
Arrival in Beijing · First Glimpse of the Imperial Capital
Depart from various locations and arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport via international flights. Professional guide greets you with a name sign, then...
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15-Day Classic Bespoke Tour: Beijing · Xi’an · Guilin · Yangshuo · Chongqing · Yangtze Three Gorges · Suzhou · Shanghai
From
US$3,599
Duration
15 days / 14 nights
Group
Up to 20
Planning
Private route
Overview
15 days / 14 nights
Private route
Beijing / Xi'an / Guilin / Yangshuo
US$3,599
15-Day Classic Bespoke Tour: Beijing · Xi’an · Guilin · Yangshuo · Chongqing · Yangtze Three Gorges · Suzhou · Shanghai Theme: A Symphony of Millennial Ancient Charm & Modern China Travel Style: Bespoke Private Group | Private Transfer Throughout | Including High-Speed Train/Airplane/Cruise Tickets Accommodation: 4-Star & Above Selected Hotels (Including Featured Ancient City/Water Town Boutique Stays) Highlights: Mutianyu Great Wall Hiking, Forbidden City In-Depth Tour, Terracotta Army Pottery Making, Li River Boating & Cycling, Yangtze Three Gorges Grand View, Suzhou Garden Exploration, Shanghai Urban Night View Day 1: Arrival in Beijing · First Glimpse of the Imperial Capital
Itinerary
Daily timing can be adjusted after we confirm your route, hotels, and transport.
Day 1

Itinerary Overview Depart from various locations and arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport via international flights. Professional guide greets you with a name sign, then private transfer to the hotel for check-in. Free time for the whole day to kick off your China journey. Recommended Self-Guided Tours Qianmen Street: Traditional Beijing-style commercial street, try sugar-coated haws (bingtanghulu) and fried sauce noodles (zhajiangmian). Wangfujing Pedestrian Street: Blend of modern shopping and traditional snacks. National Centre for the Performing Arts or Bird’s Nest Night View: Admire the beauty of Beijing’s modern architecture. Warm Tips Suggest adjusting jet lag in advance and adapting to the northern climate (dry with large day-night temperature differences). Welcome tea and itinerary handbook are provided at the hotel for next day’s preparation.
Highlights

Depart from various locations and arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport via international flights. Professional guide greets you with a name sign, then...

Morning Visit [Tiananmen Square] — the world’s largest urban square, pay tribute to the Monument to the People’s Heroes. In-depth tour of [The Palace Museum] —...

Morning Hike [Mutianyu Great Wall] — one of the best-preserved sections of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall. Take round-trip cable car to easily reach the watchtowers and...

Route fit
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Keep exploring
Use these itineraries as a starting point, then ask us to adjust the pace and places around your trip.

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Itinerary Overview Depart from various locations and arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport via international flights. Professional guide greets you with a name sign, then private transfer to the hotel for check-in. Free time for the whole day to kick off your China journey. Recommended Self-Guided Tours Qianmen Street: Traditional Beijing-style commercial street, try sugar-coated haws (bingtanghulu) and fried sauce noodles (zhajiangmian). Wangfujing Pedestrian Street: Blend of modern shopping and traditional snacks. National Centre for the Performing Arts or Bird’s Nest Night View: Admire the beauty of Beijing’s modern architecture. Warm Tips Suggest adjusting jet lag in advance and adapting to the northern climate (dry with large day-night temperature differences). Welcome tea and itinerary handbook are provided at the hotel for next day’s preparation.
Day 2

Itinerary Overview Morning Visit [Tiananmen Square] — the world’s largest urban square, pay tribute to the Monument to the People’s Heroes. In-depth tour of [The Palace Museum] — 600-year-old imperial palace complex of Ming and Qing dynasties, walk through the central axis of the Forbidden City. Afternoon Explore [Yonghe Temple] — imperial Tibetan Buddhist temple of the Qing Dynasty, integrating Han, Mongolian and Tibetan architectural arts. Wander around [Temple of Heaven Park] — sacred place for ancient emperors to worship heaven and pray for grain, admire the dome wonder of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest. Dining Arrangements Breakfast: Western buffet at the hotel. Lunch: Included a la carte meal (RMB 150 per person), recommended dishes: Peking duck, fried sauce noodles (zhajiangmian), Kung Pao chicken. Dinner: At your own expense, suggest trying hutong private home-cooked meals or mutton hot pot.

