9-Nights Essential China: Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin & Shanghai - Escorted Tours from $3,520

Goway Travel

OFFER ID 1722639

Iconic Landmarks Join a shared group tour through China’s iconic cities, from Beijing and Xi’an’s heritage to Guilin’s scenic karsts and Shanghai's skyline.

Trip Overview :

Join a shared group tour through China’s iconic cities, from Beijing and Xi’an’s heritage to Guilin’s scenic karsts and Shanghai's skyline.

Highlights:

Explore Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Great Wall for a vivid introduction to China.
Wander the Summer Palace and meet locals around the Temple of Heaven and Lama Temple.
Discover Xi’an’s Terracotta Army and gaze across the city from its imposing Ancient City Wall.
Cruise Guilin’s Li River to Yangshuo and uncover Reed Flute Cave and Elephant Trunk Hill.
Experience Shanghai’s skyline, the Bund’s colonial heritage and the tranquillity of Yu Garden and the museum.

Included Services:

Shared arrival airport transfer in Beijing
Shared departure airport transfer in Shanghai
Shared airport/hotel/airport transfers in all locations as per itinerary
3 nights premium accommodation in Beijing
2 nights premium accommodation in Xi'an
2 nights premium accommodation in Guilin
2 nights premium accommodation in Shanghai
Shared group guided touring as per the itinerary
English-speaking local guides
Domestic air tickets (economy class) as per itinerary (Beijing to Xi'an, Xi'an to Guilin & Guilin to Shanghai)
Breakfast daily (excluding day 1), 5 lunches, 1 dinner

Excluded Services:

Travel insurance
International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
Gratuities
Optional excursions
Items of a personal nature
Passport & Visa fees, if applicable

9 nights from $3,520 per person

Itinerary

Click here for Full Itinerary Details

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Arrive in Beijing

After checking in, you have free time to explore this amazing city that is feverishly modernizing, transforming right before your eyes.

Hotel: Novotel Beijing Peace (4 Star Rating)

Set in a prime location, in the historical district of China’s capital city, the exceptional four-star Novotel Beijing Peace is close to famous attractions like the Palace Museum, Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and St Joseph’s Cathedral. In addition, outdoor recreational hubs such as the Beijing Botanical Gardens and Tuan Jie Lake are all within walking distance, as is the entertainment/theatre district.

Day 2: Full Day Tiananmen Square, The Forbidden City & Summer Palace Tour

Stroll through Tiananmen Square China's historic heart of celebration and also turbulence for almost a century. Onward to the resplendent Forbidden City/Palace Museum (UNESCO site), home for Chinese Emperors since 1420. Walk through the world's largest royal compound that was off-limits to commoners and learn about important treasures of the Imperial collection on display in the vast inner courts. Have a Chinese lunch at local restaurant.

This afternoon, continue to visit the Summer Palace, which is the best-keptexisting royal garden in Beijing, a complex of pavilions, temples, and galleries set among beautifully landscaped grounds, situated on Kunming Lake (subject the weather permitting).

Evening is free with dinner on own.

Hotel: Novotel Beijing Peace (4 Star Rating)

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Full Day Great Wall of China Tour

Today, climb the truly awesome Great Wall of China (UNESCO World Heritage site). Visit the Badaling section. All portions ever made would equal a solid defense wall going around the equator one and one-half times. At the less visited Badaling section, one of the most impressive portions of the barrier, you have time to enjoy the area, photograph majestic views and maybe bargain with the local vendors.

Visit Beijing Jade Carving Factory followed by a Chinese lunch at local restaurant, drive to the Ming Tombs, and visit the most famous emperors mausoleum of Ming Dynasty with 500 years history-Chang Ling and Sacred Way, the main way of which the Ming Dynasty emperor has to pass through to worship their forefathers. Late afternoon, transfer back to hotel.

Peking Duck Dinner at local restaurant.

Hotel: Novotel Beijing Peace (4 Star Rating)

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Day 4: Beijing to Xi'an

Explore the vast Temple of Heaven complex (UNESCO site) that was once a sacred area used only by the emperors of China for important ceremonies to honor Heaven, the supreme power. The main structure is the grand Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, an impressive architectural feat. Today this park is a favorite gathering spot for local residents, a community center where people of all ages come to relax, exercise and express through song and dance. Joining in on activities is a fun way to interact with everyday Beijingers and is welcomed with warm smiles and open arms.

Proceed to visit the Lama Temple. It is the largest Buddhist temple of the Yellow-sect in Beijing and has been completely preserved. Built in 1694 as the residence of Count Yin Zhen, the fourth son of the Emperor Kangxi, it was called 'the Palace of Count Yong.' After Yin Zhen became the Emperor, he continued to use it as an imperial palace for short stays away from the capital. In 1744, it was converted into a lamasery. Yonghegong is the most renowned Tibetan Buddhist temple in China outside Tibet and holds treasures of both the Han and Tibetan cultures.

