China Tour Package: 12 Days

Embark on an unforgettable journey through China over the course of 12 days, discovering the iconic sites that define this vast nation from top to bottom.

China Tour Itinerary: 12 Days

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing

Upon arrival at the airport in Beijing, a guide will meet you with a placard featuring your name. You will be escorted to your hotel, your home for the next three nights. Afterwards, enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Day 2: Discovering Beijing

After breakfast, we will delve into the rich history of the city, visiting notable landmarks such as Tiananmen Square, the largest square globally, historically significant for various political events. Following this, we will proceed to the Forbidden City, where the impressive Imperial Palace, which housed Chinese Emperors until 1911, awaits our exploration.

At approximately 12:30 pm, we'll enjoy a meal at a local restaurant featuring Pekingese cuisine. Our exploration will continue through the renowned Hutongs, originating from the Yuan Ming and Qing dynasties. We’ll conclude our day at Jingshan Park, where breathtaking views of the Forbidden City await.

We will return to the hotel by 5:30 pm, with the evening free for relaxation.

Day 3: The Great Wall of China - Beijing

Today is dedicated to visiting the magnificent Great Wall of China. After breakfast, we will depart for the outskirts of Beijing.

Upon arrival at the Mutianyu entrance, we will take a cable car to gain a panoramic perspective of this marvel, recognized as one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World. The wall stretches an impressive 6,000 kilometers (3,700 miles)!

At 12:30 pm, we will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to Beijing, with stops at notable sites built for the 2008 Olympic Games, including the National Stadium (the Bird's Nest) and the National Aquatics Centre (the Water Cube).

We will be back at the hotel by 5:30 pm.

Day 4: Beijing to Xi'an

After breakfast, our morning begins with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, China's largest worship site dedicated to heaven. Here, you might witness locals practicing tai chi.

At around 12:30 pm, we'll take you to the railway station, where you will board a bullet train to Xi'an. The journey lasts about 5 hours, and upon your arrival, you will be met by a guide who will assist you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to explore.

Day 5: The Terracotta Warriors - Xi'an

Today, we will delve into the world-renowned Terracotta Warriors. After breakfast, we will travel to the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum, a site of immense archaeological significance. You will have the chance to view over 8,000 exquisite terracotta figures of warriors and horses.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, these figures are surrounded by deep moats. It's fascinating to learn that they rest just 1.5 km from the tomb of the first emperor of the Qin dynasty.

The day continues with a 12:30 pm lunch at a local restaurant before an exploration of Xi'an, featuring the best-preserved Bell Tower in China and the vibrant Muslim Quarter. In the afternoon, we will enjoy the sights at the North Square of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, surrounded by beautiful fountains and sculptures.

Day 6: Exploring Xi'an

After breakfast, we will embark on a guided tour through the historic centre of Xi'an. Our first stop will be the City Wall, among the oldest and longest in the nation. Next, we'll visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda to enjoy a traditional performance.

Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant. Afterwards, we will visit the Gao Courtyard for a Chinese shadow show and leisurely stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter, before returning to the hotel by 5:30 pm.

Day 7: Journey from Xi'an to Guilin

As we progress, we will travel from Xi'an to Guilin. A pickup from your hotel will take us to the Xi'an train station, where you will board a high-speed train to Guilin. Following a 10-hour journey, a guide will be available with a sign bearing your name upon arrival. After checking in at your hotel, the rest of the day is free for your personal interests.

Day 8: Cruising the Li River to Guilin

Following breakfast, we will meet in the hotel lobby and make our way to Guilin port to begin a 4-hour boat cruise along the stunning Li River. This delightful journey will reveal a picturesque landscape until we reach Yangshuo for lunch onboard.

Upon disembarking in Yangshuo, we will explore West Street, known to be the oldest street in the region, allowing time for browsing its various shops and cafes. We will then return to Guilin.

By 5:30 pm, we will be back at your hotel.

Day 9: Guilin to Shanghai

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will visit the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill, a landmark of Guilin. Its distinctive karst formation flowing into the Li River will reveal why it’s named as such. Following this, a short walk along the river and a visit to the Riyue Shuangta Cultural Park will be up next.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, after which we will explore the Reed Flute Cave, renowned as one of the most stunning caves in China and the world.

Following this adventure, we will head to the train station in Guilin for the high-speed train to Shanghai, located over 1,500 km (932 mi) away. You will spend the night in Shanghai after arrival.

Day 10: Arrival in Shanghai

Awaken aboard the train with breathtaking views of eastern China. After approximately 20 hours of travel, we will arrive in Shanghai. A guide will be waiting at the station, and they will escort you to your hotel, where you can spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Day 11: Discovering Shanghai

At 9:00 am, we will depart from the hotel to visit the city's most significant attractions. Our first stop will be in a neighborhood known for its traditional architecture, Shikumen. Following this, we'll venture to Yu Garden, established by the Ming dynasty.

Around 12:30 pm, lunch will be at a local restaurant, after which we will stroll through Shanghai Old Street. The day will continue with a walk along the Bund, where spectacular views of the urban skyline await, especially of the Oriental Pearl Tower. You will have the chance to ascend to the first and second spheres of this tower, offering incredible vistas.

Later, we'll visit the Shanghai History Museum to delve into the city’s captivating past. By 5:30 pm, we will return you to your hotel, leaving you with the rest of the evening free.

Day 12: Departure from Shanghai

After breakfast, we will assist you in traveling to Shanghai airport. The exact pickup time will depend on your scheduled flight departure.

Key Information

For participation in this tour, a flight to arrive in Beijing and a flight departing from Shanghai is required, arriving on your booking date and departing after twelve days. This means if you arrive on a Monday, your departure would be the following Friday.

Note that during the train journeys, no guide will accompany you, but someone will await your arrival at each train station to assist you.

Additionally, please be aware that the guide will not be present on days 4, 7, 10, and 12.

Meals Included in the Tour

This 12-day tour includes 5 lunches, with exceptions on the initial, fourth, seventh, tenth, and final days. Dinner is at your discretion.

Every day, breakfast is included with your accommodation.

Accommodation Information

This 12-day itinerary comprises 10 nights of hotel accommodation and one night spent on a night train between Guilin and Shanghai.

The pricing provided is per person in a double occupancy room. For individual accommodations, please reach out for a custom quote.

Selection of accommodation includes either 3-star or 5-star options, subject to availability, with the following choices:

3-Star Hotels

• Beijing: Beijing Dongfang Hotel or similar
• Xian: Meihao Hotel Xi'an Yangguang or similar
• Guilin: Minfeng International Hotel or similar
• Shanghai: Shanghai Greenland Putuo Zhixuan Holiday Hotel or similar

5-Star Hotels

• Beijing: Sunworld Dynasty Hotel Beijing Wangfujing or similar
• Xian: Sofitel Xian on Renmin Square or similar
• Guilin: Sheraton Guilin Hotel or similar
• Shanghai: Shanghai Jinjiang 5*Hotel or similar

High-Speed Train Details from Guilin to Shanghai

• It’s important to remember that the high-speed train journey from Guilin to Shanghai involves a night on the train.
• This tour does not include meals during the train ride between Guilin and Shanghai.
• Sleeping arrangements on the train consist of second-class bunk beds.

Travel Considerations for Families

For those booking a room with children, please note that children under 2 will need to share a bed with an accompanying adult.