Classic China in 10 Days
Beijing · Xi'an · Guilin · Shanghai
Trip Highlights
- Great Wall sunrise at Mutianyu
- Forbidden City with a historian guide
- Terracotta Army private access
- Li River cruise through karst peaks
- Shanghai's Bund and French Concession
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Beijing
Beijing- Airport/station transfer to hotel
- Evening stroll on Wangfujing pedestrian street
- Welcome dinner: Peking duck at a century-old restaurant
Stay: 4-star hotel in Dongcheng, Beijing
Forbidden City & Hutong
Beijing- Early access to Tiananmen Square (flag raising at dawn, optional)
- Forbidden City guided tour with historian (3 hrs)
- Jingshan Park for panoramic views over the palace
- Afternoon rickshaw tour through ancient Hutong alleyways
- Drum Tower neighbourhood for sunset
Stay: 4-star hotel in Dongcheng, Beijing
Great Wall at Mutianyu
Beijing- Private transfer to Mutianyu Great Wall (1.5 hrs)
- Cable car ascent
- 3-hour guided hike along the Wall
- Toboggan descent
- Ming Tombs visit en route back (optional)
- Summer Palace or Temple of Heaven afternoon
Stay: 4-star hotel in Dongcheng, Beijing
High-Speed Train to Xi'an
Xi'an- Morning: Temple of Heaven or free time
- High-speed train to Xi'an (5.5 hrs — depart midday)
- Evening: Muslim Quarter night market — roujiamo, biangbiang noodles, yangrou paomo
Stay: 4-star hotel inside Xi'an City Wall
Terracotta Army & City Wall
Xi'an- Morning: Terracotta Army (all three pits + bronze chariot museum, 3.5 hrs)
- Lunch at traditional Xi'an restaurant
- Afternoon: Shaanxi History Museum (free, UNESCO treasures)
- Evening: City Wall bike ride at sunset
Stay: 4-star hotel inside Xi'an City Wall
Fly to Guilin — Li River
Guilin- Morning flight Guilin (1.5 hrs)
- Afternoon Li River scenic cruise to Yangshuo (4 hrs)
- Arrive Yangshuo — check in to karst-view hotel
- Evening: West Street for drinks and dinner
Stay: Boutique hotel with mountain views, Yangshuo
Yangshuo Countryside Cycling
Yangshuo- Sunrise over the karst peaks (from hotel terrace)
- Cycling tour: Yulong River, rice paddies, Moon Hill arch (3 hrs)
- Bamboo rafting on the Yulong River
- Cooking class: Guilin rice noodles and local dishes
- Evening: Impression Liu Sanjie light show
Stay: Boutique hotel with mountain views, Yangshuo
Fly to Shanghai
Shanghai- Morning: free time in Yangshuo / Xingping village
- Transfer to Guilin airport
- Flight to Shanghai (2 hrs)
- Evening on The Bund — riverside promenade and Pudong skyline views
Stay: 4-star hotel in the French Concession, Shanghai
Shanghai in Depth
Shanghai- Morning: Yu Garden and Old Town
- Xintiandi lunch
- Afternoon: French Concession walking tour — Art Deco villas, plane trees, boutique cafés
- Jing'an Temple
- Evening: Shanghai Tower observation deck at dusk (546 m)
- Farewell dinner: modern Shanghainese cuisine
Stay: 4-star hotel in the French Concession, Shanghai
Depart Shanghai
Shanghai- Optional: morning tai chi in Fuxing Park
- Transfer to Pudong Airport (PVG)
- Depart
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What's Included
- 9 nights accommodation (4-star hotels)
- All internal high-speed train tickets
- Daily breakfast + 6 dinners
- Expert English-speaking guides at each destination
- All entrance fees
- Airport/station transfers
- 24/7 support line
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Lunches
- Personal spending
- Optional activities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this itinerary suitable for children?
Yes. The Great Wall, Giant Pandas (if you add a Chengdu extension), and the Li River are particularly engaging for children. The pace is comfortable.
Can I customise this itinerary?
Absolutely. We can swap destinations, extend stays, add Chengdu for pandas, or adjust the pace. Contact us for a personalised quote.
What is the best departure city for international flights?
Both Beijing (PEK/PKX) and Shanghai (PVG) have excellent international connections. Fly Beijing in, Shanghai out for the most logical routing.
How much spending money will I need?
Budget USD 30–50/day for lunches, snacks, drinks, and small purchases. Add more for shopping.
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