Four Crafts: 12-Day China Holiday

Overview

From the Forbidden City and the Great Wall in Beijing, through the timber architecture and the walled city of Pingyao in Shanxi, to the Terracotta Army in Xi'an, and finally into Shanghai and the water towns of Jiangnan. Along the route, guided at workshops, you will take part in four craft activities: making cloisonné, Pingyao lacquerware, a model of a Qin crossbow, and woodblock printing. All four finished pieces will be delivered; works requiring drying or subsequent processes may be posted after completion.

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Why you'll love this trip

Four regions, four crafts. The Forbidden City, timber temples, Pingyao's walls, the Terracotta Warriors and the Bund.

Cross Tiananmen Square, explore the Forbidden City, then try your hand at cloisonné enamelwork.
Take the cable car to the Mutianyu Great Wall. The sliding track is subject to daily operating conditions, and lunch is served at the foot of the Wall.
Step into Shanxi, one of the most region rich in surviving timber-frame temples and colourful clay statues in China.
Overnight in or near Pingyao Ancient City, with daytime visits to the city wall and Rishengchang.
Tour the Terracotta Warriors in small groups, then craft your own Qin crossbow model.
In Shanghai, hand-carve a woodblock print from a wooden block, then take a boat ride through ancient bridges.

Things to do

The Qin crossbow, fully assembled, Xi'an

Traditional Chinese Medicine, Introduction, Xi'an

A selection of traditional craft experiences in water town, Zhujiajiao

Active

Craft

Night

Craft

Wellness

Night

Cycling

Food

Craft

Water

Optional

Active

Craft

Night

Craft

Wellness

Night

Cycling

Food

Craft

Water

Optional

Active

Craft

Night

Craft

Wellness

Night

Cycling

Food

Craft

Water

Optional

Itinerary

Arrivals

Beijing · Day 1 - Day 4

Day 1 · Beijing: arrival

Landing day. Nothing is scheduled except rest.

Meet and transfer At Beijing Capital or Daxing airport, your driver waits at arrivals and a private vehicle takes you into the city: the ring roads slide past your window, your first measure of the capital's scale.

The evening is yours Check in and let the long flight go; your guide will confirm tomorrow's start time depending on how you feel.

Day 2 · Beijing: the palace, end to end

Walk from the southern to the northern gate of the Forbidden City, ascend Jingshan Park to look back over the central axis, and stroll through the hutongs in the afternoon.

Tiananmen Square You begin on the square at the ceremonial heart of Beijing, monuments around you and the palace gate ahead.

The Forbidden City, south to north The palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, walked the long way: ceremonial courtyards, imperial halls, the residential quarters, the garden, and out through the north gate, with your guide reading court life and the buildings' symbolism as you go.

Jingshan, looking back From the hilltop pavilion you turn around and see your whole morning at once: the roofs you walked under, laid out along Beijing's central axis in one straight line.

Hutong afternoon Stroll along the hutongs and neighbourhood lanes of the four-sided courtyard, discovering how courtyards and streets connect.

Day 3 · Beijing: Mutianyu · cloisonné

Begin with the Mutianyu Great Wall, then return to the city for an authentic experience of cloisonné enamel-making, including wire cloisonne and point blue techniques.

Up at Mutianyu Climb by cable car or chairlift, then walk through the restored watchtowers; adjust the walking distance to your stamina.

Slide down the slope (weather and operational conditions permitting) If the scenic area is open on the day, you can descend via the slide; whether it is open depends on the weather and the scenic area's operations.

Farmhouse lunch At the foot of the wall, home-style northern dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Included.

Olympic Park On the way back, a stop for exterior views of the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube: Beijing's Olympic chapter, two buildings long.

Cloisonné in your hands Watch the wire coiling, enamel filling, firing, and polishing at a cloisonné workshop, then try creating a small piece yourself under expert guidance.

Day 4 · Beijing: Temple of Heaven, National Museum & High-Speed Rail to Taiyuan

Visit the Temple of Heaven and the National Museum of China in Beijing, then take a high-speed train to Taiyuan.

Temple of Heaven The complex where Ming and Qing emperors prayed for good harvests; you walk the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Imperial Vault of Heaven and the Circular Mound Altar while your guide connects the architecture to astronomy, ritual and the old ideas of heaven and earth.

