Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers
12 peopleMaximum group size
1 - 79 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Easy
Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.
Starts
Beijing, China
Ends
Shanghai, China
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25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.
10-Day Classic China of Beijing Xian Guilin Shanghai
5.0Based on
Carbon neutral
CO2 emissions resulting from all trips on Bookmundi will be offset via investments in carbon reduction projects.
What are customers saying about Bookmundi
4.67/5
Excellent based on 807 customer reviews from
SAMER
Good service and easy going , highly recommend 👌
1 week ago
Highlights
Dive into an immersive experience of Karst Landscapes.
Go on an unforgettable Li River Cruise
Explore China's World Heritages & Historical Architectures
Traverse the Great Wall & visit the Terracotta Warriors
Tour Availability
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What's Included
9 Breakfasts and 5 LunchesDrivers & air-conditioned vehiclesProfessional licensed English-speaking local guideHotel accommodation with breakfasts (3-star standard)Transportation listed in the itineraryAdmission tickets, activities, meals listed in the itineraryAccident insuranceOur service from tour planning, handling, operational and finishing your trip
Optional Add-ons Available during check-out
What's Excluded
Customer Reviews
Read what other travelers have to say about 10-Day Classic China of Beijing Xian Guilin Shanghai
First, I was extremely pleased by the Local guides. They were upfront and clear about the whole process beginning with travel itinerary, help with the visa process, travel costs and so on. The agents were cordial, and always responded promptly during the pre travel phase of the journey.
Once our tour started, I was pleasantly surprised by the enthusiasm of the guides to show everything possible at different sites. The guides as well as the driver were very friendly and helpful.
The organization of the itinerary and the logistics were very well planned. All hotels, with the exceptionption of one, were very good.
The only shortcoming that I can think of, was the food that was local thoroughout the journey. It lacked variety and there was no other option. However, this is not the fault of the travel agency since all restaurants served only local food.
Overall, I can summarize that I had a great experience. The trip was very well planned, organized and successfully completed.
K
KyleVerified Traveler
5.0 out of 5
Excellent Service
Heartfelt Thanks for an Amazing China Trip!
Dear Olivia,
I hope this message finds you well. Our family of four recently returned from our trip to China, we wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank you for all your efforts in making it such a wonderful experience.
From the seamless arrangements—the comfortable car, professional driver, and knowledgeable guides—to the well-planned itinerary, every detail was executed perfectly. We truly felt cared for throughout our journey, and it’s all thanks to your hard work and attention to detail. We had an incredible time exploring China’s beautiful sights and culture, and much of that joy came from knowing everything was so well taken care of behind the scenes. Your dedication made our trip stress-free and memorable.
Please also extend our gratitude to the rest of your team.
Wishing you all the best, and thank you once again.
Kyle
2025 September
A
AnonymousVerified Traveler
5.0 out of 5
My wonderful trip to China, Jiuzhaigou
I arranged a group tour in Xiamen with Asia Odyssey in March, 2025. Zeva was my agent to organise the tour, and she was excellent - we were communicating for several weeks, sorting out every detail, she answered all my questions and was very patient with me, to make sure I would visit everything I wanted to and for the best price for me. Thank you, Zeva!
My guide Zico was also very good, he answered all my questions with a lot of detail and provided a steady stream of interesting information during the eight days (not too much, not too little) and providing recommendations for additional things to see and do in the evening. The driver was also very good, I felt safe the entire time. Definitely worth a second tour with them next year.
Itinerary
If you’re seeking a sweeping introduction to China’s most iconic destinations, the 10-day Classic China tour is a perfect match. Traverse from Beijing’s imperial grandeur—think Forbidden City and Great Wall—to the ancient treasures of Xian, the ethereal scenery of Guilin and Yangshuo, and the cosmopolitan buzz of Shanghai.
