12-Day Classic China
The Great Wall, the Terracotta Army, a day on the Li River and the lights of Shanghai, at a pace that leaves room to wander.
At a glance
Four of China's best-loved places, linked by bullet train and two short flights. Your guide in each city meets you at the station or airport, and a private car handles every transfer.
Highlights
Day by day
Day 1Arrive in Beijing
Your guide meets you in the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name and drives you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to rest.
Day 2Mengzhianmen Square and the Forbidden City
Walk across Mengzhianmen Square into the Forbidden City, then climb Jingshan Park for the view back over its golden roofs. Peking duck for dinner.
Day 3The Great Wall at Mutianyu
Drive about 90 minutes to Mutianyu. Take the cable car up, walk the restored watchtowers at your own pace, and ride the toboggan down if you like.
Day 4Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace
Join locals doing tai chi at the Temple of Heaven in the morning, then stroll the lakeside corridors of the Summer Palace. Free evening.
Day 5Bullet train to Xi'an
About 4½ hours by high-speed train. In the late afternoon, cycle the Ming city wall, then follow your guide through the Muslim Quarter's food stalls.
Day 6The Terracotta Army
Arrive at the museum as it opens to see Pits 1, 2 and 3 before the crowds. Afternoon at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and a dumpling banquet in the evening.
Day 7Fly to Guilin
A two-hour flight south. Your Guilin guide meets you and drives you along the river to Elephant Trunk Hill before check-in.
Day 8Li River cruise to Yangshuo
Cruise downstream through the karst peaks printed on the 20-yuan note. In the afternoon, cycle quiet lanes between rice fields outside Yangshuo.
Day 9Countryside and cooking
Drift down the Yulong River on a bamboo raft, then shop a village market with a local cook and make lunch together.
Day 10Fly to Shanghai
Drive back to Guilin airport for the flight to Shanghai. In the evening, walk the Bund as the Pudong skyline lights up across the river.
Day 11Old and new Shanghai
Yu Garden and the old town in the morning, the plane-tree streets of the former French Concession after lunch, and the view from Shanghai Tower at dusk.
Day 12Depart Shanghai
Your driver takes you to Pudong or Hongqiao airport in time for your flight home.
What's included
Included
- 11 nights in hand-picked hotels with breakfast
- Private English-speaking guide in each city
- Private car and driver for all sightseeing and transfers
- Bullet train and two domestic flights
- All entrance fees and the Li River cruise
- Meals listed in the itinerary
- 24/7 English support on WhatsApp
Not included
- International flights
- Visa fees, if you need a visa
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not listed, drinks and personal spending
- Tips for guides and drivers (optional)
Hotels
Well-located 4-star
Central, quiet rooms, Western and Chinese breakfast.
International 5-star
Brands such as Shangri-La or Hyatt, with river or city views where possible.
Boutique stays
A courtyard hotel in a Beijing hutong and a riverside lodge in Yangshuo.
Our promise on this trip
- No shopping stopsYour guide will never take you to a jade, silk or tea "factory" unless you ask.
- Change anything before you bookSwap cities, add days or slow the pace. Revisions are free.
- Help at any hourOne WhatsApp number reaches our Beijing desk 24/7, in English.
Cancellation policy
| When you cancel | What you get back |
|---|---|
| 60 days or more before departure | Your full deposit |
| 59 to 30 days before | 50% of the trip cost |
| 29 to 15 days before | 25% of the trip cost |
| 14 days or less | Non-refundable costs only (e.g. flights already ticketed) |
Full conditions in our booking terms.
Good to know
Questions about this tour
Can we change the itinerary?
Yes. This is a private tour, so you can add or remove days, swap Guilin for Chengdu's pandas, or upgrade hotels. Your advisor revises the plan as often as you need.
Is it suitable for children or older travelers?
Yes. Walking is mostly on flat ground, and we can add rest afternoons. Tell us about any mobility needs and we'll plan around them.
Which class are the trains?
Second class by default, with assigned, reclining seats. First or business class is available on request.