Walking distance can be adjusted based on travel companions. To ascend Mutianyu, cable cars are available; travel along the Long River Valley is by coach. Days 9 and 13 focus on intercity transport, with flexible activities on Day 12.

Overview

A fourteen-day itinerary connecting Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Guilin, Yangshuo and Shanghai. Upon arrival in Beijing, rest first, then visit the Forbidden City and the Mutianyu Great Wall; in Xi'an, explore the Terracotta Warriors; in Chengdu, visit the Panda Base, take a Sichuan cooking class and enjoy a Sichuan opera. On day 9, fly from Chengdu to Guilin and stay overnight; on day 10, travel to Yangshuo by car and stay for three consecutive nights. On day 13, fly from Guilin to Shanghai; on day 14, arrange a Yuyuan Garden tour and airport transfer according to your departure flight time. Activities on day 12 can be tailored to individual interests; specific services and inclusions are subject to confirmation via a written quote.

— LyrikTrip Travel Designer

Every LyrikTrip journey begins with a conversation. Please tell us the ages of each member of your group and the travel dates you have in mind, and we will set the pace of the itinerary based on the slowest, not the fastest, traveller among you. We reply for the first time within four hours; you will receive a clear price within one business day. On this route, we will also candidly share the realities of family rooms before you commit to anything.

Why you'll love this trip

  • Six cities, one family pace. The Great Wall by cable car, the Terracotta Warriors, pandas and a teahouse, with English-speaking guides city by city.
  • 14 days from the Forbidden City to a rice valley in the karst. See China together.
  • Follow the Central Axis of the Forbidden City to visit the main halls and the Imperial Garden, with entry slots booked according to your travel date.
  • Take a cable car to the Mutianyu Great Wall; the toboggan slide down depends on daily operating conditions.
  • Stand before approximately 8,000 terracotta warriors, then climb the historic city walls that encircle ancient Xi'an.
  • We will aim to schedule the panda base in the morning and enjoy gaiwan tea at a teahouse in People's Park in the afternoon; panda activity is subject to conditions on the day.
  • Tour the Yulong River Valley by car, taking in the rice paddies, villages, and karst peaks; bamboo rafts or cruise boats can be arranged upon request.
  • If your flight schedule permits, visit Yu Garden and the surrounding Old City Quarter before departing Shanghai.
  • Three consecutive nights each in Beijing, Chengdu, and Yangshuo; one night in Guilin, with Days 9 and 13 focused on inter-city travel.
Tour route mapTour route: Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Guilin, Yangshuo, ShanghaiBeijing · ArrivalsD1–D3Xi'anD4–D5ChengduD6–D8GuilinD9YangshuoD10–D12Shanghai · DeparturesD13–D14

Things to do

Forbidden City, Beijing
01
Cloth Shoe Workshop, Beijing
02
Mutianyu Great Wall, Beijing
03
Great Wall Zipline, Beijing
04
Beijing's Historic Hutongs & Shichahai, Beijing
05
Terracotta Army, Xi'an
06
Xi'an City Wall, Xi'an
07
Chengdu Panda Base, Chengdu
08
People's Park Tea House, Chengdu
09
Market Tour and Sichuan Cooking Class, Chengdu
10
Local Sichuan Opera Performance, Chengdu
11
Yulong River Valley, Yangshuo
12
Yu Garden and the Old Town, Shanghai
13

Itinerary

Beijing · Day 1 - Day 3

Beijing
Beijing
Beijing

Day 1 · Arrive in Beijing and check in for rest

Airport transfer to your hotel, with the rest of the day free to relax and adjust to the local time.

Airport pickup Upon arriving in Beijing, proceed to your hotel; the pick-up time and vehicle arrangements are subject to the travel confirmation.
The rest of the day Take some time to rest after check-in. Dinner can be arranged independently near the hotel.

Day 2 · The Forbidden City and a Traditional Cloth-Shoe Workshop

Walk the central axis of the Forbidden City in the morning, then learn about the handcraft of cloth shoes in the afternoon.

