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China Small Group and Private Tailor-made Tours
Essence of China with Chengdu & Guilin
Route Number 
L001153
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Highlights of the Itinerary

Great Wall, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven

Terracotta Warriors, Muslim Street, Local Family Visit with Cooking Experience

Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Wenshu Temple, Sanxingdui Museum

Reed Flute Cave, Li River Cruise, Yangshuo Countryside Tour

The Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Center

Day 1: Beijing, Arrival

Welcome to Beijing! Your private tour guide will be waiting for you when you arrive. From the airport to the hotel in downtown Beijing will take around an hour, and your guide will give a brief introduction to Beijing along the way. Recuperate from your flight by taking it easy after checking into your hotel.

Day 2: Beijing, Forbidden City(B/L)
Catering

Start your exploration of Beijing with Tiananmen Square - the most important landmark of Beijing. Next to it is the massive wooden palace complex of Forbidden City, which served as the residence for 24 Chinese emperors and their families for 500 years. Walking around the palace with the tour guide, you'll gain a deep understanding of royal life in ancient China.

After that, ride a rickshaw through old narrow paths to explore the winding Hutongs with courtyards, where ordinary people have been living for centuries. Visit a local family here to get a close-up look at how people go through their daily lives.


Day 3:Beijing, Hike on the Magnificent Great Wall(B/L)
Catering

Visit the world-famous Great Wall today, about two hours away from the city center. Mutianyu, the most senior-friendly section, provides round-way cable cars to get up and down easily and safely. On the wall, you can do some moderate hiking further up to take in the magnificent scenery.

Return to the city and complete the tour in the Summer Palace, once the most extensive imperial garden in China. A boat ride on Kunming Lake inside the palace can be a fantastic way to wind down the exciting day.


Day 4:Beijing - Xi'an, Temple of Heaven(B)
Catering

This morning you will visit the elegant Temple of Heaven, where once the Emperors prayed for good harvests. Today this is a popular park where you can see how local people enrich their daily life after retirement and even follow a master to play Chinese Tai Chi together with locals.

After the tour, be transferred to the airport for your flight to Xi'an. On arrival, your private guide will pick you up and take you to the hotel.


Day 5:Xi'an, Terracotta Warriors(B/L)
Catering

Today's highlight is the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors. You have plenty of time to marvel at the grand array of thousands of life-size clay soldiers, horses, and chariots. The interesting thing is that you will find that each statue of the soldier is unique and with its own original image of the Qin people over two thousand years ago. You may even infer their various stories when you look at their faces.

Drive back to the city later and take a relaxing walk around the bustling bazaar streets in Muslim Quarter. You'll observe the religious activities of Chinese Muslims in the century-old Great Mosque within the quarter.


Day 6:Xi'an, Local Family Visit with Cooking Experience(B/L)
Catering

Visit a local family this morning to experience Xi'an culture, especially in the aspects of cuisine. You can chat with local vendors inside a market, communicate with the host, and learn how to make dumplings, hand-pulled noodles, and some other homely dishes.

After lunch, visit the Tang Bo Art Museum for its collection of Shaanxi folk arts, ancient Chinese arts, and artworks by regional contemporary artists. Take the chance to study Chinese calligraphy here. Then, ascend to the Drum Tower to see its assortment of different drums and enjoy an ancient Bells music performance.


Day 7: Xi'an - Chengdu(B/L)
Catering

Head to the railway station to catch your high-speed train to Chengdu.

Upon arrival, be welcomed and escorted to enjoy an authentic Sichuan hotpot, one of the most widely-spreading Chinese flavors around the world. Afterward, walk around Wenshu Temple and enjoy a cup of Chinese tea as the locals do. Finish the day by browsing and shopping on the lovely Jinli Street.


Day 8: Chengdu, Get Close to Cute Pandas(B/L)
Catering

While in Chengdu, the hometown of giant pandas, you can't miss the Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Start the tour a little earlier this morning to see more pandas exercising or eating breakfast since 8 to 9 am is when they are most active.

 

In the afternoon, visit the Sanxingdui Museum, built on the site of Sanxingdui ruins. Discover the lost Shu Kingdom civilization, a significant aspect of Chinese civilization, through the display of gold, bronze, jade, and ceramic relics.


Day 9: Chengdu - Guilin, Reed Flute Cave(B)
Catering

After breakfast, the guide and driver will escort you to the airport for your flight to Guilin.

On arrival, your guide in Guilin will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel. Have a detour en route to the most famed and beautiful Karsts cave in southern China, Reed Flute Cave. After checking into your hotel, go for a short walk along Banyan Lake and Cedar Lake to take in the city's scenic surroundings.


Day 10:Guilin - Yangshuo, Cruise down Li River(B/L)
Catering

The Li River cruise is undoubtedly the highlight of any tour to Guilin. Today, a 4-hour leisurely cruise from Zhujiang Pier to Yangshuo town will immerse you in the charming landscapes along the serene river.

