Luxury Cultural Tour Through China’s Dynasties & Landscapes
Splendid China
Beijing — Xian — Guilin — Yangshuo — Shanghai
Duration
11 Days / 10 Nights
Interest
Culture · History · Scenic Landscapes
Places Where You'll Stay
Beijing (3 nights)
Day 1 - 3
Xi'an (2 nights)
Day 4 - 5
Guilin (1 night)
Day 6
Yangshuo (2 nights)
Day 7-8
Shanghai (2 nights)
Day 9 - 10
From Imperial Palaces to Karst Peaks: China’s Story Unfolds
Step into a living tapestry of dynasties, landscapes, and modern brilliance on this 10-day privately guided luxury journey through China. Blending imperial grandeur with contemporary vibrance, this journey unveils China’s most enduring cultural and natural treasures—curated exclusively for travelers who seek depth, refinement, and discovery.
China’s imperial foundations come into focus through spaces designed to project order, symbolism, and power. Vast ceremonial halls and quiet courtyards within the Forbidden City reveal a carefully constructed world of ritual and hierarchy, while temple precincts offer moments of stillness amid the capital’s daily rhythm. Beyond the city, the Great Wall becomes part of the landscape itself—stone ramparts cresting mountain ridges as wind and distance pull history into view. Between these monumental settings, more intimate moments emerge, from lingering over Peking Duck to observing the everyday cadence of local life.
The country’s ancient heart deepens through encounters shaped by trade, belief, and ambition. In Xi’an, Tang-era architecture and living neighborhoods hold centuries in close conversation, while the Terracotta Warriors stand in silent formation—less a single sight than a reminder of scale, continuity, and imperial reach. Further south, the mood turns lyrical as jade-green rivers slip between mist-shrouded karst peaks. Time slows on the Li River, then continues at ground level—cycling quiet lanes past rice paddies and rustic hamlets, and walking to panoramic viewpoints long favored by poets and painters.
Modern China gathers the journey into a different kind of clarity. In Shanghai, heritage gardens and storied lanes sit comfortably beside contemporary design and creative enclaves, with soup dumplings folded into an art of precision and evenings shaped by the spectacle of ERA Acrobatics. Designed for travelers who value cohesion over checklists, Splendid China balances imperial legacy, natural elegance, and modern energy—revealing a country both timeless and vividly alive.
What makes this tour unique
Why Choose This Tour
- For Travelers Seeking a Refined Introduction to China – Ideal for those who want to experience China’s most important cultural, historical, and natural highlights in a single, well-balanced journey.
- For Those Who Value Depth Over Density – Designed for travelers who prefer thoughtful pacing and layered experiences rather than racing through an exhaustive checklist of sights.
- For Culture-Forward Explorers – Best suited to travelers drawn to imperial history, living traditions, and regional landscapes, with modern China woven naturally into the experience.
- For First-Time Visitors Who Want Cohesion – A strong fit for those looking for clarity and flow across China’s vast geography, moving confidently from ancient capitals to natural beauty and contemporary city life.
TOUR INCLUDES:
- First / Business* Class High Speed Train between Beijing & Xian
- Economy Class Flights between Xian / Guilin / Shanghai
- 10 nights luxury hotel accommodations of your choice
- Hotel Breakfasts Daily
- Lunches and dinners per itinerary (food only)
- Private Tour: Sightseeing and transfers by private car, chauffeur and expert guides
- Carefree Travel with 24/7 Support
*Premium package features business class trains
TOUR ITINERARY:
Days 1–3: Beijing – Where Imperial Grandeur Meets Everyday Life
Begin your adventure in China’s capital, a city where millennia-old palaces rise beside modern high-rises, and quiet temple courtyards hum alongside lively hutong alleyways. Over three days, explore Beijing’s legendary sites, savor its iconic flavors, and discover hidden corners that reveal the city’s soul.
Day 1 (Welcome to China!): Arrive in Beijing, where your personal guide will meet you for a private transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure—perhaps strolling through nearby Wangfujing or simply relaxing after your journey.
