China Tours
By duration
By travel style
10 daysCities & sights
10-Day China Highlights Tour: Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Yangshuo & Shanghai
Explore the Great Wall, Discover the Terracotta Warriors, Cruise Through the Li River & Experience Modern Shanghai.
Mutianyu Great Wall, BeijingYangshuo, Guangxi
Terracotta Warriors, Xi'an
Forbidden City, Beijing
The Bund, ShanghaiDuration10 Days / 9 Nights
DestinationsBeijing – Xi'an – Guilin – Yangshuo – Shanghai
Group sizePrivate tour, 2–6 travelers
HotelsFour-star hotel references
TransportHigh-speed train & domestic flights
Discover China: History, Nature & Modern Life
Want to really get to know China in a short time? This classic 10-day, 9-night route takes you on a rich and memorable journey.
The journey begins in Beijing. Climb the world-famous Mutianyu Great Wall, then visit the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven to learn about China's imperial culture and history.
Next comes Xi'an. Explore the Terracotta Warriors, walk the ancient city wall and taste roujiamo and yangrou paomo, the classic food of China's northwest.
Then the journey turns from history to nature. Fly to Guilin and Yangshuo, drift down the Li River on a bamboo raft past limestone peaks, and cycle or walk through the Yangshuo countryside.
The tour ends in Shanghai: the classical gardens of Yu Garden, the shops of Nanjing Road and the skyline from the Bund.
10 Days. 4 Destinations. A Journey Through the Best of China.
Why you'll love this tour
Discover China's Four Iconic Destinations
Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin–Yangshuo and Shanghai: history, culture, landscapes and modern city life in one trip.
Walk on the Legendary Great Wall
Ride the cable car up to Mutianyu and walk the wall above rolling mountains.
Explore the Mysterious Terracotta Warriors
See the underground army of China's first emperor up close.
Experience the Breathtaking Li River Scenery
Drift past karst peaks, clear water and riverside fields on a bamboo raft.
Discover the Countryside of Yangshuo
Cycle or walk the Ten-Mile Gallery between peaks, rice fields and village roads.
Enjoy Authentic Chinese Food Experiences
Peking duck, roujiamo, yangrou paomo, beer fish, Guilin rice noodles and Shanghai home cooking.
Experience Traditional Chinese Culture
The Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Terracotta Warriors and historic old-town streets.
Experience the Contrast of Old and New China
From imperial Beijing and ancient Xi'an to Guilin's landscapes and Shanghai's skyline.
Comfortable Accommodation & Efficient Transportation
Four-star reference hotels, with high-speed trains and domestic flights between cities.
Flexible Private Travel Experience
Private service for 2, 4 or 6 travelers, or a plan built around your interests, budget and dates.
Who is this tour for?
First-Time Visitors to China
See China's best-known sights in a short time.
Couples & Honeymoon Travelers
History, landscapes and romantic moments together.
Families with Children
History for the kids, plus rafting, cycling and the outdoors.
Friends & Small Groups
A flexible, comfortable private tour for your own group.
Senior Travelers
The Great Wall, cycling and rafting can be adjusted to your fitness.
Nature & Photography Lovers
River landscapes, countryside and outdoor photography.
Culture & Food Enthusiasts
Traditional culture, historic architecture and regional food.
Tour itinerary at a glance
| Day | Destination | Main experiences |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Beijing | Arrival, Wangfujing Street and Peking Duck welcome dinner |
| Day 2 | Beijing | Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven |
| Day 3 | Beijing | Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace |
| Day 4 | Beijing → Xi'an | High-speed train, ancient city wall cycling and Muslim Quarter |
| Day 5 | Xi'an | Terracotta Warriors, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Tang Dynasty Everbright City |
| Day 6 | Xi'an → Guilin / Yangshuo | Domestic flight or train transfer, Li River bamboo raft experience |
| Day 7 | Yangshuo | Ten-Mile Gallery, Yulong River bamboo rafting or Impression Liu Sanjie |
| Day 8 | Guilin / Yangshuo → Shanghai | Travel to Shanghai, Yu Garden and City God Temple |
| Day 9 | Shanghai | Former French Concession Citywalk, Shanghai Museum or Huangpu River cruise |
| Day 10 | Shanghai | Nanjing Road shopping and airport transfer |
Detailed daily itinerary
Arrival in Beijing – Welcome to China
- Arrive in Beijing and meet your local representative according to your arrival arrangements.
- Transfer to the hotel and check in.
