China Classical 12-Day Private Package Tour

Tour Base Info

  • Tour Type: Private Tour(Guests form their own group)
  • Tour Duration: 12 days
  • Meeting Point: Customer’s hotel
  • Language Service: Accompanied by an English-speaking tour guide throughout the journey

Explore the Beauty of China: Five Iconic Cities

Tour Itinerary

  • DAY1:Arrival in Beijing
  • DAY2:Tiananmen Square — The Forbidden City — Jingshan Park — Beihai Park
  • DAY3:The Great Wall at Badaling
  • DAY4:Temple of Heaven — Nanluoguxiang — Yandai Xiejie
  • DAY5:Arrival — Bell and Drum Towers — Gao Family Courtyard
  • DAY6:Terracotta Warriors — Huaqing Palace — Everlasting Regret Performance
  • DAY7:Giant Wild Goose Pagoda — City Wall — Tang Paradise
  • DAY8:Arrival — West Lake — Evening Performance
  • DAY9:Lingyin Temple and Longjing Tea Mountain Experience
  • DAY10:Jiangnan Water Town Journey
  • DAY11: Lujiazui — The Bund — Night Cruise
  • DAY12:Departure and Return


Inclusions:

  • Meals: All meals as specified in the itinerary.
  • Accommodation: All accommodations as specified in the itinerary, with hotels meeting four-star standards.
  • Transfers: Pick-up and drop-off services at the guest’s hotel by an English-speaking guide.
  • Entrance Fees: All entrance tickets for the attractions specified in the itinerary.
  • Transportation: Private car service and all inter-city transportation throughout the journey.
  • Guiding Services: Full-time private English-speaking guide service.

Not Included (Optional Expenses):

  • Beijing Hutong Intangible Cultural Heritage Handcraft (Approximately 150 RMB)
  • Chang’an Twelve Hours Banquet with Meal (Approximately 370 RMB)
  • Hanfu and Makeup in Daming Palace National Heritage Park (Approximately 200 RMB)
Sorry! This product is not available for purchase at this time.

Detailed Daily Itinerary

1 | Beijing

Beijing: A Blend of History and Modernity.As the capital of China, Beijing is a city where history meets the present. Home to world cultural heritage sites such as the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, and the Summer Palace, it showcases China’s rich royal culture and profound historical legacy. Traditional hutongs and courtyards preserve the old Beijing lifestyle, while the CBD and the Olympic Park highlight the city’s modernity.
Beijing is also a food lover’s paradise, offering delights such as Peking duck, zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste), and candied hawthorns. Whether you’re immersing yourself in history or experiencing urban vitality, Beijing is well worth a visit.

DAY1: Arrival in Beijing

Arrival in Beijing

  • Welcome to the capital of China! Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and take some time to rest. You can explore the city at your own pace and get ready for the upcoming journey.

DAY2:Tiananmen Square — The Forbidden City — Jingshan Park — Beihai Park

Morning

  • Tiananmen Square: Visit the Monument to the People’s Heroes and Chairman Mao Memorial Hall (free entry, passport required).

Late Morning

  • The Forbidden City: Enter from the Meridian Gate (Wu Men) and explore the outer and inner courtyards.
  • Enjoy authentic Beijing cuisine, such as Peking duck, at a nearby restaurant.

Afternoon

  • Jingshan Park: Walk from the north gate of the Forbidden City to Jingshan Park. Climb Wanchun Pavilion for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City.
  • Beihai Park: Continue your walk to Beihai Park. Enjoy a boat ride on the lake and visit the iconic White Pagoda.

Day 3: The Great Wall at Badaling

Morning

  • Explore Badaling Great Wall:Walk along the wall to experience the grandeur of this ancient military structure and capture memorable photos.

Noon

  • Lunch at a Farmhouse: Enjoy local farm-style dishes at a restaurant near the base of the Great Wall.

