- Verified itinerary · Updated regularly
9-Day Classic China Family Tour
Discover Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai on a private 9-day China family tour designed for parents, children and multi-generation travelers.
Walk on the family-friendly Mutianyu Great Wall, explore the Forbidden City and Summer Palace, meet the Terracotta Warriors, ride a high speed train, and enjoy hands-on cultural experiences such as Hutong discovery, clay warrior-making, dumplings and local food.
With private guides, comfortable transfers, flexible pacing and carefully selected family-friendly hotels, this classic China family tour gives your family an easy, meaningful and memorable first trip to China.
9 Days / 8 Nights
Explore Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai, China’s classic Golden Triangle for families.
Family-Friendly Highlights
Great Wall, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Terracotta Warriors, ancient City Wall and Shanghai skyline.
Private Guide & Transfers
Enjoy a local guide, private vehicle, smooth airport transfers and high speed train travel.
Flexible Travel Pace
Designed with children in mind, with lighter walking, cultural activities and time to rest.
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.
Family 'Wow' Moments You'll Never Forget
Every day brings a new adventure—hands-on experiences, unforgettable family moments, and memories your children will still be talking about years later.
Become Young Explorers in the Forbidden City
Play, Discover & Learn Like Little Emperors
Instead of simply walking through the Forbidden City, your children will solve fun treasure-style challenges, uncover hidden dragon carvings, learn fascinating imperial stories, and discover why this UNESCO World Heritage Site was once home to China’s emperors. History becomes an adventure everyone enjoys.
Taste Beijing's Legendary Peking Duck Together
A Family Dinner Everyone Will Remember
Enjoy an authentic Peking Duck dinner at one of Beijing’s famous restaurants. Watch the chef expertly carve the crispy duck before tasting delicate pancakes, fresh vegetables and traditional sauces—a delicious introduction to Chinese cuisine that both adults and children love.
Toboggan Down the Great Wall
The Most Exciting Way to Finish Your Great Wall Adventure
Walk along the magnificent Mutianyu Great Wall, admire breathtaking mountain views, then race downhill on the famous alpine toboggan. It’s one of the most unforgettable moments for families visiting the Great Wall of China.
Experience Real Hutong Family Life
Meet Local Families Beyond the Tourist Trail
Ride a traditional rickshaw through Beijing’s historic Hutongs, visit a local neighborhood, discover how children spend their day, try traditional snacks, and enjoy interactive games that offer a genuine glimpse into everyday Chinese life.
Make Your Own Terracotta Warrior
Create a Souvenir with Your Own Hands
After exploring the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, join a family workshop where everyone can sculpt and paint a miniature clay warrior. Your handmade creation becomes a unique souvenir from Xi’an that children are proud to take home.
Bring Ancient Chinese Stories to Life
Perform Your Own Shadow Puppet Show
Learn the fascinating art of Chinese shadow puppetry, decorate your own puppet, and perform a short family show together. It’s an entertaining way to experience one of China’s oldest performing arts.
Discover Xi'an Through Food
Eat Like the Locals in the Muslim Quarter
Explore Xi’an’s lively Muslim Quarter with your guide and sample local favorites such as handmade dumplings, Biang Biang noodles, Roujiamo, and sweet local snacks. Every stop introduces another delicious part of Chinese culture.
Cross the Huangpu River in a Tunnel of Light
End Your Journey with Modern Shanghai
Travel beneath the Huangpu River aboard the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel, surrounded by dazzling multimedia lights and colorful visual effects, before emerging into futuristic Pudong to admire Shanghai’s iconic skyline.
Your 9-Day Family Adventure at a Glance
Explore China’s three most iconic destinations with the perfect balance of history, culture, family activities, and modern experiences.
| Days | Destination | Family Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1–3 | Beijing | Walk the Mutianyu Great Wall, explore the Forbidden City, visit the Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace, ride a Hutong rickshaw, enjoy a famous Peking Duck Dinner, and experience authentic Beijing culture. |
| Days 4–6 | Xi'an | Discover the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, cycle or stroll along the Ancient City Wall, create your own clay warrior, perform Chinese Shadow Puppetry, and taste authentic dumplings and local street food in the Muslim Quarter. |
| Days 7–9 | Shanghai | Visit Yu Garden, admire the skyline from Shanghai Tower, cross the colorful Bund Sightseeing Tunnel, stroll along the Bund, and experience China's vibrant modern metropolis before departure. |
Every family travels differently. This itinerary is fully customizable—you can adjust the pace, add destinations like Chengdu or Hong Kong, upgrade hotels, or include extra family-friendly experiences to create your perfect China vacation.
Family Travel Memories Across Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai
See how families experience China’s most iconic destinations—from exploring the Forbidden City and riding the Mutianyu Great Wall to making Terracotta Warriors, tasting authentic local food, and discovering the vibrant skyline of Shanghai. Every photo tells the story of an unforgettable family adventure.
