Duration

12 Days

Tour Type

Private & Bespoke

Tour Style

Family

About This Trip

This 12-day family journey makes China’s history and culture tangible and engaging through firsthand experiences. Start your mornings like locals with Tai Chi, take a kung fu class at the Shaolin Temple, stroll through ancient towns in traditional Tang-style attire, try your hand at Chinese calligraphy, and enjoy a lively shadow puppet performance. Interwoven with these cultural moments are natural adventures the whole family can share, from hiking along the Great Wall to exploring the Avatar Mountains of Zhangjiajie. Along the way, savor Beijing’s traditional hotpot, fresh farm-to-table meals, and delicate dim sum in Shanghai, turning each destination into a flavorful and memorable family experience.

Itinerary Summary

DAYPLACEHIGHLIGHTS
1 – 4BeijingThe Forbidden City, Great Wall, Agritainment, Copper Pot Hotpot Mutton, Temple of Heaven, Play Tai Chi
5 – 6LuoyangKung Fu Lesson, Shaolin Temple, Songyang Academy, Longmen Grottoes
7-8Xi’anTerracotta Warriors, Bronze Chariots, Tang Costume Experience, Shadow Puppet Play, Chinese Calligraphy Experience
9 -10ZhangjiajieZhangjiajie National Forest Park, Avatar Mountain, Tianmen Mountain Glass Walkways and Cable Car
11 – 12ShanghaiThe Bund, Yu Garden, Local Delights, Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, French Concession
Quick Question

Itinerary

Welcome to China! Beijing is the perfect starting point for your family adventure. After completing immigration formalities and meeting your guide, you may take a moment to explore Daxing International Airport. The airport’s design features graceful, flowing lines that are both harmonious and unique, with an impressive axial symmetry reminiscent of a blossoming flower. Then, proceed with a private transfer to your downtown hotel.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

After breakfast, step into the vast expanse of Tiananmen Square, where the majestic Tiananmen Gate rises before you and China’s national flag flutters proudly in the breeze.

Enter the Forbidden City, a grand complex of palaces from the Ming and Qing dynasties, each building resplendent with golden hues and intricate carvings, a testament to imperial grandeur. After the visit, ascending to the top of Jingshan Park, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Forbidden City, its symmetrical layout and harmonious beauty spread out before you.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Today, journey to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, renowned for its numerous watchtowers, including Dajiaolou and Zhengguan Terrace. Take a cable car up the wall and step into the watchtowers for breathtaking views of the cascading mountains. For an extra thrill, descend the wall on a toboggan – a fun ride that delights both children and adults while offering stunning scenery along the way.

At noon, savor a hearty lunch in a farmhouse nestled right next to the Great Wall. After your adventurous morning, take some time to relax back in the city. In the evening, indulge in a delicious and authentic Beijing old copper pot shabu-shabu, the perfect way to unwind and enjoy the local cuisine.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

In the morning, stroll through the 600-year-old Temple of Heaven Park, where towering ancient trees stand guard beside historic buildings, their vibrant colors painting a majestic scene. Join locals playing Tai Chi in the serene surroundings, experiencing the tranquility and cultural richness of this ancient practice.

Later, board a high-speed train about four hours to Luoyang, seamlessly transitioning from Beijing’s historical marvels to the ancient capital’s cultural treasures.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

After breakfast, set off to Dengfeng for a family adventure brimming with cultural and historical charm. Begin at the iconic Shaolin Temple, a sacred Buddhist site and the birthplace of Chinese martial arts. Watch an exhilarating Shaolin Kung Fu performance and join a one-hour Kung Fu class to master some basic moves.

Explore the Pagoda Forest, home to uniquely styled stone pagodas honoring Shaolin’s eminent monks, and the Songyue Temple Pagoda atop Mount Song, a marvel of religious architecture offering breathtaking views. Visit the Songyang Academy, one of ancient China’s four great academies, where countless scholars once studied.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Your final stop in Luoyang is the Longmen Grottoes, a dazzling gem along the Silk Road and a treasure trove of Buddhist and stone carving culture. The serene Lusena Buddha, along with thousands of other statues and niches, stands quietly by the Yi River, showcasing the imperial devotion to Buddhism and the spiritual beliefs of ancient China. The artistry of these carvings reached its pinnacle here. Over time, the grottoes have endured the elements, bearing witness to court intrigues, dynastic changes, and the evolution of civilization.