Afternoon

  • Return to Downtown Beijing and visit Wangfujing Pedestrian Street: Visit in the late afternoon to experience the mix of modern and traditional commercial culture. Don’t miss the local delicacies at Wangfujing Snack Street.

Day 4: Temple of Heaven and Hutong Exploration

Morning

  • Temple of Heaven:Explore the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, Circular Mound Altar, and other architectural highlights, and experience the sacred atmosphere of imperial rituals.

Noon

  • Lunch: Enjoy authentic Beijing dishes such as zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste) or lamb hot pot at a nearby restaurant.

Afternoon

  • Nanluoguxiang: Stroll through this famous hutong area and experience the blend of tradition and modernity. Renting a bicycle is a great way to explore the narrow alleys.
  • Yandai Xiejie: Walk from Nanluoguxiang to this charming street filled with unique handmade crafts and street snacks.Yandai Xiejie: Walk from Nanluoguxiang to this charming street filled with unique handmade crafts and street snacks.

2 | Xi’an

Xi’an: The Ancient Capital of Thirteen Dynasties.Xi’an, as a historical and cultural city of China, served as the capital for thirteen dynasties. It boasts abundant cultural heritage and historical landmarks. Iconic ancient structures such as the Terracotta Warriors, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, and Bell Tower reflect the city’s deep historical roots. Huaqing Palace and the Daming Palace Ruins showcase the grandeur of ancient royal life.
Beyond its rich history, Xi’an seamlessly blends tradition with modernity. The Muslim Quarter offers a variety of authentic Shaanxi delicacies, with specialties like lamb soup with bread (yangrou paomo) and Chinese-style burgers (roujiamo) highlighting the local flavor. Whether you’re exploring historical sites or savoring authentic Northwest cuisine, Xi’an is a city full of unique charm.

Day 5: Arrival — Bell and Drum Towers — Gao Family Courtyard

Morning

  • Take a high-speed train from Beijing to Xi’an.

Noon

  • Enjoy traditional Shaanxi noodles such as oil-splashed noodles (youpo mian) and saozi noodles at a restaurant near the Bell Tower.

Afternoon

  • Bell and Drum Towers: Visit these iconic landmarks to learn about their history and functions. Climb the towers for a panoramic view of the bustling city.
  • Gao Family Courtyard: Immerse yourself in the charm of traditional Qin-style architecture, watch puppet shows, and experience the powerful performances of Qinqiang opera.

Evening

  • Chang’an 12-Hour Banquet Experience: Enjoy an immersive palace-style dining experience with performances. Dine alongside performers dressed as emperors and concubines, interact with historical characters, and feel as if you’ve traveled back to the Tang Dynasty.

Day 6: Terracotta Warriors — Huaqing Palace — Everlasting Regret Performance

Morning

  • Terracotta Warriors: Visit the world-famous archaeological site. Explore Pits 1, 2, and 3, as well as the exhibition of bronze chariots and horses to gain insight into the splendor of the Qin Dynasty.

Noon

  • Lunch: Dine at a nearby restaurant and savor local Shaanxi specialties such as lamb soup with bread (yangrou paomo) or oil-splashed noodles (youpo mian).

Afternoon

  • Huaqing Palace: Visit the historical Huaqing Palace to explore the ancient hot spring ruins, Tang Dynasty royal palaces, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Learn about the story of Yang Guifei and admire the traditional Tang architecture.

Evening

  • Everlasting Regret Performance: Watch the grand immersive dance drama near Huaqing Palace. This spectacular show combines dance, music, and modern visual effects to tell the legendary love story of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei, offering a magnificent portrayal of the Tang Dynasty’s glory and tragedy.

Day 7: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda — City Wall — Tang Paradise

Morning

  • Giant Wild Goose Pagoda: Visit this thousand-year-old Buddhist tower. Climb the pagoda to enjoy a panoramic view of Xi’an.
  • North Square: Stroll around the square, admire the fountain show, and take in the scenic surroundings.

Noon

  • Lunch: Enjoy local delicacies at nearby restaurants, sampling Shaanxi-style noodles or street snacks.

