13-Day China Tour Chengdu-Guilin-Shanghai-Xian- Beijing

Transfer via:  International flight on your own arrangement  

Nihao! Welcome to Chengdu, the panda hometown in southwestern China! Upon your arrival at the airport/train station in Chengdu, the driver will meet you at the exit, and then escort you to the well-selected hotel in downtown Chengdu. The rest of the day is free on your own so that you can have a good rest for the jet lag or explore by yourselves around your hotel.

After breakfast, you will meet your guide early at the appointed time in the Chengdu hotel lobby. Today you are going to fulfill your panda dream with a 17-kilometer drive to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (Xiongmao Jidi), or simply Chengdu Panda Base.

Chengdu Panda Base, the closest to the city proper, accommodated over 100 pandas which is the base with the largest population of captive giant pandas in the world. You will see giant pandas of different ages there. It’s great fun to watch them playing, eating, climbing, sleeping… If you come in autumn, you will have the chance to see the pink newborn giant panda cubs in the Sunshine Nursery House and the Moonlight Nursery House. Besides giant pandas, you can also meet the cute red pandas walking by your side in the Red Panda Playgrounds. Then follow your guide to discover more about panda’s secrets through the Panda Museum. (Note: Pandas like cool weather, so we advise you to arrive there early as pandas are more active in the morning. During the day of high temperatures, pandas would prefer to stay inside and sleep.)

In the afternoon, drive to visit the mysterious Sanxingdui Site Museum (about 1 hour’s drive, 50km). Unearthed in 1929, Sanxingdui keeps making archaeologists excited by its brilliant relics unearthed from the ancient capital 3,000-5,000 years ago. As one of the 50 Places in China that are worthiest for foreign travelers to visit, you will be amazed by the ancient people who created the outstanding relics. Sleep for thousands of years, wake up, and shock the world. In the Bronze Pavilion, you can have close contact with the Bronze Sacred Tree (3.96m, a treasure of the museum, archaeologists took 10 years to recover it), the Bronze Standing Figure (2.6m, the only complete figure of its size and kind), Vertical-eyed Bronze Mask (the protruding eyes are considered as the symbol of ‘Can Cong’, the first leader of Ancient Shu), Sun-shaped Bronze (looks like a car steering wheel)… Walking into the mysterious Comprehensive Pavilion, marvel at The Gold Scepter (the gold stick of the King of Ancient Shu Kingdom), Ceramic Utensil with Three Legs (Three-legged Cooking Pottery, local people called it hotpot), Jade Zhang, Gold Mask… With the Bronze, jade, and gold products shown from the Sanxingdui Site, you can imagine the brilliant Sanxingdui Civilization and the existence of the ancient Shu Kingdom that pushes the history of the Sichuan region back for over 2,000 years. After Sanxingdui visiting, drive back to Chengdu downtown. (Note: Visiting the Sanxingdui site during peak season cannot be guaranteed. The visit may be adjusted to the Jinsha Site instead.)

After that, return to Chengdu downtown for an relaxing stroll at Jinli Old Street. With a history over 1,800 years, it showcases the profound cultures of Ancient Shu Kingdom. Take a nice walk on the traditional stone-paved street full of delicious local snacks, delicate artifacts, interesting folk shows, etc.

Transfer via:  High speed train Chengdu- Guilin arranged by AOT(second class seat)  

You will be escorted to train station for your speed train to Guilin(5-6hours). Upon your arrival in Guilin, your driver will meet you at the exit of train station and escort you to your hotel in Guilin 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:  Flight Guilin- Shanghai arranged by AOT (Economy class)  

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 airport for your flight to Shanghai. Welcome to Shanghai, China’s most internationalized and vibrant city! Upon your arrival in Shanghai, your driver will meet you at the exit of the airport and escort you to your hotel in downtown Shanghai. You will have free time after your hotel check-in.

Today is a free day on your own to explore China’s most internationalized and vibrant city – Shanghai. Here, you will find an endless range of delicious food, modern architecture, cultural sites and shopping at every corner. You can take a walk along the exotic streets and absorb atmosphere of vitality. Enjoy your day.

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 or High speed train Shanghai- Xian arranged by AOT (Economy class/second class seat)  

On this day, you will have some free time till your driver meets you in the hotel lobby and escorts you to the airport or train station to Xian.

Welcome to Xian, the capital of 13 ancient China dynasties! Upon your arrival in Xian, the  driver will greet you at the exit of the airport, and then escort you to your hotel in Xian downtown area. Enjoy some free time on your own 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 by AOT(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.