The 10-day Central China Essential Tour is your fast track into the heart of China’s history and culture. Over ten packed days, you'll explore ancient capitals, walk centuries-old streets, and stand in the shadow of towering skyscrapers. Designed for first-time visitors, this route hits the highlights – from UNESCO World Heritage Sites to unforgettable local experiences – without feeling rushed.
Your journey kicks off in Beijing, where you’ll stroll Tiananmen Square, step inside the majestic Forbidden City, and hike a section of the Great Wall. Then it’s on to Pingyao, a time capsule from the Ming and Qing dynasties that feels like a living museum. In Xi’an, you’ll come face-to-face with the legendary Terracotta Army, before wrapping up in Shanghai – a city where colonial boulevards meet futuristic skylines.
Explore the full itinerary for the 10-day Central China Essential Tour, check the details, and get ready to see a country where 3,000 years of history still shape everyday life. Your adventure starts here.
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 of the 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. After that, we visit the Temple of Heaven, where the 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.
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 transfer to the station for the bullet train to Pingyao by second-class seats. Upon arrival, our guide and driver in Pingyao will pick you up and drive you to your hotel for a rest.
In the afternoon, visit Shuanglin Temple. The temple has become a popular spot for both domestic and international travelers. It is renowned for its collection of over 2,000 painted clay sculptures, considered among the finest examples for their vibrant colors, lifelike forms, and intricate details.
In the afternoon, visit Shuanglin Temple. The temple has become a popular spot for both domestic and international travelers. It is renowned for its collection of over 2,000 painted clay sculptures, considered among the finest examples for their vibrant colors, lifelike forms, and intricate details.
Visit the Ancient Town of Pingyao. As one of China's four best-preserved ancient cities, Pingyao boasts a history spanning nearly 3,000 years. Stroll along its imposing city walls, constructed with rammed earth and brick. Explore the Rishengchang Draft Bank, one of China's earliest banks, established in 1823, and gain insights into Pingyao's rich history and its role as a financial center.
Then we transfer to the station for the bullet train to Xi'an by second-class seats. Upon arrival, our guide and driver will pick you up and drive you to your hotel for a rest.
Then we transfer to the station for the bullet train to Xi'an by second-class seats. Upon arrival, our guide and driver will pick you up and drive you to your hotel for a rest.
Today you will be driven to the suburban area to marvel at the powerful Qin Terracotta Warriors. Then we drive back to the city to visit 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, we 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. Then we drive to Guilin Airport for the flight to Shanghai, where your guide and driver will pick you up and transfer you 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:
- 9 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 with economy seats: Xi'an -Shanghai;
- Bullet train with second-class seats: Beijing-Pingyao- 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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