Tour Style: In-depth Culture & History | Private Service | Full Experience
Accommodation: 4/5-Star Hotels in City Centers (Close to Attractions, Quiet & Convenient)
Meals: All lunches and dinners at own expense; local specialty dining recommendations provided
Transport: Private air-conditioned vehicle + professional driver + licensed English-speaking guide + High-speed train / domestic flights
Day 1 Arrival in Beijing
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Flexible Time: Airport pick-up (time to be confirmed)
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Accommodation: 4/5-Star Hotel in Beijing Downtown (Wangfujing / Qianmen Area)
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Meals: At own expense
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Recommendations: Quanjude Peking duck, Zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste), instant-boiled mutton, Ai Wo Wo sticky rice cake
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Notes: Keep your mobile phone available; your guide will confirm the next day’s schedule in advance.
Day 2 Imperial Beijing: Temple of Heaven – Tiananmen Square – Forbidden City – Jingshan Park
07:00–08:00 Hotel Pick-up
Your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby. Exact pick-up time will be confirmed by phone, email or hotel front desk before 20:00 the previous day.
Friendly Reminder: To avoid heavy traffic during peak seasons and public holidays, the pick-up time may be adjusted earlier. Thank you for your kind understanding.
08:00–11:00 Temple of Heaven
UNESCO World Heritage Site | Royal Sacrificial Site of Ming & Qing Dynasties
Built in 1420, it was the sacred place where emperors worshipped Heaven and prayed for abundant harvests. It embodies the ancient Chinese cosmology of “round heaven and square earth” and represents the highest achievement of traditional Chinese ritual architecture.
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Highlights: Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (blue glazed tiles, nanmu wood structure), Danbi Bridge (sacred imperial path), Echo Wall (amazing acoustic phenomenon), Triple Sound Stones. Every brick and tile carries profound ritual culture and architectural wisdom.
11:00–13:00 Lunch at Own Expense
Dining options: Local snack bars, Beijing-style restaurants near the scenic area.
Recommendations: Lv Dou Gao (mung bean cake), You Tiao (fried dough stick), Dou Jiang (soy milk), Shaomai (steamed pork dumpling).
13:00–16:00 Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City
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Tiananmen Square: The largest urban city square in the world, the core site of national ceremonies and celebrations. Enjoy a 30-minute photo session to capture the iconic symbol of China.
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Forbidden City (Palace Museum): UNESCO World Heritage Site | The world’s largest and best-preserved ancient wooden imperial complex, covering over 720,000 ㎡ with 9999.5 rooms. Home to 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties, laid out symmetrically along a central axis.
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Outer Court: Hall of Supreme Harmony (highest-ranking imperial hall), Hall of Central Harmony, Hall of Preserving Harmony.
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Inner Court: Palace of Heavenly Purity, Hall of Union, Palace of Earthly Tranquility.
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Features: Red walls, golden glazed tiles, exquisite dougong brackets, and elaborate imperial decorations.
16:00–17:00 Jingshan Park
A royal garden located at the heart of Beijing’s north-south central axis. Climb to Wanchun Pavilion for a panoramic bird’s-eye view of the entire Forbidden City, showcasing the grand layout of ancient imperial architecture.
17:30 Return to Hotel
End of Day 2 exploration.
Day 3 Great Wall & Modern Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall – Olympic Park – Dashilan & Wangfujing
07:00–08:30 Hotel Pick-up & Transfer to Mutianyu Great Wall
Located in Huairou District, 73 km from downtown Beijing. It is one of the best-preserved and longest sections of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall, known for its majestic structure and lush surroundings.
08:30–12:00 Mutianyu Great Wall
World Cultural Heritage | “The Most Beautiful Section of the Great Wall”
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Scenery & Atmosphere: Less crowded than other sections, with tranquil surroundings and spectacular views.
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Eco-Feature: 96% vegetation coverage, fresh mountain air, green mountains dotted with watchtowers.
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Accessibility: Cable cars available for easy ascent and descent; Zhengguan Platform offers a unique grand panoramic view.
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All-Season Charm: Comfortable year-round, with distinct beauty in spring, summer, autumn and winter – the top choice for Great Wall exploration.
12:00–13:00 Lunch at Own Expense
Dining options: Farmhouse restaurants at the foot of the Great Wall.
Recommendations: Chestnut braised chicken, wild vegetables, corn pancake, mountain mushroom soup.
13:00–15:00 Beijing Olympic Park
Core area of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, a landmark of modern Chinese architecture.
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Key Attractions: Bird’s Nest (National Stadium, steel-weave structure), Water Cube (National Aquatics Center, blue bubble-like membrane), National Indoor Stadium.
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Landscape: Dragon-shaped Water System, a 413,000 ㎡ artificial lake running through the park, blending modern architecture with natural beauty and creating a high-tech urban landscape.
15:00–17:30 Dashilan & Wangfujing Pedestrian Street
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Dashilan: Over 500 years of history, a vital part of Beijing’s southern central axis. Originated in the Yuan Dynasty, prospered in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Home to time-honored brands, traditional folk stores, and old Beijing cultural vibes.
