• Classic Xi’an Tour

    ★★★★★

    4.9/5 726 Latest reviews

    Tour Code: ODY-CN-2454

    Destination: Beijing, Xi’an, Guilin, Shanghai

Duration

12 Days

Tour Type

Private & Bespoke

Tour Style

Family

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Itinerary
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About This Trip

This 12-day journey is not just about seeing the sights, but about connecting with each destination through hands-on experiences that help the whole family understand China. From the Great Wall in Beijing to the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, history comes alive beyond words or images on a screen. Enjoy the hands-on fun of craft in the Beijing hutongs, ride a bike along Xi’an’s city walls, try your hand at traditional shadow puppetry, and visit local families to learn how to make dumplings. In Guilin, bamboo raft trips on the Li River and cave explorations make the stunning landscapes even more vivid and engaging. In Shanghai, tasting dim sum turns the traditional culture into a memory you can truly feel.

Itinerary Summary

DAYPLACEHIGHLIGHTS
1 – 4BeijingGreat Wall, Forbidden City, Rickshaw Hutong Tour, Hands-on Craft Activity, Peking duck, Old Beijing Hotpot
5 – 7Xi’anTerracotta Army, Puppet Show, Home Visit, Tang Costumes, Muslim Quarter, Drum Tower
8 – 10GuilinLi River Cruise, Reed Flute Cave, Bamboo Rafting, Yangshuo Countryside Tour
11 – 12ShanghaiThe Bund, Yu Garden, Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai Tower, Dim Sum Lunch
Quick Question

Itinerary

Welcome to Beijing! Start your family vacation in China as your guide meets you at the airport and takes you to your hotel for a smooth check-in. Each landmark in Beijing brings history to life, offering experiences that delight family members of all ages as you explore Beijing’s palaces and charming hutongs together.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Begin with a visit to iconic Tiananmen Square and feel the historical and political pulse in the heart of modern China. Then, head to the imperial residences of the Forbidden City. Wander in awe through its vast halls and hidden corridors, exploring an endless collection of relics within the former home of emperors. Climb up Jingshan Park’s peak, rewarded with panoramic city views from above.

For lunch, indulge in Beijing’s iconic delicacy – Peking duck. Revel in the contrasting layers of crispy skin and succulent flesh wrapped in a soft crepe.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

The morning finds you amidst the serene surroundings of the Temple of Heaven, unraveling the mysteries of ancient imperial ceremonies within its ornate halls. Thereafter, at Mutianyu, about two hours away from downtown Beijing by drive, a scenic cable car journey uplifts you to the lofty heights of the Great Wall section. Heralding whipping mountain winds, the fortified ramparts trail endlessly under a vast blue sky.

In the evening, enjoy the Old Beijing Hotpot. Simmer thinly sliced lamb in boiling stock and savor the warmth of good company as fragrant smells tease the senses.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

This morning, trace the narrow alleys and winding lanes of Hutongs on a rickshaw tour. Ancient courtyards and architectural relics are revealed, transporting you to the past. Afterward, indulge yourself with a relaxing session of hand-pinching noodles or shaping playful clay figures.

As afternoon light fades, the high-speed rail whisks you westward till the ancient Xi’an emerges. On arrival, your guide will accompany you to the hotel for check-in and relaxation after the journey.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Venture into the archaeological wonder of the Terracotta Army to delve into the subterranean vault housing over 8,000 life-sized warriors and horses molded in battle formation over 2,000 years ago. Try your hand at traditional crafts and shape a miniature Terracotta sculpture.

When returning to the city, explore the bustling alleys and taste diverse street snacks amid the crowds and sounds of the Muslim Quarter.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Start your day discovering the architectural marvel of Drum Tower dominating the old city. Towering drum and bell structures inspire curiosity while strolling ancient alleys of the Muslim Quarter. Later, in the centuries-old Courtyard of family Gao, giggles erupt as shadow puppetry spins fanciful tales before your eyes. Also, here, get hands-on exploring your artistic sides through calligraphy tutorials – laugh at each other’s “scribbles” as skills grow.