National Museum of China View archaeological, ceramic, sculptural, and calligraphy exhibits to build context for the upcoming historical itinerary in Shanxi and Xi'an.

Rail into Shanxi Travel from Beijing to Taiyuan by high-speed rail, then proceed to your hotel for check-in.

High-Speed Train

Taiyuan · Day 5 - Day 6

Day 5 · Taiyuan: temple timber · a county town

Start with the wooden architecture of the Duke Dou Shrine, then walk through the gates and streets of the Taiyuan Ancient City Wall.

Dai Fu Shrine Begin with the timber framework, roofs, and courtyards inside the temple to observe the forms of Shanxi’s ancient architecture.

Taiyuan Ancient County Town A restored district laid out on the traditional plan of a northern county town; you walk its gates, streets and courtyards, and from a gate tower the main street runs straight away beneath you.

Iron Flower, if the season permits When your dates fall within the official performance season, an Iron Flower evening can be arranged: molten iron struck into the air, a shower of sparks against the night sky; on other dates the evening stays free in the old streets.

Day 6 · Taiyuan: Jinci

Explore Jinci’s spring water, ancient cypress trees, and the Hall of the Mother Goddess, then continue with an afternoon of vivid painted sculptures.

Jinci Temple Visit the Hall of the Holy Mother and the Nian Lao Spring, nestled between ancient cypresses and spring eyes, to observe the timber beams and columns, roof structure, and colorful sculptures within the hall.

Painted sculpture, close-up In the afternoon, enjoy an exhibition of painted statuary, observing the form, colour, and craftsmanship of the temple sculptures; this segment of the itinerary is focused on viewing.

Chartered Car

Pingyao · Day 7 - Day 8

Day 7 · To Pingyao: a merchant's fortune · a walled city

Pass through the Qiao Family Compound and arrive in Pingyao to explore the Ancient City; overnight in the city or nearby.

Qiao Family Compound A grand residence built by one of Shanxi's prominent merchant families: courtyard after courtyard, halls and passageways, with brick, wood and stone carving dense on the lintels; this is what a trading fortune looked like when it came home.

Pingyao Ancient City A UNESCO World Heritage Site with its walls, streets and Ming and Qing architecture remarkably intact; you walk the city wall, the former county government office and Rishengchang, one of China's earliest draft banks, while your guide traces how Shanxi merchants ran commercial networks across the country.

Overnight in Pingyao Stay within or near the old town; the specific hotel will be confirmed at booking. In the evening, feel free to wander through the historic lanes at your own pace.

Day 8 · Pingyao: lacquer · rail to Xi'an

Lacquer goes on in layers, and patience comes included. Then the fast train to the Qin heartland.

The lacquer workshop Participate in the making of Pingyao tuiguang lacquerware under the guidance of a craftsman. Finished pieces are guaranteed for handover; if drying or subsequent processes are required, they will be shipped upon completion.

A Pingyao lunch A local table before the drive to the station. Included.

Rail to Xi'an The high-speed train takes you southwest into Shaanxi; your Xi'an guide meets you at the station and escorts you to the hotel.

High-Speed Train

Xi'an · Day 9 - Day 10

Day 9 · Xi'an: the Qin by day, the Tang by night

Begin with the Terracotta Army, then explore a Qin crossbow model and traditional Chinese medicine; in the evening, enjoy a Tang Dynasty music and dance performance.

The Terracotta Warriors East of the city, you look down into the excavation pits at the underground army raised for Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of a unified China: rank readable in the armour, role readable in the stance, formations drawn up soldier by soldier below you.

A Shaanxi lunch A local meal near the site. Included.

Qin crossbow model making With professional guidance you assemble a small model based on the ancient design, and see how standardised parts let one army arm itself at scale.

Chinese medicine, introduced Observe a pulse diagnosis demonstration to learn about related traditional medicine knowledge.

A Tang evening Music and dance in the Tang style with a dumpling banquet: the colours, costumes and ceremony of Chang'an, the capital this city used to be.

Day 10 · Xi'an: the wall by bike · Sajinqiao

Ride the rampart, then follow the charcoal smoke. The afternoon is left empty on purpose.

City Wall by bike Enter through the South Gate and ascend one of the most complete city walls in China; ride the broad rampart with the old city within the parapet and the new city beyond, going as far as takes your fancy, or walking a stretch instead.

Sajinqiao Snack stalls and restaurants line the streets of Sajin Bridge; follow your guide to learn about the local food and order dishes at your own expense.

