- Verified itinerary · Updated regularly
11-Day China Classic Tour: Beijing, Xi’an, Guilin & Shanghai
This 11-day China classic tour is thoughtfully designed to give you a complete and comfortable introduction to China. From walking along the Great Wall in Beijing and uncovering the mysteries of the Forbidden City, to cruising the Li River among spectacular limestone peaks and experiencing the energy of modern Shanghai, this journey blends history, culture, nature, and city life into one unforgettable China trip.
11 Days / 10 Nights
China’s classic highlights, well-paced.
Beijing → Xi’an → Guilin → Shanghai
The most popular classic China route.
Private Tour Experience
Private guide, driver, and flexible pace.
Ideal for First-Time Visitors
An easy introduction to China.
What Makes This Journey Different
A Hong Kong–registered travel group
Backed by a Hong Kong group, with local teams across China.
Secure payments
Pay safely by Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay, PayPal, or bank transfer.
24/7 support
Real human assistance before, during, and after your journey in China.
Custom experiences
Activities and pacing tailored to your interests and travel style.
Suggested 11-Day China Classic Itinerary
| Days | Destination | Experience Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1–4 | Beijing | Great Wall walk, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, serene Summer Palace |
| Days 5–6 | Xi’an | Terracotta Warriors, ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter & local culture |
| Days 7–9 | Guilin & Yangshuo | Scenic Li River cruise, limestone peaks, countryside landscapes |
| Days 10–11 | Shanghai | The Bund, Shanghai Tower skyline, old & modern city contrast |
How This Journey Is Seamlessly Connected
This thoughtfully designed route connects China’s most iconic natural destinations across Southwestern China, linking Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong, and Zhangjiajie in a smooth and well-paced journey.
To keep travel comfortable and efficient, we combine high-speed trains for shorter routes with domestic flights for longer distances, supported by private transfers when needed. This balanced approach minimizes time in transit while maximizing time in nature — allowing you to travel at a relaxed pace and enjoy each destination without rush.
Domestic Flights for Longer Distances
High-Speed Trains for Shorter Routes
What Makes This 11-Day China Classic Tour Different
This 11-day China classic tour is designed for travelers who want more than standard sightseeing. Each experience is carefully selected to offer deeper cultural insight, smoother travel, and a more authentic connection with China.
Uncover the hidden stories of China’s imperial palace
Explore quieter halls of the Forbidden City and learn the real lives of emperors, concubines, and court officials through storytelling rarely found in standard sightseeing tours.
See different faces of the Great Wall
Walk along a scenic section of the Great Wall at Mutianyu and appreciate its scale and engineering. Selected departures may also include the magical night views of the Simatai Great Wall.
Enjoy authentic Beijing cuisine
Dine on traditional Beijing roast duck at a well-known local restaurant and experience the city’s food culture beyond tourist menus.
Go beyond the first impression
Visit the Terracotta Warriors and gain deeper insight into Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s army, craftsmanship, and ancient military system with a professional guide.
Sail through China’s most iconic scenery
Relax on a Li River cruise surrounded by dramatic limestone peaks, riverside villages, and landscapes featured on the RMB 20 banknote.
From historic Bund stories to skyline views
Walk through the historic Bund and hear stories from Shanghai’s golden age, then ascend Shanghai Tower for panoramic views of modern China.
Real Traveler Moments
A quick look at what this private tour feels like—real traveler photos, local moments, and authentic Chinese food from Beijing to Shanghai.
Detailed 11-Day China Classic Itinerary
Below is a suggested day-by-day itinerary. Every detail can be adjusted to match your interests, travel pace, and schedule.
Day 1 — Arrival in Beijing | A Smooth Start to Your China Trip
Welcome to Beijing, the capital of China.
Upon arrival at Beijing Capital International Airport, your private tour guide will meet you in the arrivals hall and escort you to your hotel in a comfortable private vehicle.
Your guide will assist with luggage handling and hotel check-in, ensuring a stress-free arrival. The rest of the day is free for rest or a gentle walk nearby, allowing you to recover from your flight and adjust to the local time.
