11 Days Group Tour (Beijing -Xian -Yangtze Cruise -Shanghai)

Top China tour for First Time to China

The Beijing-Xi’an-Yangtze River Cruise-Shanghai route showcases a blend of China’s historical treasures, cultural landmarks, and modern urban landscapes. Travelers embark on a journey starting from Beijing, exploring iconic sites like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. They then venture to Xi’an, where the renowned Terracotta Warriors await, showcasing ancient Chinese civilization. Next, travelers embark on a Yangtze River cruise, immersing themselves in the majestic scenery of the Three Gorges while experiencing the vibrant local culture along the riverbanks. Finally, the route concludes in Shanghai, a bustling metropolis known for its futuristic skyline and rich heritage, offering a perfect blend of traditional and contemporary experiences.

Highlights

Itinerary at a Glance

Tour map

Beijing (1-3 Days)
Great Wall Forbidden City Temple of Heaven Summer Palace
Xi'an (4-6 Days)
Terracotta Army Wild Goose Pagoda Ancient City Wall
Yangtze Cruise (7-9 Days)
Shibaozhai Shennong Stream Three Gorges Dam
Shanghai (9-11 Days)
Shanghai Museum Yuyuan Garden The Bund

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Beijing

Stay in the historical core area of Beijing and walk around Wangfujing Street.

Upon your arrival at Beijing airport, our team will be waiting for you at the arrival exit with a sign bearing your name. From there, we’ll smoothly transfer you to your accommodation at the centrally located Sunworld Hotel in Beijing’s bustling Wangfujing Street area. Enjoy the freedom to explore this vibrant neighborhood at your own pace, with a plethora of shopping, dining, and cultural experiences just steps away from the hotel. Experience the authentic pulse of Chinese life from the heart of Beijing, ensuring a memorable start to your journey.

Day 2 Beijing

Visit Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, Temple of Heaven.

In the morning, our guided tour begins with panoramic views of the Forbidden City from Jingshan Park, followed by a visit to Tiananmen Square and exploration of the Imperial Palace. After leisure time in Jingshan Park, we’ll enjoy lunch at a premium Chinese restaurant. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the sacred Temple of Heaven before concluding the day with an exciting Chinese Kung Fu Show at the Beijing Red Theater. Finally, we’ll return to our hotel for the evening.

Day 3 Beijing

Visit the Great Wall, Mingling Sacred Way, take photos in the Water Cube and the Bird’s Nest, special dinner (optional)

In the morning, gear up for our trip to the Badaling Great Wall, where you’ll have the choice to hike or take a cable car to the summit. After marveling at the wall’s grandeur, we’ll enjoy lunch at a restaurant within the Jade Museum. Following this, we’ll visit the Sacred Way, lined with ancient stone statues, before stopping at the Olympic National Stadium area for photo opportunities. Returning to our hotel in Wangfujing, you can unwind or explore the bustling Wangfujing Walking Street at night, with optional evening activities available.

Day 4 Beijing-Xian

Visit the Summer Palace, Beijing Zoo Panda Hall, Shichahai Scenic Area, visit Hutong residents, learn to make dumplings, Stay in Xi’an

In the morning, our first stop is the Summer Palace, a sprawling imperial garden renowned for its stunning landscape and grand architecture. Divided into three main areas, you’ll explore political centers, royal residences, and scenic spots like Kunming Lake. Enjoy a leisurely boat ride on the lake before heading to Beijing Zoo’s Panda House to see these adorable creatures.

Afterwards, we’ll venture into the old Hutong and Shichahai Scenic Area, where you’ll visit a local Beijing family to learn the art of dumpling making and cooking. Following a dumpling lunch, hop on a rickshaw to explore the traditional narrow lanes and ancient quadrangles, immersing yourself in Beijing’s original lifestyle and culture. If time permits, we’ll visit a local market before our guide sees you off to the airport for your flight to Xian. Optional afternoon activity: Nanluoguxiang (The Southern Gong and Drum Lane).

Day 5 Xian

Tour Terracotta Warriors, Small Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi’an Museum, watch Tang’s style dancing show while enjoying the Dumpling Dinner in the evening.

After breakfast, our first stop is the Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses Museum, where you’ll marvel at the incredible warrior figures and ancient Chinese weapons displayed in three excavated pits. For lunch, we’ll dine at a superior Chinese restaurant offering delicious cuisine.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Xian Museum and the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, built over 1,300 years ago during the Tang Dynasty to store Buddhist scriptures from ancient India. In the evening, indulge in the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Performance while enjoying a Dumpling Dinner. Note: Guests traveling in January, February, March, and December will have a free evening instead of the show and dinner due to the closure of the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show during these months.

Day 6 Xian - Chongqing

Visit ancient City Wall and get to Chongqing by high-speed train. Board the 5-star cruise.

After breakfast, we’ll explore the ancient City Wall, a remarkable urban fortification dating back to the Tang Dynasty. You’ll have the option to walk or cycle along this historic structure. Following our exploration, we’ll proceed to Chongqing via bullet train. Upon arrival, we’ll meet you at the train station and transfer to the Chaotianmen Ferry Terminal, where you’ll board the luxurious Yangtze River cruise ship for a leisurely journey—a highlight of your 11-day China itinerary.

Day 7 Yangtze River Cruise

Shore excursion to Shibaozhai.

Start your day with early bird coffee and tea available at 6:30, followed by a buffet breakfast from 7:00 to 8:30. Then, immerse yourself in the cruise’s activities or opt for an optional tour to Fengdu Ghost City. Enjoy a buffet lunch at noon. At 16:00, the ship will dock at Zhongxian Port for a shore excursion to Shibaozhai, an impressive tower built against Yuyin Mountain during the Wanli Period. Join the Captain’s Welcome Reception at 18:15 at Shangri-la Restaurant, followed by an evening show at Oscar Performance Hall at 21:00.

