The 12-Day (Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Guangzhou & Shenzhen) China Group Tour: Imperial History, Terracotta Warriors & Karst Landscapes

This tour requires a minimum of 2 guests. Designed for first-timers seeking breadth, this north-to-south circuit pairs dynastic palaces and Tang-era hot springs with karst river valleys, glass-bridge canyon thrills, and Shenzhen’s drone demonstrations, ensuring zero retail detours while English-speaking guides manage every transfer between five distinct regional cultures.

Route: Beijing-Xi'an-Guilin-Guangzhou
  • Tour Code: ITC-GT-004
  • Guide: English-speaking guide with local life experience
  • Accommodation: 11 nights at good 4-star hotels
  • More personal than a traditional coach tour, far better value than a private tour.
Price: USD  2734.03  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 of 6-12 people and year-round departures.

Experience

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Madeline

North to South: A 12‑Day Journey Through Dynasties, Rivers, and Skylines

From Beijing's imperial courts to Xi'an's buried legions, Guilin's karst valleys to Guangzhou's tea houses and Shenzhen's drone-lit nights – this route moves through five distinct Chinas at a steady, comfortable clip. High‑speed rail links the cities; guides handle logistics so travelers can focus on what each place offers: history, landscape, flavor, and a glimpse of the future.
  • Guilin – Bamboo raft drift on the Li River – Glide down the Li River on a traditional bamboo raft, passing the very karst peaks printed on China's 20‑yuan note. The boatman navigates around water buffalo and village laundries, offering a glimpse of riverside life that has changed little in centuries.

  • Xi‘an – Mold your own terracotta warrior – In a workshop near the museum, a master shows how to press clay into molds and carve facial details. Each person signs the base before the piece is kiln‑fired. The figurine goes into a take‑home box – not a shop replica, but something made by hand.

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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Arrive in Beijing, the capital of China and the starting point of your journey. Your driver will meet you at the airport and take you directly to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to rest or explore. Beijing is a city of layers – ancient and modern, imperial and everyday. Take it slow tonight. Tomorrow you‘ll be walking the Great Wall.

This is the day you came for. After breakfast, head to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall – less crowded than Badaling, with equally dramatic views. A round-trip cable car is included, making the climb easier and leaving you more time to walk along the wall itself. Mutianyu is about 2.25 km long with 22 watchtowers – you can walk east toward the steeper, more dramatic stretch, or west toward the quieter, forested end. On the way back to the city, stop for an exterior view of the Bird‘s Nest, the iconic stadium built for the 2008 Olympics. It’s a short stop, but it‘s worth seeing against the evening light.

Today is Beijing’s imperial core. Start at Tian‘anmen Square – a vast public space that sits at the symbolic heart of the country. From there, step into the Forbidden City, the sprawling palace complex that served as the political centre of China for over 500 years through the Ming and Qing dynasties. With its 9,999 rooms – a deliberate nod to imperial numerology – the scale is almost overwhelming. Tickets must be booked in advance using passport information – they are released 7 days ahead and sell out fast. Your guide handles this for you, but your passport is required for entry. The afternoon takes you to the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once performed rituals for a good harvest. Its Hall of Prayer is a masterpiece of wooden architecture.

Morning high-speed train to Xi‘an – one of China’s fastest bullet trains, covering the distance in about 4.5 hours. Watch the landscape shift from the flat plains of the north to the loess plateau of central China. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. The evening is yours to explore – perhaps take a walk to the Bell Tower area or sample some local street food. Xi‘an is an ancient capital with a different rhythm from Beijing – slower, older, and proud of it.

Today you come face to face with one of the most extraordinary archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. The Terracotta Warriors – an army of over 8,000 life-sized soldiers, each with a distinct face, buried for over 2,000 years to guard the first emperor of China in the afterlife. Tickets are 120 RMB for a combined entry to the museum and Lishan Garden. No on-site ticket sales – advance reservation is required. In the afternoon, visit Huaqing Palace, a Tang dynasty imperial retreat famous for its hot springs and as the setting of one of China’s most famous love stories. The palace sits at the foot of Mount Li, with views that have inspired poets for centuries.

Start the day on Xi‘an’s Ancient City Wall – one of the best-preserved city walls in China. You can walk or cycle along the top – the full circuit is about 14 km and offers a unique perspective of the old city. Then descend into the Muslim Quarter, a maze of narrow alleys filled with food stalls, souvenir shops, and the city‘s Hui Muslim community. It’s the best place in Xi‘an to try local snacks like roujiamo (Chinese hamburger) and yangrou paomo (lamb stew with bread). In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Guilin. By evening, you’ll be in a different China – one of karst peaks and winding rivers.

