Beijing
- Forbidden City
- Jingshan Park
- Lama Temple
- Shichahai Lake
- Bird's Nest and Water Cube
- Mutianyu Great Wall (with round‑trip cable car)
- Liangma River
- Summer Palace
Small group Fixed departures 13 days · 5 stops
China Highlights: Beijing, Xi’an, Zhangjiajie, Guilin & Shanghai
A 13-day small-group journey through China’s historic landmarks, dramatic landscapes, and modern cities.
View departures English-speaking tour · Party size 2–12 guests
Route
Beijing → Xi'an → Zhangjiajie&Fenghuang → Guilin → Shanghai
Duration
12 Nights, 13 Days
Party size
2–12 guests
Language
English
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Journey overview
A shared journey · a fixed itinerary
A 13-day small-group journey through China’s historic landmarks, dramatic landscapes, and modern cities.
Through this 13-day journey, we invite you to discover China's breathtaking natural landscapes and its rich cultural heritage.
You will explore Beijing's landmark sites such as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, and wander through traditional hutongs to discover everyday local life.
In Xi'an, you will uncover the history and cultural significance behind the Terracotta Warriors, and walk along the ancient city wall to gain a deeper understanding of the city's profound heritage.
In Zhangjiajie&Fenghuang, you will witness the surreal sandstone peaks that inspired the world of Avatar.
In Guilin, you will immerse yourself in idyllic countryside scenery, and enjoy a Li River cruise that transforms you from an observer of landscapes into part of the painting itself.
In Shanghai, you will experience China's contemporary style—where historic architecture is reimagined into a vibrant modern cityscape.
This journey is ideal for travelers seeking a comprehensive and well-rounded exploration of China from multiple perspectives.
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Trip Route & highlights
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Days 1–4
-
Days 5–6
Xi’an
- Ancient City Wall
- Terracotta Army Museum
- Great Tang All Day Mall
- Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
- Han Yang Ling Museum
-
Days 7–9
Zhangjiajie & Fenghuang
- Bailong Elevator
- Yuanjiajie Scenic Area(Hallelujah Mountains)
- Tianzi Mountain
- Ten-Mile Gallery
- Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge
- Fenghuang Ancient Town
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Days 10–11
Guilin & Yangshuo
- Li River
- Yangshuo countryside
- Yulong River
- West Street
- Elephant Trunk Hill
- Reed Flute Cave
-
Days 12–13
Shanghai
- Maglev Train
- The Bund
- Yu Garden
- Nanjing Road
- Shanghai Tower
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Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Beijing Beijing
Accommodation: Beijing
Welcome to Beijing. After your journey, your China tour begins at a relaxed pace.
Your driver will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free. You may rest in your room or take a short walk nearby to get a first look at the city.
Day 2 City tour Beijing
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Beijing
Start your day at Tiananmen Square. Then walk through the Meridian Gate into the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace of 24 emperors. Later, go up to Jingshan Park for a wide view over the palace roofs.
In the afternoon, visit the Lama Temple and take part in the simple ritual of incense offering. End the day at Shichahai Lake. Walk around the lakeside and nearby hutongs as the sun goes down.
Day 3 Visiting the Great Wall Beijing
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Beijing
Today you will visit the Mutianyu Great Wall (with round‑trip cable car). Walk along the wall and enjoy the mountain views.
After that, you will visit the Bird's Nest and Water Cube, known for representing the spirit of modern China and its grand Olympic history.
In the evening, take a walk along the Liangma River. The area is calm and lively at the same time, with bars and lights along the water.
Day 4 Transfer(high-speed train) Beijing-Xi'an
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Xi'an
In the morning, visit the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former royal retreat of the Qing Dynasty. Stroll through its elegant gardens, peaceful lakes, and historic pavilions while enjoying the harmony between architecture and nature.
After the visit, you will be transferred to train station for your trip to Xi'an. On arrival, your local driver will meet you and take you to your hotel.
Day 5 City tour Xi'an
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Xi'an
Explore Xi'an today. Visit the Terracotta Army Museum, where thousands of life-sized soldiers stand in formation.
Later, walk on the Ancient City Wall in the old town area. Then visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, built during the Tang Dynasty in 652 AD.
In the evening, visit the Great Tang All Day Mall. Enjoy local food and walk through the lively night streets.
Day 6 Transfer(Airplane) Xi'an to Zhangjiajie
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Wulingyuan Scenic Area
On the way to the airport, you will make a stop at the Han Yang Ling Museum to discover its unique underground vaults.
After the visit, your guide will take you to the airport for your flight to Zhangjiajie. On arrival, your local driver will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel.