Day 8 Yangtze River Cruise

Shore excursion to Shennong Stream.

Start your day with early bird coffee and tea available at 6:30, followed by a buffet breakfast from 7:00 to 8:30. At 7:00, the ship will stop at White Emperor City—opt for an optional tour or remain on board. At 10:45, pass through Qutang Gorge with a guided explanation of attractions on the 6th-floor deck. Enjoy buffet lunch while passing through Wu Gorge at 12:30. In the afternoon, embark on a boat trip to explore Shennong Stream, a picturesque 60 km-long stream winding through the gorges. Join the Captain’s Farewell Banquet at 19:00, with settling bills afterward. Catch the Crew Cabaret at 21:00, followed by the ship’s passage through the Five-Grade Ship Lock of the Three Gorges Dam around 22:30—an unforgettable experience on the 6th-floor deck. Optional activity: Visit White Emperor City for an additional fee.

Day 9 Cruise-Yichang-Shanghai

Visit Three Gorges Dam and transfer to Yichang Airport for flight to Shanghai. Airport pick-up and transfer to Bund Riverside Hotel.

After an early breakfast, disembark for an excursion to the Three Gorges Dam, where the guide will provide insights into its workings. Return to the ship for check-out by noon. We’ll transfer you from the ship to Yichang airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, we’ll meet you at the airport and transfer you to the Bund Riverside Hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.

Day 10 Shanghai

Visit Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, view Oriental Pearl TV Tower from the Bund and take a cruise on Huangpu River.

Explore Shanghai’s cultural treasures at the Shanghai Museum and the serene beauty of Yuyuan Garden in the morning. Enjoy a farewell lunch featuring Shanghai cuisine. In the afternoon, wander through the iconic Bund area and embark on a short cruise along the Huangpu River. If time allows, stroll along Nanjing Road and explore the charming old streets of Shanghai before bidding farewell to our guide and driver at the hotel.

Day 11 Shanghai Departure

Arrange on your own.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, our tour concludes. You will need to arrange your own transportation to the airport for your return flight. We recommend booking a taxi through the hotel in advance to avoid any delays. If you’re interested in extending your stay in China, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for assistance with planning an extension tour.

Price: What’s Included & What’s Excluded

The price mentioned above is for a private tour for two individuals. Prices may vary depending on the travel date, group size, hotel category, itinerary, and potential fluctuations in currency exchange rates.

What’s Included?

Skilled drivers and comfortable air-conditioned vehicles at your service.
English-speaking local professional tour guide.
Hotel accommodation with breakfast.
Domestic flights (economy class) or second class tickets on high speed train according to the itinerary.
Tickets, scheduled activities and meals included in the itinerary.
Comprehensive accident insurance.（Passport information required)
We will assist you throughout the trip from initial planning to the end of the trip.

What’s Excluded?

Overseas flight tickets
Visa application costs
Individual expenditures
Additional charge for single occupancy rooms
Suggested extra activities
Arrival and departure transportation on the initial and final days
Gratuities for tour guides and chauffeurs

Important Information for Booking a Private China Tour

How to Reserve a Private China Tour?

Booking a private China tour is a straightforward process. Simply choose the tour you’re interested in and click “Submit a Free Inquiry.” Share your preferences and requirements when filling out the form. You won’t need to make an immediate payment during this stage. Once you’ve submitted your details, one of our expert travel consultants will respond to you within 0.5 to 24 hours. After confirming all the details, you can proceed to make a deposit. If you have any questions before booking, feel free to contact the travel consultant directly.

Customize Your China Tour

The itinerary provided above is a sample that most travelers follow. However, we can tailor the tour to align with your preferences, interests, and budget. If you wish to extend the tour or have specific destinations and activities in mind, simply inform us. Our experienced travel experts will redesign the trip to meet your needs and offer you the best price. Share your ideas with us now >>

Transportation

During your private tour, you’ll be transported to various attractions within each city in a comfortable, air-conditioned private vehicle. Our selected vehicles are spacious and driven by experienced drivers. For travel between destinations, we utilize domestic flights (economy class) or high-speed trains (second class, typically less than 6 hours). Upon arrival at airports or train stations, your local guides and drivers will greet you and escort you to your hotel.

Dining

“B” denotes breakfast, which will be provided at your hotel in the morning.
“L” indicates lunch. The restaurants we select are approved by local tourism authorities and maintain high sanitary standards. Your guide will assist with ordering dishes.
“D” signifies dinner. Dinners are not included in the itinerary, giving you the opportunity to sample authentic Chinese cuisine and local snacks. If you have specific dietary preferences or requirements (such as vegetarian, halal, kosher, Indian, or gluten-free), please inform us before booking. We will do our utmost to accommodate your needs.

Accommodation & Hotel Condition for Your China Tour

Ensuring a restful night’s sleep is crucial throughout your China tour. With our private tours, you have the freedom to choose from a range of hotel classes, whether it’s luxurious 5-star accommodations, comfortable 4-star lodgings, or economical 3-star options.

All the hotels selected in each destination are conveniently situated near commercial districts or popular tourist attractions. Moreover, our longstanding partnerships with these hotels guarantee a consistent level of quality and service. Each hotel room is equipped with essential amenities such as windows, air conditioning, hot water, showers, and Wi-Fi, ensuring a luxurious and comfortable sleep experience. The English-speaking staff members are dedicated to providing high-quality service and are readily available to assist with any requests or preferences you may have.

Price: Request

(Based on a private tour for two people. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people.)

Free Enquiry! You don’t need to pay for the reservation.