13-Day China Group Tour: Beijing, Xi’an, Guilin, Chongqing, Yangtze River & Shanghai

A 13-day small group journey through China’s most iconic destinations — from Beijing’s imperial palaces and Xi‘an’s Terracotta Warriors to Guilin’s karst rivers, the Yangtze River cruise, and Shanghai‘s modern skyline. Maximum 12 travelers, guaranteed departures, with high-speed trains, flights, and a Yangtze cruise.

World Heritages Architectures Nature Cruise Skyscrapers History Museums
Route: Beijing-Xi'an-Guilin-Chongqing-the Yangtse River-Yichang-Shanghai
  • Tour Code: ITC-GT-028
  • Guide: English-speaking guide, experienced driver with an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Accommodation: 9 nights in selected 3-star hotels + 3 nights in a Yangtze River cruise cabin
  • More personal than a traditional coach tour, far better value than a private tour.
Price: USD  2530  per person
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Notes:Prices may vary depending on the season and promotional activities. Please consult your advisor for details.

Why choose Into Travel China Day Tour

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Worry-Free Travel
With years of experience in group travel across China, we provide professional tour guides, comfortable coaches, and well-paced itineraries for a smooth and enjoyable journey.
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Itineraries with Great Value
Our tours cover China's most iconic sights and cultural highlights. All packages are clearly priced with no hidden costs, offering a high-quality experience at a competitive rate.
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No Shopping Stops
We guarantee a truly immersive journey with no shopping stop. Spend more time exploring scenic spots, enjoying authentic food, and discovering local culture
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Travel with Flexibility
Whether you're traveling solo, with friends, or as a family, you can easily join us. Enjoy better value than private tours with small groups and year-round departures.

Experience

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The Great China Loop: 13 Days of Palaces, Peaks & River Life

This 13-day journey covers China’s essential contrasts: imperial Beijing, Xi’an’s terracotta army, Guilin’s karst landscapes, a Yangtze River cruise, and Shanghai’s modern skyline. It suits first-time visitors who want a comprehensive overview without constant packing, as high-speed trains and flights handle the long distances. The pace is steady, with a mix of guided sightseeing and free time.

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  • Xi‘an – Bike the ancient city wall (optional, bike rental self-paid) – Ride a bicycle atop the 600-year-old Ming rampart as the old town lights up beneath you. 

 

Itinerary

Explore each day’s highlights, pace, routes, hotels, meals, and photos—so you know exactly what to expect along the way.

Route Map Full route

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Your driver will meet you at the airport or the train station and transfer you to your hotel in central Beijing. After checking in, the rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the city at your own pace.
If you still have energy after your journey, take a walk outside and experience the atmosphere of Beijing. The city combines imperial history with modern urban life — traditional hutongs, local shops, and contemporary buildings exist side by side. You may discover small lanes, street markets, and local stores while walking through the city. There is no fixed schedule for today — simply enjoy your first impression of Beijing and return to your hotel whenever you are ready.

After breakfast, visit Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest public square. Walk across to the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage site and former home of 24 Chinese emperors, with over 8,700 rooms. Then take a 15-minute walk to Jingshan Park for panoramic views of the Forbidden City's roofs. In the afternoon, drive to the Summer Palace, a royal garden retreat with temples, pavilions, lakes, and corridors.

Head to the Mutianyu Great Wall, about a 1.5–2 hour drive from downtown Beijing. This section is the longest and best fully-restored Great Wall with fewer tourists, famed for its 23 Ming-era watchtowers. Take the cable car up to the 14th watchtower and hike along the wall. On the way back, view the exterior of the Bird’s Nest (National Stadium) and Water Cube (National Aquatics Center), built for the 2008 Olympics and used again for the 2022 Winter Olympics.

 

2027 Itinerary Updates (What’s Different from 2026):

Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall + Old Hutong Culture
We have replaced the “Bird's Nest + Water Cube” visit with a deeper dive into Beijing's traditional Hutong culture. After the Great Wall, we will head to Nanluoguxiang. From there, you are within walking distance of the Bell and Drum Towers, Yandaixie Street, and the Shichahai/Houhai area.

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Bird Nest
Bird Nest

After breakfast, take the high-speed train to Xi’an (about 4.5–5.5 hours). Upon arrival, visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a seven-story Tang-style pagoda completed in AD 652 to house Buddhist sutras brought back from India by monk Xuan Zang. Later, explore the Muslim Quarter, a 500-meter street known for Xi’an’s Hui Muslim community and street food like Roujiamo, Yangrou Paomo, and Biangbiang noodles.

Visit the Terracotta Army Museum, built by China’s first emperor Qin Shihuang. Around 8,000 life-size warriors have been found. Visit the largest pit with over 6,000 figures, then another pit with about 1,300 warriors and horses. After lunch, walk along the Ancient City Wall, one of the oldest and best-preserved Chinese city walls. Later, visit the Bell Tower or Drum Tower, a 600-year-old landmark from the Ming Dynasty.

Fly to Guilin (about 2.5 hours). Upon arrival, visit Elephant Trunk Hill, the iconic symbol of Guilin, a natural limestone formation resembling an elephant drinking from the Li River. Then explore Reed Flute Cave, known as the “Palace of Nature’s Art,” with stalactites, stalagmites, and colorful LED lighting. Don’t miss the Crystal Palace and the Water Curtain Movie.

Enjoy a 4.5-hour Li River cruise to Yangshuo. Along the 84-kilometer route, admire limestone karst peaks, water buffalo, farmers, and idyllic villages. A customized Western-style lunch is provided on the boat. After arriving in Yangshuo, explore the countryside by driving, walking, biking, or scooter.(Additional charges may apply for bike or scooter options.) Later, stroll along West Street, Yangshuo’s most prosperous area with restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops.

