China Highlights Private Tour: Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Guilin & Shanghai
Twelve days through five of China's most storied cities, from ancient imperial palaces to karst-lined rivers.
This China highlights private tour takes you across twelve days and five iconic destinations, weaving together imperial history, natural scenery, culinary tradition, and contemporary culture. Each city offers a distinct layer of China's vast and layered identity. A dedicated guide and private vehicle accompany you throughout, ensuring a focused and comfortable journey.
From the vast plaza of Tiananmen Square to the carved limestone peaks above the Li River, the itinerary covers the landmarks that have defined China's image across centuries. Visits are timed thoughtfully to make the most of each location, with early-morning access to key sites and unhurried afternoons in local neighbourhoods. Meals at local restaurants and included lunches at several stops allow for genuine engagement with regional food cultures.
The pace is gentle throughout, rated very easy, which makes the tour suitable for a broad range of travellers. High-speed rail links Beijing to Xi'an and Xi'an to Chengdu, offering a ground-level view of China's interior landscapes. Domestic flights connect the remaining cities, keeping the overall journey efficient without sacrificing depth.
Private guiding means itinerary flexibility where possible, and the relatively small footprint of a personal tour allows access to quieter corners of each city alongside its headline attractions. From the narrow hutongs of old Beijing to the tree-lined boulevards of Shanghai's former French Concession, this tour balances the monumental with the intimate.
Tour Highlights
Walk through the Forbidden City in Beijing, the imperial palace complex where Ming and Qing dynasty emperors ruled for over five centuries behind towering red walls.
Discover the Terracotta Warriors near Xi'an, an archaeological site of extraordinary scale comprising 8,000 life-size soldiers, 100 chariots, and 600 horses, each one unique.
Visit the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base in the early morning to observe giant pandas feeding, climbing, and resting in a carefully managed habitat.
Cruise the Li River from Zhujiang Wharf to Yangshuo, drifting past limestone karst formations, bamboo groves, fishing villages, and cormorant fishermen over four unhurried hours.
Hike along the Huanghuacheng Great Wall, a scenic section above two reservoir lakes where unobstructed views reward walkers without the density of crowds found elsewhere.
Experience Chengdu's teahouse culture at People's Park, where locals gather to play chess, drink tea, and practice water calligraphy in the city UNESCO named its first City of Gastronomy.
Stroll the Bund in Shanghai and the former French Concession, where neoclassical European facades and plane-tree-lined streets tell the story of the city's nineteenth-century cosmopolitan past.
Itinerary Overview
Arrive at Beijing Airport and transfer to your hotel. Over three full days, visit Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Beijing hutongs, the Miaoying Temple, the Huanghuacheng Great Wall, the 798 Art District, and the Temple of Heaven complex.
Travel by high-speed train to Xi'an. Explore the Muslim Quarter on arrival, then spend a full day visiting the Ancient City Wall and the UNESCO-listed Terracotta Warriors site, followed by a visit to the Xi'an Museum.
Take the high-speed train to Chengdu. Explore Kuanzhai Alley and People's Park on arrival. The following morning, visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, then spend the afternoon at the Sichuan Museum.
Fly to Guilin and visit Reed Flute Cave and Elephant Trunk Hill on the first afternoon. The next day, cruise the Li River to Yangshuo and walk West Street before returning to Guilin.
Fly to Shanghai and explore the Propaganda Poster Museum and the Bund on the first evening. The following day includes Yu Garden, Jade Buddha Temple, and a walk through the former French Concession.
Breakfast at the hotel followed by leisure time before transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
What's Included
Included
- 11 nights hotel accommodation
- Daily breakfast at the hotel
- Included lunches as stated in the itinerary
- Included dinners as stated in the itinerary
- Private guide and driver throughout
- 2nd class high-speed train Beijing to Xi'an
- 2nd class high-speed train Xi'an to Chengdu
- Domestic flights Chengdu to Guilin and Guilin to Shanghai
- Li River cruise with simple onboard lunch
- All entrance fees to listed attractions
- Airport and station transfers
Not Included
- International flights to and from China
- China travel visa and associated fees
- Lunches marked as own arrangement
- Personal spending and gratuities
- Bike or electric bike rental on the City Wall
- Halal skewer snacks and street food in Muslim Quarter
- Mahjong or chess expenses at People's Park teahouse
- Souvenir purchases in Yangshuo and elsewhere
- Elephant Trunk Hill entrance fee
- Tianfu Airport surcharge if applicable
- Travel insurance
Important Information
Reserve Your Place
This private tour runs on flexible dates to suit your schedule. Spaces are limited to your own group, so availability is confirmed on request.
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