Essential China: Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin & Shanghai

Escorted Tours

Explore Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Great Wall for a vivid introduction to China.
Wander the Summer Palace and meet locals around the Temple of Heaven and Lama Temple.
Discover Xi’an’s Terracotta Army and gaze across the city from its imposing Ancient City Wall.
Cruise Guilin’s Li River to Yangshuo and uncover Reed Flute Cave and Elephant Trunk Hill.
Experience Shanghai’s skyline, the Bund’s colonial heritage and the tranquillity of Yu Garden and the museum.

Days

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,290 Reviews

55 Years of Expertise in Tailor-Made Travel

ExcellentBased on 5,290 Reviews

Trip Features

Iconic Landmarks

Features renowned sites that capture the essence of each destination.

Escorted Tours

Journeys shared alongside a small group of fellow travellers.

Iconic Landmarks

Features renowned sites that capture the essence of each destination.

Escorted Tours

Journeys shared alongside a small group of fellow travellers.

Trip Itinerary

At a Glance

DAY

Arrive in Beijing

DAY

Full Day Tiananmen Square, The Forbidden City & Summer Palace Tour

DAY

Full Day Great Wall of China Tour

DAY

Beijing to Xi'an

DAY

Full Day Terracotta Warriors & Ancient City Wall Tour

DAY

Xi'an to Guilin

DAY

Full Day Cruise on the Li River

DAY

Guilin to Shanghai

DAY

Full Day Shanghai Highlights Tour

DAY

Depart from Shanghai

Travel Itinerary

Trip Starts

Trip Stop

Trip Ends

Detailed Itinerary

DAY

Arrive in Beijing

Multi Day Tour

Arrive Beijing

After checking in, you have free time to explore this amazing city that is feverishly modernizing, transforming right before your eyes.

Your Accommodation

Novotel Beijing Peace

Set in a prime location, in the historical district of China’s capital city, the exceptional four-star Novotel Beijing Peace is close to famous attractions like the Palace Museum, Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and St Joseph’s Cathedral. In addition, outdoor recreational hubs such as the Beijing Botanical Gardens and Tuan Jie Lake are all within walking distance, as is the entertainment/theatre district.

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DAY

Full Day Tiananmen Square, The Forbidden City & Summer Palace Tour

Multi Day Tour

Beijing

Stroll through Tiananmen Square China's historic heart of celebration and also turbulence for almost a century. Onward to the resplendent Forbidden City/Palace Museum (UNESCO site), home for Chinese Emperors since 1420. Walk through the world's largest royal compound that was off-limits to commoners and learn about important treasures of the Imperial collection on display in the vast inner courts. Have a Chinese lunch at local restaurant. This afternoon, continue to visit the Summer Palace, which is the best-keptexisting royal garden in Beijing, a complex of pavilions, temples, and galleries set among beautifully landscaped grounds, situated on Kunming Lake (subject the weather permitting). Evening is free with dinner on own.

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Novotel Beijing Peace

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DAY

Full Day Great Wall of China Tour

Multi Day Tour

Beijing

Today, climb the truly awesome Great Wall of China (UNESCO World Heritage site). Visit the Badaling section. All portions ever made would equal a solid defense wall going around the equator one and one-half times. At the less visited Badaling section, one of the most impressive portions of the barrier, you have time to enjoy the area, photograph majestic views and maybe bargain with the local vendors. Visit Beijing Jade Carving Factory followed by a Chinese lunch at local restaurant, drive to the Ming Tombs, and visit the most famous emperors mausoleum of Ming Dynasty with 500 years history-Chang Ling and Sacred Way, the main way of which the Ming Dynasty emperor has to pass through to worship their forefathers. Late afternoon, transfer back to hotel. Peking Duck Dinner at local restaurant.

