13 Days China Tour of Beijing – Xian – Hangzhou – Huangshan – Shanghai

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Beijing Arrival

   A warm welcome to our 13-day tour in China departing from Beijing, the capital city of China! Upon your arrival, a local private driver will meet you at the airport/train station, and you’re supposed to easily notice them as they’ll be holding "China Xian Tour" on board.

   Then you’ll arrive at your hotel shortly. Spend the rest of the day freely and experiencing Beijing's vibrant nightlife as a local is a good choice. For those who are curious about authentic Beijing flavors, Wangfujing Snack Street is a good place to go. And the Houhai Bar Street can give you a relaxing escape to music from the city’s busy life.

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   4-Star Hotel in Beijing
2. Day 2: Beijing City Exploration
   Admire the Magnificent Imperial Buildings from Hundreds of Years Ago

   Meet your tour guide in the hotel in the morning and then drive to visit Tian'anmen Square, the largest city square in the world. And after exploring the square, you will walk to visit the Forbidden City, one of the largest and most completely preserved palace complexes that mainly constructed by woods. It’s the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1912), which has witnessed 24 emperors of the two dynasties made their reigns. You’ll be spending around 3 hours here, and your guide will take you to visit most of the main halls and courtyards.

   

   You will spend your afternoon hours at Summer Palace for relaxation activities. The palace served as the main summer residence for Qing Dynasty emperors. The site provides you with multiple experiences including breathtaking lake viewss, the discovery of the beautiful Long Corridor, the viewing of valuable historical artifacts, the chance to walk on the beautiful stone bridge and the opportunity to observe towering ancient trees. The option of taking a boat ride to view the magnificent Kunming Lake is available but you should pay for the service themselves.

   The next destination you will visit is the historic South Luogu Lane which people also know as Nanluoguxiang. The traditional residential district maintains its original hutong design which uses a checkerboard pattern to represent the Yuan Dynasty. The tour guide will show you the alleys while you explore hidden cultural elements and you can choose to visit either bars or souvenir shops or cafes.

   The artificial lake which local people call Houhai as Beijing's Bar Street originated during the Yuan Dynasty from 1271 to 1368. The place was a royal family exclusive area during ancient times. The lake now features multiple bars, restaurants, cafes and shops.

   In the evening, if you are interested, you can appreciate the Chinese Kungfu Show at Red Star Theater.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Beijing
3. Day 3: China Great Wall in Beijing
   Enjoy a Great Wall Hike on Mutianyu, Explore the 2008 Olympic Sites

   Before heading to the Great Wall, you will first be guided to visit Dingling - the mausoleum of Emperor Zhu Yijun, the longest among all of the emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) and his two empresses. After that, continue your Beijing tour to the Great Wall.

   As the most scenic part of the Chinese Great Wall, Mutianyu was built in the early Ming Dynasty in 1368 and stretches for 5400 meters. Ninety percent of the Mutianyu is covered by vegetation. So you will enjoy unique scenery in each season. The cable car is available and optional if hiking is too much for you. After all the activities, be transferred back to your downtown hotel. If you’re traveling with children, instead of a long hiking, you can try the fun toboggan ride down the mountain, which can be more exciting while saving a great energy.

   Tips: Toboggan rides should be avoided by those who are older than 60 years while children under 10 years must have an adult to ride. The cable car is a second option for you to save energy down the mountain.

   On the way, have an exterior visit to the marvelous Bird's Nest and Water Cube which were built for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Beijing
4. Day 4: Beijing to Xi'an by High Speed Train
   Explore Xi'an Heritage and Cultural Relics

   Meet your driver in the hotel in the early morning and transfer to take a high-speed train to Xi’an. Upon arrival, the Xian local guide and driver will escort you to have lunch (at your own expense).

   You will join a guided tour of Xi'an Museum which will start at the afternoon time. The capital's founding history and Xian's development over a thousand years will be presented to you here. The museum exhibits a complete collection of Xian cultural relics which span across all historic periods. Appreciate various exhibits including Buddhist statue art ancient paintings and calligraphy as well as jade wares.

   The Small Wild Goose Pagoda stands in the same scenic area. The Tang Dynasty imperial court constructed it to store Buddhist scriptures which monk Yijing brought back from his travels. The pagoda originally reached 15 stories but earthquakes caused it to lose two highest sections, leaving 13 stories that stand at 43.4 meters high.

   After that, be transferred to visit her sister within the Daci'en Temple - the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. The construction began in 652 AD when monk Xuanzang decided to create a structure for storing the sacred texts and Buddha statues he had brought back from India. The pagoda allows you to access its upper levels for an extra charge (optional) which lets you see the entire Xi'an cityscape.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Xi'an
5. Day 5: Xi'an Terracotta Army Tour
   Dig into Profound History of This Ancient Capital

   Your China tour in Xian today takes you to visit the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses. The site which local farmers discovered while digging a well in 1974 serves as "the Eighth Wonder of the World." Now it has turned into one of China's key tourist destinations. The museum includes Pit 1 (the largest pit), Pit 2, Pit 3, and the exhibition hall of the chariots and horses. You will stay in the museum for 2-2.5 hours. The expert tour guide will explain to you about the hidden story of the life-sized sculptures.