After Beijing Noodle Lunch at a local restaurant, departure transfer to airport for flight to Xian, once arrival, meet your local English-speaking guide at airport and transfer to your hotel. Evening is free with dinner on own.

Hotel: Holiday Inn Xian Big Goose Pagoda (4 Star Rating)

Holiday Inn Xi’an Big Goose Pagoda offers a modern and comfortable base just steps from the iconic Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and the vibrant cultural district surrounding it. Travelers enjoy easy access to ancient temples, colorful night markets, and the nearby

Shaanxi History Museum. With spacious rooms, welcoming service, and great dining options, it’s an ideal stay for exploring Xi’an’s rich heritage.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Full Day Terracotta Warriors & Ancient City Wall Tour

Marvel at the important Terracotta Warriors and Horses underground army pits of the 1st Qin Emperor (3rd century BCE, UNESCO site) with your own eyes and understand the magnitude of this portion of the entire mausoleum project. There are thousands of pottery soldiers and each one looks different. Their solemn assignment was to protect the Emperor Qin Shihuangdi in the afterlife. A circle-vision film reenacts the related events of 2300 years ago. Visit the Xian Ceramic and Art Workshop to see how to make Terra Cotta replica.

Chinese lunch at local restaurant including the Noodle-making demonstration.

Head to visit the Ancient City Wall, it is the most complete one that has survived in China, as well being one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world. Continue to visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a Buddhist pagoda located in southern Xi'an. It was built in 652 during the Tang Dynasty and originally had five stories, although the structure was rebuilt in 704 during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian and its exterior brick facade was renovated during the Ming Dynasty. Evening is free with dinner on own.

Hotel: Holiday Inn Xian Big Goose Pagoda (4 Star Rating)

Shaanxi History Museum. With spacious rooms, welcoming service, and great dining options, it’s an ideal stay for exploring Xi’an’s rich heritage.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Xi'an to Guilin

Transfer to airport for flight flying to Guilin.

Arrive Guilin, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. Visit the Reed Flute Caves, it is a famous scenic spot, mainly offering a magic fairyland of stalactites, stalagmites, stone columns, curtains and flowers in fantastic shapes and colors while appreciating landscape and rural scenery. Then head to the beautiful Elephant Trunk Hill, who got its name because it's said to resemble a giant elephant drinking water from the Li River. Towering more than 180 feet (55 meters) above the water, it's one of the top attractions in Guilin.

Lunch and dinner on own.

Hotel: Guilin Bravo Hotel (4 Star Rating)

The Guilin Bravo Hotel is located in city centre, and surrounded by some of the most popular shopping areas. The Guilin Bravo Hotel is one of the quintessential hotels in Guilin that is ideal for both business and leisure travellers. The city centre and night market are both within a 10 minute walk. There are 480 tastefully decorated guest rooms, lake view rooms and suites.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 7: Full Day Cruise on the Li River

Take a full day cruise on Li River with lunch served on board and enjoy a panorama of bamboo grooves, sleepy villages and karst peaks of limestone formations fancifully christened by painters and poets over the centuries.

Afternoon, explore on the West Street, which is near your hotel. West Street is the most exciting one that locals call the 'Global Village'. There are not only many foreign tourists, but also quite a number of foreign residents managing cafés and restaurants. The exotic flavor, combined with the traditional culture, make the West Street world famous. Walk around the local village and farms. Late afternoon, transfer back to Guilin. Evening is free with dinner on own.

Hotel: Guilin Bravo Hotel (4 Star Rating)

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: Guilin to Shanghai

Departure transfer to airport for flight to Shanghai, once arrival, meet your local English-speaking guide at airport and transfer to your hotel.

Lunch and dinner on own.

Hotel: Metropark Jichen Hotel Shanghai (4 Star Rating)

Metropark Jichen Hotel Shanghai is located at the intersection of Wanhangdu Road and Kangding Road. Located in Caojiadu business circle, the central intersection of Jing'an District, Changning District and Putuo District. It is adjacent to Zhongshan Park and Jing'an Temple business circle.

It is only 2 kilometers away from Nanjing West Road business district and Shanghai Exhibition Center. The surrounding catering, shopping, and entertainment facilities are perfect.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Day 9: Full Day Shanghai Highlights Tour

Start the morning by walk around the People's Park to see locals doing morning exercises and visit the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, is a six-story building, with two basement levels, which displays.

Shanghai's urban planning and development. The focus of the exhibit is a large scale model of the entirety of urban Shanghai, showing existing buildings and approved future buildings. Other exhibits relate to Shanghai's history and planned development. Continue to visit the 400 year's old Yu Garden. Yu in Chinese means pleasing and satisfying, and this garden was specially built for Pan's parents as a place for them to enjoy a tranquil and happy time in their old age. Outside the garden, is the famous Chen Huang Miao - an area of shops, restaurants and recreation facilities.

