13-Day China Tour: Beijing, Shanghai, Guilin, Xian & Yangtze Cruise

Transfer via:  International flight on your own arrangement  

Nihao! Welcome to Shanghai, China’s most internationalized and vibrant city! Shanghai’s long-term fusion of Eastern and Western cultures has contributed to Shanghai’s unique culture. Upon your arrival at the airport/train station in Shanghai, the driver will meet and greet you at the exit, and then escort you to the well-selected hotel in downtown Shanghai. The rest of the day is free on your own so you can have a good rest for the jet lag or explore by yourself around your hotel.

Today you will spend the whole day experiencing the perfect blend of West and East in this “Paris of the East.” Visit brilliant museums, traditional Chinese gardens, modern skyscrapers, and exotic architecture.

First, head to the Pudong Area. One eye-catching feature is the trio of towering skyscrapers in the Lujiazui financial district. Shanghai Tower is the tallest building in China and second tallest in the world at 632 meters (2,073 feet). Here, you will ascend the highest building in Shanghai – the Shanghai Tower – featuring a dramatic 120-degree twist from base to peak. Ride the world’s fastest elevators, traveling at 64 km/h, up to the “Top of Shanghai Observatory” on the 118th floor, 546 meters (about 1,791 feet) above ground. Enjoy unparalleled 360-degree panoramic views over the city and look down on the Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center.

Later, visit the Shanghai Museum for an awe-inspiring tour of the finest art collection and profound Chinese history. Built shaped like an ancient bronze ding vessel, the museum has a round top and square base, symbolizing “round sky, square earth.” It contains 120,000 cultural relics showcasing incredible Chinese art spanning 5,000 years. Immerse yourself in the Bronze and Ceramics Exhibition Hall, appreciating the elaborate bronzes and exquisite artifacts. Don’t miss top treasures like the Da Ke Ding bronze vessel from over 3,000 years ago and the Bianzhong of Marquis Su of Jin, ancient musical instruments.

Next, head to Yu Garden, the most celebrated classical Chinese garden hidden in bustling downtown Shanghai. Enjoy a leisurely stroll to see the Chinese architecture and exquisite sculptures and carvings. Outside, Yuyuan Bazaar is a fun place to taste local snacks and shop for traditional crafts and art.

In the afternoon, stroll down Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, lined with famous brands, restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, and towering buildings. Continue to the Bund, the top must-see spot in Shanghai. Known as the “Exhibition of International Architecture,” the Bund features 52 buildings in various styles. Overlook the amazing Pudong skyline and skyscrapers from here.

(Travel Note: Shanghai Museum and Yu Garden are closed Mondays. Those days you’ll instead visit the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, Shanghai City God Temple, or the French Concession.)

Transfer via:  Flight Shanghai- Guilin arranged (Economy class)  

On this day, you will have some free time till your driver meets you in the hotel lobby and escorts you to the airport for your flight to Guilin (about 2.5 hours). Upon your arrival in Guilin, your driver will meet you at the exit of the airport and escort you to your hotel in Guilin’s downtown area.

“East or west, Guilin landscape is the best”. After breakfast, you will go to explore the most stunning natural scenery along the Li River, which is renowned as one of the “the world’s top 10 watery wonders” by National Geographic. Drive about 1 hour from your hotel to the pier and start a 4.5-hour relaxing sightseeing Li River cruise trip to Yangshuo. Along the 84-kilometer scenic cruise, you will feast your eyes with endless Chinese paintings of winding rivers, numerous green limestone karst peaks, grazing water buffalo, farmers working in the fertile fields, and idyllic villages nestled at the bases of the hills. (Note: Lunch is served on the cruise with simple local Chinese cuisine.)

After arriving in Yangshuo, the driver will pick you up from the dock and drive to your hotel in Yangshuo town for a short rest. Then it’s a relaxing moment for an impressive exploration of the Yangshuo countryside with its beautiful rural landscape.You can ride a bike to explore the postcard-like karst hills and rice paddies and pass by some tranquil villages. Let all the picturesque scenes please your eyes and your souls to the maximum for total relaxation. (Optional: Rent an electric scooter for an additional fee.)

Later, you will stroll leisurely along the West Street, which is the most prosperous area in Yangshuo. Restaurants, bars and souvenir shops along the street are always full of guests. It is a fusion of western culture and Chinese culture and it is the best place to spend your nightlife here. Whether you want to enjoy a cup of coffee, taste some local food or just throw yourself into the vivid atmosphere… all you can get.

Transfer via:  High speed train Guilin- Chongqing arranged(second class seat)  

This morning, we will drive back to Guilin and start your visit to the Symbol of Guilin – Elephant Trunk Hill. Located at the intersection of the Li River and Peach Blossom River, Elephant Trunk Hill looks like a huge elephant drinking water from the river. Then you will pay a visit to the Reed Flute Cave, a classic scenic spot with karst landforms. The amazing stalactites and stalagmites in the cave resemble animals or plants. When the colorful neon lights turn on, you will feel as if you are walking through a crystal palace.