Meal

Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Novotel Beijing Peace

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DAY

Beijing to Xi'an

Multi Day Tour

Beijing to Xian

Explore the vast Temple of Heaven complex (UNESCO site) that was once a sacred area used only by the emperors of China for important ceremonies to honor Heaven, the supreme power. The main structure is the grand Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, an impressive architectural feat. Today this park is a favorite gathering spot for local residents, a community center where people of all ages come to relax, exercise and express through song and dance. Joining in on activities is a fun way to interact with everyday Beijingers and is welcomed with warm smiles and open arms. Proceed to visit the Lama Temple. It is the largest Buddhist temple of the Yellow-sect in Beijing and has been completely preserved. Built in 1694 as the residence of Count Yin Zhen, the fourth son of the Emperor Kangxi, it was called 'the Palace of Count Yong.' After Yin Zhen became the Emperor, he continued to use it as an imperial palace for short stays away from the capital. In 1744, it was converted into a lamasery. Yonghegong is the most renowned Tibetan Buddhist temple in China outside Tibet and holds treasures of both the Han and Tibetan cultures. After Beijing Noodle Lunch at a local restaurant, departure transfer to airport for flight to Xian, once arrival, meet your local English-speaking guide at airport and transfer to your hotel. Evening is free with dinner on own.

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Holiday Inn Xian Big Goose Pagoda

Holiday Inn Xi’an Big Goose Pagoda offers a modern and comfortable base just steps from the iconic Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and the vibrant cultural district surrounding it. Travelers enjoy easy access to ancient temples, colorful night markets, and the nearby Shaanxi History Museum. With spacious rooms, welcoming service, and great dining options, it’s an ideal stay for exploring Xi’an’s rich heritage.

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DAY

Full Day Terracotta Warriors & Ancient City Wall Tour

Multi Day Tour

Xian

Marvel at the important Terracotta Warriors and Horses underground army pits of the 1st Qin Emperor (3rd century BCE, UNESCO site) with your own eyes and understand the magnitude of this portion of the entire mausoleum project. There are thousands of pottery soldiers and each one looks different. Their solemn assignment was to protect the Emperor Qin Shihuangdi in the afterlife. A circle-vision film reenacts the related events of 2300 years ago. Visit the Xian Ceramic and Art Workshop to see how to make Terra Cotta replica. Chinese lunch at local restaurant including the Noodle-making demonstration. Head to visit the Ancient City Wall, it is the most complete one that has survived in China, as well being one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world. Continue to visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a Buddhist pagoda located in southern Xi'an. It was built in 652 during the Tang Dynasty and originally had five stories, although the structure was rebuilt in 704 during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian and its exterior brick facade was renovated during the Ming Dynasty. Evening is free with dinner on own.

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Holiday Inn Xian Big Goose Pagoda

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DAY

Xi'an to Guilin

Multi Day Tour

Xian to Guilin

Transfer to airport for flight flying to Guilin. Arrive Guilin, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. Visit the Reed Flute Caves, it is a famous scenic spot, mainly offering a magic fairyland of stalactites, stalagmites, stone columns, curtains and flowers in fantastic shapes and colors while appreciating landscape and rural scenery. Then head to the beautiful Elephant Trunk Hill, who got its name because it's said to resemble a giant elephant drinking water from the Li River. Towering more than 180 feet (55 meters) above the water, it's one of the top attractions in Guilin. Lunch and dinner on own.

Meal

Breakfast

Your Accommodation

Guilin Bravo Hotel

The Guilin Bravo Hotel is located in city centre, and surrounded by some of the most popular shopping areas. The Guilin Bravo Hotel is one of the quintessential hotels in Guilin that is ideal for both business and leisure travellers. The city centre and night market are both within a 10 minute walk. There are 480 tastefully decorated guest rooms, lake view rooms and suites.

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DAY

Full Day Cruise on the Li River

Multi Day Tour

Guilin to Yangshuo to Guilin

Take a full day cruise on Li River with lunch served on board and enjoy a panorama of bamboo grooves, sleepy villages and karst peaks of limestone formations fancifully christened by painters and poets over the centuries. Afternoon, explore on the West Street, which is near your hotel. West Street is the most exciting one that locals call the 'Global Village'. There are not only many foreign tourists, but also quite a number of foreign residents managing cafés and restaurants. The exotic flavor, combined with the traditional culture, make the West Street world famous. Walk around the local village and farms. Late afternoon, transfer back to Guilin. Evening is free with dinner on own.