Why this day works well:
✔ No sightseeing pressure
✔ Time to rest and adapt
✔ Personal assistance from arrival
Day 2 — Beijing Highlights | Temple of Heaven & Forbidden City
Breakfast & Lunch
Start the day at the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests. In the morning, you will also see local residents practicing tai chi, dancing, and other traditional exercises — a glimpse into everyday Beijing life.
After lunch at a popular local restaurant serving authentic Chinese food, walk across Tiananmen Square and enter the Forbidden City, the largest and best-preserved imperial palace in the world. Instead of following the most crowded paths, your guide will lead you through quieter sections while sharing stories of imperial life, court rituals, and the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Optional customization:
Hutong rickshaw ride
Local market visit
Dumpling-making in a local home
Your guide will adjust the pace and focus based on your interests.
Day 3 — Great Wall Experience | Scenic Walk & Iconic Views
After breakfast, drive to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, known for its beautiful scenery and well-restored paths. With guidance from your tour guide, enjoy a relaxed walk along the Wall, taking time to appreciate its scale, engineering, and surrounding mountain views.
For travelers interested in a special experience, selected departures may include a visit to Simatai Great Wall in the afternoon, where you can enjoy the Wall illuminated at night — a very different perspective from the daytime visit.
Why this day stands out:
✔ Balanced walking time
✔ Scenic, less crowded sections
✔ Optional night experience without obligation
Meals: breakfast + lunch
Tip to customize:
Prefer a relaxed visit? Choose Mutianyu with a round-trip cable car
Want an extra wow? Add Simatai night views (seasonal)
Day 4 — Summer Palace & High-Speed Train to Xi’an
Breakfast & Lunch
After breakfast, return to Beijing city to visit the Summer Palace, a masterpiece of Chinese landscaped gardens and a perfect example of imperial leisure life. Stroll along tranquil lakes, elegant corridors, and serene gardens that once served as a retreat for emperors and the royal family.
In the afternoon, transfer to the railway station and board a high-speed train to Xi’an. This efficient rail journey allows you to travel comfortably between China’s major cities while enjoying the modern infrastructure of modern China.
Upon arrival, your local tour guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel in the city center.
Why this day works well:
✔ Balanced sightseeing without rushing
✔ Smooth transition between Beijing and Xi’an
✔ Comfortable travel by high-speed train
Day 5 — Terracotta Warriors & Ancient City Wall
Breakfast & Lunch
Today you explore one of the world’s most important archaeological discoveries — the Terracotta Warriors.
Visit the museum complex and see the vast underground army created to guard Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb. Your guide will explain how the warriors were made, arranged, and preserved, helping you understand their significance in China’s ancient history.
In the afternoon, visit the Ancient City Wall, one of the best-preserved city walls in China. Walk or cycle along the top of the wall and enjoy panoramic views of Xi’an’s inner city, where ancient heritage and modern life coexist.
Experience highlights:
✔ Terracotta Warriors with expert interpretation
✔ Ancient city wall walk or bike ride
✔ Insight into China’s imperial military history
Day 6 — Xi’an City Highlights & Flight to Guilin
Breakfast & Lunch
Begin the day at the Shaanxi History Museum, where exhibitions present thousands of artifacts that trace the development of Chinese civilization across dynasties. Continue to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a landmark closely connected with the spread of Buddhism in China.
Later, explore the lively Muslim Quarter, known for its bustling atmosphere, traditional snacks, and vibrant local culture. Your guide will introduce local specialties and explain how different communities have shaped Xi’an’s history.
In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Guilin, where China’s famous landscapes await.
Why travelers love this day:
✔ Clear overview of Xi’an’s historical importance
✔ Authentic local market atmosphere
✔ Smooth connection to southern China
Day 7 — Longji Terraced Rice Fields & Ethnic Minority Culture
Breakfast & Lunch
After breakfast, drive to the Longji Terraced Rice Fields, one of China’s most impressive agricultural landscapes. Built into steep hillsides over centuries, the terraces change color with the seasons — shimmering with water in spring and glowing golden during harvest time.