   

   In the afternoon, go back to the city area to visit the 600-year-old Ancient City Wall, the best preserved and largest existing city wall in China. Biking riding on City Wall (optional, at an extra fee) along the ramparts provides a panoramic view of the city and you’ll get to see ancient Chinese people’s wisdom by taking an insight into the defense strategies they’ve made and retained.

   Then it’s the time to walk in the Muslim Quarter, a bustling street full of local street food and vibrant markets. As Xi’an is also famous for its hearty specialties like Biang Biang noodles, roujiamo, and freshly baked flatbreads, the Muslim street is exactly where you can find all of them. And it should be even more enjoyable to have them in the lively atmosphere of one of Xi’an’s oldest neighborhoods.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Xi'an
6. Day 6: Xi’an to Hangzhou by Flight
   Learn about a Buddhist Temple, Have a First Impression of Longjing

   After breakfast, take the morning flight to Hangzhou. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and driver at Hangzhou airport.

   Your guided tour in Hangzhou will take you to the 1,700-year-old Lingyin Temple, one of the most significant Buddhist temples in China. Surrounded by spectacular limestone mountains and many old trees, the temple is very serene. You will follow your tour guide to enjoy the beautiful natural scenery and explore the cultural relics. You may also spot squirrels jumping up and down in the trees.

   

   After that, go to Feilai Peak which stands just in front of Lingyin Temple. The peak composed of pure limestone differs greatly from the surrounding mountains. You will be amazed at the grotesque stones scattered everywhere, feel the charm of Buddhist art, and appreciate the vivid stone statues.

   Last, you will visit one of the most important cultural sights in Hangzhou - the China National Tea Museum. Hangzhou is home to China’s most famous variety of green tea (long jing) and it has a thousand years’ history of tea planting. For tea enthusiasts, the museum is educational and enjoyable. The Exhibition Hall displays the development of tea throughout the dynasties and traditional tea etiquette. Walking through the tea fields around the main hall are several tea-houses where to sip a cup of tea and clear your mind.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Hangzhou
7. Day 7: Hangzhou's Essence
   Explore around West Lake and Go Deep into the Tea Culture

   Today you will first visit the most highlighted site in Hangzhou – West Lake. First take a stroll along the lakeside paths, and it’s a good chance to enjoy the view of Three Pools Mirroring the Moon and Broken Bridge, and the whole experience can be even prettier with the willow-lined banks reflecting in the water.

   The lake offers you boat rides to experience peaceful gliding through scenic pavilions and bridges and islands while you may even see the same views which inspired many poets and painters to create their greatest works. The next stop will be Leifeng Pagoda. The pagoda's upper level provides you with a complete view of the lake's scenic area.

   After lunch, move forward to Meijiawu Tea Village, with a history of 600 years, this village is well known for producing high-quality Longjing tea. Here you will see layers and layers of green tea trees all over the mountains, have a chance to taste authentic Longjing tea, and learn more about Chinese tea culture.

   

   The local cultural experience takes you to walk through Hefang Street. The ancient street has existed for many years which developed a deep cultural heritage. The street with its old cobblestone path are lined with lovely shops that sell local snacks and unique handicrafts and tea leaves which allow you to glimpse historical buildings that have stood for centuries and pick up several perfect souvenirs to take home.

   After finishing the sightseeing, go back to your hotel.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Hangzhou
8. Day 8: Hangzhou to Huangshan by High-speed Train
   Appreciate the Hui-style Buildings at Hongcun

   Take the morning high-speed train to Huangshan. Upon arrival, met by a local guide.

   Then, follow your tour guide to start your China tour of Huangshan by exploring Tunxi Ancient Street, China’s most well-preserved ancient street combining architectural styles of the Southern Song Dynasty, Ming Dynasty, and Qing Dynasty. Stroll on the street leisurely and appreciate the Hui-style buildings.

   Then you will visit Hu Kaiwen Ink-stick Factory which was founded by Hu Kaiwen in 1765 during the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty to see how the ink stick is made. The ink stick is one of the four treasures of Chinese study (writing brush, ink stick, ink slab, and paper), and the best ink stick in China comes from Anhui Province.

   After all visits, transfer you to your hotel in Huangshan for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to relax.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Huangshan

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Huangshan
9. Day 9: Mt. Huangshan Adventure Tour
   Explore Scenic Peaks of Yellow Mountain

   The saying "After seeing the Five Great Mountains, all other mountains are nothing; but after seeing Huangshan, the Five Great Mountains are nothing" has established the status of Mount Huangshan in China. The Yellow Mountain requires a one hour drive after you finish your hotel breakfast. The shuttle bus will take you to Cloud Valley Temple after you arrive at the destination and you will go up the mountain through the cable car.