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Wangfujing Street: One of Beijing’s most famous commercial streets, dating back to the Yuan Dynasty. Combines century-old shops, international brands, local snacks, and modern shopping experiences, showcasing the vitality of contemporary Beijing.
17:30 Return to Hotel
End of Day 3 exploration.
Day 4 Beijing to Xi’an by High-Speed Train
07:00–08:00 Hotel Pick-up
Your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby; exact time confirmed before 20:00 the previous day.
08:00–11:00 Beijing Zoo
Home to more than 430 species of rare animals, a paradise for nature lovers.
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Highlights: Giant pandas (national treasure of China), elegant flamingos, golden monkeys, red pandas, and various exotic wildlife.
11:00–13:00 Lunch at Own Expense + Chinese Cultural Experience
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Lunch: Casual dining near the zoo, featuring Beijing local snacks.
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Dumpling Making DIY: Dumplings are not only a traditional Chinese food but also a cultural symbol of family reunion. Handmake dumplings with local guidance to create an authentic Chinese memory.
13:00–17:00 High-Speed Train from Beijing to Xi’an
Board a comfortable high-speed train to Xi’an, the ancient capital of 13 dynasties. Enjoy the scenery along the way and experience the convenience of China’s modern rail transport. Upon arrival, transfer to your Xi’an hotel.
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Accommodation: 4/5-Star Hotel in Xi’an Downtown (Near Muslim Quarter / Ancient City Wall)
Day 5 Imperial Xi’an: Huaqing Palace – Terracotta Army – Tang Dynasty Everbright City
07:00–08:00 Hotel Pick-up
08:00–11:00 Huaqing Palace
Located 30 km east of Xi’an, adjacent to the Terracotta Army. National 5A Scenic Area | Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit.
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History: A famous imperial palace since the Tang Dynasty, once the royal hot spring resort of Emperor Xuanzong and Concubine Yang. It witnessed important historical events and integrates natural hot springs, classical gardens, and cultural relics.
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Highlights: Imperial hot spring pools, Lishan Mountain scenery, historical sites of the Xi’an Incident.
11:00–13:00 Lunch at Own Expense
Dining options: Local restaurants near the scenic area.
Recommendations: Xi’an noodles, roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), cold noodles, mutton soup.
13:00–15:30 Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s Mausoleum (Terracotta Army)
UNESCO World Heritage Site | “Eighth Wonder of the World”
A large-scale archaeological museum housing thousands of life-sized terracotta warriors and horses buried with Emperor Qin Shi Huang.
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Highlights: Pit 1 (the largest formation of infantry warriors), Pit 2 (chariots, cavalry, archers), Pit 3 (command headquarters), bronze chariots and horses. It represents the peak of ancient Chinese military and sculpture art.
15:30–17:30 Tang Dynasty Everbright City
Xi’an’s new cultural landmark, integrating immersive Tang Dynasty culture, modern technology, and creative performances.
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Features: Tang-style architecture, light shows, intangible cultural heritage displays, street performances, and cultural and creative shops, allowing you to travel back to the prosperous Tang Dynasty.
17:30 Return to Hotel
End of Day 5 exploration.
Day 6 Xi’an to Shanghai by Flight
07:00–08:00 Hotel Pick-up
08:00–11:00 Ci’en Temple & Big Wild Goose Pagoda
National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit | Symbol of Xi’an’s Buddhist Culture
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Ci’en Temple: A famous ancient Buddhist temple with a history of over 1,300 years, built in the Tang Dynasty.
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Big Wild Goose Pagoda: Built to house Buddhist scriptures brought back from India by Master Xuanzang. A classic example of Tang Dynasty tower architecture, with profound cultural and religious significance.
11:00–11:30 Lunch at Own Expense
Recommendations: Persimmon cake, hawthorn candy, various Tang-style pastries.
12:00–17:00 Flight from Xi’an to Shanghai
Transfer to Xi’an Airport and fly to Shanghai, a glamorous international metropolis blending modernity and tradition. Upon arrival, transfer to your Shanghai hotel.
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Accommodation: 4/5-Star Hotel in Shanghai Downtown (Near the Bund / Yu Garden)
Day 7 Modern Shanghai: Maglev Train – Madame Tussauds – Yu Garden – City Sightseeing Bus
08:00–09:00 Hotel Pick-up
09:00–10:30 Shanghai Maglev Train
The world’s first commercially operated maglev train, reaching a top speed of 430 km/h. Experience cutting-edge transportation technology and enjoy a fast and smooth ride.
10:30–12:00 Madame Tussauds Shanghai
Founded in 1835, one of the world’s most famous wax museums, owned by Merlin Entertainments.
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Highlights: Lifelike wax figures of celebrities, historical figures, sports stars, and movie icons; interactive photo opportunities.
12:00–13:30 Lunch at Own Expense
Dining options: Nearby shopping malls or local snack streets.
Recommendations: Shengjian mantou (pan-fried buns), xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), Shanghai-style fried noodles.
13:00–15:00 Yu Garden
A classic Jiangnan-style classical garden with a history of more than 400 years, an important cultural landmark of Shanghai.