After lunch at local restaurant, stroll along the Bund and to visit the Shanghai Museum, boasts a staggering collection of over 120,000 unique ancient Chinese artifacts. Evening is free with dinner on own.

Hotel: Metropark Jichen Hotel Shanghai (4 Star Rating)

It is only 2 kilometers away from Nanjing West Road business district and Shanghai Exhibition Center. The surrounding catering, shopping, and entertainment facilities are perfect.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10: Depart from Shanghai

Say goodbye to China as you will be transferred to the airport to board your returning flight home. Have a safe flight home.

Meal(s): Breakfast

Featured Destinations

Shanghai

Shanghai is a teeming metropolis of 11 million, bustling with energy, towering skyscrapers, art deco buildings, honking traffic, and shopping crowds. Once here, visitors will find Eastern ways abound: Tai Chi along the Bund, the serenity of exquisite ponds and gardens, and an endless flotilla of sampans edging along the Huangpu River. Explore Shanghai old and new: the busy bazaars and alleyways of the Old Town, Yu Garden, Wuxingting Tea House, Long Hua Temple and more.

Excursions

Shanghai: Yu Garden & Old Town Tour (4 hours)

Shanghai: French Concession & The Bund (4 hours)

Shanghai: Jewish Quarter Tour (4 hours)

Shanghai: Museum Tour (4 hours)

Shanghai: Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour (4 hours)

Shanghai: Disposal Tour (4 hours)

Shanghai City Tour (8 hours)

Shanghai: Disposal Tour (8 hours)

Guilin

Xi'an

Great Wall

No matter how many pictures of it you've seen, the Great Wall of China is still impressive. It follows a ridge of barren hills through northern China, stretching as far as the eye can see—at least 3,750 mi/6,000 km. It's thought that, at one time, it was 6,000 mi/9,700 km long. "The Great Wall" is actually a term coined by Westerners; it is known to the Chinese as Wan Li Chang Cheng, meaning "Long Wall of Ten Thousand Li" (li is a Chinese unit of length equal to half a kilometer).

The Wall is usually visited near Badaling (50 mi/75 km from Beijing)—that's where most of the tour buses go. There's a crowded carnival atmosphere there, with sedan chairs for rent, U.S. fast-food restaurants, and polluted air that tends to curtail the view. Another section of the Wall, at Juyong Pass, which is closer to Beijing, has also become popular with tour groups. (You'll find lots of teenagers trying to sprint up the 350-plus steps.)

The less-crowded site at Mutianyu (45 mi/70 km from Beijing) also receives plenty of visitors. Many people get worn out climbing to the first two watchtowers (it's very steep), but there's a cable car to help you up. When it's not too crowded, you can get an idea of how isolated it must have felt to be a lookout along the Wall 600 years ago. The portions of the Wall at Badaling and Mutianyu are mostly reconstructions, not necessarily the remains of the original Wall.

Adventurous travelers can also visit the Wall at Simatai (55 mi/90 km from Beijing) for a memorable sunset and sunrise. Designated as a protected heritage site by UNESCO, it's a nonreconstructed part of the Wall that snakes over several steep mountains. In some sections, the wall is only 3 ft/1 m thick. Beijing is about a three-hour bus ride from Simatai. Be sure to take along good walking shoes and your own food and water.

Other interesting places to view the Wall are near Jiayuguan at its western end, or near Shanhaiguan, where the Wall meets the ocean. You can also scuba dive on the Wall at at a little-known section submerged beneath the Panjiakou Reservoir, if you go with a Beijing-based dive operator.

There are a number of ways to visit the Wall. Tours geared for Westerners can be arranged at most major hotels. The tours that cater to Chinese tourists are less expensive but aren't worth the savings. They generally spend less time at the Wall and more time at such sites as the indoor aquatic park on the outskirts of Beijing (a thrill for rural Chinese, but not something most Westerners would appreciate). If you can organize a group of three or four, hiring a taxi for the day will be only a little more expensive, and you will be able to see what you want for as long as you want. Whichever point you choose to visit, be prepared for crowds and persistent touts.

It has become popular for hardcore hikers to visit wild sections of the Wall—mostly ruins. However, the government has outlawed such hikes in an effort to preserve these sections.

Beijing

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

10/15/2026 - 12/31/2028

from $3,520 per person

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $3,520 per person

Length

9 Nights

Air City

Call for airfares from your city.

Vacation Rating

Deluxe

Remarks

Pricing is dynamic and subject to change based on specific travel dates, room categories and availability. Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travelers are available on request - please inquire with your Travel Advisor.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1722639

Reference this number when contacting our agency so we may better serve you. Also keeping this number handy will allow you to locate this document again quickly.

Request More Info!

OVERVIEW SUPPLIERS DESTINATIONS

Vacations Search

Between

And

Escorted Tours Only

Land Only Tours