2-Week Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Guilin, Xian, and Beijing Tour
Touch Chinese Elegance
The soul of Chinese elegance lies in the profound reverence for beauty and art, deeply intertwined with the nation’s culture and history. This route, perfect for your first visit to China, allows you to fully immerse in the rich experiences of elegant China.
Explore ancient Beijing and Xi’an, home to iconic landmarks like the Forbidden City and the Terracotta Army. Unwind amidst the breathtaking karst landscapes of Guilin, taking in the serene beauty of rivers, mountains, and Longji rice terraces. Experience the refined lifestyle of Suzhou and Hangzhou, strolling through picturesque gardens and along the tranquil waters of West Lake.
Enjoy the best of China in 14 days with our expertly curated private tour, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable journey. This itinerary is flexible and can be customized daily to your interests.
Tour Highlights
- Discover Shanghai’s fusion of tradition and modernity — from Yuyuan Garden to Pudong skyscrapers
- Explore Suzhou’s classical gardens and Chinese folk art museum
- Cruise West Lake in Hangzhou, and savor its tea and silk heritage
- Marvel at Guilin’s Li River and Longji Rice Terraces, meet Zhuang and Yao minorities
- Walk on the Ancient City Wall of Xi’an, see the Terracotta Warriors, and try Hanfu
- Visit Beijing’s Forbidden City, Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace
- Enjoy immersive cultural activities like dumpling-making, umbrella painting, and tea picking
Suggested Itinerary at a Glance
| Days & Destination | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Days 1–2 · Shanghai | Yuyuan Garden, The Bund, French Concession, Pudong skyline, Michelin dining |
| Day 3 · Suzhou | Master-of-Nets Garden, Six Arts Museum, folk art treasures |
| Days 4–5 · Hangzhou | Lingyin Temple, West Lake boat ride, Hu Qingyu Hall, tea tasting, silk museum |
| Days 6–8 · Guilin & Yangshuo | Reed Flute Cave, Longji Rice Terraces, bamboo-tube rice cooking, Li River cruise, Yangshuo biking |
| Days 9–10 · Xi’an | Ancient City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Terracotta Warriors, Hanfu experience |
| Days 11–14 · Beijing | Summer Palace, Mutianyu Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City, Hutong visit, Peking Duck dinner |
Tour “Wow” Points
🏯 Unveil the Lives of China’s Royal Family in the Forbidden City
Step off the main tourist trail in the Forbidden City. Explore hidden palaces for empress dowagers and discover stories rarely told by guides. This UNESCO wonder reveals both grandeur and intimate details of imperial family life.
🧗 Climb the Greatest Project of Ancient China
Experience the less-crowded Mutianyu Great Wall, known for its majestic scenery and well-preserved watchtowers. A cable car makes access easy, while the toboggan ride down is a fun option. It’s one of the best family-friendly Great Wall tours.
🍴 Discover the Flavors of China
Taste both modern Michelin-star dining and traditional cuisine like Peking Duck and Hangzhou-style afternoon tea. These culinary highlights showcase the evolution of Chinese gastronomy from ancient delicacies to contemporary fine dining.
🌿 Stroll Through the Master-of-Nets Garden
In Suzhou, explore the Master-of-Nets Garden — a perfect example of Chinese garden aesthetics. Walk among delicate pavilions, rockeries, and ponds, understanding how nature and architecture blend in classical Jiangnan design.
🏺 Explore Suzhou’s Six Arts Museum
Admire over 5,000 Chinese cultural artifacts, from calligraphy and ceramics to Ming furniture. With interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations, this museum offers a deeper appreciation of folk traditions and fine art.
🚣 Unwind on West Lake by Rowboat
Sail across Hangzhou’s West Lake in a traditional rowing boat, while hearing local legends from your boatman. This UNESCO site offers a serene immersion into poetic Chinese landscapes.
🎨 Paint Your Own Oil Paper Umbrella
Try your hand at the art of umbrella painting, guided by a local artisan. Sketch, paint, and decorate your umbrella, creating a personalized souvenir while learning about China’s folk crafts.
🍵 Be a Tea Farmer in Meijiawu Village
Visit Dragon Well tea plantations, pick tea leaves, and learn processing techniques. Enjoy a tea ceremony while understanding the artistry behind one of China’s most famous green teas.
🗿 Witness the Terracotta Warriors Up Close
Stand before Xi’an’s Terracotta Army, crafted over 2,200 years ago. Your guide shares untold stories, followed by a hands-on workshop where you can make your own clay warrior.
👘 Dress in Traditional Hanfu
Try on Hanfu costumes with flowing sleeves and vivid colors. Perfect for photo shoots, this cultural experience connects you with China’s ancient fashion heritage.
🏡 Visit Minority Villages in Longji
Meet Zhuang and Yao ethnic minorities in their wooden homes among the rice terraces. Learn how to cook bamboo-tube rice and experience the warmth of local village hospitality.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Beijing
Arrive in China’s historic capital, Beijing. Your private guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure to rest or stroll nearby.