Blending centuries-old history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking nature, this tour package is ideal for first-timers and those wanting a well-rounded view of China’s contrasts. The unique selling point is its finely balanced itinerary, offering both depth and variety in just over a week. Experience a nation where ancient traditions and modern marvels coexist in remarkable harmony.
day 1 - Arrival in Beijing | Airport Pick-up and Hotel Check-in
Nihao! Welcome to Beijing, the capital city of China! Upon your arrival at the airport/train station in Beijing, the driver will meet and greet you at the exit, and then escort you to the well-selected hotel in downtown Beijing. The rest of the day is free on your own so you can have a good rest for the jet lag or explore by yourself around your hotel.
Accommodation:3 Star Hotel at 3-star hotel in downtown Beijing
day 2 - Tian’anmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace
Today you will spend the whole day exploring the ancient citadel of Beijing through China's famous landmarks, imperial grandeur, and royal gardens.
After breakfast, your guide will pick you up at your hotel and head to Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square and symbol of China. It has witnessed many major events in China's history over the past decades, and from here you can take great photos of Tiananmen Gate, seen daily on CCTV News.
Walking across the square, you will visit the mighty and splendid Forbidden City, the world's largest palace complex and former home of 24 Chinese emperors. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Forbidden City has about 500 years of history, serving as the political and ritual center of China during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. With over 8,700 rooms, it is not only China's largest and best-preserved collection of ancient buildings, but also a city within a city, like the Vatican in Rome. Enter through the Meridian Gate and visit along the central axis to ensure you see all the highlights. Admire the brilliant architecture and numerous ancient treasures while listening to your guide share stories of the emperors who once lived here. Later, take a 15-minute walk up to Jingshan Park, where you can enjoy magnificent panoramic views over modern Beijing and the Forbidden City's russet roofs. (Note: It requires some walking, so please wear comfortable footwear. You can decide whether or not to climb to the top based on your physical condition.)
In the afternoon, drive to the Summer Palace, the "Museum of Royal Gardens", once a summer retreat for royal families. The grounds, temples, gardens, pavilions, lakes, bridges, gate-towers, and corridors are marvels of landscape design. Take a leisurely stroll to appreciate the imperial architecture, hilltop views, and beautiful lakes, which offer a pastoral escape into the landscapes of traditional Chinese painting.
-Travel Note: Beijing's Forbidden City is closed on Mondays. On those days, you will instead visit the Temple of Heaven or Prince Gong's Mansion.
Duration:8 hours
Accommodation:3 Star Hotel at 3-star hotel in downtown Beijing
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch
day 3 - Beijing Mutianyu Great Wall & Bird’s Nest & Water Cube
In this morning, you will head northwest of Beijing (about 1.5-2 hours’ drive, 73km) to the Great Wall at Mutianyu. The Great Wall boasts a history over 2,000 years and stretches more than 3,000 miles across several provinces of northern China, making it one of the most impressive ancient masterpieces on the planet. Mutianyu Great Wall is connected with the Jiankou Great Wall in the west and the Gubeikou Great Wall in the east. Mutianyu is the longest and best fully-restored Great Wall with fewer tourists and is also famed for its 23 Ming-era watchtowers and stunning views. Take the cable car up to the 14th watchtower and then enjoy the memorable hiking time on the wall while visiting its western route. With the green pines and cypresses covering the surrounding area, and the winding wall standing majestically on the vast land, you will capture the most stunning natural scenery in this section. Challenge yourselves while climbing up to the 20th watchtower where you could fulfill your Great Wall dream. Cherish the chance and take photos as many as you like!
After the once-in-lifetime experience, head back to downtown Beijing and have the chance to take photos with the exterior of the Bird's Nest (Beijing National Stadium) and Water Cube (Beijing National Aquatics Center). They were both designed for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and used for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games.
After that, transfer back to your hotel and have a good rest tonight.
Duration:8 hours
Accommodation:3 Star Hotel at 3-star hotel in downtown Beijing
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch
day 4 - Beijing to Xian by High Speed Train
Transfer via: High speed train Beijing-Xian arranged by us (Second Class Seat).
On this day, you will have free time till your driver escorts you to the train station for a high-speed train to Xian (about 4.5-5.5 hours). Welcome to Xian, the capital of 13 ancient Chinese dynasties! Upon arrival at the train station, your driver will greet you at the exit and escort you to your hotel in Xian.
