Authentic China: Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Yangshuo & Shanghai - 11 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Beijing, Explore the Capital

Welcome to Beijing! A private guide will be waiting at the airport to whisk you off to your accommodation. Beijing has been China's capital since the 13th century and has a rich history to show for it. From the Forbidden City to densely packed hutong neighborhoods, you'll be uncovering Beijing in the coming days, but first, take the rest of the day to recover from jet lag and settle in at your hotel. 

You'll have the entire evening to get out and explore the city should you choose. Wangfujing Street is one of the city's shopping hubs and is a great place not only to grab souvenirs but also to indulge in Beijing's street food. Houhai Lake is a beautiful spot to take a boat ride, plus its charming tea houses and classic hutong neighborhoods are fun to wander. The 798 Art District, set in a formerly industrial section of the city, is another cultural hub that's worth a visit.

Day 2: Tour the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square & Tianning Temple

Begin your second day in Beijing by uncovering thousands of years of history with a local guide on an eight-hour excursion through the city. Start at Tiananmen Square, best known for its modern political upheaval in 1989, but also as a cultural mecca. Spanning 100 acres (40 ha), this is the largest public space in China and includes landmarks like the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong. Next, you'll make your way to the historic beating heart of China, Beijing's mysterious Forbidden City. Once the home of the Emperor of China, the city operated for hundreds of years without a single outsider entering its walls. 

Follow your guide through its gleaming halls, countless pavilions, and the mesmerizing labyrinth of rooms, antechambers, and gates. While most visitors only see 6-8 rooms, you'll be allowed access to 12 today! To put it in perspective, this is the largest palace complex in the entire world. Later in the day, you'll head to the Tianning Temple for a glimpse into daily life in Beijing. This is the oldest pagoda in the city, and the perfect spot to watch locals go about their day as you learn more about the rhythms of life in the capital from your guide.

Day 3: Great Wall Day & Night Excursion

When you picture China, one monument probably comes to mind. Snaking over 13,000 miles (20,921 km) through the countryside all the way to the Pacific Ocean, the Great Wall of China is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. Today, your private guide will take you to several different segments of the wall to get a full picture of this Modern Wonder of the World. Your first stop is the Mutianyu section, a well-preserved area with stately watchtowers. Make your way to the Jinshanling section next, known for being one of the most photogenic segments (it's also connected by handy cable cars).

After getting your first striking views of the Great Wall, head for Gubei Water Town for a little reprieve from hiking. Situated on the Mandarin Duck Lake Reservoir, Gubei is a preserved ancient town with beautiful stonework and pagodas to explore. As the sun begins to set and darkness falls, you'll head to the Simatai section of the Great Wall to experience this wonder by night. Watch as the sun sinks into the distant hills and lights begin to illuminate the wall, looking as if a great golden serpent was snaking its way through the landscape. After this memorable experience, you'll transfer back to Beijing. 

Day 4: Visit the Summer Palace, Train to Xi'an

Your exploration of Beijing's most famous sites continues today at the Summer Palace. This UNESCO-listed compound is where the Chinese emperor and his family retreated to the idyllic shores of Kunming Lake during the hottest part of the year. Originally built during the Qin Dynasty in 1750 before being destroyed in the Second Opium War in 1860, it was rebuilt to its prior glory, including the intricate architecture and sumptuous gardens. Visit the Tower of the Fragrance of Buddha, Wu Fang Pavilion, and the Hall That Dispels Clouds—all as lovely as they sound.

In the afternoon, it's time to hop aboard the Fuxinghao bullet train to your next destination—Xi'an. Your private driver will drop you off at the train station, where you'll board this futuristic mode of transportation. Watch as the countryside blurs out your window over the next 4.5 hours. Another driver will be waiting for you when you arrive in the provincial capital of Shaanxi, transferring you to your hotel for the next few nights. If you have the energy to venture out later, go in search of Xi'an food specialties like biangbiang noodles and roujiamo (a pork bun known as the "Chinese hamburger").

Day 5: Day Trip to the Terracotta Warrior Museum 

Continue in your pursuit of ancient Chinese wonders today at the Terracotta Warrior Museum. Located about an hour outside of Xi'an, this enormous site covers approximately 38 square miles (98 sq km), and its discovery in 1974 represents one of the most important archaeological finds of the 20th century. The massive collection of incredibly detailed, life-size clay sculptures guards the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, founder of the Qin Dynasty and the first emperor of China, reigning from 221 BCE to 210 BCE. 

The complex is split into two main sites: the Lishan Garden and the museum and pits. You'll visit both with a knowledgeable guide who will help explain this sprawling, subterranean necropolis. Touring the massive excavation pits, you'll see various warriors, chariots, and cavalry figures, each with unique expressions and even varying postures. Afterward, learn how to carve your very own terracotta warrior with a local artisan before returning to Xi'an for one final adventure. You'll ride bicycles along the Ancient City Wall, passing by ramparts, gates, and watchtowers along the way.

