China Trip to Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Shanghai & Yangtze Cruise

Discovering China: A 13-Day Guided Journey Through Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Shanghai & the Yangtze River

Traveling to China is an adventure packed with history, vibrant culture, and jaw-dropping scenery. This 13-day tour promises an efficient way to see some of the most iconic sights across the country, all while enjoying the comfort of private guides and seamless transportation. We’ve reviewed this experience based on traveler feedback and itinerary details to help you decide if it matches your travel style.

What we love about this tour: First, the well-paced itinerary balances big sights with authentic local experiences. Second, the guides seem to really know their stuff, making history come alive. Third, the inclusion of high-speed trains and a Yangtze River cruise offers a unique way to see China from land and water.

A potential consideration: The trip covers a lot of ground, which means some long travel days, especially the train journeys. If you favor slow travel or deep dives into one city, this might feel a bit rushed.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a rundown of China’s highlights without sacrificing comfort or local insights. It’s ideal for those eager to tick off bucket-list landmarks while enjoying expert guidance and well-organized logistics.

Key Points

• Balanced itinerary includes top cities, cultural sites, and a scenic river cruise.
• Expert guides such as Kitty, Carol, Kevin, and Sophie add depth and local knowledge.
• Seamless transportation with private vehicles, high-speed trains, and a cruise ship simplifies logistics.
• Authentic experiences like rickshaw tours and local markets enrich cultural understanding.
• Good value for money, with included entrance fees, meals, and exclusive activities.
• Long travel days are part of the process, so flexibility and patience are helpful.

Breaking Down the 13-Day Itinerary

Days 1-4: Beijing – The Imperial and Modern Capital

Starting your journey in Beijing, the first day is relaxed, giving you time to settle into your hotel after arrival. The following morning kicks off with visits to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, where you’ll get a close look at China’s imperial past. The guide will explain how emperors managed the state and showcase stunning art treasures—an ideal way to kickstart your understanding of Chinese history.

A highlight is the lunch at a top local restaurant included in the tour, offering a taste of authentic Chinese cuisine. Reviewers mention the lunch as a lovely touch, giving a real flavor of local food rather than just buffet-style fare.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Lama Temple and Temple of Heaven. Both sites offer a glimpse into spiritual and architectural traditions that have persisted through centuries. The Lama Temple, with its Tibetan Buddhist influences, and the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for harvests, underline Beijing’s spiritual depth.

On Day 3, the Mutianyu Great Wall visits stand out as a real highlight. The tour includes a cable car ride and plenty of time to walk on the wall, soaking up the view and feeling the scale of this human-made marvel. Reviewers appreciate the chance to stand on the wall and take photos from various vantage points.

Later, a hutong rickshaw tour allows you to explore the city’s ancient alleys, visiting a local family—a real insider experience that gets you beyond the tourist zones.

Day 4: Summer Palace & Travel to Xi’an

The Summer Palace offers expansive gardens, lakes, and architecture, perfect for a relaxed stroll. The reviews praise the scenic beauty and grandeur of this imperial garden.

In the late afternoon, you’ll take a high-speed train to Xi’an, which takes around 4.5 hours. The train ride is regarded as comfortable and efficient, allowing you to enjoy views of the Chinese countryside. Many travelers find this a smooth way to cover distance without the fatigue of long bus trips.

Days 5-6: Xi’an – The Ancient Capital and Terracotta Warriors

Day 5 begins with the Terracotta Army—a must-see for any visitor. The museum is spacious, and the guide will point out details about the warrior figures, ancient weapons, and the significance of this archaeological find. Reviewers comment on the “amazing warrior figures” and appreciate the suggestions for local eateries nearby.

In the afternoon, the Shaanxi History Museum gives context to the region’s long past, with exhibits spanning thousands of years. The Small Wild Goose Pagoda rounds out the day, offering a peaceful setting and insight into Tang Dynasty Buddhism.

Day 6 takes you to the Xi’an City Wall, one of the best preserved in China. Many guests love cycling along the wall (bike rental not included), which offers fantastic city views. The Great Mosque and Muslim Quarter provide a lively atmosphere and delicious street food options.

Days 7-8: Chengdu & the Pandas

Traveling from Xi’an to Chengdu by high-speed train (about 4 hours), you’ll arrive into the city, famed for its relaxed pace and spicy cuisine. The visit to the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base is a highlight, especially early in the morning when pandas are most active. Reviewers loved seeing pandas having breakfast and playing — some even described the experience as “adorable.”

In Chengdu, your guide will take you through Kuanzhai Alley for local snacks and art, as well as the Jinsha Site Museum, showcasing ancient relics. The People’s Park provides a chance to observe local tea-drinking customs and quiet leisure.

Days 8-11: Chongqing & the Yangtze River

A short train ride brings you to Chongqing, where you’ll see the Jiefangbei CBD and explore Ciqikou Ancient Town—a bustling area perfect for wandering and tasting local food. Then, boarding the Yangtze River cruise at Chongqing marks the beginning of a slow, scenic journey through China’s most famous river.

Over the next few days, you’ll visit Fengdu County and enjoy the Shennong Stream or Shennv Stream—both offer peaceful, natural scenery. The Captain’s Welcome Party on board is a fun social event many guests mention as a highlight.