Itinerary Overview Morning Visit [Tiananmen Square] — the world’s largest urban square, pay tribute to the Monument to the People’s Heroes. In-depth tour of [The Palace Museum] — 600-year-old imperial palace complex of Ming and Qing dynasties, walk through the central axis of the Forbidden City. Afternoon Explore [Yonghe Temple] — imperial Tibetan Buddhist temple of the Qing Dynasty, integrating Han, Mongolian and Tibetan architectural arts. Wander around [Temple of Heaven Park] — sacred place for ancient emperors to worship heaven and pray for grain, admire the dome wonder of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest. Dining Arrangements Breakfast: Western buffet at the hotel. Lunch: Included a la carte meal (RMB 150 per person), recommended dishes: Peking duck, fried sauce noodles (zhajiangmian), Kung Pao chicken. Dinner: At your own expense, suggest trying hutong private home-cooked meals or mutton hot pot.
Day 3

Itinerary Overview Morning Hike [Mutianyu Great Wall] — one of the best-preserved sections of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall. Take round-trip cable car to easily reach the watchtowers and enjoy the winding mountains. Afternoon Visit the exterior of [Bird’s Nest & Water Cube] for photos. Immerse in [Beijing Hutongs] to experience old-town life, including rickshaw tour + local family visit. Dining Arrangements Breakfast: Western buffet at the hotel. Lunch: Not included (mainly simple meals near the scenic area, guide can recommend). Dinner: At your own expense, suggest trying Gui Street spicy crayfish or authentic Beijing-style home-cooked dishes.

Itinerary Overview Morning Hike [Mutianyu Great Wall] — one of the best-preserved sections of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall. Take round-trip cable car to easily reach the watchtowers and enjoy the winding mountains. Afternoon Visit the exterior of [Bird’s Nest & Water Cube] for photos. Immerse in [Beijing Hutongs] to experience old-town life, including rickshaw tour + local family visit. Dining Arrangements Breakfast: Western buffet at the hotel. Lunch: Not included (mainly simple meals near the scenic area, guide can recommend). Dinner: At your own expense, suggest trying Gui Street spicy crayfish or authentic Beijing-style home-cooked dishes.
Day 4

Itinerary Overview Morning Tour [Summer Palace] — China’s largest surviving imperial garden, known as the “Museum of Imperial Gardens”. Afternoon Take high-speed train to Xi’an (journey time: approx. 4.5–6 hours). Upon arrival, local guide meets you at the station and transfers to downtown hotel for check-in. Dining Arrangements Breakfast: Western buffet at the hotel. Lunch: At your own expense (simple meals available in the garden or bring your own snacks). Dinner: Not included, after arriving in Xi’an, you can choose Muslim Quarter snacks or Shaanxi cuisine restaurants.

Itinerary Overview Morning Tour [Summer Palace] — China’s largest surviving imperial garden, known as the “Museum of Imperial Gardens”. Afternoon Take high-speed train to Xi’an (journey time: approx. 4.5–6 hours). Upon arrival, local guide meets you at the station and transfers to downtown hotel for check-in. Dining Arrangements Breakfast: Western buffet at the hotel. Lunch: At your own expense (simple meals available in the garden or bring your own snacks). Dinner: Not included, after arriving in Xi’an, you can choose Muslim Quarter snacks or Shaanxi cuisine restaurants.
Day 5

Itinerary Overview Morning Visit [Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum] — the Eighth Wonder of the World. Special arrangement: Visit the former residence of Yang Zhifa, discoverer of the Terracotta Army, and listen to his first-hand stories. Noon Hands-on experience: Make mini Terracotta Army figurines under the guidance of craftsmen and engrave your name as a souvenir. Afternoon Climb [Giant Wild Goose Pagoda] — where Monk Xuanzang translated Buddhist scriptures in the Tang Dynasty. Wander around [Datang Never Sleeps City] — immersive Tang-style themed block with brilliant night view. Dining Arrangements Breakfast: Western buffet at the hotel. Lunch: Not included (can dine near the scenic area). Dinner: At your own expense, recommend trying local Shaanxi flavors such as roujiamo (pork burger), liangpi (cold noodles), biángbiáng noodles.

