Beijing-Xi'an-Guilin-Chongqing-Yangtze
-Shanghai 13-Day Tour
Great Wall, Terracotta Army, Li River, Hongyadong,
Yangtze, Three Gorges, The Bund
Beijing-Xi'an-Guilin-Chongqing-Yangtze-Shanghai 13-Day Tour
Embark on a 13-day journey through China, experiencing its wonders in a private and exclusive way! As one of our signature tours, this itinerary is the perfect choice for first-time visitors to China. Starting from the capital, Beijing, and concluding in the dazzling metropolis of Shanghai, you will delve deep into six classic destinations over thirteen days: Beijing, Xi’an,Chongqing, Guilin/Yangshuo, the Yangtze River, and Shanghai. While exploring profound history and brilliant civilization, you will also witness magnificent natural landscapes, allowing your mind and body to be completely immersed in the beauty of mountains and rivers.
Nature and culture intertwine, history and daily life blend, ancient and modern shine together—the magnificent beauty of China unfolds in one journey. The itinerary can be flexibly adjusted to your pace, ensuring an ultimate comfortable experience throughout! We promise the most competitive prices, so start planning your exclusive journey now.
Through this tour, you can experience the "must-see and must-do"
Highlight 1: Board a five-star luxury cruise ship for a leisurely journey along the Yangtze River. Departing from Chongqing, sail downstream to Yichang, marveling at the magnificent Three Gorges scenery and witnessing the world-famous Three Gorges Dam with your own eyes.
Highlight 2: Take a boat trip from Guilin to Yangshuo along the Li River, admiring the endless picturesque karst landscapes along the way. Immerse yourself in the idyllic rural scenery of Yangshuo and embrace nature to your heart's content.
Highlight 3: Stroll through the Forbidden City and visit the Summer Palace. Amidst the red walls, yellow tiles, pavilions, and towers, listen to the secret court histories and garden legends of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Highlight 4: Climb the less crowded, scenically beautiful, and well-preserved Wild Great Wall, enjoying panoramic views of the magnificent mountains and rivers.
Highlight 5: Step into a history classroom and be amazed by 8,000 life-sized Terracotta Warriors.
Highlight 6: Stroll along the Bund promenade, gazing at the magnificent skyline formed by Pudong's skyscrapers, and experience the century-old charm and modern prosperity of both sides of the Huangpu River.
Itinerary Overview
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Beijing (4 Days)
Forbidden City, Mutianyu Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Summer Palace, Bird's Nest & Water Cube -
Xi'an (2 Days)
Terracotta Army, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Shaanxi History Museum -
Guilin (2 Days)
Li River Cruise (Guilin to Yangshuo section), Yangshuo Countryside Scenery, West Street, Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave -
Chongqing (1 Day)
Three Gorges Museum, Hongyadong, Eling Park, Chongqing Chaotianmen Port -
Yangtze River Cruise (3 Days)
Yangtze Three Gorges (including Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge), Three Gorges Dam, Shibaozhai, Goddess Stream -
Shanghai (2 Days)
Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, The Bund, Nanjing Road, Shanghai Tower
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing | Private Airport 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 free for you to rest and adjust to the time difference, or to explore the area around your hotel at your leisure.
【Arrival Guide】
Beijing has well-developed air and high-speed rail transportation. There are two airports in the city—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.
【Free 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 heading to Wangfujing Street to taste 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 independent travel plan 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 slowly along the central axis, visiting each exquisite palace. With your guide’s explanations, you will not only appreciate 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 Beijing life in a leisurely exploration. Ride a characteristic rickshaw through the winding alleys, where unique shops on both sides tell stories of the ancient city’s daily life.