Day 2 (Hike the Great Wall of China): Head northwest to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall—a less-crowded, beautifully preserved stretch lined with 22 watchtowers. Ride the cable car up, walk along the ramparts, and take in sweeping mountain views before returning to the city for a stroll through Beijing’s historic hutongs, where families have lived for generations. Dinner tonight features Beijing’s celebrated Peking Duck at one of the city’s finest restaurants. (B,L,D)
Day 3 (Imperial Palaces & Temples): Explore Beijing’s most revered landmarks: Tiananmen Square, the monumental gateway to the nation’s history; the Forbidden City, a vast imperial complex once reserved for emperors; and either the Temple of Heaven or the Summer Palace, both masterpieces of Ming-era design. After lunch at a local restaurant, take a leisurely stroll along Qianmen’s vibrant pedestrian street before returning to your hotel for time to relax—perhaps with a cocktail or afternoon tea. (B, L)
Discover More of Beijing
Grand, storied, and steeped in ceremony, Beijing is where the weight of history rests gently on your shoulders, yet the city hums ...
Enhance your Beijing Experience with add-ons
Try your hand at dumpling-making
Enjoy tea tasting at a local tea house
Extend your stay: hike remote sections of the Great Wall, then stay in Gubei water village (2 days)
Days 4–5: Xian – Gateway to the Ancient Silk Road
Once China’s capital for 13 dynasties, Xian is a living museum of the nation’s history — from its imposing city walls to the legendary Terracotta Army.
Day 4 (From Beijing to Xian): This morning, board a high-speed train to Xian, watching the countryside rush past at up to 300 km/h. On arrival, visit the Yangling Tombs, resting place of Han Emperor Liu Qi, and walk atop the ancient City Wall. In the evening, stroll through Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, a lively promenade of Tang-style architecture, street performances, and open-air markets. Check in for your two-night stay. (B)
Day 5 (See the Terracotta Army): Stand face-to-face with the silent ranks of the Terracotta Warriors, thousands of life-sized soldiers and horses crafted to guard the tomb of Qin Shi Huang. After lunch, visit the elegant Big Wild Goose Pagoda, its tiered silhouette rising gracefully above the city. In the evening, savor Shaanxi’s famous hot pot, followed by a colorful Tang Dynasty cultural performance. (B,L,D)
Discover More of Xi'an
Storied, enduring, and endlessly fascinating, Xi’an is where China’s history comes to stand beside you. Once the starting point of the Silk Road...
Enhance your Xian Experience with add-ons
Try your hand at Biángbiáng (hand-pulled) noodle-making
Visit Huaqing Palace: one of the Four Great Royal Gardens in China
Extend your stay: Hike Mount Huangshan
Days 6–8: Guilin & Yangshuo – Poetic Peaks and Countryside Charm
In southern China, the serene beauty of Guilin and Yangshuo has inspired poets and painters for centuries. Here, jade-green rivers wind past limestone peaks, and rice paddies stretch to the horizon.
Day 6 (Journey to the Countryside): This morning, explore the Yangling Mausoleum of Emperor Jing of Han, that dates back to 153 BC, where thousands of clay figurines and relics offer a vivid glimpse into early imperial life. , a city long celebrated for its poetic landscapes. Time permitting, visit Elephant Trunk Hill, the city’s emblem where the Li River carves a natural arch into the limestone, or explore the Reed Flute Cave, a glittering subterranean world of stalactites illuminated in soft hues. Conclude the day with dinner before an overnight stay in Guilin. (B, D)
Day 7 (Tranquil Rivers, Stunning Karst Towers & Verdant Rice Fields): Your countryside escape begins with a cruise of the Li River, where mist-draped karst peaks rise like an ancient scroll painting, fishermen glide by on bamboo rafts, and water buffalo graze in emerald fields—a timeless tableau that has inspired artists for generations. Arrive in Yangshuo and stroll the lively lanes of West Street before venturing into the countryside. Explore by bike or on foot through rice paddies and rustic villages, or hike Moon Hill for sweeping panoramas of Yangshuo’s limestone towers. Conclude the day at your mountain lodge, embraced by serene natural beauty. (B,L)
Day 8 (A Bird’s Eye View of Yangshuo): This morning, ascend by cable car to Ruyi Peak, where a vast sea of karst mountains rises above misty valleys and winding rivers. Traverse scenic trails with suspension bridges and glass-bottom walkways, offering breathtaking bird’s-eye views of Yangshuo’s dramatic landscapes. In the afternoon, return to your resort for a leisurely retreat—or head into town to explore West Street’s lively shops, cozy pubs, and mouth-watering local flavors. (B)
Discover More of Guilin
Poetic, serene, and almost otherworldly, Guilin is the China of painted scrolls — a land where jade-green rivers...
