--- title: "12-Day China Classic Tour" description: "12-Day China Classic Tour" type: "tour" route_id: "classic-china-wonders" total_days: 12 price: 2880 highlights: ["Beijing", "Xi'an", "Guilin", "Yangshuo", "Shanghai"] url: "https://www.lyriktrip.com/tours/classic-china-wonders" canonical_url: "https://www.lyriktrip.com/tours/classic-china-wonders" locale: "en-US" alternates: {"en-US":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/tours/classic-china-wonders","en-GB":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/en-GB/tours/classic-china-wonders","zh-CN":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/zh-CN/tours/classic-china-wonders","de-DE":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/de-DE/tours/classic-china-wonders","fr-FR":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/fr-FR/tours/classic-china-wonders","es-ES":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/es-ES/tours/classic-china-wonders","it-IT":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/it-IT/tours/classic-china-wonders","x-default":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/tours/classic-china-wonders"} --- # 12-Day China Classic Tour 经典中国奇观 ## Summary - Route ID: classic-china-wonders - Duration: 12 days / 11 nights - Starting price: $2,880 - Group size: 10 travelers - Status: active - Highlights: Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Yangshuo, Shanghai ## Hero tags - Private - Tailor-made ## Selling points - Follow a customizable private route through Beijing, Xi’an, Guilin, Yangshuo and Shanghai with English-speaking guides. - See China’s essential contrasts, from imperial palaces and the Great Wall to karst rivers and Shanghai’s skyline. - Travel from Beijing to Xi’an by smooth high-speed train, with domestic flights connecting the southern and eastern cities. - Slow pace in Guilin and Yangshuo with rice terraces, a Li River cruise and countryside scenery. - Enjoy flexible planning, reference hotel options and 24/7 English support from lyriktrip throughout the journey. ## City highlights - Beijing (4 days): Beijing - Guilin (1 days): Guilin - Shanghai (4 days): Shanghai - Xi'an (2 days): Xi'an - Yangshuo (1 days): Yangshuo ## Itinerary ### Imperial Echoes — Beijing - 4 days Palaces, Lanes and Ancient Walls #### Beijing (4 days) - Subtitle: Beijing - Recommendation: Beijing opens the journey with imperial scale, ceremonial spaces, traditional neighborhoods and the Great Wall, giving first-time visitors a strong historical foundation. - Transport: High-speed Rail Transfer **Imperial Opening** Tiananmen, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and the Great Wall start the classic route. **Wall Experience** [Mutianyu Great Wall]{#E93C10} brings watchtowers, ridges, and easier access. **Neighborhood Touch** Hutongs or courtyard time make the capital feel lived-in. ### Ancient Origins — Xi’an - 2 days Warriors, Walls and Food Streets #### Xi'an (2 days) - Subtitle: Xi'an - Recommendation: Xi’an connects travelers to the starting point of China’s first empire, offering a tactile mix of archaeological memory, old-city architecture and food culture. - Transport: Airport transfer **Terracotta Anchor** [Terracotta Warriors]{#E93C10} carry Xi'an's role in the route. **Old Capital Layer** City wall, pagoda, and Muslim Quarter add history beyond the pits. **Street Flavor** Noodles and skewers keep the evening informal. ### Painted Landscapes — Guilin & Yangshuo - 2 days Terraces, Rivers and Karst Villages #### Guilin (1 days) - Subtitle: Guilin - Recommendation: Guilin introduces southern China’s iconic karst scenery, using the city as a base for mountain landscapes, river journeys and access to Longji Rice Terraces. - Transport: Private transfer · paced for arrival **Karst Start** Reed Flute Cave and city scenery introduce Guilin's limestone landscape. **River Connection** [Li River cruise]{#E93C10} links Guilin to Yangshuo through classic peak views. **Soft Pace** Keep cave, river, and transfer timing relaxed. #### Yangshuo (1 days) - Subtitle: Yangshuo - Recommendation: Yangshuo gives the journey a softer rural pause, with countryside lanes, karst backdrops and village scenery that contrast with China’s larger cities. - Transport: Private transfer · paced for arrival **Countryside Chapter** Yulong River, fields, villages, and karst peaks slow the route down. **Flexible Exploring** [Yangshuo countryside]{#E93C10} can be done by bike, car, scooter, or walking. **Local Rhythm** Markets, cafes, and rural roads add a lighter day. ### Urban Pulse — Shanghai - 4 days Riverfront Heritage, Modern Skyline #### Shanghai (4 days) - Subtitle: Shanghai - Recommendation: Shanghai ends your trip in modern