Then, take a 1.5-hour high-speed train to Xi’an, once the capital of thirteen dynasties, hailed as a “natural history museum.”

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Continue your historical journey and head to the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum Museum. There, you will be guided into the magnificent world of the Terracotta Warriors and Bronze Chariots, witnessing the mysterious charm of the millennia-old tomb. The lifelike Terracotta Warriors and exquisite Bronze Chariots showcase the magnificence and splendor of ancient China 2,200 years ago.

After returning to the city, take a short break before an enchanting evening. Dress up in Chinese costumes inspired by the Tang-style from 800 years ago, and step into the vibrant Great Tang All Day Mall. This bustling marketplace, steeped in the rich ambiance of the ancient capital, is alive with activity. Immerse yourself in a captivating journey through time, and enjoy a memorable cultural experience with your family.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Start your day by heading to the ancient city wall. Climb up and take a stroll, or rent a bike and ride along this historic structure, soaking in the blend of history and vibrant city life.

To taste authentic Xi’an, visit the bustling Muslim Quarter. Indulge in a variety of local delicacies and savor the rich flavors. Step into the historic Gao Family Courtyard, where you’ll enjoy an enchanting shadow puppet show and experience the charm of traditional Chinese art. Afterward, pick up a calligraphy brush and try your hand at writing a piece of Chinese calligraphy.

After your visit, catch your flight to the beautiful Zhangjiajie. Prepare for a new adventure amidst the breathtaking natural wonders.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Take a full-day adventure exploring Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, an ideal natural classroom for connecting with the great outdoors. Your journey begins at Yuanjiajie, where the Bailong Elevator, crafted entirely of transparent glass, swiftly transports you 335 meters up the mountain for awe-inspiring panoramic views.

Admire the iconic First Bridge under Heaven, a testament to nature’s majestic beauty. Encounter the enchanting Fairy Flowers that grace the landscape, casting an ethereal spell. Climb Yubi Peak, reminiscent of a masterful calligraphy stroke, before venturing to Tianzi Mountain to witness captivating sunrise and sunset scenes. Glide over the peaks via cable cars and traverse verdant valleys aboard the Ten-Mile Gallery Small Train, fully immersing yourself in the park’s natural splendor throughout the day.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

After breakfast, you will discover the natural wonders of Baofeng Lake, just a 15-minute drive away. Delight in a tranquil boat ride amidst the pristine natural scenery. Perched high in the mountains, Baofeng Lake is fed by the purest runoff water from the peaks, offering an unspoiled and serene escape.

Move to the thrilling glass walkway at Tianmen Mountain. This transparent glass platform is suspended along the cliffside, offering heart-pounding views of the deep valley below. While it might be nerve-wracking, you’ll also experience the exhilarating joy of walking in the air.

After the tour, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Shanghai.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Start the day a little later and enjoy a relaxed pace while exploring bustling Shanghai.

Strolling the Bund, admire the colonial charm and the architectural grandeur of the International Settlement. Visit the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, where the entrance hall features the “Morning of Shanghai” art model, and the walls are adorned with reliefs depicting the relocation of millions of residents. The mezzanine hosts the Historical and Cultural City Hall, showcasing a century of Shanghai’s transformation. The 360-degree panoramic theater offers a captivating view of Shanghai’s fashion and beauty from every angle.

Continue to the classical Yuyuan Garden, and enjoy a delicate dim sum lunch. Later, stroll around Fuxing Park in the former French Concession, where locals relax and unwind. Explore the local market and try some traditional Chinese snacks for a delightful end to your day.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Shanghai. Make sure to pack your belongings and check out of the hotel on time. A private transfer to the airport will be arranged for your onward journey.

🍽 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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