Historical and Natural China Tour
15-Day Private Tour: Beijing– Pingyao– Taiyuan–Yunnan–Shanghai
Embark on a 15-day tour of Beijing, Pingyao, Taiyuan, Yunnan, and Shanghai. Explore China's ancient history with visits to iconic landmarks like the Great Wall and Forbidden City. Immerse yourself in the charm of Pingyao and Taiyuan's architecture. Experience the beauty of Yunnan's landscapes, including the Stone Forest and Lijiang Old Town. End your journey in vibrant Shanghai, surrounded by towering skyscrapers. Book your all-inclusive adventure now and discover the best of China's culture and modern allure.
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 'Wow' Points
Find the Hidden Halls in the Forbidden City

Explore a Top-Ranked Section of the Great Wall

Visit the Famous Pingyao Ancient Town

Embark on a Scenic Cruise on the Tranquil Erhai Lake

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.
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).

For a quintessential Great Wall experience, head to the Mutianyu section, renowned for its breathtaking scenery and beautifully-restored architecture. Ranked as the top Great Wall section on TripAdvisor, it offers a child-friendly atmosphere and multiple visiting options. Just a 1.5-hour drive from downtown Beijing, this section boasts a fully restored 2½-kilometer stretch. Enjoy the convenience of a chairlift to reach a picturesque portion of the Wall, avoiding a steep climb. From there, wander through ancient watchtowers while marveling at the sweeping views of rolling hills and majestic mountains. Conclude your adventure with an exhilarating toboggan ride down, a thrilling experience suitable for both adults and children.
Begin your exploration of Pingyao with a visit to the Pingyao Ancient City Wall in the morning. Enjoy the views and soak in the ancient atmosphere as you walk or bike along the well-preserved wall. Afterward, head to the Rishengchang Exchange Shop to learn about China's modern banking system's birthplace and its impact on the country's economy.

Start your day by visiting the Shuanglin Temple, located just outside Pingyao. Marvel at the exceptional collection of painted clay statues from the Song and Yuan dynasties. Later, explore the County Government Office and gain insights into the administrative practices during the Ming and Qing dynasties. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll along Pingyao Ancient City Street, fully experiencing the charm of the old town with its authentic shops, restaurants, and the opportunity to try local delicacies.
Start your day by visiting Jinci Temple, located about 25 kilometers southwest of downtown Taiyuan. Explore the beautiful ancient complex with various halls, pavilions, bridges, and gardens. Admire notable features like the Thousand Buddha Hall and the famous "Mother and Son Cypress" tree. Afterward, head back to the city center to visit the Shanxi Museum. Spend time exploring the museum's vast collection of artifacts, including bronze ware, calligraphy, paintings, and ancient sculptures.
Start with a visit to Green Lake Park, a serene location perfect for a morning stroll. Admire the beautiful flowers, watch locals practicing Tai Chi, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance. From there, head to Yuantong Temple, a historic Buddhist temple nearby. Explore the temple complex, marvel at the architecture and Buddhist statues, and soak in the spiritual atmosphere.

Afternoon and Evening: Indulge in Yunnan cuisine for lunch, experiencing the flavors of the region at a local eatery. Next, visit Western Hills for breathtaking views of Dianchi Lake by taking a cable car ride up the hills. Explore the Dragon Gate with its intricate rock carvings and Taoist temples. Then, visit the magnificent Golden Temple, a renowned Taoist temple known for its golden pavilion and tranquil gardens. In the evening, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of a Kunming night market. Stroll through the bustling stalls, savor local street food, and indulge in shopping for handicrafts and souvenirs. Optionally, consider extending your day by visiting Yunnan Nationalities Village, an open-air museum showcasing the traditions and architecture of Yunnan's ethnic minorities.
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Dali, nestled amidst mountains and lakes. With its iconic Three Pagodas and rich history, Dali offers a glimpse into the diverse cultures of its ethnic groups. Explore nearby towns and villages for hiking and biking adventures. Immerse yourself in the enchanting Bai ethnic culture and embark on an unforgettable journey through Dali's captivating landscapes.
After visiting the Three Pagodas, make your way to Dali Old Town, a charming ancient town full of traditional architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and vibrant local culture. Take a leisurely stroll through the town, visit local shops and cafes, and immerse yourself in the laid-back atmosphere.

Discover the Erhai Lake: In the afternoon, head to Erhai Lake, one of the largest highland lakes in China. Take a boat trip around the lake to enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the peaceful water. You can also visit Yangbi Island, located in the middle of the lake, to explore its Buddhist temples and experience the local fishing culture.
Start your day by exploring the Shaxi Old Town. Take a leisurely stroll through its narrow cobblestone streets, admiring the traditional Bai-style architecture. Visit the Sideng Square, the heart of the town, where you can see the well-known Xingjiao Temple and the Shibaoshan Mountain Gateway. Immerse yourself in the town's cultural atmosphere and learn about its history.
Head towards the Shibaoshan Mountain, a short distance from Shaxi Old Town. This scenic area is famous for its ancient temples and intricate stone carvings. Hike up to the Shizhong Temple, perched on a hilltop, and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Marvel at the Baoxiang Temple and its exquisite stone statues.
Start your tour by exploring the enchanting Lijiang Ancient Town, with its narrow lanes, canals, and traditional architecture. Visit the Tea Horse Road Museum to learn about the town's history as a trading hub. Then, head to Lion Hill and climb up to Wangu Tower for panoramic views of Lijiang. Afterward, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Black Dragon Pool Park, where you can stroll around the lake and enjoy views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. In the evening, savor a delicious dinner in Lijiang Ancient Town, and experience the vibrant nightlife with live music performances and cultural shows.

Embark on an adventure to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, located a short distance from Lijiang. Take a cable car to the scenic area and marvel at its stunning alpine landscapes, ancient glaciers, and hiking trails. On your way back, visit Yufeng Temple, a serene Tibetan Buddhist temple nestled in the forests. Then, explore the cultural heritage of Baisha Village, known for its Naxi traditions and remarkable mural paintings. Conclude your two-day tour by returning to Lijiang, and if time permits, consider visiting other attractions like the Dongba Culture Museum or the Shuhe Ancient Town.

Visit Oriental Pearl Tower for stunning views, explore Lujiazui's skyscrapers, and stroll along the Bund. Explore Yu Garden, visit City God Temple, shop on Nanjing Road, and have dinner in Xintiandi. Enjoy a Huangpu River cruise.
Discover the French Concession, visit Tianzifang, and indulge in coffee and shopping. Explore the Shanghai Museum, revisit Nanjing Road, and try local snacks. Enjoy a Chinese acrobatics show and take a food tour to immerse in the local cuisine. Feel free to make adjustments and spend more time at the attractions that interest you the most. Have a fantastic time exploring Shanghai!
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-6
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