The Three Gorges excursion, including the Shennong Stream, allows travelers to witness one of the most impressive landscapes along the river, with reviewers noting the stunning views and tranquility.

On disembarkation, the tour takes you to visit the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydropower project, providing insight into China’s engineering feats.

Days 11-12: Shanghai – The Modern Metropolis

Traveling from Yichang to Shanghai by bullet train (about 7.5 hours), you arrive into China’s bustling financial hub. The day begins at the Shanghai Museum, where you can admire Chinese art from ancient bronze wares to calligraphy.

Next, the Yu Garden offers a peaceful retreat with traditional architecture, ponds, and rockworks. The included lunch gives you a taste of local Shanghai and Cantonese cuisines.

In the afternoon, a cruise on the Huangpu River offers fantastic city views, especially of the iconic The Bund. Guests love strolling along the waterfront, soaking in the skyline, and snapping photos of the skyline’s blend of old and new.

Finally, Tianzifang provides a lively artsy atmosphere with shops, cafes, and bars—an excellent place for evening exploration.

Day 13: Farewell in Shanghai

Your last day involves a transfer to the airport, wrapping up this comprehensive tour. Many travelers appreciate the smooth organization and the chance to leave China feeling well-informed and inspired.

What the Tour Gets Right: The Value in Details

Expert Guides: From reviews, guides like Kitty in Beijing, Carol Chen in Xi’an, Kevin in Chengdu, and Sophie Lee in Shanghai are praised for their knowledge. They don’t just recite facts—they bring stories to life, making history engaging and accessible. Guests also mention how guides recommend authentic local eateries and hidden gems, enriching the experience.

Seamless Transportation: The inclusion of private vehicles, high-speed trains, and a Yangtze cruise means you avoid logistical stress. The train rides are described as comfortable and efficient, saving time and allowing scenic viewing. The cruise adds a leisurely water experience, a standout feature many travelers wouldn’t want to miss.

Authentic Experiences: The Hutong rickshaw tour, visits to local parks, and explorations of markets provide genuine glimpses into daily life. The panda base is especially well-loved, with visitors noting how early mornings reveal pandas in playful, sleepy moments.

Meals & Cultural Touches: The included lunches and welcome dinners serve authentic Chinese cuisine, often highlighted as a highlight. The Captain’s Welcome Party and onboard activities add a social element that enhances the trip’s camaraderie.

Value for Money: At $3,199 per person, the tour includes a lot—hotels, guided tours, entrance fees, meals, train rides, and even the cruise with full board. Reviewers mention that the experience feels worth the cost, especially given the quality of guides and accommodations.

Long Days & Travel Time: Some reviews note that the itinerary involves extended travel days, especially train trips of around 4 hours or more. This is something to consider if you prefer slower, more relaxed travel.

Who This Tour Is Best For

If you love a well-organized, culturally rich adventure that covers major Chinese landmarks, this tour offers excellent value. It’s an ideal fit for travelers who appreciate guided excursions, historical insights, and scenic journeys. It suits those who don’t mind a busy schedule and want to maximize their time exploring rather than planning logistics.

It’s also perfect for first-time visitors wanting an overview of China’s highlights, from Beijing’s Imperial sites to Shanghai’s modern skyline and the scenic Yangtze River. The inclusion of authentic experiences like local markets, panda visits, and city parks makes it especially appealing for travelers craving genuine cultural interactions.

Final Thoughts

This 13-day China tour offers an impressive blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, all curated with attention to detail and comfort. With knowledgeable guides, smooth transport, and thoughtfully included activities, it offers solid value for those eager to see China’s top sights without the stress of independent planning.

While it’s a relatively fast-paced trip, the variety of experiences—from walking the Great Wall to cruising the Yangtze—ensures there’s never a dull moment. If you’re looking for a comprehensive, insightful, and enjoyable way to get a broad taste of China, this tour fits the bill quite well.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers? Yes, it is a private tour, so solo travelers can join, but note that a single room supplement is compulsory.

What is included in the price? The tour covers hotel stays, guides, transportation, train tickets, meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), entrance fees for key sites, and the Yangtze River cruise with full board.

Are airport transfers provided? Yes, pickup at Beijing Capital International Airport is included, and guides assist with transfers throughout.

How long are the train journeys? Expect trains of around 4.5 hours (Beijing to Xi’an, Xi’an to Chengdu) and approximately 7.5 hours (Yichang to Shanghai).

Can I expect authentic Chinese cuisine? Certainly. The included meals feature local dishes, and reviewers appreciated the food as a highlight.

What is the best time to travel? The tour details do not specify seasonal guides, but generally, spring and fall are popular times for China tours due to pleasant weather.

Are the activities suitable for children? The itinerary includes scenic walks and cultural sites, which are generally kid-friendly, but some days involve long travel times and many steps.

How physically demanding is the trip? Moderate. Be prepared for some walking, stairs, and long days, but guides and logistics aim to keep it comfortable.

Is tipping expected? Tipping guides and drivers is recommended but not compulsory. Many travelers choose to tip for excellent service.

What if I want to extend my stay? You can arrange post-tour accommodations or add extra days in cities like Shanghai or Beijing through your booking agent.

This detailed tour offers a fantastic way to see China’s highlights with expert guidance and authentic experiences, making it a memorable journey for first-timers and seasoned travelers alike.