Discover the Ancient China and the Unique Landscape
10-Day Imperial and Scenic China Family Tour
A whole family experience to make the stories from history books come alive: the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and the Summer Palace. Then relax on the Yangshuo nature trails before enjoying exciting Hong Kong Ocean Park amusement area.
Highlights
- Walk or hike on the Great Wall of China
- Be welcomed by a local family and learn how to make dumplings with them
- Acquire the spirit of Chinese calligraphy and traditional painting
- Enjoy a relaxing Li River cruise to Yangshuo
- Take a bamboo raft on the crystal-clear Yulong River
- Learn to cook tasty Chinese dishes
- Revel in the Hong Kong Ocean Park
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
|
The tour was of The Greta Wall of China
The tour was excellent. Selinda was very knowledgeable about all the aspects of our tour. Selinda was very interesting and knew so much Chinese history more
Mar 2024, Alice W
|
Beautiful Beijing with Ethan & Mr. Chen
Ethan, our wonderful guide, whose praises we can not sing loudly enough, was compassionate, caring, and overall endearing! His sense of ease and familiarity with each sight, which were unfamiliar wonders to us, provided a sense of peacefulness that facilitated full enjoyment - helped too by his punctuality and attention to detail. more
Feb 2024, apisn2023
|
The Highlights and High Life of Beijing with Ethan & Mr. Chen
Ethan, our wonderful tour guide, made our entire trip an absolute joy for us as he was extraordinarily caring, considerate, and generous. Having had the pleasure of taking in the sights of Beijing previously with another lovely guide, Angela, it was spectacular not only to show the family how fantastic the city is but also how high the quality of services provided by China Highlights are. Each day unveiled a new treasure, helpfully detailed by Ethan, and punctuated by delicious and varied local food. Our driver, Mr. Chen, was also a delight, and was equally as key to the overall experience as he was both attentive and almost mystically punctual! more
Feb 2024, Apis
|
Great Time in Beijing
Our 4-day experience in Beijing was unforgettable. Our guide, Selinda, opened the doors to the city's millennia-old history and culture with her knowledge, kindness, and courtesy. We discovered magnificent places, tasted delicious food, and stayed in clean hotels, all accompanied by safe and reliable transportation service. We recommend traveling with China Highlights. more
Feb 2024, Nicola B
|
3rd time the charm, is being charmed for the 3rd time.
This is my 3rd tour of Beijing in the last 18 months and I think that speaks a little to the quality of service you get with China Highlights. Each time the sites are the same but each tour guide managed to present them in new and wonderful ways. Also some attractions that were undergoing renovations have been completed, so there were new things to see as well.A big thanks to Mr. Michael, our tour this time around. He was very gregarious and knowledgeable about all the sites. more
Feb 2024, Jonathan Mueller
|
3rd time the charm, is charmed for the 3rd time
The sites stay the same but each time we have done this tour, the tour guides manage to make it feel like it is the first time you are experiencing it. And, with the constant renovations, this time we were able to see previous areas that were unavailable the last time we came. more
Feb 2024, Jonathan M
|
Great trip and experience!
From beginning to end, China Highlights was very courteous, responsive and attentive in planning and executing a great trip!Aspects and execution of the trip was as discussed and was an overall great experience. Our guide, Michael, was very kind and knowledgeable throughout the tour and would address all questions and help us take lots of photos. Would definitely travel with China Highlights again! more
Feb 2024, Karol
|
3rd the charm is charmed for the 3rd time
This is my 3rd tour of Beijing in the last 18 months and I think that speaks a little to the quality of service you get with China Highlights. Each time the sites are the same but each tour guide managed to present them in new and wonderful ways. Also some attractions that were undergoing renovations have been completed, so there were new things to see as well.A big thanks to Mr. Michael, our tour this time around. He was very gregarious and knowledgeable about all the sites. more
Feb 2024, jkjmueller
|
1 Day in Beijing
Nice views, Not too much people, Jessi (guide ) so friendly and she have a great service & she knows the answer of all your questions more
Feb 2024, Fernando J
|
Fabulous day!
