11-Day China Classic Tour
Introduction
This 11-day China top cities tour covers the most popular four destinations and five World Heritage sites in China. It makes an ideal tour for first-time visitors who would like to discover China’s history, culture, modernization, and landscape.
The itinerary below is only one possibility. Tips to tailor-make your trip are offered as inspiration. Tell us your preferences and our travel experts will customize this trip to suit your interests, tastes, and budget.
Itinerary at a Glance
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 1–4 Beijing | Discover the Forbidden City, Tian’anmen Square, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Great Wall at Mutianyu & Simatai night view, hutong rickshaw ride, and authentic roast duck dinner |
| 5–6 Xi’an | Explore the Terracotta Warriors with a hands-on relic workshop, cycle on the Ancient City Wall, visit Shaanxi History Museum, Little Wild Goose Pagoda, and stroll the vibrant Muslim Quarter |
| 7–9 Guilin & Yangshuo | Admire Longji Rice Terraces, lunch with a Yao family, cruise the Li River to Yangshuo, see the RMB20 view, explore countryside villages, and discover minority culture |
| 10–11 Shanghai | Walk the Bund in-depth, ascend Shanghai Tower, visit Yu Garden, explore Nanjing Road, and enjoy a half-day customized city experience (shopping, art, nightlife, or local culture) before departure |
Tour “Wow” Points
Unveil the Lives of China’s Royal Family in Their Hidden Halls
Get off the ordinary sightseeing route in the Forbidden City. Listen to the interesting stories of the famous personalities that are not told by typical tour guides.
Witness the Great Wall and Enjoy the Dreamy Night Views
Walk on the spectacular Great Wall at Mutianyu. See both a restored section and a wild section of the Wall. See the Simatai Wall lit up along a mountain ridge at night.
Understand Beijing by Tasting Its Traditional Food
Enjoy an authentic Beijing roast duck dinner in a time-honored brand restaurant.
Unearth Secrets of the Terracotta Army and Its “Hidden Collectibles”
Marvel at the 2,000-year-old clay army that once guarded Emperor Qin’s tomb. Join a guided tour to see and touch the artifacts from the same era, including the first unearthed terracotta figure. Immerse yourself in the role of an archaeologist by participating in a conservation workshop.
Enjoy a Cruise in the Painting Gallery of the God
Relax on a top-class guided Li River cruise, enjoying spectacular landscapes. Find the exact sight on the note of RMB20.
Feast Your Eyes on the Best Scenery of the Rice Terraces
The Longji Rice Terraces are widely known for the awe-inspiring view. Standing on top of such a huge man-made wonder is itself an extraordinary experience.
Visit a Minority Family and Explore Their Centuries-Old Lifestyle
Enjoy lunch with a Yao family who invite you into their home. Learn how to stuff and cook rice inside a bamboo tube, sip the freshly-extracted oil tea.
Discover the Rural China by Exploring the Less Touristy Villages
To experience the daily life of the local farmers will let you see another side of China.
Discover the Hidden Stories of the Bund and Ascend Shanghai Tower
Travel back in time to the golden age of the Bund in the 1920s. Walk a route that few tourists find, see the most original bricks, and hear stories not found in history books.
Enjoy a Half-Day Customized Icing-on-the-Cake Experience
Whether you want to relax, experience fashion, appreciate art, explore folk customs, or shop, your private guide will make it happen — from fancy bars to art centers, nail beauty, or even visiting the marriage market.
Suggested Itinerary
Days 1–4 | Beijing
- Great Wall at Mutianyu & Simatai night view
- Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Tian’anmen Square
- Hutong experiences, roast duck dinner
Days 5–6 | Xi’an
- Terracotta Warriors with relics handling workshop
- Ancient City Wall biking
- Xi’an History Museum, Little Wild Goose Pagoda, Muslim Quarter
Days 7–9 | Guilin & Yangshuo
- Longji Rice Terraces & Yao family visit
- Li River Cruise (scenery from RMB20 note)
- Yangshuo countryside villages, local markets, minority culture
Days 10–11 | Shanghai
- The Bund in-depth walking tour
- Shanghai Tower panoramic views
- Half-day customized city experience (art, shopping, culture, nightlife)
👉 Detailed day-by-day breakdown with meal plans, hotel options, and tailor-make suggestions are included in the original itinerary text above.
Trip Notes
- Tailor-Make Options
- Extend to Suzhou & Hangzhou (1–4 days) for gardens, water towns, and West Lake
- Chengdu (2–3 days) for pandas and Leshan Buddha
- Hong Kong & Macau (2–3 days)
- Other destinations: Zhangjiajie, Huangshan, Tibet
- Accommodation
- 3–5 star hotels, boutique stays, and family room arrangements available.
- Transportation
- Domestic flights and China’s high-speed rail network arranged for efficiency.
- Meals
- Lunches in authentic local restaurants included.
- Vegetarian, halal, kosher, Indian, or gluten-free diets can be catered.
Why Choose This Tour
✔ Covers China’s four most iconic cities: Beijing, Xi’an, Guilin, Shanghai
✔ Includes five UNESCO World Heritage Sites in one itinerary
✔ Balanced mix of history, culture, nature, and modern life
✔ Flexibility to customize with side-trips and personal interests
✔ Top-rated guides and service, backed by excellent TripAdvisor reviews
Price Includes:
- Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
- English-speaking local guide
- Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
- Flights/trains between itinerary cities
- 24/7 helpline during travel
💰 From US $3,079 p/p
(Based on a private tour including 4-star hotels for 2 people. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people, and chosen hotel.)The more people, the bigger the discount — up to 40% off.
