【China Adventure Journey】13-Day Beijing - Xian - Chengdu - Guilin - Shanghai

DAY 1Arrival in Beijing and Transfer to Hotel Your international flight will touch down in Beijing. Our Beijing tour guide will hold your name sign and wait for you at the arrival hall. Then, it will take you straight to your hotel in a private car. The guide will assist you with the hotel check-in process. Take a good rest to get over jet lag, and welcome to China! The guide with a flag bearing the China Travel logo

DAY 2Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City, The Temple of Heaven Begin your Beijing journey by exploring Tiananmen Square, the cultural hub of the city. Next, immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Forbidden City, aka Palace Museum, home to a myriad of imperial treasures.Guiding to the Forbidden City Today's lunch will be served at a local restaurant, where you will savor Beijing local dishes. Stroll through the historical Temple of Heaven, a sacred site for over 500 years during the Ming and Qing dynasties, where emperors came here to perform solemn, state-sponsored rites. Their primary purpose was to intercede with Heaven on behalf of their people, praying for good harvests, repenting for the nation's sins, and giving thanks for the rains. Evening Ideas After dinner, head to Houhai Lake—where serenity meets pub vibrancy, and it’s steps from hutongs and siheyuan! Explore it your way: wander on foot, glide by bicycle, or take a rickshaw for a cozy, local-style evening.

DAY 3The Mutianyu Great Wall (with round way cable car), Hutong Walking Tour （2 hours） Today’s highlight is a visit to the Mutianyu Great Wall, one of China’s most spectacular and well-preserved sections of this ancient landmark, with a round-trip cable car ride enhancing the experience. You’ll glide over lush green valleys on the ascent, taking in sweeping views of the wall winding like a stone dragon across rolling mountains. Discover the disappearing Hutongs—historic pathways lined with old-style courtyard houses in Beijing. Walk through these narrow alleys, meet a local family to learn about their traditional life and how they protect their homes and culture. Climb the Bell Tower for a great view of the hutongs from above. The tour covers about 800 meters of walking. After concluding the hutong tour, the guide will accompany you back to the hotel for some rest, with dinner on your own.

DAY 4Taking the High-speed train from Beijing to Xi'an, Xi'an Railway Station to Hotel Transfer Take a high-speed train from Beijing West to Xi'an North Railway Station at noon, and the final booking confirmation will provide the details of the train number and departure times. Upon arriving at Xi'an North Railway Station, you will be greeted by your guide and driver, who will then escort you to your hotel for check-in.

DAY 5Muslim Quarters, Ancient City Wall, The Terracotta Warriors and Horses After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you're about to begin your day's tour. Your guide picks you up from the hotel, and you set off to visit and explore the Terracotta Army. We'll beat the crowds and head straight to the site that put Xi'an on the global map. The Terracotta Army is often called the 8th Wonder of the World. Pit 1 showcases a fully equipped army formation, complete with vanguard, main force, and flanks. In Pit 2, view the warriors as discovered— shattered yet fascinating. After the awe-inspiring scale of the warriors, we'll enjoy a well-deserved lunch at a local restaurant. This is your chance to refuel with the bold, hearty flavors of Shaanxi cuisine. Then, we will head back to the city center and climb the majestic Ancient City Wall. The current wall is from the Ming Dynasty (14th century), but it was constructed directly on the foundations of the far older Tang Dynasty imperial city walls. You are literally walking on the footprint of an even more ancient capital, Chang'an. We'll end our day as the sun sets and the lanterns light up, immersing ourselves in the Muslim Quarter. It is a paradise for food lovers. Try the Dongnanya Zenggao, a dessert made of glutinous rice, with the sweetness of red dates and the softness of glutinous rice. Jiasan Juiced Buns are also a highlight, with a variety of fillings and a burst of juice when you bite into them. Other must-try foods include Liu Jixiao Preserved Beef and Mutton, which is tender and flavorful. Evening Ideas Defachang Dumpling Banquet: A famous restaurant specializing in artistic dumplings. A banquet allows you to sample dozens of varieties, each differently shaped and filled (representing different auspicious meanings). It's a meal and a show in itself. Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show: A professional, theater-based performance of traditional music and elaborate dances that recreate the splendor of the Tang Dynasty court. The costumes and orchestration are magnificent.

DAY 6Taking the High-speed train from Xi'an to Chengdu, Hotel to Train Station Transfer (Xian), Train Station Transfer (Chengdu) Today is a free day for you own explore the charm of historical Xi'an. Take a train from Xian to Chengdu. Upon arrival at Chengdu, your guide will greet you and accompany you to the hotel, assisting with check-in. As there are no scheduled tours today, you have the freedom to arrange your own activities and meals.

DAY 7 Local Tea House in People's Park, Panda Breeding and Research Center, Kuanzhai Alley (includes snack-tasting experience) Start your day at the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center. Don’t miss the Moon Delivery Room (for fluffy cubs) and Villas 1 & 2 (to see adult pandas munching bamboo or lazing around—popular pandas like Hua Hua often steal the show). You might also spot red pandas or golden pheasants here. Good to Know Suggest Arrive by 8:30 AM—this is the prime time for pandas: they’re most active during breakfast, munching bamboo or playing before the day heats up. Head straight to the 幼年大熊猫别墅 (to spot stars like Hua Hua!) and Moon Delivery Room for fluffy cubs.Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center Have lunch at a local restaurant to refresh for the morning tour. Then head straight to Heming Teahouse in the People's Park. Settle into a bamboo chair, order a cup of gaiwan tea (try Bitan Piaoxue or Zhuyeqing), and soak up the calm, watch locals play mahjong, chat, or opt for the iconic Qing-style ear-picking service for a unique treat.Soak Up a Cup of Tea at the Tea House In the late afternoon, wander Kuanzhai Alley (Kuan, Zhai, and Jing Alleys), a preserved Qing Dynasty street. Stroll its cobblestone streets, admire the gray-brick architecture, and savor Chengdu classics: spicy Dandan noodles, savory rabbit heads, or 串串 (chuanchuan). End with a quick Sichuan Opera 变脸 (face-changing) show if time allows—then enjoy the alley’s warm night lights.Creating Sugar Paintings int the Street After concluding today's tour, the guide will escort you back to the hotel for some rest. Evening Ideas Shu Feng Ya Yun Opera Show: This is the premier venue to experience traditional Sichuan culture in one packed, 90-minute show. It's held in the Shu Feng Ya Yun Teahouse within the historic Culture Park. Sichuan Hotpot Dinner: No evening in Chengdu is complete without Hotpot. This is a social and sensory experience.

DAY 8 Taking the High-speed train from Chengdu to Guilin, Hotel to Train station Transfer (Chengdu), Train station Transfer (Guilin) Start with the Chengdu hotel-to-station transfer—leave your hotel 1.5-2 hours before the train departs (allow extra time for traffic, especially during rush hour). Upon arriving at Guilin’s high-speed rail station, your guide and driver will meet you at the exit gate and hold a sign with your name and transfer to your hotel.

DAY 9 Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo (by 4-star boat), West Street of Yangshuo Take an hour transfer from your hotel to the wharf and board the 4-star cruise (departs Guilin around 9:30 AM, 4.5 hours) to glide through Li River’s iconic karst scenery. The boat offers comfortable seats and a buffet lunch—savor local dishes while taking in highlights like Yellow Cloth Shoal (a classic vista of green hills reflecting in clear water, printed on RMB 20 notes). Grab a spot on the deck to snap photos; the misty morning light adds magic to the limestone peaks. Arrive in Yangshuo around 1:30 PM Wander West Street—a lively pedestrian street blending ancient lanes with modern charm. Browse souvenir shops for handcrafted fans or silk scarves. Evening Ideas Impression Sanjie Liu Light Show: This is not a traditional theater performance. It is a monumental, open-air spectacle conceived by the renowned Chinese director Zhang Yimou, who also directed the opening ceremonies for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

DAY 10 Yangshuo Countryside Cycling, Yangshuo Chinese Cookery Class Kick off the day with a 3-hour countryside bike ride—opt for a comfortable hybrid bike (rent near West Street). Cycle along the Yulong River banks, and you will pass by lush rice paddies, stone bridges, and traditional villages where locals dry corn or tend to fruit trees. Pause often to snap photos of karst peaks rising from green fields—morning light softens the scenery, making it extra picturesque. Avoid busy roads; stick to quiet village lanes for a peaceful vibe.Countryside Bike Ride in Yangshuo Head to a popular local restaurant (try spots near Yulong River or just off West Street, where locals frequent) for Yangshuo’s most famous dish-beer fish, for lunch refreshment. In the afternoon, join for a 3-hour hands-on class (held in a small local kitchen or outdoor courtyard) starting around 3 PM. First, you’ll visit a nearby wet market (if time allows) to select fresh ingredients—think bamboo shoots, mushrooms, and herbs—learning how to pick the best produce like a local.Making Dumplings in the Cooking Class Then, you’ll pick 2-3 dishes from the recipe. The chef will guide you through knife skills and seasoning tweaks (adjust spiciness to your taste!). After cooking, sit down to enjoy the meal you made. Wrap up with a copy of the recipes to recreate the dishes at home.

DAY 11 Take a Flight from Guilin to Shanghai (economic class), Airport Transfer (Guilin), Airport Transfer (Shanghai) Your trip begins with a smooth transfer from Guilin Airport, take a flight from Guilin to Shanghai (economic class), followed by a welcoming airport transfer upon your arrival in Shanghai. Sit back, relax, and embrace the ease of travel.

DAY 12 Yuyuan Garden, The Bund, Shanghai Tower, Shanghai Old Street Begin your day with a visit to Yuyuan Garden, a 16th-century classical garden showcasing traditional Chinese landscaping, pavilions, and serene ponds. Dive into the history and cultural significance of this tranquil haven. Wander along the elevated walkway of The Bund, overlooking the Huangpu River. Admire the blend of colonial-era buildings and modern skyscrapers, capturing the essence of Shanghai's past and present.Spectacular Skyline Across the Huangpu River at the Bund Ascend the awe-inspiring heights of the Shanghai Tower, one of the tallest buildings globally. Enjoy panoramic vistas from the observation deck, marveling at the city's vast urban landscape and architectural wonders.Panoramic View of the City in the Shanghai Tower The French Concession in Shanghai is a historic neighborhood famous for its pretty streets with trees, stylish old buildings, cute shops, cozy cafes, and yummy restaurants. It's a cool mix of the past and present. Take leisurely walks along the picturesque tree-lined avenues, such as Huaihai Road and Fuxing Road, known for their charming atmosphere and vibrant surroundings. Evening Ideas Acrobatics Show: Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing world of Chinese acrobatics with an evening performance showcasing incredible feats of agility, balance, and skill. Be captivated by the dazzling performances and artistry on display.

DAY 13 Hotel to airport Transfer (Shanghai), Shanghai to Departure City, Flight not Included Transfer from your hotel to the airport in Shanghai, followed by your flight back to your departure city. Please note that the flight is not included in this transfer service.