Afternoon

  • Xi’an City Wall: Visit the most well-preserved ancient city wall in China. Choose to cycle along the wall for an engaging experience or climb the towers for a view of the bustling city below.

Evening

  • Tang Paradise: Explore this expansive cultural park that recreates the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty. Enjoy the beautifully illuminated landscapes and performances depicting the prosperity of the Tang era.

3 | Hangzhou

Hangzhou: A Heavenly City of History and Culture.Hangzhou, a renowned historical and cultural city, boasts 8,000 years of civilization and over 2,000 years of city history. Famous for being a “paradise on earth,” its poetic charm is reflected in landmarks such as West Lake, Lingyin Temple, and Leifeng Pagoda. The Grand Canal and Longjing Tea Plantation further showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. As the former capital of the Southern Song Dynasty, Hangzhou carries the memory of ancient Chinese culture.
In addition to its picturesque landscapes, Hangzhou also radiates modern energy. Hubin Pedestrian Street and the Wulin commercial area represent the city’s bustling life, while the tea aroma of Meijiawu and street snacks on Hefang Street immerse visitors in authentic Jiangnan flavors. Signature dishes such as Longjing Shrimp and West Lake Vinegar Fish are must-tries. Whether wandering amidst scenic mountains and waters or exploring the blend of history and modernity, Hangzhou offers an unforgettable experience.

Day 8: Arrival — West Lake — Evening Performance

Morning

  • Flight from Xi’an to Hangzhou: Depart from Xi’an and arrive in Hangzhou.

Noon

  • Lunch at Hubin Pedestrian Street: Enjoy Hangzhou cuisine at a local restaurant, savoring specialties like Dongpo Pork and Longjing Shrimp.

Afternoon

  • West Lake Exploration:Visit iconic sites such as Broken Bridge, Bai Causeway, and Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake (Pinghu Qiuyue).Walk or cycle around the lake to soak in the stunning scenery.Stroll along Su Causeway and admire the “Willow Smoke on Six Bridges.”Climb Leifeng Pagoda for a panoramic view of West Lake and learn about the legendary story of the White Snake.

Evening

  • Impression West Lake: Experience Zhang Yimou’s spectacular show that combines natural scenery with cultural elements, creating a stunning audio-visual feast on the waters of West Lake.

Day 9: Lingyin Temple and Longjing Tea Mountain Experience

Morning

  • Feilai Peak: Visit Feilai Peak. Admire the ancient stone Buddha carvings and immerse yourself in the beautiful natural landscape.
  • Lingyin Temple: Experience the serene atmosphere of this famous Buddhist temple. Visit the Grand Hall of the Great Sage (Daxiong Baodian) and the Hall of the Medicine Buddha (Yaoshi Dian). Take part in incense burning and prayers for blessings.

Noon

  • Vegetarian Meal at Lingyin Temple: Enjoy a peaceful and delicious vegetarian lunch.

Afternoon

  • Longjing Village: Stroll through the tea mountains and admire the picturesque terraced tea fields.
  • Tea-Making Process: Learn about traditional tea production, including tea picking, frying, and drying techniques.
  • Tea Tasting Experience: Participate in a hands-on tea-brewing session at a local tea farmer’s home or tea culture center. Brew your own cup of Longjing tea and appreciate the art of Chinese tea culture.

Evening

  • Return to downtown Hangzhou.Optional Stop at Hefang Street: Take a brief stroll to explore local specialties and shop for Hangzhou souvenirs.

4 | Wuzhen

Wuzhen: The Quintessential Jiangnan Water Town.Wuzhen, a symbol of Jiangnan’s water town charm, captivates visitors with its picturesque bridges, flowing waters, and riverside homes. With a history spanning over a thousand years, the ancient town retains the architectural style of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The vibrant and rustic atmosphere of Dongzha contrasts beautifully with the tranquil elegance of Xizha, where the waterway lights at night add a poetic touch. Beyond its rich history, Wuzhen exudes cultural vibrancy, hosting the renowned Wuzhen Theatre Festival. Wandering along its stone-paved streets and savoring local delicacies immerses visitors in the idyllic charm of Jiangnan.

