China Tour from Hong Kong to Beijing via Guilin, Shanghai & Xi’an

Begin your 13 days’ China tour in Hong Kong, one of the most prosperous cities in all of China. After being assisted to your hotel by the local guide and driver, you can take a break or freely explore this spectacular island city the rest of today.

After breakfast, take a visit to several famous attractions in Hong Kong, first is Victoria Peak, a great place for people to have a panoramic view of the Hong Kong city. The peak is the highest mountain on Hong Kong island at a low 552 m. (1,811 ft.)

Then head to Repulse Bay located on the south coast of Hong Kong island. This spectacular bay got its name from a 19th-century battle in which the British army repulsed attacking pirates, but now it’s a picturesque residential area for dinner and relaxation. Afterward, go to visit Stanley Market, which is a traditional old open-air market jammed with many little shops selling Chinese souvenirs in Hong Kong. 

The last spot of your tour today will be the Aberdeen Fish Village, a great place for you to taste the local seafood delicacies.

After lunch, continue exploring Hong Kong on your own and experience this shopping mecca, you can find almost anything your heart desires.

Spend the morning freely exploring Hong Kong’s Kowloon area on your own, then transfer to the Hong Kong train station for the noon high-speed train to Guilin (about 3 hours). Upon arrival, your local Guilin driver (or driver and guide) will meet you at the train station and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Guilin at your own pace.

After breakfast, head to the Zhujiang pier in Guilin and board a 4-hour Li River cruise to Yangshuo, a charming town surrounded by classic karst scenery. Sit back and enjoy the dramatic limestone peaks, clear waters, and peaceful river life along the way. Lunch will be served on board before you arrive in Yangshuo.

In the afternoon, enjoy a 2–3 hour countryside ride by bicycle in Yangshuo. Walking or taking a motorcycle is also an option if you prefer. Travel through rice fields, village lanes, and farmland, and stop at a local farmer’s home for a closer look at daily rural life in this scenic part of China.

In the morning, your local guide will meet you at your hotel and take you to the 600-year-old Dragon Bridge, an ancient stone arch bridge at the upper reaches of the Yulong River. Enjoy the peaceful countryside scenery before taking a relaxing 1.5-hour bamboo raft ride from Dragon Bridge to Jiuxian Ancient Village. Along the way, admire bamboo groves, rice paddies, fruit orchards, small villages, and farmlands lining the riverbanks. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through Jiuxian Ancient Village to appreciate its quiet lanes, traditional homes, and tranquil rural charm.

In the afternoon, drive to Xianggong Hill (Husband Mountain). A short 15-minute walk will take you to the summit, where you’ll be rewarded with a sweeping panoramic view of the Li River and the surrounding karst peaks. Then continue to Guilin Airport for your flight to Shanghai.

Upon arrival at Shanghai, your local Shanghai driver (or driver and guide) will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight at Shanghai.

After breakfast, start your day with a visit to Yu Garden, a beautifully preserved classical Chinese garden built during the Ming Dynasty. Wander through its elegant pavilions, koi-filled ponds, rockeries, and shaded walkways, an oasis of calm in the heart of Shanghai’s bustling Old Town. Just next door, explore the lively Yuyuan Bazaar, perfect for picking up local snacks, crafts, and souvenirs.

Next, head to the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center at People’s Square to learn about the city’s transformation from fishing village to global metropolis through impressive models and multimedia displays.

In the afternoon, visit the iconic Oriental Pearl TV Tower, one of Shanghai’s most recognizable landmarks. Ride up to the observation decks for panoramic views of the city and the Huangpu River. Then, take a walk down Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s bustling commercial street, before arriving at the historic Shanghai Bund, where colonial architecture faces off with the modern skyline across the river.

In the evening, you can choose to enjoy a Huangpu River night cruise (optional, extra fee applied), offering stunning views of illuminated Shanghai.