Walk through the rice terraces and enjoy panoramic views from the viewpoints overlooking the valleys. Learn how local Zhuang and Yao minorities have adapted their lives to the mountains, preserving traditional wooden houses, farming methods, and customs.
Enjoy lunch with a local family and experience elements of local culture, such as making bamboo rice and tasting freshly prepared oil tea. This visit offers a rare look into rural life far from China’s big cities.
Why this day stands out:
✔ Spectacular rice terrace scenery
✔ Authentic minority culture experience
✔ Balanced walking pace with scenic viewpoints
Day 8 — Li River Cruise | Guilin to Yangshuo
Breakfast & Lunch
Today features one of the most iconic experiences of any China tour — a scenic Li River cruise.
Relax on board as the river winds through spectacular limestone peaks, bamboo groves, and peaceful villages. Along the way, you may see farmers tending rice paddies and water buffalo cooling off in the river, creating postcard-perfect scenes that define Guilin’s natural beauty.
Disembark in Yangshuo around early afternoon and explore West Street, known for its lively atmosphere and small shops. Transfer to your hotel in the countryside and enjoy leisure time at your own pace.
Optional activities in Yangshuo:
Cooking class
Tai chi lesson
Cycling through the countryside
Day 9 — Countryside Lifestyle & Flight to Shanghai
Breakfast & Lunch
Spend the morning exploring the Yangshuo countryside, traveling through quiet villages and rural roads. This area offers a peaceful contrast to China’s major cities and reveals another side of everyday life.
Visit a local market and learn how villagers shop for daily necessities. Your guide will explain regional food ingredients and customs, helping you better understand rural traditions and values.
In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Shanghai, China’s most dynamic modern city.
Why travelers enjoy this day:
✔ Authentic countryside lifestyle experience
✔ Insight into daily life of local farmers
✔ Smooth transition from nature to modern China
Day 10 — Shanghai Highlights | Old & Modern China
Breakfast & Lunch
Arrive in Shanghai, China’s most international and dynamic modern city. Today you will discover the fascinating contrast between old and modern Shanghai, where colonial history, traditional culture, and futuristic skylines exist side by side.
Begin at the Bund, Shanghai’s iconic waterfront. Walk along historic buildings dating back to the early 20th century and learn how Shanghai developed into a global trading hub. Your guide will share lesser-known stories that reveal the city’s past beyond what most visitors see.
Continue to the Former French Concession, known for its tree-lined streets, European-style architecture, and relaxed atmosphere. This area offers a glimpse into Shanghai’s historical neighborhoods and everyday city life.
After lunch, ascend Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China. From the observation deck, enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline — a powerful visual contrast to the historic Bund below.
In the evening, you may choose to enjoy a Huangpu River cruise or simply relax and admire the stunning night views of Shanghai at your own pace.
Why this day leaves a strong impression:
✔ Clear contrast of old and modern China
✔ Balanced walking and sightseeing pace
✔ Iconic skyline views from Shanghai Tower
Day 11 — Shanghai Departure | Flight Home
Breakfast
As your China trip comes to an end, enjoy a relaxed morning with free time depending on your flight schedule. Your tour guide and driver will meet you at your hotel and provide a smooth transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport.
With professional assistance and comfortable transportation, your departure will be as stress-free as your arrival — a fitting conclusion to your 11-day China classic tour.
Meals: Breakfast
Service: Private transfer to Pudong Airport
Hotel Options & Location
We select clean, quiet, and well-located hotels to keep transfers short and rest quality high. Exact hotel names are confirmed after booking and tailored to your style.
- 4-star comfort in the best locations (standard).
- 5-star / star hotel upgrades or boutique hotels on request.
- Family rooms or connecting rooms available (subject to availability).
Tip: Share your preferences (location, breakfast, gym/pool, quiet rooms) and we’ll recommend the best match.
Tour Price & Inclusions
FromUS$3,199
per person
Tour Code: CHN-11D-CL1
- Indicative price for a private tour (2 adults) with well-located 4-star hotels.
- Price includes basic travel insurance and a complimentary translation device for easy local interaction.