After the tour, you will be escorted to train station for your speed train to Chongqing. Welcome to Chongqing, the Mountain City of China! Upon your arrival in Chongqing, your guide will meet you at the exit of the train station and escort you to Chongqing Chaotianmen Port to board your Yangtze cruise. You will have free time after the cruise ship check-in and you can go around the area of Chaotianmen Port. Your memorable relaxing cruise journey starts at 21:00!

Remarks:

1. Please call the ship one day ahead or at least in the morning on the boarding day to have clear idea about which pier you are going to use;
2. All the times on the schedule are estimated ones which are subject to change due to weather and navigation conditions.
3. The boarding time and departure piers may change based on the ship line, water level, season, weather and other factors.

Today the cruise will sail peacefully on the Yangtze River. After getting up in the morning, you can go to the restaurant to enjoy a buffet breakfast. After that, you can enjoy the charming river view along the Yangtze River, or choose to play the rich entertainment facilities/activities on the cruise.
In the afternoon, you will follow the tour guide to go ashore to visit Fengdu Ghost City. [Fengdu Ghost City] is also known as “Youdu”. It is famous for its many buildings and shapes that represent the underworld of China, such as Hengha Temple, Tianzi Hall, Naihe Bridge, Huangquan Road, Wangxiangtai, Yaowang Hall, etc. It is famous for its mysterious ghost culture. You can follow the guide’s explanation to learn many ghost legends about the Chinese underworld or traditional Chinese myths. If you are interested, you can also visit Shibaozhai Tower at your own expense. [Shibaozhai Tower] is the tallest and most multi-story folk through-beam wooden structure in China. It is known as one of the “eight strange buildings in the world”. Climbing the 12-story mahogany pagoda, you can overlook the panoramic view of the Yangtze River.
Tips: The above itinerary is for reference only. The attractions may vary depending on different cruise companies. We will choose the most suitable cruise for you according to your preferences.

Today, we will continue to cruise the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, and follow the guide’s explanation to learn about the scenery or stories and legends of the Three Gorges. First, you will take a boat through the Qutang Gorge, which is majestic, strange, dangerous and steep, and check in at Kuimen, which is known as the gate of Chinese landscape and water, and is the background pattern of the 10-yuan RMB. [Qutang Gorge] is the shortest, narrowest and most dangerous canyon in the Three Gorges, with a total length of 8 kilometers. The cliffs on both sides are like a knife and an axe. The mountains are high and the gorge is narrow. Looking up at the blue sky, the sky and the clouds are a line. The water in the gorge is deep and fast. The narrowest part of the river is less than 50 meters, and the waves are turbulent, which is thrilling.
Then we will pass through the Wu Gorge, which is famous for its deep and beautiful scenery. On both sides of the [Wu Gorge], there are endless green mountains and peaks like screens. When the boat is in the gorge, sometimes there are mountains in front of you, and there is no way out with stones; suddenly, the peaks turn around, and the clouds open up to a different world, just like a tortuous gallery, full of poetic and picturesque. Finally, we will pass through Xiling Gorge, which is the longest gorge in the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River. The scenery in the gorge is beautiful and magnificent. The peaks on both sides are towering, the river is steep, the cliffs are across the sky, the rocks are jagged, the springs are hanging, the vines and ancient trees are blocking the sky.
In the afternoon, follow the guide to go ashore to visit Shennv Creek, which is also known as “Beauty Creek”. The creek is 15 kilometers long. The mountains are high and the valleys are deep. The scenery is beautiful, and the creek is deep and dark green, like an ink painting. You will transfer to a local cruise ship and go down the stream to appreciate the beautiful scenery of the mountains and valleys and the mysterious hanging coffins on the cliffs at close range. If you are interested, you can also join the local Tujia singing and dancing performances, which are very lively and cheerful. After that, return to the cruise ship, attend the captain’s dinner in the evening, have a delicious dinner together, and stay overnight on the cruise ship.
Tips: The above itinerary is for reference only. The attractions may vary depending on different cruise companies. We will choose the most suitable cruise ship for you according to your preferences.

Transfer via:  Flight Yichang- Xian arranged(Economy class)  

Arrive at Yichang dock, you will be met and escorted to airport for your flight to Xian. Upon your arrival in Xian, your driver will meet you and escort you to your hotel, you will have free timr after the hotel check-in.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel. Drive about 40km (about 1 hour) to uncover one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world – the Terracotta Army Museum, built by the first emperor of China, Qin Shihuang, to protect him in the afterlife. Around 8,000 vivid life-size Terracotta Warriors have been found so far. First, visit the largest and most imposing pit, believed to contain over 6,000 terracotta figures of soldiers and horses. You will be amazed by this subterranean life-size army of thousands standing silently to guard the emperor. Marvel also at the fabulous artistic skills of ancient Chinese artisans. Next, move to another pit where you can see around 1,300 warriors and horses. Examine the ancient army formation, including the kneeling and standing archers, the chariot war array, and numerous troopers holding weapons.