Itinerary Overview Morning Visit [Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum] — the Eighth Wonder of the World. Special arrangement: Visit the former residence of Yang Zhifa, discoverer of the Terracotta Army, and listen to his first-hand stories. Noon Hands-on experience: Make mini Terracotta Army figurines under the guidance of craftsmen and engrave your name as a souvenir. Afternoon Climb [Giant Wild Goose Pagoda] — where Monk Xuanzang translated Buddhist scriptures in the Tang Dynasty. Wander around [Datang Never Sleeps City] — immersive Tang-style themed block with brilliant night view. Dining Arrangements Breakfast: Western buffet at the hotel. Lunch: Not included (can dine near the scenic area). Dinner: At your own expense, recommend trying local Shaanxi flavors such as roujiamo (pork burger), liangpi (cold noodles), biángbiáng noodles.
Day 6

Itinerary Overview Morning Wander around [Xi’an City Wall Park] — the most intact ancient city wall in China. Optional: Cycle or walk around the entire wall (total length: 13.7 km). Noon Visit [Huajue Lane Great Mosque] — the only mosque in China integrating Islamic and Chinese architectural styles. Enjoy snacks freely at [Muslim Quarter]. Afternoon Tour [Hanyang Mausoleum Museum] — the underground kingdom of Emperor Jing of Han, with glass plank road for tomb exploration. Evening Take flight to Guilin to start a new chapter of landscape journey. Dining Arrangements Breakfast: Western buffet at the hotel. Lunch: Not included (choose food freely at Muslim Quarter). Dinner: Simple meal on the plane or at your own expense after arriving in Guilin.

Itinerary Overview Morning Wander around [Xi’an City Wall Park] — the most intact ancient city wall in China. Optional: Cycle or walk around the entire wall (total length: 13.7 km). Noon Visit [Huajue Lane Great Mosque] — the only mosque in China integrating Islamic and Chinese architectural styles. Enjoy snacks freely at [Muslim Quarter]. Afternoon Tour [Hanyang Mausoleum Museum] — the underground kingdom of Emperor Jing of Han, with glass plank road for tomb exploration. Evening Take flight to Guilin to start a new chapter of landscape journey. Dining Arrangements Breakfast: Western buffet at the hotel. Lunch: Not included (choose food freely at Muslim Quarter). Dinner: Simple meal on the plane or at your own expense after arriving in Guilin.
Day 7

Itinerary Overview Morning After breakfast, take a boat downstream along [Li River] to Yangshuo (sailing time: approx. 4 hours). Afternoon Arrive in Yangshuo and check in at the hotel. Enjoy [rural leisure cycling] — ride through pastoral scenery, visit Moon Hill and Big Banyan Tree. Dining Arrangements Breakfast: Western buffet at the hotel. Lunch: Chinese box meal provided on the boat (simple set meal, not high-end). Dinner: At your own expense, recommend trying beer fish, field snail stuffed with meat, Guilin rice noodles.

Itinerary Overview Morning After breakfast, take a boat downstream along [Li River] to Yangshuo (sailing time: approx. 4 hours). Afternoon Arrive in Yangshuo and check in at the hotel. Enjoy [rural leisure cycling] — ride through pastoral scenery, visit Moon Hill and Big Banyan Tree. Dining Arrangements Breakfast: Western buffet at the hotel. Lunch: Chinese box meal provided on the boat (simple set meal, not high-end). Dinner: At your own expense, recommend trying beer fish, field snail stuffed with meat, Guilin rice noodles.
Day 8

Itinerary Overview Free time for the whole day, choose any combination of the following according to your interests: Continue cycling to explore unexplored routes. Wander around [West Street] to feel exotic atmosphere and daily life. Experience outdoor activities such as rock climbing, bamboo rafting, karst cave exploration. Watch Zhang Yimou’s real-scene performance “Impression Sanjie Liu” (at your own expense). Warm Tips If attending the night performance, please bring a jacket to keep warm against the damp cold by the river. West Street has many bars, suitable for young people to socialize; family travelers can choose quiet teahouses to relax.

Itinerary Overview Free time for the whole day, choose any combination of the following according to your interests: Continue cycling to explore unexplored routes. Wander around [West Street] to feel exotic atmosphere and daily life. Experience outdoor activities such as rock climbing, bamboo rafting, karst cave exploration. Watch Zhang Yimou’s real-scene performance “Impression Sanjie Liu” (at your own expense). Warm Tips If attending the night performance, please bring a jacket to keep warm against the damp cold by the river. West Street has many bars, suitable for young people to socialize; family travelers can choose quiet teahouses to relax.
Day 9

Itinerary Overview Early Morning Return to Guilin urban area and take high-speed train to Chongqing (journey time: approx. 5 hours). Evening Arrive in Chongqing, guide meets you at the station and transfers to the pier to board the cruise ship. Board the luxury Yangtze River cruise ship to start the Three Gorges voyage. Luxury cruise includes captain’s welcome dinner + buffet dinner. Dining Arrangements Breakfast: Western buffet at the hotel. Lunch: Simple meal on the high-speed train or bring your own snacks. Dinner: Cruise ship buffet (luxury type includes welcome dinner).

