10-Day China Family Tour: Classic Golden Triangle Cities and Panda
Tour Overview
Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, and Shanghai – each of these four cities has its own unique charm and historical and cultural heritage. This 10-day China family tour will take you through the heart of the country, from the imperial majesty of Beijing with its Forbidden City to the thrilling adventure of the Mutianyu Great Wall.
Your children will explore Xi’an’s cultural treasures and make dumplings with a local family. In Chengdu, get up close with pandas at the Research Base and savor the relaxed pace of Renmin Park. Finish by ascending the iconic landmarks of Shanghai and cruising the Huangpu River, creating unforgettable memories for the whole family.
Travel destinations: Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Shanghai
Suitable for: Culture & History Lovers, Families
Tour type: Private
Tour at a Glance
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Day
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Destination
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What to See & Do
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1-4
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Beijing
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Imperial palaces, Great Wall toboggan, Peking duck dinner
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5-6
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Xi’an
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Making a mini terracotta warrior, city wall cycling, dumpling class
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7
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Chengdu
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Panda encounter, slow-paced life in People’s Park, local street food
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8-10
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Shanghai
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Bund skyline & Shanghai Tower views, Huangpu River night cruise
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Highlights of this tour:
Unveil Chinese imperial history while exploring the Forbidden City & Summer Palace in Beijing.
Conquer the Mutianyu Great Wall with your kids by riding a chairlift up and tobogganing down.
Come face‑to‑face with the gentle giants of Chengdu at the Panda Base, then slip into the slow, unhurried rhythm of Renmin Park, where locals sip tea under century‑old trees.
Learn the delicate art of folding dumplings in a welcoming local family and mold your own tiny terracotta warrior — two hands‑on experiences that breathe life into ancient customs.
Ascend to the glass‑walled summit of the Shanghai World Financial Center, where the Bund’s colonial past meets Pudong’s futuristic towers below.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
So glad to have you on our 10-day China Family Tour! Upon arrival, your guide and driver will warmly welcome your family and transfer you to your carefully selected hotel.
For the rest of the time, take a leisurely walk around or explore the vibrant nightlife in hutong bars.
Free Time Ideas:
If you and your family are food lovers, we can offer you a detailed guide to Beijing cuisine. From the famous Beijing Roast Duck to the hidden specialty restaurants in the alleys, this guide will take you to explore the most authentic flavors of Beijing.
- Day 2: Beijing ExplorationAdmire the Magnificent Imperial Buildings from Hundreds of Years Ago
Your guided family tour takes you to Tian'anmen Square first, the heart and symbol of Beijing and the largest city square in the world. The spacious square has been used for many public celebrations, ceremonies, and demonstrations for over a hundred years.
Next, walk to the Forbidden City, one of the largest and most completely preserved palace complexes built of wood. It functioned as the imperial palace in the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1912). 24 emperors of the two dynasties once lived here.
Forbidden City Spend your afternoon in one of the most popular attractions in Beijing - the Summer Palace. This palace was a summer retreat for the Qing emperors and their families, built on Wanshou Mountain and Kunming Lake. It is truly a tranquil escape adorned with classical Chinese gardens.
Optional Activities:
If your family is tired of walking, taking a boat ride on Kunming Lake is a great option at the Summer Palace.
In the evening, watch the wonderful Chinese Kung Fu Show. It shows traditional martial arts for you and your children.
- Day 3: Great Wall Adventure in BeijingExperience the Joy of Sliding Down the Great Wall
It's time for your kids to have an adventure on the Great Wall! Drive for 1.5 hours to the world-famous Mutianyu Section, an ancient engineering miracle surrounded by lush vegetation.
When you ascend the Great Wall on the chairlift ride, your guide will share the rich historical stories of the Great Wall and tell you the best shooting locations. The winding paths of this UNESCO World Heritage site stretch endlessly. Your children will experience the exhilarating toboggan slide down the Great Wall.
Sliding down the toboggan After the Great Wall day tour, return to the city for a dinner - Beijing Roast Duck at a renowned local restaurant. You and your family can learn how to eat roast duck properly.
Travel Tip: For the exciting toboggan ride down, kids under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Day 4: Beijing to Xian by High-speed TrainHave a Cultural Exploration and Learn to Write Calligraphy
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and then head to the Temple of Heaven. It was a magnificent royal structure that served as a complex of sacrificial buildings where emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties prayed for peace and harvest. Also, you may witness locals practicing water calligraphy and Tai Chi in the surrounding park, which provides you and your kids with a glimpse into Beijingers' traditional leisure activities.
Transfer you to the historic Beijing Hutong where you will experience a traditional rickshaw, gaining insight into the city's ancient alleyways.
Take a Chinese Calligraphy Class After that, you will be escorted to take a comfortable high-speed train ride to the ancient capital of thirteen dynasties - Xi'an. Upon arrival, a local driver will meet you at the railway station and escort you to your hotel in the city center.
Optional Activity: If you’d like a more in-depth local experience in the Hutong, your tour guide can help you arrange a session to learn to write Chinese calligraphy.
- Day 5: Xian Historical DiscoveryMake a Replica Small Terracotta Soldier
An expert Xi'an private tour guide will meet you in the hotel lobby. After an hour's drive from the city center, you will reach the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, an archaeological miracle with thousands of life-size clay soldiers, horses and chariots.
