11 Days China Tour from Hong Kong to Shanghai

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Hong Kong Arrival

   Nei Hou (Hello)! Welcome to Hong Kong for an 11-day private China tour! Upon your arrival, a local driver will pick you up and then he will escort you to your well-selected hotel. After check-in, you have the rest of the day at your leisure to explore the capital city.

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: in Hong Kong

2. Day 2: Hong Kong to Beijing Tour
   Take a Tram Ride to the Amazing Victoria Peak Views

   Start your escorted China tour in Hong Kong with a Peak Tram ride to the top of Victoria Peak, the highest point on Hong Kong Island. Many travel to Hong Kong just for its magnificent view. It offers a spectacular panorama of the city's skyline, the harbor, and the neighboring islands.

   

   Then, you will be transferred to a historical area, Aberdeen Fishing Village. Optionally, hop on a sampan boat (20-30 mins, at your own expense), understanding the daily lives of the fishermen. After that, go to explore the vibrant Stanley Street. Here you can find handicrafts and artistic works including Chinese calligraphy art, paintings, silk products, and handmade jewelry.

   In the afternoon, fly to Beijing, with a flight duration of 3 hours.

   Accommodation: in Beijing

3. Day 3: Beijing City Tour
   Get A Glimpse into the Royal History of the Qing Dynasty

   After breakfast, meet your local tour guide and start your Beijing tour by visiting Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square. Understand the historical significance of this landmark. There are many important events in Chinese history that have taken place here.

   After that, walk to explore the grand Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum. It is a royal palace from the Ming and Qing dynasties in China, with nearly 9,000 rooms. As one of the largest and most well-preserved wooden ancient architectural complexes in the world, the Forbidden City was listed as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1987.

   

   In the afternoon, visit the Qing Dynasty royal garden - the Summer Palace. Located in the western suburbs of Beijing, it is the most well preserved imperial palace and garden in China. The entire park covers an area of 3.009 square kilometers, with water surface accounting for about three-quarters. To spend your leisurely afternoon, you can take a boat trip on Kunming Lake (for an additional fee).

   Chinese Kung Fu has a very wide influence in the world. In the evening, you can choose to watch a wonderful Kung Fu show at Red Theater (optional, at your own expense).

   Accommodation: in Beijing

4. Day 4: Beijing Great Wall Tour
   Hike on the Most Beautiful Section of the Ancient Great Wall in China

   Today comes the highlight of your tour in China - the Mutianyu Great Wall. It is one of the best-preserved sections of China Great Wall. Take a cable car up to the wall and enjoy a scenic ride. Spend time exploring the Mutianyu Great Wall at your own pace. You can hike along its ancient pathways, take pictures of beautiful views, and even climb up or down if you have the energy.

   

   Afterwards, you will be transferred to visit the Sacred Way. This is an ancient pathway lined with massive stone sculptures leading to the Thirteen Tombs of the Ming Dynasty. On the way back to Beijing, stop to see the Bird's Nest (National Stadium) and the Water Cube from the outside.

   Accommodation: in Beijing

5. Day 5: Beijing to Xian Tour by High-speed Train
   Understand the Life of Beijing People through Visiting Quadrangle Homes

   After breakfast, be guided to visit the Temple of Heaven in the morning. Located in the southern part of Beijing, it has been served as a complex of sacrificial building where Emperors of Ming and Qing Dynasties prayed for peace and harvest. It was listed as the World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1998.

   After that, visit the Beijing local folk residence: Hutongs. There is opportunity for you to take a rickshaw to explore Hutong to see daily life of native Beijing people. Following your expert guide to pay a visit to the local family at Hutong, you will find another face of the city that totally different from what you see on major streets.

   

   After the tour of Beijing, you will take a high-speed train to Xi'an, the Thirteen Ancient Capitals of China.

   Accommodation: in Xi'an

6. Day 6: Xian Historical Tour
   Explore Pits 1, 2 and 3 of the Terracotta Army and Try Shaanxi Snacks

   Today, your Xian tour guide will meet you at your hotel and then transport you back in time when visiting the Terracotta Warriors and Horses. Known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World", it is a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring life-sized warriors, and many horses and chariots. Your guide will lead you to visit the Pits 1, 2, and 3 of the Terracotta Army and explains the stories behind them to you.

   

   After lunch, drive back to the downtown area to explore the grand Ancient City Wall. It is a well-preserved defensive structure encircling the Xian city center. You can choose to take a leisurely bike ride along the wall to enjoy scenic views of Xian (optional, at additional cost). Next, visit the Muslim Quarter. This is a centuries-old Hui people gathering area filled with a strong Muslim atmosphere. You can enjoy various Xian snacks here.