Evening Recommendation (Optional): You can enjoy the world-famous 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 kilometers 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, with a total length exceeding 3,000 miles, making it one of the world’s most breathtaking ancient engineering marvels. Mutianyu Great Wall connects Jiankou Great Wall to the west and Gubeikou Great Wall to the east. It is the best-preserved and most fully restored section of the Great Wall, not only with fewer tourists but also famous for its 23 Ming Dynasty watchtowers and magnificent scenery. You will take a cable car directly to the 14th watchtower to begin an unforgettable Great Wall hiking experience, focusing on the western section. Surrounded by lush pines and cypresses, the winding Great Wall stands majestically on the vast land, offering the most stunning natural scenery. Challenge yourself by climbing to the 20th watchtower to fulfill your Great Wall dream. Please cherish this rare opportunity and take plenty of photos!
After bidding farewell to this soul-stirring historical wonder, we return to the urban area of Beijing, 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 photos and capture your Olympic memories. After the tour, you will be driven back to your hotel, and tonight you will surely 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, savor the magnificent charm of imperial architecture, gaze at the mountain and lake scenery, and experience the pastoral mood like a traditional Chinese landscape painting.
After the tour, you will be transferred to the train station by private car to take a high-speed train to Xi’an (approximately 4.5-5.5 hours). Welcome to Xi’an—a historic city that has witnessed the rise and fall of thirteen dynasties! Upon arrival at Xi’an Railway Station, your guide and driver will be waiting for you at the exit to escort you to your hotel.
Summer Palace, Beijing
Summer Palace, Beijing
Day 5: Xi'an City Tour | Terracotta Army, 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 the First 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 figures and horses. The silent terracotta figures, arranged in strict formation, have stood for thousands of years, showcasing both the majesty of guarding the imperial palace and the exquisite artistry of Qin dynasty craftsmen. Afterward, move to Pit 2, which houses over a thousand 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 your hand at making miniature Terracotta Warriors.)
After lunch, return to the city to visit the most complete ancient city wall structure—the Xi’an Ancient City Wall. This military defense system integrates moats, arrow towers, and corner towers. It is not only the largest and oldest ancient city defense project in China but also an excellent viewing platform overlooking the new look of the ancient city. You can stroll leisurely along the city wall, appreciate the beauty of the inner and outer walls, and gaze at the prosperity of modern 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 daily life on the bluestone pavement. This ancient alley, a convergence of Halal cuisine and diverse cultures, is a paradise for foodies and an excellent place to touch the pulse of the ancient city.
Terracotta Army, Xi’an
Ancient City Wall, Xi’an
Day 6: Xi'an Flight to Guilin | Shaanxi History Museum, Big Wild Goose Pagoda & Ancient City Wall
This morning, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to visit the Shaanxi History Museum. Known as the “Pearl of the Ancient Capital, Treasure House of China,” it houses over 130,000 precious artifacts, showcasing a microcosm of China’s thousands of years of history and culture. During your visit, you can admire bronze wares from the Western Zhou Dynasty, Terracotta Warriors from the Qin Dynasty, as well as gold and silver items and murals unearthed from Tang Dynasty tombs.
After the tour, you will be transferred to the airport to take a flight to Guilin (flight time approximately 2.5 hours). Upon arrival in Guilin, your local guide will meet you at the airport exit and escort you to your hotel in Guilin for check-in. The rest of the time is yours to arrange. We suggest taking a stroll along Binjiang Road or enjoying a bowl of authentic Guilin rice noodles to experience the leisurely pace of travel.
Shaanxi History Museum, Xi’an
Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi’an
Day 7: Guilin to Yangshuo Tour | Li River Cruise, Yangshuo Countryside Scenery, West Street
“Guilin’s scenery is the best under heaven.” After breakfast, you will embark on a journey to explore the most stunning natural landscapes along the Li River. The Li River has been rated as one of the “Top 10 Water Wonders of the World” by National Geographic magazine. Drive about 1 hour from your hotel to the pier and begin a leisurely 4.5-hour **Li River cruise** to Yangshuo. Along the 84-kilometer route, 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 Tip: A simple Chinese boxed lunch will be provided on the cruise.)