The Forbidden City Explore the Forbidden City's central axis, visiting the main halls, palace living areas, and the Imperial Garden, with breaks included along the way. Ticket reservations and entry time slots will be confirmed based on your travel date.
Cloth-shoe workshop In the afternoon, explore cloth-layered soles and hand-stitching at the cloth shoe workshop. The format of the experience and arrangements for finished products are subject to the quotation confirmation.

Day 3 · Cable Car to the Mutianyu Great Wall

Take the cable car up, then walk around the city wall; the descent method will be confirmed based on daily operating conditions.

Cable car up to Mutianyu Take a drive from Beijing to Mutianyu Great Wall. After taking the cable car up the mountain, walk along the ramparts. Pause between the watchtowers to take in the distant view of the ridges and passes.
Descending the mountain If the luge slide is open and suitable for your travel companions on the day, you may descend via the slide; otherwise, the itinerary will be adjusted to use a cable car or other method. Please refer to the travel confirmation document for specific arrangements.
Farmhouse lunch below the wall After descending the mountain, a home-style lunch can be arranged at the foot of the Great Wall; whether this is included in the quoted price needs to be confirmed separately.
High-speed rail

Xi'an · Day 4 - Day 5

Xi'an
Xi'an
Xi'an

Day 4 · Hutongs and Shichahai, High-Speed Train to Xi'an

Morning at leisure in Beijing with a walking tour; afternoon high-speed rail to Xi'an; overnight in Xi'an.

Hutongs and Shichahai Walk through the hutongs to Shichahai Lake, viewing the grey brick courtyard walls, alley entrances, and lakeside views. Adjust the duration of the tour according to the day's train schedule.
High-speed rail to Xi'an In the afternoon, travel to Xi'an by high-speed train. Specific train services, cabin classes, and transfer arrangements at both ends are subject to the quotation and travel confirmation.

Day 5 · Terracotta Warriors and Shaanxi Noodles

Visit the Terracotta Warriors, with Shaanxi noodles arranged for lunch, and return to the city centre in the afternoon to rest.

The Terracotta Warriors Visit the terracotta pits to observe the warriors’ armour, postures, and hairstyles. Learn about the discovery and restoration process within the museum.
Shaanxi noodle lunch Lunch can be arranged with Shaanxi-style noodles, offering a taste of local handmade noodles. The specific restaurant and whether it is included in the quote will need to be confirmed separately.
Back into the city The afternoon returns to the hotel with time before dinner, as the museum morning involves a lot of standing.
High-speed rail

Chengdu · Day 6 - Day 8

Chengdu
Chengdu
Chengdu

Day 6 · Explore Xi'an City Wall, then Take High-Speed Train to Chengdu

Tour the Xi'an City Wall in the morning and travel to Chengdu by high-speed rail in the afternoon.

Xi'an City Wall Ascend the Xi'an City Wall and stroll along its ramparts for a panoramic view of the ancient streets within and the new city beyond. Ticket costs and tour options are subject to the confirmed quote.
High-speed rail to Chengdu In the afternoon, take a high-speed train via the Qinling Mountains to Chengdu. The specific train number, seat class, and arrangements for transfers at both ends are subject to the quotation and the final travel confirmation.

Day 7 · Panda Base and People's Park Teahouse

Watch pandas in the morning and relax at a teahouse in People’s Park in the afternoon.

Panda base, in the morning We aim to schedule the panda base visit in the morning, allowing you to observe the pandas along the park's pathways. Please note that the animals' activity levels are subject to conditions on the day.
People's Park teahouse Settle into a teahouse in Renmin Park, sip a bowl of gaiwan tea, and watch locals chat and play cards in the dappled shade. Reserve the afternoon for rest.

Day 8 · Market, Sichuan Cooking, and Community Opera

First, get acquainted with the fresh ingredients before you start cooking. In the afternoon, watch a Sichuan opera, then enjoy free time to explore at your own pace.