Jesse He ,she is a nice tourist guide patience and take good care for us. We had a wonderful time in Beijing,we did the forbidden city and greatwall We love everything ! more
Feb 2024, Charon R
|
Private trip in Beijing and Luoyang
We spent 3 days in Beijing with Helen as our guide. We went to TianAnMen, Forbidden City and MuTianYu Great Wall to name a few. Helen took great care of us and is very attentive as I travel with my 60+ years old parents, from asking whether we need restroom breaks to making sure that our lunch were all according to our dietary needs more
Jan 2024, Iriana Iriana
|
An excellent day with Linda
Linda (Ling ling)is a great tour guide,provide a lot of knowledge and history of the great wall,and took us to taste very delicious food too,we had a very good time with her!highly recommend her! more
Jan 2024, Angeline Lim
|
Great time in Beijing with Bruce
We stayed in Beijing for three days altogether. We went to the summer palace. the Tian'an'men square, the Forbidden City,the Temple of heaven and the Great Wall. Our tour guide Bruce is very friendly and speaks English fluently. He explained every scenic spot to us patiently and humorously. my family are very satisfied with his service. more
Jan 2024, Mayra C
|
Bucket List Trip to China
My first stop in China was Beijing. Ethan was my guide there. Daily, they would pick me up and take me to the spots on the itinerary. He helped me plan outside activities like a Chinese acrobat show. He even walked me to my seat in my theater so I could easily find my correct chair. What was most helpful was Ethan waiting with me at the train station and even helping me on to my seat and giving the train attendant my meal order. Very little English was spoken by the train attendant. more
Jan 2024, Megan Sandbothe
|
Great Wall at Jinshanling
We went to the Great Wall at Jinshanling which is a very beautiful place which is not that busy. In fact most of the time it felt like we were alone on the wall.The tourguide (Jack) was very knowledgeable and very friendly.A big thumbs up more
Jan 2024, Onno
|
Private trip in Beijing and Luoyang
We spent 3 days in Beijing with Helen as our guide. We went to TianAnMen, Forbidden City and MuTianYu Great Wall to name a few. Helen took great care of us and is very attentive as I travel with my 60+ years old parents, from asking whether we need restroom breaks to making sure that our lunch were all according to our dietary needs. We had great 3 days in Beijing.We also visited Luoyang. Our travel advisor arranged a Business class seat for our high speed train to Luoyang. We were picked up at the station by our guide in Luoyang, Lisa. We then visited Dengfeng to see Songyang academy, shaolin temple, Luoyang grottoes. She also took care of us very well and very knowledgeable about the history. more
Jan 2024, lriana lriana
|
Beijing 2024
We traveled to Beijing with China Highlights in January 2024. Our tour guide Ethan was organized and knowledgeable which made our trip seamless and very interesting!! He helpfully suggested additional activities if we had time in the evenings and assisted us in booking tickets for them. Visiting the Mutianyu Great wall of China was a big highlight of our time in Beijing! more
Jan 2024, Lydia
|
Beijing 2024
We traveled to Beijing with China Highlights in January 2024. Our tour guide Ethan was organized and knowledgeable which made our trip seamless and very interesting!! He helpfully suggested additional activities if we had time in the evenings and assisted us in booking tickets for them. Visiting the Mutianyu Great wall of China was a big highlight of our time in Beijing more
Jan 2024, Explore49612084715
|
Beijing
Fantastic couple days in Beijing. Thank you to my guide Mark who eloquently relayed stories about China history and culture. more
Jan 2024, Steve P
|
Jack is an excellent guide
Jack is an excellent guide, very patient, punctual, wonderful command of english. I recommend him any day. more
Jan 2024, Brahma
|
Suggested Itinerary
Your vacation starts from the moment you arrive. Your guide and driver will be waiting for you, ready to take you to your hotel in a private van. Your guide will assist you with the check-in and take any stress away.
Hotel Recommendations
The itinerary price includes 4-star hotels for your reference.
Novotel Beijing Peace
- Very central location, 15 minutes walk to the Forbidden City
- Member of Accor Group, ensuring standard Western service
Crowne Plaza Hotel Beijing Chaoyang U-Town
- Wins Certificate of Excellence of Tripadvisor
- Near Sanlitun, in the new CBD area, surrounded by touring conveniences
- Member of Intercontinental Group, ensuring great breakfasts and services
Hotel Eclat Beijing
- Ranked 3/6561 of Beijing hotels on TripAdvisor
- Near Sanlitun, about 5 km (3 mi) from the Forbidden City
- Member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, with a unique artistic atmosphere
The vast Tian'anmen Square is probably the most famous square in the world, and the surrounding buildings, such as Chairman Mao's Mausoleum, the National Museum, and the People's Congress, emphasize its iconic appearance. History comes to life in the Forbidden City, with interesting insights into the emperors' lives and the impressive architecture in the public spaces in contrast with the domestic space in the private accommodation.
