Beijing-Xi'an-Guilin-Zhangjiajie-Shanghai 13-Day Tour
Great Wall, Terracotta Army, Li River, Zhangjiajie, The Bund
Beijing-Xi'an-Guilin-Zhangjiajie-Shanghai 13-Day Tour
Commonly, “incredible” and “unbelievable” are the most frequently used words to describe China. To personally experience the charm of China and witness the extraordinary aspects of this country, we highly recommend you join our 13-day tour of China. This itinerary cleverly blends China’s classic cultural landscapes with the breathtaking natural wonders of Zhangjiajie and Guilin.
You will start your journey from Beijing, the capital of China, exploring magnificent imperial palaces and ascending the majestic Great Wall; then proceed to the ancient capital of Xi’an to witness the millennia-old army formation of Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s Terracotta Warriors; next, immerse yourself in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, marvel at the fantastical “floating mountains” from Avatar, and challenge yourself by walking on the glass bridge of Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, over 300 meters high. In Guilin and Yangshuo, you will be immersed in a heavenly realm, enjoying the picturesque karst landscapes. Finally, you will arrive in Shanghai, the “Magic City” on the banks of the Yangtze River, to witness the vibrant pulse of China’s modern development. The true charm of China will unfold with every destination you visit—this astonishing China awaits your exploration.
Through this tour, you can experience the "must-see and must-do"
Highlight 1: Stroll through the Forbidden City, visit the Summer Palace, and listen to the court secrets and garden legends of the Ming and Qing dynasties amidst red walls, yellow tiles, pavilions, and towers.
Highlight 2: Climb the less crowded, scenically beautiful, and well-preserved wild Great Wall, enjoying panoramic views of the magnificent landscape.
Highlight 3: Step into a history classroom and marvel at 8,000 life-sized Terracotta Warriors.
Highlight 4: Spend a full day exploring the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a fantastical land composed of over 3,000 narrow quartz sandstone pillars and peaks, and witness the real-life "Avatar Mountains".
Highlight 5: Take a boat cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo along the Li River, enjoying endless picturesque karst landscapes along the way, immersing yourself in the idyllic rural scenery of Yangshuo, and embracing nature to the fullest.
Highlight 6: Stroll along the Bund promenade, gaze at the magnificent skyline formed by Pudong's skyscrapers, and experience the century-old charm and modern prosperity on both sides of the Huangpu River.
Itinerary Overview
-
Beijing (4 Days)
Forbidden City, Mutianyu Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Summer Palace, Bird's Nest & Water Cube -
Xi'an (2 Days)
Terracotta Warriors, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Shaanxi History Museum -
Zhangjiajie (3 Days)
Wulingyuan Scenic Area, Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, Tianmen Mountain, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, Baofeng Lake -
Guilin (2 Days)
Li River Cruise (Guilin to Yangshuo section), Yangshuo countryside scenery, West Street, Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave -
Shanghai (2 Days)
Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, The Bund, Nanjing Road, Shanghai Tower
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Beijing | Private Transfer & Hotel Check-in
Hello! Welcome to Beijing, the capital of China! Upon your arrival at Beijing Airport or Train Station, your guide and driver will be waiting for you at the exit to escort you to your selected hotel in the city center. The rest of the day is at your leisure. You can rest and adjust to the time difference, or explore the area around your hotel on your own.
【Arrival Guide】
Beijing is well-connected by air and high-speed rail. The city has two airports – Beijing Daxing International Airport and Beijing Capital International Airport, serving numerous international and domestic routes. You can fly to Beijing from most domestic cities (such as Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xi’an, Guilin, Hangzhou, Kunming, Wuhan, Xiamen, Guiyang, Chongqing, Lanzhou, etc.). Alternatively, you can take a high-speed train to Beijing: approximately 4-5 hours from Xi’an, 4.5-6 hours from Shanghai, 2.5-3 hours from Zhengzhou, 4-5 hours from Wuhan, 5-5.5 hours from Harbin, etc.
【Leisure Time】
After checking into your hotel, if you wish to explore the surroundings, feel free to ask your guide for exclusive tips. Whether it’s visiting Wangfujing Street for authentic snacks, experiencing the charm of old Beijing’s hutongs in Shichahai, or watching the flag-lowering ceremony at Tiananmen Square, your guide can tailor the perfect itinerary based on your interests and time.