Upon arrival 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 the Yangshuo countryside, admiring the beautiful rural scenery. You can choose to ride a bicycle or rent an electric bike, weaving 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 you to relax completely.
In the evening, you will leisurely stroll along Yangshuo’s most bustling **West Street**. Restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops lining the street are always full of guests. This is a meeting point of Chinese and Western cultures and the best place for your nightlife. Whether you want to enjoy a cup of aromatic coffee, taste authentic cuisine, or simply immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere… West Street has it all.
Li River Cruise, Yangshuo
Yangshuo Countryside Experience
Day 8: Guilin Tour & High-Speed Train to Chongqing
After breakfast, drive back to Guilin to continue your exploration. First, visit Guilin’s symbol—Elephant Trunk Hill. Located at the confluence of the Li River and Taohua River, Elephant Trunk Hill is named for its resemblance to a giant elephant drinking water in the river. Afterward, you will visit Reed Flute Cave, a typical karst landscape. The stalactites and stalagmites inside are varied and lifelike, some resembling animals, others plants. Illuminated by colorful lights, it’s like stepping into a crystal palace.
After the tour, you will be transferred to the train station to take a high-speed train to Chongqing (approximately 4 to 4.5 hours). Welcome to Chongqing, the “Mountain City”! Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you at the exit and escort you to the Chongqing Chaotianmen Port to board the cruise ship. After completing the check-in procedures for the cruise, you are free to explore the area around Chaotianmen Port. At 9:00 PM, the unforgettable cruise journey will officially set sail!
Warm Tips:
Please contact the cruise company the day before departure or on the morning of boarding to confirm the specific boarding dock;
The times in the itinerary are estimated and may be adjusted due to weather and navigation conditions;
Boarding time and departure dock may vary due to route arrangements, water level changes, seasons, and weather conditions.
Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin
Chongqing Chaotianmen Port, Chongqing
Day 9: Yangtze River Cruise | Shore Excursion to Fengdu Ghost City
Today, your cruise ship will leisurely sail along the Yangtze River. You can wake up comfortably in the morning and enjoy the charming scenery of mist-shrouded or sun-drenched river views. After enjoying the buffet breakfast, your wonderful day begins. The cruise ship has arranged a variety of activities. You can go ashore to visit traditional Chinese cultural attractions or stay on board to relax and experience Chinese culture.
In the morning, you will go ashore with a local English-speaking guide to visit Fengdu Ghost City. This vast complex of ancient buildings integrates temples, ancestral halls, and Taoist temples. You will learn about legendary stories of the underworld and various ghost myths. You can also choose to visit Shibaozhai, one of the eight wonders of the world, located in Zhong County. Ascend this twelve-story red wooden pagoda to enjoy panoramic views of the Yangtze River scenery. (Optional)
Note: The above itinerary is for your reference. Attractions and shore excursion items may vary slightly depending on the cruise company. We will assist you in selecting the most suitable cruise based on your preferences.
Fengdu Ghost City
Yangtze River Scenery
Day 10: Yangtze River Cruise | Three Gorges & Goddess Stream
Today, you will have a full day to admire the beautiful Yangtze Three Gorges. First, you will sail through Qutang Gorge, known for its majestic and precipitous cliffs, and marvel at the incredible Kuimen. Next, pass through the deep and beautiful Wu Gorge, enjoying picturesque scenery, and then traverse Xiling Gorge, famous for its treacherous shoals and rapids. Follow your guide’s live commentary and enjoy the breathtaking scenery from the ship.
This afternoon, you will go ashore at Shennong Stream in Wushan County for a relaxing short excursion. Transfer to a small boat and drift downstream, getting a close-up view of the steep peaks and hanging coffins on the cliffs. If you are interested, you can join the local Tujia guides for singing and dancing performances. Tonight, enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Dinner with all your shipmates for a pleasant evening.
