Chinese Ancient Treasures and Beautiful Landscapes
15-Day Private China Tour: Beijing– Luoyang– Xi'an–Guilin–Hangzhou-Shanghai
Experience the best of China's cultural and natural wonders with our 15-day Beijing, Luoyang, Xian, Guilin, Hangzhou, Shanghai Tour. Discover the ancient treasures of Beijing's Forbidden City and the Great Wall, showcasing the grandeur of China's imperial past. Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Luoyang's Longmen Grottoes and Xian's awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors.
Marvel at the breathtaking landscapes of Guilin's karst mountains and cruise along the Li River. Explore the enchanting West Lake in Hangzhou and delve into the vibrant metropolis of Shanghai. Each destination offers a unique blend of history, culture, and picturesque scenery, making this tour an unforgettable journey through the heart of China. Book now for an unforgettable experience!
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.
Tour Highlights
Find the Hidden Halls in the Forbidden City

Explore a Top-Ranked Section of the Great Wall

Explore the Awe-inspiring Li River in Guilin

Witness the Famous Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang

Why Choose Us

Your Wellbeing is Our Priority.
- 1-to-1 travel expert
- Vaccinated guides
- Private Rides

Your Trip is Perfectly Planned.
- Less crowded
- Exclusive Exciting Experiences

Your Booking is Risk-Free.
- No cancellation fee (up to 22 days before departure)
- Free changes
Finish Your Booking in as Quick as 1 Day
1. Tell us your dream travel idea
2. Work out your unique plan with 1 to 1 expert advice
China Highlights, Asia Highlights, and Global Highlights collaborate to provide families and couples with personalized and stress-free experiences in diverse destinations.