- In the evening, enjoy a relaxed walk along Wangfujing Street, exploring traditional snacks and modern shopping areas.
- Enjoy a welcome dinner featuring authentic Peking Duck.
Beijing – Imperial History & Culture
- Visit Tiananmen Square, one of the most iconic landmarks in China.
- Explore the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
- In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Heaven, an architectural masterpiece used by ancient Chinese emperors for ceremonial worship.
Beijing – The Great Wall & Royal Garden
- Travel to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall.
- Take the cable car up and down the mountain for a more comfortable visit.
- Walk along the ancient wall and enjoy spectacular mountain views.
- In the afternoon, visit the Summer Palace, one of China's most beautiful imperial gardens.
- Optional Experience: Traditional Beijing Hutong food tour or a rickshaw ride through the Hutongs.
Beijing to Xi'an – Discover the Ancient Capital
- Take a high-speed train from Beijing to Xi'an, approximately 4.5 hours.
- Arrive in Xi'an and transfer to your hotel.
- In the afternoon, explore the Ancient City Wall and enjoy a cycling experience along the historic fortifications.
- In the evening, visit the Muslim Quarter, famous for its traditional food and lively local atmosphere.
Xi'an – The Terracotta Warriors & Tang Dynasty Culture
- Visit the Terracotta Warriors Museum, one of China's most extraordinary archaeological discoveries.
- Discover the history of the Qin Dynasty and the incredible underground army.
- In the afternoon, visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.
- In the evening, explore the Grand Tang Dynasty Everbright City and experience the vibrant atmosphere of Tang-inspired culture.
Xi'an to Guilin – Journey to China's Scenic Paradise
- Travel from Xi'an to Guilin by domestic flight or an alternative train arrangement.
- Upon arrival, transfer towards Yangshuo.
- In the afternoon, enjoy a bamboo raft experience along a scenic section of the Li River, such as the Xingping section, subject to operational arrangements.
- Admire the spectacular limestone mountains and peaceful river scenery.
Yangshuo – Countryside & Karst Mountain Scenery
- Enjoy a relaxing morning in Yangshuo.
- Explore the Ten-Mile Gallery by bicycle or on foot.
- Admire the beautiful karst mountains, rice fields and traditional countryside scenery.
- In the afternoon, enjoy an optional bamboo raft experience on the Yulong River.
- Alternatively, watch Impression Liu Sanjie, a spectacular outdoor performance set against the natural mountain landscape.
Guilin / Yangshuo to Shanghai – From Nature to Modern China
- Travel from Yangshuo to Guilin Airport or railway station according to the confirmed transportation arrangement.
- Take a domestic flight or train to Shanghai.
- Visit Yu Garden and the nearby City God Temple area.
- In the evening, head to the Bund and enjoy the spectacular illuminated skyline across the Huangpu River.
Shanghai – City Walk & Local Lifestyle
- Explore the Former French Concession, famous for its tree-lined streets, historic buildings and boutique cafés.
- Alternatively, visit the Shanghai Museum for a deeper introduction to Chinese art and history.
- In the evening, enjoy an optional Huangpu River cruise and admire Shanghai's skyline from the water.
Shanghai – Shopping & Departure
- Enjoy some free time according to your departure schedule.
- Visit Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street for shopping and sightseeing if time permits.
- Transfer to Shanghai airport for your international departure.
Destinations & attractions
Beijing – The Imperial Capital of China
The Great Wall at Mutianyu
One of the best-preserved sections of the wall, reached by cable car, with sweeping mountain views.
The Forbidden City
Palace of the Ming and Qing emperors: red walls, golden roofs and the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
Temple of Heaven
Where emperors prayed for good harvests; home of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.
Summer Palace
An imperial garden of Kunming Lake, Longevity Hill, pavilions and covered walkways.
Xi'an – Discover Ancient Chinese Civilization
Terracotta Warriors
Thousands of life-sized clay soldiers guarding the tomb of China's first emperor.
Xi'an Ancient City Wall
Cycle on top of one of China's most complete ancient city walls.
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
A Buddhist landmark and symbol of Tang dynasty culture.
Grand Tang Dynasty Everbright City
A Tang-themed district of lit-up architecture and street performances.
Guilin & Yangshuo – China's Most Beautiful Landscapes
Li River
Karst peaks, clear water and country scenery from a bamboo raft.
Xingping Ancient Town
A historic riverside town with some of the Li River's most famous views.
Ten-Mile Gallery
Cycle or walk between karst peaks, fields and villages.
