13-Day China Educational Family Trip: Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu & Shanghai

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Beijing

   Welcome to Beijing! Your private tour guide will pick you up on time and take you to your hotel for check-in. You're free to make your own plans for the rest of the day.

   Free time activities:

   • If you're a food lover, we recommend seeking out some old brands or eateries that locals like to patronize. We have prepared for you a detailed guide to the best Beijing foods for your reference.
   • You can also go shopping in Sanlitun, a famous shopping hub for international brands and fashion boutiques. Houhai and Yangmei Zhuxie Street are busy areas for nightlives and bars.

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   4-Star Hotel in Beijing
2. Day 2: Beijing Cultural Exploration
   Learn about China’s Imperial Examination System and Experience Local Culture

   Start your Beijing educational family tour at the Confucius Temple. There are many Confucius temples across the country, but this one in Beijing was the worship site of Confucius for the royal families during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties. You can get to know about Confucianism in China.

   Then head to the Imperial College (Guozijian) next to the temple. It’s the highest level of academic institution in China during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties. You can learn about the education and examination system of ancient China in more detail.

   

   As you’re having lunch, your tour guide will help you try to communicate with your server in Mandarin. It’s a great opportunity for you and your kids to learn.

   Our next stop Yonghe Palace, or Lama Temple, where Emperor Qianlong was born and spent his early years. Admire the majestic architecture with red walls and golden roof tiles. See the exquisite Thangkas (Tibetan Buddhist paintings). And experience the Tibetan Buddhism temple atmosphere.

   Dinner ideas & more fun activities:

   • For dinner, try traditional Beijing Copper Pot Hotpot. Freshly sliced beef and lamb are boiled and dipped in the thick sesame sauce. It’s a perfect heart-warming meal for a family.
   • In the evening, you can go to an acrobatic show with your family. The performing artists on stage demonstrate excellent courage, balance, and flexibility. The stunts they put on will leave you in awe.

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   4-Star Hotel in Beijing
3. Day 3: Great Wall of Beijing
   The Magnificent Great Wall Hiking Day Trip

   Today, have a hike on the Mutianyu Great Wall known for its gorgeous views and being less crowded. Compared to the more famous Badaling section, it is better for sightseeing and hiking. Two visiting routes are recommended below:

   For natural scenery – most recommended route:

   Take a cable car to Watchtower 14. Reach the iconic stele that says, “He who has not climbed the Great Wall is not a true man.” Hike westward along the Hero Slope to Watchtower 20. This section is known for its steep inclines, but at the highest point, you will have the best panoramic view of the entire section and the surrounding scenery. Then continue your hike towards the east to Watchtower 6 to take the chairlift down.

   

   For a quiet and tranquil hike – less crowded route:

   Take a chairlift up to Watchtower 6. Hike eastward to Zhengguantai Pass, an iconic landmark of Mutianyu Great Wall made up of three towers. Looking out of the battlement from here, the view is particularly expansive. You can follow the same route back down.

   After our Great Wall tour, on the way back to downtown Beijing, stop to see the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, the two major venues of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. You can take your family photo against the colorful structures.

   We have arranged dinner for you at a restaurant that serves Peking Ducks, a renowned dish that originated from the Ming and Qing court. Watch the chef slice the roasted duck in front of you with impressive skills. Learn the traditional way of enjoying the dish. Wrap a thin slice of pancake around pieces of duck and condiments like cucumber sticks, spring onion, and sweet bean sauce, so you get a little bit of everything in one bite.

   Travel tips:

   • The chairlift and cable car will save you a lot of time for sightseeing compared to hiking up and down the mountain. Your tour guide can help you purchase tickets for them on site.
   • For a more exciting and fun experience at the Great Wall, you can take a toboggan ride down from Watchtower 6 (not recommended for kids under 10).

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   4-Star Hotel in Beijing
4. Day 4: Beijing Highlights
   Uncover Beijing’s Imperial History and Hidden Life of Hutongs

   Begin the classic Beijing city exploration today at Tian'anmen Square. It’s the largest city square in the world. See the magnificent architecture and take the chance to learn some signs in Chinese.

   Within walking distance is the Forbidden City, the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. There are many routes to tour this massive architectural complex. Your tour guide will choose the best one for you depending on situation of the day and tell you about the royal stories that have taken place on the palace grounds.

   

   To get to know Beijing local life, you must head down the old hutongs. Take a rickshaw ride down the narrow alleyways. You’ll see traditional Beijing sihe courtyards, old Chinese Scholar trees, and animal gate piers.

   Save the rest of the day for the Summer Palace. Walk around Kunming Lake and feel the quietude of the royal garden. See over 14,000 exquisite paintings along the world’s longest painted corridor.

   If you'd like to capture the stunning sunset over the lake, head to Zhichun Pavilion on the eastern bank. It’s the best photo spot to capture the Seventeen-Arch Bridge being outlined in the golden sunlight.