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Highlights: Exquisite rockeries, peaceful ponds, traditional pavilions, delicate bridges, and the adjacent City God Temple Snack Street with numerous local delicacies.
15:00–17:00 Shanghai City Sightseeing Bus Tour
A “moving viewing platform” connecting Shanghai’s major attractions.
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Features: 360° panoramic view, hop-on hop-off convenience, multi-language audio guide, efficient city tour covering iconic spots.
17:00 Return to Hotel
End of Day 7 exploration.
Day 8 Shanghai to Guilin by Flight
07:00–08:00 Hotel Pick-up
08:00–11:00 Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower
National 5A Scenic Area | Landmark of Pudong New Area, located on the bank of the Huangpu River. Opened in 1994.
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Design: Unique structure composed of 11 spheres of different sizes, like “pearls falling on a jade plate”, blending Chinese aesthetics with modern architecture.
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Views: Observation decks offering panoramic views of the Bund, Pudong skyline, and the whole city.
11:00–11:30 Lunch at Own Expense + Transfer to Airport
Recommendations: Shanghai hairy crab cakes, osmanthus cake.
12:00–18:30 Flight from Shanghai to Guilin
Fly to Guilin, famous for “the finest mountains and rivers under heaven”. Upon arrival, transfer to your Guilin hotel.
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Accommodation: 4/5-Star Hotel in Guilin Downtown (Near Li River / Elephant Trunk Hill)
Day 9 Guilin & Yangshuo: Xianggong Mountain – Li River Bamboo Raft – Xingping Ancient Town
09:00–11:30 Xianggong Mountain
Located in Xingping Town, Yangshuo, on the west bank of the Li River, between Huangbu Beach and Nine Horse Fresco Hill. Named for its shape resembling an ancient scholar wearing an official hat.
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Highlights: Best viewing spot for the classic Li River landscape, panoramic karst mountain views, photo spot for the 20-yuan RMB scenery.
12:00–13:00 Lunch at Own Expense
Dining options: Local restaurants in Xingping Town.
Recommendations: Li River fish, Yangshuo beer fish, bamboo shoots, rice noodles.
13:30–17:00 Li River Bamboo Raft & Xingping Ancient Town
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Li River Bamboo Rafting: Classic Guilin experience; all rafts are upgraded to eco-friendly electric rafts for comfort and quietness. Drift through crystal-clear waters surrounded by towering karst peaks.
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Xingping Ancient Town: A thousand-year-old town with well-preserved Ming and Qing architecture, ancient streets, traditional courtyards, and authentic rural life.
Return to Hotel
End of Day 9 exploration.
Day 10 Yangshuo Countryside: Yulong River Biking – Twenty-Five Mile Gallery Bus Tour & Afternoon Tea
09:00–11:30 Yulong River Biking & Scenic Leisure
If the Li River is a grand landscape painting, the Yulong River is a peaceful pastoral poem.
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Experience: Cycle along the clear river and karst peaks, enjoy the idyllic scenery, relax on riverside swings, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature.
12:00–13:00 Lunch at Own Expense
Recommendations: Farmhouse dishes, fresh vegetables, osmanthus wine.
13:00–17:00 Twenty-Five Mile Gallery Bus Tour & Scenic Afternoon Tea
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Twenty-Five Mile Gallery: Famous for stunning karst mountains, pastoral fields, and quiet rivers. Enjoy a leisurely bus tour through the picturesque corridor.
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Scenic Afternoon Tea: Savor tea and desserts against the backdrop of green mountains and clear waters, a perfect blend of nature and leisure.
Return to Hotel
End of Day 10 exploration.
Day 11 Guilin: Silver Cave – Elephant Trunk Hill – Departure
09:00–11:30 Silver Cave
Located in Lipu near Yangshuo, National 4A Scenic Area.
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Features: Spectacular karst cave with stunning stalactites, stalagmites, stone pillars, and colorful lighting effects, known as “the wonder of karst caves”.
12:00–13:00 Lunch at Own Expense
Recommendations: Guilin rice noodles, taro cake, freshwater snails.
13:00–17:00 Elephant Trunk Hill & Transfer to Airport / Station
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Elephant Trunk Hill: The symbol of Guilin, located at the confluence of Taohua River and Li River. Shaped like an elephant drinking water from the river, a classic landmark of Guilin’s landscape.
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Departure Transfer: According to your flight/train schedule, transfer to Guilin Airport or Railway Station for your onward journey.
Service Inclusions
- Private air-conditioned vehicle and professional driver
- Licensed English-speaking tour guide
- 10 nights of 4/5-star hotel accommodation (twin/double room)
- First-entry tickets to all listed attractions
- High-speed train (Beijing→Xi’an) and domestic flights (Xi’an→Shanghai, Shanghai→Guilin)
- Dumpling making DIY experience materials
- 24/7 local travel assistance
Service Exclusions
- All lunches and dinners (at own expense)
- Optional fees (cable car at Mutianyu Great Wall, sightseeing bus upgrades, etc.)
- Personal expenses, travel insurance, and single room supplement
- Gratuities to guide and driver (optional)