Suggested 9-Day Family Tour
Every family is different, so every journey should be too. This itinerary is designed to inspire you and can be fully customized to match your children’s ages, travel pace, interests, and preferred hotel style.
Day 1 | Welcome to Beijing
Airport Transfer
Your private guide will greet your family at Beijing Airport and escort you to your hotel in a comfortable, non-smoking private vehicle. Relax while we take care of your luggage, hotel check-in, and everything you need for a smooth start to your China family tour.
Family Experience
✔ Meet your personal guide
✔ Private airport transfer
✔ Stress-free arrival
Travel Tip
Take the evening to rest and prepare for the exciting adventures ahead.
Day 2 | Forbidden City, Peking Duck & Hutong Family Life
Breakfast • Lunch
Begin your day at Tiananmen Square before entering the magnificent Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s largest imperial palaces. Instead of simply walking through the palaces, your children will enjoy interactive games, discover the legendary Nine Sons of the Dragon, and uncover hidden stories that bring Chinese history to life.
Enjoy an authentic Peking Duck lunch, famous for its crispy skin and tender meat, before exploring Beijing’s historic Hutongs by traditional rickshaw. Visit a local courtyard where children can practice Chinese calligraphy, play traditional folk games, and taste snacks loved by local families.
Family Experience
✔ Interactive Forbidden City discovery
✔ Authentic Peking Duck lunch
✔ Hutong rickshaw ride
✔ Chinese calligraphy & traditional games
Travel Tip
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as today’s sightseeing includes several historic sites.
Day 3 | Temple of Heaven & Mutianyu Great Wall
Breakfast • Lunch
Visit the beautiful Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests and local residents now gather to practice tai chi, dance, sing, and enjoy their morning routines. It’s one of the best places to experience authentic Beijing daily life.
In the afternoon, travel to the family-friendly Mutianyu Great Wall, widely regarded as the best section for families thanks to its scenic surroundings, cable car access, and fewer crowds. Walk along the ancient watchtowers before finishing your adventure with the exciting toboggan ride back down the mountain (weather permitting).
Family Experience
✔ Ride the cable car
✔ Walk on the Great Wall of China
✔ Enjoy the famous toboggan ride
Travel Tip
Bring a light jacket and camera—the mountain views are spectacular throughout the year.
Day 4 | Summer Palace & High-Speed Train to Xi'an
Breakfast • Lunch
Spend a relaxing morning exploring the beautiful Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its elegant gardens, peaceful Kunming Lake, and magnificent Long Corridor. Enjoy a leisurely boat ride while learning about China’s imperial history in one of the country’s finest royal gardens.
Later, your guide will escort your family to the railway station for your comfortable high-speed train journey to Xi’an. Upon arrival, your local guide will welcome you and transfer you directly to your hotel.
Family Experience
✔ Boat ride on Kunming Lake
✔ Scenic imperial gardens
✔ Comfortable bullet train experience
Travel Tip
Your guide will assist with boarding, luggage, and station procedures for a hassle-free journey.
Day 5 | Terracotta Warriors & Ancient City Wall
Breakfast • Lunch
Today’s highlight is the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in history. Your expert local guide will reveal the fascinating stories behind Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s underground army while helping children understand China’s ancient history in a fun and engaging way.
Continue to a countryside workshop where every family member can create and paint a miniature Terracotta Warrior as a meaningful keepsake.
Later, enjoy cycling or walking along Xi’an’s impressive Ancient City Wall, one of the oldest and best-preserved city defenses in the world, with panoramic views of both ancient and modern Xi’an.
Family Experience
✔ Visit the Terracotta Army Museum
✔ Make your own clay warrior
✔ Cycle on the Ancient City Wall
Travel Tip
Children who prefer not to cycle can comfortably explore the City Wall on foot or by sightseeing cart.
Day 6 | Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Shadow Puppetry & Xi'an Food
Breakfast • Lunch
Visit the elegant Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and if time permits, admire the nearby Small Wild Goose Pagoda, another important Tang Dynasty landmark in Xi’an.
Next, discover the fascinating world of traditional Chinese Shadow Puppetry. Paint your own puppet, learn how to control it behind the stage, and perform a short family story together under the guidance of a local artist.
Finish your Xi’an adventure with a guided walk through the lively Muslim Quarter, tasting authentic local specialties including roujiamo, handmade dumplings, biang biang noodles, lamb skewers, and other regional favorites.
Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai.
Family Experience
✔ Shadow puppet workshop
✔ Taste authentic Xi’an street food
✔ Explore the lively Muslim Quarter
Travel Tip
Come hungry—today is one of the most delicious experiences of your China tour.