Browse the local market Visit a local market to explore key Sichuan ingredients like Sichuan peppercorns and bean paste, then head to a cooking class.
Sichuan home cooking Learn to prepare classic home-style Sichuan dishes and taste the meals you make in class. Specific course content and participation details are subject to the final itinerary confirmation.
Community Sichuan opera In the afternoon, watch a Sichuan opera at the community theatre. Whether a backstage tour is included is subject to the travel confirmation.
The rest of the afternoon Free time is allowed after the Sichuan Opera.
Flight

Guilin · Day 9

Guilin
Guilin
Guilin

Day 9 · Fly from Chengdu to Guilin

Set aside time to head to the airport, arriving in Guilin by plane and staying there that evening.

A leisurely morning Breakfast at your own speed, bags packed without a countdown, then the transfer to the airport.
Flight to Guilin Fly from Chengdu to Guilin. Flight details, cabin class, and transfers at both ends are subject to the quotation and travel confirmation.
One night in Guilin Stay overnight in Guilin, then drive to Yangshuo the next day.
Private car

Yangshuo · Day 10 - Day 12

Yangshuo
Yangshuo
Yangshuo

Day 10 · From Guilin to Yangshuo

A morning tour of Guilin can be arranged as required, followed by a coach transfer to Yangshuo in the afternoon.

Guilin Morning Riverside walks in the old town or karst cave visits can be arranged upon request. Specific locations, admission fees, and costs are subject to the final quotation confirmation.
Road south to Yangshuo Travel by road from Guilin to Yangshuo, with limestone peaks and farmland visible along the route. Upon arrival, stay in Yangshuo for three consecutive nights.

Day 11 · Drive through the Yu Long River Valley

Drive through the valley and farmland, with stops to enjoy the scenery.

Yulong River valley Travel by car along the Yulong River valley, taking in the rice paddies, villages, stone bridges, and limestone peaks along the way. This day’s itinerary does not automatically include a bamboo raft or boat cruise.
Stops along the way You may step out for a brief stop along the way; the specific locations and route are subject to the trip confirmation form.
Back before dark After the excursion, return to Yangshuo; dinner is free time for you to arrange as you please.

Day 12 · Flexible Activities Day in Yangshuo

Continue your stay in Yangshuo; tailor the day's activities to your companions' interests.

Yangshuo Consecutive Stay Today, you will continue your stay in Yangshuo; no hotel transfer is required. The scope of guide and vehicle services is subject to the quotation confirmation.
Optional Tour Riverfront market or old town tours can be arranged on an à la carte basis; specific routes, tickets, and fees are subject to the final quotation confirmation.
Bamboo rafts & cruise boats Bamboo raft or cruise boat arrangements can be made separately upon request; ticketing and associated fees must be specified in the quotation confirmation.
Flight

Shanghai · Day 13 - Day 14

Shanghai
Shanghai
Shanghai

Day 13 · Fly from Yangshuo via Guilin to Shanghai

Drive to Guilin Airport, then fly to Shanghai; stay overnight in Shanghai.

Head to Guilin Airport Travel by car from Yangshuo to Guilin Airport; departure time will be arranged based on the actual flight schedule.
Flight to Shanghai Fly from Guilin to Shanghai. Flight details, cabin class, and transfer arrangements are subject to the quotation and travel confirmation.
Check-in in Shanghai Upon arrival, please check in to your hotel; dinner can be arranged independently nearby. The schedule for the following day is subject to your departure flight time.

Day 14 · Yu Garden & Shanghai Airport Transfer

If your departure flight allows, tour Yu Garden before heading to the airport.

Yuyuan Garden & Old City Depending on flight times, you can visit the Yu Garden and the surrounding Old Town; early flights may require adjustments or cancellation of the tour, subject to the confirmation document.
Shanghai Airport Transfer Airport transfer will be arranged in accordance with your departure flight details. Please refer to your travel confirmation for the specific meeting time and airport.
Departures

Free PDF

Read it on your own time

We'll send this itinerary guide to your inbox for free.

No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.

Hotels

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

Included / Excluded

What's Included

  • Private vehicleAir-conditioned private vehicles are provided for city tours across the six cities, airport and station transfers, and overland connections between Guilin and Yangshuo; the specific scope of vehicle use is subject to confirmation in the written order.
  • Trains and flightsThe Beijing–Xi'an and Xi'an–Chengdu high-speed rail segments, and the Chengdu–Guilin and Guilin–Shanghai flights, are scheduled according to the itinerary. The quote provided lists the included items; actual flight numbers, seat classes, and transfers at both ends are subject to the order confirmation.
  • Hotels13 nights with breakfast at your chosen level: four-star, five-star or quality boutique, as named in your written confirmation
  • GuideLicensed English-speaking guide on every touring day, in every city
  • Beijing tickets and experiencesThe Palace Museum, Mutianyu Great Wall, the hutongs and Shichahai, and the cloth shoe workshop are scheduled according to the itinerary; Palace Museum reservations, Great Wall ascent/descent methods, and workshop item delivery are confirmed in the written order.
  • Xi'an ticketsThe Terracotta Warriors museum; admission up to the top of the Xi'an City Wall
  • Chengdu tickets and experiencesVisits to the panda base, tea houses in People's Park, Sichuan opera performances, and Sichuan cuisine courses are scheduled according to the itinerary; details on tea seating, backstage access, and course specifics are subject to written order confirmation.
  • Yangshuo touringOn Day 11, take a scenic drive through the Yulong River valley; the pace of stops and walks can be adjusted to suit the needs of fellow travellers.
  • Shanghai ticketsYu Garden and the old city
  • MealsHotel accommodation with breakfast is included from Day 2 to Day 14; whether the farmhouse lunch at the foot of the Great Wall and the Shaanxi noodle lunch are arranged and included is subject to the written quotation.
  • InsuranceTravel accident insurance; the scope and the sum insured are stated in your written confirmation

Not Included

  • International flightsYour flights into Beijing and out of Shanghai
  • VisasVisa fees and procedures; check the official policy against your passport, itinerary, and travel dates to see whether a visa is required.
  • MealsAll lunch and dinner expenses are at your own expense, unless specifically included in a written quote; we can confirm whether we can assist with reservations upon inquiry.
  • Guilin ticketed sitesNo ticketed Guilin site is included in the base price. If one is arranged for your day 10 morning, its ticket price will be stated in writing in your quote.
  • River boats and raftsBamboo rafts and river cruises on any stretch of water in Yangshuo are separate tickets and are not included in this plan.
  • Wall-top hire in Xi'anIf bicycles or an electric cart are the settled way across the wall top for your dates, the hire is priced separately
  • Optional add-onsQuoted separately when you choose them; nothing optional is added by default
  • PersonalGratuities, single or extra-room difference, personal spending

Special Notes

Facility bookings, transport schedules, and certain experiences must be confirmed according to your travel dates.

  • The pace is the design — Six cities over fourteen days, including arrival rest days, city tours, and inter-city travel. Days 9 and 13 focus on transport, while Day 12 can be tailored to companions' interests. If you'd like to reduce the number of cities or slow the pace, please mention this when requesting a quote.
  • Connecting and family rooms — The availability of connecting rooms and family rooms depends on travel dates and hotel inventory. Please specify the number of guests and room type requirements when requesting a quote; we will verify each booking individually. No specific room type is guaranteed until written confirmation is received.
  • The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays — The opening hours and booking status of the Forbidden City are subject to your travel date; if a closure occurs, we will confirm an adjusted order for your Beijing sightseeing itinerary.
  • The national holiday week — When travelling on public holidays, please verify venue availability, transport arrangements, and crowd levels in advance. The specific itinerary will be subject to the written schedule.
  • December and the toboggan — The Mutianyu toboggan and cable car may be subject to weather or maintenance; the method for ascending the wall and descending the mountain will be confirmed based on the day's opening status and the needs of your travel companions.
  • Entry Policy — Visa and visa-free requirements depend on your passport, entry point, length of stay, and travel dates; please verify official policies before booking and departure.
  • Three parts still being set — On Day 10 (morning in Guilin), Day 12 (activities in Yangshuo), and for the Xi'an City Wall tour, the arrangements can be tailored to the needs of fellow travellers; specific items and costs are subject to confirmation in the written quotation.
  • Shanghai is one night — This route begins in Beijing and ends in Shanghai after a three-night stay in Yangshuo. The itinerary includes one night in Shanghai; a Yuyuan Garden visit is subject to the time of your departure flight.
  • Water in Yangshuo — Bamboo rafts and river cruises are not included in the existing base itinerary; if required, additional costs will be confirmed separately based on travel dates and water levels.
  • Hotels — named in your written confirmation; "or similar" always means the same class and a comparable location, never a quiet downgrade.

Is Fourteen Days Your Length?

Fourteen days is a long time. Can it be shorter?

Fourteen days is a lot. Can it be shorter?

Each city block stands on its own, so we cut cities rather than the pace. Tell us how many days you have and who is in the party, and we shape it from there.

Good to Know

Group
Private itinerary, available for groups of one or more; specific group size and vehicle arrangements will be confirmed with your order.
Pace
The amount of walking can be adjusted according to your companions; Days 9 and 13 are mainly intercity travel, and Day 12 allows for flexible activity planning.
Arrival & Departure Cities
Arrival in Beijing, departure from Shanghai; airport pickup on day 1 and airport drop-off on day 14 are included
Internal travel
The two high-speed rail segments and two flight segments are arranged according to the current quotation; specific train/flight numbers, seat classes, and transfers at both ends are subject to the order confirmation.
Visas
Check the official visa and visa-free policies against your passport, mode of entry, length of stay, and travel dates.
Language
Licensed English-speaking guide on every touring day
Payment
This route is bookable; conditions for deposits, balance payments, amendments, and refunds are subject to the written quotation and order terms.
Flexibility
Cities can be cut and the order kept; the confirmation deadline and the change and refund conditions for your dates are listed in writing with your quote
Season
October to December: Beijing and Xi'an turn cold and dry, Chengdu stays mild and grey, the river valley is cool with low water

Your Private Concierge Service

Jenny

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

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.

This is the question the plan was built around. Six cities in fourteen days is the ceiling for a three-generation party, and this plan is built deliberately to that ceiling: three easy days on day 4, day 8 and day 12; two long travel days that carry no sightseeing; a cable car on every climb; a river valley day done seated in the vehicle. Tell us the real limits before you book, not after. If they are tighter than this, we cut cities rather than push anyone through.

Not promised on this route yet, and we would rather say so now. We are securing a bookable connecting or family room type in each of the six cities, and this line opens for dates only once all six are confirmed in writing. Until then we take no deposit here. What you can count on today is the room tier you choose, breakfast for all 13 nights, and hotels named in your confirmation.

Two of the fourteen days are museum days, and both have an exit built in. Day 2 ends at a workbench where they make a pair of shoes to take home. Day 5 holds one site only, so the clay army gets a proper look and then the day stops. The rest of the trip is a cable car and a toboggan run, pandas before nap time, then a wok and a stage.

Deliberately, very little. Day 9 is Chengdu to Guilin by air and day 13 is Yangshuo to Shanghai by air, with road transfers at each end. Breakfast is unhurried, bags get packed without a countdown, and both flights are included in your base price with transfers at both ends. Everyone arrives able to eat dinner sitting upright.

We check before you pay. British, European and Canadian passports enter visa-free for days, and Australian and New Zealand passports do the same. We then confirm that your 14 days plus any extra days in China fit inside that window. The current policy runs through December 31, 2026, so arrivals on or before December 18, 2026 finish inside it. US passports need a Chinese visa for a trip this long: it is applied for in person at a consulate with fingerprints taken, so we tell you the current processing period first and confirm the visa is in hand before any payment.

Ready when you are.

No pressure. Browse our trips, or talk to a real person. Either way, your inbox stays clean.