Take the high-speed train to Chongqing. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you and escort you to Chaotianmen Port to board your Yangtze cruise. After check-in, you have free time to explore the area. The cruise departs at 21:00. (The cruise is scheduled to depart around 21:00, subject to navigation and water conditions.)

Enjoy a leisurely morning on the river. Take a shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City, a collection of temples, memorials, and monasteries with legends about the underworld. Alternatively, you can visit Shibaozhai Pagoda for an extra fee. Return to the ship for dinner and onboard activities.

Sail through Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge. In the afternoon, take a shore excursion to Shennv Stream (Goddess Stream), switching to a smaller boat to see steep mountains and hanging coffins. In the evening, enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Party with all your mates onboard.

After breakfast, disembark and visit the Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydropower project in China. The dam is 181 meters high and spans 2,335 meters across the Yangtze River. Optional: sail through the Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift. Then transfer to Yichang train station for the high-speed train to Shanghai (about 6–7 hours). Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Visit Shanghai Tower, China’s tallest building at 632 meters, and ride the world’s fastest elevators to the 118th-floor observatory. Then explore the Shanghai Museum (East), home to ancient Chinese art including bronzes, ceramics, and calligraphy. Next, visit Yu Garden, a classical Ming-dynasty garden, and Yuyuan Bazaar for local snacks and crafts. In the afternoon, walk along Nanjing Road and end at the Bund, featuring 52 historic buildings and views of the Pudong skyline. Yu Garden is closed on Mondays; Shanghai Museum is closed on Tuesdays.

Enjoy free time in Shanghai until your group is escorted to the airport or train station for your departure. If you wish to extend your trip to other Asian destinations, arrangements can be made.

Travel Date and Price (USD per person)
Month Available Date Price Book The Tour
Oct Oct 17, 2026 USD2530 USD2530
Oct 21, 2026 USD2530 USD2530
Oct 24, 2026 USD2530 USD2530
Oct 28, 2026 USD2530 USD2530
Mar Mar 10, 2027 USD3020
Mar 17, 2027 USD3020
Mar 24, 2027 USD3020
Mar 31, 2027 USD3020
Apr Apr 7, 2027 USD3020
Apr 14, 2027 USD3020
Apr 21, 2027 USD3020
Apr 27, 2027 USD3020
May May 4, 2027 USD3020
May 11, 2027 USD3020
May 18, 2027 USD3020
May 25, 2027 USD3020
Jun Jun 1, 2027 USD3020
Jun 8, 2027 USD3020
Jun 15, 2027 USD3020
Jun 22, 2027 USD3020
Jun 30, 2027 USD3020
Jul Jul 8, 2027 USD3020
Jul 15, 2027 USD3020
Jul 22, 2027 USD3020
Jul 29, 2027 USD3020
Aug Aug 5, 2027 USD3020
Aug 12, 2027 USD3020
Aug 19, 2027 USD3020
Aug 29, 2027 USD3020
Sep Sep 5, 2027 USD3020
Sep 8, 2027 USD3020
Sep 12, 2027 USD3020
Sep 19, 2027 USD3020
Sep 26, 2027 USD3020
Oct Oct 3, 2027 USD3020
Oct 10, 2027 USD3020
Oct 17, 2027 USD3020
Oct 24, 2027 USD3020
Oct 31, 2027 USD3020
Nov Nov 14, 2027 USD3020

Included & Excluded

From USD 2530 per person
  • The price is based on two people sharing a double room. If you prefer a single room, please contact us for a quote.
  • Price may vary depending on exchange rates, travel dates, and hotel class.
  • Prices may vary depending on the season and promotional activities. Please consult your advisor for details.
Price Includes:
  • Air-conditioned vehicle throughout the tour
  • Pick-up and drop-off service at the airport or train stations(Early/Late arrivals: Please notify us in advance. Extra charges may apply.)
  • Driver Service(Includes driver's service fee, fuel, tolls, and parking fees)
  • Professional licensed English-speaking local guide
  • 3-Star Hotels
  • Daily hotel buffet breakfast provided each morning
  • Lunches and dinners clearly indicated in the day-by-day itinerary
  • First entrance tickets to all attractions listed in the itinerary
  • Travel Agency Liability Insurance
  • Personal travel insurance purchased for your group before departure
  • Professional support from tour planning to on-the-ground operation
  • Necessary Sightseeing Bus/Cable Car
Price Excludes:
  • All costs related to obtaining your China entry visa
  • International airfares and any flights not included in the itinerary
  • No guiding service provided on the first or last day
  • Recommended optional activities and night activities
  • Tips or gratuities for guides and drivers
  • Personal expenses, laundry, telephone calls, etc.
  • Extra cost for travelers requesting a single room instead of sharing

Cancellation Policy

We understand that travel plans may change. Please review our cancellation policy below:
  • Free cancellation if canceled 60 days or more before the tour starts
  • 5% of total tour cost if canceled 45-59 days before departure
  • 10% of total tour cost if canceled 30-44 days before departure
  • 25% of total tour cost if canceled 15-29 days before departure
  • 45% of total tour cost if canceled 7-14 days before departure
  • 100% of total tour cost if canceled less than 7 days before departure
 
Date of Arrival

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total: USD 0

What Our Clients Say?

Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
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Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s): Shanghai
Date of Experience: May 08,2024
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Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories. Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s): Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of Experience: June 02,2025
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Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic! Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale. For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return. A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s): Zhangjiajie
Date of Experience: May 08,2025
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