The classic hutongs area is a charming place to spend an afternoon, and a visit to a local family still living in one of the traditional houses brings the experience to life. You will learn how to make dumplings (jiaozi) and you will also get to savor them together.
Good to know
- As well as dumpling making, many other interactive activities can be arranged in the hutongs area to enrich your day: learn traditional crafts like Chinese knot-tying and decorative paper-cutting, see a remarkable acrobatic display by a Chinese yo-yo master, and learn to make dumplings with a local family.
- Night shows, such as the Kung fu Show at the Red Theater and the Acrobatic Show at Chaoyang Theater, are recommended to enrich your night. It is recommended to book with your guide a day before, or on the day, to allow flexibility.
The Great Wall is an exciting experience for the whole family. It evokes images of soldiers and battles from ancient China. The Mutianyu section that you will be taken to is much less crowded than other sections, and the drive is through beautiful countryside. Lunch is served in the best restaurant nearby, with several dishes appealing to the younger customers. Fish is a specialty and is always fresh from the ponds.
After returning to Beijing, you will get to visit the Temple of Heaven, surrounded by a beautiful park. There, the emperors made their offerings for a good harvest each year, and locals now do their daily exercises there and practice singing and dancing.
Good to know
- Want to spend more time on the Great Wall and make the most of your time? No problem! We can arrange a picnic lunch including sandwiches, bread, cake, fruit, and coffee or milk for you to enjoy on the Great Wall.
- To make the Great Wall tour more memorable, taking a toboggan to slide down is an exciting option when the weather is nice. You can control the speed to ensure your safety.
The Forbidden City was the winter abode of the emperors, but the Summer Palace is where they escaped the heat and enjoyed outdoor living in the vast gardens and pavilions. A short boat ride across the lake takes you to the main buildings, and you can climb the tower and see the entire park.
At lunchtime you will taste the popular cuisine of the Hakka people. Then, the kids will not need to wait any longer to see the pandas; Beijing Zoo has many wild and rare animals from China, and among them are some adorable pandas.
Good to know
If you are arriving in summer, the Water Magic Cube Amusement Park is highly recommended to escape the heat. The Water Cube was used during the Beijing Olympics for aquatics and is now designed to be the biggest water amusement park in China. Remember to take a swimsuit, slippers, sunscreen lotion, shower gel, shampoo, and a towel.
In the morning, you will catch a flight to Guilin which is said to have the most beautiful scenery in China and is home to very distinctive karst mountains.
Two of the most famous local sites - Reed Flute Cave with a large natural formation of stalactites and stalagmites, and the Elephant Trunk Hill which is the symbol of Guilin - are on the experience list this afternoon.
Hotel Recommendations
The itinerary price includes 4-star hotels for your reference.
Lijiang Waterfall Hotel
- Ranked 4/651 of Guilin hotels on TripAdvisor
- Very central location, 2 minutes walk to the Li River and lakes
- Its man-made waterfall from hotel building top wins Guinness World Records
Shangri-La Hotel Guilin
- Ranked 2/651 of Guilin hotels on TripAdvisor
- Wins Certificate of Excellence of Tripadvisor
- Located amidst mountain & river vistas, full of enchantment, fascinating and distinct Chinese-style architecture
Guilinyi Royal Palace
- Ranked 4/651 of Guilin hotels on TripAdvisor
- Wins Certificate of Excellence of Tripadvisor
- Located in a botanical garden, quiet and picturesque setting, fascinating and distinct Chinese-style architecture
A tranquil four-hour cruise along the Li River offers great views of the bamboo forests and limestone peaks, the scenery immortalized by Chinese artists throughout the centuries.
After arriving in Yangshuo, you will be taken to your hotel. In the afternoon, our arranged experiences of Chinese painting or calligraphy give a taste of the cultural activities of the local people.
Good to know
- Your luggage will be transferred directly from Guilin to your hotel in Yangshuo by a private van and driver. Your personal guide will accompany you on the cruise and take care of you.
