Private Tour/Small Group Tour

12 Days Iconic China Tour with Chengdu Pandas & Guilin Li River

Experience China's iconic landmarks, from the Great Wall to the pandas of Chengdu and the stunning Li River.

Route: Beijing - Xian - Chengdu - Guilin - Shanghai(12 days)

from USD$6216.00 p.p.

This 12-day tour covers the must-see attractions of China, including the historical treasures of Beijing and Xian, the adorable pandas in Chengdu, the breathtaking landscapes of Guilin and Yangshuo, and the modern charm of Shanghai. Ideal for first-time visitors looking to experience the essence of China.

Trip Highlights

  • Explore the Forbidden City and Great Wall in Beijing
  • Marvel at the Terracotta Warriors in Xian
  • Visit the Giant Pandas in Chengdu
  • Enjoy a scenic Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo
  • Discover the vibrant city of Shanghai with its mix of ancient and modern attractions

Attractions You'll Visit

Hotels You'll Stay At

Restaurants You'll Dine At

Customizable Tour Itinerary

Nihao! Welcome to Beijing, the capital city of China! Upon your arrival, your guide and driver will meet you at the airport or train station and escort you to your hotel in downtown Beijing. The rest of the day is yours to relax and explore at your leisure.

Accommodation: Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing, Beijing (5-star)
Dining: None
Transportation: Private vehicle transfer

Start your day with a visit to Tian’anmen Square, the world's largest public square, and then explore the Forbidden City, the largest ancient palace in the world. In the afternoon, explore the traditional Hutongs of Beijing on a rickshaw tour, experiencing the local life of Beijing.

Accommodation: Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing, Beijing (5-star)
Dining: Breakfast, Lunch
Transportation: Private vehicle

Drive to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, a less crowded and well-preserved section with stunning views. After hiking along the wall, return to Beijing to see the exterior of the Bird's Nest and Water Cube.

Accommodation: Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing, Beijing (5-star)
Dining: Breakfast, Lunch
Transportation: Private vehicle

Visit the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its beautiful gardens and imperial architecture. After the tour, take a high-speed train to Xian. Upon arrival, your guide will escort you to your hotel.

Accommodation: Sofitel Legend People's Grand Hotel Xi'an (5-star)
Dining: Breakfast
Transportation: Private vehicle, High-speed train

Visit the Terracotta Warriors, one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world. In the afternoon, explore the Ancient City Wall and take a walk or bike ride. End the day with a visit to the vibrant Muslim Quarter.

Accommodation: Sofitel Legend People's Grand Hotel Xi'an (5-star)
Dining: Breakfast, Lunch
Transportation: Private vehicle

Visit the Shaanxi History Museum to learn about China's ancient history, and explore the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. Afterward, take a high-speed train to Chengdu. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Accommodation: Niccolo Chengdu (5-star)
Dining: Breakfast
Transportation: Private vehicle, High-speed train

Visit the Chengdu Panda Base to see the adorable pandas in their natural environment. Then, explore Jinli Old Street, known for its traditional architecture, local snacks, and vibrant atmosphere.

Accommodation: Niccolo Chengdu (5-star)
Dining: Breakfast, Lunch
Transportation: Private vehicle

After breakfast, enjoy some free time in Chengdu before your guide escorts you to the airport for your flight to Guilin. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in downtown Guilin.

Accommodation: Guilin Shuiyin Corridor Hotel (Li River Branch) (5-star)
Dining: Breakfast
Transportation: Private vehicle, Flight

Take a scenic Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, enjoying the picturesque karst landscapes. After arriving in Yangshuo, explore the beautiful countryside and visit West Street in the evening.

Accommodation: Guilin Shuiyin Corridor Hotel (Li River Branch) (5-star)
Dining: Breakfast, Lunch
Transportation: Li River cruise, Private vehicle

Return to Guilin and visit the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill and the stunning Reed Flute Cave. After the tour, fly to Shanghai and transfer to your hotel.

Accommodation: Fairmont Peace Hotel (5-star)
Dining: Breakfast
Transportation: Private vehicle, Flight

Visit the Shanghai Museum to see its extensive collection of ancient Chinese art, and explore the classical Yu Garden. Then, stroll along Nanjing Road and the Bund, and visit the Shanghai Tower for a panoramic view of the city.

Accommodation: Fairmont Peace Hotel (5-star)
Dining: Breakfast, Lunch
Transportation: Private vehicle

Spend your last day in Shanghai at your leisure before your guide escorts you to the airport or train station for your departure.