Day 7 | Modern Shanghai Meets Old Shanghai
Breakfast • Lunch
Discover two very different sides of Shanghai. Begin with breathtaking panoramic views from the 118th-floor observation deck of Shanghai Tower, one of the tallest buildings in the world.
Travel beneath the Huangpu River aboard the colorful Bund Sightseeing Tunnel, where lights, music, and multimedia effects create an unforgettable journey into Pudong.
In the afternoon, slow the pace in the beautiful Yu Garden, a masterpiece of classical Chinese landscape design dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Afterwards, browse the lively market streets filled with traditional snacks, handicrafts, tea, and souvenirs.
Family Experience
✔ Shanghai Tower observation deck
✔ Bund Sightseeing Tunnel
✔ Explore Yu Garden & Old Shanghai
Travel Tip
The evening skyline along the Bund is one of the most photographed views in China.
Day 8 | Your Family, Your Choice
Breakfast
Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace.
Many families choose to spend the day at Shanghai Disneyland, while others prefer a peaceful excursion to nearby ancient water towns such as Zhujiajiao. If you’d like to explore more of Chinese culture, we can also arrange optional family-friendly experiences, museums, cooking classes, or shopping.
Your travel consultant will happily customize today’s activities before your departure.
Popular Optional Tours
✔ Shanghai Disneyland
✔ Zhujiajiao Water Town
✔ Family cooking class
✔ Museum visits
✔ Shopping & local markets
Travel Tip
This flexible day allows your family to relax or add another unforgettable adventure.
Day 9 | Departure from Shanghai
Breakfast
After breakfast, your private guide and driver will transfer your family comfortably to the airport. As your 9-Day Classic China Family Tour comes to an end, you’ll return home with unforgettable memories, meaningful cultural experiences, and countless family photos to treasure for years to come.
Family Experience
✔ Private airport transfer
✔ Worry-free departure
✔ Wonderful family memories
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
From US$1919
per person
Tour Code: GCQ-9DCF-01
- 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.
Tour Information
Travel Style
Private family tour with your own local guide, driver, and flexible sightseeing schedule.
Scheduled Departure
Daily departures are available throughout the year.
Accommodation Details
Stay in carefully selected 4-star or 5-star family-friendly hotels. Family rooms or interconnecting rooms can be arranged upon request.
Optional Tours
Extend your trip with Shanghai Disneyland, Chengdu Panda Base, Yangtze River Cruise, Hong Kong, Guilin, or Zhangjiajie.
Visa-Free & Travel Tips
- China Visa-Free Policy 2026 — check visa-free entry rules and 240-hour transit options.
- China Visa Guide — understand tourist visa basics, documents, and application steps.
- First Trip to China Guide— learn about payments, apps, transport, and practical travel tips.
- China Weather in June — see weather tips, packing advice, and seasonal travel ideas.
Plan Your 9-Day China Family Tour
Tell us about your travel plans, and we’ll create a personalized 9-Day Classic China Family Tour with a custom itinerary and quotation within 24 hours.
- Reply within 24 hours
- Private tour only
- No forced shopping
9-Day Classic China Family Tour Questions Answered
Is this 9-Day Classic China Family Tour suitable for young children?
Yes. This tour is designed for families with children of different ages. The itinerary balances famous attractions like the Forbidden City, Mutianyu Great Wall, and Terracotta Warriors with interactive experiences such as clay warrior making, shadow puppetry, Hutong activities, and flexible sightseeing. Your private guide can also adjust the pace to suit your family.
What's included in this China family tour?
The tour includes private English-speaking local guides, private airport transfers, transportation between attractions, high-speed train from Beijing to Xi’an, accommodation, meals as listed in the itinerary, entrance tickets, and family-friendly cultural experiences. International flights, travel insurance, visas, and personal expenses are not included.
Why is the Mutianyu Great Wall recommended for families?
The Mutianyu Great Wall is less crowded than other sections of the Great Wall of China and offers cable cars, chairlifts, and the popular toboggan ride. With gentler walking paths and beautiful mountain scenery, it’s the best choice for families with children and first-time visitors.
Can we customize the itinerary or add other destinations?
Absolutely. Every private China tour can be customized to match your interests, travel pace, and children’s ages. You can extend your trip by adding destinations such as Chengdu to see giant pandas, Hong Kong, the Yangtze River Cruise, Guilin, or Zhangjiajie, or include extra family-friendly activities.
Is China a good destination for a family vacation?
Yes. China is one of Asia’s best destinations for family travel. Modern high-speed trains, comfortable hotels, excellent private transportation, rich history, interactive cultural experiences, and delicious regional cuisine make it easy and enjoyable for families to explore Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, and beyond.
When is the best time to take this 9-day China family tour?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the most comfortable weather for sightseeing. Summer holidays are also popular for family travel, while winter provides fewer crowds at famous attractions such as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. We can help you plan the best departure based on your family’s schedule.
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