9-Nights Essential China: Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin & Shanghai - Escorted Tours from $3,597
Goway Travel
OFFER ID 1722639
Iconic Landmarks Join a shared group tour through China’s iconic cities, from Beijing and Xi’an’s heritage to Guilin’s scenic karsts and Shanghai's skyline.
Trip Overview :
Join a shared group tour through China’s iconic cities, from Beijing and Xi’an’s heritage to Guilin’s scenic karsts and Shanghai's skyline.
Highlights:
- Explore Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Great Wall for a vivid introduction to China.
- Wander the Summer Palace and meet locals around the Temple of Heaven and Lama Temple.
- Discover Xi’an’s Terracotta Army and gaze across the city from its imposing Ancient City Wall.
- Cruise Guilin’s Li River to Yangshuo and uncover Reed Flute Cave and Elephant Trunk Hill.
- Experience Shanghai’s skyline, the Bund’s colonial heritage and the tranquillity of Yu Garden and the museum.
Included Services:
- Shared arrival airport transfer in Beijing
- Shared departure airport transfer in Shanghai
- Shared airport/hotel/airport transfers in all locations as per itinerary
- 3 nights premium accommodation in Beijing
- 2 nights premium accommodation in Xi'an
- 2 nights premium accommodation in Guilin
- 2 nights premium accommodation in Shanghai
- Shared group guided touring as per the itinerary
- English-speaking local guides
- Domestic air tickets (economy class) as per itinerary (Beijing to Xi'an, Xi'an to Guilin & Guilin to Shanghai)
- Breakfast daily (excluding day 1), 5 lunches, 1 dinner
Excluded Services:
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
- Gratuities
- Optional excursions
- Items of a personal nature
- Passport & Visa fees, if applicable
9 nights from $3,597 per person
Itinerary Details
Day 1: Arrive in Beijing
After checking in, you have free time to explore this amazing city that is feverishly modernizing, transforming right before your eyes.
Hotel: Novotel Beijing Peace (4 Star Rating)
Set in a prime location, in the historical district of China’s capital city, the exceptional four-star Novotel Beijing Peace is close to famous attractions like the Palace Museum, Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and St Joseph’s Cathedral. In addition, outdoor recreational hubs such as the Beijing Botanical Gardens and Tuan Jie Lake are all within walking distance, as is the entertainment/theatre district.
Day 2: Full Day Tiananmen Square, The Forbidden City & Summer Palace Tour
Stroll through Tiananmen Square China's historic heart of celebration and also turbulence for almost a century. Onward to the resplendent Forbidden City/Palace Museum (UNESCO site), home for Chinese Emperors since 1420. Walk through the world's largest royal compound that was off-limits to commoners and learn about important treasures of the Imperial collection on display in the vast inner courts. Have a Chinese lunch at local restaurant.
This afternoon, continue to visit the Summer Palace, which is the best-keptexisting royal garden in Beijing, a complex of pavilions, temples, and galleries set among beautifully landscaped grounds, situated on Kunming Lake (subject the weather permitting).
Evening is free with dinner on own.
Hotel: Novotel Beijing Peace (4 Star Rating)
Set in a prime location, in the historical district of China’s capital city, the exceptional four-star Novotel Beijing Peace is close to famous attractions like the Palace Museum, Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and St Joseph’s Cathedral. In addition, outdoor recreational hubs such as the Beijing Botanical Gardens and Tuan Jie Lake are all within walking distance, as is the entertainment/theatre district.
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Full Day Great Wall of China Tour
Today, climb the truly awesome Great Wall of China (UNESCO World Heritage site). Visit the Badaling section. All portions ever made would equal a solid defense wall going around the equator one and one-half times. At the less visited Badaling section, one of the most impressive portions of the barrier, you have time to enjoy the area, photograph majestic views and maybe bargain with the local vendors.
Visit Beijing Jade Carving Factory followed by a Chinese lunch at local restaurant, drive to the Ming Tombs, and visit the most famous emperors mausoleum of Ming Dynasty with 500 years history-Chang Ling and Sacred Way, the main way of which the Ming Dynasty emperor has to pass through to worship their forefathers. Late afternoon, transfer back to hotel.
Peking Duck Dinner at local restaurant.
