Overview
Step into a journey that blends China's greatest icons with its most charming hidden gems! From Beijing's mighty Great Wall and the Forbidden City to Xi'an's Terracotta Warriors and lantern-lit Tang Dynasty streets, history comes alive at every step. Drift through Guilin's dreamlike karst mountains on a bamboo raft, watch cormorant fishermen at work, and wake up to golden sunrises over terraced fields. In Shanghai, experience the city's many faces—from the colonial grandeur of the Bund to the stylish lanes of the French Concession and world-class art on the Pudong riverfront. Finally, slow down in Suzhou, where classical gardens, canals, and red lantern-lit streets capture the soul of Jiangnan. With a mix of iconic sights, local encounters, and authentic flavours, this trip offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation—a once-in-a-lifetime way to see China in all its colour and variety.
Highlights
- Glide up by cable car to the tranquil Mutianyu Great Wall, then stroll its ancient ramparts surrounded by sweeping mountain views.
- After visiting the Qin Shi Huang Imperial Tomb Museum (Terracotta Warriors and Horses), craft your own clay warrior by hand to take home as a unique keepsake.
- Drift along the Yulong River on a bamboo raft. Witness traditional cormorant fishing on the Li River
- See the Bund from four perspectives—by day and night, from both banks of the Huangpu—each revealing a different face of Shanghai’s iconic skyline.
- Wander Pingjiang Road beside quiet canals, crossing stone bridges and passing teahouses and whitewashed homes that embody the soul of Jiangnan water towns.
Itinerary
"This journey goes beyond the standard checklist. While we cover icons like the Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors , we prioritize interaction: crafting your own clay warrior , hiking the Longji Terraces , and witnessing cormorant fishing. From imperial Beijing to the gardens of Suzhou , we connect you with China’s living traditions and modern pulse."
We provide 24-hour airport and train station pickup service, after checking into the hotel, you are free to arrange your own schedule. We recommend visiting Jingshan Park at sunset to enjoy a panoramic view of the Forbidden City.
Meals: /
Destination: Beijing – Jingshan Park
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Dongzhimen

After breakfast, embark on a guided in-depth tour of the Forbidden City. Enter through the Meridian Gate and explore the grand halls and courtyards: Hall of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Central Harmony, and Hall of Preserving Harmony. Continue through the Inner Court to the Palace of Heavenly Purity, and finish at the Imperial Garden before exiting via the northern Gate of Divine Prowess. Optional visits to the Treasure Gallery and Clock Exhibition Hall are available at your own expense.
Enjoy a simple local lunch near the Forbidden City. Recommended options include traditional Chinese boxed meals at the Jingren Palace Restaurant or a self-prepared light lunch.
After lunch, take a short walk to Beihai Park and enjoy a peaceful afternoon visiting its highlights such as the White Dagoba (on Qionghua Island), the Nine-Dragon Screen, or take a relaxing boat ride on the lake.
In the late afternoon, walk to Shichahai (Houhai) area. Meander through historic hutongs and get a taste of traditional courtyard life. You can choose to explore on foot or take a rickshaw tour with English commentary. Notable stops include Prince Gong’s Mansion, Soong Ching-ling’s Former Residence, and small artisan shops hidden within the alleys.
In the evening, enjoy dinner beside the lake. Restaurant options include Peking duck at Siji Minfu or Quanjude Houhai Branch, or a fusion dining experience at Peking Tavern. After dinner, unwind with live music and cocktails at one of the lakeside bars popular with both locals and travelers.
Meals: L
Destinations: Forbidden City – Beihai Park – Hutongs – Houhai
Accommodation: Hotel in Beijing City Center

Rise early for a morning visit to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. We recommend a private car or small English-speaking tour group, with a travel time of approximately 1.5 hours each way. The scenic stretch features fewer crowds and excellent viewpoints. Take the cable car or toboggan for easier access.
Return to the city for a visit to the Temple of Heaven in the afternoon. Stroll through the ancient grounds where emperors once prayed for good harvests, and admire the famous Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Echo Wall, and the Circular Mound Altar.
For your final evening in Beijing, head to Nanluoguxiang. This lively hutong street offers a mix of traditional eateries and trendy cafés. Dining recommendations include Haidilao hotpot, classic Beijing-style zhajiang noodles, or modern Sichuan fusion cuisine.
Meals: B
Destinations: Mutianyu Great Wall – Temple of Heaven – Nanluoguxiang
Accommodation: /

A warm welcome to Xi'an! Upon arrival, your private driver will escort you to your hotel located in the bustling city center—convenient for dining, shopping, and sightseeing. You'll have free time in the afternoon to explore nearby highlights such as the Hui people's street and Bell & Drum Tower Square, where you can enjoy local street snacks and soak in the city's vibrant charm.
Meals: /
Destination: Xi'an
Accommodation: Vienna International Hotel (Xijing Hospital Hujiamiao Metro Station)

After the previous day's rest, today we will officially start the journey through the millennium of civilisation. In the morning, we will visit the world-famous Qin Shi Huang Imperial Tomb Museum (Terracotta Warriors and Horses), which is the eighth wonder of the world. The terracotta warriors are so vivid that they can recreate the majestic momentum of the Qin Empire.
In the afternoon, visit Huaqing Palace, which is located by the mountain and the water, stroll between the gardens and listen to the romantic splendour of the court of the Tang Dynasty and the touching legends of the emperors and beauties.
Meals: B
Destination: Terracotta Warriors and Horses – Huaqing Palace
Accommodation: Vienna International Hotel (Xijing Hospital Hujiamiao Metro Station)

Early in the morning, climb the majestic Ming Dynasty Ancient City Wall, either by bike or on foot, to overlook the ancient capital of the 13th Dynasty. Afterwards, head to Yongxingfang, which combines food and culture, to savour Shaanxi specialties and enjoy the artistic charm of the non-heritage shadow puppetry.
In the afternoon, visit the Xi'an Museum to gain a deeper understanding of the splendid civilisation of this ancient city. In the evening, stroll through the illuminated Tang Dynasty Night City and immerse yourself in the light and shadow feast of Tang Dynasty style and splendour, opening up a night tour experience through the millennium.
Meals: B
Destination: Xi'an City Wall – Yongxingfang – Xi'an Museum – Daci'en Temple – Great Tang Never Night City
Accommodation: Vienna International Hotel (Xijing Hospital Hujiamiao Metro Station)

Full day meeting in Guilin, 24 hours pick up service (Guilin Liangjiang International Airport/Guilin North Railway Station, Guilin West Railway Station).
Travelling to Yangshuo, we will stay at the Idle Cloud Residence Hotel on the Li River Peninsula, where we can enjoy the Li River mountains and nebulae without leaving home. From now on, we will be our own guardians of the Li River. We will hide in the landscape, watch the Li River from the 270-degree rooftop, read interesting books, make friends, and be free people.
Meals: /
Destination: Guilin – Yangshuo
Accommodation: Leisurely Cloud Residence Resort & Spa (Yangshuo RMB20 Scenic Spot Shop)

Morning hike to reach the heart of the Li River, Xianggong Mountain to see the sunrise. Overlooking the beauty of the first bay of Li River. The peaks are arranged in an orderly manner, and the clear Li River meanders in the surroundings of the mountains.
Meet the Dragon River by bamboo raft (double bamboo raft , about 40 minutes), along the river all the way along the water and singing bamboo row light swim. You can enjoy the bamboo rafting along the river and experience the mood of ‘Boat travelling on the blue waves, people travelling in the painting’.
Come to the hermit's home on the banks of the river, surrounded by idyllic scenery of the ancient courtyard, where there is the most secretive guardian of the river. Experience local specialities for lunch, savour the Li River Bay afternoon tea in the afternoon, and return to the Li River Peninsula from Yangshuo to be a part of the Li River landscape painting again.
Follow the Li River fishermen set out to experience a cormorant night fishing, which is Guangxi District Intangible Cultural Heritage, Li River fishermen do not use fishing rods and nets, but with cormorants to fish. In the night, hold up a bamboo raft and gather on top of the Li River, using paraffin lamps to guide the cormorants to find the fish swimming under the surface of the water.
Measl: B
Destination: Xingping – Xianggong Mountain – Encounter Dragon River
Accommodation: Leisurely Cloud Resort & Spa