China, blending 1920s architecture with contemporary energy and flexible city exploration. - Transport: Airport transfer **Final Contrast** Yu Garden, the Bund, and Pudong skyline close the route with old-new Shanghai. **Skyline Moment** [The Bund]{#E93C10} is the clearest finale. **Custom Time** Art, shopping, food, or museum visits can fill the final half-day. ## Service workflow From your first question to your safe return home — the expertise of seasoned locals, offered on your terms. Ready when you need us. Silent when you don't. - Pre-Trip Prep: Overwhelmed by prep? Talk to a real local expert, anytime. - Itinerary Planning: An hour-by-hour trip roadmap, expertly crafted by locals (bookings not included). - Booking Services: Ultimate peace of mind. We handle every detail, so you don't have to. - On-Trip Experience: Exclusive online safety net for self-booking travelers. We've got your back. - Free Expert Chat ($0): Overwhelmed by prep? Talk to a real local expert, anytime. - 1:1 Local Advisor - Pre-trip Q&A - Authentic Local Info - Traveler's Toolkit ($0): Everything a seasoned traveler needs for China — curated by locals. - Essential Apps (pre-configured) - Payment & SIM Setup Guide - Pocket Phrase Cards - Pro Roadmap ($99): An hour-by-hour trip roadmap, expertly crafted by locals (bookings not included). - 1:1 Video Call with a planner - Transit, dining & timing tips - Ready-to-follow roadmap - All-Inclusive Booking (Custom): Ultimate peace of mind. We handle every detail, so you don't have to. - Hotels & Transit Booking - VIP Attraction Access - Visa Invitation Letter - On-Trip Concierge ($199): Exclusive online safety net for self-booking travelers. We've got your back. - Real-time Translation - Emergency Rescheduling - Ride & Dining Assist ## Concierge - Name: [object Object] - Title: [object Object] - Tagline: [object Object] - Bio: [object Object] - Languages: English, 中文 ### Trust signals - Bilingual route design - Hotel and host coordination - No-obligation first call ### Included support - Before you book: {'en-US': 'Route pacing review', 'en-GB': 'Route pacing review', 'zh-CN': '路线节奏审查', 'de-DE': 'Routen-Tempo-Überprüfung', 'fr-FR': "Examen du rythme de l'itinéraire", 'es-ES': 'Revisión del ritmo de la ruta', 'it-IT': 'Revisione del ritmo del percorso'}; {'en-US': 'Hotel tier and room style matching', 'en-GB': 'Hotel tier and room style matching', 'zh-CN': '酒店等级与房型匹配', 'de-DE': 'Abstimmung von Hotelkategorie und Zimmerstil', 'fr-FR': "Correspondance entre la catégorie d'hôtel et le style de chambre", 'es-ES': 'Emparejamiento de categoría de hotel y estilo de habitación', 'it-IT': 'Abbinamento tra categoria alberghiera e stile della camera'}; {'en-US': 'Private transfer and guide options', 'en-GB': 'Private transfer and guide options', 'zh-CN': '私人接送和导游选项', 'de-DE': 'Private Transfer- und Führungsoptionen', 'fr-FR': 'Options de transfert privé et de guide', 'es-ES': 'Opciones de traslado privado y guía', 'it-IT': 'Opzioni di trasferimento privato e guida'} - On the road: {'en-US': 'Daily bilingual support', 'en-GB': 'Daily bilingual support', 'zh-CN': '每日双语支持', 'de-DE': 'Tägliche zweisprachige Unterstützung', 'fr-FR': 'Assistance bilingue quotidienne', 'es-ES': 'Asistencia bilingüe diaria', 'it-IT': 'Supporto bilingue quotidiano'}; {'en-US': 'Restaurant and timing adjustments', 'en-GB': 'Restaurant and timing adjustments', 'zh-CN': '餐厅及时间调整', 'de-DE': 'Anpassungen von Restaurant und Öffnungszeiten', 'fr-FR': 'Modifications du restaurant et des horaires', 'es-ES': 'Ajustes de restaurante y horarios', 'it-IT': 'Modifiche di ristorante e orari'}; {'en-US': 'Weather-aware plan changes', 'en-GB': 'Weather-aware plan changes', 'zh-CN': '天气感知计划变更', 'de-DE': 'Wetterabhängige Planänderungen', 'fr-FR': 'Modifications de plan en fonction de la météo', 'es-ES': 'Cambios de plan según el clima', 'it-IT': 'Modifiche del piano in base al meteo'} ## Hotels - DoubleTree by Hilton Beijing East Third Ring Road, Beijing: International upscale hotel in Beijing, suitable for business and leisure stays. - Hilton Beijing, Beijing: Established international hotel in Beijing with reliable service and central access. - Crowne Plaza Beijing Chaoyang U-Town, Beijing: International upscale hotel near Chaoyang’s commercial and lifestyle district. - Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast, Beijing: International high-end hotel in Beijing, suitable for business and city stays. - Sofitel Beijing Central, Beijing: Luxury international hotel in central Beijing with refined comfort and service. - Palace International Hotel Beijing, Beijing: Local five-star hotel in Beijing offering spacious rooms and classic hospitality. - West International Trade Grand