10 Day Beijing Xian Guilin Shanghai Small Group Tour

Nihao! Welcome to Beijing, the capital city of China! Upon your arrival at the airport/train station, the driver will meet and greet you at the exit, and then escort you to the well-selected hotel in downtown Beijing. The rest of the day is free on your own so you can have a good rest for the jet lag or explore by yourself around your hotel.

Today you will spend the whole day exploring the ancient citadel of Beijing through China's famous landmarks, imperial grandeur, and royal gardens.

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up at your hotel and head to Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square and symbol of China. From here you can take great photos of Tiananmen Gate.

Walking across the square, you will visit the mighty and splendid Forbidden City, the world's largest palace complex and former home of 24 Chinese emperors. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it has about 500 years of history with over 8,700 rooms. Enter through the Meridian Gate and visit along the central axis to ensure you see all the highlights.

Later, take a 15-minute walk up to Jingshan Park, where you can enjoy magnificent panoramic views over modern Beijing and the Forbidden City's russet roofs.

In the afternoon, drive to the Summer Palace, the "Museum of Royal Gardens," once a summer retreat for royal families. Take a leisurely stroll to appreciate the imperial architecture, hilltop views, and beautiful lakes.

In this morning, you will head northwest of Beijing (about 1.5-2 hours' drive, 73km) to the Great Wall at Mutianyu. The Great Wall boasts a history over 2,000 years and stretches more than 3,000 miles across several provinces of northern China.

Mutianyu is the longest and best fully-restored Great Wall with fewer tourists, famed for its 23 Ming-era watchtowers and stunning views. Take the cable car up to the 14th watchtower and then enjoy the memorable hiking time on the wall. Challenge yourselves while climbing up to the 20th watchtower where you could fulfill your Great Wall dream.

After the once-in-lifetime experience, head back to downtown Beijing and have the chance to take photos with the exterior of the Bird's Nest (Beijing National Stadium) and Water Cube (Beijing National Aquatics Center), both designed for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and used for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games.

After breakfast, your group will be escorted to the train station for high-speed train to Xi'an (about 4.5-5.5 hours). Welcome to Xi'an, the capital of 13 ancient Chinese dynasties! Upon arrival, your driver will greet you and escort you to your hotel.

In the afternoon, you will visit Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, one of Xi'an's most recognizable landmarks and a symbol of the magnificence of the Tang Dynasty. This seven-story pagoda, standing in the tranquil Da Ci'en Temple, was completed in AD 652 to house Buddhist sutras brought back from India by the monk Xuan Zang.

Later, you will have the opportunity to explore the vibrant and bustling Muslim Quarter, home to the city's Hui Muslim community. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and especially the mouthwatering street food. You can try famous Xi'an specialties such as Roujiamo, Yangrou Paomo, Biangbiang noodles, and kebabs.

After breakfast, drive about 40km (about 1 hour) to uncover one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world — the Terracotta Army Museum, built by the first emperor of China, Qin Shihuang, to protect him in the afterlife. Around 8,000 vivid life-size Terracotta Warriors have been found so far.

First, visit the largest and most imposing pit, believed to contain over 6,000 terracotta figures. Next, move to another pit where you can see around 1,300 warriors and horses, examining the ancient army formation including kneeling and standing archers, the chariot war array, and numerous troopers holding weapons.

After lunch, head to visit the Ancient City Wall, one of the oldest, largest, and best-preserved Chinese city walls. Spend time leisurely walking the wall and taking in panoramic views of modern Xian. There, you will also visit the awe-inspiring Bell Tower, a landmark from the Ming Dynasty dating back 600 years.

On this day, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Guilin (about 2.5 hours). Upon your arrival in Guilin, your driver will meet you at the airport exit and escort you to your hotel in Guilin's downtown area.

In the afternoon, enjoy a visit to the symbol of Guilin — Elephant Trunk Hill. Located at the intersection of the Li River and Peach Blossom River, it looks like a huge elephant drinking water from the river.

Then, you will visit Reed Flute Cave, a classic scenic spot featuring karst landforms. The amazing stalactites and stalagmites resemble animals or plants. When the colorful neon lights are turned on, you will feel as if you are walking through a crystal palace.

Stay overnight in Guilin.

After breakfast, you will go to explore the most stunning natural scenery along the Li River, renowned as one of "the world's top 10 watery wonders" by National Geographic. Start a 4.5-hour relaxing sightseeing Li River cruise trip to Yangshuo. Along the 84-kilometer scenic cruise, you will feast your eyes with endless Chinese paintings of winding rivers, numerous green limestone karst peaks, grazing water buffalo, farmers working in the fertile fields, and idyllic villages.

Note: Lunch is served on the cruise with simple local Chinese cuisine.

After arriving in Yangshuo, explore the Yangshuo countryside with its beautiful rural landscape. You can ride a bike to explore the postcard-like karst hills and rice paddies and pass by some tranquil villages. (Optional: Rent an electric scooter for an additional fee.)

Later, stroll leisurely along the West Street, the most prosperous area in Yangshuo. It is a fusion of western culture and Chinese culture — the best place to spend your nightlife here.

On this day, you will be escorted to airport for your flight to Shanghai. Welcome to Shanghai, China's most internationalized and vibrant city! Upon your arrival in Shanghai, your driver will meet you at the exit of the airport and escort you to your hotel in downtown Shanghai.

Today, your group will have full day to experience the perfect blend of East and West in the "Paris of the East." Explore brilliant museums, classical gardens, futuristic skyscrapers, and stunning architecture — all in one vibrant city.

First, head to Pudong and the Lujiazui financial district. The Shanghai Tower, China's tallest and the world's second-tallest building at 632 meters (2,073 ft), soars with a dramatic 120-degree twist. Ride the world's fastest elevators (64 km/h) to the "Top of Shanghai Observatory" on the 118th floor, 546 meters above ground. Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of the city.

Later, visit the Shanghai Museum (East), one of the world's finest museums of ancient Chinese art. Explore galleries of bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, paintings, jade, furniture, coins, and sculptures. Don't miss iconic treasures like the Da Ke Ding and the legendary Sword of King Goujian of Yue.

Next, visit Yu Garden, Shanghai's most famous classical garden. Stroll through elegant pavilions, rockeries, and lotus ponds. Outside, Yuyuan Bazaar offers local snacks, souvenirs, and handcrafted art.

In the afternoon, walk along Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, lined with global brands, cafes, and historic buildings. End at the Bund, Shanghai's top must-see landmark, featuring 52 grand buildings in Gothic, Baroque, and Art Deco styles. From here, enjoy a stunning view of the Pudong skyline across the Huangpu River.

It is time to end your 10-day China group tour. You will have some time in Shanghai and explore more on your own till be escorted to the airport/train station for your flight or high speed train to your next destination.