After the cruise, be transferred to the hotel for a short break. Later, drive out of Yangshuo to a hand-painted fan workshop, where you can see and participate in the production process.


Day 11:Yangshuo - Guilin - Shanghai(B/L/D)
Catering

The idyllic countryside of Yangshuo is why so many visitors come here. If you're good at cycling, the best way to enjoy the pastoral views is to ride a bicycle through its tranquil rice paddies, towering peaks, clear waters, and small villages. Or, your driver and guide can show you around the countryside by van.

After the tour, proceed to the airport for your flight to Shanghai.


Day 12:Shanghai, City Sightseeing(B/L)
Catering

After breakfast, go down the Bund's shoreline to admire the charm of Shanghai, where modern skyscrapers coexist with century-old buildings. Visit Yu Garden later to enjoy classical Chinese architecture, sculptures, and carvings. Pause at a silk workshop and then embark on a walking tour from Fuxing Park to Bugaoli to gain insight into the dynamic and colorful urban landscape behind the blazing face of Shanghai. End the tour at the Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Center, a unique museum that uses thousands of posters to document changes in modern China.


Day 13:Shanghai, Day at Leisure(B/L)
Catering

Today is yours to relax in the hotel or explore further at your own pace.

You can visit museums that interest you, such as the Shanghai Natural History Museum, or take a day excursion to the quiet water town of Xitang.


Day 14:Shanghai, Departure(B)
Catering

Time to say goodbye now. When you are ready, your guide and driver will pick you up and transfer you to the airport to catch your homebound flight.


Detail

About This Trip:Use this 14-day journey as a wonderful benchmark when planning a travel to China. From ancient Beijing to modern Shanghai, you will marvel at China's iconic landmarks, including the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors, and the Bund. Additionally, gain a deep understanding of China by practicing Tai Chi in the Temple of Heaven, preparing Chinese dishes with a local family in Xi'an, spending time with the adorable pandas in Chengdu, and taking a cruise along the Li River to take in Guilin's breathtaking karst landscape.


About This Trip:Use this 14-day journey as a wonderful benchmark when planning a travel to China. From ancient Beijing to modern Shanghai, you will marvel at China's iconic landmarks, including the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors, and the Bund. Additionally, gain a deep understanding of China by practicing Tai Chi in the Temple of Heaven, preparing Chinese dishes with a local family in Xi'an, spending time with the adorable pandas in Chengdu, and taking a cruise along the Li River to take in Guilin's breathtaking karst landscape.