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Guilin Bravo Hotel

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DAY

Guilin to Shanghai

Multi Day Tour

Guilin to Shanghai

Departure transfer to airport for flight to Shanghai, once arrival, meet your local English-speaking guide at airport and transfer to your hotel. Lunch and dinner on own.

Meal

Breakfast

Your Accommodation

Metropark Jichen Hotel Shanghai

Metropark Jichen Hotel Shanghai is located at the intersection of Wanhangdu Road and Kangding Road. Located in Caojiadu business circle, the central intersection of Jing'an District, Changning District and Putuo District. It is adjacent to Zhongshan Park and Jing'an Temple business circle. It is only 2 kilometers away from Nanjing West Road business district and Shanghai Exhibition Center. The surrounding catering, shopping, and entertainment facilities are perfect.

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DAY

Full Day Shanghai Highlights Tour

Multi Day Tour

Shanghai

Start the morning by walk around the People's Park to see locals doing morning exercises and visit the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, is a six-story building, with two basement levels, which displays. Shanghai's urban planning and development. The focus of the exhibit is a large scale model of the entirety of urban Shanghai, showing existing buildings and approved future buildings. Other exhibits relate to Shanghai's history and planned development. Continue to visit the 400 year's old Yu Garden. Yu in Chinese means pleasing and satisfying, and this garden was specially built for Pan's parents as a place for them to enjoy a tranquil and happy time in their old age. Outside the garden, is the famous Chen Huang Miao - an area of shops, restaurants and recreation facilities. After lunch at local restaurant, stroll along the Bund and to visit the Shanghai Museum, boasts a staggering collection of over 120,000 unique ancient Chinese artifacts. Evening is free with dinner on own.

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch

Your Accommodation

Metropark Jichen Hotel Shanghai

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DAY

Depart from Shanghai

Multi Day Tour

Depart Shanghai

Say goodbye to China as you will be transferred to the airport to board your returning flight home. Have a safe flight home.

Meal

Breakfast

What to Expect

Explore what moves you.

Terracotta Emperor in Xi'an

Shanghai

Tiananmen Square, Beijing

Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai

Know when to go.

Place

Conditions

Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall

ShanghaiMostly Sunny

31°C / 87°F

30mm / 1.2"

GuilinMostly Sunny

33°C / 91°F

15mm / 0.6"

Xi'anPartly Cloudy

28°C / 82°F

25mm / 1.0"

BeijingMostly Sunny

27°C / 80°F

15mm / 0.6"

Weather data is based on monthly averages.

Popularity rating

ExcellentBased on 5,290 Reviews

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Harpreet Litt provided us with a rich experience for our week. She offered good choices for local tour companies. We had a very good guide in Osaka. She is an Osaka resident with good English skills. She took extra pains to include opportunities we requested Osaka was a beautiful city at night. My photos of restaurants and street food were colorful and fun. Food was good too.Noel Chrisman

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Always a great experience working with GoWay. My destination specialist, Jaime, was wonderful throughout the planning process of a trip as well as when my clients hit a few snags in the road due to a hurricane. Grateful for Jaime’s assistance! Marissa Jennings

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I had a fantastic experience working with Lisa D. on the Goway team. She was helpful, attentive and made sure we were comfortable with our bookings and itinerary before departure, and also checked in with us following our trip. Would definitely book with Goway again!Mandi S.

