Peakpool Brook Hideaway
50 meters south of Xianzonglin Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Institute, Baofeng Road, Jundiping Subdistrict, Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie, Hunan, China
Tour Overview
Most Popular China Tour for First‑Time Travellers This 10‑day classic tour covers Beijing, Xi’an, Guilin and Shanghai in one balanced trip. Discover China’s diverse charm: Beijing’s imperial relics, Xi’an’s ancient history, Guilin’s dramatic karst landscapes and Shanghai’s contemporary cityscape. Tailored for first‑time visitors, this itinerary blends history, culture and nature. You will explore the Great Wall, view the Terracotta Army, cruise along the Li River, and conclude your journey in Shanghai’s dynamic waterfront areas.
Duration
10 Days / 9 Nights
Cities
Shanghai , Beijing , Xian
Daily Itinerary
Day 1
Day 1 Beijing Arrival | Airport Pick-up and Hotel Check-in
Nihao! Welcome to Beijing, capital of China. Your guide and driver will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to your downtown hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to rest or go sightseeing independently.
Arrival Tips
Beijing has two international airports, Capital (PEK) and Daxing (PKX), receiving global flights. You can also take high‑speed trains to Beijing: 4‑5 hours from Xi’an, 4.5‑6 hours from Shanghai, and 2.5‑3 hours from Zhengzhou.
Free‑time Recommendations
Your guide can give suitable suggestions depending on when you arrive, such as wandering Wangfujing Street or visiting Temple of Heaven Park.
Day 2
Day 2 Beijing Imperial & Local Life Tour: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Jingshan Park and Authentic Old Hutongs
After breakfast, explore Beijing with our expert local guide. Begin at Tiananmen Square, the symbolic central square of modern China.
Walk through Meridian Gate into the Forbidden City, the world’s largest intact palace compound that was home to 24 emperors. Tour along the central axis covering the three main grand halls, while your guide brings to life stories of imperial rule and court life behind the red palace walls.
A short 15‑minute stroll brings you to Jingshan Park. Climb the hill for the classic panoramic view over the golden rooftops of the Forbidden City against Beijing’s modern skyline, perfect for capturing old‑and‑new contrasts.
Spend your afternoon in the old Hutongs. Ride a rickshaw through twisting lanes, pass traditional siheyuan courtyards and local markets, and soak up genuine everyday Beijing culture.
Optional Evening Activity
Taste authentic Peking Roasted Duck at Quanjude, the well‑known century‑old local restaurant.
Day 3
Day 3 Beijing Great‑Wall Excursion: Explore Mutianyu Great Wall with Photo Stops at Bird’s Nest and Water Cube
Today you will drive 1.5‑2 hours northwest to Mutianyu Great Wall. One of the best‑preserved sections, Mutianyu enjoys fewer crowds so you can better appreciate its history. Its 23 authentic Ming‑era watchtowers wind across lush mountain ranges, showcasing remarkable ancient engineering.
Take the cable car over thick woodland up to Watchtower 14, then hike along the Great Wall’s ridge. Marvel at the wall twisting over hills amid pine and cypress forests. Hike to Watchtower 20 for outstanding panoramic views and great photo opportunities before descending by cable car.
Next return to downtown Beijing. Enjoy a photo stop at the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, famous venues for both the 2008 Summer and 2022 Winter Olympic Games, representing Beijing’s modern architecture. Afterwards, transfer back to your hotel.
Day 4
Day 4 Beijing to Xian by High Speed Train | Summer Palace
Explore the Summer Palace, the former royal summer getaway. Dubbed the “Museum of Royal Gardens”, it boasts temples, pavilions and scenic Kunming Lake. Enjoy a casual walk through the Long Corridor, decorated with thousands of colourful paintings.
After the visit, your guide takes you to the train station for the 4.5‑5.5‑hour high‑speed train ride to Xi’an. On arrival, your local Xi’an guide will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel.
Welcome to Xi’an, capital of thirteen ancient Chinese dynasties.
Day 5
Day 5 Xian City Tour | Terracotta Warriors, Ancient Wall, Muslim Quarter
After breakfast, your guide and driver pick you up at your hotel for a one‑hour, 40‑km drive to the Terracotta Army Museum, one of the greatest archaeological discoveries worldwide. Built for Emperor Qin Shihuang to protect him in the afterlife, the site holds around 8,000 lifelike full‑sized terracotta figures. Start your visit at the largest pit, which contains over 6,000 pottery soldiers and horses.