Hotel: Novotel Beijing Peace (4 Star Rating)
Set in a prime location, in the historical district of China’s capital city, the exceptional four-star Novotel Beijing Peace is close to famous attractions like the Palace Museum, Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and St Joseph’s Cathedral. In addition, outdoor recreational hubs such as the Beijing Botanical Gardens and Tuan Jie Lake are all within walking distance, as is the entertainment/theatre district.
Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
Day 4: Beijing to Xi'an
Explore the vast Temple of Heaven complex (UNESCO site) that was once a sacred area used only by the emperors of China for important ceremonies to honor Heaven, the supreme power. The main structure is the grand Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, an impressive architectural feat. Today this park is a favorite gathering spot for local residents, a community center where people of all ages come to relax, exercise and express through song and dance. Joining in on activities is a fun way to interact with everyday Beijingers and is welcomed with warm smiles and open arms.
Proceed to visit the Lama Temple. It is the largest Buddhist temple of the Yellow-sect in Beijing and has been completely preserved. Built in 1694 as the residence of Count Yin Zhen, the fourth son of the Emperor Kangxi, it was called 'the Palace of Count Yong.' After Yin Zhen became the Emperor, he continued to use it as an imperial palace for short stays away from the capital. In 1744, it was converted into a lamasery. Yonghegong is the most renowned Tibetan Buddhist temple in China outside Tibet and holds treasures of both the Han and Tibetan cultures.
After Beijing Noodle Lunch at a local restaurant, departure transfer to airport for flight to Xian, once arrival, meet your local English-speaking guide at airport and transfer to your hotel. Evening is free with dinner on own.
Hotel: Holiday Inn Xian Big Goose Pagoda (4 Star Rating)
Holiday Inn Xi’an Big Goose Pagoda offers a modern and comfortable base just steps from the iconic Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and the vibrant cultural district surrounding it. Travelers enjoy easy access to ancient temples, colorful night markets, and the nearby
Shaanxi History Museum. With spacious rooms, welcoming service, and great dining options, it’s an ideal stay for exploring Xi’an’s rich heritage.
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Full Day Terracotta Warriors & Ancient City Wall Tour
Marvel at the important Terracotta Warriors and Horses underground army pits of the 1st Qin Emperor (3rd century BCE, UNESCO site) with your own eyes and understand the magnitude of this portion of the entire mausoleum project. There are thousands of pottery soldiers and each one looks different. Their solemn assignment was to protect the Emperor Qin Shihuangdi in the afterlife. A circle-vision film reenacts the related events of 2300 years ago. Visit the Xian Ceramic and Art Workshop to see how to make Terra Cotta replica.
Chinese lunch at local restaurant including the Noodle-making demonstration.
Head to visit the Ancient City Wall, it is the most complete one that has survived in China, as well being one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world. Continue to visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a Buddhist pagoda located in southern Xi'an. It was built in 652 during the Tang Dynasty and originally had five stories, although the structure was rebuilt in 704 during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian and its exterior brick facade was renovated during the Ming Dynasty. Evening is free with dinner on own.
Hotel: Holiday Inn Xian Big Goose Pagoda (4 Star Rating)
Holiday Inn Xi’an Big Goose Pagoda offers a modern and comfortable base just steps from the iconic Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and the vibrant cultural district surrounding it. Travelers enjoy easy access to ancient temples, colorful night markets, and the nearby
Shaanxi History Museum. With spacious rooms, welcoming service, and great dining options, it’s an ideal stay for exploring Xi’an’s rich heritage.
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: Xi'an to Guilin
Transfer to airport for flight flying to Guilin.
Arrive Guilin, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. Visit the Reed Flute Caves, it is a famous scenic spot, mainly offering a magic fairyland of stalactites, stalagmites, stone columns, curtains and flowers in fantastic shapes and colors while appreciating landscape and rural scenery. Then head to the beautiful Elephant Trunk Hill, who got its name because it's said to resemble a giant elephant drinking water from the Li River. Towering more than 180 feet (55 meters) above the water, it's one of the top attractions in Guilin.
Lunch and dinner on own.
Hotel: Guilin Bravo Hotel (4 Star Rating)
The Guilin Bravo Hotel is located in city centre, and surrounded by some of the most popular shopping areas. The Guilin Bravo Hotel is one of the quintessential hotels in Guilin that is ideal for both business and leisure travellers. The city centre and night market are both within a 10 minute walk. There are 480 tastefully decorated guest rooms, lake view rooms and suites.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 7: Full Day Cruise on the Li River
Take a full day cruise on Li River with lunch served on board and enjoy a panorama of bamboo grooves, sleepy villages and karst peaks of limestone formations fancifully christened by painters and poets over the centuries.