Qutang Gorge
Yangtze River Cruise Life
Day 11: Yangtze River Cruise to Yichang, Fly to Shanghai
After breakfast, you will check out and disembark at Maoping Port. Today’s highlight is visiting the Three Gorges Dam, China’s largest hydropower project. You will have the opportunity to admire this magnificent dam and its ship lock system up close. The main body of the dam is majestic and spectacular, with a height of 181 meters, spanning 2,335 meters across the Yangtze River, and a width of 115 meters. (Optional Experience: You can choose to take the world’s largest ship lift—the Three Gorges Ship Lift—to experience the grandeur of the dam from an ultra-close distance, which will provide visitors with a new and exciting experience.)
After visiting the dam, you will take a tour bus arranged by the cruise company and be transferred to the Yichang Three Gorges Tourist Center between approximately 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the airport to take a flight to Shanghai (flight time approximately 2 hours). Upon arrival in Shanghai, your guide will meet you at the airport and take you directly to your hotel in Shanghai.
Three Gorges Dam
Three Gorges Dam
Day 12: Shanghai City Tour | Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, Nanjing Road & The Bund
This morning, you will visit the Shanghai Museum for a soul-stirring art journey, appreciating top-tier collections and delving deep into China’s profound history. The Shanghai Museum’s exterior resembles an ancient bronze cooking vessel—a ding, with a round top and a square base, symbolizing “the roundness of heaven and the squareness of earth.” The museum houses 120,000 artifacts spanning five thousand years of history, showcasing the treasures of Chinese art in an all-around way. You will immerse yourself in the bronze and ceramic exhibition halls, admiring exquisite bronzes and ingenious ceramic treasures. Don’t miss the two treasures of the museum—the bronze masterpiece Da Ke Ding, over three thousand years old, and the Marquis Su of Jin bells (ancient percussion instruments).
Next, move to the classical garden gem hidden in the bustling city—Yu Garden. Stroll leisurely through it, admiring the typical Jiangnan garden architecture, and savor the exquisite wood carvings, stone carvings, and brick carvings, which are a feast for the eyes. The Yu Garden Bazaar outside is also full of fun, where you can taste authentic local snacks and purchase exquisite traditional handicrafts and artworks.
Then, you will wander along Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, lined with numerous famous stores, restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops, with tall buildings standing side by side. Continuing forward, you will reach The Bund, the top must-visit destination in Shanghai. Known as the “Exhibition of International Architecture,” The Bund features 52 buildings of various styles. Gazing across the river, you can take in the skyline and skyscrapers of Pudong Lujiazui. The last stop of today’s itinerary is to ascend Shanghai Tower, China’s tallest and the world’s second-tallest building—a staggering 632 meters high. Take the elevator directly to the 118th floor, 546 meters above ground, for a panoramic view of modern Shanghai, taking in the dazzling cityscape.
The Bund, Shanghai
Yu Garden, Shanghai
Day 13: Departure from Shanghai | Hotel Check-out & Airport Transfer
Your 13-day journey through 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 take 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 China Tours for your journey through China. We are always committed to providing you with quality 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: What's Included & Excluded
What’s Included?
- Experienced Driver & Air-conditioned Vehicle
- Professional Licensed English-speaking Guide
- Hotel Accommodation with Breakfast
- Domestic Flights (Economy Class) or High-Speed Train (Second Class) as listed in the itinerary
- Entrance Fees, Activities, and Meals as listed in the itinerary
- Travel Insurance
- We provide comprehensive services from itinerary planning to reception operations until the end of the journey
What is not included?
- International airfare
- Visa application fee
- Personal expenses
- Single room supplement
- Optional recommended activities
- Pick-up and drop-off service on the first and last day
- Driver and guide tips
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 in a private vehicle to tourist attractions in a city. The private cars we choose are spacious, comfortable, and air-conditioned. Moreover, the drivers we use 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
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- Travel Style: Private Custom Tour (Flexible travel dates and number of people)
- Tour Route: Beijing-Xi'an-Guilin-Chongqing-Yangtze River-Yichang-Shanghai
- Route 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.
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