Day 6: Xi'an City Excursion, Fly to Guilin

While you've seen bits and pieces of Xi'an, you'll get to know the city even better this morning on a private excursion through its ancient corridors and alleyways. Your first stop will be the Shaanxi History Museum, which houses hundreds of thousands of cherished artifacts, including the fossils of Lantian man (a human ancestor), and better explains the history of the Shaanxi province. Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is next, a Buddhist worshipping site that looms over the city. Standing seven stories tall, it was almost destroyed by a massive earthquake in the 16th century.

Before your time in Xi'an is up, head to the Muslim Quarter to indulge in some of the city's best food. Pao mo, (also known as bread soup) and tangbao, (Xi'an soup dumplings) are just some of the tasty treats on the menu. You'll also find plenty of souvenir shops if you're in the market for something to bring home. In the afternoon, your driver will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Guilin. After two hours in the air, you'll land in this lush southeastern paradise known for its karst rock formations punctuated by the winding Li River. 

Day 7: Day Trip to the Longji Rice Terraces

Located just two hours north of Guilin, the Longji Rice Terraces are a stunning example of Asia's coveted rice cultivation. Make the journey with your private guide to see these emerald waves of grain perched on the hillsides. Also known as the Longsheng Rice Terraces, both of these names translate directly to "dragon's backbone," a description of the curvature of the rice paddies as they undulate from the river's edge to the hilltops. As the sun reflects off the terraces in the peak of summer, the entire region takes on hues of neon green.

The Zhuang ethnic minority has cultivated rice on these terraces for hundreds of years. You'll be invited into a traditional wooden home, where you'll learn how to make bamboo rice from your host around their cozy bonfire. Packed inside bamboo poles, the rice takes on a sticky quality, becomes deliciously fragrant, and is traditionally served with oil tea (made with tea leaves fried with other spices and herbs before being steeped in boiling water). Although the taste is acquired, this is a cultural tradition that you can't pass up! At the end of this immersive day trip, your driver will take you back to Guilin.

Day 8: Li River Cruise to Yangshuo

Capturing the imagination of artists, poets, and weary travelers alike for thousands of years, the Li River is quintessential China at its best. You'll cruise along this waterway for 4.5 hours today, making your way downriver from Guilin to the city of Yangshuo. Watch as the karst rock formations rise from the green and yellow fields, breaking through the morning mist. As you make your way, you'll make a pit stop in Fuli Ancient Town, famous for its painted fans. If you're admiring these works of art, you're in luck, as you'll join a master fan maker to learn the ropes and walk away with your own handmade fan as a souvenir.

The boat will arrive in Yangshuo by 1:30 pm, just in time for you to explore West Street. Known for its ancient architecture that lines either side of this wide pedestrian boulevard strung with lanterns, you'll also find steaming street food stalls and lively street performances. In the afternoon you'll be transferred to your accommodation in the tranquil countryside, just outside the city. 

Day 9: Countryside Yangshuo Experience, Fly to Shanghai

Wake up this morning in the pastoral landscapes of Yangshuo, surrounded by peaceful countryside scenes. Alongside your guide, you'll spend the morning discovering nearby serene villages, lifting the veil on local life. Pass wooden homes, farmers working in the fields, and water buffalo meandering through the rice paddies. Pop into the home of an elderly couple who have spent their entire lives living in this remote part of China before continuing by ferry and farmer's taxi to the bustling Yangshuo market, brimming with bundles of vegetables and villagers hawking their wares.

This afternoon, it's time to trade pastoral landscapes for the glittering beehive of Shanghai. Your driver will be waiting to take you to the airport in Guilin, where you'll hop on the two-hour flight to Shanghai. The differences between the Chinese countryside and modern metropolis will be stark, but you'll easily slip into the chaos with your guide. While there's nothing planned for your first afternoon in the "Paris of the East," walking along The Bund is a great introduction to the city before tomorrow's more in-depth tour. 

Day 10: The Bund, Yu Garden & Shanghai Walking Tour, Pujiang Cruise

Your one and only full day in Shanghai will be spent on an eight-hour excursion, during which you'll see the city's best sites. Head off with your private guide toward the Yu Garden, a sprawling green space tucked against the City God Temple. The first iteration of these gardens was built in the 16th century by a Ming governor and dedicated to his father. Be sure to stop for refreshing snacks and a cup of tea at one of the teahouses along the way. Next, you'll hop aboard a Huangpu River Cruise, revealing an intoxicating mix of old and new Shanghai as you make your way downriver. 

Get even better acquainted with the whimsical skyline that Shanghai is famous for at The Bund. Spanning over 1 mile (1.6 km), this colonial symbol of the city has changed dramatically over the last century. The waterfront promenade is situated along the Huangpu River and offers stunning views with beautiful mix of modern and historic architecture. Shanghai Old Street offers a glimpse at the Shanghai of the past with residential homes and narrow alleyways to explore, but your grand finale is the world's tallest building, the Shanghai Tower. 

Day 11: Depart Shanghai

Your private driver will be waiting to whisk you off to the airport today. Wave goodbye to Shanghai's famously colorful skyline as you ascend into the clouds. Whether you're headed home or to your next destination, safe travels!