China Culture Relics Classic Tour
This tour includes the most important historical sites in China- Great Wall, Forbidden City, Yungang Grottoes, Pingyao Ancient Town and Terra-Cotta Warriors. Connected by bullet train, enjoy this cultural relics tour most efficiently.
The itinerary below is only one possibility. Tips to tailor-make your trip are offered as inspiration. Send us details of your preferences and our travel experts will customize this trip to suit your interests, tastes, and budget.
Suggested 10-Day China Tour
Day | Highlights |
---|---|
1-2 Beijing |
Great Wall, Forbidden city, and Summer palace |
3-5 Datong |
Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Monastery |
6-7 Pingyao |
Pingyao Ancient Town and Wang's Family Compound |
8-10 Xi'an |
Terracotta Warriors, local food tasting and craft-making experience |
Tour 'Wow' Points
Stand up on the Mutianyu Great Wall
The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall provides breathtaking vistas of the surrounding valleys and countryside.


Uncover the Forbidden City's Secrets with Our Expert Guide
Explore the grand imperial halls and gardens, and learn about the stories of some famous royal members.


Walk Into One of the "World's Top Ten Most Odd And Dangerous Buildings"
The Hanging Temple was built 1,500 years ago and is hanging on a cliff. It is supported by wooden columns embedded into the cliff face.


Explore One of the Biggest Ancient Grottoes in China
The Yungang Grottoes — a real art treasury for Buddhism. These grottoes feature thousands of intricate and well-preserved Buddhist statues and carvings, spanning different dynasties like the Northern Wei Dynasty.


Glimpse into the Opulent Lifestyle of a Wealthy Family during the Qing Dynasty
The Wang's Family Compound is a remarkable example of a traditional Chinese courtyard house complex located within Pingyao Ancient City.


Enjoy your Culinary Aventure on the Vibrant Food Street
Your tour guide will recommend some must-try dishes in Muslim Quarter like Rou Jia Mo, Yangrou Paomo, and Biang Biang Noodle... It's a foodies' paradise!


Immerse Yourself in Traditional Craftsmanship
Making traditional handicrafts at Ancient Cultural Street of Shuyuanmen. Choose one among paper cutting, rubbing, weaving Chinese knot, and shadow play.


Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

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Amazing and Effortless Experience Overall!
![]() China Highlights is totally legit and they planned our visit in Beijing perfectly, they were also great with being flexible to meet our unique needs and timelines, with multiple changes on the fly. Our guide in Beijing, William, was amazing as well! William was friendly, kind, thoughtful, funny, and also was great at keeping us on track timing-wise (as we didn’t make this particularly easy for him lol). Cannot recommend both China Highlights and William to anyone else looking to visit China for the first time! more
Jun 2025, jamesrkable
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A culture of hospitality and smiles
![]() Beijing was prettier and far less crowded than anticipated. Colin aka Po Po, our guide, enhanced the experience with his knowledge and wicked sense of humour. He made every moment special for us.We spent about three days in Beijing and surrounds. China highlights offerings were high quality, including accomodation, car, driver, guide and selection of real local restaurants. Being vegetarian wasn’t an issue at all. Visiting historical quarter of Beijing along with Hutong walk and Confucius Beijing temple were unique experiences- which became more special with Colin’s interest in philosophy and wonderful global perspective. Despite language barriers- we were greeted by scores of locals with genuine smile and curiosity. We shall be back (hopefully with Colin) to explore this wonderful culture. more
Jun 2025, Inderjeet
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Beijing group tour
![]() We had a group tour for our clients and William was our guide. He was knowledgeable, kind and flexible throughout the tour. Our clients loved the way he explained diverse topics. We would recommend him for our future groups too.Thank you William and God bless! more
Jun 2025, Prima Rodrigues
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Suggested Itinerary
Your preferences design the real journey. We're ready to create a wonderful private China tour for you.
Your private tour guide will be waiting for you at the airport. You will have a comfortable private vehicle (non-smoking) with an experienced driver. The guide will help you to check-in at your hotel.
First, go to the world's biggest square, Tian'anmen Square, and then visit the Forbidden City. The royal palace that was once home to 24 emperors and It is the largest and best preserved ancient imperial architectural complex in the world.
Climb to Jingshan Park (Coal Hill) to have a bird's-eye view of the Forbidden City.
Walking through the narrow alleys of Hutong and visit a local family to explore the traditional residential area of the local people.
Visit the Temple of Heaven in the morning and join in with the tai chi if you want to. The Temple of Heaven was the place for emperors to pray for a good harvest, and now is it also a place for the locals to take their morning exercise.
Among the three sections of the Great Wall near Beijing, the Great Wall at Mutianyu is less crowded and most suitable for walking. A round-trip cable car has been arranged so that you can put your energy into walking through the watchtowers and taking photos of the superb scenery.
Built in 1750, the Summer Palace was the royal garden. Although it was destroyed several times during periods of war, you can still see its magnificence from what remains of it. The visit includes the Garden of Virtue and Harmony, which was the garden that emperors used to enjoy shows in. This garden has several sections that have different functions.
Take a high-speed train to Datong after lunch.
The formation of the Yungang Grottoes. Began in the year 460, and there are now 45 grottoes housing over 51,000 Buddhist statues. It is one of the biggest ancient grottoes in China and a real art treasury for Buddhism. A golf cart will be available so that you do not need to walk the long distances between the grottoes, and will have more time to see the statues.
The Hanging Temple is the only temple in China that combines Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. Built on a cliff, the Hanging Temple is listed as one of the "world's top ten most odd and dangerous buildings".
Catch a morning train to Pingyao, which is just a 2-hour.
The Pingyao Ancient Town is the best preserved walled ancient town in China. You will spend half a day there and visit the main sites, such as the Rishengchang Former Bank, the Armed Escort Company Museum, and the Ancient City Wall.
Discover the Wang's Family Compound, known as the Forbidden City in Folk, spanning 150,000 square meters with 231 courtyards and over 2,000 rooms. This self-sustained village boasts residential spaces, ancestral halls, gardens, schools, and commercial areas.
Visit the Zhangbi Ancient Castle renowned for its intricate network of tunnels, chambers, and defensive structures crucial for military functions and refuge in times of conflict. Explore the maze-like underground passages and delve into the castle's strategic significance in ancient China.
After the trip, your tour guide and driver will escort you to the train station, and you will take the bullet train to Xi'an.
The Terracotta Warriors and Horses are one of the "Eight Wonders of the World". Each of the life-sized warriors has its own face and expression. It needs about 2.5 hours to discover the sites, please wear comfortable walking shoes.
The Ancient City Wall of Xi'an is a great place to have a view of the city, and you can experience the age-old charms from on top of the bricks. You can walk or pay extra cost to rent a bike to get around the wall.
The Muslim Quarter is not far away. It is the most bustling area in Xi'an that is full of local snacks and souvenirs. Tasting the local snacks recommended by your tour guide.
The Xian Museum shows you the development of thirteen ancient capitals in the past dynasties. Then learn the traditional architecture at the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. You will have a chance to ring the bell for blessings and good luck..
Visit an energetic local family. Learn how to make dumplings and enjoy a family meal with them.
Engage in the craft-making experience at the Ancient Cultural Street of Shuyuanmen. Select from a variety of traditional handicrafts, such as paper cutting, rubbing, weaving Chinese knots, or shadow play, to create and immerse yourself in the art form of your choice.
Time to say Goodbye. Your Xi'an tour guide will see you off at the airport. Thank you for exploring China with us. Hope to see you again!
Hotel Selection
—the Icing on the Cake
Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.



Tour Price
Price includes:
- Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
- English-speaking local guide
- Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
- Flights/trains between itinerary cities
- 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling
Tour Code: cht-ob-02