9-Day Private Tour to Beijing,Xi’an,Guilin and Shanghai

Traveling through China’s iconic cities in just over a week sounds ambitious, but with this private 9-day tour, it’s entirely doable. From Beijing’s majestic Forbidden City to the tranquil Li River in Guilin and the lively streets of Shanghai, this experience offers a well-rounded taste of China’s diverse culture, history, and landscapes. The tour is designed for those who love comfort, value expert guiding, and appreciate authentic moments without sacrificing convenience.

One of the standout features is the inclusion of private transportation and guided services, which means you get a personalized touch and flexibility that group tours often lack. While the itinerary is packed, it balances major sights with enough downtime to soak in each city’s vibe. A possible consideration? The long travel days, especially the train and flight segments, require good planning and patience.

This experience suits travelers eager for an immersive, yet manageable, overview of China’s highlights, especially if you prefer a curated, hassle-free approach with knowledgeable guides helping you uncover hidden stories behind each landmark.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Itinerary: Covers Beijing’s historical sites, Xi’an’s Terracotta Warriors, Guilin’s stunning landscapes, and Shanghai’s modern skyline.
• Private & Comfortable: Private guide, driver, and transport ensure flexibility and personalized attention.
• Well-Balanced Schedule: Mix of cultural, historical, and scenic sites, with some free time to explore independently.
• Value for Money: Includes entrance fees, flights, and most transportation—offering a good package price.
• Authentic Experiences: Visit local neighborhoods, enjoy scenic views, and taste regional cuisine.
• Efficient Travel: First-class train and included flights reduce travel fatigue and save time.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Days 1-2: Beijing’s Imperial Heritage and Modern Charm

The tour kicks off with a classic introduction to Beijing: Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Standing in the heart of the city, Tiananmen Square justifies its fame with its vast size and the history it holds—perfect for snapping photos of the Monument to the People’s Heroes and Chairman Mao’s Memorial Hall. Your guide, likely quite knowledgeable, will share stories about the square’s role in China’s history, making it a lot more meaningful than just a large open space.

Crossing Tiananmen Tower, you’ll enter the Forbidden City. Expect to spend about two hours wandering through the sprawling complex, which is, in fact, the largest and best-preserved old wooden structure in the world. The highlight? Seeing the incredible collection of over a million national treasures, including intricate woodwork, ancient artifacts, and stunning courtyards.

A major highlight is the Mutianyu Great Wall, where you’ll ascend via electric car, then take a chairlift up to the 14th tower for sweeping views. The wall’s restored sections are in phenomenal condition, and the optional toboggan ride at the end adds a fun, if slightly adrenaline-pumping, touch. The wall’s history, combined with the panoramic vistas, makes it a photographer’s dream.

Day 2: Beijing’s Cultural Heart and Local Life

Your second day in Beijing offers a broader cultural perspective. The Temple of Heaven is a must-see, with its grand architecture and the lively park filled with locals practicing Tai Chi and doing dance routines. It’s a glimpse into traditional Chinese rituals and contemporary life.

Next, a rickshaw ride through Hutongs and visits to local families give you a taste of everyday Beijing life—something that many travelers miss. It’s a good opportunity to sample local snacks and observe life in historic alleyways. Your guide might share stories about the area’s history, which adds layers of understanding.

The Lama Temple impresses with its vibrant architecture and serene atmosphere, offering insight into Beijing’s religious diversity. Then, the Summer Palace, with its sprawling gardens, ornate corridors, and tranquil lake, provides a peaceful counterpoint to the bustling city. Expect to see the Long Corridor, renowned for its exquisite murals.

Day 3-4: Xi’an—Ancient Capital and Terracotta Warriors

After a morning train ride in first class, you arrive in Xi’an, the ancient capital that once served as the starting point of the Silk Road. Your guide will meet you at the station—a smooth transfer—before heading straight to the Terracotta Warriors, a highlight that truly defines Xi’an. The detailed sculptures, still vivid after 2,200 years, reveal the craftsmanship of the Qin Dynasty. The advance booking of tickets helps you skip lines, saving precious time.

Post-lunch, you’ll visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda—a significant Buddhist site—and then the Xi’an City Wall, one of the largest and best-preserved city defenses in China. Walking or cycling along the wall gives a sense of the city’s historical scale and strategic importance.

Your evening ends at the lively Muslim Quarter, where aromatic street food, boutique shops, and the historic Great Mosque make this area a vibrant fusion of cultures. It’s a great place to explore at your own pace, with guidance on how to get back to your hotel.

Day 5: From Ancient Xi’an to Scenic Guilin

The morning takes you to Hanyangling, where the tomb of Emperor Jingdi offers a fascinating glimpse into Western Han dynasty burial practices. The glass floors allow you to see the tombs’ interiors, and the Spectra Vision reproduces scenes from 2,000 years ago—a clever way of bringing history alive.

After lunch, the Shaanxi History Museum impresses with its extensive collection of artifacts, giving context to the region’s and China’s broader history. Then, a quick stop at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda provides iconic photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate Tang Dynasty architecture.

In the late afternoon, you’ll fly to Guilin, a city famed for its stunning limestone karst landscape. The transfer from airport to hotel keeps things smooth, so you’re rested for the days ahead.