🏨 Hotel: Beijing 5-star international brand
💡 Travel Tip: Adjust to the time difference and prepare for your China tour adventure.
Day 2 – Beijing City Highlights
Visit Tiananmen Square, the symbolic heart of China. Continue to the Forbidden City, the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. In the afternoon, explore the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests.
🏨 Hotel: Beijing 5-star
🍴 Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
✨ Experience: Walk through centuries of Chinese imperial history.
Day 3 – Great Wall at Mutianyu
Drive out to the Great Wall at Mutianyu, one of the best-preserved and most scenic sections of the Wall. Take a cable car or hike for panoramic views. In the afternoon, relax at the Summer Palace, a masterpiece of Chinese landscape gardens.
🏨 Hotel: Beijing 5-star
🍴 Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
💡 Travel Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for climbing and exploring the Great Wall.
Day 4 – Beijing Hutongs & Train to Pingyao
Explore Beijing’s historic hutongs by rickshaw and visit a local family for a dumpling-making experience. Later, board the high-speed train to Pingyao, a UNESCO-listed Ancient City.
🏨 Hotel: Pingyao boutique courtyard stay
🍴 Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
✨ Experience: Authentic Chinese lifestyle and cultural immersion.
Day 5 – Pingyao Ancient City
Spend the day exploring Pingyao Ancient City, with highlights including the City Wall, Rishengchang Bank, and County Government Office. Enjoy traditional local noodles for lunch.
🏨 Hotel: Pingyao boutique courtyard stay
🍴 Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
💡 Tip: Pingyao offers excellent night photography of its lantern-lit streets.
Day 6 – Pingyao to Xi’an
Visit Shuanglin Temple to admire its painted sculptures, then continue to the Wang’s Family Compound, a grand residential complex. Transfer to Xi’an by train.
🏨 Hotel: Xi’an 5-star
🍴 Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 7 – Terracotta Warriors
Spend the morning at the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Afternoon visit to Big Goose Pagoda. Evening optional Tang-style music and dance show.
🏨 Hotel: Xi’an 5-star
🍴 Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
✨ Experience: Step back into China’s ancient dynasties.
Day 8 – Xi’an City Wall & Muslim Quarter
Cycle or walk atop the Ancient City Wall, the best-preserved in China. Explore the Muslim Quarter food street for local snacks and vibrant market life.
🏨 Hotel: Xi’an 5-star
🍴 Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 9 – Fly to Chongqing & Board Yangtze Cruise
Morning flight to Chongqing, then board your Yangtze River Cruise ship. Enjoy a welcome dinner and evening views of the illuminated riverside.
🏨 Onboard Yangtze River Cruise (5-star cabin)
🍴 Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 10 – Yangtze River Cruise
Cruise through scenic gorges and stop for shore excursions (such as Shibaozhai Pagoda or Fengdu Ghost City). Relax on deck with spectacular views of the Yangtze.
🏨 Onboard Cruise
🍴 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11 – Three Gorges
Sail through the magnificent Qutang, Wu, and Xiling Gorges. Take a small boat excursion along the Shennong Stream or Goddess Stream for close-up scenery.
🏨 Onboard Cruise
🍴 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12 – Disembark at Yichang & Fly to Shanghai
Disembark at Yichang after visiting the Three Gorges Dam project. Transfer for your flight to Shanghai, China’s modern metropolis.
🏨 Hotel: Shanghai 5-star international
🍴 Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 13 – Shanghai City Tour
Discover Yu Garden, a classic Chinese garden. Stroll along the Bund and see colonial-era architecture. Visit Shanghai Tower for panoramic views. Evening Huangpu River Cruise.
🏨 Hotel: Shanghai 5-star international
🍴 Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
✨ Experience: Capture the perfect contrast of old and new Shanghai.
Day 14 – Departure from Shanghai
Transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport for your onward flight. Your 14-day China highlights tour ends here.
🍴 Meals: Breakfast
💡 Tip: Consider extending your stay in Suzhou or Hangzhou for extra cultural exploration.
Trip Notes
- Customization: Each day can be tailored to your pace and interests.
- Best Travel Time: Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) for mild weather.
- Family-friendly: Optional hands-on activities (tea-picking, dumpling-making, umbrella painting).
- Guides: Private English-speaking local guides ensure insider access and flexibility.
💡 Why Choose This Tour
- Covers China’s must-see cities and UNESCO sites in just 2 weeks.
- Unique cultural immersion: art workshops, minority encounters, tea ceremonies.
- Private transfers and guides ensure comfort and flexibility.
- Hand-picked boutique hotels enrich your experience.
- 24/7 support during your trip for peace of mind.
Price Includes:
- Private air-conditioned business car with spacious seating
- English-speaking local guides
- Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
- Domestic flights and trains between cities
- 24/7 travel support hotline
💰 From US$ 3,919 per person
(Based on 2 travelers, 4-star hotels, private tour. Price varies by season, group size, and hotel choice.)The more people, the bigger the discount — up to 40% off.