   In the evening, you can freely wander along the illuminated Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City by yourself. If interested, you can also enjoy an optional activity, the Tang Palace Dance Show, which combines traditional music, dance, and costumes (at your own expense).

   Accommodation: in Xi'an

7. Day 7: Xian City Tour
   Discover Buddhist History and Delve into China's Past

   Today, continue your tour in Xian city center with a visit to Da Cien Temple. Here you will see one of Xian landmarks of Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. With 7 floors and a height of 64.517 meters, it was built to hold sutras and figurines of the Buddha that were brought to China from India by the Buddhist translator and traveler Xuanzang in the Tang Dynasty (618-907).

   

   Afterwards, you will immerse in the rich history at the Xi'an Museum. Here, you can  learn about thousand-year history of founding the capital and the development of Xian. Also, admire a large collection of cultural relics from all eras of Xian. In addition, visit many thematic displays, such as Buddhist statue art, ancient paintings and calligraphy, and jade wares.

   In the afternoon, take a flight from Xi'an to Guilin.

   Accommodation: in Guilin

8. Day 8: Guilin to Yangshuo Tour
   Enjoy a Li River Cruise with the Karst Landscape

   Meet a local Guilin guide and she / he will escort you on a Li River cruise. Admire the amazing karst landscapes of Guilin during that. Highly recommend you to take pictures of the towering limestone peaks and idyllic river scenes during the 4-hour cruise.

   

   In the afternoon, experience optional activities such as countryside cycling or bamboo rafting on the Yulong River. You can also explore West Street, which is located in the center of Yangshuo County. The street is famous for its rich exotic atmosphere, lined with ancient houses and buildings. The small stores on both sides of the street offer a variety of tourist souvenirs and snacks and are well worth a visit.

   In the evening, choose to enjoy the performance of Impression Liu Sanjie, a grand open-air show featuring local folk songs and stunning visual effects (optional).

   Accommodation: in Yangshuo

9. Day 9: Guilin City Tour to Shanghai
   Visit the Landmarks of Guilin City

   After breakfast, drive back to Guilin for Elephant Trunk Hill. Located at the confluence of the Li River and Taohua River, the hill is the most iconic landmark in Guilin city. It is like an elephant sticking its long trunk into the river to drink water. There is a cave under the elephant trunk, and a Buddhist pagoda from the Ming Dynasty on the hill.

   

   Next, explore the Reed Flute Cave, aka the "Palace of Natural Art". There are numerous exquisitely carved stalagmites, stalactites, stone pillars, and stone flowers inside the cave, like a magnificent underground palace.

   Afterwards, head to the Guilin airport to catch a flight to Shanghai.

   Accommodation: in Shanghai

10. Day 10: Shanghai Highlights Tour
    Enjoy a Historical and Modern Exploration of Shanghai

    Shanghai Museum is the beginning of your China tour package in Shanghai. It is home to an extensive collection of ancient Chinese art and artifacts. Your guide will lead you to explore various galleries, to see ceramics, paintings, calligraphy, and more.

    Next, go to experience the tranquil charm of Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden with exquisite architecture, scenic pavilions and ponds. Adjacent to the garden, you can explore the bustling Yuyuan Bazaar, finding local snacks, crafts, and souvenirs.

    

    Then, transfer you to ascend Shanghai World Financial Center, the fourth tallest building in China. You will see the breathtaking skyline and a panoramic view of the city. Stroll along the first commercial pedestrian street in China, Nanjing Road, to savor the openness and prosperity of this city. Last, go to the famous Wai Tan, aka the Bund, a must see for visitors in Shanghai. What impresses tourists the most are the 52 buildings, which blend various international architectural styles and can be called the "International Architecture Exhibition".

    You can experience an optional activity - a relaxing Huangpu River night cruise (at your own expense).

    Accommodation: in Shanghai

11. Day 11: Departure from Shanghai
    Explore the Creative District of Tianzifang

    Today is the last day of your Shanghai tour. In the morning, you will visit the Jade Buddha Temple first. The temple is named after the Jade Buddha that mainly enshrined in the temple. We mainly visit the the Main Hall and the Jade Buddha Building. As one of the top ten attractions for Shanghai tours, it is a piece of pure land in the busy downtown.

    Next, explore a creative industry park - Tianzifang. It was converted from a Shikumen complex, where studios, galleries and cafes of artists and designers are gathered. Strolling through the alleys, you can enjoy various art exhibitions, handicrafts and creative decorations.

    

    Later, your driver will escort you to take a flight to your next destination or home. Your 11-day private China tour ends here. If you want to extend your Shanghai tour to Suzhou / Hangzhou / Huangshan, we will be happy to arrange it for you.

    Accommodation: N/A