13-Day China Group Tour: Chengdu, Guilin, Shanghai, Xi’an & Beijing

From Chengdu’s pandas to Guilin’s karst rivers, Shanghai’s skyline, Xi’an’s ancient army, and Beijing’s imperial heart, this 13-day small group tour covers China’s most iconic wildlife, landscapes, and history.

Giant Pandas Ancient Ruins World Heritages Architectures Skyscrapers
Route: Chengdu-Guilin-Shanghai-Xi'an-Beijing
  • Tour Code: ITC-GT-032
  • Guide: English-speaking guide, experienced driver with an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Accommodation: 12 nights at good 3-star hotels
  • More personal than a traditional coach tour, far better value than a private tour.
Price: USD  2580  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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Vicky

Pandas, Karsts & Ancient Capitals

This 13-day tour spans five distinct regions, from Chengdu’s panda bases and Sanxingdui ruins to Guilin’s Li River karsts, Shanghai’s modern skyline, Xi’an’s terracotta army, and Beijing’s imperial palaces. Flights and high-speed trains link the cities, minimizing travel time. Accommodation is in comfortable 3-star hotels, and the itinerary balances guided sightseeing with free days to explore independently. A well-structured route for travelers seeking a comprehensive overview without an exhausting pace.
  • Chengdu – Chengdu Panda Base morning visit – Observe over 100 giant pandas eating, playing, and climbing in a naturalistic setting. The morning is the best time to see them active before the midday heat.

 

  • Guilin – Li River cruise to Yangshuo – Sail past limestone karst peaks, water buffalo, and traditional villages. A Western-style lunch is served on board (included in the tour price).

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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Upon arrival in Chengdu, your driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in downtown Chengdu. The rest of the day is free for you to rest or explore at your own pace. Chengdu is known for its relaxed pace and spicy cuisine.

Visit the Chengdu Panda Base, home to over 100 giant pandas. You can see them playing, eating, and climbing. In the afternoon, drive to the Sanxingdui Museum, where you will see bronze masks, a gold scepter, and a bronze sacred tree from a lost civilization over 3,000 years ago. End the day at Jinli Old Street, a historic pedestrian street with snacks and crafts. Plan B: If Sanxingdui tickets are unavailable, visit Chengdu Museum, Kuanzhai Alley, and Renmin Park instead.

Take the high-speed train to Guilin. Upon arrival, visit Elephant Trunk Hill, a natural limestone formation resembling an elephant drinking from the Li River. Then explore Reed Flute Cave, known for its stalactites, stalagmites, and colorful lighting. Don’t miss the Crystal Palace and the Water Curtain Movie.

Enjoy a Li River cruise to Yangshuo, passing limestone karst peaks, water buffalo, and villages. A Western-style lunch is provided on the boat. After arriving in Yangshuo, explore the countryside by driving, walking, biking, or scooter. Later, stroll along West Street, Yangshuo’s lively area with restaurants, bars, and shops.

Fly to Shanghai. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free. Optional evening acrobatic show or a walk in Xintiandi.

Today is a free day on your own to explore China’s most internationalized and vibrant city - Shanghai. Here, you will find an endless range of delicious food, modern architecture, cultural sites and shopping at every corner. You can take a walk along the exotic streets and absorb atmosphere of vitality. Enjoy your day.

Visit Shanghai Tower, China’s tallest building, and ride the fast elevator to the 118th-floor observatory. Then explore the Shanghai Museum, home to ancient Chinese art. Next, visit Yu Garden, a classical Ming-dynasty garden, and Yuyuan Bazaar. In the afternoon, walk along Nanjing Road and end at the Bund. 

On this day, you will have some free time till be met in the hotel lobby and escorted to the airport for your flight to Xian (about 2.5 hours).

Welcome to Xian, the capital of 13 ancient China dynasties! Upon your arrival in Xian, the local driver will greet you at the exit of the airport, and then escort you to your hotel in Xian downtown area. Enjoy some free time on your own after the hotel check-in.

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

Visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a Tang-dynasty pagoda built to house Buddhist scriptures brought back from India by monk Xuan Zang. Then explore the Muslim Quarter, a lively area known for its Hui Muslim community and street food. After the tour, take the high-speed train to Beijing. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

After breakfast, visit Tian’anmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world. Walk across to the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage site and former imperial palace, with over 8,700 rooms. Then take a short 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. Note: The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays; the itinerary will be adjusted if needed.

Head to the Mutianyu Great Wall, a well-restored section known for its fewer crowds and 23 Ming-era watchtowers. Take the cable car up and hike along the wall. On the way back, view the Bird’s Nest (National Stadium) and Water Cube (National Aquatics Center) from outside.