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Olivia Tian, a sunshine tour guide!
In October, my friend Amy booked a tour with Chinahighlights, Olivia Tian was our guide in Beijing, she is such a sweet n happy person to be around, not only she gave us the best guide service, also very accommodating, alter the plan as per our interest, took us to very local shopping n food district. Above all, she takes awesome pics, very patient!! Thank you so much for such pleasant 5 days in BJ, look forward to see you when we are back in China, Olivia!! more
Dec 2023,
Venture216019
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One whole of a good experience !
Kevin was always making flexible arrangements for us making sure we meet our needs. Kevin also walked us to our desired restaurant daily making sure all are well before he left. Kudos to the whole team. Highly recommend ? more
Dec 2023,
Cornelius C
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China is Amazing Wonders that do not stop coming at you.Great country
Great job,Loved every minute of it,Ethan did an amazing job,True Ambassador of China,Just like the Chinese people,Friendly, dignified and hardworking,Very happy.China Highlights exceeded expectations and then some,I will never even think of travelling with another company. more
Dec 2023,
Philip Sardar /Maps10321171537
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Wonderful trip to Beijing and Xian
Had a great trip to bejing n xian. Our guide lily liu is so well versed in english and we have no worry here at all. We managed to dine in great halal restaurants though out our trip. Highly reccomended to all muslims travellers. more
Dec 2023,
Efen Reyes
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Great experience, highly recommended!
Additionally, she helped me with all my personal needs like getting a SIM card, finding an ATM, shopping, dining, checking in at the train station, hotel, suggested a couple additional very entertaining art events. Was also punctual and spoke good English. more
Nov 2023,
Wayne S.
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Excellent tour with Tom from China Highlights
We used China Highlights for the 3 days of our Beijing trip. Tom was a fantastic guide. Very knowledgable with excellent English. He was able to accommodate changes to our tour at short notice, allowing us to make the most of our limited time. Couldn’t recommend highly enough more
Nov 2023,
Ross
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Magical Adventure
Wow this tour was honestly the best tourI have ever taken! Our guide Simon Yao was simply superb! His English was excellent and he was very easy to talk to. He was personable and friendly but not overpowering or overbearing. Very knowledgeable about history. Thankfully the weather was good so we were not super hot !Finally at the wall we were amazed by it's beauty and grandeur. It really is something and pictures don't do it justice. more
Nov 2023,
Annika M
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Excellent two day visit to Great Wall
Our guide ‘Mark’ was incredible. So friendly, knowledgable and funny. The itinerary was perfect, we got to see two different parts of the Great Wall (one of which at night which was magical) and our hotel stay in Gubei was wonderful. Highly recommend to anybody visiting Beijing more
Nov 2023,
James_Wolstenholme
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Great Experience from start to finish!
Jack was my guide and his local knowledge and English skills were fantastic. He was punctual, friendly and willing to flex as we went about our tour. Couldn’t recommend China Highlights more! more
Nov 2023,
Scott Smith
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Family tour
Helen in Beijing - thanks for paying great attention to details, for your small surprises for the children every day, for selecting amazing restaurants, and leading wonderful walking tours. Your cheerfulness added to our enjoyment. more
Nov 2023,
Kamila
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Great day out with Mark, thanks China Highlights!
We did a 1 day private tour with China Highlights to see Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, and the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Communication was great throughout - from trip planning/booking with Roger and from our guide Mark who contacted us the day before to confirm meet up time/location. Avoided a lot of the queues and definitely learned quite a bit of history from our guide Mark…thanks again! No language barriers/issues…highly recommended. more
Nov 2023,
ykeezy
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China Three (3) Cities Tours
To the tour guides, Ethan, Jason and Tony, you guys have made my visit an awesome and memorable experience. All the tour guides spoke english and communicated very effectively. They are knowledgeable about all the sites visited including, Great Wall of China, The Forbidden City, Panda Breeding and Research Center, Leshan Giant Buddha, Hallelujah Mountains, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and Glass Bridge, and Tianmen Mountain. The tour guides ensured I got the most out of my time I stayed in the various cities Beijing, Chengdu and Zhangjiajie. more
Nov 2023,
Kadar
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13 days in China
We booked a 13 day’s tour of China with China Highlights. Our travel advisor, Ms Leah Zhou organised an itinerary that suited what we wanted. She was really helpful and patient will all our needs. Leah helped us organised our 30th Wedding Anniversary Dinner and my 60th Birthday celebration?? in Beijing. For this to be possible, she had to liaise with our guide in Beijing. The flowers and cake were a real surprise. My husband and I, were really touched at the good service provided by China Highlights and Ms Leah Zhou. Thank you China Highlights and Ms Leah Zhou for your constant care of your customers. I will certainly recommend China Highlights to my friends. more
Nov 2023,
Eda Adams
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Perfect Beijing experience
Covering all major sights our exploration of Beijing and surroundings was flawless guided by Lily, along with her knowledgeable and balanced information on Chinas culture and history. In particular, Lily was able to adjust the tour according to personal preferences, e.g. focus on photography, as well as suggesting additional activities like an impressive authentic artistic show. I highly recommend China Highlights as China tour operator and Lily Liu as excellent guide regarding the Beijing area. more
Nov 2023,
Perfect Beijing experience
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Our first trip to Beijing
Our tour guide was Lucy Yubo. She was awesome. Very friendly, informative and passionate about her job. We really enjoyed her company and guidance. more
Nov 2023,
Sreelatha Reddy
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Anne and Bob’s tour of Beijing
We did the China Highlights tour of Beijing with our excellent guide Mark and his driver. We thoroughly enjoyed seeing the Beijing highlights including the Lama Temple, the Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Lama Temple. The Summer Palace with the boat ride and the Garden of Virtue and Harmony were memorable also and the Mutianyu Great Wall was a highlight. We were impressed with Mark as a guide. He knew his history and he was kind and thoughtful. He took us to some excellent restaurants and we were introduced to some beautiful food. We enjoyed his company and will always remember him. more
Nov 2023,
BendigoBob
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Excellent end to end service
Helen is a positive, full of knowledge, experienced guide.She provided us an implacable service abd experience for 3 days .Highly recommended more
Nov 2023,
Sariel Engel
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Amazing Beijing Tour with Risa!
Risa gave us a wonderful tour of the city! She thoroughly explained the cultuaral importance of each exhibit while also educating us on the Chinese culture. Appreciated having this wonderful Beijing trip with Risa:) more
Nov 2023,
Angelica M.
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Amazing Beijing Tour With Risa!
We were very kindly received in Beijing by our tour guide Risa. She gave us a very thorough tour of the city and showed us wonderful places, while also explaining the important history/culture of China! Very beautiful city filled with many things to do and full of culture! This was very well planned and made it very easy for us to visit the city and foreigners:) Thank you Risa! more
Nov 2023,
Angelica M
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Do Beijing like a local
They organised my trip very quickly and efficiently. On the day, Anna was very friendly to me, my mum and my baby. Very accommodating to our needs. The car was immaculately clean and very comfortable. We visited everything we initially wanted and more. Also, Anna took us to the best meal we had in China. It makes a difference to have a local choosing the dishes! more
Nov 2023,
Natali A
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Itinerary Quick Look
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.
Your private guide will be ready to meet and greet you at the arrival hall in Beijing. A comfortable private car with an experienced driver will transfer you directly to your hotel. Your guide will help you to check-in.
Your private guide will meet you in the hotel lobby and accompany you on a comfortable vehicle to explore the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall. The journey from Beijing takes about 2½ hours.