   Optional activities:

   • If you're tired from walking in the Summer Palace, you can take a boat ride on the lake and sail into the reflection of the Longevity Hill.
   • Visit a sihe courtyard to discover the traditional life of Beijing. You can experience many cultural activities like Chinese calligraphy, making a Lord Rabbit figurine, and painting a Beijing Opera mask.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Beijing
5. Day 5: Beijing to Xi'an by High-Speed Train
   Experience a Typical Beijing Morning and Travel to Xi’an

   Temple of Heaven was used to the ceremonial site for emperors. Its central structure is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. Its round body, three-tiered roofs, and blue glazed glass tiles make it a beautiful and unique piece of architecture. Not a single nail is used in its building.

   Steer away from the crowds; the best photo spot is to the west of the hall over the field of grass and corridor.

   Continue your visit to the Temple of Heaven Park to observe locals doing morning exercises, dancing, and practicing Tai Chi. They always welcome travelers to join them. It’s a good chance to have some conversations and get close to their daily life.

   

   This will mark the end of your Beijing tour. You’ll then take a high-speed train to Xi’an.

   Travel tips:

   We can arrange a Tai Chi class for you to experience. Under the guidance of a professional teacher, a set of slow movements along with deep breathing will help you relax and coordinate your body and mind.

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   4-Star Hotel in Xi'an
6. Day 6: Xi'an Cultural Experience
   Witness the World Wonder Unearthed in Xi’an and Explore the City Center

   At the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, you’ll see this world wonder: thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, war horses, and chariots.

   Over 2,000 years ago, the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang ordered the construction of this World Heritage Site. Each warrior has unique expressions and armor.

   After your visit, your tour guide will take you to a local cave dwelling (Yaodong) nearby. They are cool during summers and warm during winters.

   

   Thanks to the thick layers of soil around them, the heat and cold are kept out of the dwellings.

   Then return to downtown Xi’an to the city’s most central landmark, the Bell Tower.

   The walk to the Muslim Quarter will only be 5 minutes. It’s the best place to try out all kinds of local snacks like Biangbiang noodles, Chinese Hamburgers with Meat, Cake Caldron, and soup dumplings.

   Optional activities:

   If you and your families are interested, you can handmake your own mini clay warrior at a workshop near the Terracotta Warrior Museum.

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   4-Star Hotel in Xi'an
7. Day 7: Xi'an City Sightseeing
   Explore the Historical Downtown Xi’an

   Uncover the city’s thousands of years of history at Xi’an Museum. It has a large collection of artifacts from bronzeware, pottery, to exquisite silverware and goldware.

   Walking out of the museum, you’ll enter a quiet garden that will take you out of the busy city atmosphere. Take a leisurely walk over the stone paved paths, past the Small Wild Goose Pagoda from Tang Dynasty.

   Then we’ll head to the Ancient City Wall of Xi’an. It’s the largest and best-preserved ancient military defense system in China. Take a walk over it and have a panoramic view of the city below.

   

   We’ll spend the rest of the day visiting a local family so you can experience the actual daily life in Xi’an. Learn how to make dumplings by hand, one of the most representative dishes of China and traditionally a symbol of familial bond.

   When the evening falls, we’ll go to Datang Everbright City. There’s a 2km long pedestrian street lit up with warm golden light. The shops and decorations are to recreate the grandeur of the prosperous Tang era.

   Asia’s largest music fountain show is nearby. You’ll also encounter NPCs dressed up in Tang costumes who come up to interact with you.

   Travel tips:

   • Biking is a great way to tour the City Wall. It’ll save you time and energy. Your tour guide can help you rent a bike on site.
   • At Datang Everbright City, you can have a more immersive experience by putting on a Han costume and make-up.

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   4-Star Hotel in Xi'an
8. Day 8: Xi'an to Chengdu by High-Speed Train
   Arrive in Chengdu and Tour the City Highlights

   The first thing today is to take a high-speed train from Xi’an to Chengdu, the hometown of giant pandas. After your arrival, your local tour guide will pick you up from the train station. Your Chengdu tour will start straight from there.

   Walk down Chunxi Road and see the world’s largest giant panda statue climbing off a building.

   Make a stop at the Panda Post Office. You can write a postcard in Chinese for your family or friends at home. Your tour guide can help you with this special experience.

   The next stop will be Kuanzhai Alley. It’s a famous historical district of Chengdu with old Qing Dynasty courtyard architecture. There are plenty of local foods and snacks to try like Chuan Chuan Xiang (spicy skewers) and Zhong Dumplings. It’s known for embodying the city’s unique leisurely vibe.