In the morning, we will go to Longji Terraces, Longji Terraces are neat and orderly, the lines are colourful, the shape of the lines is mainly curved, giving the terraces a dynamic beauty, just like the colourful ribbons floating down from the sky, presenting different landscapes in different seasons, and the lunch is a special meal of the Zhuang people.
In the afternoon, we will go to Jinzhu Zhuang Village, our village guardian, to meet new villagers, new village guardians and local aborigines. Dress up at the hammock, participate in the Wall Keeper's Sustainable Bazaar, bring your stories to sip granary coffee, afternoon tea at the hammock, we conduct an authentic travelling link exchange session with the locals. Good Times is more than a paradise, it is a spiritual home.
Dinner we taste the local seasonal food, night pillow scenery, a good night's sleep, with a story of the village guardians, we immersed experience, the simplicity of the Zhuang Village and warmth.
Meals: B&L&D
Destination: Yangshuo – Terraced rice fields – Jinzhu Zhuang village
Accommodation: Longsheng Longji Jinzhu Homestay

In the morning, join a master craftsman for a village-to-village trek, exploring traditional Zhuang stilt-house construction and intricate mortise-and-tenon joinery as if you were part of the community.
Enjoy a hearty lunch of authentic Zhuang dishes. In the afternoon, follow a local Rooted Guardian on a gentle forest hike from one village to the next, mist-cloaked terraces unfolding beneath your feet as you listen to ancestral stories of mountain guardianship, culminating at the Nine Dragons and Five Tigers viewpoint. The Longji Terraced Fields stand as both a monument to Zhuang ingenuity and a living expression of their spiritual bond with the land—each terrace carved by hand, ingeniously irrigated to honor nature’s flow.
Meals: B&L
Destination: Jinzhu Zhuang Village – Gu Zhuang Village
Accommodation: Longsheng Longji Jinzhu Homestay

Upon arrival in Shanghai, your private driver will be waiting at the airport or train station to warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel.
After checking in and taking a short rest, we recommend heading to the west bank of the Huangpu River to admire the iconic night skyline of the Bund. Here, you can catch a view of one of Shanghai’s most iconic landmarks—the Oriental Pearl Tower.
Continue your walk along Nanjing East Road—one of China’s most vibrant pedestrian shopping streets, this is home to the world’s largest POP MART store.
Then head to Xintiandi seamlessly blends traditional Shanghai Shikumen alleyways with contemporary architectural styles. It is a hub of fashion and style, is a paradise for trendsetters. It brings together renowned global brands—including USM, which opened its first store in China right here. It’s the perfect place to enjoy your first dinner in Shanghai, offering from local Shanghlander specialities to international cuisine.
Meals: /
Destination: Shanghai
Accommodation: Hotel in Shanghai

09:00–10:30. Begin your day with a visit to the Shanghai History Museum, where vivid displays trace the city’s transformation from a humble fishing village to a global metropolis. Exhibits include vintage trams, old shopfronts, and historic photographs.
11:00–12:30. Explore the classical Yu Garden and the nearby Town God’s Temple. This Ming Dynasty garden features winding paths, tranquil koi ponds, rockeries, and ornate pavilions—reflecting the harmony between man and nature.
Outside Yuyuan Garden lies the Shanghai City God Temple, a Taoist shrine that also serves as a venue for traditional folk activities. Here, you'll find some of the most authentic local snacks—such as pear syrup candy and Nanxiang soup dumplings—as well as traditional handcrafted goods.
13:00–14:30. Wander through the leafy streets of the French Concession, the historic villas here were once home to many notable figures. such as Soong Ching-ling, Ba Jin, and Chen Duxiu. Stroll along Wukang Road and Anfu Road, the buildings along the street predominantly feature Neoclassical and Art Deco styles. The area hosts a variety of cultural activities, including art exhibitions and open-air film screenings, along the way, snack like a local—grab a scallion pancake, sip artisan coffee, or try seasonal sweets from hidden cafés.
15:00–15:30. Return to the Bund for a daytime appreciation of its grand architecture and riverside views, and the view of Pudong's skyline during the day from the opposite bank. It showcases a wide range of architectural styles, including British Classical, Neoclassical, Renaissance, French Classical, Mansion-style, as well as Gothic and Baroque influences. Your guide will share insights into the significance of the historic landmarks.
16:00–18:00. Take a public ferry across the Huangpu River to visit the Pudong Art Museum,It collaborates with renowned institutions such as Tate Britain and the Prado Museum, offering visitors the chance to see world-class masterpieces — including works like Ophelia. Afterward, enjoy a walk along the the Binjiang Road—hailed as the new Bund of Pudong, offers a picturesque blend of dynamic river activity and serene architectural beauty, creating a captivating scenery along the Huangpu River's east bank.
For dinner, we suggest the Super Brand Mall, where you can try authentic Shanghailander dishes at Xiao Nan Guo. Local favourites include river shrimp, and stir-fried eel—approximately $10 USD per person.
Meals: B
Destination: Shanghai History Museum – City God Temple – French Concession – Huangpu River
Accommodation: Hotel in Shanghai

