Four Crafts: 12-Day Private China Tour

Overview

从北京的故宫与长城出发，经山西的木构建筑和平遥古城，到西安的兵马俑，最后走进上海与江南水乡。沿途在工坊指导下参与景泰蓝、平遥漆器、秦弩模型和木版水印四项制作。四件成品均会交付；需要干燥或后续工序的作品可能在完成后寄送。

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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.

Walk through Tiananmen Square, explore the Forbidden City, and then make your own cloisonné.
Ride the cable car to the Mutianyu Great Wall; the slider track's operation depends on the day's conditions, with lunch at the foot of the wall.
Step into Shanxi, home to one of China's richest collections of surviving wooden temples and polychrome clay sculptures.
Overnight in or near the ancient city of Pingyao to explore its city walls and the Rishengchang Bank by day.
Visit the Terracotta Warriors in small groups, then build your own Qin crossbow model.
In Shanghai, hand-carve a woodblock print yourself, then board a boat to glide beneath historic bridges.

Things to do

Iron Fireworks: Blooming in Season, Taiyuan

Traditional Chinese Medicine, Introduction, Xi'an

Boat Cruise through Zhujiajiao, Shanghai

Optional Water Town Craft Experiences, 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 confirms tomorrow's start time around how you feel.

Day 2 · Beijing: the palace, end to end

Walk from the Palace's south gate to the north gate, then climb Jingshan to look back along the central axis; stroll through the hutongs in the afternoon.

Tian'anmen 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 Wander through the hutongs and alleyways of the traditional siheyuan courtyards, seeing how the houses and streets connect.

Day 3 · Beijing: Mutianyu · cloisonné

Visit the Mutianyu Great Wall first, then return to the city to experience cloisonné wirework and enamel filling.

Up at Mutianyu Take a cable car or chairlift up the mountain, then walk between the restored watchtowers; adjust the walking distance to match your fitness level.

Slide down the mountain (subject to weather and operations) If the scenic area is open on the day, you may descend via the slide; subject to weather and the scenic area's operational status.

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 Visit a cloisonné workshop to see the wirework, enamel application, firing, and polishing processes, then try creating a small piece of your own with guidance.

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

Visit the Temple of Heaven and the National Museum 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 Explore archaeological artifacts, ceramics, sculpture, and calligraphy to set the historical context for the upcoming journey through Shanxi and Xi'an.

Rail into Shanxi Take a high-speed train from Beijing to Taiyuan. Upon arrival, head to the hotel to check in.

高铁

Taiyuan · Day 5 - Day 6

Day 5 · Taiyuan: temple timber · a county town

Start with the wooden architecture of Doctor Dou Shrine, then explore the gates and streets of Taiyuan Ancient County City.

Duo Family Temple Begin with the wooden frameworks, roof structures, and courtyards inside the ancestral shrine to observe the architectural forms of Shanxi's ancient buildings.

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 allows 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

Visit Jinci to see its spring water, ancient cypress trees, and the Shengmu Hall, then continue in the afternoon with the painted sculptures.

Jinci Temple Explore the Palace of the Mother Goddess and the 'Everlasting Spring' nestled among ancient cypresses and bubbling sources; examine the wooden beams, columns, roof structure, and colorful statues within the hall.

Painted sculpture, up close In the afternoon, visit the color-painted sculptures exhibition to observe the forms, colors, and craftsmanship of the temple's statues; this segment focuses on viewing.

包车

Pingyao · Day 7 - Day 8

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

Passing by the Qiao Family Compound, arrive at Pingyao and explore the Ancient City; stay in the city or nearby for the night.

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 Your accommodation is located inside or near the ancient city; specific hotel details will be provided at booking confirmation. Enjoy an evening stroll through the old town's alleys 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 Under the guidance of a local artisan, you will participate in the creation of Pingyao Tui Guang lacquerware. Completed pieces are guaranteed for delivery; if drying or subsequent steps are required, they will be shipped once finished.

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

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

高铁

Xi'an · Day 9 - Day 10

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

Explore the Terracotta Warriors first, then learn about the Qin crossbow 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 armor, role readable in the stance, formations drawn up soldier by soldier below you.

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

Crossbow Model Crafting With professional guidance you assemble a small model based on the ancient design, and see how standardized parts let one army arm itself at scale.

Chinese medicine, introduced Watch a pulse diagnosis demonstration to learn about relevant traditional medicine.

A Tang evening Music and dance in the Tang style with a dumpling banquet: the colors, 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 In through the South Gate and up onto one of the most complete city walls in China; you ride the broad rampart with the old city inside the parapet and the new city beyond it, going as far as feels right, or walking a stretch instead.

Sajinqiao Food stalls and restaurants line the streets of Sajin Bridge; follow your guide to explore local cuisine and order dishes of your choice 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.

航班

Shanghai · Day 11 - Day 12

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

Upon arriving in Shanghai, tour the Yu Garden and experience traditional woodblock printmaking, 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 Chinese garden in Shanghai's old town, with pavilions, artificial rockeries, ponds, and winding corridors unfolding along the pathways.

Woodblock watermark printing From Shanghai's long-established art and publishing heritage: outlines, colors, 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

Enjoy a boat ride through Zhujiajiao, enjoy a local lunch, and then head to the airport or station.

Zhujiajiao by water Drift through the waterways and past stone bridges by boat, then stroll along the riverside lanes to admire waterside homes and the boats passing by.

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

One last making, time allowing 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 A dedicated vehicle will take you to Shanghai Airport or the train station, as per your 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 Area)

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

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 theme "one Ayazen hotel, one city story," the guest rooms offer comfortable and stylish accommodations equipped with modern amenities.