Begin your adventure by hiking up the wall through an unrestored watchtower called Houchuankou Pass. Marvel at the ancient watchtowers and sections of the wall that have weathered over time. Take breaks at shaded towers if needed.
As you continue, you'll encounter a beautifully-restored section of the wall with well-preserved watchtowers. Feel the essence of imperial China as you walk along this section. Descend at Zhuanduokou Pass and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Please note that this moderate-level hike involves some ups and downs. After lunch, return to your hotel in Beijing.
Explore Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest city square in Beijing. Admire its iconic Tiananmen Gate, surrounded by significant cultural landmarks, including government buildings, museums, and Chairman Mao's Mausoleum.

Experience authentic Chinese culture in the Hutong district. Choose from three immersive activities: Facial Makeup for Peaking Opera, Chinese Calligraphy, or Chinese Paper Cutting.
Discover the time-honored charm of Hutong on a rickshaw tour. Ride through narrow alleys, visit a local family, and learn about traditional courtyard houses.
Unveil the secrets of the awe-inspiring Forbidden City with our exclusive Emperor's Tour. Explore 12 carefully chosen locations, delving into the history and splendor of China's imperial past.
Immerse yourself in ancient China with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, a stunning complex of Taoist buildings built during the Ming dynasty in 1420. Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties held annual ceremonies here to pray for bountiful harvests. The temple's park is a vibrant hub of activity, where local elderly people gather in the morning for tai chi, singing, and exercise. Explore the park, covering 273 hectares in the heart of Beijing, with an easy 1-1½ hour walk (1½ kilometers).
Visit the Summer Palace, also known as 'Yiheyuan' in Chinese, which is located 12 kilometers northwest of the city center. It is one of China's largest and best-preserved imperial gardens, rivalling the Forbidden City. Originally constructed as a theater for the Empress Dowager, it features a three-storey structure with a remarkable wooden stage. The theater hosted famous opera singers and was considered the "Cradle of Beijing Opera." It remains a top attraction in Beijing.
Visit the Longmen Grottoes, which is located 13 kilometers west of Luoyang, are among the four largest grottoes in China. Nestled amidst green mountains and meandering rivers, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to captivating cultural relics.

Recognized as a key national cultural relic protection unit since 1961, the Longmen Grottoes gained further distinction in 1982 when they were designated as one of the 44 National Parks of China. Their historical significance and artistic value led to their inclusion on the prestigious List of World Heritage in 2000.
Discovered in 1974, the Terracotta Army features over 7,000 life-sized soldiers, horses, archers, and chariots guarding Emperor Qin's tomb since 210 BC. Explore the excavation pits, visit the museum, and capture photos (no flash). Wear comfortable shoes.

Ancient City Wall (30 minutes): Dating back to the 13th century, the well-preserved Ancient City Wall encircles the city center. Walk or rent a bike/electric cart (additional cost) to enjoy the 14km circuit with stunning city views.
Muslim Quarter (1 hour): Located near the Bell Tower, the Muslim Quarter entices with its 500-meter avenue lined with unique stalls, souvenir shops, cafes, and bars predominantly operated by Muslim vendors. Shop and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere.
Immerse Yourself in the Enchanting Longji Rice Terraces, Guilin. Don't miss the awe-inspiring Longji Rice Terraces while exploring Guilin. These magnificent manmade wonders, nicknamed 'Dragon's Backbone' (Longji), offer breathtaking views of terraces resembling dragon ribs protruding from the surrounding mountains. Located a 2.5-hour drive from Guilin, the terraces cover 66 sq. km and were constructed by local minority communities 600 years ago.