Note
You can try making a mini terracotta warrior if you are interested.
Post‑lunch, return to downtown Xi’an to explore the Ancient City Wall, a well‑preserved ancient defensive structure. Enjoy a relaxed walk along the wall, view its towers and moat, and take in wide‑ranging views of modern Xi’an.
(Optional: Bicycle riding on the city wall — inform your travel expert if you wish to take part.)
In the late afternoon, stroll the lively Muslim Quarter. Experience local daily culture amid numerous snack stalls and distinctive Muslim‑influenced traditions.
Day 6
Day 6 Xian to Guilin by Flight | Xian Museum & Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
Your guide and driver collect you at your hotel this morning for a visit to Xi’an Museum. Set amid a lovely park, the museum displays thousands of artefacts illustrating Xi’an’s 3,000‑year‑old history as an ancient capital.
You will then tour the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda inside Da Ci’en Temple. This famous Tang‑style landmark was built to house Buddhist scriptures transported from India.
Afterwards, transfer to the airport for your around‑2‑hour flight to Guilin.
On arrival in Guilin, our staff will meet you at the airport and take you by private car to your downtown hotel. You may relax for the remainder of the day after check‑in.
Free‑time Tips
Take a walk along Binjiang Road for pleasant river views, and be sure to taste genuine Guilin rice noodles at a nearby local restaurant.
Day 7
Day 7 Guilin to Yangshuo Excursion: Li River Scenic Cruise, Yangshuo Rural Landscape and West Street Exploration
After breakfast, take a one‑hour drive to the pier for your Li River Cruise. This 84‑km water route is named one of National Geographic’s Top 10 Watery Wonders worldwide.
During your 4.5‑hour boat trip, admire countless karst limestone mountains, curved river channels, grazing water buffalo, working farmers and hill‑side traditional villages.
Note
A simple local Chinese lunch is provided on the cruise.
Upon arrival in Yangshuo, your driver picks you up at the pier and transfers you to your hotel for a short break. Then explore Yangshuo’s peaceful countryside.
Ride a bike or electric scooter along country paths past green rice fields and quiet villages, enjoying picture‑perfect karst views.
In the evening, visit West Street, Yangshuo’s bustling downtown area. Here modern cafés, bars and traditional gift shops come together in a unique fusion of Chinese and Western culture. Taste local snacks, grab coffee or experience the lively night atmosphere.
Day 8
Day 8 Guilin City Tour before Departure: Visit Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave, Then Fly to Shanghai
On your last morning in Guilin, visit Elephant Trunk Hill, the iconic symbol of the city. This unique limestone rock formation looks just like a giant elephant drinking from the clear Li River — an ideal spot for classic Guilin photos.
Then tour Reed Flute Cave, a spectacular karst cave. Admire countless stalactites and stalagmites under colourful lighting. Reflections in underground pools create a dreamlike, crystal‑palace ambience.
After seeing Guilin’s natural highlights, transfer to the airport for the 2.5‑hour flight to bustling Shanghai.
Your local Shanghai guide will meet you upon arrival, assist with luggage and drive you to your hotel. Look out for the brilliant skyline and lively vibe of China’s most modern city along the way.
Day 9
Day 9 Shanghai Sightseeing Tour: Pick Your Itinerary — Classic Route (Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Tower, Yu Garden, Nanjing Road, The Bund) or Modern Route (High‑Tech Experience, Magnolia Plaza, Yu Garden, The Bund)
Choose between the Classic Route or Modern Route based on your preferences.
Classic Route: Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Tower, Yu Garden, Nanjing Road, The Bund
After breakfast, explore old and modern Shanghai with our local guide.
Visit Shanghai Museum, modelled after an ancient bronze ding vessel. View over 120,000 relics including bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy and jade spanning 5,000 years of Chinese history.
Then go to Shanghai Tower. Head to the 118th‑floor observation deck for spectacular city‑wide views from 546 metres high.
Explore Yu Garden, a tranquil Ming‑dynasty classical garden. Afterwards browse Yuyuan Bazaar, try xiaolongbao and pick up traditional souvenirs.