After lunch, head to visit the Ancient City Wall, also known as the Fortification of Xian, representing one of the oldest, largest, and best-preserved Chinese city walls. Spend time leisurely walking the wall and enjoying its inner and outer walls, watchtowers, and moat, taking in panoramic views of modern Xian, there, you will also visit the awe-inspiring Bell Tower and Drum Tower, both landmarks from the Ming Dynasty dating back 600 years, will be beautifully illuminated, creating a captivating backdrop for stunning photos showcasing the harmonious blend of ancient history and modernity in Xian. In the evening, you may also have the chance to witness the enchanting musical fountain and lively square dancing near Bell & Drum Tower Square (Zhongulou Square), allowing you to immerse yourself in Xian’s vibrant nightlife like a local.

Transfer via:  High speed train Xian- Beijing arranged(second class seat)  

This morning, you will go to visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, one of Xi’an’s most recognizable landmarks and symbol of the magnificence of the Tang Dynasty. This seven-story pagoda standing in the tranquil Da Ci’en Temple is one of China’s best examples of a Tang-style pagoda (squarish rather than round). It was completed in AD 652 to house Buddhist sutras brought back from India by the monk Xuan Zang. His travels inspired one of the best-known works of Chinese literature, Journey to the West. Later, you will have the opportunity to explore the vibrant and bustling Muslim Quarter (Muslim Street). This historic quarter, situated just behind the Drum Tower about 430 meters west of the Bell Tower in downtown Xian, has been around for over 1,000 years.

After the tour, you will be transferred to the train station for your high speed train to next destination – Beijing. Upon arrival in Beijing, your driver will meet you at the train station and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free on your own so you can explore by yourself around your hotel.

Today you will spend the whole day exploring the ancient citadel of Beijing through China’s famous landmarks, imperial grandeur, and royal gardens.

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up at your hotel and head to Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square and symbol of China. It has witnessed many major events in China’s history over the past decades, and from here you can take great photos of Tiananmen Gate, seen daily on CCTV News.

Walking across the square, you will visit the mighty and splendid Forbidden City, the world’s largest palace complex and former home of 24 Chinese emperors. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Forbidden City has about 500 years of history, serving as the political and ritual center of China during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. With over 8,700 rooms, it is not only China’s largest and best-preserved collection of ancient buildings, but also a city within a city, like the Vatican in Rome. Enter through the Meridian Gate and visit along the central axis to ensure you see all the highlights. Admire the brilliant architecture and numerous ancient treasures while listening to your guide share stories of the emperors who once lived here.

Later, take a 15-minute walk up to Jingshan Park, where you can enjoy magnificent panoramic views over modern Beijing and the Forbidden City’s russet roofs.

In the afternoon, drive to the Summer Palace, the “Museum of Royal Gardens,” once a summer retreat for royal families. The grounds, temples, gardens, pavilions, lakes, bridges, gate-towers, and corridors are marvels of landscape design. Take a leisurely stroll to appreciate the imperial architecture, hilltop views, and beautiful lakes, which offer a pastoral escape into the landscapes of traditional Chinese painting.

(Travel Note: Beijing’s Forbidden City is closed on Mondays. On those days, you will instead visit the Temple of Heaven or Prince Gong’s Mansion.)

In this morning, you will head northwest of Beijing (about 1.5-2 hours’ drive, 73km) to the Great Wall at Mutianyu. The Great Wall boasts a history over 2,000 years and stretches more than 3,000 miles across several provinces of northern China, making it one of the most impressive ancient masterpieces on the planet. Mutianyu Great Wall is connected with the Jiankou Great Wall in the west and the Gubeikou Great Wall in the east. Mutianyu is the longest and best fully-restored Great Wall with fewer tourists and is also famed for its 23 Ming-era watchtowers and stunning views. Take the cable car up to the 14th watchtower and then enjoy the memorable hiking time on the wall while visiting its western route. With the green pines and cypresses covering the surrounding area, and the winding wall standing majestically on the vast land, you will capture the most stunning natural scenery in this section. Challenge yourselves while climbing up to the 20th watchtower where you could fulfill your Great Wall dream. Cherish the chance and take photos as many as you like!

After the once-in-lifetime experience, head back to downtown Beijing and have the chance to take photos with the exterior of the Bird’s Nest (Beijing National Stadium) and Water Cube (Beijing National Aquatics Center). They were both designed for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and used for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games.

After that, transfer back to your hotel and have a good rest tonight.

It is time to end your 13-day China tour. You will have some free time in Beijing and explore more on your own till be escorted to the airport for your flight to your next destination.