Afternoon, explore on the West Street, which is near your hotel. West Street is the most exciting one that locals call the 'Global Village'. There are not only many foreign tourists, but also quite a number of foreign residents managing cafés and restaurants. The exotic flavor, combined with the traditional culture, make the West Street world famous. Walk around the local village and farms. Late afternoon, transfer back to Guilin. Evening is free with dinner on own.
Hotel: Guilin Bravo Hotel (4 Star Rating)
The Guilin Bravo Hotel is located in city centre, and surrounded by some of the most popular shopping areas. The Guilin Bravo Hotel is one of the quintessential hotels in Guilin that is ideal for both business and leisure travellers. The city centre and night market are both within a 10 minute walk. There are 480 tastefully decorated guest rooms, lake view rooms and suites.
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8: Guilin to Shanghai
Departure transfer to airport for flight to Shanghai, once arrival, meet your local English-speaking guide at airport and transfer to your hotel.
Lunch and dinner on own.
Hotel: Metropark Jichen Hotel Shanghai (4 Star Rating)
Metropark Jichen Hotel Shanghai is located at the intersection of Wanhangdu Road and Kangding Road. Located in Caojiadu business circle, the central intersection of Jing'an District, Changning District and Putuo District. It is adjacent to Zhongshan Park and Jing'an Temple business circle.
It is only 2 kilometers away from Nanjing West Road business district and Shanghai Exhibition Center. The surrounding catering, shopping, and entertainment facilities are perfect.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 9: Full Day Shanghai Highlights Tour
Start the morning by walk around the People's Park to see locals doing morning exercises and visit the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, is a six-story building, with two basement levels, which displays.
Shanghai's urban planning and development. The focus of the exhibit is a large scale model of the entirety of urban Shanghai, showing existing buildings and approved future buildings. Other exhibits relate to Shanghai's history and planned development. Continue to visit the 400 year's old Yu Garden. Yu in Chinese means pleasing and satisfying, and this garden was specially built for Pan's parents as a place for them to enjoy a tranquil and happy time in their old age. Outside the garden, is the famous Chen Huang Miao - an area of shops, restaurants and recreation facilities.
After lunch at local restaurant, stroll along the Bund and to visit the Shanghai Museum, boasts a staggering collection of over 120,000 unique ancient Chinese artifacts. Evening is free with dinner on own.
Hotel: Metropark Jichen Hotel Shanghai (4 Star Rating)
Metropark Jichen Hotel Shanghai is located at the intersection of Wanhangdu Road and Kangding Road. Located in Caojiadu business circle, the central intersection of Jing'an District, Changning District and Putuo District. It is adjacent to Zhongshan Park and Jing'an Temple business circle.
It is only 2 kilometers away from Nanjing West Road business district and Shanghai Exhibition Center. The surrounding catering, shopping, and entertainment facilities are perfect.
Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10: Depart from Shanghai
Say goodbye to China as you will be transferred to the airport to board your returning flight home. Have a safe flight home.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Excursions
Shanghai: Yu Garden & Old Town Tour (4 hours)
Shanghai: Yu Garden & Old Town Tour (4 hours)
Half day tour to Yu Garden and Old Town in Shanghai
Highlights
- Yu Garden (closed on Mondays)
- Old Town in Shanghai
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Transportation is by private vehicle (Buick Van) with services of a driver and an English-speaking guide
- Local bottled water and entrance fee during sightseeing
- Gratuity to the guide & driver
- Service voucher
Not Included:
- Any cruise arrangements
- Any meals
- Travel insurance
- Any visa
- Over mileage supplement at USD 55.00 net in total will be applied if the ship docks at Wusong Pier
Shanghai: French Concession & The Bund (4 hours)
Shanghai: French Concession & The Bund (4 hours)
Half day tour to French Concession and The Bund in Shanghai
Added Value
- French Concession
- The Bund
- Observatory Deck on the 100th Floor of Shanghai World Financial Center
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Transportation is by private vehicle (Buick Van) with services of a driver and an English-speaking guide
- Local bottled water and entrance fee during sightseeing
- Gratuity to the guide & driver
- Service voucher
- Any cruise arrangements
- Any meals
- Travel insurance
- Any visa
- Over mileage supplement at USD 55.00 net in total will be applied if the ship docks at Wusong Pier
Shanghai: Jewish Quarter Tour (4 hours)
Shanghai: Jewish Quarter Tour (4 hours)
Half day tour to Jewish Quarter in Shanghai
Background
Shanghai was the only city in the world that provided a safe home for World War II refugees without papers. As a result, approximately 32,000 Jews, known among themselves as "Shanghailanders," settled in this fascinating Chinese city. Like the names Schindler, Wallenberg and Sugihara, Shanghai has become synonymous with rescue and refuge during the fascist-dictated times when 6 million Jews perished and at least 35 million Chinese were killed and wounded. At one point, there were at least seven synagogues in Shanghai, but today very little evidence of this once vital community remains.
