Days
8
Accommodation
8 nights selected hotel
Cities
Beijing, Xi'an, Yangshuo, Shanghai
Transportation
Flight, Train, Car, Walk
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, bottled water
Experiences
Culture, Nature
Group size
2-12 ppl
Team
Local Guides, Trip Manager
Classic China: First Impressions is a sweeping journey through the heart of a civilization both ancient and alive, where every city, courtyard, and bite of food tells a story that shaped the world.
In 8 days, walk the imperial axis of Beijing, stand before the silent army of Xi’an, drift through the dreamlike karst of Yangshuo, and end among the neon skylines of Shanghai. From dynasties to dumplings, temples to tea, each stop opens a new window into China’s soul.
This is more than sightseeing, it’s a first step into a vast and layered country. One shaped by emperors and farmers, poems and revolutions. One that invites you not just to observe, but to feel. This is China, one moment at a time.
About this Journey
Not a checklist, but a conversation.
What does a country spanning 5,000 years feel like in just 8 days? This journey isn't about racing through monuments, it's about slowing down in the right places: tracing emperors’ footsteps in ancient capitals, sharing street food with locals, biking between rice paddies and karst peaks, and watching neon rise from colonial facades.
This is China in four acts. Beijing-Imperial power meets courtyard life, Xi’an-Ancient crossroads of Silk Road and soldiers, Guilin & Yangshuo-Nature doesn’t rush neither should you, Shanghai-East meets West, future meets memory.
It’s your first impression, but not your last.
You’ll drink tea like it’s philosophy. Learn chopsticks as muscle memory. Hear languages shift from Mandarin to dialects to silence, and see skyscrapers standing just behind temples.
If you’ve always wanted to “see China”—this is a way to feel it.
Route Map
Itinerary
Arrival in Beijing, transfer from airport/train station to well located hotel. Enjoy a light walk nearby to settle in
Visit to Shichahai or the Nanluoguxiang Hutongs, where everyday Beijing life and traditional courtyard homes await
Welcome dinner includes a classic Peking duck meal. After dinner optional to explore Wangfujing or Qianmen pedestrian streets
Begin the day at Tiananmen Square, Mausoleum of Mao, and the exterior of Great Hall of the People — all modern icons of Chinese political heritage
Continue to the Forbidden City, the grand palace complex of Ming and Qing emperors, then hike up Jingshan Park for panoramic views
Evening visit to Wangfujing or Ghost Street for local snacks and city buzz
Embark on a full-day trip to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall — a quieter, picturesque section great for walking and photography
Enjoy lunch at a local countryside restaurant
On the way back, optional short photo stop at the Olympic Park (Bird’s Nest and Water Cube). Evening high-speed train to Xi’an (about 4.5 hrs). Check in on arrival
In the morning, visit the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army, guarding the tomb of China’s first emperor
In the afternoon, walk or bike along Xi’an’s Ancient City Wall
Evening stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter, where you can try local snacks. Optional traditional performances (e.g. Tang Dynasty Music & Dance or shadow puppetry)
Take a flight to Guilin (about 2.5 hrs), while transfer to Yangshuo (about 1.5 hrs) watching as northern plains shift into lush southern landscapes
At Yangshuo, checking into a hotel near the Li River or among countryside fields. Bike through local villages and rice fields, stopping at Moon Hill
Evening walk through West Street, a vibrant mix of East and West
Start the day with a bamboo raft journey on the Yulong River, drifting through dramatic karst peaks
Later, activities include cave exploration/via ferrata, or tea tasting
Dinner includes local favorites like Guilin rice noodles or beer fish
Fly from Guilin to Shanghai in the morning (about 2.5 hrs)
Afternoon visit to Shanghai Museum and Sinan Mansions to explore China’s modern history and foreign influences
Evening walk along the Bund, where colonial-era buildings meet the futuristic skyline across the Huangpu River
After breakfast, Visit to Lujiazui Financial District, including the tallest building Shanghai Tower
Explore Tianzifang or Sinan Road villas, where local life and global aesthetics mingle
Your journey concludes here. We covered a stay tonight in Shanghai before departure or independent travel onwards
Experiences Included
Details
The following items are included in your trip package unless otherwise stated:
-
8 nights of accommodation in selected hotels.
-
All meals during the trip – daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner featuring local specialties.
-
All transportation during the tour, including high-speed trains, domestic flights, airport/train station transfers, and private vehicles for local travel.
-
All entrance fees to sites and activities listed in the itinerary.
-
Professional English-speaking tour guide throughout the trip, online trip manager where applicable.
-
Bottled water and travel support materials.
-
Pre-trip support, including travel briefing and packing suggestions.
Scenes from the Journey
How It Works
Perfect trip in 6 simple steps
01 | Tell us what you're looking for
Browse our curated itineraries and click "Get a quote" on the top right to tell us your preffered tour, travel dates, group size, and any special requests. We'll answer questions, confirm details, and discuss any adjustments if needed.
02 | Receive a free draft itinerary & quote
Get a personalized draft travel route and estimated cost, tailored to your needs.
03 | Pay deposit to confirm your booking
Secure your trip with a USD300 deposit — we'll begin crafting your detailed itinerary with refined routes, hotels, and experiences, and work with you until everything is finalized. This fee goes toward your total trip cost and will be deducted from your final balance.
04 | Confirm booking
After finalizing the plan, pay the full payment — we’ll handle all bookings and logistics from there.
05 | Get your pre-travel kit
Receive your pre-departure guide with everything you need to know — routes, contacts, tips, and support.
06 | Travel with full support
We’ll greet you at the airport or designated point — and your journey starts from there, seamlessly.
