China Tour from Beijing: Xian Guilin Yangtze Cruise Shanghai

Today, you’ll explore the highlights of Beijing’s imperial past, including its most iconic landmarks and royal gardens. After breakfast, your guide will meet you at your hotel and take you to Tiananmen Square, the heart of modern China and the world’s largest public square. From there, walk to the Forbidden City, the grand imperial palace that housed 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers a glimpse into centuries of Chinese history and traditional architecture. You’ll enter through the Meridian Gate and follow the central axis to visit its main halls and treasures.

Next, take a short walk up to Jingshan Park for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City and Beijing’s skyline (optional based on physical condition).

In the afternoon, head to the Summer Palace, China’s best-preserved royal garden. Once the summer retreat of emperors, its scenic layout includes pavilions, temples, and lakeside views. Enjoy a relaxing walk through its picturesque landscapes and historic structures.

This morning, drive about 1.5–2 hours from Beijing to the Mutianyu Great Wall, known for its scenic beauty, fewer crowds, and well-preserved watchtowers. Take a cable car up to the 14th watchtower and enjoy hiking along the wall’s western section. Surrounded by green pine forests and majestic mountain views, this section offers a memorable and less commercialized Great Wall experience. If you’re up for it, climb further to the 20th watchtower for sweeping views and photo opportunities.

After your Great Wall adventure, return to Beijing. On the way back, stop briefly at the Olympic Park for photo ops of the Bird’s Nest (National Stadium) and the Water Cube (Aquatics Center), two iconic structures from the 2008 Olympics, also featured in the 2022 Winter Games.
End the day with a comfortable transfer back to your hotel for a well-earned rest.

Today, enjoy some free time in Beijing before your driver transfers you to the train station for a high-speed train to Xian (approx. 4.5–5.5 hours).

Upon arrival in Xi’an, once the capital of 13 ancient dynasties and a key starting point of the Silk Road, your local driver will meet you at the station exit and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the city at your own pace. 

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up and drive about 1 hour (40 km) to visit the world-famous Terracotta Army Museum, a remarkable archaeological site built for Emperor Qin Shihuang. Explore the impressive underground army of over 8,000 life-sized warriors, horses, and chariots, each with unique features. Visit the main excavation pits to witness the scale and craftsmanship of this ancient wonder.

After lunch, return to the city to visit the Ancient City Wall, one of the oldest and best-preserved city walls in China. You can enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride along the wall, taking in views of both old and modern Xi’an. Then, stop by the Bell Tower (or Drum Tower, depending on schedule), a Ming-era landmark in the city center.
After the tour, return to your hotel for a restful evening.

After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, one of Xi’an’s most iconic landmarks. Built in 652 AD during the Tang Dynasty, this seven-story pagoda was constructed to house Buddhist scriptures brought back from India by the monk Xuanzang, whose journey inspired the classic novel Journey to the West. Located within the peaceful Da Ci’en Temple, the pagoda stands as a fine example of traditional Tang architecture.

Next, stroll through the Muslim Quarter, a vibrant area known for its rich history and lively atmosphere. Located near the Drum Tower, this bustling street is lined with food stalls, souvenir shops, and historic architecture, offering a glimpse into the daily life of the local Muslim community.

After your sightseeing in Xi’an, transfer to the airport for your flight to Guilin (approximately 2.5 hours). Upon arrival, your local driver will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel in downtown Guilin. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure—whether relaxing at your hotel or taking a short walk to explore the city’s peaceful charm on your own.

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic journey along the Li River, one of China’s most iconic landscapes and named one of the “Top 10 Watery Wonders” by National Geographic. Drive about 1 hour to the pier to board your Li River cruise to Yangshuo (about 4.5 hours). Along the 84-kilometer route, admire picturesque views of karst peaks, bamboo groves, water buffalo, and peaceful villages—just like stepping into a traditional Chinese painting. (Note: A customized Western-style lunch can be arranged onboard—prepared fresh by JustChinaTours.)

Upon arrival in Yangshuo, your driver will transfer you to your hotel for a short rest. In the afternoon, experience the charm of Yangshuo’s countryside. Choose how you want to explore: by car and walking, cycling, or electric scooter (extra cost may apply). Enjoy tranquil farmland views, stone houses, and glimpses of daily rural life, from farmers in the fields to children playing along the riverbanks.

