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Discover Imperial China
Discover Imperial China
Private tour
cn
Beijing
Xian
Guilin
1 more city
Beijing, Xian, Guilin, Shanghai
12 days, 11 nights

Discover Imperial China

Uncover China's imperial legacy through this private 12-day journey at a moderate pace. From Beijing's Forbidden City and the Great Wall to Xi'an's Terracotta Warriors, then onward to Guilin's karst landscapes and Shanghai's vibrant waterfront, this tour balances iconic landmarks with cultural depth. Ideal for history enthusiasts and first-time visitors seeking a comprehensive introduction to China's ancient dynasties and modern evolution.
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from $3,991
Day by day
Places you explore
Recommended hotels
Landmarks & Experiences
day 1 Beijing

Arrival in Beijing
Upon arrival, your private driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your centrally located hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax or begin exploring Beijing at your own pace.

Breakfast included
JW Marriott Hotel Beijing
JW Marriott Hotel Beijing
No. 83 Jianguo Road Chaoyang District, Beijing, CN, 100043
Room, 1 King Bed
1 room
Up to 3 guests
1 King Bed
42 m²
Breakfast included
More amenities
Arrival: Private Airport Transfer Sedan
day 2 Beijing

Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City Exploration

In the morning, meet your guide for an unforgettable sightseeing tour of Beijing’s most famous landmarks. Start with a visit to the iconic Tiananmen Square, home to the mausoleum of Mao Zedong, the National Museum of China, the House of People’s Meetings, and the Monument to the National Heroes.

Next, enjoy a guided walking tour through the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Explore its grand halls and mysterious temples, delving into the rich history of China’s imperial past.

After a lunch break, continue to the Summer Palace, a stunning complex of lakes, gardens, and palaces. Take in the peaceful atmosphere before heading to the renowned Silk Store, where you can shop for traditional Chinese souvenirs and silk products.

Return to your hotel in the evening, with the rest of the day free for your own exploration.

Morning
9h
Private tour
Exploring Tiananmen Square & the Forbidden City
Exploring Tiananmen Square & the Forbidden City
day 3 Beijing

Mutianyu Great Wall & Ming Tombs Discovery

Start your day with a guided visit to the iconic Great Wall of China, exploring the well-preserved Mutianyu section, known for its breathtaking views and fewer tourists. Spend some unforgettable time walking along this architectural marvel, soaking in the vast surroundings.

After your visit, enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a stop at the Jade Factory. Learn about the intricate process of jade carving and witness the creation of beautiful pieces of art.

Conclude your tour with a visit to the Ming Tombs, the burial site of 13 emperors from the Ming Dynasty. After the tour, you’ll be transferred back to Beijing with the rest of the day free for you to relax or explore further.

Morning
Full day
Private tour
The Great Wall of China & Ming Tombs Tour
The Great Wall of China & Ming Tombs Tour
day 4 Beijing

Departure from Beijing

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and proceed with your departure from Beijing.

JW Marriott Hotel Beijing
Address
No. 83 Jianguo Road Chaoyang District, Beijing, CN, 100043
Departure: Private City Transfer Sedan
Train
11:41 AMBeijing
04:54 PMXian
Beijing West Station
Travel time 5h 13mEconomy Class Seat
Xian North station
day 4 Xian

Arrival in Xian

Welcome to Xian, a city steeped in history and home to the legendary Terracotta Army and rich cultural heritage. Upon arrival, your driver will transfer you to your hotel for check-in, and the rest of the day is free for you to relax or begin exploring the city at your leisure.

Breakfast included
Hilton Xian
Hilton Xian
199 Dongxin Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, CN, 710005
Deluxe Double Room
1 room
Up to 3 guests
1 King Bed
43 m²
Breakfast included
More amenities
Arrival: Private City Transfer Sedan
day 5 Xian

Xian’s Imperial Heritage Tour

In the morning, meet your guide to embark on a tour of Xian’s most renowned landmarks.

Start with a visit to the ancient Xian City Walls, one of the largest, oldest, and best-preserved city fortifications in China. Next, head to the Grand Mosque, an architectural gem and one of the most famous Islamic buildings in China. Continue your exploration at the Hui Minority’s Market, a vibrant place where you can meet the locals and shop for unique handmade souvenirs.

After the tour, return to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Morning
4h
Private tour
Imperial Xian Journey
Imperial Xian Journey
day 6 Xian

Terracotta Warriors & Big Goose Pagoda Exploration

After breakfast at your hotel, meet your guide and driver to visit the Terracotta Army, one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.