Duration:8 hours
Accommodation:3 Star Hotel at 3-star hotel in downtown Xian
Meals:Breakfast
day 5 - Xian City Tour | Terracotta Warriors, Ancient Wall
After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel. Drive about 40km (about 1 hour) to uncover one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world - the Terracotta Army Museum, built by the first emperor of China, Qin Shihuang, to protect him in the afterlife. Around 8,000 vivid life-size Terracotta Warriors have been found so far. First, visit the largest and most imposing pit, believed to contain over 6,000 terracotta figures of soldiers and horses. You will be amazed by this subterranean life-size army of thousands standing silently to guard the emperor. Marvel also at the fabulous artistic skills of ancient Chinese artisans. Next, move to another pit where you can see around 1,300 warriors and horses. Examine the ancient army formation, including the kneeling and standing archers, the chariot war array, and numerous troopers holding weapons.
After lunch, head to visit the Ancient City Wall, also known as the Fortification of Xian, representing one of the oldest, largest, and best-preserved Chinese city walls. Spend time leisurely walking the wall and enjoying its inner and outer walls, watchtowers, and moat, taking in panoramic views of modern Xian, there, you will also visit the awe-inspiring Bell Tower and Drum Tower, both landmarks from the Ming Dynasty dating back 600 years, will be beautifully illuminated, creating a captivating backdrop for stunning photos showcasing the harmonious blend of ancient history and modernity in Xian. In the evening, you may also have the chance to witness the enchanting musical fountain and lively square dancing near Bell & Drum Tower Square (Zhongulou Square), allowing you to immerse yourself in Xian's vibrant nightlife like a local.
Duration:8 hours
Accommodation:3 Star Hotel at 3-star hotel in downtown Xian
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch
day 6 - Xian to Guilin by Flight, Guilin Airport Pick-up
This morning, you will go to visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, one of Xi'an's most recognizable landmarks and symbol of the magnificence of the Tang Dynasty. This seven-story pagoda standing in the tranquil Da Ci'en Temple is one of China's best examples of a Tang-style pagoda (squarish rather than round). It was completed in AD 652 to house Buddhist sutras brought back from India by the monk Xuan Zang. His travels inspired one of the best-known works of Chinese literature, Journey to the West. Later, you will have the opportunity to explore the vibrant and bustling Muslim Quarter (Muslim Street). This historic quarter, situated just behind the Drum Tower about 430 meters west of the Bell Tower in downtown Xian, has been around for over 1,000 years.
After the tour, you will be transferred to the airport for the flight to Guilin (about 2.5 hours). Upon your arrival in Guilin, your driver will meet you at the exit of the airport and escort you to your hotel in Guilin's downtown area. You will have free time after the hotel check-in.
Duration:8 hours
Accommodation:3 Star Hotel at 3-star hotel in downtown Guilin
Meals:Breakfast
day 7 - Guilin to Yangshuo Tour | Li River Cruise
“East or west, Guilin landscape is the best”. After breakfast, you will go to explore the most stunning natural scenery along the Li River, which is renowned as one of the “the world’s top 10 watery wonders” by National Geographic. Drive about 1 hour from your hotel to the pier and start a 4.5-hour relaxing sightseeing Li River cruise trip to Yangshuo. Along the 84-kilometer scenic cruise, you will feast your eyes with endless Chinese paintings of winding rivers, numerous green limestone karst peaks, grazing water buffalo, farmers working in the fertile fields, and idyllic villages nestled at the bases of the hills. (Note: Lunch is served on the cruise with simple local Chinese cuisine.)
After arriving in Yangshuo, the driver will pick you up from the dock and drive to your hotel in Yangshuo town for a short rest. Then it's a relaxing moment for an impressive exploration of the Yangshuo countryside with its beautiful rural landscape.You can ride a bike to explore the postcard-like karst hills and rice paddies and pass by some tranquil villages. Let all the picturesque scenes please your eyes and your souls to the maximum for total relaxation. (Optional: Rent an electric scooter for an additional fee.)
Later, you will stroll leisurely along the West Street, which is the most prosperous area in Yangshuo. Restaurants, bars and souvenir shops along the street are always full of guests. It is a fusion of western culture and Chinese culture and it is the best place to spend your nightlife here. Whether you want to enjoy a cup of coffee, taste some local food or just throw yourself into the vivid atmosphere... all you can get.
Duration:8 hours
Accommodation:3 Star Hotel at 3-star hotel in Yangshuo Town
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch
day 8 - Guilin-Shanghai | Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave
This morning, we will drive back to Guilin and start your visit to the Symbol of Guilin - Elephant Trunk Hill. Located at the intersection of the Li River and Peach Blossom River, Elephant Trunk Hill looks like a huge elephant drinking water from the river. Then you will pay a visit to the Reed Flute Cave, a classic scenic spot with karst landforms. The amazing stalactites and stalagmites in the cave resemble animals or plants. When the colorful neon lights turn on, you will feel as if you are walking through a crystal palace.
After the tour, you will be escorted to airport for your flight to Shanghai. Welcome to Shanghai, China’s most internationalized and vibrant city! Upon your arrival in Shanghai, your driver will meet you at the exit of the airport and escort you to your hotel in downtown Shanghai. You will have free time after your hotel check-in.
Duration:8 hours
Accommodation:3 Star Hotel at 3-star hotel in downtown Shanghai
Meals:Breakfast
day 9 - Shanghai City Tour | Shanghai Tower, Shanghai Museum
Today you will spend the whole day experiencing the perfect blend of West and East in this "Paris of the East." Visit brilliant museums, traditional Chinese gardens, modern skyscrapers, and exotic architecture.
First, head to the Pudong Area. One eye-catching feature is the trio of towering skyscrapers in the Lujiazui financial district. Shanghai Tower is the tallest building in China and second tallest in the world at 632 meters (2,073 feet). Here, you will ascend the highest building in Shanghai - the Shanghai Tower - featuring a dramatic 120-degree twist from base to peak. Ride the world’s fastest elevators, traveling at 64 km/h, up to the "Top of Shanghai Observatory" on the 118th floor, 546 meters (about 1,791 feet) above ground. Enjoy unparalleled 360-degree panoramic views over the city and look down on the Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center.
Later, visit the Shanghai Museum for an awe-inspiring tour of the finest art collection and profound Chinese history. Built shaped like an ancient bronze ding vessel, the museum has a round top and square base, symbolizing “round sky, square earth.” It contains 120,000 cultural relics showcasing incredible Chinese art spanning 5,000 years. Immerse yourself in the Bronze and Ceramics Exhibition Hall, appreciating the elaborate bronzes and exquisite artifacts. Don't miss top treasures like the Da Ke Ding bronze vessel from over 3,000 years ago and the Bianzhong of Marquis Su of Jin, ancient musical instruments.
Next, head to Yu Garden, the most celebrated classical Chinese garden hidden in bustling downtown Shanghai. Enjoy a leisurely stroll to see the Chinese architecture and exquisite sculptures and carvings. Outside, Yuyuan Bazaar is a fun place to taste local snacks and shop for traditional crafts and art.
In the afternoon, stroll down Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, lined with famous brands, restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, and towering buildings. Continue to the Bund, the top must-see spot in Shanghai. Known as the "Exhibition of International Architecture," the Bund features 52 buildings in various styles. Overlook the amazing Pudong skyline and skyscrapers from here.
-Travel Note: Shanghai Museum and Yu Garden are closed Mondays. Those days you'll instead visit the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, Shanghai City God Temple, or the French Concession.
Duration:8 hours
Accommodation:3 Star Hotel at 3-star hotel in downtown Shanghai
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch
day 10 - Departure from Shanghai
It is time to end your 10-day China group tour. You will have some free time in Shanghai and explore freely more on your own till be escorted to the airport/train station for your flight or high speed train to your next destination.
