Sample Itineraries
Gentle China: 11 Days, Beijing + Xi'an + Guilin + Shanghai
Classic imperial sights, river scenery and modern skylines planned with midday rests and cable cars for grandparents and children alike.
- Duration
- 10 nights / 11 days
- Pace
- Easy-going (1 of 4)
- Cities
- Beijing → Xi'an → Guilin → Shanghai
- Best for
- Three generations travelling together at an easy pace
Who this route is for
Designed for multi-generation families who want to see key sights without exhausting anyone. It balances milestone sights with afternoon downtime, avoiding early starts and steep stair climbs. Your specialist confirms step and lift access at each sight and hotel before booking. A Li River cruise to Yangshuo, with a car back to Guilin, replaces a hotel move.
Reference prices
Price checked: 29 October 2026
- Independent
- From $3,000per person
- Private Guided
- From $4,700per person
Reference prices for 2027 trips · reference price for 2 travelers sharing · international flights not included
Season, hotel level and group size change the price; your consultant quotes the exact trip.
Compare what each level includesThe route
- 1. Beijing3 nights
- 2. Xi'an2 nights
- 3. Guilin3 nights
- 4. Shanghai2 nights
High-speed rail
Domestic flight
Domestic flight
Day by day
01
Arrive in Beijing at an easy pace
Beijing
Morning
Arrive at Beijing airport and meet your driver for a transfer by private car with child seats included to your hotel.
Afternoon
Unpack and rest at the hotel to recover from the flight, keeping the afternoon free from scheduled touring.
Evening
An early dinner at a quiet restaurant close to your hotel to ease into the local time zone.
02
The Forbidden City at a gentle pace
Beijing
Morning
A late-morning visit to the Forbidden City with tickets booked ahead with passports, moving slowly through the central courtyards without rushing.
Afternoon
Return to the hotel for an afternoon rest to recharge away from the midday heat and walking.
Evening
A gentle dinner nearby, followed by an early night for the whole family.
03
Mutianyu Great Wall by cable car
Beijing
Morning
A mid-morning start by private car with child seats, taking the cable car both up and down at the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall.
Afternoon
Head back to the hotel for a quiet afternoon rest and hotel downtime.
Evening
A family dinner featuring Peking duck carved at the table in a comfortable dining room.
04
High-speed rail to Xi'an
Xi'an
Morning
Ride the high-speed train from Beijing West to Xi'an North, choosing a late-morning departure where the timetable allows.
Afternoon
Arrive in Xi'an and take a private car to your hotel to check in and relax.
Evening
A gentle evening stroll around the quiet streets near the hotel followed by an easy local dinner.
05
Terracotta Army and the Drum Tower
Xi'an
Morning
A mid-morning start to the Terracotta Army by private car, with a mostly level walk around the pits (your specialist confirms access).
Afternoon
Head back to your hotel for an afternoon rest to avoid midday fatigue.
Evening
An easy evening stroll around the Drum Tower plaza with time to browse local snack shops at your own pace.
06
Fly to Guilin
Guilin
Morning
Fly from Xi'an to Guilin, choosing a late-morning flight where the schedule allows.
Afternoon
Touch down in Guilin and transfer by private car with child seats included to your hotel to unpack and rest.
Evening
A gentle riverside walk along the Li River promenade before a calm dinner near the water.
07
Li River cruise to Yangshuo
Guilin
Morning
Board a Li River cruise: choose a mid-morning sailing where the schedule allows; your specialist confirms the boarding point and sailing time.
Afternoon
Disembark in Yangshuo and return to your Guilin hotel by private car for an afternoon rest.
Evening
A relaxed dinner in Guilin, leaving the evening open for quiet family downtime.
08
Reed Flute Cave and park views
Guilin
Morning
Travel by private car for a mid-morning visit to Reed Flute Cave and its lit paths, taking any steps slowly.
Afternoon
An afternoon rest at your hotel to recharge before the evening outing.
Evening
A gentle visit to Elephant Trunk Hill park for a slow waterside walk before dinner.
09
Fly to Shanghai and see the Bund
Shanghai
Morning
Fly from Guilin to Shanghai, choosing a late-morning flight where the schedule allows.
Afternoon
Arrive in Shanghai and transfer by private car with child seats included to your hotel for a brief rest.
Evening
A slow evening stroll along the Bund to take in the illuminated Pudong skyline across the river.
10
Yu Garden and river boat cruise
Shanghai
Morning
A late-morning visit to the Yu Garden bazaar area, exploring paved pathways and traditional shop fronts at a relaxed pace.
Afternoon
Return to the hotel for an afternoon rest to recharge before the evening outing.
Evening
An evening cruise on the Huangpu River with indoor and outdoor seating to see the city lights from the water.
11
Relaxed morning and departure
Shanghai
Morning
A relaxed morning with breakfast at the hotel and time to pack at an unhurried pace.
Afternoon
Transfer by private car with child seats included to Shanghai Pudong airport for your flight home.
Evening
Board your homeward flight from Shanghai.
Reference prices for 2027 trips
Two ways to take this route.
Your final price depends on hotels, car arrangements and what you ask for — usually a little above this, sometimes more.
Independent
From $3,000
per person · reference price for 2 travelers sharing · international flights not included
- Guide
- No full-time guide; add a guide for set times or sights
- Car
- On request
Private Guided
From $4,700
per person · reference price for 2 travelers sharing · international flights not included
- Guide
- English-speaking private guide throughout
- Car
- Private car throughout
Included on both
- Hotels selected by us, confirmed by you, usually with breakfast
- Transport inside China: high-speed rail, domestic flights and transfers, including 12306 handling
- Entrance tickets for the sights in your itinerary
- Restaurant bookings made ahead where China requires it
- 24h WhatsApp / WeChat support while you travel, plus the LocalKey app
Not included
- International flights — we can book them on request, quoted separately
- Visa fees — many passports can enter China visa-free. Check your passport
- Personal spending and shopping
- Travel insurance
Tipping is not customary in China. There are no tips in your price, and you do not need to tip anyone who looks after you during your trip.
Make it yours
Keep the shape. Change the details.
Every sample here can be shortened, stretched, or rebuilt around what you care about.
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A few more starting points.
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Per person · reference price for 2 travelers sharing · international flights not included. Your final price depends on hotels, car arrangements and what you ask for — usually a little above this, sometimes more. Reference prices for 2027 trips.