In the evening, take a relaxed stroll along West Street, Yangshuo’s bustling pedestrian zone known for its lively mix of Chinese and Western influences. Lined with cafes, bars, and local shops, it’s the perfect place to soak in the town’s vibrant nightlife, enjoy a drink, try local snacks, or simply people-watch.

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast and a final stroll through the peaceful Yangshuo countryside. Then, drive back to Guilin to visit Elephant Trunk Hill, the city’s iconic landmark shaped like an elephant drinking from the Li River. Explore Water-Moon Cave, a natural arch beneath the hill featuring ancient inscriptions. Next, discover Reed Flute Cave, famous for its stunning stalactites and colorful lighting effects, including the mesmerizing Crystal Palace and Water Curtain Movie.

After the tour, transfer to the train station and board your high-speed train to Chongqing (second class seat). Upon arrival, your local guide will greet you at the station and escort you to Chaotianmen Port to board your Yangtze River cruise. Your relaxing cruise journey begins around 21:00 tonight.

Today, enjoy a relaxing day sailing along the scenic Yangtze River. Start your morning with a buffet breakfast while admiring the peaceful river views. You can join various onboard cultural activities or take part in an organized shore excursion arranged by the cruise.

In the morning, you’ll visit Fengdu Ghost City. Known for its temples and statues reflecting Chinese beliefs about the afterlife, the site offers insight into ancient ghost legends and traditional underworld culture.
Alternatively, you may choose an optional excursion (with an extra fee) to Shibaozhai Pagoda, a striking 12-story red wooden structure built along a cliff. Known as one of the world’s unique architectural wonders, it offers impressive views over the Yangtze River.

Today, you will spend the full day cruising through the stunning Three Gorges. Begin by sailing through Qutang Gorge, famous for its dramatic and steep scenery, including the impressive Kui Gate. Then continue through the peaceful Wuxia Gorge, known for its tranquil beauty, followed by Xiling Gorge, noted for its rugged shoals and swift waters. Enjoy live commentary from your guide as you take in the spectacular views from the ship.

In the afternoon, take a relaxing shore excursion to Shennv Stream (Goddess Stream) in Wushan County (optional). Transfer to a smaller boat to explore the narrow stream surrounded by towering cliffs, and see the famous hanging coffins. You may also have the chance to enjoy a traditional singing and dancing performance by local Tujia ethnic people.

In the evening, join the Captain’s Farewell Party onboard and enjoy a pleasant dinner with fellow travelers.

After breakfast, complete check-out and disembark at Maoping Port. Today’s highlight is the Three Gorges Dam, China’s largest hydropower project. Admire the massive dam structure—181 meters high, 2,335 meters long, and 115 meters wide—and its lock system. You may also opt to experience the world’s largest ship lift for an up-close view of the dam, a unique and exciting activity.
After visiting the dam, a cruise-arranged bus will transfer you to Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal around midday.

In the afternoon, you’ll be escorted to the train station for a high-speed train to Shanghai (6–7 hours). Upon arrival, your driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in downtown Shanghai.

Today, start in Pudong’s Lujiazui district with its iconic skyscrapers. Visit Shanghai Tower, China’s tallest building and the world’s second tallest at 632 meters. Take a high-speed elevator to the 118th-floor observatory for stunning 360-degree city views, including sights of Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center. Next, visit the Shanghai Museum, shaped like an ancient bronze vessel. It houses over 120,000 artifacts spanning 5,000 years of Chinese history and art. Then, stroll through Yu Garden, a classic Chinese garden in downtown Shanghai. Admire traditional architecture, sculptures, and carvings. Nearby, Yuyuan Bazaar offers local snacks and traditional crafts.

In the afternoon, walk along Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, a lively shopping area full of shops and restaurants. End your day at the Bund, famous for its historic architecture and spectacular views of the Pudong skyline.

Your 13-day China tour ends today. You’ll have some free time in Shanghai to explore on your own before being escorted to the airport or train station for your onward journey.

Thank you for choosing JustChinaTours. We hope you had a wonderful experience and look forward to helping you with your next trip to China. Safe travels!