- Currently, either 3-star or 4-star riverboats are available for the Li River cruise. The 3-star boats are lower-priced, but have less-modern facilities. Their seat- spacing is narrower and the lunch on board is simpler. The 4-star boats are the best. We will only use the relatively new 4-star boats, which serve a buffet lunch.
Hotel Recommendations
The itinerary price includes 4-star hotels for your reference.
Yangshuo Mountain Retreat
- Ranked 3/482 of Yangshuo hotels on TripAdvisor
- Wins Certificate of Excellence of Tripadvisor
- A riverside gem with breathtaking view on the Yulong River
Yangshuo Ancient Garden Boutique Hotel
- Opened in 2016 and managed by the same hotel company of Tea Cozy
- It is hidden behind and nestled in the mountain areas
- Reformed from local traditional mud and wooden houses, authentic flavor
Tea Cozy Hotel
- Ranked 2/482 of Yangshuo hotels on TripAdvisor
- Wins Certificate of Excellence of Tripadvisor
- Away from hustle and bustle town center, enjoy fresh air and quiet atmosphere
In the morning, your guide can show you around the local food market - the hub of life there. All the food is fresh, even the chickens are still flapping in their cages. A cookery class helps you to discover where those delicious dishes get their flavor from, as you see which vegetables and meat are used, cook with the teacher, and then taste the results. You even get the recipes to take home.
A bamboo raft ride along the Yulong River is a fun experience due to the small weirs giving you a light spray. This section of the area has been called "Paradise on Earth", and for good reason.
Cookery Class Bamboo Raft RideExploring thecountryside continues with a bike ride in the small roads and lanes surrounded by paddy fields and orchards away from traffic and the crowds. A visit to a local farmer's home lets you see how people really live in these rural areas.
After lunch, you will be taken back to Guilin Airport for your late afternoon flight to Hong Kong. Upon arrival, you will be picked up by a local guide, private van and driver, and transferred to your hotel.
Good to know
If your children are too young to ride a bike, we can arrange to have a seat fitted to the back of the bike for you. There is also the option to choose a tandem bike for you to share with your child.
Your guide will pick you up at the hotel to take you on a whole day tour in a private car, which really maximizes your time in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong in all its vastness spreads beneath your feet from the Victoria Peak, the highest point on the island. Then you descend to the Repulse Bay beach, considered the finest in Hong Kong. Aberdeen has a lovely harbor full of local fishermen's boats and seafood restaurants. Lunch is not included, but feel free to ask your tour guide for recommendations.
The Ocean Park is an amusement park and zoo all-in-one, and is sure to delight the smallest to the biggest member of the family.
Good to know
The price includes a private car/van transfer to and from the Victoria Peak. This may save time if the lines are long for the Peak Tram. You can choose to take it at an extra cost of HK$28 per adult for a one-way trip and HK$40 for a round trip. The cost for a child is HK$11 and HK$20 respectively.
Trip Notes
Tailoring your tour
This tour is very flexible. You can alter the itinerary, extend or shorten it to suit your price, interest, and schedule. Feel free to tell us your requirements, and we are happy to help you arrange with our professional knowledge and experience.
Hotel
- Hotels with a convenient location and swimming pool are recommended. Please note that a swimsuit/trunks and swimming cap are required to enter the swimming pool.
- If you prefer other hotel options: economical choices, Chinese-style hotels, home stay, apartment, or would like to book the hotels on your own, please feel free to inform us and we will be happy to adjust the details.
- Most hotels in China allow at most three people in one room. If there are more than three people in your group, we will check if there is family room available or do our best to arrange interconnecting rooms or adjoin rooms.
Food
Lunches at popular local restaurants are included for you in order to taste authentic Chinese food. Your guide will assist you with ordering dishes loved by both adults and children. Most families enjoy eating local Chinese food as there is plenty of variety and different flavors, and the food is so much better and different from the Chinese food served back home. Some children may prefer Western food or have some special requirements for meals. Please inform us and we will do our best to cater to your needs
Car Seats, Stroller, and Baby Crib
To maximize the safety of your children, we can arrange for car seats to be fitted at your request during the private transfers in Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Guilin, Chengdu, Hangzhou, and Suzhou. A baby stroller can be provided in Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, and Hangzhou. For a baby under two years old, we will inform the hotel to arrange a crib for you. No extra cost is needed. The number of car seats, strollers, and cribs are limited. Please inquire and confirm early to reserve them.
Tour Price
Price includes: