China Panorama: 10-Day Journey from Imperial Capitals to Modern Marvels
- From $2,898
- 10 Days
- Beijing
- Shanghai
Tour Highlights
- Trace the glory of ancient China at the Forbidden City and Great Wall in Beijing.
- Visit Xi’an’s Terracotta Warriors, a UNESCO World Heritage Site buried underground for over 2,000 years.
- Cruise along the Li River, admiring landscapes that resemble a living Chinese painting.
- Marvel at the breathtaking Longji Rice Terraces.
- Discover the fast-changing skyline and vibrant energy of Shanghai, China’s modern metropolis.
Tour Details
10-Day China Culture & Nature Tour
Beijing - Xi'an - Guilin - Shanghai
2 persons minimum
$2,898
Tour Overview
Embark on a 10-day grand journey through the heart of China — a voyage that captures the country’s majestic past, breathtaking landscapes, and dazzling modern energy.
From Beijing’s Forbidden City and Great Wall, to Xi’an’s legendary Terracotta Warriors, from the serene karst peaks of Guilin and Yangshuo, to the shimmering skyline of Shanghai, this itinerary offers a complete portrait of China’s contrasts and continuity.
You’ll walk in the footsteps of emperors, sail through poetic scenery, and stand atop the tallest towers — witnessing a civilization that spans thousands of years yet never stops reinventing itself. Perfect for first-time visitors, this immersive journey blends cultural depth, natural wonder, and urban sophistication into one seamless and unforgettable experience.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Beijing
Focus: Jet-lag adjustment + light activities (airport pick-up)
Welcome to China! Your guide will greet you at Beijing Airport and escort you to your hotel.
Though modernized, Beijing retains many historic sites that reflect the depth of China’s past. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to begin your exploration.
Accommodation: Belt and Road Hotel Beijing / Tiantan Hotel / Sunworld Dynasty Hotel (or similar)
Day 2 – Forbidden City & Hutong Experience
After breakfast, visit Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world. Continue to the highlight of the day — the Forbidden City, the world’s largest and best-preserved imperial palace complex, home to 24 emperors over 500 years.
Afternoon: Enjoy a Hutong Cultural Tour — take a rickshaw ride around Shichahai Lake, explore Yandai Xiejie, and try your hand at painting a Peking Opera mask in a local studio near Prince Gong’s Mansion. Wander through narrow lanes lined with traditional courtyards to absorb the rhythm of old Beijing.
Dinner: Not included
Accommodation: Same as above
Day 3 – Great Wall & Summer Palace
After breakfast, visit the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, renowned for its stunning views and fewer crowds. Take a cable car up for panoramic mountain scenery.
After lunch, explore the Summer Palace, the largest and best-preserved imperial garden in China. Centered on Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, it blends natural beauty and classical landscape design inspired by Hangzhou’s West Lake.
Dinner: Not included
Accommodation: Same as above
Day 4 – Temple of Heaven & High-Speed Train to Xi’an
Begin your day at the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of religious architecture where emperors once prayed for good harvests. Stroll through its peaceful park and watch locals practice morning tai chi and dance.
After lunch, take a high-speed train to Xi’an (approx. 5 hours). Meet your local guide on arrival and transfer to the hotel. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely walk around Bell and Drum Tower Square or sample local snacks at the Muslim Quarter (such as Jiasan Soup Dumplings).
Dinner: Not included
Accommodation: Grand Dynasty Culture Hotel (or similar)
Day 5 – Terracotta Warriors & Xi’an Highlights
After breakfast, head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Terracotta Army, one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world. Admire the lifelike clay soldiers, horses, and chariots—each with unique expressions and details—standing in battle formation.
After lunch, visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a well-preserved Buddhist site built over 1,300 years ago.
In the evening, consider strolling through the vibrant Tang Paradise (Grand Tang Everbright City) to see light shows and street performances (check schedule for “Secret of the Great Tang” show).
Dinner: Not included
Accommodation: Same as above
Day 6 – Xi’an → Guilin: Cooking Experience & City Wall
After breakfast, join a local home visit and cooking class. With a friendly host family, learn to make hand-pulled noodles, dumplings, or other traditional Xi’an dishes, and then share a meal together.
After lunch, visit the Ancient City Wall, standing for over 600 years. Walk or cycle along the top for superb city views. Then explore the Muslim Quarter, filled with street food aromas and vibrant life.
In the evening, fly to Guilin, famed for its dreamlike karst mountains and river landscapes—hailed as “the most beautiful scenery under heaven.”
Dinner: Not included
Accommodation: Guilin Hotel (or similar)
Day 7 – Guilin: Li River Cruise & Yangshuo
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo (about 4 hours). Sail past emerald waters and towering karst peaks that resemble a moving landscape painting. A simple lunch is served on board.
Arrive in Yangshuo and explore the lively West Street, lined with boutiques, cafés, and restaurants. The rest of the day is yours to wander through the village or relax at a riverside tea house.
Dinner: Not included
Accommodation: Yangshuo Ancient Garden Hotel (or similar)
Day 8 – Guilin → Shanghai
Start your morning with a Tai Chi session in the serene countryside of Yangshuo. Under the guidance of a local master, practice graceful movements against the backdrop of mist-covered karst hills and lush rice fields — a peaceful and centering experience.
After lunch, enjoy a bike ride or drive through idyllic villages, terraced fields, and gentle rivers, observing daily rural life and capturing timeless scenes of buffaloes grazing and farmers working the land.
Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai, a vibrant cosmopolitan city where East meets West and tradition meets innovation.
Dinner: Not included
Accommodation: Metropark Hotel Jing’an Shanghai (or similar)
Day 9 – Shanghai Highlights
After breakfast, visit the Old Town to explore Yu Garden, a masterpiece of classical southern Chinese landscape design, and the City God Temple Bazaar, where you can try Shanghai snacks like crab soup dumplings at the famous Nanxiang Restaurant.
Continue to the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center to see a spectacular city model and learn about Shanghai’s past and future.
In the afternoon, ascend the Shanghai Tower (118th floor) for a panoramic city view — the tallest building in China. End the day with an optional Huangpu River night cruise to see the glittering Lujiazui skyline.
Dinner: Not included
Accommodation: Same as above
Day 10 – Departure
After breakfast, your driver will transfer you to the airport for your outbound flight.
Departure Tips:
For international flights from Pudong (PVG), arrive at least 3 hours in advance.
Private airport transfer will be arranged according to your flight schedule.
Thank you for choosing us! As a Chinese saying goes, “May you travel safely wherever you go.” We wish you a pleasant journey home and look forward to welcoming you back to explore more of China soon.
Goodbye and safe travels!
All domestic flights and high-speed train tickets as listed in the itinerary
All admission fees, entrance tickets, and activity costs as specified in the itinerary
Services of an experienced English-speaking local guide throughout the journey
Comfortable hotel accommodation based on double occupancy, as indicated in the itinerary
Daily meals as mentioned in the itinerary (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner), with complimentary bottled drinking water
Private transportation with air-conditioned vehicle and professional driver for all scheduled tours and transfers
Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted in the itinerary
International flights to and from China
Chinese visa fees and any related travel documentation
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone, minibar, or optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Meals not specified in the itinerary
Tips or gratuities for guides and drivers
