11-Day China North and South Scenic Tour

11-Day China North and South Scenic Tour

This itinerary takes you on an exploration of China's rich history and culture. From the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven in Beijing to the Mutianyu Great Wall, experience the imperial culture. Next, head to Xi'an to uncover the Terracotta Army and the Ancient City Wall, and learn about the ancient history. In Guilin, admire the natural scenery of the Li River and the Longji Rice Terraces. Finally, in Shanghai, feel the bustling cityscape and the historic buildings along the Bund. This trip allows you to delve deep into the essence of Chinese culture.

The following itinerary is just one option. Alternatively, tell us what interests you, and our travel experts will tailor this tour based on your interests, hobbies, and budget.

Tour Map

Tour Map
  • Beijing: Explore the Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City, and Summer Palace to gain insights into imperial culture; visit Mutianyu and Simatai Great Walls, and experience the unique charm of Gubei Water Town, known as the "Little Jiangnan Beyond the Great Wall".
  • Xi'an: Unveil the mystery of the Terracotta Army, bike on the Ancient City Wall, savor authentic food in Muslim Quarter, and visit the Xi'an History Museum.
  • Guilin: Take a cruise on the Li River to appreciate the natural beauty of karst landforms; experience the tranquil and harmonious countryside life in Yangshuo; go hiking to feel the charming scenery of Longji Rice Terraces.
  • Shanghai: Enjoy the beauty of the classical gardens of Yu Garden in Jiangnan, as well as the development and changes of the Bund since the 1920s.

Itinerary Day by Day

Breakfast & Lunch

Upon your flight's arrival, our tour guide will greet you with the warmest smile in the arrival hall of the airport and arrange a private car to take you safely to your hotel.

Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, our journey begins at the Temple of Heaven, where towering ancient trees create a serene environment. Locals enjoy practicing tai chi, dancing, and various exercises. A short walk will take you to the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, a circular building with a blue glazed tile roof. After visiting the Hall of Prayer, we proceed to the Circular Mound Altar, where Ming and Qing emperors held prayers for a good harvest.

Temple of Heaven


In the afternoon, we arrive at the Forbidden City, located in the heart of Beijing and once the residence of the imperial families of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Entering through the Meridian Gate, the first thing you see is the Hall of Supreme Harmony, one of the most spectacular buildings in the Forbidden City and a prime spot for photos. After exploring the Hall of Supreme Harmony, continue north along the central axis of the Forbidden City, passing through the Hall of Central Harmony and Hall of Preserving Harmony. Along the way, many small and exquisite halls and gardens await discovery, and every corner may hide an unknown story. After leaving the Forbidden City, we proceed to Jingshan Park. Standing at the top of Jingshan Hill, you can capture a panoramic view of the Forbidden City.

Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, we will head to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall to explore this beautiful stretch and listen to the unique stories behind it.

In the afternoon, we will proceed to Gubei Water Town at the foot of the Simatai section of the Great Wall. As night falls, golden lights illuminate the city wall, outlining the entire Simatai Great Wall in a clear shape, resembling a "glittering dragon" winding along the mountain contours, providing visitors with an unprecedented visual spectacle. After descending the Great Wall, step into Gubei Water Town, which has the reputation of being the "Little Jiangnan Beyond the Great Wall".


Great Wall


It is a town that blends the scenery of northern mountains with the waterside charm of Jiangnan. Walking on the stone-paved roads, you can taste various snacks from the shops on both sides. In addition, there are wonderful performances in the town, allowing you to deeply feel the enthusiasm and hospitality of the local residents.

Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, we will embark on a journey to explore the most beautiful imperial garden. Every step will let you feel the unique charm of the royal garden.
After lunch, we will take the high-speed train to Xi'an.

Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, we proceed to explore the Terracotta Army, hailed as the Eighth Wonder of the World. This wonder was ordered by the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, to guard his empire in the afterlife. Over 8,000 life-sized figures of soldiers, horses, and chariots lie quietly in three massive pits, having survived for over two thousand years until their accidental discovery in 1974. This ancient legion, composed of infantry and cavalry, not only demonstrates Qin Shi Huang's grand vision for unifying the six kingdoms but also witnesses the remarkable artistic achievements of ancient Chinese craftsmen.


Terracotta Army

In the afternoon, we arrive at the Ancient City Wall of Xi'an, which has guarded the city for 1,400 years. Walking on the city wall, you can not only feel its long history up close but also enjoy a beautiful view of Xi'an.

Breakfast & Lunch

The Xi'an Museum mainly collects precious artifacts from dynasties such as Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang.
The Small Wild Goose Pagoda, built in the 8th century within the Jianfu Temple in Tang Dynasty Chang'an, is an important symbol of the spread of Buddhism. As one of the "Three Great Translation Centers of Chang'an in the Tang Dynasty," it is not only famous for the Buddhist scriptures translated here by the eminent monk Yijing but also witnesses the prosperity of Buddhism in Tang Dynasty Chang'an.

Then, head to Muslim Quarter to taste the local specialty foods. Afterward, take a flight to Guilin to continue your journey.

Breakfast & Lunch

Walking along the winding paths of the Longji Rice Terraces, the scent of rice fills the air. Gently touching the vigorous rice leaves, you can almost feel the vitality of each grain of rice. Fish swim leisurely in the paddy fields, and snails crawl slowly.


Longji Rice Terraces

Continuing forward, arrive at the "Seven Stars Accompanying the Moon" viewing platform. Standing here, looking out in all directions, the terraces wind up from the foot of the mountain to the top, with rolling hills and undulating landscapes. They are not only showcase the magnificent beauty of nature but also allow you to listen to the beautiful love legend of "Seven Stars Accompanying the Moon," as if personally integrating into a romantic and mysterious story.

Breakfast & Lunch

Board a comfortable cruise ship to embark on a journey along the Li River. Floating downstream, make your way to Yangshuo. On both sides of the Li River, green mountains and clear waters complement each other, with the river surface as clear as a mirror. Water buffaloes graze leisurely, farmers work diligently, and traditional villages that coexist harmoniously with nature dot the landscape, as if placed within a series of continuous Chinese ink paintings. After about 4.5 hours of sailing, we arrive in Yangshuo.

In this lazy afternoon, sit in a café, order a cup of rich coffee, and take a seat by the window. Look out the window and savor this old street with a history of over 1,400 years. It not only retains the architectural style of the Qing Dynasty and the characteristics of northern Guangxi folk houses but also cleverly integrates the rich history and culture of Yangshuo. As one of the most prosperous streets in the area, West Street, with its unique charm, attracts countless domestic and foreign tourists to explore.

Breakfast & Lunch

In the morning after breakfast, you can explore the countryside by bike. Ride along rural paths surrounded by continuous rice paddies and undulating karst hills. Stop anytime along the way to talk with locals, listen to their stories, enjoy a cup of tea, and soak in the peaceful scenery around you. This not only allows you to better immerse yourself in local life but also brings relaxation to your soul.


Yangshuo Biking

In the afternoon, you will depart for Shanghai by plane.

Breakfast & Lunch

Yu Garden is regarded as a highlight among the ancient gardens of Jiangnan. The garden showcases the charm of traditional Chinese architectural design, with cleverly laid-out pavilions, towers, and halls, fish swimming in ponds, and tall pine trees standing tall. Every corner is designed to delight visitors.

We will take you back to the golden era of the Bund in the 1920s, exploring Shanghai-ever bright city, while also feeling the unique charm and stories of old Shanghai.


The Bund


Breakfast & Lunch

On the last day of your Shanghai tour, as this journey is about to come to an end, we sincerely thank you for your trust and support and look forward to the opportunity to serve you again on your next trip to China or Asia!

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