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1186952 trip reference - Croatia and Montenegro. Dear Goway Travel Team! I wanted to reach out and share some well-deserved praise for Jacqueline, who has assisted me closely with several of my travels. She recently curated a trip for me to Croatia, the beautiful islands, and Montenegro, and it was an absolute home run. Jacqueline has an incredible ability to listen to her clients' needs and translate them perfectly into a flawless itinerary. Her articulation, guideline execution, and professionalism are unmatched. What sets her apart is her forward-thinking approach—she always knows the exact hotspots and trends, ensuring the pace of the trip matches my speed perfectly. Everything transitioned seamlessly thanks to her attention to detail and care. She is a massive asset to your organization, and her consideration makes every vacation stress-free. I will absolutely continue to use her for all my future travels. Kindest regards, Vince Sacco Vince Sacco

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Absolutely incredible trip! From beginning to end! All accommodations were excellent. If you want to experience Safaris this trip will fulfill all your expectations! A special thanks to our driver we had for our entire trip Evans! He made our trip over the top! The Hot air balloon ride in the Masai Mara is a must…it’s breathtaking!Pam Seitz

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I have worked with Goway several times in the past two years and every single trip has been unforgettable. Specifically, our travel advisor, Maria, has helped us book phenomenal trips to Thailand, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Ireland, and most recently, Iceland. Maria is so wonderful and easy to talk to, but what really stands out is her ability to get to know her clients so she can plan trips that perfectly align with our interests and desires. I cannot recommend her strongly enough! Her expertise, hard-work, and dedication towards each trip has given myself, my family, and friends memories to last a lifetime! Kayla Covello

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Jamil made our 40th birthday trip to Portugal so so very amazing and special! Great service, fabulous hotels, and wonderful day trips! Lane Strickland

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Katie was great, planned everything we needed, was great with changes and trip schedule conflicts. Fantastic working with her.CT

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I have been booking with GoWay for more than 2 years and feel so fortunate to have the best Travel Advisor, Maria Spitman, making our vacations unforgettable. I can’t say enough about Maria… she is personable, efficient, detail-oriented, and extremely knowledgeable about her specialty destinations. We have booked many trips with her, including Thailand, Spain, Portugal, Sicily, Iceland, and our most recent trip in Greece. Maria has not only curated nuanced itineraries, but has done so combining her vast knowledge of each region with our interests and needs being met perfectly. With that, it is evident that Maria learns about her clients to create vacation packages that far exceed expectations. I won’t book with anyone else! GoWay has a gem that is irreplaceable! I highly recommend seeking Maria out for all your destination needs. Darleen

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Goway has been amazing to work with. Farooq was my agent through Goway and she communicated promptly, planned a great international trip for my clients and was always organized. The trip was flawless to Rome and Malta from beginning to end!Kim Kamelesky

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What do the experts say?

Leo Liu

Destination Specialist

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It is very enjoyable to travel in China by high-speed train, but you should avoid travelling during the National Holidays from October 1 to 7 and from May 1 to 4, as they get extra busy.

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Lydia Guo

Destination Specialist

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Jinxian Road in Shanghai is a small road but full of superb, Michelin-recognized restaurants. I highly recommend visiting here on your travels to China.

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Lydia Guo

Destination Specialist

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China's many beautiful natural sights and rich cultural areas are what I love most about visiting. Some of my personal favourites are Yunnan's Shangri-La, Xinjiang, Zhangjiajie, and the 5 Great Mountains.

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Insider Benefits

Essential China: Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin & Shanghai

Trip Features

Trip Itinerary

At a Glance

Arrive in Beijing

Full Day Tiananmen Square, The Forbidden City & Summer Palace Tour

Full Day Great Wall of China Tour

Beijing to Xi'an

Full Day Terracotta Warriors & Ancient City Wall Tour

Xi'an to Guilin

Full Day Cruise on the Li River

Guilin to Shanghai

Full Day Shanghai Highlights Tour

Depart from Shanghai

Detailed Itinerary

Arrive in Beijing

Full Day Tiananmen Square, The Forbidden City & Summer Palace Tour

Full Day Great Wall of China Tour

Beijing to Xi'an

Full Day Terracotta Warriors & Ancient City Wall Tour

Xi'an to Guilin

Full Day Cruise on the Li River

Guilin to Shanghai

Full Day Shanghai Highlights Tour

Depart from Shanghai

Departures

Terms and Conditions

What to Expect

Explore what moves you.

Most Popular Time to Travel

Know when to go.

Our Commitment

Why Travel with Goway?

What do the experts say?

Leo Liu

Lydia Guo

Lydia Guo

Unlock more by subscribing to our newsletter.