Itinerary Overview Early Morning Return to Guilin urban area and take high-speed train to Chongqing (journey time: approx. 5 hours). Evening Arrive in Chongqing, guide meets you at the station and transfers to the pier to board the cruise ship. Board the luxury Yangtze River cruise ship to start the Three Gorges voyage. Luxury cruise includes captain’s welcome dinner + buffet dinner. Dining Arrangements Breakfast: Western buffet at the hotel. Lunch: Simple meal on the high-speed train or bring your own snacks. Dinner: Cruise ship buffet (luxury type includes welcome dinner).
Day 10

Itinerary Overview Morning Onshore visit: [Fengdu Ghost City] (for passengers of New Century Cruise) or [Shuanggui Mountain] (for passengers of Victoria Cruise). Afternoon Onboard cultural activities: Tai Chi morning exercise, calligraphy class, tea art performance, etc. Onboard Living Guide Daily itinerary card is distributed with activity schedule. Facilities include gym, chess & card room, cinema, duty-free shop. Guide announces next day’s weather and docking arrangements daily. Dining Arrangements Breakfast: Western buffet on the cruise ship. Lunch: Chinese buffet on the cruise ship. Dinner: Chinese buffet on the cruise ship.

Itinerary Overview Morning Onshore visit: [Fengdu Ghost City] (for passengers of New Century Cruise) or [Shuanggui Mountain] (for passengers of Victoria Cruise). Afternoon Onboard cultural activities: Tai Chi morning exercise, calligraphy class, tea art performance, etc. Onboard Living Guide Daily itinerary card is distributed with activity schedule. Facilities include gym, chess & card room, cinema, duty-free shop. Guide announces next day’s weather and docking arrangements daily. Dining Arrangements Breakfast: Western buffet on the cruise ship. Lunch: Chinese buffet on the cruise ship. Dinner: Chinese buffet on the cruise ship.
Day 11

Itinerary Overview Sail through the core section of the Three Gorges all day: Morning: Pass through [Qutang Gorge] and [Wu Gorge], admire the strange peaks on both banks. Afternoon: Transfer to eco-ferry to explore [Small Three Gorges] or [Little Three Gorges] (Quannü Stream). Photography Tips Use a polarizing filter to reduce reflections and highlight water texture. Get up early to occupy the top deck to capture mountain shadows in the morning mist. Dining Arrangements Breakfast: Western buffet on the cruise ship. Lunch: Chinese buffet on the cruise ship. Dinner: Chinese buffet on the cruise ship.

Itinerary Overview Sail through the core section of the Three Gorges all day: Morning: Pass through [Qutang Gorge] and [Wu Gorge], admire the strange peaks on both banks. Afternoon: Transfer to eco-ferry to explore [Small Three Gorges] or [Little Three Gorges] (Quannü Stream). Photography Tips Use a polarizing filter to reduce reflections and highlight water texture. Get up early to occupy the top deck to capture mountain shadows in the morning mist. Dining Arrangements Breakfast: Western buffet on the cruise ship. Lunch: Chinese buffet on the cruise ship. Dinner: Chinese buffet on the cruise ship.
Day 12

Itinerary Overview Early Morning The cruise ship docks at Maoping Wharf in Yichang, disembark and check out. Morning Visit [Three Gorges Dam] — the world’s largest water conservancy project. Climb Tanzi Ridge Observation Deck for a panoramic view. Tour the Diversion Memorial Park and Five-Level Ship Lock. Afternoon Transfer to Yichang East Railway Station and take high-speed train to Suzhou (journey time: approx. 6 hours). Upon arrival, Suzhou guide meets you at the station and transfers to the hotel for rest.

Itinerary Overview Early Morning The cruise ship docks at Maoping Wharf in Yichang, disembark and check out. Morning Visit [Three Gorges Dam] — the world’s largest water conservancy project. Climb Tanzi Ridge Observation Deck for a panoramic view. Tour the Diversion Memorial Park and Five-Level Ship Lock. Afternoon Transfer to Yichang East Railway Station and take high-speed train to Suzhou (journey time: approx. 6 hours). Upon arrival, Suzhou guide meets you at the station and transfers to the hotel for rest.
Day 13

Itinerary Overview Morning Tour [Humble Administrator’s Garden] — the top of China’s Four Great Classical Gardens. Visit [Suzhou Museum] — designed by I.M. Pei, a model of integration of modern and classical styles. Afternoon Travel to [Tongli Ancient Town] — “Oriental Venice” with small bridges, flowing water and ancient residences. Afterward, drive to Shanghai (journey time: approx. 1.5 hours). Dining Arrangements Breakfast: Western buffet at the hotel. Lunch: Not included (guide can recommend time-honored restaurants such as Songhelou and Deyue Lou). Dinner: At your own expense, after arriving in Shanghai, you can choose Shanghainese cuisine or international food.

