This is a classic tour through the cities and sights of central China, with a short detour into the southern part of the country. Over 12 unforgettable days, you will see the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City in Beijing, the Terracotta Army in Xi'an, the picturesque terraces of Guilin, the town of Zhujiajiao – known as the "Venice of the East" – and the country's tallest skyscrapers in Shanghai. These are just the highlights; throughout the journey, you will encounter much more, gathering enough impressions to last a year and expanding your knowledge of China in a way that becomes part of your personal experience.
The 12-day Central China Classic Tour begins in Beijing, where you will explore the imperial palace and the historic neighborhoods of ordinary life of the Celestial Empire. You will then continue to Xi'an, once the capital of China and the starting point of the Great Silk Road. Afterward, you will take a 1,000-kilometer flight south to Guilin, a city surrounded by colorful villages, spectacular rice terraces, and the winding waters of the Li River. The final part of the tour includes a flight to Shanghai, the world’s largest port, and a visit to Zhujiajiao, where a peaceful boat trip awaits.
Check out the detailed itinerary, browse photos of the sites along the route, and treat yourself to 12 incredible days in China.
Tour itinerary:
Arrive at Beijing Airport, where our car will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel. As the capital of China, Beijing is arguably one of the most historic and cultural cities, and one of the oldest capitals in the world. In the evening, take a tour of Qianmen Street.
Our first stop is the impressive Tiananmen Square, where most national ceremonies are held. From the square, you can walk to the splendid Forbidden City. Upon arrival at the largest imperial palace, travelers are always impressed by the high red walls and the large number of buildings with golden roofs. Then we walk to Coal Hill, once a royal garden, where we can enjoy a panoramic view of the Forbidden City. After that, we drive to Shichahai Hutong to visit the traditional residences of Beijing by rickshaw, an old-fashioned mode of transportation. Then we continue on foot to explore the Houhai area, which is part of Shichahai.
Today we first visit the fascinating Badaling Great Wall, taking the cable car up and walking down. The wall was constructed beginning in the seventh century to protect the Chinese empire from invaders, and it remains an unmissable part of any China experience. Then we drive to the Summer Palace, where we enjoy a boat ride. The palace served as the royal family’s “Palace to Avoid the Heat” during the summer months.
Today we first visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshipped the Gods of Heaven. Then we go to the Silk Market, where you’ll find nearly everything you might want to buy. Afterward, we transfer to the station for a bullet train to Xi'an by second-class seats. Upon arrival, our guide and driver in Xi’an will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel for a rest.
Today you will be driven to the suburb area to marvel at the powerful Qin Terracotta Warriors. Then we drive back to the city to visit the South Gate Old City Wall, which is the most complete city wall that has survived in China, as well as one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world. After that, we go to the Muslim Quarter. There are about ten mosques in this area, among which the Great Mosque is the most famous and popular.
In the morning, you will be driven to the airport for your flight to Guilin. Upon arrival, your guide and driver will pick you up and take you to visit Reed Flute Cave. Inside this water-eroded cave is a spectacular world of various stalactites, stone pillars, and rock formations created by carbonate deposition. Walking through the serried stone pillars, you will feast your eyes on ever-changing sights, feeling as if you are in a paradise where the Gods live. After that, you will visit Elephant Trunk Hill, an elephant’s nose-shaped rock extending into the river, as if it is drinking from the water.
Today you will drive to Longsheng and visit the Terrace Fields there, including a round-trip by battery car, and also visit the Yao and Zhuang Minority Villages. Then you will drive back to Guilin and take a walk around the Ronghu Area. You will also stop by the Pearl Factory before returning to the hotel.
Today you will first take the Li River boat cruise to Yangshuo. Along the trip, you will enjoy the attractive scenery on both sides of the riverbank, and after arrival, you’ll be able to enjoy your stay in Yangshuo. After a rest at the hotel, you will take a bicycle tour around nearby local villages and visit the Big Banyan Tree. It has survived wind and rain over centuries since it was planted nearly 1,500 years ago. Later, you will take time to stroll along West Street, the most prosperous street in Yangshuo County.
Today we drive back to Guilin Airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, the guide and driver will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel for a short rest. Then you will visit the French Concession before returning to your hotel.
Today you first visit Yu Garden, including the nearby bazaars. In Yuyuan, you can admire the sophisticated design and fine layout of pavilions, halls, rockeries, ponds, and cloisters. Then you visit Shanghai Museum, which specializes in ancient artworks of China, especially bronze ware, chinaware, calligraphy, and paintings. After that, you will take a walking tour of Nanjing Road and The Bund to enjoy the modern view of Shanghai. Then you take the elevator up to the TV Tower for a panoramic overlook of the city. Transfer back to your hotel and rest.
Today we drive to visit the beautiful Water Town of Zhujiajiao, including a boat cruise. Then we drive back to Shanghai and visit the Tianzifang area, which used to be a residential neighborhood but has now been transformed into a modern leisure district with many interesting coffee shops. Afterward, we stop by a Silk Factory before transferring back to your hotel.
Note:
The rate is valid from 15 April 2025 until 31 December 2026, except for the holidays in China (Labor Day 1-5 May 2025, National Day 1-8 October 2025, Chinese New Year 15-25 February 2026, Labor Day 1-5 May 2026, National Day 1-8 October 2026).
Price includes:
- 11 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast based on twin sharing;
- English-speaking guide for each city;
- A/C tourism coach (5-seat car for 1–2 pax, 7-seat car for 3–4 pax);
- Entrance fees for the sites listed in the program;
- Domestic flights: Xi'an–Guilin–Shanghai;
- Bullet train with second-class seats: Beijing–Xi'an.
Price doesn't include:
- International flights;
- Any lunch or dinner;
- Tips to local guide and driver;
- Overweight luggage on domestic flights.
Prices, per person
Prices are for 2025 in US$ per person, with discounted prices for larger groups available on request.
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