In the late afternoon walk along bustling Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, then visit The Bund to see the sharp contrast between colonial‑style buildings and Pudong’s modern skyscrapers across Huangpu River. Transfer back to your hotel afterwards.
Modern Route: High‑tech Experience, Magnolia Plaza, Yu Garden, The Bund
Morning (2.5‑3 hrs): Experience Shanghai smart‑city technology: operate a robot dog and take a ride in an autonomous robotaxi.
Afternoon: Visit Magnolia Plaza’s 360‑degree observation deck for panoramic views of Huangpu River and Pudong towers.
Later tour Yu Garden, then stroll The Bund riverfront at dusk.
Optional Activities
‑ Xiaolongbao Making Class: English‑guided workshop to learn the classic 18‑fold soup dumpling technique.
‑ Tong Han Chun Tang TCM Experience: Visit an old TCM shop; make herbal sachets, medicinal beads or visit the in‑house museum.
‑ Sunset Cocktail: Enjoy drinks as you watch the Shanghai skyline light up at sunset.
‑ Huangpu River Cruise: Evening sunset cruise to admire illuminated Bund and Lujiazui buildings.
Day 10
Day 10 Final Day: Check out from Hotel and Private Transfer to Shanghai Airport for Departure
After breakfast, your tour comes to an end. Depending on your flight or train timetable, you can have free time for a final walk around Shanghai or purchase last‑minute souvenirs. Our local staff will meet you at the hotel lobby and transfer you to the airport or train station for your departure.
Trip Extension Ideas
Want to explore more of China? We can extend your trip to additional amazing locations. Choose from seeing giant pandas in Chengdu, hiking the dramatic mountains of Zhangjiajie, visiting Tibet’s sacred landscapes, watching sunrise on Huangshan, or experiencing Yunnan’s diverse ethnic cultures. We will tailor‑make your perfect extended itinerary.
Photo Gallery for This Itinerary
Brief itinerary
| 1-4 | Beijing | Forbidden City, Mutianyu Great Wall, Tian'anmen Square, Summer Palace, Jingshan Park Bird's Nest and Water Cube (Outlook); High speed train from Beijing to Xian. |
| 5-6 | Xian | Terracotta Warriors, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Ancient Wall, Muslim Quarter, Xian Museum |
| 7-8 | Guilin & Yangshuo | Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, Yangshuo Countryside, West Street, Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave |
| 9-10 | Shanghai | Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, The Bund, Nanjing Road, Shanghai Tower or Modern Route (High-Tech Experience, Magnolia Plaza, Yu Garden & The Bund) |
route features
Tour Features
Perfect for first‑time travellers, this balanced tour covers China’s rich contrasts: imperial history, ancient culture, stunning karst scenery and modern city life.
Travel smoothly by high‑speed train and domestic flight. Enjoy both iconic sights and authentic local experiences.
Choose between Classic or Modern sightseeing routes in Shanghai, with various optional activities.
Professional English‑speaking guides and private transfers throughout. Trip extensions are available.
Main Highlights
Beijing
Discover Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park. Hike Mutianyu Great Wall and explore old hutongs by rickshaw.
Xi’an
Visit the world‑famous Terracotta Army. Walk or cycle the Ancient City Wall, wander the Muslim Quarter, and see Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.
Guilin & Yangshuo
Take the spectacular Li River cruise. Explore Yangshuo’s rural scenery by bike or e‑scooter. See Elephant Trunk Hill and Reed Flute Cave.
Shanghai
Pick your preferred route: classic cultural landmarks or futuristic high‑tech experiences. Visit Yu Garden and The Bund. Try optional activities like xiaolongbao‑making or Huangpu River cruise.
Extension Ideas
Add Chengdu (giant pandas), Zhangjiajie, Xizang, Huangshan or Yunnan for your custom extension.
Exclusions
What’s Included
Highly Recommended Hotels
Qinghe Jinjiang International Hotel
No. 1 Jundi Road, Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie, Hunan 427400, China
Pullman Zhangjiajie
No. 188 Gaoyun Road, Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie, Hunan 427000, China
Sheraton Changsha Hotel
Yunda International Plaza, No. 478, Furong Middle Road Section 1, Kaifu District, Changsha, Hunan 410005, China
