enjoy a comfortable journey across northern China’s landscapes. Upon arrival in Xi’an, the ancient capital of 13 dynasties, your local driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

Afternoon: Visit the iconic Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a landmark of Tang Dynasty Buddhism and a symbol of Xi’an’s historical importance. Walk around the peaceful temple complex and learn about the journey of Monk Xuanzang, who brought Buddhist scriptures from India.

Later, explore the lively Muslim Quarter, a bustling cultural district filled with street food, handicrafts, and local life. Try famous Xi’an specialties such as Roujiamo (Chinese burger), Biangbiang noodles, and lamb skewers, while enjoying the energetic atmosphere.

Transportation: High-speed train + private transfer
Dining: Breakfast included
Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Xi’an

Morning: Drive about 1 hour to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors Museum, one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in history. Explore the vast underground army built for Emperor Qin Shihuang, featuring thousands of life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots. Visit different excavation pits to see formations of infantry, archers, and generals, each with unique facial expressions and armor details.

Afternoon: Return to the city and visit the Ancient City Wall, one of the oldest and best-preserved city walls in China. You may choose to walk or cycle along the top of the wall for panoramic views of both ancient gates and modern Xi’an city. Continue to the Bell Tower (or Drum Tower), a landmark of the Ming Dynasty, beautifully lit in the evening.

Optional evening stroll around Zhonglou Square, where modern life meets ancient architecture.

Transportation: Private vehicle
Dining: Breakfast + Lunch included
Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Xi’an

Morning: Transfer to Xi’an Airport for your flight to Guilin (approx. 2.5 hours). Upon arrival in Guilin, known for its “most beautiful karst landscape under heaven,” your driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in the city center.

Afternoon: Visit Elephant Trunk Hill, the symbol of Guilin, where the limestone formation resembles an elephant drinking from the Li River. Walk to Water-Moon Cave and enjoy scenic river views and ancient cliff inscriptions.

Continue to the magical Reed Flute Cave, famous for its colorful lighting and spectacular limestone formations such as stone pillars, stalactites, and underground chambers. Highlights include the Crystal Palace and illuminated rock formations resembling natural art sculptures.

After sightseeing, return to your hotel for rest or optional evening leisure in downtown Guilin.

Transportation: Flight + private transfer
Dining: Breakfast included
Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Guilin

Morning: After breakfast, transfer to the pier and begin your scenic Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo (approx. 4–4.5 hours). Glide through one of China’s most iconic landscapes, passing dramatic karst peaks, mirror-like river waters, bamboo groves, and traditional riverside villages. Along the way, enjoy views of farmers working in the fields, water buffalo grazing, and limestone mountains rising like ink paintings.

Afternoon: Arrive in Yangshuo and transfer to your hotel for a short rest. Later, explore the surrounding countryside, either by bicycle, electric scooter, or private vehicle. Ride through rice fields, small villages, and winding country roads framed by dramatic limestone peaks. This is one of the best ways to experience rural southern China at a relaxed pace.

Evening: Walk along West Street, the most lively area in Yangshuo. The street blends Chinese charm with international influence, filled with cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, and street performers. Enjoy dinner, relax with a coffee, or simply soak in the vibrant nightlife atmosphere.

Transportation: Cruise + local vehicle
Dining: Breakfast + Lunch included
Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Yangshuo

Morning: After breakfast, transfer from Yangshuo back to Guilin Airport for your flight to Shanghai (approx. 2–2.5 hours flight). Say goodbye to Guilin’s natural beauty and fly toward China’s most modern and international city.

Afternoon: Upon arrival in Shanghai, your driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your downtown hotel. After check-in, enjoy free time to rest or explore the surrounding area at your own pace.

You may choose to take a casual walk around Nanjing Road, visit nearby shopping areas, or enjoy the city skyline views from Pudong District depending on your hotel location. Shanghai offers a perfect contrast after Guilin’s natural landscapes, showcasing a vibrant mix of modern skyscrapers and historic streets.

Transportation: Vehicle transfer + flight
Dining: Breakfast included
Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Shanghai

Morning: Start in the modern financial district of Pudong (Lujiazui). Visit the iconic Shanghai Tower, China’s tallest building, and take the high-speed elevator to the observation deck for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city skyline, including Jin Mao Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Center.

Continue to the Shanghai Museum (East) to explore world-class collections of ancient Chinese art, including bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, jade, and historical treasures such as the famous Sword of King Goujian.

Afternoon: Visit the classical Yu Garden, a beautiful Ming Dynasty private garden featuring rockeries, ponds, pavilions, and traditional architecture. Outside, explore Yuyuan Bazaar, a lively area filled with local snacks, souvenirs, and handicrafts.

Later, walk along Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, Shanghai’s busiest shopping avenue, lined with modern malls, international brands, and historic buildings. End the day at The Bund, where colonial-era architecture meets the futuristic skyline across the Huangpu River—one of the most iconic views in China.

Travel Notes:

• Yu Garden is closed on Mondays (alternative: City God Temple or French Concession).
• Shanghai Museum (East) is closed on Tuesdays (alternative: People’s Square branch or other city attractions).

Transportation: Private vehicle for sightseeing
Dining: Breakfast + Lunch included
Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Shanghai

Morning: Enjoy a relaxed morning in Shanghai. You may take a short walk around your hotel area, do some last-minute shopping, or simply rest before departure.

Later: At the scheduled time, your driver will transfer you to Shanghai Pudong International Airport or Hongqiao Railway Station for your onward journey.

Optional Extension Ideas:

• Add extra days in Hangzhou for West Lake scenery
• Extend to Suzhou for classical gardens and water towns
• Continue to other Asian destinations upon request

Travel Note:

• Please check flight schedules in advance and allow sufficient transfer time due to Shanghai’s traffic conditions.

Transportation: Private transfer to airport/train station
Dining: Breakfast included
Accommodation: Not included (tour ends)