Day 2 Beijing City Tour | Visit Tiananmen Square, Stroll through the Forbidden City, Explore Old Beijing Hutongs
After breakfast, your guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest urban public square and a symbol of China. Over the past decades, it has witnessed many significant historical events in China. Crossing the square, you will be amazed by the grandeur and magnificence of the Forbidden City (Palace Museum). As the world’s largest and best-preserved ancient imperial palace complex, it was once home to 24 emperors of China. This imperial garden, with its 8,728 rooms, is not only an architectural masterpiece of Chinese civilization but also a “city within a city,” akin to the Vatican in Rome. Entering through the Meridian Gate, proceed along the central axis to explore the essence of its palaces. With your guide’s explanations, you will not only admire the brilliant ancient architecture and countless treasures but also hear the stories of emperors hidden within the red walls and yellow tiles. Afterward, move to Jingshan Park, just a 15-minute walk away, and ascend to the Wanchun Pavilion for a panoramic view of modern Beijing and the continuous golden roofs of the Forbidden City.
In the afternoon, let’s wander through the old Beijing hutongs and experience authentic local life in a leisurely exploration. Ride a traditional rickshaw through the winding alleys, where rows of characteristic shops tell stories of the city’s past and present.
Evening Recommendation (Optional): You can savor the world-renowned Peking Duck at Quanjude.
Tiananmen Square, Beijing
Forbidden City, Beijing
Day 3 Beijing Great Wall Tour | Mutianyu Great Wall, Bird's Nest & Water Cube
This morning, you will head to the Mutianyu Great Wall, located northwest of Beijing (73 km from the city, about 1.5-2 hours by car). The Great Wall, with over 2,000 years of history, spans multiple provinces in northern China, stretching over 3,000 miles, and is one of the world’s most breathtaking ancient engineering marvels. Mutianyu Great Wall connects to Jiankou Great Wall in the west and Gubeikou Great Wall in the east. It is the best-preserved and most fully restored section of the Great Wall, attracting fewer tourists and renowned for its 23 Ming Dynasty watchtowers and magnificent scenery. You will take a cable car directly to the 14th watchtower to begin an unforgettable trek along the Great Wall, focusing on the western section. Surrounded by lush pines and cypresses, the winding Great Wall stands majestically on the vast land, offering you the most stunning natural scenery. Challenge yourself by climbing to the 20th watchtower to fulfill your Great Wall dream. Cherish this rare opportunity and take plenty of photos!
After bidding farewell to this soul-stirring historical wonder, we return to Beijing city, passing by the Olympic landmarks – the Bird’s Nest (National Stadium) and the Water Cube (National Aquatics Center). These two Olympic venues have witnessed China’s dual Olympic glory from the 2008 Summer Olympics to the 2022 Winter Olympics. Stop for exterior photos to capture Olympic memories. After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel, and tonight you can sleep soundly with memories of the Great Wall.
Mutianyu Great Wall, Beijing
Bird’s Nest, Beijing
Day 4 Beijing to Xi'an High-Speed Train | Summer Palace
After breakfast, drive to the “Imperial Garden Museum” – the Summer Palace. This was once a summer resort for the imperial family. The landscapes, temples, gardens, pavilions, corridors, lakes, stone bridges, and city gates within the park are treasures of garden art. You can stroll leisurely, savoring the magnificent charm of imperial architecture, gazing at the mountain and lake scenery, and experiencing a pastoral mood like a traditional Chinese landscape painting.
After the tour, you will be driven to the train station to take a high-speed train to Xi’an (approx. 4.5-5.5 hours). Welcome to Xi’an—this historic city that has witnessed the rise and fall of thirteen dynasties! Upon arrival at Xi’an Railway Station, your guide and driver will greet you at the exit and then escort you to your hotel.