- Final pricing depends on travel dates, group size, room type, and hotel level (boutique / star hotel upgrades on request).
- Domestic flights and/or high-speed train tickets are arranged based on the confirmed itinerary.
Comfort-first private touring
Private guide & driver in each city — flexible pace.
Designed around you
We tailor sights, timing, and hotel level to you.
Clear pricing, no surprises
Inclusions confirmed before you book.
What’s Included
Private air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver for all scheduled transfers
English-speaking local guide for all included sightseeing
All entrance tickets and activities listed in the confirmed itinerary
Domestic flights and/or high speed train tickets between itinerary cities (as per plan)
Hotel accommodation with daily breakfast (4-star standard; boutique hotels / star hotel upgrades optional)
Government taxes and service charges
24/7 support while you are traveling
What’s Not Included
International flights to and from China
China visa fees (if applicable)
Meals not specified in the itinerary (many lunches are included; dinners often flexible)
Personal expenses and optional experiences
Booking & Payment Details
- Deposit: 20% to confirm your booking. The deposit is refundable within 48 hours after confirmation if plans change.
- Balance: Due 15–20 days before arrival, or upon confirmation for late bookings.
- Payment methods: Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay, PayPal, or bank transfer.
- Changes: Free minor itinerary adjustments up to 14 days before the trip starts.
- Cancellation: Flexible cancellation policy. Specific terms will be confirmed based on travel dates and hotel selection.
Optional Experiences
Personalize your private China tour with a few carefully selected add-ons.
Optional Add-Ons
Beijing Evening Show – Kung Fu or Peking Opera
Xi’an Food Experience – Dumpling banquet or Tang-style dinner
Yangshuo River Moment – Private bamboo rafting on the Yulong River
Shanghai After Dark – Night walk with food and skyline views
Shanghai Leisure Time – Art spaces, cafés, shopping, or free time
Customize Your Tour
Trip length – Extend to Chengdu, Suzhou–Hangzhou, or other destinations
Hotels – Boutique or 3–5 star options
Transport – Flights, high-speed trains, private transfers
Meals – Local dining; vegetarian, halal, gluten-free available
Visa-Free & Travel Tips
- Visa-Free Entry to China — check if your passport is eligible.
- How to Visit China Without a Visa — 144-hour transit options.
- eSIM & Mobile Payments in China — WeChat Pay, Alipay and bank cards.
- China Weather by Month — plan around seasons and festivals.
Get Your Custom 11-Day China Classic Tour Plan
Share a few details — we’ll send you a personalized itinerary and quote within 24 hours.
- Reply within 24 hours
- Private tour only
- No forced shopping
FAQ – Your 11-Day China Classic Tour Questions Answered
Is this a private tour or a group tour?
This is a private China tour. You will travel with your own guide and driver, without joining a group. The itinerary, pace, and hotel level can all be adjusted to your preferences.
Can this 11-day itinerary be customized?
Yes. Every part of the tour can be customized, including destinations, sightseeing pace, hotel category, transportation, and meals. Simply share your ideas when you submit the inquiry.
What cities are included in this 11-day China tour?
This classic itinerary covers Beijing, Xi’an, Guilin/Yangshuo, and Shanghai, offering a well-balanced introduction to China’s ancient history, natural scenery, and modern cities.
Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to China?
Absolutely. This tour is designed especially for first-time visitors, with a comfortable pace, private transfers, and carefully selected highlights in each destination.
How do we travel between cities?
Transportation is arranged for comfort and efficiency. We use high-speed trains for journeys under about 6 hours and domestic flights for longer distances. All transfers are private.
Are meals included during the tour?
Daily breakfasts and selected lunches at popular local restaurants are included. Dinners are usually flexible, allowing you to explore independently or follow your guide’s recommendations.
What type of hotels are included?
The tour price is based on well-located 4-star hotels. Boutique hotels or 5-star hotel upgrades can be arranged on request.
How do I get a final price and itinerary?
Simply complete the inquiry form below with your travel dates and preferences. We will send you a personalized itinerary and clear quotation within 24 hours, with no obligation.
Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries
