10-Day Classic China Tour
Beijing · Xi'an · Guilin & Yangshuo · Shanghai — our flagship route. The Golden Triangle, plus the Li River landscape that has defined "China" in paintings for a thousand years. Tour code: CC-10.
Suggested itinerary at a glance
| Days 1–3 | Beijing — Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Great Wall at Mutianyu |
|---|---|
| Days 4–5 | Xi'an — Terracotta Warriors, city wall, Muslim Quarter |
| Days 6–7 | Guilin & Yangshuo — Li River cruise, Yulong River raft, countryside cycling |
| Days 8–10 | Shanghai — the Bund, Yu Garden, French Concession, depart |
Tour highlights
History, then landscape
Five days of imperial China followed by two days where the scenery does the talking — the pacing contrast, which is why this route wins over first-timers.
The ¥20 view, in person
The Li River cruise passes the exact karst bend printed on China's 20-yuan note — your guide will hand you the note for the photo.
Yangshuo at bicycle speed
Rice fields, village lanes and the Yulong River by bamboo raft — the rural China most tours only drive past.
Finish in the future
End in Shanghai, where departures are easiest and the last night — the Bund at full glow — is a proper finale.
Day-by-day itinerary
This is a sample itinerary, so you can see what each day actually looks like — the scenery, the meals and where you sleep. On a private trip the order and pace are adjusted to your dates; your confirmed day-by-day plan, with named hotels, comes with your quote. Small-group departures follow this route.
- Day 1
Arrive in Beijing
Airport pickup, hotel check-in, and an easy first evening. Your guide confirms the next days' timing over a welcome tea.
- Day 2
Forbidden City & hutongs
Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City in the morning — the world's largest palace complex, its halls and courtyards explained as a story, not a walk-through. Hutong lanes and a courtyard-home visit in the afternoon.
- Day 3
Great Wall at Mutianyu
Temple of Heaven at tai-chi hour, then Mutianyu's watchtowers and ridge lines — the easier, greener section of the Wall, with the hills rolling away on both sides. Peking duck dinner.
- Day 4
Train to Xi'an
High-speed train (about 4.5 hours). Sunset on the Ming city wall — China's most complete, and the finest hour to be up on it.
- Day 5
Terracotta Warriors & Muslim Quarter
The Warriors in the morning, timed to land before the worst of the crush. A Muslim Quarter food walk in the evening — the day's two crowds are the good kind.
- Day 6
Fly to Guilin
Short flight south, and the landscape changes completely — the first karst peaks appear before you've even landed. Reed Flute Cave and a first evening stroll along Guilin's lakes.
- Day 7
Li River cruise to Yangshuo
The four-hour cruise to Yangshuo, past the exact karst bend printed on China's 20-yuan note — your guide will hand you the note for the photo. Then a bamboo raft on the Yulong River and cycling between peaks and paddies. Night on West Street — lively, unapologetically touristy, fun.
- Day 8
To Shanghai
Flight to Shanghai. The Bund at dusk for your first skyline — arrive as the lights come on, on both banks at once.
- Day 9
Shanghai old and new
Yu Garden, the French Concession, Shanghai Tower. Optional evening acrobatic show.
- Day 10
Depart Shanghai
Free morning, private airport transfer. Day 7 is the one you'll want photos of.
What's included
✓ Included
- Car, driver and English-speaking guide in each city (your own car on a private trip)
- 9 nights' hotels at your chosen tier
- High-speed train Beijing → Xi'an; domestic flights Xi'an → Guilin and Yangshuo/Guilin → Shanghai
- Li River cruise and Yulong raft as listed
- Entrance fees for listed sights; meals as marked
- WhatsApp support throughout
✕ Not included
- International flights
- China visa, if required for your passport
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses, optional activities, gratuities
Deposit & cancellation policy
Deposit & payment: a 10% deposit confirms your booking once you approve the itinerary. The balance is due 30 days before departure; bookings made within 30 days of departure require full payment to confirm.
- 30 or more days before departure: full refund, minus costs already incurred.
- 15–29 days before departure: 70% refund.
- 8–14 days before departure: 50% refund.
- 0–7 days before departure, or no-show: no refund.
- Issued flight, train and cruise tickets are refunded per supplier rules.
If we have to cancel your trip, you receive a full refund. Full terms are sent with your booking confirmation — see also the Booking & Refund Policy page.
Hotels & price
From US$1,890 per person
Starting price per person, based on 2 travelers. Final quote depends on dates and hotel level. Includes 4-star hotels, private guide & driver, entrance fees and intercity trains; international flights not included.
Includes first-timer support: visa-free check, payment setup help and WhatsApp support during your trip.
Quoted per trip for a private tour (small-group departures are also available on this route) — the basis (2 people, comfortable 4-star hotels) and named hotel options are stated on your quote. Larger groups and off-season dates lower the per-person price; ask on WhatsApp with your dates and group size.
Tour FAQ
How is this different from the Golden Triangle?
Two extra days in Guilin and Yangshuo between Xi'an and Shanghai. If you only ever take one China trip, this is the version we'd argue for — see the side-by-side on the route page.
Can the order change?
Yes — starting in Shanghai often suits flight prices better. The sights don't care which direction you meet them in.
Does it fit the 240-hour visa-free transit?
It can, but only if your flights fit: the 240 hours start at 00:00 the day after you land, and you must leave for a third country or region. Send us your flight times and we’ll check before you book.