Hotel, Beijing: Local five-star hotel in western Beijing, suitable for business and events. - Atour X Hotel, Sanyuanqiao, Chaoyang District, Beijing, Beijing: Modern local boutique hotel near Sanyuanqiao with convenient city access. - Manxin Hotel Beijing Guangqumen, Beijing: Stylish local upscale hotel in Beijing’s central area, suited for urban stays. - Mercure Beijing City Centre, Beijing: International midscale hotel in central Beijing with convenient city connections. - Beijing Pudi Hotel, Beijing: Local boutique hotel in Beijing with refined design and comfortable rooms. - Beijing Suwen Hotel, Beijing: Boutique-style local hotel in Beijing, suitable for relaxed city stays. - Atour Hotel, Liuliqiao, Beijing West Railway Station, Beijing: Upscale local hotel near Beijing West Railway Station and Liuliqiao. - Atour Hotel (Beijing West Railway Station South Square), Beijing: Upscale local hotel near Beijing West Railway Station South Square. - JI Hotel (Beijing Fengtai Station Fengguan Road), Beijing: Reliable midscale chain hotel near Fengtai Station, practical for transit stays. - JI Hotel (Beijing Shoujingmao Jijiamiao Subway Station), Beijing: Midscale chain hotel near Jijiamiao Subway Station, convenient for city travel. - JI Hotel Beijing Capital University of Economics and Business, Beijing: Midscale chain hotel near Capital University of Economics and Business. - Yitel (Beijing Tiantan), Beijing: Midscale hotel near the Temple of Heaven, suitable for central Beijing stays. - Vienna Hotel (Beijing West Railway Station Lize Business District), Beijing: Midscale chain hotel near Lize Business District and Beijing West Railway Station. - Mei Hua Light Luxury Hotel (Beijing South Railway Station Shiliuzhuang Subway Station), Beijing: Light luxury hotel near Beijing South Railway Station and Shiliuzhuang Subway Station. - Lavande Hotel (Beijing Fengtai Railway Station First Economic and Trade Subway Station), Beijing: Midscale chain hotel near Fengtai Railway Station with convenient transport access. - Rezen Select Hotel Shanghai Hongqiao Hub, Shanghai: Upscale local hotel near Shanghai Hongqiao transport hub, ideal for transit stays. - Vienna International Hotel (Shanghai Pudong Airport Hangtou Road), Shanghai: Upscale local hotel near Pudong Airport corridor, convenient for airport access. - Blossom House · Shanghai On The Bund, Shanghai: Boutique-style hotel near the Bund, suited for a refined Shanghai stay. - Grand Rezen Hotel Shanghai Pudong (Shanghai International Tour and Resort Zone), Shanghai: Upscale local hotel in Pudong, convenient for resort-zone and city stays. - Artyzen Habitat Taopu Shanghai, Shanghai: Lifestyle hotel in Shanghai’s Taopu area with modern design and comfort. ## Experiences A first-timer route through imperial Beijing, Terracotta Warriors, countryside scenery and Shanghai skyline. - Mutianyu Great Wall (Beijing): A well-restored Great Wall section with open views and easier walking conditions for first-time visitors. - Host: Beijing, Beijing Lens - Access: A polished Great Wall experience with flexible cable car or walking options. - Simatai Great Wall Night Tour (Beijing): Simatai offers a more atmospheric Great Wall visit after dark with illuminated ridgelines and a quieter mood. - Host: Beijing, Beijing Lens - Access: Night access creates a distinctive Great Wall moment beyond the standard daytime visit. - Forbidden City (Beijing): The Forbidden City brings travelers into the ceremonial center of China's Ming and Qing dynasties. - Host: Beijing, Beijing Lens - Access: Core imperial Beijing access with palace courtyards and historic halls. - Temple of Heaven (Beijing): Temple of Heaven combines Ming dynasty ritual architecture with Beijing's lively park culture. - Host: Beijing, Beijing Lens - Access: Pairs grand ceremonial architecture with everyday local morning activity. - Summer Palace (Beijing): Summer Palace shows a softer side of imperial Beijing through gardens pavilions and Kunming Lake. - Host: Beijing, Beijing Lens - Access: A scenic palace experience balancing architecture gardens and lake views. - Tian'anmen Square (Beijing): Tian'anmen Square introduces the scale and symbolism of modern Chinese public space. - Host: Beijing, Beijing Lens - Access: A central orientation stop before or after the Forbidden City. - Jingshan Park (Beijing): Jingshan Park offers one of the best classic views across the Forbidden City rooftops. - Host: Beijing, Beijing Lens - Access: A short climb rewards travelers with a strong city overview. - Terracotta Warriors (Xi'an): The Terracotta Warriors reveal the military scale and funerary ambition of China's first emperor. - Host: Xi'an, Xi'an Lens - Access: Essential