12-Day Beijing-Xi'an-Guilin-Yangshuo-Shanghai Tour
Experience the best of China with this 12-day tour, designed to immerse you in the country's ancient history, rich cultural heritage, and stunning landscapes. Our signature "Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin & Yangshuo, Shanghai Tour" will take you to four iconic destinations: the historical wonders of Beijing, the ancient treasures of Xi'an, the picturesque beauty of Guilin and Yangshuo, and the modern vibrancy of Shanghai. From the awe-inspiring Great Wall to the mystical Li River, this tour offers a blend of ancient architecture, cultural discoveries, and natural beauty. Enjoy hand-picked accommodations, specialty meals, and seamless travel with a dedicated private driver and expert local guides, ensuring your journey is both comfortable and unforgettable.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to The Heart of Ancient China
Arrive in Beijing, the heart of China's history. Enjoy some free time to settle in and rest. In the evening, indulge in a welcome dinner featuring Beijing’s famous Peking Duck, an iconic dish that’s a must-try in this city.
- Meals: Dinner
- Transportation: Private transfer from the airport
Day 2: Exploring Beijing’s Icons at the Forbidden City and Tian’anmen Squar
Discover Beijing's imperial splendor, beginning at the vast Tian'anmen Square, a global symbol of history and culture. Continue your journey through the majestic Forbidden City, a palace complex that housed 24 emperors for over 500 years. Learn about its rich history and architectural beauty. Wrap up your day with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, where emperors sought celestial guidance, followed by a traditional Chinese dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Transportation: Private car throughout the day
Day 3: Discovering Wonders of the Great Wall and Summer Palace
Visit one of the world's most iconic landmarks, the Great Wall of China. You will hike along a beautiful, less-crowded section of the wall for a more serene experience. In the afternoon, head to the Summer Palace, a grand imperial garden and lakeside retreat. Explore the stunning landscapes and enjoy a peaceful boat ride. Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 4: Exploring Beijing's Hutongs and Ancient Treasures
Explore the charming Wudaoying and Nanluoguxiang Hutongs, where narrow alleyways reveal the rich tapestry of local life. Wander through these historic lanes and step inside a beautifully preserved courtyard home. In the afternoon, board your flight from Beijing to Xi'an. Upon landing at Xi'an Airport, your local guide will warmly welcome you and escort you to your centrally located hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Transportation: Flight from Beijing to Xi'an with private transfers
Day 5: Xi’an and the Legendary Terracotta Warriors
Start your day with a visit to the legendary Terracotta Warriors, a breathtaking army of clay soldiers guarding their emperor's tomb for centuries. Afterward, savor a delicious lunch featuring Shaanxi snacks and local dishes, offering a true taste of Xi'an's culinary heritage. Continue to the iconic Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a towering monument steeped in history and spirituality, renowned for its connection to Buddha and its role in preserving Buddhist scriptures brought from India. As night falls, indulge in a delightful banquet, with a feast of flavors unique to Xi'an, followed by the spectacular Tang Dynasty Show. This dazzling performance brings to life the glory and grandeur of one of China's most celebrated eras.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 6: Exploring Ancient Xi’an with History and Culture
Begin your day with a visit to the Shaanxi History Museum, home to a stunning collection of artifacts that tell the story of China's ancient past and Xi'an's pivotal role as the starting point of the Silk Road. Savor delicious street food at Huimin Street, the bustling Muslim Quarter, before exploring the Ancient City Wall. In the afternoon, head to the Ancient City Wall, where you can enjoy a peaceful walk or an adventurous bike ride along this well-preserved structure, taking in breathtaking views of the ancient capital. Then, transfer to the airport for your flight to Guilin. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel for a restful overnight stay in Guilin.