Taiyuan

Kempinski Hotel Taiyuan

Located in the heart of "Dragon City," this modern luxury hotel seamlessly blends European elegance with Chinese culture, offering a perfect fusion of business and leisure.

Beijing

Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast

International high-end hotel in Beijing, suitable for business and city stays.

Shanghai

Pullman Shanghai Zhonggang Hui Hotel

Pullman Shanghai Zhonggang, located in the South Huangpi Bridge area near the French Concession, is just steps from Metro Line 9 and the Expo site.

Xian

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 heart of Tianxing Street's vibrant commercial district in Taiyuan, where modern fashion meets rich culture, the hotel sits adjacent 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 Center Aegean Sea

Inside the Aegean Sea Shopping Park at the intersection of Wuzhong Road and Hongjing Road in the golden commercial district of Hongqiao Town, directly connected to Longbai Xincun Station on Metro Line 10.

Xian

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)

【Travel Shanxi with KongKong】The hotel is a short distance from attractions such as Pingyao Ancient City and Shuanglin Temple, just a 30-minute high-speed rail ride away, and also conveniently located near Qiao's Grand Courtyard.

Shanghai

Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai (Shanghai International Resort Area)

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

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 theme "one Ayazen hotel, one city story," the guest rooms offer comfortable and stylish accommodations equipped with modern amenities.

Taiyuan

Kempinski Hotel Taiyuan

Located in the heart of "Dragon City," this modern luxury hotel seamlessly blends European elegance with Chinese culture, offering a perfect fusion of business and leisure.

Beijing

Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast

International high-end hotel in Beijing, suitable for business and city stays.

Shanghai

Pullman Shanghai Zhonggang Hui Hotel

Pullman Shanghai Zhonggang, located in the South Huangpi Bridge area near the French Concession, is just steps from Metro Line 9 and the Expo site.

Xian

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 heart of Tianxing Street's vibrant commercial district in Taiyuan, where modern fashion meets rich culture, the hotel sits adjacent 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 Center Aegean Sea

Xian

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 Area)

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

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 theme "one Ayazen hotel, one city story," the guest rooms offer comfortable and stylish accommodations equipped with modern amenities.

Taiyuan

Kempinski Hotel Taiyuan

Located in the heart of "Dragon City," this modern luxury hotel seamlessly blends European elegance with Chinese culture, offering a perfect fusion of business and leisure.

Beijing

Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast

International high-end hotel in Beijing, suitable for business and city stays.

Shanghai

Pullman Shanghai Zhonggang Hui Hotel

Pullman Shanghai Zhonggang, located in the South Huangpi Bridge area near the French Concession, is just steps from Metro Line 9 and the Expo site.

Xian

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 heart of Tianxing Street's vibrant commercial district in Taiyuan, where modern fashion meets rich culture, the hotel sits adjacent 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 Center Aegean Sea

Xian

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 program.
Tickets and experiencesListed attractions plus Mutianyu ascent and toboggan, cloisonne, 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; during suspensions, slide runs are not scheduled, and alternative descent methods are subject to itinerary confirmation.
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 Item Delivery — Delivery of the four handmade pieces is guaranteed. Items requiring drying or additional post-production work may not be ready for collection on the same day; once completed, we will arrange delivery to you. The specific delivery method will be detailed in your trip confirmation.
Hotels and Services — The name specified in the confirmation letter shall prevail; or similar names, referring to accommodations of equivalent grade and 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.

Traveling 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

Jenessa

Private China Route Concierge

“A bilingual planning desk for tailor-made China journeys.”

Our China team tunes pacing, hotels and local hosts around each route style.

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 traveler 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 traveler.

Before You Book

Everything worth knowing before you book.

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

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

What if the Iron Flower isn't on?

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

How physical 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 experience is needed. Each session runs step by step under professional guidance and finishes with a simple piece.

Mutianyu, Up & Down

Cloisonné Workshop

Iron Fireworks: Blooming in Season

Pingyao Tuiguang Lacquerware

Qin Crossbow, Assembled

Traditional Chinese Medicine, Introduction

Tang Dynasty Night

City Wall Cycling

Sajin Street Food District

Woodblock Watermark Printing

Boat Cruise through Zhujiajiao

Optional Water Town Craft Experiences

01. Mutianyu, Up & Down

02. Cloisonné Workshop

03. Iron Fireworks: Blooming in Season

04. Pingyao Tuiguang Lacquerware

05. Qin Crossbow, Assembled

06. Traditional Chinese Medicine, Introduction

07. Tang Dynasty Night

08. City Wall Cycling

09. Sajin Street Food District

10. Woodblock Watermark Printing

11. Boat Cruise through Zhujiajiao

12. Optional Water Town Craft Experiences

01. Mutianyu, Up & Down

02. Cloisonné Workshop

03. Iron Fireworks: Blooming in Season

04. Pingyao Tuiguang Lacquerware

05. Qin Crossbow, Assembled

06. Traditional Chinese Medicine, Introduction

07. Tang Dynasty Night

08. City Wall Cycling

09. Sajin Street Food District

10. Woodblock Watermark Printing

11. Boat Cruise through Zhujiajiao

12. Optional Water Town Craft Experiences

01. Mutianyu, Up & Down

02. Cloisonné Workshop

03. Iron Fireworks: Blooming in Season

04. Pingyao Tuiguang Lacquerware

05. Qin Crossbow, Assembled

06. Traditional Chinese Medicine, Introduction

07. Tang Dynasty Night

08. City Wall Cycling

09. Sajin Street Food District

10. Woodblock Watermark Printing

11. Boat Cruise through Zhujiajiao

12. Optional Water Town Craft Experiences

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 of China, and 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

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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