Yulong River
Quiet water, mountain reflections and traditional bamboo rafts.
Shanghai – Modern China Meets Traditional Culture
The Bund
Historic waterfront buildings facing the Pudong skyline across the Huangpu River.
Yu Garden & City God Temple
A classical Jiangnan garden next to lantern-lit streets of local snacks.
Former French Concession
Plane-tree avenues, historic villas and boutique cafés for a city walk.
Nanjing Road
Shanghai's best-known shopping street, busy from morning to night.
Tour price
| Group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 2 Travelers | USD ___ |
| 4 Travelers | USD ___ |
| 6 Travelers | USD ___ |
- Prices are quoted per person based on the number of travelers.
- Larger groups generally enjoy a lower per-person tour cost.
- Prices vary depending on travel dates, hotel availability, flight fares and service arrangements.
- Single-room supplements may apply.
- Peak-season surcharges may apply during major holidays.
- Customized hotel upgrades and additional experiences are available upon request.
What's included
- 9 nights' accommodation in selected four-star standard hotels.
- Beijing–Xi'an high-speed train tickets.
- Intercity transportation between Xi'an, Guilin and Shanghai according to the confirmed itinerary.
- Airport and railway station transfers included in the confirmed package.
- Local transportation for scheduled sightseeing.
- English-speaking local guide services according to the agreed service schedule.
- Entrance tickets to the attractions listed as included in the final itinerary.
- Mutianyu Great Wall cable car tickets, if confirmed in the quotation.
- Li River bamboo raft experience, if confirmed in the quotation.
- Meals specifically listed as included in the final package.
What's not included
- International flights to and from China.
- China visa fees and related application costs, if applicable.
- Meals not specifically listed as included.
- Personal expenses, shopping, drinks and laundry.
- Single-room supplements.
- Personal travel insurance.
- Optional activities, such as Impression Liu Sanjie and Huangpu River cruise, unless specified as included.
- Additional activities not listed in the confirmed itinerary.
- Tips for tour guides and drivers, where applicable.
Tour information
| Duration | 10 Days / 9 Nights |
| Destinations | Beijing – Xi'an – Guilin – Yangshuo – Shanghai |
| Accommodation | Carefully selected four-star hotel references |
| Tour Guide | English-speaking local guide service |
| Local Transportation | Private vehicle or comfortable local transportation |
| Intercity Transportation | Beijing–Xi'an: High-speed train · Xi'an–Guilin: Domestic flight or train option · Guilin–Shanghai: Domestic flight or train option |
| Meals | Selected local food experiences and regional specialties |
Suggested hotels
- Beijing Sunworld Hotel
- Beijing Jinglun Hotel
- Xi'an Xingzhengyuan International Hotel
- Xi'an Huashan International Hotel
- Yangshuo Orange Hotel, West Street Branch
- Yangshuo New Century Hotel
- Shanghai Guxiang Hotel
- Novotel Shanghai Atlantis
Hotels listed above are reference options. Final accommodation depends on availability and confirmed booking arrangements.
Why travel with AIYOU?
Specialized in China Inbound Travel
We focus on inbound travel for visitors from Europe, North America and Australia.
Carefully Designed Travel Routes
Destinations, pace and connections planned so you see more in less time.
Beyond Traditional Sightseeing
Bamboo rafts, cycling, local food and city walks as well as the famous sights.
Flexible Private Tours
Private arrangements for 2, 4, 6 or more travelers.
Carefully Selected Hotels & Transportation
Well-located, comfortable hotels and smooth connections between cities.
Personalized China Travel Planning
Add places, change hotels, stay longer or add special experiences.
Frequently asked questions
Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to China?
What are the main highlights of this tour?
What is the best time to visit Guilin and Yangshuo?
Will we have a chance to experience bamboo rafting?
Are English-speaking tour guides available?
What type of accommodation is included?
How will we travel between the cities?
- Beijing to Xi'an: High-speed train, approximately 4.5 hours.
- Xi'an to Guilin: Domestic flight or alternative train arrangement.
- Guilin to Shanghai: Domestic flight or train arrangement.
Are meals included in the tour?
Is the tour suitable for families and senior travelers?
Can I customize this itinerary?
Can we replace Guilin with Hangzhou or another destination?
What should I prepare before traveling to China?
- Check your passport and visa requirements.
- Install Alipay for mobile payments.
- Install DiDi for ride-hailing.
- Install Amap for navigation.
- Check your mobile internet or eSIM arrangements.
- Book popular attractions in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