Begin your day with a 1.5-hour drive from Shanghai to Suzhou, a city renowned for its classical gardens. Your first stop is the Lingering Garden Along with the Humble Administrator’s Garden, this ancient garden was also recorded by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Afterwards head to the well-preserved Pingjiang Road, which offers a chance to experience Suzhou’s ancient canals, historical architecture, and enjoy local food as your lunch.

In the afternoon, take a cruise along the Grand Canal, the longest canal or artificial river in the world. Then head to the Tiger Hill to visit historical sites such as the 1000-year-old Yunyan Pagoda, a seven-story structure that famously leans much like the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Sword Pool, as well as the Bonsai Garden at the foot of the hill for its intricate art. Late afternoon drive back to Shanghai. Overnight at Shanghai. 

In the morning, drive to the airport for a flight to Xi’an which will take over 2 hours. The tour in Xi’an will begin in the afternoon after you have checked in at the hotel. First, head to the Beilin Museum (Forest of Stone Steles Museum), it is a treasure trove of Chinese calligraphy, historical documents, and stone carvings, housing over 3,000 steles, then move to Xi’an City Wall where you can choose to walk or bike bicycle (Bicycle renting fee is on your own), following explore Shuyuan Cultural Streets, a bustling street lined with an array of restaurants, souvenir shops, and street artists.

In the evening, you may enjoy the Tang Dynasty Show (optional, at your own expense) or explore the colorful night lights of Datang Sleepless City.

After breakfast, drive to the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, located in the northeastern suburbs of Xi’an. Built for Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor, this vast underground army was created to guard his tomb in the afterlife and is now widely known as the Eighth Wonder of the World. Explore the impressive excavation pits, where thousands of life-size soldiers, horses, and chariots stand in formation.

In the afternoon, take the high-speed train to Beijing (about 4.5-5 hours). Upon arrival, you’ll be met at the station and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Beijing.

Following breakfast, begin your exploration at Tiananmen Square, the heart of Beijing. This expansive square holds great significance for the Chinese, often hosting important national events. You’ll visit highlights such as the Monument to People’s Heroes located at the square’s center.

Next, delve into the history of the Forbidden City, an ancient palace where 24 emperors resided during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Your guide will offer detailed insights into the city’s history and the lives of those who inhabited it. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its extensive collection of preserved wooden structures, the Forbidden City holds immense cultural importance.

Continue your journey to Jingshan Park, situated opposite the Forbidden City. A climb to the park’s summit rewards you with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Forbidden City and the sprawling Beijing cityscape.

After lunch, head northwest to explore the Summer Palace, a royal retreat built during the Qing dynasty. Stroll through its spectacular gardens, palaces, and temples, and admire the architectural beauty. In the evening, you might consider to savor the world famous Beijing roast duck or another local specialty for dinner.

In the morning, drive for about 1.5 hours to visit the Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the best-preserved sections of the wall. If you prefer not to walk up, no worries, you can take the cable car for a scenic ride to the top, or, for a more thrilling experience, descend via a toboggan (optional, with an additional fee). On the way back to Beijing downtown, you will stop to visit one of the Ming Tombs, specifically the Changling Tomb, the largest and best-preserved of the tombs, often described as a “Forbidden City in miniature.” You also will stop at the Olympic Green to view the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube from the outside (entrance tickets to the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube are not included).

Finally, you will have the option to be dropped off at your hotel or the Donghuamen night market to conclude the day.

Start your day at the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests, now a peaceful park where locals practice tai chi and morning exercises.

Then head to the historic Shichahai area for a glimpse of old Beijing life. Enjoy a rickshaw ride through narrow Hutong alleys, visit a traditional courtyard home, and stroll along the charming Yandai Xiejie near the Drum Tower. Then head to visit Prince Gong’s Mansion (Gongwang Fu), a grand Qing Dynasty residence known for its elegant halls, tranquil gardens, and rich history as the home of one of the era’s most influential statesmen. The rest of today is free for you to explore Beijing on your own.

After breakfast, you’ll be escorted to the airport for your departure. Wishing you a pleasant journey home. If you’d like to extend your trip, WindhorseTour is always happy to help tailor additional travel within China.