   Then hike to enjoy the scenery at Beginning-to-believe Peak, Black Tiger Pine and continue walking to Cloud-dispelling Pavilion and West Sea Valley. The staircases will create a challenge as they lead to both upward and downward paths but the breathtaking views will reward you after your climbing efforts. You can visit Sky Sea Scenic Area to see the beautiful sunset from Bright Summit and explore Flying-over Rock, which appears to float in midair, if your physical condition allows it and your schedule permits it.

   Note: You should not stare at your camera or phone when walking. Focus only on you steps.

   Tonight you will stay at a hotel on the mountain so as to wake up early to see the sunrise tomorrow.

   

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   3-Star Hotel on the Mountain
10. Day 10: Huangshan to Shanghai by Flight
    Visit Historic Hongcun Village, A UNESCO World Heritage Site

    If the weather is good, get up early to appreciate the stunning sunrise on the mountaintop. Then you will be guided to explore Xihai Scenic Area and Beihai Scenic Area to enjoy the unique scenery. A highlight you’ll encounter here is Monkey Watching the Sea (Houzi Guanhai). It’s a granite rock naturally shaped like a crouching monkey gazing into the sea and the rolling “sea of clouds.” When mist rises after sunrise, the stone monkey will seemingly turn alive, creating one of Huangshan’s most poetic and iconic scenes.

    After a short rest, drive to visit Hongcun Village where you will see the original buildings from the Ming and the Qing Dynasties (1368AD-1911AD). In the 870-year-old village, you will see South Lake, Chengzhi Hall, Lexu Hall, Shuren Hall, and many other highlight places. At last, transfer you to Huangshan Airport for a flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, meet your local private driver and be escorted to a hotel in Shanghai.

    

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    4-Star Hotel in Shanghai
11. Day 11: Shanghai Highlights Tour
    Experience the Past and Present of the Magic City

    In the morning, your tour guide will pick you up from the downtown hotel and start your China tour in Shanghai with the famous Yuyuan Garden. Located in the heart of Shanghai’s Old City (near the City God Temple), this garden was originally built during the Ming Dynasty (1559)as a private retreat.

    It displays exceptional beauty which people consider to be a perfect example of traditional Chinese garden design. The interior space invites you to appreciate its elegant rock gardens, small pools and ancient trees. The Exquisite Jade Rock and the Grand Rockery exist as two essential highlights which showcase the visual aesthetics of traditional Chinese garden design.

    Yuyuan Bazaar located nearby is a bustling market where you can discover various activities including traditional craft shopping, souvenir purchasing and local snack tasting. You should visit the store to find gifts which you can give to your friends and family. Remember to negotiate your price until you reach an acceptable agreement.

    After that, move on to the Shanghai Museum. The museum houses millions of collections and especially features bronze wares, porcelain works, paintings, and calligraphy works.  Finishing the exploration of history, stroll on People Square to have a glimpse of the daily life of the locals.

    

    After lunch, be guided to visit the Former French Concession, the largest and most prosperous concession among all the four French concessions in old China. Here your guide will reveal a history of humiliation and you will see many old beautiful European-style buildings that look very charming hidden in the shade of French parasol trees.

    Afterward, come to the earliest shopping street in Shanghai - Nanjing Road. Your guide will point out the four time-honored department stores, Yong'an Company, Xianshi Company, Xinxin Company, and Daxin Company, from which you can get a bit history of this commercial street.

    Last, enjoy your sightseeing in one of the landmarks of Shanghai - the Bund. The area used to be a desolate tidal flat, but turned into a British settlement and Shanghai's financial center in the late Qing Dynasty. At the Bund, many visitors would take the optional activity to join a Huangpu River night cruise. As you slowly glide through the city’s stunning skyline, you’re also going deeper into Shanghai’s soul.

    

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    4-Star Hotel in Shanghai
12. Day 12: Half-Day at Zhujiajiao Water Town
    Enjoy a Leisurely Time in the Venice of Shanghai

    Today you will enjoy and relax in one of the most famous Water Towns in China - Zhujiajiao Water Town.

    Zhuajiajiao Water Town has a history of more than 1,700 years. With its stunning charm, people now affectionately call the town "the Venice of Shanghai". The water town presents a historical experience which leads you to imagine life during the Ming and Qing dynasties. You can see the exquisite beauty of the stone bridges spanning the rivers and the historic buildings which create a scene that appears to exist only in traditional Chinese artwork. To maximize tourists’ sightseeing activities, the water town offers a gondola experience which lets you discover its special charm.

    Friendly Tips: Taking a boat cruise along the river is excluded. If you would like, please feel free to ask your tour guide for assistance (optional).

    

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    4-Star Hotel in Shanghai
13. Day 13: Departure from Shanghai

    After breakfast, your guide will escort you to the airport for your departure. Your 13-day Beijing Xian Hangzhou Huangshan Shanghai tour ends here! Say goodbye to China Xian Tour with cherished memories. Safe travels!

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