Days 6-7: Guilin’s Natural Beauty and Scenic Cruises

Starting with the Li River cruise, you’ll enjoy about four hours of breathtaking scenery. The landscape of rolling hills, towering cliffs, and tranquil rivers is the kind of view that sticks with you long after the trip. The buffet lunch on board is a nice touch, giving you time to relax and take in the vistas.

After disembarking, climbing Xianggong Hill allows for some of the best panoramic photos of the Li River’s signature bend. The view of the river weaving through the mountains is truly a postcard moment, likely to be one of the highlights of your trip.

The next day, exploring Reed Flute Cave unveils a natural underground marvel of stalagmites and stalactites. It’s like walking through a gemstone palace with formations named for their shapes, such as bamboo shoots and curtains.

A visit to the Longji Rice Terraces in Ping’an Village offers a glimpse into traditional farming life. The terraces, carved into the mountainside, are especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset, but anytime they’re impressive. The walk around the village is peaceful, and the views are captivating.

Days 8-9: Shanghai—Futuristic Skylines and Historic Streets

Your journey continues with a flight to Shanghai. The Urban Planning Exhibition Hall introduces you to the city’s rapid development, with architectural models and displays that showcase how Shanghai became a global financial hub.

Stroll through the Yuyuan Garden, where twisting corridors, pavilions, and water features create a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city. Nearby, the Yuyuan Old Street buzzes with vendors selling souvenirs, snacks, and local crafts—perfect for souvenir hunting.

The Shanghai World Financial Center offers spectacular city views from its 100th-floor observation deck, giving you a bird’s-eye perspective of Shanghai’s skyline, including the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai Tower.

The bustling Bund area presents a mix of colonial-era architecture and modern skyscrapers, ideal for photos and soaking in the city’s energy.

On your final full day, a trip to Zhujiajiao Water Town reveals a different side of Shanghai—serene canals, quaint bridges, and traditional architecture that feels like a step back in time. Visiting Kezhi Garden, the Qing Dynasty Post Office, and Fangsheng Bridge offers a peaceful contrast to the modern cityscape.

Practical Insights and Value

The tour’s inclusion of first-class train tickets, internal flights, and entry fees means you won’t be surprised by hidden costs—making it a good value for the comprehensive experience offered. The private transportation ensures comfortable, flexible movement, particularly when navigating busy cities or rural sites.

The guides seem well-informed and passionate, sharing stories behind major landmarks that elevate the experience beyond just sightseeing. The ability to customize some aspects, like free time in certain areas, is a plus for travelers wanting some independence.

However, expect long days and a busy schedule—this tour is designed for those who want to maximize their time and see as much as possible. The travel between cities, especially the train and flights, offers little room for delays or spontaneity, so good planning and patience are needed.

Who’s This Tour Best For?

If you’re someone who loves diving into history, enjoys scenic landscapes, and appreciates seamless logistics, this tour hits the right notes. It’s perfect for travelers who want a curated experience with guides to fill in the stories behind each site, rather than wandering aimlessly on your own.

It’s also suited for those comfortable with busy days, long transit times, and a packed itinerary. If you prefer a slower pace or more free time, you might find this schedule a bit intense. But for curious explorers eager to see the highlights in a comfortable, guided setting, this trip offers excellent value.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, it is designed as a private tour, so solo travelers will experience all the benefits of a guided trip without sharing with strangers.

Are airport transfers included?
The tour includes transportation between hotels, airports, and key sites, but explicitly mentions pickup and drop-off at hotels, train stations, and airports.

Are entrance tickets included?
Most major sites, including the Forbidden City, Mutianyu Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, and Reed Flute Cave, have their tickets included. Some attractions, like the Li River cruise and the city wall, are covered in the package.

Can I customize this tour?
While the itinerary is fixed, the tour provider mentions that additional days can be added if desired.

Are meals included?
Yes, eight lunches are included, offering a chance to taste regional flavors. Dinner is not included.

How long are the travel days?
Days involve early starts, long drives, train journeys, and flights—expect 17-18 hour days on some days.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, but with consideration for the long days and physical activity involved, especially walking on the Great Wall and in the parks.

What is the group size?
It’s a private tour, so only your group participates, allowing for flexibility and personalized service.

Is the tour suitable for older travelers?
Generally, yes, but be mindful of long walking distances and physical activities like cycling on the city wall.

What language do guides speak?
Guides are professional and knowledgeable, typically fluent in English, enhancing the storytelling and explanations.

Final Thoughts

This 9-day private tour offers an impressive overview of China’s most iconic destinations, blending history, culture, and natural beauty in a well-organized package. From the grandeur of Beijing’s Forbidden City to the idyllic river scenes in Guilin and the towering skyscrapers of Shanghai, you’ll leave with a richer understanding of China’s diverse charm. The inclusion of private guides and transport makes this a stress-free way to see the highlights, especially if you’re new to China or short on time.

While the schedule is packed, it’s designed for curious travelers eager to experience the essence of China without sacrificing comfort or authenticity. For those willing to embrace long days and a fast-paced itinerary, this tour provides tremendous value and memorable moments.

If you’re after an immersive, expertly guided journey that hits all the high notes, this nine-day adventure will serve you well. It’s perfect for culture lovers, scenic enthusiasts, and anyone who wants a comprehensive, hassle-free introduction to this fascinating country.

Note: Always check the latest details and confirm inclusions directly with the tour provider, as offerings and schedules may change.