Itinerary Overview Morning Tour [Humble Administrator’s Garden] — the top of China’s Four Great Classical Gardens. Visit [Suzhou Museum] — designed by I.M. Pei, a model of integration of modern and classical styles. Afternoon Travel to [Tongli Ancient Town] — “Oriental Venice” with small bridges, flowing water and ancient residences. Afterward, drive to Shanghai (journey time: approx. 1.5 hours). Dining Arrangements Breakfast: Western buffet at the hotel. Lunch: Not included (guide can recommend time-honored restaurants such as Songhelou and Deyue Lou). Dinner: At your own expense, after arriving in Shanghai, you can choose Shanghainese cuisine or international food.
Day 14

Itinerary Overview Morning Visit [Shanghai Museum] — a treasure trove of ancient Chinese art. Tour [Yuyuan Garden] and [City God Temple Bazaar] — cultural landmarks of the old town. Noon Included a la carte meal (RMB 150 per person), taste authentic Shanghainese cuisine and Cantonese dim sum. Afternoon 1-hour Huangpu River cruise — enjoy the scenery on both banks. Wander around [The Bund] and overlook the Lujiazui skyscraper cluster. Explore [Tianzifang] — an artistic and creative district transformed from shikumen buildings. Dining Arrangements Breakfast: Western buffet at the hotel. Lunch: Included a la carte meal (recommended dishes: crab roe tofu, braised pork in brown sauce, shrimp dumplings). Dinner: At your own expense, suggest enjoying a romantic dinner at a Bund restaurant.

Itinerary Overview Morning Visit [Shanghai Museum] — a treasure trove of ancient Chinese art. Tour [Yuyuan Garden] and [City God Temple Bazaar] — cultural landmarks of the old town. Noon Included a la carte meal (RMB 150 per person), taste authentic Shanghainese cuisine and Cantonese dim sum. Afternoon 1-hour Huangpu River cruise — enjoy the scenery on both banks. Wander around [The Bund] and overlook the Lujiazui skyscraper cluster. Explore [Tianzifang] — an artistic and creative district transformed from shikumen buildings. Dining Arrangements Breakfast: Western buffet at the hotel. Lunch: Included a la carte meal (recommended dishes: crab roe tofu, braised pork in brown sauce, shrimp dumplings). Dinner: At your own expense, suggest enjoying a romantic dinner at a Bund restaurant.
Day 15

Itinerary Overview Free time in the morning for last-minute shopping or relaxation. Check out before noon. Private transfer by guide to Pudong/Hongqiao Airport. Complete check-in procedures and take international flight back home. Travel Message “On this journey, we walked through the solemnity of the Forbidden City, touched the warmth of the Terracotta Army, boated on the misty Li River, wandered through the clouds of the Three Gorges, indulged in the tranquility of Suzhou gardens, and marveled at the brilliance of Shanghai’s Bund. This is not only a geographical migration but also a cultural pilgrimage. May these memories become an indelible impression of China in your heart.”

Itinerary Overview Free time in the morning for last-minute shopping or relaxation. Check out before noon. Private transfer by guide to Pudong/Hongqiao Airport. Complete check-in procedures and take international flight back home. Travel Message “On this journey, we walked through the solemnity of the Forbidden City, touched the warmth of the Terracotta Army, boated on the misty Li River, wandered through the clouds of the Three Gorges, indulged in the tranquility of Suzhou gardens, and marveled at the brilliance of Shanghai’s Bund. This is not only a geographical migration but also a cultural pilgrimage. May these memories become an indelible impression of China in your heart.”
Morning Tour [Summer Palace] — China’s largest surviving imperial garden, known as the “Museum of Imperial Gardens”. Afternoon Take high-speed train to Xi’an...

Morning Visit [Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum] — the Eighth Wonder of the World. Special arrangement: Visit the former residence of Yang Zhifa...

Morning Wander around [Xi’an City Wall Park] — the most intact ancient city wall in China. Optional: Cycle or walk around the entire wall (total length: 13.7 km)...

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