Over 2000 years ago, the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, built this World Heritage Site. You will be surprised that each soldier displays a unique expression. After that, your kids will enjoy making a replica small terracotta soldier. And you can take your “work” home.
Our customers crafting mini Terracotta Warriors Later in the afternoon, go back to the city center to visit one of Xi'an's iconic landmarks - the Ancient City Wall. It is one of the largest and most well-preserved city walls in China. You and your kids can take a leisurely walk and ride a bike (included) on the top of the wall and enjoy a panoramic view of the city.
After that, your guide will take you to stroll around the Muslim Quarter, a paradise for food lovers. Here, you will find many kinds of delicious local snacks such as Biang Biang Noodle, Roujiamo (Chinese Hamburger), and Yangrou Paomo (Mutton and Bread Pieces in Soup).
Note: You'll need to pay for the snacks on Muslim Street yourself. The tour guide will recommend options based on your preferences.
- Day 6: Xian to Chengdu by High-speed TrainVisit a Local Family and Learn How to Make Dumplings
Today your child will experience an educational visit. Take a guided tour of the Xi'an Museum, where you can learn about the thousand-year history of founding the capital and the development of Xi'an.
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.
After that, have an immersive experience with a local family, learning the art of dumpling making. Dumplings are one of the most popular staple foods in China, often used as a symbol of reunion. The local host will demonstrate to you and your kids how to make dumplings.
After the family tour in Xi'am, take a high-speed train to Chengdu.
Learn to Make Dumplings - Day 7: Chengdu City HighlightsWatch Cute Pandas Up Close and Sample Local Snacks
Today is a highlight of your China family tour! Start your visit at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. It is well known for the protection and breeding of the endangered giant pandas that are unique to China. There are adorable pandas everywhere.
You kids can watch them eating bamboo, playing with each other, and of course, sleeping closely. The guide will lead you through the huge area, share some information about the pandas, and help your family take amazing photos.
Then, explore the peaceful Wenshu Temple. Wenshu Temple is the most well-preserved Buddhist temple in the city of Chengdu, where you will see many Buddhist artifacts, including statues, scriptures, murals, and more.
Baby Pandas in Chengdu Giant Panda Base After that, enjoy a leisurely time in Renmin Park and sip a cup of tea amidst the serene surroundings. As night falls, Jinli Old Street is illuminated by lights. Your family can sample local snacks (at your own expense) and absorb the vibrant local culture.
Optional Activity: Try the unique ear picking in the People’s Park. The meticulous techniques of the master will make you feel very comfortable and relaxed.
- Day 8: Chengdu to Shanghai by Flight
After breakfast, you will be transferred to take a morning flight to Shanghai, the modern metropolis. Upon arrival, a local driver will escort you to the hotel. After checking in, have a good rest.
The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace. If your kids are interested, you can go to see the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium.
- Day 9: Shanghai HighlightsTake an Evening Cruise along the Huangpu River
Meet your Shanghai guide after breakfast. Today's tour in Shanghai first takes you to a famous classical garden - Yu Garden which was originally built by the owner as a place for his parents to enjoy a tranquil and happy time in their old age. Adjacent to the garden is the Yuyuan Bazaar, where you can find many commercial shops selling snacks, souvenirs, antiques, and more.
After that, be guided to ascend the Shanghai World Financial Center for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.
Yuyuan Garden featuring Jiangnan garden styles Nanjing Road is one of Shanghai's most famous shopping streets. In the afternoon, you can shop, taste delicious food, and enjoy street performances here. Later, head to the Bund to admire 52 buildings with different styles such as Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque, etc, and the magnificent modern skyline. Take a stroll along the waterfront and appreciate the scenery on both sides.
Take an evening cruise along the Huangpu River in the evening to admire Shanghai's dazzling skyline.
Huangpu River Night Cruise - Day 10: Departure from ShanghaiExplore the Creative District of Tianzifang
Your China family trip will conclude today. Visit the Buddhist temple, Jade Buddha Temple, which houses two precious jade Buddha statues. Here, you can experience tranquility and explore a sense of inner peace.
Following that, head to 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.
Tianzifang, transformed from the old alleyway of Shikumen At the end of the tour, your private driver will escort you to the airport or train station for your onward journey or return home. This is the end of your 10-day China tour with family. Hope you and your kids spent a great time with us!
Note: We recommend that you book a flight or high-speed rail departure after 4:00 p.m.
Tour Price Per Person ($=USD)
From $1639 P.P, which is based on a private tour for 2 people. The price varies depending on the activity, number of people, travel date, and selected hotel.
Accommodation For This China Family Tour
For your China private tour, the choice is in your hands: you can select luxury 5-star hotels for unparalleled comfort, cozy 4-star accommodations, or value-for-money 3-star options.
All our partner hotels are handpicked for their prime locations, conveniently situated near bustling commercial areas. Every room is equipped with standard amenities like air conditioning, hot water, 24-hour showers, reliable Wi-Fi, and windows for natural light.
In some hotels, there are English-speaking staff who are committed to providing attentive service. Should you have any special requests, feel free to ask - they are always ready to assist.