An open afternoon Rest, shopping, or nothing at all; extra visits can be arranged around your interests and the time left.

Flight

Shanghai · Day 11 - Day 12

Day 11 · Fly to Shanghai: gardens, woodblocks, the Bund

Upon arrival in Shanghai, visit the Yu Garden and try a traditional woodblock printing experience, depending on your arrival time; in the evening, head to The Bund.

The flight south A private transfer to Xi'an Xianyang airport and a domestic flight to Shanghai; your Shanghai guide meets you on arrival, and the order of the afternoon follows your actual landing time.

Yu Garden A classical garden in Shanghai's old town, where pavilions, rockeries, ponds and covered walkways unfold along the pathways.

Woodblock watermark printing From Shanghai's long-established art and publishing heritage: outlines, colours, water and pressure pass through one carved block after another until a painting's tones reappear on paper, and you pull a simple print yourself: the fourth thing you have made in China.

The Bund after dark You walk beside the Huangpu River with the stone facades of the historic waterfront on one side and the lit towers of Pudong across the water: two eras of the city's architecture, facing each other.

Day 12 · Shanghai: Zhujiajiao & Departure

Take a boat cruise in Zhujiajiao, enjoy a local lunch, and then head to the airport or train station.

Zhujiajiao by water Take a boat through the waterways and under stone arch bridges, then stroll along the riverside lanes to watch the waterside houses and passing vessels.

A Jiangnan lunch Regional flavours at a local table. Included.

One last making, time permitting When the departure schedule leaves room, bamboo weaving or indigo blue calico printing can be added in or around the town, quoted separately.

Transfer to airport or station Private car transfer to Shanghai airport or train station as per itinerary.

Departures

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Hotels

These are sample stays typically included in the itinerary. Final pricing depends on the hotel level selected.

Shanghai

Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai (Shanghai International Resort)

Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai: a luxurious garden hotel adjacent to Pudong Airport and Disneyland, offering a complimentary shuttle service to both.

Beijing

Atour Hotel (Beijing West Railway Station South Square)

Upscale local hotel near Beijing West Railway Station South Square.

Taiyuan

LANLI Hotel (Taiyuan South Station Wusu Airport)

The hotel is a 3-minute drive from Taiyuan South Railway Station.

Pingyao

Chengruihan Hotel Pingyao

Xi'an

Somerset Xindicheng Xi'an

A comfortable serviced-apartment option in Xi'an, suited to travellers who like extra space and a more residential feel.

Shanghai

Artyzen Habitat Shanghai Taopu

Inspired by the concept that each Yazen Hotel is a chapter in the city's story, our stylish and fully equipped comfortable guest rooms offer a modern retreat.

Taiyuan

Kempinski Hotel Taiyuan

Located in the heart of the 'Dragon City', this modern luxury hotel blends business and leisure, combining European style with Chinese culture.

Beijing

Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast

International luxury hotel in Beijing, ideal for business trips and city breaks.

Shanghai

Pullman Shanghai Zhonggang Hui Hotel

The Pullman Shanghai South Harbour, located in Dapuqiao and adjacent to Tianzifang, is just steps away from Metro Line 9 and the Expo site.

Xi'an

Sheraton Xi'an North City Hotel

Sheraton Xi'an North City: five-star luxury five minutes from the Daming Palace, with an indoor pool and wellness centre.

Pingyao

Water Hotel Pingyao

Taiyuan

Sunshine International Hotel

Located in the vibrant core of Taiyuan's Qinxian Street district, where modernity meets tradition, and next to the Sunshine International Business Center.

Beijing

DoubleTree by Hilton Beijing East Third Ring Road

International upscale hotel in Beijing, suitable for business and leisure stays.

Shanghai

Atour S Hotel Shanghai Hongqiao Centre Aegean

Located in the Aegean Sea Shopping Park at the intersection of Zhongguo Road and Hongjing Road in the Golden Business District of Hongqiao Town, with direct access to Longbai Xincun Station on Metro Line 10.

Xi'an

Shangri-La Hotel

Shangri-La Hotel Xi'an: five-star luxury near the Terracotta Warriors, 35 minutes from the airport.

Taiyuan

Lavande Hotel (Taiyuan Provincial Government Maoye World Store)

【Follow Kongkong to Explore Shanxi】The hotel is conveniently located near filming locations at Pingyao Ancient City and Shuanglin Temple, just a 30-minute high-speed rail ride away; it is also close to the Qiao Family Courtyard.