Summer Palace, Beijing
Summer Palace, Beijing
Day 5 Xi'an City Tour | Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter
After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and drive about 40 kilometers (about 1 hour) to visit one of the world’s greatest archaeological discoveries – the Terracotta Army Museum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. This magnificent underground army was ordered to be built by Emperor Qin Shi Huang to guard his afterlife. Approximately 8,000 life-sized terracotta figures have been unearthed so far. First, visit Pit 1, the largest pit, which displays over 6,000 warrior and horse figures, standing in solemn formation for thousands of years, showcasing both the majesty of guarding the emperor and the exquisite craftsmanship of the Qin Dynasty artisans. Then, move to Pit 2, which houses over 1,000 Terracotta Warriors. Here you will see formations of archers composed of kneeling and standing archers, witness the grandeur of chariot formations, and observe the heroic postures of armed soldiers. (Special Note: If you are interested, you can also try making miniature Terracotta Warriors yourself.)
After lunch, return to the city center to visit the most complete ancient city wall architecture – the Xi’an City Wall. This military defense system integrates moats, watchtowers, and corner towers. It is not only the largest and oldest ancient city defense project in China but also an excellent vantage point for overlooking the new look of the ancient city. You can stroll leisurely along the city wall, appreciating the beauty of the inner and outer walls, and gazing at the bustling modern cityscape of Xi’an. (Optional Experience: If you wish to cycle on the city wall, please inform your dedicated travel consultant in advance.)
In the evening, step into the bustling Muslim Quarter, feeling the vibrant pulse of local life on the bluestone-paved streets. This ancient alley, a hub of Halal cuisine and diverse culture, is a paradise for foodies and a great place to touch the pulse of the ancient city.
Terracotta Warriors, Xi’an
Ancient City Wall, Xi’an
Day 6 Xi'an to Zhangjiajie Flight | Shaanxi History Museum
This morning, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the Shaanxi History Museum. This art palace, known as the “Pearl of the Ancient Capital, Treasure of China,” houses over 130,000 historical relics, showcasing the condensed Chinese civilization and brilliant ancient culture to the world. During your visit, you will admire precious artifacts such as Western Zhou bronzes, Qin Dynasty Terracotta Warriors, and gold and silver wares and murals unearthed from Tang Dynasty tombs, experiencing the profound cultural heritage. Afterward, we will visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a Tang Dynasty structure located within Ci’en Temple, which is an iconic landmark of Xi’an.
After the tour, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Zhangjiajie (approx. 2 hours). Upon arrival in Zhangjiajie, your guide will meet you at the airport exit and escort you to your hotel in the city.
Shaanxi History Museum, Xi’an
Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi’an
Day 7 Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan Scenic Area | Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, Ten-Mile Gallery
After breakfast, you will spend the entire day exploring the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a natural wonder composed of over 3,000 narrow quartz sandstone pillars, resembling a secluded fantasy island. First, take the scenic shuttle bus to the Bailong Elevator, which takes only 1.5 minutes to ascend from the valley floor to the mountaintop, making it the world’s fastest and tallest outdoor elevator. Afterward, trek into the mysterious “Pandora world” – Yuanjiajie, the actual filming location of the “Hallelujah Mountains” in the movie “Avatar.” Don’t miss the iconic landmark of Yuanjiajie, the Spirit Pillar (also known as Qiankun Pillar), which rises vertically from the deep valley, reaching a height of 150 meters, like a giant supporting the sky. Head to Mihun Terrace to admire the fantastical sight of hundreds of stone peaks rising like bamboo shoots. Then, enjoy the lush scenery resembling a “natural bonsai” in the Back Garden.
Next, take the scenic shuttle bus to the second scenic area – Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve, named after the Tujia leader Xiang Dakun in the Ming Dynasty. This is the fairyland depicted in the movie “Journey to the West.” Trek to Helong Park for excellent viewpoints to admire the incredibly bizarre stone peak scenery. Proceed to Dianjiang Terrace to overlook the West Sea Stone Forest, where rugged rocks emerge from the mist-shrouded canyons. Today’s final stop is the Ten-Mile Gallery. You will take a sightseeing tram through the picturesque canyon, as if admiring a flowing Chinese ink painting. After the tour, return to your hotel to rest.