After breakfast in Shanghai, take a high-speed train to Suzhou in the morning (approx. 30–40 min). After arrival in Suzhou, meet your guide and begin your journey with a visit to the iconic Suzhou Museum, designed by internationally acclaimed architect I.M. Pei. The museum’s permanent exhibitions—“Elegance of Wu Culture,” “Treasures of the Wu Tower,” “Grace of Suzhou,” and “Wu School Paintings and Calligraphy”—offer a refined introduction to Suzhou’s cultural depth. Please note: the museum is closed on Mondays and requires reservations 5 days in advance. We will do our best to arrange your visit, but availability is not guaranteed.
The museum connects directly to the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom Loyal King Mansion, allowing for a seamless historical detour.
Recommended lunch place: Enjoy an elegant local meal at Suyaxing Su-style Noodle House, famous for its crispy sweet-and-sour squirrel fish, a must-try regional specialty. Don’t miss their signature dessert—taro mochi with a creamy, chewy texture that delights the palate.
After lunch, walk just 260 metres to The Humble Administrator’s Garden, the most celebrated of Suzhou’s classical gardens and one of China’s Four Great Gardens. Spend time wandering among tranquil pavilions, winding paths, and lily-filled ponds, a living embodiment of Ming dynasty aesthetics.
In the afternoon, ride the metro to Pingjiang Road, a well-preserved canal-side street that embodies the spirit of old Suzhou. Once described as “half of Suzhou’s history,” Pingjiang is lined with heritage teahouses, stone bridges, and centuries-old homes.
Afterwards, head to the Jinji Lake for a sunset stroll along the Jinhujiao Footbridge. Stretching gracefully over the lake in a ribbon-like arc, this 883-metre walkway offers sweeping views of the skyline and shimmering water, especially enchanting when illuminated at dusk.
In the evening, explore the famous Shantang Street, known as the “Window of Wu Culture.” As night falls, thousands of red lanterns glow above cobbled walkways and ancient bridges. Whether browsing artisan shops or taking a short river cruise under the stars, this vibrant night market blends old Suzhou charm with modern flair.
Recommended dinner place: Mr. Xi Stew Pot(Xilaoban juejuebao), a beloved local restaurant serving sizzling wok-fried dishes and hearty Suzhou-style casseroles. Try their signature smoked fish or mountain-sea claypot dishes that fuse everyday ingredients with nostalgic flavours.
Meals: /
Destination: Suzhou
Accommodation: Hotel in Suzhou

Enjoy a slow-paced morning in Suzhou before your departure. We recommend visiting the Lion Grove Garden, one of the city’s most intricate classical gardens, renowned for its labyrinthine rockeries that date back to the Yuan Dynasty.
Depending on your flight or train schedule, we will arrange a private transfer back to Shanghai Pudong International Airport or to the railway station of your choice.
Meals: /
Destination: Suzhou / Shanghai
Accommodation: /

Cost
Includes
- Based on a private tour for 2 people;
- Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people and chosen hotel;
- Professional licensed English-speaking guide;
- Admission tickets for all attractions listed in the itinerary;
- Accommodation as listed in the itinerary (4-star or 5-star standard);
- Domestic flights (economy class) and high-speed trains (second class) as listed in the itinerary;
- Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space;
- Airport (and train station) pick up and drop off;
- Luggage Transfers: between airports (railway station) and hotels;
- All meals as listed ("Breakfast" for Chinese and Western breakfast buffet in your hotel; "Lunch" for Chinese Lunch in local restaurant; "Dinner" for Chinese dinner in local restaurant.);
- Our service charge, including tour planning, handling, operational and communication charges.
Excludes
- China visa;
- International flights to and from China;
- Personal expenses;
- Accommodation not listed in the itinerary;
- Tourist sites which are not listed in the itinerary;
- Recommended optional activities;
- Flights or trains not listed in the itinerary;
- Excess Baggage Charges.