Xi'an access to one of China's most recognized archaeological sites. - Xi'an Ancient City Wall Cycling (Xi'an): Cycling the ancient wall gives travelers a relaxed way to see Xi'an's historic urban layout. - Host: Xi'an, Xi'an Lens - Access: Active heritage experience on one of China's best-preserved city walls. - Muslim Quarter (Xi'an): Muslim Quarter introduces Xi'an through street food market lanes and Hui cultural texture. - Host: Xi'an, Xi'an Lens - Access: A sensory evening-friendly stop for food and local atmosphere. - Xi'an History Museum (Xi'an): Xi'an History Museum helps place the ancient capital's dynastic story into context. - Host: Xi'an, Xi'an Lens - Access: A compact cultural stop that deepens the Terracotta Warriors and city wall experience. - Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (Xi'an): Giant Wild Goose Pagoda reflects Xi'an's role as a Buddhist and Silk Road cultural center. - Host: Xi'an, Xi'an Lens - Access: A classic Tang-era landmark connected to ancient Chang'an history. - Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City (Xi'an): Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City presents Xi'an's Tang heritage through lights streets and evening crowds. - Host: Xi'an, Xi'an Lens - Access: A lively night walk that adds atmosphere beyond daytime heritage sites. - Longji Rice Terraces (Guilin): Longji Rice Terraces add rural mountain scenery and ethnic village context to a Guilin journey. - Host: Guilin, Guilin Lens - Access: A scenic highland contrast to Guilin's river and karst landscapes. - Li River Cruise (Guilin): The Li River Cruise carries travelers through Guilin's signature karst scenery toward Yangshuo. - Host: Guilin, Guilin Lens - Access: A slow scenic transfer through one of China's most recognizable landscapes. - Yangshuo Countryside (Yangshuo): Yangshuo Countryside brings travelers closer to villages rivers fields and limestone hills. - Host: Yangshuo, Yangshuo Lens - Access: A softer countryside moment after the Li River scenery. - The Bund (Shanghai): The Bund frames Shanghai's historic banks and modern Pudong skyline in one clear view. - Host: Shanghai, Shanghai Lens - Access: A signature Shanghai orientation stop for architecture and city contrast. - Shanghai Tower (Shanghai): Shanghai Tower gives travelers a vertical perspective on the city's scale and skyline. - Host: Shanghai, Shanghai Lens - Access: Observation-deck style city view from one of Shanghai's tallest landmarks. - Personalized Shanghai Experience (Shanghai): This experience leaves room for Shanghai to be tailored around culture lifestyle design or local neighborhoods. - Host: Shanghai, Shanghai Lens - Access: Customizable city time designed around traveler preferences. ## China ready We've solved the hard parts. Here's everything a first-time Western traveler needs to know before arriving. ### 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. ### 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. ### 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. ### 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. ## Reviews - Overall rating: 4.9 - Total reviews: 523 4.9 / 5 - Emily Carter: 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. - Claire Brooks: 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. - Laura Bennett: 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. - Mark Henderson: 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. - Rebecca Miller: Really listened to what we wanted - Really helpful team. They listened to what we wanted and delivered. Beijing and Xi'an were incredible. ## FAQ ### What's included in the price? Hotels, domestic transport, guided experiences, most meals, entrance fees, and your Travel Designer support. International flights are optional. ### Can I customize this itinerary? Absolutely. Every detail — dates, pace, hotels, experiences — can be customized to your preferences. ### How many people are in a group? Max 12 travelers for our small group. Custom private trips can be as small as 2 people. ### Do I need a visa for China? Most Western passport holders need a tourist visa. We provide visa invitation letters for All-Inclusive bookings. ### Is China safe for Western travelers? Extremely safe. Violent crime against tourists is virtually nonexistent. Our concierge provides 24/7 support. ### What about the language barrier? All guides speak English. Your itinerary includes translation cards and On-Trip Concierge provides real-time translation. ### How far in advance should I book? 3–6 months ahead for peak seasons (April–May, September–October). ### What if I need to cancel? Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure. Rescheduling is flexible.