Ohel Moishe Synagogue. The Ohel Moishe Synagogue is a European style temple that was once the centerpiece of the Hongkou District. The original synagogue was founded in 1907 by a Russian Jew, and was moved to this site twenty years later. Once a synagogue for Orthodox Russian and German Jews, it was also at various times, the headquarters of the Zionist youth organization Brith Trumpeldor (Betar) and the isolation ward of the Shanghai Mental Hospital. The synagogue is now a recognized historical site and a Jewish Refugees Memorial has been built next to it.
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Transportation is by private vehicle (Buick Van) with services of a driver and an English-speaking guide
- Local bottled water and entrance fee during sightseeing
- Gratuity to the guide & driver
- Service voucher
Not Included:
- Any cruise arrangements
- Any meals
- Travel insurance
- Any visa
- Over mileage supplement at USD 55.00 net in total will be applied if the ship docks at Wusong Pier
Shanghai: Museum Tour (4 hours)
Shanghai: Museum Tour (4 hours)
Half day tour to Shanghai Museums in Shanghai
Highlights
- Shanghai Museum
- Shanghai History Museum (closed on Mondays)
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Transportation is by private vehicle (Buick Van) with services of a driver and an English-speaking guide
- Local bottled water and entrance fee during sightseeing
- Gratuity to the guide & driver
- Service voucher
Not Included:
- Any cruise arrangements
- Any meals
- Travel insurance
- Any visa
- Over mileage supplement at USD 55.00 net in total will be applied if the ship docks at Wusong Pier
Shanghai: Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour (4 hours)
Shanghai: Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour (4 hours)
Half day tour to Zhujiajiao Water Town in Shanghai
Highlights
- Visit Zhujiajiao Water Town
- Private Boat Ride on Canal
For your reference - Transfer from downtown pier to Zhujiajiao Water Town takes approximately 45-minute drive per way
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Transportation is by private vehicle (Buick Van) with services of a driver and an English-speaking guide
- Local bottled water and entrance fee during sightseeing
- Gratuity to the guide & driver
- Service voucher
Not Included:
- Any cruise arrangements
- Any meals
- Travel insurance
- Any visa
- Over mileage supplement at USD 55.00 net in total will be applied if the ship docks at Wusong Pier
Shanghai: Disposal Tour (4 hours)
Shanghai: Disposal Tour (4 hours)
Commence a vehicle / driver / guide at disposal for 4 consecutive hours in Shanghai
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Transportation is by private vehicle (Buick Van) with services of a driver and an English-speaking guide
- Local bottled water during sightseeing
- Gratuity to the guide & driver
- Service voucher
Not Included:
- Any cruise arrangements
- Any meals and entrance fee
- Travel insurance
- Any visa
- Over mileage supplement at USD 55.00 net in total will be applied if the ship docks at Wusong Pier
Shanghai City Tour (8 hours)
Full day city tour in Shanghai
Highlights
- Yu Garden (close on Mondays)
- Old Town
- French Concession
- The Bund
- Observatory Deck on the 100th Floor of the Shanghai World Financial Center
- Lunch reservation at Lu Bo Lang Restaurant (on client's own account)
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Inclusions:
- Transportation is by private vehicle (Buick Van) with services of a driver and an English-speaking guide
- Local bottled water and entrance fee during sightseeing
- Gratuity to the guide & driver
- Service voucher
Not Included:
- Any cruise arrangements
- Any meals
- Travel insurance
- Any visa
- Over mileage supplement at USD 55.00 net in total will be applied if the ship docks at Wusong Pier
Shanghai: Disposal Tour (8 hours)
Shanghai: Disposal Tour (8 hours)
Commence a vehicle / driver / guide at disposal for 8 consecutive hours within city proper in Shanghai
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Transportation is by private vehicle (Buick Van) with services of a driver and an English-speaking guide
- Local bottled water during sightseeing
- Gratuity to the guide & driver
- Service voucher
- Any cruise arrangements
- Any meals and entrance fee
- Travel insurance
- Any visa
- Over mileage supplement at USD 55.00 net in total will be applied if the ship docks at Wusong Pier
Guilin is known for its enticing and unique scenery. Chinese often refer to it as the world's most beautiful scenery, and its beauty can be acknowledged after a tranquil trip down the Lijiang. Over centuries many poets and painters have been drawn here and have praised the beauty of Guilin in their works. Du Fu,a very famous poet of Tang Dynasty so said of its climate: "When it is scorchingly hot everywhere in the Five Ridges, only Guilin has temperate weather." Guilin offers travelers a number of interesting sights.
