13-Day Imperial Cities to Rural Beauty
Beijing – Xi’an – Huangshan – Yangshuo – Shanghai（Private Tour）
This immersive 13-day journey blends imperial grandeur with rural serenity, taking you from the historic capitals of Beijing and Xi’an to the idyllic landscapes of Yangshuo, the heritage villages of Huangshan, and the vibrant metropolis of Shanghai. Walk along the Great Wall, uncover the mystery of the Terracotta Army, drift through karst mountains on a bamboo raft, and explore centuries-old Huizhou architecture. Designed for first-time visitors seeking both cultural depth and scenic beauty, this itinerary offers a rich, well-paced introduction to China’s timeless treasures and modern wonders.
📅 Recommended Duration: 13 Days / 12 Nights
🚆 Transportation: High-speed trains + private transfers + domestic flight
🍽 Meals: Daily breakfasts, selected lunches & dinners included
🏨 Accommodation: 4-star or boutique hotels (customizable to 5-star upon request)
🗣 Language: English-speaking local guides in each city
Highlights
Itinerary Overview
Our standard itineraries are for reference only — just let us know your preferences in the form, and our travel experts will customize a trip just for you!
Private airport pick-up and transfer to hotel.
Free time to relax or explore nearby Wangfujing pedestrian street.
🛏️ Accommodation: 4★ Hotel in Beijing
🍽 Meals: None
Tiananmen Square – Forbidden City – Jingshan Park – Hutong Rickshaw Tour
- Morning: Visit Tiananmen Square and walk through the Forbidden City. Enjoy a panoramic city view from Jingshan Park.
- Afternoon: Explore traditional hutongs by rickshaw and visit a local family courtyard.
🥢 Dinner: Free time or try Beijing street food at Donghuamen Night Market
🛏️ Accommodation: Beijing
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Dinner: Self-arranged
Great Wall at Mutianyu – Summer Palace – Peking Duck Dinner
- Morning: Hike or take cable car at Mutianyu Great Wall.
- Afternoon: Visit the imperial Summer Palace and Kunming Lake.
- Evening: Enjoy Peking Duck dinner at Quanjude or Da Dong (included).
🛏️ Accommodation: Beijing
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Free Morning + High-Speed Train to Xi’an
- Morning: Optional tai chi or Chinese calligraphy class
- Afternoon: High-speed train to Xi’an, transfer to hotel upon arrival.
🥢 Dinner: Local Shaanxi noodles or dumplings
🛏️ Accommodation: Xi’an
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Dinner | Lunch: Self-arranged
Terracotta Army – Huaqing Palace – Muslim Quarter
- Morning: Guided visit to the Terracotta Warriors
- Afternoon: Visit Huaqing Palace and relax in Tang-style gardens
- Evening: Walk through the vibrant Muslim Quarter, try local snacks.
🛏️ Accommodation: Xi’an
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Dinner: Self-arranged
City Wall Cycling – Big Wild Goose Pagoda – Fly to Guilin – Transfer to Yangshuo
- Morning: Cycle atop Xi’an’s ancient city wall
- Afternoon: Visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda
- Evening: Flight to Guilin and private transfer to Yangshuo countryside resort.
🛏️ Accommodation: Boutique Hotel in Yangshuo
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Li River Bamboo Raft – Countryside Cycling – Cooking or Calligraphy Class (Optional)
- Morning: Bamboo raft cruise along the Li River
- Afternoon: Cycle through rice paddies and karst peaks
- Optional: Chinese cooking or calligraphy experience
🛏️ Accommodation: Yangshuo
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Dinner: Self-arranged
Yangshuo Free Day
- Optional activities: tea plantation tour, rock climbing, or local market visit
- Spend a relaxing day amidst nature or explore on your own.
🛏️ Accommodation: Yangshuo
🍽 Meals: Breakfast | Lunch & Dinner: Self-arranged
High-Speed Train to Huangshan (Tunxi) (~6 hrs)
- Transfer to Guilin North Station and take high-speed train to Tunxi
- Evening: Walk through old Tunxi town and taste Huizhou snacks.
🛏️ Accommodation: 4★ Hotel in Tunxi
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Hongcun + Xidi Villages – Traditional Huizhou Architecture Tour
- Full-day visit to UNESCO-listed villages known for clan homes and ancestral halls
- Learn about Huizhou culture, layout, and carvings.