   At the end of the day, your tour guide will take you to your hotel and help you check in.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Chengdu
9. Day 9: Chengdu Panda Tour
   Observe the Adorable Giant Pandas and Enjoy a Hotpot Meal

   Get up early to head to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. You’ll be able to avoid the crowds and see the pandas when they’re the most active. Observe them eating bamboo, climbing trees, and playing with each other.

   Your tour guide will tell you some interesting facts about giant pandas and help you take family photos with them in the background.

   

   For lunch, have a traditional hotpot meal which is the most representative Chengdu food. You will cook meat and vegetables in a spicy broth and dip them in a sesame oil-based sauce. The taste profile is unique being spicy, numbing, and umami.

   In the afternoon, enjoy the slow Chengdu life at People’s Park. Sit in a bamboo chair with a cup of tea. Watch locals chatting or playing Mahjong under the tree.

   Make your way to the historic Jinli Street. Its Ming and Qing-style buildings have lanterns hanging from the top. You’ll smell delicious Dan Dan Noodles and Sugar-Coated Glutinous Balls. Artisans will make Maltose Lollipops on site with fun designs of your choice.

   Optional activities:

   • At People’s Park, you can have a uniquely local Cai Er (ear cleaning) experience. It’s supposed to be very relaxing.
   • Watch a Sichuan Face-Changing Opera on Jinli Street. It’s an ancient folk art where the actor swaps his or her mask in an instant. It’s very impressive to watch.

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   4-Star Hotel in Chengdu
10. Day 10: Leshan Visit, Chengdu to Shanghai by Flight
    See the Awe-Inspiring Wonder of Leshan and Travel to Shanghai

    Today, drive for an hour or so from your hotel to Leshan where the Leshan Giant Buddha stands as the world’s largest seated Buddha statue. It is 71 meters in height, and you can climb up 333 steps to see this magnificent statue in detail.

    Your Chengdu tour will end here. You’ll then take a flight to the international metropolis of Shanghai.

    Travel tips:

    If you’re traveling with elders or young children, instead of hiking to the top of Leshan Giant Buddha, you can take a boat ride over the water to see the whole statue from a distance.

    

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    4-Star Hotel in Shanghai
11. Day 11: Shanghai City Essence
    Discover the Famous City of Shanghai through its Highlights

    First thing on your schedule today is to take a morning walk down Shanghai Old Street. Get yourself a coffee and walk through the traditional shikumen buildings.

    Then visit the famous landmark Yu Garden. Its exquisite rockeries, corridors, and windows epitomize classic Jiangnan Garden landscaping.

    After seeing the historical side of Shanghai, now you’ll head over to the most futuristic district of the city, Lujiazui. In Shanghai Tower, the tallest building of China, the elevator will take you to the viewing deck on the 118^th floor (546 meters) in just 1 minute. You will have an amazing panoramic view of the city below.

    Afterwards, take a walk along the Bund across Huangpu River. On that side of the river, there are many western-styled historical buildings that are remnants of Shanghai’s past. You can hear about their histories associated with designers, bankers, and merchants back in their time.

    

    For the rest of the day, enjoy a customized half-day tour in Shanghai. Your travel consultant will suggest a unique itinerary for you and your family based on your interests with activities like museum visits or going to some kids-friendly blocks.

    You can also choose to explore the city on your own. If you’re interested in shopping and fashion, we can provide you with a detailed guide to shopping in Shanghai to help you find what you’re looking for.

    Optional activities:

    • After the night falls, you can take a Huangpu River Night Cruise to see the buildings on both sides all lit up in colors.
    • Another great activity in the evening (7pm-10pm) is to walk around the area outside of City God Temple. It’s all lit up and packed with crowds. The traditional temple structures are surrounded by all kinds of stalls and shops selling snacks and crafts. You can try as many foods as you want.

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    4-Star Hotel in Shanghai
12. Day 12: Shanghai's Disneyland
    Have a Magical Day at Shanghai Disneyland Resort

    For families traveling with kids, you can’t miss Shanghai Disneyland Resort, which is known to be “the happiest place on earth.”

    You can take photos with classic Disney characters and buy all kinds of merchandise and souvenirs.

    Everyone in the family will find some fun activities for them such as thrilling rides and lively parades down Mickey Avenue.

    After it gets dark, you will also see a stunning fireworks show. The best viewpoint is right in front of the castle.

    Notes:

    • The regular showtimes for fireworks are 8 pm and 9:15 pm. However, it might vary from day to day. Check the official website for guarantees.
    • We recommend Disneytown for dining within the resort. You’ll have lots of options for better prices.
    • If possible, we suggest getting to the resort and starting to queue at around 7 am so you can get to the popular attractions or rides with less wait time.

    

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

    It’s a good idea to book a flight in the afternoon so you can have the morning to yourselves in Shanghai, whether you want to sleep in or have breakfast at a café.

    After a slow morning, your personal driver will take you to the airport or train station according to your departure time. Your 13-day educational China family tour will end here. We hope you have a wonderful time together!

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