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Genuine Reviews
Based on 12 traveler reviews
Chengdu est tellement belle, j'aime beaucoup Chengdu, c'est la première fois que je vois des pandas géants, et la ville de Chongqing est vraiment magnifique. Les différences de hauteur des bâtiments dans toute la ville me donnent l'impression d'être dans une ville du futur.
<a href=8 Days Chengdu, Chongqing and Zhangjiajie Tour">
Apr 2, 2026
MAX0921
The car is brand new. V rented it for two days: one day for a 10-hour tour in Hong Kong, and one day to take us to Shenzhen to visit and then return us to Hong Kong later that evening. NOT BAD.
<a href=Luxury Car With Driver In Hongkong 10H">
Mar 27, 2026
Max
shanghai is a good city to visit, I think it is same as New York city! there are many people from UK and USA, so many people live in here. this tour make me know the China again, I will recommend the country to retire.
<a href=5 Days Private Shanghai and Zhangjiajie Tour">
Mar 27, 2026
William
For our 25th anniversary, my wife and I booked this Sichuan loop. Our guide Wang picked us up with hot tea, small start to a big adventure. Wolong's pandas were incredible, but the real magic began climbing toward Mount Siguniang. Snow peaks, empty valleys, Wang knowing every photo spot. At 4,700 meters near Litang, my wife felt dizzy. Wang had oxygen ready, made us rest. "No rush," he said. Twenty minutes later, we were walking among yaks on the roof of the world. Yading was worth every bumpy mile. Three holy mountains, turquoise lakes, prayer flags in the wind. Eight days, four thousand meters, one unforgettable anniversary.
<a href=8 Days Private Tour of Chengdu - Wolong Panda Reserve - Mount Siguniang - Danba - Xinduqiao - Litang - Yading">
Feb 11, 2026
KB H
I booked this 10-day trip for my parents' 30th anniversary. Dad's 62, mom's not a strong traveler, I was nervous. But Wandrift made everything smooth. our guide Tenzin met us at Lijiang airport with a warm smile and white hada scarves. First few days were gentle wandering Old Town, watching Naxi musicians perform. Mom loved the slow pace. Then came the drive to Shangri-La. Winding ountain roads. Mom started looking pale halfway through. Tenzin noticed immediately. He had the driver pull over at a scenic spot, gave mom some local herbal balm, and let her rest for 20 minutes. "No rush," he said. "The mountains will wait." That small kindness changed everything. We made it to Shangri-La. Mom recovered at the hotel while Tenzin took dad and me to visit a local family. Drank butter tea, learned about their daily life. Next day at Songzanlin Monastery, mom was back to her usual self, snapping photos and asking questions. Other highlights: hiking through Pudacuo's meadows, spotting yaks for the first time, the prayer flags fluttering in the wind. But what I'll remember most is that moment on the mountain road~a guide who cared more about my mom's comfort than keeping schedule.For anyone traveling with older parents in Yunnan, this tour is it.
<a href=10 Days In-depth Lijiang and Shangri-La Tour">
Jan 14, 2026
Nancy23
My friend and I booked this 5days trip for a quick getaway. Zhangjiajie's sandstone pillars looked like something from another planet. Our guide Liu timed the Bailong Elevator perfectly, no lines, just mist rising around us like entering Pandora. At Tianmen Mountain, I froze at the glass walkway. My friend had to drag me across while Liu pretended not to watch. Furong Ancient Town surprised us. The waterfall flowing right through town at night, lights reflecting on water, we just sat there with noodles, saying nothing. Fenghuang felt like stepping back in time. Liu arranged a boat ride at dusk. Our rower sang local songs, lights coming on along the stilted houses. Magic. For a short China trip hitting big sights, this works perfectly.
<a href=5 Days to Zhangjiajie, Furong & Fenghuang">
Jan 13, 2026
William
Shanghai Disneyland was pure joy. Less crowded than expected, rides fantastic, and the castle stunning. Even as an adult, I felt like a kid again.
<a href=One Day Shanghai Disneyland">
Jan 7, 2026
HAHA
This hotel was such a nice upgrade on my trip through Xinjiang, Gansu and Ningxia. I was really surprised—China’s desert hotels are just as good as the ones in Morocco!Too bad we only had 2 days in Ningxia. The place is super nice, and all three of us were blown away. They have stargazing sessions and sand dune activities too.And the price here is even cheaper than on Ctrip. I totally recommend it!
<a href=Zhongwei Desert Star Hotel(NingXia)">
Dec 3, 2025
Chantal Scollard
As retirees living in Thailand, we usually prefer slower travel, but this 8-day Chengdu, Chongqing, and Zhangjiajie tour struck the perfect balance. Watching giant pandas at their morning feeding at the world’s largest breeding base was pure magic. Our guide, Helen, knew exactly when to arrive to avoid the crowds, her attention to detail was impeccable throughout. In Chongqing, Helen helped us navigate the dizzying levels of Hongya Cave at dusk; watching it transform into a real-life Spirited Away scene along the Jialing River was unforgettable. She even taught us to use Alipay and DiDi=we felt like locals! The Wulong karst bridges left us speechless. But Zhangjiajie? Surreal. Riding the world's tallest outdoor elevator up into those misty quartz peaks felt like entering Pandora. Helen arranged a morning hike along Gold Whip Streat, just us, bird songs, and towering cliffs. Between cities, we experienced China's high speed rail, smooth, punctual, and hitting 300 km each hours. We also tried food delivery apps and bike-sharing with Helen's guidance. Four modern technologies, one exceptional guide. Deeply grateful.
<a href=8 Days Chengdu, Chongqing and Zhangjiajie Tour">
Oct 30, 2025
Shante
Changsha-zhangjiajie-HK, fantastic! I will come china again~bro
<a href=7 Days Zhangjiajie Tour with Changsha and Hong Kong">
Oct 29, 2025
Niklas
Guilin, Shanghai und Beijing, von denen ich Guilin am liebsten mag. Es ist ein sehr geeigneter Ort für ein Rentnerleben. Früher habe ich viele Videos über Guilin auf YouTube gesehen. Ich denke, es ist ungefähr so wie Vietnam, das ich einmal besucht habe. Dort haben sich viele Europäer niedergelassen. Ich plane, im Alter mit meinem Mann in Guilin sesshaft zu werden. Das macht Vorfreude!
<a href=14 Days Shanghai - Zhangjiajie - Guilin - Xian - Beijing">
Oct 28, 2025
Susanne
we booked this 11-day trip for our first China visit. From Beijing's grandeur to Shanghai's skyline, every stop impressed. In Beijing, our guide Lucy took us to the Great Wall early, just us and misty mountains. She knew exactly where to stand for photos without crowds. The Forbidden City felt endless in the best way. Xi'an's Terracotta Warriors left us speechless. Lisa arranged a warrior-making workshop where we both failed hilariously at clay molding. That lopsided soldier now sits on our shelf. zhangjiawei stunned us most. Glass bridge had my husband gripping the railing while I laughed. Our guide Michael noticed my fear of heights and quietly suggested the forest path instead, shanghai's Huangpu cruise at night was pure magic. Different cities, different guides, all wonderful. For couples wanting hassle-free China, this tour delivers.
<a href=11 Days Private Tour of Beijing - Xi'an - Zhangjiajie - Shanghai">
Oct 16, 2025
Amy322
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