Day 7 Nature tour Zhangjiajie
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Zhangjiajie
Today your guide will take you to Wulingyuan Scenic Area to begin the day's journey. Take the Bailong Elevator, the world's tallest outdoor lift, up to the peaks of Wulingyuan.
Explore Yuanjiajie, where tall sandstone pillars rise through the mist and inspired the film Avatar. Continue to Tianzi Mountain to see the “West Sea Stone Forest,” a wide landscape of rock formations above the clouds. Then ride through the Ten-Mile Gallery by sightseeing train. The valley looks like a moving Chinese ink painting.
After the visit, return to Zhangjiajie by private transfer.
Day 8 Nature tour Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Fenghuang
Today your guide will take you to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon.
Walk across the Glass Bridge, the world's longest and highest glass bridge, standing 300 meters above the canyon. Enjoy wide views of cliffs and valleys below. Continue to Baofeng Lake.
Afterwards, travel to Fenghuang Ancient Town. In the evening, explore Fenghuang Ancient Town at your own pace. Walk along the river and see traditional stilt houses with night lights.
Tonight you will stay in Fenghuang Ancient Town and enjoy its quiet night scenery.
Day 9 Transfer(high-speed train) Fenghuang to Guilin
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Guilin
This morning, you will head to see the pandas in Fenghuang Ancient Town.
Then, take a high-speed train journey through changing landscapes as you travel to Guilin.
Upon arrival in Guilin, you can have a good rest.
Day 10 Nature tour Guilin and Yangshuo
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Yangshuo
After breakfast, your guide will take you to visit Elephant Trunk Hill, a natural limestone formation that looks like an elephant drinking from the Li River.
Continue to Reed Flute Cave, an underground cave filled with colorful rock formations and natural stone shapes, often described as a crystal-like world
Then take a private cruise on the Li River from Mopanshan Pier. The river winds through long stretches of karst mountains and peaceful water landscapes.
In the evening, walk through West Street, a 1,400-year-old street filled with small shops, cafés, and local bars.
Day 11 Transfer(Airplane) Guilin to Shanghai
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Shanghai
After breakfast, your guide will take you to a bamboo raft on the Yulong River for a ride on clear water.
In the afternoon, your private transfer will take you to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. On arrival in Shanghai, your local driver will meet you and take you to your hotel in downtown.
Day 12 City tour Shanghai
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Shanghai
Start your day in Yu Garden, a classic Ming Dynasty garden in the old city.
Then try the Maglev Train, one of the fastest trains in the world. Continue to Shanghai Tower and go up to the observation deck for a city view.
In the evening, walk along Nanjing Road. End the day with a slow walk on The Bund, where old buildings face the modern skyline across the river.
Day 13 Shanghai departure Shanghai
Meals: B
Today is your last day in Shanghai. The day is free for you to relax or take a final walk in the city.
When ready, your driver will meet you at the hotel and take you to the airport. End of your trip.
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What’s included
✓ Included
- Hotel Accommodation: Based on twin share with western style breakfast. Properties are conveniently located close to the city centre, rated 4-star. A room with one king-size bed can also be arranged upon request.
- Guide Service: excellent English-speaking tour guide service
- Meet-and-greet service with a name sign at the airport or train station.
- Vehicle Service: Air-conditioned coach with experienced drivers, ensuring ample luggage space for your comfort. (1) Free airport & train station pick-up for arrivals from 08:00 to 22:00. (2) Free airport & train station drop-off for departures from 09:00 to 23:00.
- Domestic Transportation: Internal Air/high-speed train (Economy Class)
- Entrance fees as per itinerary
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- 24/7 On-Call Support
- Daily lunches as indicated in the itinerary
- Insurance
✕ Not included
- International Airfare
- Tips for guide and driver
- Personal expenses
- Entry Visa
- Optional Activities
- Payment and refund processing fees
- Single Room Supplement
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Good to know
Enquiry and confirmation
This page accepts enquiries only. Our sales team checks availability, explains any displayed price and confirms the next steps personally.
Changes to attractions
If any scheduled attraction is closed or unavailable during the trip, we will arrange a suitable alternative attraction whenever possible.
Cancellation policy
Cancellation fees are calculated from the date Aria Travel receives the written cancellation request.
| If the cancellation is made between 45 and 30 days before the scheduled departure date | 10% of tour price |
|---|---|
| If the cancellation is made between 29 and 15 days before the scheduled departure date | 30% of tour price |
| If the cancellation is made between 14 and 7 days before the scheduled departure date | 50% of tour price |
| If the cancellation is made 6 days or less before the scheduled departure date, including the departure date | 100% of tour price |
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