11-Day China Classic Tour

Classic Wonders

This 11-day China top cities tour covers the most popular four destinations and five World Heritage sites in China. It makes an ideal tour for first-time visitors who would like to discover China’s history, culture, modernization and landscape.

The itinerary below is only one possibility. Tips to tailor-make your trip are offered as inspiration. Tell us your preferences and our travel experts will customize this trip to suit your interests, tastes, and budget.

Suggested 11-Day Itinerary

DayHighlights
1-4
Beijing
Experience rich history: the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace and Tian’anmen Square
5-6
Xi’an
Uncover the Terracotta Warriors, bike along the ancient City Wall, explore the lively Muslim Quarter and Xi’an History Museum
7-9
Guilin & Yangshuo
Admire the stunning Longji Rice Terraces, enjoy a scenic Li River cruise, and relax in the charming countryside of Yangshuo
10-11
Shanghai
Explore modern Shanghai: the iconic Bund, panoramic views from Shanghai Tower, and a personalized city experience

Beijing-Xi’an-Guilin-Shanghai Tour Map

Beijing Xian Guilin Shanghai tour map

Tour ‘Wow’ Points

Unveil the Lives of China’s Royal Family in their Hidden Halls

Get off the ordinary sightseeing route in the Forbidden City. Listen to the interesting stories of the famous personalities that are not told by typical tour guides.

the Forbidden City
the hidden hall of the Forbidden City

Witness the Great Wall and Enjoy the Dreamy Night Views

Walk on the spectacular Great Wall at Mutianyu. See both a restored section and a wild section of the Wall. See the Simatai Wall lit up along a mountain ridge at night.

the Great Wall on the mountains
the Great Wall at a full-moon night

Understand Beijing by Tasting Its Traditional Food

Enjoy an authentic Beijing roast duck dinner in a time-honored brand restaurant.

roast duck
roast duck restaurant

Unearth Secrets of the Terracotta Army and its “Hidden Collectibles”

Marvel at the 2,000-year-old clay army that once guarded Emperor Qin’s tomb. Join a guided tour to see and touch the artifacts from the same era, including the first unearthed terracotta figure. Immerse yourself in the role of an archaeo

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family’s best-rated service across trusted platforms.

Tom was a Perfect Guide and made my Trip a Great expérience! Driver is also great.I visite d q lot of good places.I enjoyed BBeijing a lot

May 2025, Sybil

“Una experiencia inolvidable. La organización del tour fue excelente, y lo que realmente marcó la diferencia fue NUESTRA GUIA LIDIA. Siempre atenta, clara en sus explicaciones, simpática, y con una actitud cálida y muy profesional en todo momento, lo que hizo que cada lugar cobrara vida. Gracias por una experiencia tan bien gestionada y humana.”

May 2025, natalia c

We do had three days in Beijing with Jiang. The organisation, driver and guiding was really great. We have been a group of 2 (couple). I think we would have needed nearly +30 percent more time to find the right queueing line at all the places. For us it was a hassel free and seamless enjoyment – to visit all the places and having a long hiking track at the great wall of china. thank you very much Jiang & china highlights & team. ps: we also tasted a lot of vegetarian food which was really great.

May 2025, Matthias

Why China Highlights (10,000+ reviews & 98.8% 5-star rating)

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