Enjoy free time in Beijing until your transfer to the airport or train station. Over the past 13 days, you have traveled from Chengdu’s panda bases and the ancient Shu civilization at Sanxingdui, to Guilin’s limestone karst landscapes and the Li River, then Shanghai’s modern skyline and classical gardens, Xi’an’s Terracotta Army and ancient city wall, and finally Beijing’s imperial landmarks and the Great Wall. Your 13-day China tour ends here.

1. 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.

2. Chengdu: Panda Base + Wenshu Monastery + People’s Park
We have removed museum visits (including Sanxingdui) to focus on a more relaxed, local experience. Your new itinerary includes the Chengdu Panda Base, Wenshu Monastery & Wenshu Fang, and People’s Park.

3. Tibet: Lhasa City Tour Order Adjustment
For our 4-day Lhasa itinerary, we have swapped the order of the city tour days. You will now visit the Potala Palace first, followed by the Sera Monastery.
Note: Please be aware that there is no monk debate session at Sera Monastery on Sunday afternoons.

4. Zhangjiajie to Xi’an Transportation: Winter Travel
During the winter season, when direct flights between Zhangjiajie and Xi’an are suspended, we have adjusted the transfer route. You will travel by train or private car to Changsha, then take a connecting flight to Xi’an.

Travel Date and Price (USD per person)
Month Available Date Price Book The Tour
Nov Nov 2, 2026 USD2580
Nov 9, 2026 USD2580
Nov 16, 2026 USD2580
Nov 23, 2026 USD2580
Nov 30, 2026 USD2580
Dec Dec 7, 2026 USD2580
Dec 14, 2026 USD2580
Jan Jan 11, 2027 USD2840
Jan 18, 2027 USD2840
Jan 25, 2027 USD2840
Feb Feb 11, 2027 USD2840
Feb 18, 2027 USD2840
Mar Mar 3, 2027 USD2840
Mar 10, 2027 USD2840
Mar 17, 2027 USD2840
Mar 24, 2027 USD2840
Mar 31, 2027 USD2840
Apr Apr 7, 2027 USD2840
Apr 14, 2027 USD2840
Apr 21, 2027 USD2840
Apr 27, 2027 USD2840
May May 4, 2027 USD2840
May 11, 2027 USD2840
May 18, 2027 USD2840
May 25, 2027 USD2840
Jun Jun 1, 2027 USD2840
Jun 8, 2027 USD2840
Jun 15, 2027 USD2840
Jun 22, 2027 USD2840
Jun 30, 2027 USD2840
Jul Jul 8, 2027 USD2840
Jul 15, 2027 USD2840
Jul 22, 2027 USD2840
Jul 29, 2027 USD2840
Aug Aug 5, 2027 USD2840
Aug 12, 2027 USD2840
Aug 19, 2027 USD2840
Aug 29, 2027 USD2840
Sep Sep 5, 2027 USD2840
Sep 8, 2027 USD2840
Sep 12, 2027 USD2840
Sep 19, 2027 USD2840
Sep 26, 2027 USD2840
Oct Oct 3, 2027 USD2840
Oct 10, 2027 USD2840
Oct 17, 2027 USD2840
Oct 24, 2027 USD2840
Oct 31, 2027 USD2840
Nov Nov 14, 2027 USD2840
Nov 28, 2027 USD2840
Dec Dec 5, 2027 USD2840
Dec 12, 2027 USD2840

Included & Excluded

From USD 2580 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:
  • Vehicle Service: Air-conditioned vehicle throughout the tour.
  • Airport/Train Station Transfers: Standard airport/train station pick-up and drop-off are included within the designated service hours. Early arrivals or late departures may require an additional transfer fee.
  • Driver Service: Includes driver's service fee, fuel, tolls, and parking fees.
  • Local Guides: Professional licensed English-speaking local guide.
  • Hotel Accommodation: 3-Star Hotels.
  • Daily Hotel Breakfast: Daily hotel buffet breakfast provided each morning.
  • Meals as Specified: Lunches and dinners clearly indicated in the day-by-day itinerary.
  • Entrance Fees: First entrance tickets to all attractions listed in the itinerary.
  • Necessary Sightseeing Bus/Cable Car: Includes necessary sightseeing bus or cable car fees.
  • Insurance: Travel Agency Liability Insurance; personal travel insurance purchased for your group before departure.
  • Comprehensive Service: Professional support from tour planning to on-the-ground operation.
Price Excludes:
  • China Visa Fee: All costs related to obtaining your China entry visa.
  • International / Domestic Airfare: International airfares and any flights not included in the itinerary.
  • Guiding Service: No guiding service provided on the first or last day.
  • Optional & Night Activities: Recommended optional activities and night activities.
  • Tips & Gratuities: Tips or gratuities for guides and drivers.
  • Personal Expenses: Personal expenses, laundry, telephone calls, etc.
  • Single Room Supplement: 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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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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