We'll visit Ping'an Zhuang Village, nestled between 300 to 1,100 meters above sea level. Please note that moderate walking is involved, so a good level of fitness is necessary. Alternatively, sedan chairs are available for hire, providing picturesque views without the climb (approx. CNY 350 per person, round trip). Let us know in advance if you require a car transfer to the village's top (not available during Chinese national holidays). Get ready for an unforgettable encounter with the Longji Rice Terraces, blending natural beauty with cultural heritage.
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of the rice terraces as you embark on a journey through the seasons. Witness the magical transformation from the crystal-clear waters in spring to verdant greenery in summer, and finally, the brilliant golden hues of autumn's harvest. Explore the serene village surroundings with minimal crowds in the morning, observing dedicated farmers and the ingenious engineering that has shaped these terraces for over 600 years. Your expert guide will accompany you, unraveling the stories and secrets behind these incredible landscapes.
Your guide will take you to the Li River to capture the stunning rose-colored sunset (weather permitting). Witness a local fisherman on his bamboo raft, accompanied by cormorants, as he showcases various fishing techniques. This memorable experience will last 1 to 1.5 hours.

Explore Yangshuo's scenic countryside, known for its charming landscapes and unique hills. This one-hour tour immerses you in the authentic farming life and natural beauty of South China. Visit local villages and witness their daily activities up close.
Embark on an unforgettable 4-hour cruise along the Li River. Admire the breathtaking scenery around every bend, including limestone peaks, bamboo groves, rice paddies, and water buffaloes. Encounter skilled fishermen on narrow bamboo rafts and, if lucky, witness the famous fishing cormorants. Enjoy a buffet or semi-buffet lunch on the recommended 4-star boat accommodating about 80 passengers.
Located on the east bank of the Li River, Xingping Ancient Town is a renowned photography spot in Guilin. Capture iconic images of the Li River, including sunset, sunrise, and cormorant fishing. Explore the historical sites along the one-kilometer long Xingping Old Street, lined with ancient brick buildings and assembly halls.
Bamboo Rafting on the Yulong River:Enjoy a mesmerizing 40-50 minute bamboo rafting experience on the picturesque Yulong River. Admire the breathtaking karst peaks, rice fields, clear waters, and bamboo groves along the gentle river current. Immerse yourself in the captivating scenery and leave the modern world behind as you navigate the river's twists and turns.
Explore Lingyin Temple, an important Buddhist temple in China with pagodas and grottoes. Founded in 328 AD by Indian monk Hui Li, this temple was once a national worship center. Visit Feilai Feng, an impressive Buddhist grotto site, and admire the engraved Buddha images. Other attractions include the Hall of the Heavenly Kings, Grand Hall of the Great Sage, Hall of the Medicine Buddha, Sutra Library, and Hall of the Five Hundred Arhats.
Enjoy the mesmerizing performance "Enduring Memories of Hangzhou" by director Zhang Yimou, set against the beautiful West Lake backdrop. Experience it with VIP seats. Showtime: 19:45.

Discover the peaceful charm of Hangzhou, known as Shanghai's back garden. Follow a knowledgeable local guide to visit West Lake, where you can take a boat ride and learn about its fascinating history. As part of the tour, savor G20 First Ladies Afternoon Tea, offering scenic views from Sofitel Hotel's sky garden. Immerse yourself in the true essence of Hangzhou within a 3-hour tour.
Explore the picturesque Wuzhen Water Town, divided into Dong Zha (East Area) and Xi Zha (West Area). Xi Zha showcases original architectural features like colonnades, bridges, balconies, and stone walls.
Indulge in a morning trip to Meijiawu Tea Village, the birthplace of Dragon Well tea. Accompanied by a local tea specialist, you'll pick tea leaves and witness the stirring process. Immerse yourself in a traditional tea ceremony and enjoy tea-infused cuisine at a local restaurant tucked away in the tea plantation.
Experience the captivating blend of traditional Chinese elements and modernity in Shanghai as you visit the iconic Bund. This famous waterfront area showcases the rich history and impressive skyline of this vibrant city. Marvel at the juxtaposition of historical landmarks and contemporary architecture. Immerse yourself in the bustling markets and stroll through the charming old streets.

For a deeper appreciation of Chinese garden art, don't miss the opportunity to visit Yuyuan Garden. Step into the enchanting Yuyuan Garden and dive into the refined world of Chinese garden art. Tranquil and meticulously designed, this beautiful garden captivates visitors with its ornate pavilions, elegant halls, and intricate landscapes. Experience the harmonious balance of nature and architecture as you explore this cultural gem.
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
- 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling
Tour code: cht-cx-1
Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.