Day 10: Jiangnan Water Town Journey

Morning

  • Departure from Hangzhou: Leave for Wuzhen.
  • Dongzha Scenic Area:Mao Dun’s Former Residence: Learn about the life and achievements of the literary giant.Woodcarving Museum: Admire intricate traditional woodcraft.Blue Printed Cloth Workshop: Observe the traditional dyeing process and experience making your own blue printed cloth.Hundred Beds Museum: Appreciate the beauty of ancient Jiangnan furniture and craftsmanship.

Noon

  • Lunch: Enjoy a meal at a water town restaurant in Dongzha, sampling specialties such as Bai Shui Fish, Braised Lamb, and Marinated Duck.

Afternoon

  • Xizha Scenic Area:“Bridge within a Bridge”: Capture the iconic view where bridges and waters beautifully reflect each other.Zhaoming Academy: Experience the profound cultural heritage of Jiangnan.
  • Hand-Rowed Boat Ride: Embark on a serene ride from the Grand Canal dock, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of Xizha.

Evening

  • Night Tour of Xizha: Stroll through the beautifully illuminated water town. The reflections of lanterns on the water create a mesmerizing scene filled with poetic charm.

5 | Shanghai

Shanghai: A City of Modern Splendor and Rich Heritage.As China’s economic and financial hub, Shanghai seamlessly blends modern urban landscapes with profound historical charm. The European-style architecture of the Bund and the skyscrapers of Lujiazui form the city’s iconic skyline. Historical sites such as the Shanghai Museum and Yuyuan Garden reflect its rich cultural heritage.
From the bustling Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street to the artistic ambiance of Tianzifang, Shanghai is a paradise for both shopping and art enthusiasts. The city’s cuisine is equally irresistible, with signature delicacies like xiaolongbao, fresh seafood, and traditional Shanghainese dishes. Whether exploring its historical roots or embracing the pulse of modern life, Shanghai offers endless charm and fascination.

Day 11: Lujiazui — The Bund — Night Cruise

Morning

  • Transfer from Wuzhen to Shanghai: Travel by private car to Shanghai.
  • Lujiazui “Three Towers”: Visit the Shanghai World Financial Center, Jin Mao Tower, and Shanghai Tower, which together define the city’s unique skyline and symbolize its modernization and globalization.

Noon

  • Lunch in Lujiazui: Dine at a high-end restaurant in the financial district and experience the modern urban vibe of Shanghai.

Afternoon

  • Oriental Pearl Tower: Ascend the iconic tower for panoramic views of the city. Don’t miss the thrilling experience of walking on the glass-floored skywalk.

Evening

  • The Bund and Huangpu River Night Cruise:Visit the Bund during twilight to enjoy the contrasting views of historical buildings and futuristic skyscrapers.Board a Huangpu River cruise and admire the dazzling lights of the city reflected on the water, creating a mesmerizing scene.

Day 12: Departure and Return

Departure and Return

  • Pack Up and Airport Transfer: Conclude your unforgettable journey through China, filled with cherished memories and experiences.
  • Farewell: Head to the airport for your flight back home, taking with you the beauty and culture of this remarkable adventure.

The 12-Day Journey Through China Has Come to a Perfect Close!
From the ancient capital of Beijing, we embarked on a memorable adventure — climbing the majestic Great Wall, immersing ourselves in the rich cultural heritage of Xi’an, savoring the poetic charm of West Lake, exploring the tranquil beauty of Wuzhen Water Town, and finally, experiencing the vibrant modernity of Shanghai. This journey seamlessly combined history, culture, nature, and urban dynamism, with each day bringing new discoveries and unforgettable moments.
May this journey not only leave you with beautiful memories but also offer a deeper cultural understanding and inspiration for the soul. We look forward to meeting again and embarking on new adventures together in the future!