🛏️ Accommodation: Tunxi
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Mt. Huangshan Sunrise (Optional) or Additional Villages
- Option A: Early cable car up to Yellow Mountain for sunrise & stone peaks
- Option B: Visit lesser-known ancient villages like Chengkan or Tangmo
🛏️ Accommodation: Tunxi
🍽 Meals: Breakfast | Lunch & Dinner: Self-arranged
High-Speed Train to Shanghai – The Bund Night View
- Take high-speed train to Shanghai (approx. 4 hrs)
- Evening: Walk along The Bund or join an optional Huangpu River cruise
🛏️ Accommodation: 4★ Hotel in Shanghai
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Yu Garden – French Concession – Departure
- Morning: Visit Yu Garden and stroll through French Concession lanes
- Transfer to airport or train station for your onward journey
🍽 Meals: Breakfast
Value-added Services
Where You’ll Stay
Standard Accommodation
You’ll stay in carefully selected 4-star hotels offering a comfortable blend of modern convenience and warm hospitality — perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.
Upgrade Options
While the standard is twin-sharing rooms in 4-star hotels, you can easily upgrade to single rooms or opt for 5-star hotels or preferred properties to suit your tastes and preferences.
Unique Traditional Stays
In select destinations, enjoy a night or two in charming boutique guesthouses featuring traditional Chinese architecture and local character, for a truly immersive experience.
Tour Testimonials
“Everything was perfectly arranged — from airport pickup to smooth hotel check-ins. Our guide was knowledgeable, patient, and shared fascinating stories about China’s history. My favorite moment was hiking the Great Wall at Mutianyu peacefully, away from the crowds.”
— Sarah Mitchell, 12 Oct 2024
“The balance between cultural highlights and natural beauty was spot on. The Terracotta Army blew me away, and the bamboo rafting on the Li River was unforgettable. Our private driver and guide made the trip seamless and stress-free.”
— James Lee, 18 Nov 2023
“This tour exceeded my expectations! The Huizhou villages felt like a step back in time, and the Shanghai night views were stunning. The included meals introduced me to authentic flavors I hadn’t tried before. Highly recommend for first-timers!”
— Emma Johnson, 2 April 2025
Photo Highlights
Useful Information
At Travel China, we believe your journey should be as unique as you are. Our itineraries are here to inspire—but every trip can be fully customized to match your interests, pace, and preferences. Simply share your ideas with us through the form, and our travel experts will craft a tailor-made adventure just for you, along with a personalized quote.
All our tours can be adjusted to suit your needs—whether it’s adding destinations, changing pace, or tailoring experiences. Just tell us what you have in mind!
A small deposit of just 10% per person confirms your booking and secures your hotels, tickets, and private transport. The remaining balance is paid upon your arrival in China.
A visa is required for travel to mainland China. We recommend applying at least two months in advance.
Ages 14–70 must apply in person at a Visa Application Center.
Ages 13 and under / 71 and over can apply online.
We’ll provide you with the necessary documents and guidance to make the process smooth and easy.
Comfortable private cars are arranged within cities. For intercity travel, we use China’s efficient high-speed trains or domestic flights. Please note: lighters and aerosols are not allowed on trains or planes.
The local currency is the Renminbi (RMB / CNY / Yuan). We suggest exchanging money before departure. US dollars are also commonly accepted. Credit cards work in most hotels and malls, but small shops may only accept cash. ATMs are widely available.
Hotels may require a credit card or cash deposit upon check-in.
You’ll be warmly greeted by your local guide upon arrival. Throughout your trip, a knowledgeable local guide will accompany you in each city to offer expert insight and support.
We handpick hotels for comfort, location, and character—typically at a 4-star standard. Ratings may differ from international norms, but we inspect all our partner properties regularly to ensure quality. All rooms come with private bathrooms.
Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Dinner (when included) will be taken in local restaurants or at the hotel. A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of dishes and flavours. Unlike the western world, Chinese people do not normally pre-heat their plates and food can be presented at a variety of temperatures, which is a typical Chinese way of doing things.
Please contact Customer Experience for questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information.
It is not recommended to drink the tap water, even in developed countries water may contain unfamiliar elements that can cause upset stomachs. In less developed countries water is not filtered in the same way. Bottled water will be available at shops and hotels.
If your visit falls during a major Chinese holiday, such as Chinese New Year (Jan–Feb) or Golden Week (May 1–3 & Oct 1–7), note that transportation may be busier and attractions more crowded. Shops may close temporarily, but scenic sites remain open.