Accommodation: Free time to explore at your own pace.
Dining: Breakfast
Transportation: Private vehicle

Price: What’s Included & What’s Excluded

Price: from USD$6,216.00 p.p.

The above price is based on a group tour for 2 people sharing one standard double-bed room in 5-star hotels.
Price varies depending on travel date, group size, hotel class, program in your itinerary, and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate.

Price Includes

  • Experienced drivers & air-conditioned vehicles
  • Professional licensed English-speaking local guide
  • Hotel accommodation with breakfasts
  • Domestic flights (economy class) or high-speed trains (second class) listed in the itinerary
  • Admission tickets, activities, meals listed in the itinerary
  • Accident insurance
  • Comprehensive tour planning and operation services

Price Excludes

  • International airfares
  • Entry visa fees
  • Personal expenses
  • Single room supplement
  • Optional activities not included in the itinerary
  • Arrival/departure transportation on the first and last day
  • Gratuities for guides and drivers

Important Notes

This tour is fully customizable to suit your preferences and interests.


Private Tour

  • Exclusive Experience: Enjoy a truly personalized journey—your group will have the guide's undivided attention.
  • Dress Code: For your comfort, we recommend smart casual attire and comfortable walking shoes.
  • Pricing: Rates are based on twin occupancy. Please note, this pricing is not applicable during China’s Official Holidays.
  • Itinerary Adjustments: Your guide will ensure you have the best experience possible and may adjust the itinerary if certain sites are closed, such as museums on Mondays.
  • Optional Add-Ons: We are delighted to offer additional tours to Suzhou, Hangzhou, Watertown, or other cities to enhance your experience.
  • Flexible Entry/Exit: You have the flexibility to enter or exit China via Hong Kong or Taipei. Should you wish to extend your stay in any of these cities—Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, or Taipei—we’re happy to arrange it for you.

Small Group Tour

  • Group Size: Experience a well-planned itinerary while traveling with a small, intimate group of up to 12 fellow travelers.
  • Dress Code: We suggest smart casual clothing and comfortable walking shoes for your convenience.
  • Pricing: Our rates are based on twin occupancy and are not available during China’s Official Holidays.
  • Itinerary Adjustments: Your guide will prioritize your experience, making itinerary adjustments as needed, such as if museums are closed on Mondays.
  • Airport Transfer: We offer a convenient hotel-to-airport transfer in Shanghai, available upon request for an additional fee.
  • Flexible Entry/Exit: Should you wish to extend your stay in any of the entry or exit cities—Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, or Taipei—we are more than happy to assist.

Other Important Information

  • Booking: To secure your reservation, please complete the Passenger Information Form within 72 hours of purchase.
  • Surcharges: For your convenience, please be aware that online credit card and PayPal payments may incur surcharges.
  • Tour Start Dates: Private tours can begin on any day of your choosing, while small group tours have set start dates.
  • Tour Start Cities: Multi-day small group tours commence in Beijing. Private and custom tours are flexible and can begin in any of the listed cities.
  • Flights: Domestic flights are included in your package. For select destinations, international flights are also included. Please note baggage limits apply.
  • High-Speed Trains: Enjoy the comfort of first-class seats with our luxury packages, or second-class seats with our superior packages. Upgrades are available upon request.
  • Transfers: Your package includes airport-to-hotel transfers. We also offer post-tour airport transfers for an additional fee.
  • Early Arrival & Stay Behind: Should you wish to arrive early or extend your stay after the tour, we offer a variety of accommodation options to suit your needs.
  • Tour Guide: You’ll be in the capable hands of our bilingual guides, who possess deep local knowledge and are dedicated to enriching your travel experience. Rest assured, we do not include commission-based shopping tours in our itineraries.
  • Accommodation: Enjoy the comfort of four or five-star hotels, centrally located in each city. Special bedding requests are available, though additional charges may apply.
  • Child/Infant Policy: We offer tailored pricing based on age groups. Please note, all children must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Meals: A daily breakfast is included. While lunch and dinner are generally not included, we are happy to provide local dining recommendations. Certain cruises may include additional meals.
  • Passport & Visa: A valid passport is required for travel, and a tourist visa is necessary. We recommend obtaining your visa promptly after receiving the necessary documentation.
  • Gratuities: Please note, gratuities are not included in the package price.
  • Insurance: For your peace of mind, we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance.
  • Schedule of Fees: Should you need to make changes to your travel arrangements, please be aware that fees may apply. Cancellation fees are determined based on the timing of your request.