No matter how many pictures of it you've seen, the Great Wall of China is still impressive. It follows a ridge of barren hills through northern China, stretching as far as the eye can see—at least 3,750 mi/6,000 km. It's thought that, at one time, it was 6,000 mi/9,700 km long. "The Great Wall" is actually a term coined by Westerners; it is known to the Chinese as Wan Li Chang Cheng, meaning "Long Wall of Ten Thousand Li" (li is a Chinese unit of length equal to half a kilometer).
The Wall is usually visited near Badaling (50 mi/75 km from Beijing)—that's where most of the tour buses go. There's a crowded carnival atmosphere there, with sedan chairs for rent, U.S. fast-food restaurants, and polluted air that tends to curtail the view. Another section of the Wall, at Juyong Pass, which is closer to Beijing, has also become popular with tour groups. (You'll find lots of teenagers trying to sprint up the 350-plus steps.)
The less-crowded site at Mutianyu (45 mi/70 km from Beijing) also receives plenty of visitors. Many people get worn out climbing to the first two watchtowers (it's very steep), but there's a cable car to help you up. When it's not too crowded, you can get an idea of how isolated it must have felt to be a lookout along the Wall 600 years ago. The portions of the Wall at Badaling and Mutianyu are mostly reconstructions, not necessarily the remains of the original Wall.
Adventurous travelers can also visit the Wall at Simatai (55 mi/90 km from Beijing) for a memorable sunset and sunrise. Designated as a protected heritage site by UNESCO, it's a nonreconstructed part of the Wall that snakes over several steep mountains. In some sections, the wall is only 3 ft/1 m thick. Beijing is about a three-hour bus ride from Simatai. Be sure to take along good walking shoes and your own food and water.
Other interesting places to view the Wall are near Jiayuguan at its western end, or near Shanhaiguan, where the Wall meets the ocean. You can also scuba dive on the Wall at at a little-known section submerged beneath the Panjiakou Reservoir, if you go with a Beijing-based dive operator.
There are a number of ways to visit the Wall. Tours geared for Westerners can be arranged at most major hotels. The tours that cater to Chinese tourists are less expensive but aren't worth the savings. They generally spend less time at the Wall and more time at such sites as the indoor aquatic park on the outskirts of Beijing (a thrill for rural Chinese, but not something most Westerners would appreciate). If you can organize a group of three or four, hiring a taxi for the day will be only a little more expensive, and you will be able to see what you want for as long as you want. Whichever point you choose to visit, be prepared for crowds and persistent touts.
It has become popular for hardcore hikers to visit wild sections of the Wall—mostly ruins. However, the government has outlawed such hikes in an effort to preserve these sections.
Beijing is the country's economic, cultural and transportation center as well as a famous historical capital of China. Located in northwest North China Plain, Beijing is the second largest city in China with a population of more than 11 million and is ideal to visit all year. There are numerous museums and libraries with the largest collection of books in the country. It also serves as a center for science and technology. It is a hub of communications, with good railroad and air links with all parts of China and with major cities of the world, thus facilitating the rapid development of tourism as an important industry in Beijing. Beijing is an ancient city with a long cultural history. The four feudal dynasties--Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing had all set up their capital here and it became a most concentrated place of the country's scenic spots and historical sites. The best known are the Palace Museum, the Summer Palace, the Great Wall and the Temple of Heaven. Beijing aims to develop into a modern international metropolis..
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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