In the evening, dress up in traditional Tang Dynasty costumes and stroll the Great Tang All Day Mall, a place replacing the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty over 1,200 years ago.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

For a truly immersive experience, your whole family receives a warm invitation into a local Xi’an home. Watch eagerly as your host kneads dough for dumplings and join in the motion. Enjoy hands-on lessons shaping fillings and pleating wrappers together, giggling over wonky results.

Later, a flight will take you to Guilin, where you will meet your new guide and driver for more adventures.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Your day discovers the poetic Li River, floating past its dramatically towering limestone pillars lining emerald shores. Gaze in wonder at the changing panoramas of this steep karst geography. Disembarking in Yangshuo by early afternoon, wander along famed West Street, where souvenirs tempt amid street performers’ tunes. Later, be transferred to the hotel for rest.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Yangshuo’s picturesque countryside awaits your family’s discovery. Embark on a leisurely bicycle ride spinning along winding rural lanes, or hop aboard a private vehicle for scenic hillside vistas. Then, board the traditional bamboo raft, settling onto aged poles as you push off from the shore. Smiles linger from quality time while the simple vessel floats silently amongst shades of jade.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Boards the vehicle to return to Guilin City, where wonder awaits at Reed Flute Cave. The curious children drag you through mystical grottoes lit by rainbow hues of calcium deposits shaped into whimsical pillars, curtains, and monuments.

Then, bid scenic Guilin goodbye and fly to Shanghai. On arrival, check into your hotel for an evening at leisure downtown.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Start your discovery of Shanghai by strolling the Bund for iconic river views and photos of the dynamic skyline. Then, immerse in exhibits unveiling city development at Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall. Wander Yu Garden together, discovering hidden charms amongst pavilions and ponds. Also, visit Yuyuan Market to take in the local atmosphere.

For lunch, enjoy Chinese dim sum, relishing flavorful favorites like plump shrimp dumplings. Your family savors the variety of small plates and delicate flavors. Later, a visit to a silk workshop delights all. At Jade Buddha Temple, children gaze in awe at exquisite statues and the constant stream of believers. Then, take the dizzyingly fast elevator ascending Shanghai Tower, the world’s second-highest skyscraper, for spectacular views from its observation decks above the city.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

A filling breakfast fuels your family for the journeys ahead. Your guide transfers you all to the airport, marking the end of this adventure.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Why Choose Inner Mongolia Jiuhong Travel Service Co., Ltd.

12-Year TripAdvisor Award

Travellers’ Choice winner every year since 2013

No Commission Shopping

Zero shopping stops, zero pressure, zero hidden agendas

100% Private

Every tour is exclusively yours — no strangers, no shared buses

Expert Local Guides

Licensed, English-speaking guides with deep local knowledge

Real reviews from real travellers

  • u003cemu003eu003cemu003eI highly recommend Inner Mongolia Jiuhong Travel Service Co., Ltd. The team is very easy to work with, has excellent ideas and the guides are knowledgeable and easy to be with. Very solid itineraries and execution — flexible, high quality, and great value for money.u003c/emu003eu003c/emu003e
    James T.
    Verified · TripAdvisor
  • u003cemu003eu003cemu003eWe visited both Xi’an and Shanghai under Jiuhong’s arrangement and received the same first-class service in both cities. The guides were knowledgeable, flexible, and happy to discuss all aspects of modern China — giving insights difficult to obtain elsewhere. Strongly recommended.u003c/emu003eu003c/emu003e
    Greenfly
    Couples · Verified · TripAdvisor
  • u003cemu003eu003cemu003eWe had a wonderful action-packed day. Fei Fei was amazing — her knowledge was very impressive and she was a real pleasure to be with. This was certainly the highlight of our stay in this beautiful city. Thanks so much.u003c/emu003eu003c/emu003e
    Ludovic V.
    Couples · London, UK · Verified · TripAdvisor

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