Reviews from Our Customers

Explore what our customers are saying about their private China tours with us. Read through their recent reviews on personalized itineraries, expert guides, seamless transportation, curated attractions, exceptional dining experiences, and premium accommodations. Let their stories inspire your next unforgettable journey.
Ava Mitchell
Canada
Our trip to China this time was fantastic. Every hotel we booked was perfect. We particularly loved a boutique hotel in Guilin, located in a relatively secluded area, which provided us with peaceful rest after the hustle and bustle of the city. Our guide Lisa was outstanding, and we especially enjoyed spending several days with her. Our dining experiences in Chengdu and Tibet were unforgettable, and in Chengdu, we tasted some extraordinary hot pot and snacks. The trip to Chengdu was very exciting, especially the visits to Wuhou Shrine and the Giant Panda Base, which were very delightful. Our trip to Tibet was unbelievable, and the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple left us in awe.
Destination(s): Guilin, Lhasa, Chengdu
Date of Experience: 2024-05-27
Tour Customized by: Lucy
Michael Harris
United States
Nihao China Tour is an excellent travel company perfect for family trips. Our family, including my wife and retired parents, chose NCT for our trip. From Shanghai to Chengdu to Xi'an, everything was fantastic. All transfers and tours were very punctual, waiting for us. The hotels and travel experiences were outstanding. Our Shanghai city tour guide was Grace, who was very knowledgeable and shared many fascinating stories. He took great care of my retired parents, arranging rest times for them. Highly recommend Grace as your guide! He is also an excellent photographer! In Chengdu, our guide was Vivian. She was also very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Vivian was very punctual and is a great photographer. Highly recommend Vivian as your Chengdu tour guide. We also had a culinary experience in Xi'an, cooking Chinese food in a private kitchen with a professional chef. It felt like having a homemade meal in someone's home, truly amazing! The services provided by NCT impressed us. Everything went very smoothly, exceeding our expectations.
Destination(s): Shanghai, Chengdu, Xi'an
Date of Experience: 2023-03-28
Tour Customized by: Lucy
Cas Neo
USA
My fiancée and I traveled in China for 13 days, and everything went smoothly! We didn't encounter any problems. The tour guides and drivers were always punctual or even early, and there were no mishaps along the way. I particularly want to thank our Xi'an guide, Eric. The other guides were great too, but Eric made our travel experience especially unforgettable. He was energetic and sincerely showed us the most intimate parts of his country, places that were not only important to foreigners but also held special significance for him. He didn't just recite facts; he shared his childhood memories of growing up in each region and used analogies to help us better understand why ancient Chinese people had certain beliefs and why they built structures in specific ways. When someone is passionate about their work, it makes all the difference, and I will always remember everything Eric showed and explained to us. Thank you very much, Eric, for sharing your passion and appreciation for this country with us!
Destination(s): Kunming, Zhangjiajie, Xi'an
Date of Experience: 2024-05-03
Tour Customized by: Snow
Lucy Garcia
Mexico
Sally, our travel consultant, arranged the perfect trip for us. Elva, our guide in Zhangjiajie, was enthusiastic and engaging. During the journey, we didn't have to worry about anything. Everything was arranged perfectly; every place had friendly guides and drivers to greet us. We didn't waste any time on our trip and didn't need to worry about the next steps. Highly recommended!
Destination(s): Shanghai, Zhangjiajie, Chengdu
Date of Experience: 2024-03-19
Tour Customized by: Sally
Julien Martin
France
Our trip to China this time was absolutely perfect. We were deeply impressed by the flawless service provided by Nihao China Tour from start to finish. Every staff member we encountered from Nihao China Tour was extremely professional, timely, friendly, and helpful - they went above and beyond to make our stay in China exceptionally comfortable. The quality of service exceeded our expectations. A special mention to our guide Linda, who was truly outstanding. Her deep knowledge, enthusiasm, and sense of humor made our travel experience both fun and unique. We are also very grateful to our travel consultant Fiona for her quick responses during the planning phase and for customizing the itinerary tailored for us. I wholeheartedly recommend Nihao China Tour to anyone looking to travel to China.
Destination(s): Kunming, Beijing, Guilin
Date of Experience: 2023-10-20
Tour Customized by: Fiona

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