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Transportation: Flight from Xi'an to Guilin with private transfers
Day 7: Visiting Longsheng Rice Terraces and Zhuang Village
Take a scenic 2-hour drive to the stunning Longji Rice Terraces, where nature and tradition come together in breathtaking views. Visit the Zhuang Village of Ping'an, a charming ancient community with rich cultural heritage. Enjoy a delicious lunch of local dishes, full of authentic flavors. Afterward, explore the famous Dragon Spine Terraced Rice Fields—a masterpiece of farmland that looks like a dragon’s back, offering incredible views. After a day of exploration, enjoy the picturesque drive back to Guilin.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 8: Yangshuo and a Scenic Cruise with Local Culture
After having breakfast, take a scenic Li River Cruise. Enjoy a delicious lunch on board the boat as you soak up the views. In the afternoon, explore West Street in Yangshuo, a vibrant pedestrian street filled with souvenir shops, restaurants, and bars—a perfect place to experience the local charm. As night falls, be captivated by the Impression Liu Sanjie Night Show, a dazzling light performance on the Li River, set against the dramatic backdrop of Yangshuo’s karst mountains.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Transportation: Li River cruise and private car transfers
Day 9: Exploring Yangshuo’s Natural Beauty
Start your day by exploring the picturesque Yulong River Valley Countryside. Ride a bike or scooter through scenic, peaceful corners of the countryside, away from the crowds. Next, enjoy a relaxing bamboo rafting experience on the tranquil Yulong River, drifting past lush greenery and charming rural landscapes. For lunch, savor the local specialty beer fish or other delicious regional dishes. In the afternoon, visit Xianggong Hill and soak in the breathtaking panoramic views of the Li River and its stunning karst peaks.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 10: Discover Shanghai's Famous Attractions
Transfer to the Guilin Airport and fly to Shanghai, China's bustling metropolis. After arriving and transferring to your hotel, take a walk along the iconic Bund, with its stunning colonial-era architecture and views of the modern skyline. Visit the Shanghai Tower for panoramic views of the city and its futuristic skyline. Enjoy dinner at a fine dining restaurant offering a blend of Western and Eastern culinary influences.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Flight from Guilin to Shanghai, private vehicle with professional driver
Day 11: Exploring Shanghai’s Treasures at Yu Gardens and the French Concession
Explore the peaceful Yu Gardens, a classical Chinese garden filled with ponds, rockeries, and pavilions. Afterward, stroll through the historic French Concession area, known for its tree-lined streets and charming cafes. In the afternoon, visit the Shanghai Museum to admire its vast collection of Chinese art and artifacts. In the evening, enjoy a relaxed dinner with breathtaking views of Shanghai’s Huangpu River on a cruise.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver, river cruise
Day 12: Farewell Shanghai
Spend your final day shopping along Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s most famous shopping street. From high-end brands to traditional Chinese souvenirs, this is a great place to find something special to take home. Afterward, savor a farewell lunch at a local restaurant before heading to the airport for your departure flight or onward journey.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Transportation: Private transfers to the airport
Accomodations
You may choose 5-star or 4-star accomodations for your journey. The following list is a sample of hotels you may stay in. An alternative hotel of similar grade may be chosen if the following hotels are not available. All of our accomodations are carefully selected for comfort and convenience.
5-Star Hotels List:
- Beijing
- JW Marriott Hotel Beijing
- The Regent Beijing
- Xi'an
- Sofitel Xi’an on Renmin Square
- Hilton Xi'an
- Guilin
- Shangri-La Hotel, Guilin
- Yangshuo
- Shixi Landscape Hotel t Lijiang Resort (Yangshuo West Street Lijiang Store)
- Shanghai
- Hilton Shanghai City Center
- Shanghai Marriott Marquis City Centre
4-Star Hotels List:
- Beijing
- Novotel Beijing Peace
- Crowne Plaza Beijing Chaoyang U-Town
- Xi'an
- Holiday Inn Xi’an Big Goose Pagoda
- Mercure Xi’an on Renmin Square
- Guilin
- Lijiang Waterfall Hotel Lijiang Moon Hotel
- Yangshuo
- Mercure Guilin Yangshuo Xingping
- Shanghai
- Novotel Shanghai Atlantis
- Grand Central Hotel Shanghai
Inclusion/Exclusion
- What's Included:
- Panda Tourism's expert travel director and skilled professional driver
- Luxury 5-stars hotels with proven quality (A comfortable option for 4-stars hotels is also available)
- Inclusive of porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel service charges, tips, and local taxes covered
- Daily breakfasts and up to half your evening meals included
- Iconic sightseeing highlights plus unexpected extras
- Audio headsets for special destination tours
- Private premium transportation coach/vehicle
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- Optional experiences and plenty of leisure time
- Flights and train rides within China included
- What's Not Included:
- International flights to and from China
- China visa fees