Enhance your Guilin Experience with add-ons
Try your hand at calligraphy or water-painting at a local artisan studio
See the awe-inspiring Impressions of Sanjie Liu Water Show
Extend your trip: see Longsheng's Dragon Rice Terraces and stay in mountain lodge
Days 9–10: Shanghai – China’s Cosmopolitan Showcase
A dazzling fusion of past and present, Shanghai is where timeless traditions meet bold modernity. From serene classical gardens and ancient alleyways to futuristic skyscrapers and glittering riverfronts, the city embodies China’s spirit of reinvention.
Day 9 (Countryside to Big City Vibes): Transfer to Guilin Airport for your flight to Shanghai. Check-in at your hotel in the city center. The rest of the day is yours to explore—savor local delicacies, shop along bustling Nanjing Road, or stroll the Bund, Shanghai’s iconic riverfront promenade with sweeping views of the glittering skyline. (B)
Day 10 (The City Highlights): Discover Old Town’s winding lanes and Yu Garden, a Ming-era masterpiece. Continue to the Shanghai Museum, home to treasures spanning China’s dynasties. Enjoy a lunch of Shanghai’s famed soup dumplings before heading to Tianzifang, a charming maze of art galleries, boutiques, and cafes. Cap off the evening with the ERA Acrobatics show, a breathtaking spectacle where athleticism, music, and light converge into one dazzling finale. (B, L)
Discover More of Shanghai
Bold, vibrant, and endlessly evolving, Shanghai is where China’s future rises skyward without letting go of its storied past...
Enhance your Shanghai Experience with add-ons
Extend your stay: discover ancient water villages around Shanghai such as Zhujiajiao, Wuzhen or Suzhou
Extend your trip: end your unforgettable China tour in Hong Kong (2-3 days)
Day 11 Farewell Shanghai
Transfer to Pudong Airport aboard the Maglev, one of China’s greatest technological marvels and the world’s fastest commercial train—gliding without wheels at speeds of up to 430 km/h—for your departure flight home. (B)
PRICE CHART:
| 2026/27 Price Chart (Prices Valid Thru March 31, 2027) | |||
| Daily Departure | Hotels | Twin Sharing | Single Supplement |
| Jan. – Feb. | D | 7,895 | 1,495 |
| P | 8,725 | 2,175 | |
| March | D | 8,125 | 1,725 |
| P | 8,975 | 2,395 | |
| Apr. – Jun | D | 8,225 | 1,795 |
| P | 8,975 | 2,395 | |
| Jul. – Aug. | D | 8,325 | 1,875 |
| P | 9,275 | 2,745 | |
| September | D | 8,125 | 1,725 |
| P | 8,975 | 2,395 | |
| Oct. – Nov. | D | 8,225 | 1,795 |
| P | 8,975 | 2,395 | |
| Dec. – Feb. ’27 | D | 7,895 | 1,495 |
| P | 8,725 | 2,175 | |
| March ’27 | D | 8,125 | 1,495 |
| P | 8,975 | 2,395 | |
| D = Deluxe | P = Premium | |||
| Tour requires minimum of 2 passengers to operate | |||
- Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
- Price includes all entrance fees, domestic air taxes, hotel taxes & service charges
- Price excludes international airfares, personal expenses, beverages, gratuities to guides and drivers
- Holiday surcharges Golden Weeks in May & October, and Chinese New Year ( Feb. 17-27, 2026)
- China visa required for entry. Not included in package.
- All flights, hotels and land services are subject to availability at time of reservation
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