Yuanjiajie, Zhangjiajie Scenic Area
Tianzi Mountain, Zhangjiajie Scenic Area
Day 8 Zhangjiajie Tour | Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, Baofeng Lake
After breakfast, you will be taken to the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon to experience the thrilling Grand Canyon Glass Bridge. This glass bridge seems to wave hello to you, surely making you exclaim “Oh my God!” and leaving a deeper impression of Zhangjiajie. The glass bridge is suspended between two peaks, with a total length of 430 meters and a height of 300 meters, making it the world’s highest and longest glass bridge. Standing on the transparent bridge deck, you feel as if you are suspended in mid-air, with a panoramic view of the magnificent Grand Canyon.
After experiencing the “trembling” on the glass bridge, head to Baofeng Lake for a boat tour to calm your mind. Baofeng Lake is surrounded by lush trees and uniquely shaped stone peaks, a pastoral place to relax and rejuvenate. Gently boating on the lake, you can admire the reflections of the strange peaks and listen to the folk songs sung by local ethnic minority girls.
Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, Zhangjiajie
Baofeng Lake, Zhangjiajie
Day 9 Zhangjiajie to Guilin High-Speed Train
This morning, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the train station to board the high-speed train to Guilin (approx. 7.5 hours).
Upon arrival in Guilin, your guide will meet you at the train station exit and escort you to your hotel in the city. After checking in, you will have free time. Taking a stroll along Binjiang Road or enjoying a bowl of authentic Guilin Rice Noodles are both good leisure options.
Li River Scenery, Guilin
Li River Scenery, Guilin
Day 10 Guilin to Yangshuo Tour | Li River Cruise, Yangshuo Countryside Scenery, West Street
“Guilin’s landscape is the best under heaven.” After breakfast, you will embark on a journey to explore the most stunning natural scenery along the Li River. The Li River was rated as one of the “Top Ten Water Wonders of the World” by National Geographic magazine. Drive about 1 hour from the hotel to the pier and begin a leisurely Li River cruise to Yangshuo, lasting about 4.5 hours. Along the 84-kilometer journey, you will witness a series of flowing Chinese landscape paintings: winding rivers, countless green karst limestone peaks, leisurely water buffaloes, farmers working in fertile fields, and pastoral villages nestled by the mountains and water. (Warm Reminder: A simple local Chinese boxed lunch will be provided on the cruise.)
After arriving in Yangshuo, your driver will pick you up at the pier and take you to your hotel in Yangshuo town for a short rest. Afterward, it’s time for an impressive exploration of Yangshuo’s countryside, enjoying the beautiful rural scenery. You can choose to ride a bicycle or rent an electric bike, cycling through postcard-like karst peaks and rice paddies, passing through quiet villages, and letting the picturesque scenery delight your eyes and soul to the fullest, allowing for complete relaxation.
In the evening, you will leisurely stroll along Yangshuo’s most bustling West Street. Restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops line the street, always bustling with guests. This is a meeting point of Chinese and Western cultures and the best place to spend your nightlife. Whether you want to enjoy a cup of aromatic coffee, taste authentic local delicacies, or simply immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere… West Street has it all.
Li River Cruise, Yangshuo
Yangshuo Countryside Experience
Day 11 Guilin to Shanghai Flight | Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave
After breakfast, drive back to Guilin to continue your tour. First, visit the symbol of Guilin – Elephant Trunk Hill. It is located at the confluence of the Li River and the Peach Blossom River and resembles an elephant drinking water by the river. Afterward, you will visit Reed Flute Cave, a typical karst landscape. Inside the cave, stalactites and stalagmites in various shapes resemble animals or plants. When the colorful neon lights are turned on, you will feel as if you are in a crystal palace.
After the tour, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Shanghai (approx. 2.5 hours). Welcome to Shanghai, China’s most international and vibrant city! Upon arrival in Shanghai, your guide will meet you at the airport exit and escort you to your hotel in the city. After checking in, you will have free time.
Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin
Reed Flute Cave, Guilin
Day 12 Shanghai City Tour | Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, Nanjing Road & The Bund
This morning, you will visit the Shanghai Museum, embarking on a soul-stirring art journey to appreciate top-tier collections and delve deep into China’s profound history. The exterior of the Shanghai Museum resembles an ancient bronze cooking vessel – a Ding, with a round top and a square base, symbolizing “the round sky and the square earth.” The museum houses 120,000 artifacts spanning 5,000 years of history, comprehensively showcasing the artistic treasures of China. You will immerse yourself in the bronze and ceramic exhibition halls, admiring exquisite bronzes and ingenious ceramic masterpieces. Don’t miss the two treasures of the museum – the bronze ritual vessel Da Ke Ding, over 3,000 years old, and the Marquis Su of Jin bells (ancient percussion instruments).
