Classic Wonders

This 11-day China top cities tour covers the most popular four destinations and five World Heritage sites in China. It makes an ideal tour for first-time visitors who would like to discover China’s history, culture, modernization and landscape.

The itinerary below is only one possibility. Tips to tailor-make your trip are offered as inspiration. Tell us your preferences and our travel experts will customize this trip to suit your interests, tastes, and budget.

Suggested 11-Day Itinerary

Itinerary Quick Look

Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests and schedule.

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Day 1: Beijing Arrival

Accommodation Area: Beijing

Welcome to majestic Beijing! Your private tour guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in a private vehicle.

Hotel Options:

• Novotel Beijing Peace
• Crowne Plaza Beijing Chaoyang U-Town

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Day 2: The Temple of Heaven and the Forbidden City

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Morning: Visit the Temple of Heaven, where you can see locals practicing morning exercises. Enjoy authentic local food at a popular restaurant for lunch.

Afternoon: Walk through Tian’anmen Square and explore the Forbidden City, discovering hidden stories beyond the typical tourist routes.

Tailor-Make Tips: Add a hutong rickshaw tour, dumpling making, or local market experience.

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Day 3: Day and Night Tour of the Great Wall

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Morning: Explore the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall with your guide.

Afternoon: Visit Gubei Water Town at the foot of the Great Wall. Optional hot spring experience available.

Evening: Take a cable car to see the Simatai Great Wall illuminated at night – the only section with night views.

Hotel Options:

• William Edgar Hotel
• Beijing Water Town Hot Spring Resort

Tailor-Make Tips: Romantic dinner with Great Wall views (April-October).

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Day 4: The Summer Palace and High-speed Train to Xi’an

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Morning: Explore the Summer Palace, a masterpiece of Chinese landscape gardens.

Afternoon: Take a high-speed train to Xi’an.

Hotel Options:

• Somerset Xindicheng Xi’an
• Wyndham Grand Xi’an South

Tailor-Make Tips: Add a wild Great Wall hiking experience (2 hours to multi-day).

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Day 5: The Terracotta Warriors

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Morning: Visit the Terracotta Warriors Museum, learning about their creation and preservation. Participate in a conservation workshop with real artifacts.

Afternoon: Explore the ancient City Wall, with options to walk or cycle along the top.

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Day 6: Xi’an City Highlights and Flight to Guilin

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Morning: Discover ancient history at Xi’an History Museum and Little Wild Goose Pagoda. Experience the vibrant Muslim Quarter with local cuisine.

Afternoon: Fly to Guilin.

Hotel Options:

• Lijiang Waterfall Hotel
• Shangri-La Hotel Guilin

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Day 7: Longji Terraced Rice Fields and Ethnic Minority Culture

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Full Day: Explore the stunning Longji Terraced Rice Fields. Visit a Zhuang minority family, learn to make bamboo rice, and experience their traditional lifestyle.

Tailor-Make Tips: 5-hour hiking trip between Ping’an and Dazhai villages.

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Day 8: Li River Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Morning: Cruise along the Li River, surrounded by limestone peaks and rural landscapes.

Afternoon: Arrive in Yangshuo, explore West Street, and check into your countryside hotel.

Hotel Options:

• Yangshuo Mountain Retreat
• Yangshuo Ancient Garden Boutique Hotel

Tailor-Make Tips: Add cooking classes, tai chi, farming experiences, or rock climbing.

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Day 9: Countryside Lifestyle and Flight to Shanghai

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Morning: Explore Yangshuo’s rural villages, visit local homes, and experience a traditional market using local transportation.

Afternoon: Fly to Shanghai.

Hotel Options:

• Bellagio by MGM Shanghai
• Sunrise On The Bund

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Day 10: Shanghai Highlights with Bund Discovery

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Morning: Join an in-depth Bund Culture Discovery Tour, then ascend Shanghai Tower for panoramic views.

Afternoon: Enjoy a customized half-day experience tailored to your interests – from art and fashion to local markets.

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Day 11: Shanghai Departure

Meals: Breakfast

Your guide and driver will transfer you to Shanghai Pudong International Airport for your flight home.

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Trip Notes

Customization & Extension

Every element of this tour can be tailored to your preferences. Share your ideas with us for a personalized travel experience.

Extend Your Journey

• Suzhou & Hangzhou (1-4 days)
  Classical gardens, ancient water towns, Grand Canal, and West Lake
• Chengdu (2-3 days)
  Panda keeper program, panda photo opportunity, Leshan Giant Buddha
• Hong Kong (2-3 days)
  Victoria Peak, Hong Kong Disneyland, Macau day tour
• Free Days
  Recommended in Yangshuo and Shanghai for independent exploration
• More Destinations
  Zhangjiajie, Huangshan, Tibet – consult us for personalized recommendations

Service Details

Accommodation

• Comprehensive selection from 5-star chains to boutique hotels
• Options include 3-star (value), 4-star (prime locations), 5-star (luxury)
• Family rooms and interconnected rooms available for groups
• Maximum 3 guests per standard room

Transportation

• Domestic flights for efficient long-distance travel
• High-speed train options for journeys under 6 hours
• Private vehicles with professional drivers throughout

Meals & Dining

• Daily lunches at authentic local restaurants
• Expert guide assistance with menu selection
• Special dietary needs accommodated:
• Vegetarian, Halal, Kosher
• Indian, Gluten-free
• Other requirements available upon request

Contact us to customize any aspect of your journey

Tour Package Price: From US$3,029 per person

This starting price is based on a private tour for two people staying in 4-star hotels. The final price will vary depending on your customized program, travel date, group size, and hotel selection.

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What’s Included

• Private Transfers
  Travel in a private, air-conditioned business car with ample space and large windows.
• Expert Guide
  Services of an English-speaking local guide.
• Activities & Accommodation
  All activities, hotels, and meals as specified in your itinerary.
• Inter-city Travel
  All domestic flights and train tickets between cities mentioned in the itinerary.
• 24/7 Support
  Round-the-clock helpline throughout your journey.