Drive from Guilin to Xingping Ancient Town, a quiet riverside settlement that feels preserved in time. From here, take a Li River boat cruise to the exact spot featured on the back of China‘s 20-yuan banknote – where karst peaks rise sharply from the river. A passport copy is required when booking the cruise, and you must bring your physical passport on the day. After the cruise, cycle or drive along the Ten-Mile Gallery, a scenic stretch of road winding through rice paddies and karst formations. End the day in Yangshuo, where West Street buzzes with travellers, street performers, and local restaurants serving beer fish and other regional specialties.

Your last morning in the karst country. Take a bamboo raft along the Yulong River – the pace is slow, the water is calm, and the views are pure Guilin: limestone peaks reflected in the still surface, water buffalo cooling off on the banks. It‘s a quiet contrast to the bustle of Yangshuo’s West Street. After the raft, transfer to the train station for the high-speed train to Guangzhou – about 2.5 to 3 hours. By evening, you‘ll be in the southern metropolis, ready for the final leg of your journey.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will take you to Gulong Gorge in Qingyuan, about 1.5 hours north of Guangzhou. This is where locals go for a weekend adrenaline fix. The main draws are the waterfall, the glass bridge stretched across the canyon, and the cliff coaster that winds down the mountainside. A package including the glass bridge and rafting is approximately 198 RMB. The glass bridge is 1,314 meters long, suspended over waterfalls and deep valleys. If you‘re visiting in summer, you can opt for white-water rafting instead. Either way, this is a full day outdoors – a gear shift from the city and countryside you’ve seen so far.

Your only full day in Guangzhou gives you a solid taste of the city‘s character. Start in Yongqing Fang, a restored lane house district that shows Cantonese culture through its preserved architecture and local crafts. Walk through Beijing Road and see the Grand Buddha Temple – a functioning monastery that stands in sharp contrast to the shopping crowds outside. Cross to Shamian Island, where 19th-century European consulates and churches line tree-shaded streets – a quiet break from the city’s pace. End at Haixinsha Park, with a view of Canton Tower from across the river. If you want, you can go up the tower for the night view, but it‘s entirely optional – the real highlights are still ahead.

Today you get a glimpse of China‘s future. Drive to Shenzhen, the country’s tech capital, for a day of innovation. Start with a drone delivery demonstration – this is not a gimmick but a functioning service already operating in parts of the city. Then experience a driverless ride – Shenzhen is one of the few cities in the world where autonomous vehicles are open to the public. Afternoon stops at Shenzhen Bay Park, a waterfront green space with views of Hong Kong across the bay, and Huaqiangbei, the world‘s largest electronics market, where you can browse everything from components to gadgets. Return to Guangzhou in the evening.

Your driver will pick you up from the hotel and take you to the airport for your departure flight. Twelve days, five cities, one route that started at the Great Wall and ended in the tech hub of southern China. You‘ve traveled from imperial history to ancient armies to karst rivers to neon skylines – and that’s the point.

Travel Date and Price (USD per person)
Month Available Date Price Book The Tour
Sep Sep 20, 2026 USD2686.57
Oct Oct 11, 2026 USD2865.67
Oct 18, 2026 USD2865.67
Oct 25, 2026 USD2865.67
Nov Nov 8, 2026 USD2686.57
Nov 15, 2026 USD2686.57
Nov 22, 2026 USD2686.57
Nov 29, 2026 USD2686.57
Dec Dec 6, 2026 USD2686.57
Dec 15, 2026 USD2898.51
Dec 20, 2026 USD2983.58
Dec 27, 2026 USD2983.58
Jan Jan 5, 2027 USD2686.57
Jan 15, 2027 USD2686.57
Feb Feb 2, 2027 USD2968.66
Feb 12, 2027 USD2968.66
Mar Mar 7, 2027 USD2686.57
Mar 14, 2027 USD2686.57
Mar 21, 2027 USD2686.57
Mar 28, 2027 USD2865.67
Apr Apr 4, 2027 USD2865.67
Apr 11, 2027 USD2791.04
Apr 18, 2027 USD2791.04

Included & Excluded

From USD 2734.03 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:
  • Comfortable 4-Star hotel with daily breakfast (twin room)
  • Pick-up and drop-off service at the airport or train stations
  • Professional licensed English-speaking local tour guide
  • Air-conditioned vehicle throughout the tour
  • Entrance tickets to all listed attractions and activities
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary
  • Domestic flights and high-speed train tickets
  • One travel accident insurance per person
Price Excludes:
  • International flights to and from China
  • The first or last day no guiding service
  • Optional or recommended or night activities
  • Chinese visa application fees
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses (e.g. shopping, laundry, hotel minibar)
  • Request for room price difference for guests in single rooms

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 Arrivial

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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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