Next, move to Yu Garden, a classical garden gem hidden in the bustling city. Stroll leisurely through the garden, admiring the typical Jiangnan garden architecture, and marvel at the exquisite wood carvings, stone carvings, and brick carvings. Outside the garden, Yu Garden Bazaar is full of fun, where you can taste authentic local snacks and purchase exquisite traditional handicrafts and artworks.
Then, you will stroll along Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, lined with numerous famous shops, restaurants, cafes, and souvenir stores, with skyscrapers standing side by side. Continue forward to reach The Bund, the top attraction on Shanghai’s must-visit list. Known as the “Exhibition of International Architecture,” The Bund features 52 buildings in various styles. Gazing across the river, you can see the skyline and skyscrapers of Lujiazui in Pudong. The last stop of today’s itinerary is the Shanghai Tower, China’s tallest and the world’s second-tallest building, standing at an impressive 632 meters. Take the elevator directly to the 118th floor, 546 meters above ground, for a panoramic view of modern Shanghai and the dazzling cityscape.
The Bund viewed from Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai
Yu Garden, Shanghai
Day 13 Departure from Shanghai | Hotel Check-out & Airport Transfer
Your 13-day tour of China is coming to an end. You will then have free time in Shanghai to explore the city’s charm at your own pace. Afterward, our guide will transfer you to the airport or train station to catch your flight or high-speed train to your next destination.
Thank you for choosing Maple Leaf Travel for your journey through China. We are committed to providing you with excellent service and look forward to meeting you again on your next trip to China or Asia!
Airport Transfer
Return home safely after your China tour.
Price: Inclusions & Exclusions
What’s Included?
- Experienced driver & air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional licensed English-speaking guide
- Hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Domestic flights (economy class) or high-speed trains (second class) as listed in the itinerary
- Entrance fees, activities, and meals as listed in the itinerary
- Accident insurance
- We provide comprehensive services from itinerary planning and operational arrangements to the end of the journey
What’s Not Included?
- International airfare
- Visa fees for entry
- Personal expenses
- Single room supplement
- Recommended self-guided tours
- Airport pick-up and drop-off service on the first and last day
- Tips for driver and guide
Important Itinerary Notes for Booking a Private China Tour
Booking a private China tour is very simple. Choose the tour group you are interested in and click “Free Consultation”. Please tell us your requirements and preferences when submitting the form. You do not need to pay immediately during this process. After sending your request, our professional travel experts will reply to you within 0.5 to 24 hours. You will only make a deposit after all information is confirmed. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the travel expert directly.
The itinerary above is a sample that most travelers choose. The tour can be customized according to your preferences, interests, and budget. At the same time, if you want to extend this trip, just tell us your preferred destinations and activities. Our professional travel experts will completely redesign the itinerary for you and your team at the best price. Tell us your ideas now >>
Private tours mean you will travel by private vehicle to tourist attractions in a city. The private cars we choose are spacious, comfortable, and air-conditioned. Moreover, our drivers are experienced. As for travel between two destinations, we use domestic flights (economy class seats) or high-speed trains (second-class seats, usually less than 6 hours). Local guides and drivers will pick you up at the airport and train station and escort you to the hotel.
Accommodation and Hotel Conditions for China Tours
Latest China Tour Customer Reviews from Beijing
Learn about our customers’ reviews of the latest China tours in Beijing. Browse their recent comments and feedback on tour arrangements, guides, transportation, attractions, dining, hotels, and detailed itineraries to plan your own unforgettable China tour. View All Customer Reviews >>
- Travel Style: Private Custom Tour (Flexible travel dates and number of travelers)
- Itinerary: Beijing-Xi'an-Zhangjiajie-Guilin-Shanghai
- Itinerary Features: History, Culture, Cultural Heritage Sites, Natural Wonders, Museums
Price: Request
(Based on a private guided tour for two people. Prices vary depending on the program, travel dates, and number of people)
Free Consultation! You don’t need to pay for booking.
