China's Golden Triangle: A 9-Day Discovery of Imperial Beijing, Scenic Guilin & Dazzling Shanghai
Highlights
- Go beyond the cities and witness China's stunning natural beauty. This itinerary masterfully combines Beijing's imperial grandeur, Guilin's iconic landscapes, and Shanghai's urban energy for a holistic experience.
- From the Great Wall and Forbidden City to a serene Li River cruise and the dramatic Longji Rice Terraces, we cover both world-famous sites and awe-inspiring natural wonders.
- Relax with all logistics handled, including internal flights (or bullet trains) between cities, private transfers, centrally-located hotels, and skip-the-line access to major attractions.
- Enjoy a rickshaw ride through Beijing's ancient hutongs, explore the vibrant local life in Guilin's West Street, and participate in a traditional tea ceremony in Shanghai's Yuyuan Garden.
- With well-paced days, expert local guides, and curated experiences, this tour is perfect for first-time visitors seeking depth, comfort, and a genuine connection with China.
Route
Tour Features
Best Time: Anytime
Accommodation & Meals
Our sample itinerary includes mid-range four-star hotels with standard amenities to keep initial costs in check. Accommodations and meals are fully customizable, and your dedicated travel advisor will adjust them to match your preferred level of comfort or luxury.
| Day | Accommodation | Meals |
|---|---|---|
|
1-3
|
Tiantan Hotel Beijing
|
B: Day2, Day3
L: Day2, Day3
|
|
4-6
|
Guilin Bravo Hotel
+3 photos |
B: Day4, Day5, Day6
L: Day5, Day6
|
|
7-9
|
Holiday Inn Shanghai Vista
|
B: Day7, Day8, Day9
L: Day8
|
Welcome to China’s capital! Your guide will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore at your own pace.
Your China journey begins with two TOPs of the world: the largest public plaza Tian'anmen Square, and the largest and most complete imperial palace the Forbidden City.
Then, we will head to Jingshan Park locates near the exit of the Forbidden City and ascend the stone hill, from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Forbidden City and see its symbolic central axis.
We will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, savoring delicious culinary delights. Afterward, we’ll explore Beijing Hutongs - historic neighborhoods home to traditional locals.
Today your destination is Mutianyu Great Wall, where you can hike or take a cable car up for sweeping views of this ancient marvel.
Back in the city, snap photos of the futuristic Bird’s Nest and Water Cube - iconic relics of the 2008 Olympics.
Please prepare your luggage today. After visiting, we will take you to the airport and take a flight to Guilin.
Today you will visit Temple of Heaven, where emperors pray for good harvests. If you arrive early, you can see local elders practicing tai chi here. Try to join them!
You will then be transferred to the airport to take your flight to Guilin. Your Guilin guide will pick you up to the hotel.
Today, take a scenic 2-hour private car journey to Longji Rice Terraces.
Visit an ethnic village where women grown their hair to the ground, then ascend to observation desks for stunning agricultural landscapes.
At a local restaurant, you can have a lunch with local dishes: bamboo rice, Chinese bacon, fried bamboo shoots...
Get up earlier today to start your Li River Cruise excursion. You will enjoy a 4-hour scenic cruising on the river with Karst hill on the river bank. The cruise also includes a delicious buffet lunch.
Upon disembarking, you will head to Yangshuo West Street. Experience the fuses eastern and western culture here.
After the visit, we will return to Guilin by private vehicle.
This morning you can sleep in. There is enough time to pack and check out of the hotel. Afterwards, we will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Shanghai.
In Shanghai, your guide will wait for you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. There are no sightseeing scheduled for today. You can enjoy a relaxing day, or have a self-guided tour to places like Tianzifang and the former French Concession.
Today you will enjoy a full day tour of Shanghai. First, go to Huangxing Park in Shanghai to experience ordering food and having it delivered by drone. Then, visit the Jade Buddha Temple and take a walk in the Yuyuan Garden to experience the city’s past. Then, ascend Shanghai Tower to enjoy a panoramic view of the city.
After that, you can stroll along the Bund, a famous promenade in Shanghai. Then pass through Nanjing Street, a bustling shopping street liked by locals and travelers.
After breakfast, enjoy free time for last-minute shopping or relaxation. A driver will transfer you to Shanghai Pudong or Hongqiao Airport for your international flight, marking the end of your China adventure.
Important to Know
- This sample itinerary is designed for a private tour, featured dedicated vehicle and guide.
- Join-in tour is NOT available, hence solo travelers must cover the entire cost independently.
- Prices are per person and exclude the international flight from/to your home country.
- This tour is offered in US dollars (USD), euros (EUR), and RMB (CNY), other currencies are NOT accepted.
- This sample itinerary is served as a starting point for your trip planning. Feel free to tell us your needs and requirements. Inquiry
- One of our travel consultants will reply your Inquiry by emails or phone. He or she will work with you accross all details about your trip plan until you are totally satisfied with it.
Prices Per Person
| Number of Travelers | Solo | 2 People | 3-5 People | 6-9 People | 10 Plus People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated Prices | USD $ | 3679.00 | 2346.00 | 2260.00 | 1794.00 | Get Quote Now |
| EUR € | — | — | — | — | ||
| CNY ¥ | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||
The above quotation is based on prices during the shoulder season and is for reference only. As peak and off-peak seasons vary by destination in China, please contact your Traveler Consultant for a customized quotation.
Included
-
All entrance fees & activities(Unless labeled as optional in the itinerary)
-
All accommodation(Recommend 4-star rating plus)
-
Professional guides & drivers(Incl. all destinations in the itinerary)
-
All transportation & transfer(Unless labeled as optional in the itinerary)
-
Meals & drinking water(As specified in the day-by-day section)
Excluded
-
International flights(From/to home)
-
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
-
Personal items(Souvenirs, tips, etc.)
Contact a Travel Specialist to Get a Quick Start
Your Trip is 100% Tailor-Made
A personal travel expert will collaborate with you on your trip plan, crafting it by truly understanding your needs and expectations.
You'll Skip the Lines with VIP Access
Breeze through airport lounges, board cruises without queues, and enter top attractions via VIP lanes. More moments to savor, less time spent waiting.
You'll Have Dedicated Guide & Transfer
Your journey unfolds with an experienced local guide by your side. Meanwhile, your dedicated transport ensures seamless moves between attractions.
Get the Best Price by Axing Middlemen
You'll connect directly with on-the-ground experts who know China inside out. As a 100% China-based operator, we handle all ground services nationwide, efficiently.