Shanghai

Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai (Shanghai International Resort)

Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai: a luxurious garden hotel adjacent to Pudong Airport and Disneyland, offering a complimentary shuttle service to both.

Beijing

Atour Hotel (Beijing West Railway Station South Square)

Upscale local hotel near Beijing West Railway Station South Square.

Taiyuan

LANLI Hotel (Taiyuan South Station Wusu Airport)

The hotel is a 3-minute drive from Taiyuan South Railway Station.

Pingyao

Chengruihan Hotel Pingyao

Xi'an

Somerset Xindicheng Xi'an

A comfortable serviced-apartment option in Xi'an, suited to travellers who like extra space and a more residential feel.

Shanghai

Artyzen Habitat Shanghai Taopu

Inspired by the concept that each Yazen Hotel is a chapter in the city's story, our stylish and fully equipped comfortable guest rooms offer a modern retreat.

Taiyuan

Kempinski Hotel Taiyuan

Located in the heart of the 'Dragon City', this modern luxury hotel blends business and leisure, combining European style with Chinese culture.

Beijing

Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast

International luxury hotel in Beijing, ideal for business trips and city breaks.

Shanghai

Pullman Shanghai Zhonggang Hui Hotel

The Pullman Shanghai South Harbour, located in Dapuqiao and adjacent to Tianzifang, is just steps away from Metro Line 9 and the Expo site.

Xi'an

Sheraton Xi'an North City Hotel

Sheraton Xi'an North City: five-star luxury five minutes from the Daming Palace, with an indoor pool and wellness centre.

Pingyao

Water Hotel Pingyao

Taiyuan

Sunshine International Hotel

Located in the vibrant core of Taiyuan's Qinxian Street district, where modernity meets tradition, and next to the Sunshine International Business Center.

Beijing

DoubleTree by Hilton Beijing East Third Ring Road

International upscale hotel in Beijing, suitable for business and leisure stays.

Shanghai

Atour S Hotel Shanghai Hongqiao Centre Aegean

Xi'an

Shangri-La Hotel

Shangri-La Hotel Xi'an: five-star luxury near the Terracotta Warriors, 35 minutes from the airport.

Taiyuan

Lavande Hotel (Taiyuan Provincial Government Maoye World Store)

Shanghai

Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai (Shanghai International Resort)

Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai: a luxurious garden hotel adjacent to Pudong Airport and Disneyland, offering a complimentary shuttle service to both.

Beijing

Atour Hotel (Beijing West Railway Station South Square)

Upscale local hotel near Beijing West Railway Station South Square.

Taiyuan

LANLI Hotel (Taiyuan South Station Wusu Airport)

The hotel is a 3-minute drive from Taiyuan South Railway Station.

Pingyao

Chengruihan Hotel Pingyao

Xi'an

Somerset Xindicheng Xi'an

A comfortable serviced-apartment option in Xi'an, suited to travellers who like extra space and a more residential feel.

Shanghai

Artyzen Habitat Shanghai Taopu

Inspired by the concept that each Yazen Hotel is a chapter in the city's story, our stylish and fully equipped comfortable guest rooms offer a modern retreat.

Taiyuan

Kempinski Hotel Taiyuan

Located in the heart of the 'Dragon City', this modern luxury hotel blends business and leisure, combining European style with Chinese culture.

Beijing

Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast

International luxury hotel in Beijing, ideal for business trips and city breaks.

Shanghai

Pullman Shanghai Zhonggang Hui Hotel

The Pullman Shanghai South Harbour, located in Dapuqiao and adjacent to Tianzifang, is just steps away from Metro Line 9 and the Expo site.

Xi'an

Sheraton Xi'an North City Hotel

Sheraton Xi'an North City: five-star luxury five minutes from the Daming Palace, with an indoor pool and wellness centre.

Pingyao

Water Hotel Pingyao

Taiyuan

Sunshine International Hotel

Located in the vibrant core of Taiyuan's Qinxian Street district, where modernity meets tradition, and next to the Sunshine International Business Center.

Beijing

DoubleTree by Hilton Beijing East Third Ring Road

International upscale hotel in Beijing, suitable for business and leisure stays.

Shanghai

Atour S Hotel Shanghai Hongqiao Centre Aegean

Xi'an

Shangri-La Hotel

Shangri-La Hotel Xi'an: five-star luxury near the Terracotta Warriors, 35 minutes from the airport.

Taiyuan

Lavande Hotel (Taiyuan Provincial Government Maoye World Store)

Included / Excluded

What's Included

Private vehiclesAir-conditioned private vehicles for all listed sightseeing, airport and station transfers, fuel, tolls, parking and the driver's service allowance.
Inter-city legsSecond-class high-speed rail into Shanxi and on to Xi'an; one-way economy flight from Xi'an to Shanghai with standard checked baggage under the airline's policy.
Hotels11 nights in selected four-star, five-star or featured boutique stays, breakfast daily.
GuidesProfessional English-speaking guide service throughout the scheduled programme.
Tickets and experiencesListed attractions plus Mutianyu ascent and toboggan, cloisonné, Pingyao lacquerware, Qin crossbow model, Chinese medicine introduction, Tang performance, Xi'an city-wall bikes and Shanghai woodblock printing.
MealsFive regional meals, farmhouse lunch below the Great Wall, Pingyao lunch, Shaanxi lunch, Tang dumpling banquet and Jiangnan lunch in Zhujiajiao.

Not Included

Long-haulInternational flights to Beijing and departure travel from Shanghai.
MealsBeyond the five included meals and daily breakfast, lunches and dinners stay flexible and are on your account.
Optional itemsBamboo weaving and indigo calico printing in the water town, and the Iron Flower ticket unless confirmed in the final quotation.
PersonalVisas, gratuities, single supplement, personal spending and extra costs from events beyond reasonable control.

Special Notes

A few things on this route depend on weather, seasons or operators.

Iron Flower — Seasonal and arranged only when dates match a confirmed performance and available tickets; otherwise the Taiyuan evening stays free.
Mutianyu toboggan — Subject to weather, safety regulations, and daily operational conditions; when suspended, slides will not be available, and other descent methods are based on the confirmed itinerary.
Day 11 order — The Shanghai afternoon follows the confirmed flight and actual arrival time.
Day 12 timing — An earlier departure may shorten Zhujiajiao or the optional craft session.
Handcrafted Delivery — Delivery of four handmade items is guaranteed. Works requiring drying or subsequent processes may not be ready for collection on the same day; once completed, they will be arranged for dispatch. Specific delivery methods are outlined in the trip confirmation document.
Hotel & Services — The name specified in the confirmation letter prevails; or a similar name, referring to accommodation of the same grade and a comparable location.

Is Twelve Days Your Length?

Tell us your dates and who's coming; the length can be shaped around you.

Have the full window?

Read the capital, Shanxi's timber and banking history, the Qin chapter and Jiangnan water in order.

Shorter on days?

Remove a region rather than rushing the rest.

Travelling with kids or older parents?

Cable cars do the climbing, cycling can become walking and workshops finish with simple pieces.

Good to Know

Group: Private; from 1 guest, no minimum.
Arrival: Day 1 is a landing day with only transfer and rest.
Language: English-speaking guides throughout.
Shopping Policy: No shopping stops or commission detours on the route; your time is dedicated solely to the places listed here.
Tailoring: Fully flexible. Days, stops, and pace can be added, removed, or swapped. We'll reshape the plan together before you confirm and pay.
Payment: A 10% deposit, minimum $399, locks dates and resources; the balance is due 14 days before departure.
Flexibility: Walking, cycling and workshop pacing adapt to the group.
Ports: Beijing in, Shanghai out.
Gateway markets: Lead country marker: GB. Gateway markets from inventory: UK, WEU, NCEU, CA. Gateway match is strongest for Beijing in and Shanghai out.
Advance booking: The Iron Flower evening, the Shanxi painted-sculpture museum and the Pingyao lacquer workshop are each reserved 7 days ahead; your travel designer books them once your dates are confirmed

Your Private Concierge Service

Jenny

China Private Travel Route Consultant

“A concierge desk offering bilingual planning services for bespoke China journeys”

Our China team carefully tailors the pace of the itinerary, hotel arrangements, and local reception services to suit the style of each route.

20+

Years

300+

Trips Designed

24/7

On-Trip Care

Step 01

Tell us what excites you

Not your dates and budget — your curiosity. Where have you always wanted to go? What do you want to feel? We start there.

24h

First concept delivered

Step 02

We design it around you

Your specialist builds the itinerary from scratch — routes, hosts, hotels, and experiences you won't find anywhere else.

100%

Private, never off-the-shelf

Step 03

Lock it in with 30%

When the plan feels right, a 30% deposit holds your trip. Balance due 30 days before departure.

30%

Deposit to confirm

Step 04

Travel. We handle the rest.

Your Trip Pack arrives before you fly. On the road, your concierge is one message away — for the expected and everything you didn't plan for.

24/7

Support throughout your journey

Cancellation terms agreed in writing

English-speaking concierge

Secure payment via Stripe

Guest Reviews

4.9 / 5 · from 523 verified reviews

Emily Carter

🇺🇸 Seattle, USA

Perfect for couples

“My partner and I had an amazing time in China. Everything was arranged for us — transfers, hotels, guides. No stress at all.”

May 2026

Claire Brooks

🇬🇧 London, UK

Great for families

“Traveled with my two kids and had zero issues. The team made sure the pace wasn't too rushed and included things the kids would enjoy. Communication was easy throughout. Will definitely use them again for our next Asia trip.”

Apr 2026

Laura Bennett

🇨🇦 Toronto, Canada

Alisa made the whole experience easy

“Alisa was our point of contact throughout and she was brilliant — patient, knowledgeable, and always quick to reply. The trip itself was wonderful. Beijing and Guilin were highlights.”

Mar 2026

Mark Henderson

🇺🇸 Denver, USA

Good service, minor hiccup but sorted quickly

“Really good service. There was a small mix-up with one of our restaurant bookings but it got sorted quickly. The rest of the trip was seamless.”

Feb 2026

Rebecca Miller

🇺🇸 Boston, USA

Really listened to what we wanted

“Really helpful team. They listened to what we wanted and delivered. Beijing and Xi'an were incredible.”

Jan 2026

China Ready

We've solved the hard parts. Here's everything a first-time Western traveller needs to know before arriving.

Do this before you fly

VPN & Internet Access

What's blocked

Google, Gmail, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and most Western news sites are inaccessible in China without a VPN.

Download before you leave

It's nearly impossible to download a VPN once inside China. Install and test at home. Recommended: Astrill (most reliable), Mullvad, ExpressVPN — subscribe to at least two in case one stops working.

Hotel Wi-Fi tip

Some hotels block VPN connections on their Wi-Fi. Use your phone's mobile data as a hotspot if the VPN drops.

Good news

WhatsApp works perfectly through a VPN, so your messaging stays unchanged. Apple iMessage and Signal also work.

Your concierge sets this up on Day 1

Paying in China

China is cashless

Alipay and WeChat Pay are used for almost everything — restaurants, taxis, markets, tickets. Cash is rarely accepted in cities.

International cards now work

Foreign Visa/Mastercard can now link directly to Alipay (set up in minutes, $5,000 single transaction limit). Your concierge walks you through the setup on your first morning.

Carry some cash

We recommend ¥500–800 RMB in cash for the rare vendor that won't accept digital payment, and for small towns.

Booking this trip

Your deposit and balance are charged via Stripe — the same trusted platform used by Airbnb and Booking.com. USD billing, no surprise conversion fees.

We handle the paperwork

Visa & Entry

Do you need a visa?

Most US, UK, EU, Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand passport holders need a tourist (L) visa for stays over 10 days. We provide a visa invitation letter with every booking — it significantly speeds up approval.

240-hour visa-free transit

Citizens of 55+ countries (including USA, UK, most of EU, AUS, NZ, Canada) can enter China visa-free for up to 10 days if transiting through eligible ports. This covers our 12-day itinerary only if you have a confirmed onward flight.

Processing time

Apply 4–6 weeks before departure. Standard processing: 4–7 business days. Express (3 days) and same-day options available at most Chinese consulates.

What we provide

Visa invitation letter, hotel confirmation for all nights, suggested itinerary document — everything the consulate needs, formatted correctly.

Our responsibility, always

Safety & Practical Tips

Is China safe?

China consistently ranks among the safest countries for foreign tourists. Violent crime against visitors is extremely rare. Cities have extensive CCTV coverage and a visible police presence.

Emergency numbers

Police: 110. Ambulance: 120. Your concierge is your first call for any non-emergency situation — she has local contacts for every city on the itinerary.

Health & medications

Bring a full supply of any prescription medication. International pharmacies exist in major cities but may not carry your brand. Travel insurance is required — we can recommend policies that cover China specifically.

Language

English fluency outside hotels and tourist sites is limited. Your guides all speak English. We provide a printed pocket card with essential Chinese phrases and emergency contacts for every traveller.

Before You Book

Everything worth knowing before you book.

We've never heard of Shanxi. Why give it three days?

Shanxi boasts a rich concentration of surviving old architecture, including a walled city where you can stay, merchant courtyards and the region's main lacquer workshop.

What if the Iron Flower isn't on?

It follows an official seasonal calendar and cannot be guaranteed. When dates do not match, the Taiyuan evening remains free and the rest of Shanxi is unchanged.

How physically demanding is this route?

Moderate and adjustable. The Mutianyu ascent uses a cable car or chairlift, the Xi'an ride can shorten or become a walk, and there is no high altitude.

We've never done crafts. Will the workshops work for us?

No prior experience is required. Each session proceeds step by step under professional guidance and concludes with a simple piece.

Mutianyu, Above and Below

Cloisonné Workshop

Iron Sparks · Bloom in Season

Pingyao Tuiguang Lacquerware

The Qin crossbow, fully assembled

Traditional Chinese Medicine, Introduction

Night of Tang Dynasty

Cycle the City Walls

Sajin Bridge Food Street

Woodblock Watermark Printing

Cruise Through Zhujiajiao

A selection of traditional craft experiences in water town

01. Mutianyu, Above and Below

02. Cloisonné Workshop

03. Iron Sparks · Bloom in Season

04. Pingyao Tuiguang Lacquerware

05. The Qin crossbow, fully assembled

06. Traditional Chinese Medicine, Introduction

07. Night of Tang Dynasty

08. Cycle the City Walls

09. Sajin Bridge Food Street

10. Woodblock Watermark Printing

11. Cruise Through Zhujiajiao

12. A selection of traditional craft experiences in water town

01. Mutianyu, Above and Below

02. Cloisonné Workshop

03. Iron Sparks · Bloom in Season

04. Pingyao Tuiguang Lacquerware

05. The Qin crossbow, fully assembled

06. Traditional Chinese Medicine, Introduction

07. Night of Tang Dynasty

08. Cycle the City Walls

09. Sajin Bridge Food Street

10. Woodblock Watermark Printing

11. Cruise Through Zhujiajiao

12. A selection of traditional craft experiences in water town

01. Mutianyu, Above and Below

02. Cloisonné Workshop

03. Iron Sparks · Bloom in Season

04. Pingyao Tuiguang Lacquerware

05. The Qin crossbow, fully assembled

06. Traditional Chinese Medicine, Introduction

07. Night of Tang Dynasty

08. Cycle the City Walls

09. Sajin Bridge Food Street

10. Woodblock Watermark Printing

11. Cruise Through Zhujiajiao

12. A selection of traditional craft experiences in water town

Beijing · Day 1 - Day 4Collapse

Day 1 · Beijing: arrival

Day 2 · Beijing: the palace, end to end

Day 3 · Beijing: Mutianyu · cloisonné

Day 4 · Beijing: Temple of Heaven, National Museum & High-Speed Rail to Taiyuan

Taiyuan · Day 5 - Day 6Collapse

Day 5 · Taiyuan: temple timber · a county town

Day 6 · Taiyuan: Jinci

Pingyao · Day 7 - Day 8Collapse

Day 7 · To Pingyao: a merchant's fortune · a walled city

Day 8 · Pingyao: lacquer · rail to Xi'an

Xi'an · Day 9 - Day 10Collapse

Day 9 · Xi'an: the Qin by day, the Tang by night

Day 10 · Xi'an: the wall by bike · Sajinqiao

Shanghai · Day 11 - Day 12Collapse

Day 11 · Fly to Shanghai: gardens, woodblocks, the Bund

Day 12 · Shanghai: Zhujiajiao & Departure

Read it on your own time

Answers to all your trip questions

Something specific in mind?

What's Included

Not Included

Special Notes

Is Twelve Days Your Length?

Have the full window?

Shorter on days?

Travelling with kids or older parents?

Jenny

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Beijing · Day 1 - Day 4

Taiyuan · Day 5 - Day 6

Pingyao · Day 7 - Day 8

Xi'an · Day 9 - Day 10

Shanghai · Day 11 - Day 12