Built between 246–206 BC to protect the tomb of China’s First Emperor in the afterlife, the Terracotta Army features hundreds of life-size soldiers. Your guide will share the fascinating history and stories behind these incredible statues. Then, visit the Terracotta Copy Factory to witness the craftsmanship involved in creating these iconic warriors.

After a delicious lunch, head to the Big Goose Pagoda, a renowned Buddhist site in southern Xian. Immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere as you explore this sacred place. Finally, return to your hotel for check-in and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Morning
Full day
Private tour
Exploring the Terracotta Army
Exploring the Terracotta Army
day 7 Xian

Departure

Following breakfast in your hotel, you will take a private transfer to the train station.

Hilton Xian
Address
199 Dongxin Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, CN, 710005
Departure: Private City Transfer Sedan
Flight
Xian
Guilin
Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY)
Travel time 2h 18mEconomy
Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL)
day 7 Guilin

Arrival in Guilin

Upon arrival, your driver will meet you at the airport or train station and transfer you to your centrally located hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the beautiful surroundings of Guilin at your own pace.

Breakfast included
Riverside Wing Hotel Guilin
Riverside Wing Hotel Guilin
17 Binjiang Road, Xiufeng District, Guilin, Guangxi, CN, 541001
Comfort Double Room
1 room
Up to 2 guests
1 Queen Bed
19 m²
Breakfast included
More amenities
Arrival: Private City Transfer Sedan
day 8 Guilin

Guilin Landscape & Reed Flute Cave Tour

After breakfast, meet your guide in the hotel lobby to begin your exciting sightseeing tour. Start with a visit to the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill, a natural rock formation shaped like an elephant drinking from the Li River. Explore the surrounding historical sites, including stone carvings, a Buddhist temple, relic exhibitions, and the famous water system.

Next, drive approximately 7 kilometers (about a 20-minute drive) to the Reed Flute Cave, a stunning underground palace known for its vibrant, multi-colored stalactites, stalagmites, and natural formations. Marvel at the wonders of nature as you walk through this magical cave, which showcases millions of years of geological evolution.

After the tour, return to your hotel to relax and unwind.

Morning
Half day
Private tour
Guilin Sightseeing Tour
Guilin Sightseeing Tour
day 9 Guilin

Li River Cruise & Yangshuo Town Exploration

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the pier by private driver for your Li River cruise.

As the saying goes, "Guilin’s landscape is the best under heaven." Today, immerse yourself in this breathtaking scenery with a deluxe 4-star Li River cruise from Mopanshan Pier to Yangshuo Town.

During the 84-kilometer journey, be captivated by the stunning vistas that resemble a traditional Chinese painting. Marvel at the winding river, lush limestone karst mountains, picturesque countryside, and the renowned "Painting of Nine Horses" scene, which is also featured on the 20 RMB note. A simple local Chinese lunch will be served onboard, though you’re welcome to bring additional snacks.

After the four-hour cruise, disembark in Yangshuo Town. Meet your private guide for a brief exploration of this charming old town. Enjoy some free time to wander through the town before your driver takes you back to Guilin.

Morning
Full day
Private tour
Li River Dreamscape Cruise to Yangshuo Exploration
Li River Dreamscape Cruise to Yangshuo Exploration
day 10 Guilin

Departure from Guilin

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and proceed with your departure from Guilin.

Riverside Wing Hotel Guilin
Address
17 Binjiang Road, Xiufeng District, Guilin, Guangxi, CN, 541001
Departure: Private Airport Transfer Sedan
Flight
Guilin
Shanghai
Travel time 2h 36mEconomy
day 10 Shanghai

Arrival in Shanghai

Welcome to Shanghai, the largest city in China and its most important seaport. Upon arrival, your private driver will transfer you to your hotel for check-in, and the remainder of the day is free for you to relax or begin exploring the city at your leisure

Breakfast included
Shanghai Marriott Marquis City Centre
Shanghai Marriott Marquis City Centre
555 Middle Xizang Road, (Close to Nanjing), Huangpu District, Shanghai, Shanghai, CN, 200003
Room, 1 King Bed, Non Smoking
1 room
Up to 2 guests
1 King Bed
38 m²
Breakfast included
More amenities
Arrival: Private Airport Transfer Sedan
day 11 Shanghai

Exploring the Former French Concession

Meet your guide in the hotel lobby to embark on a fascinating walking tour through the Former French Concession, a historic district that preserves much of its colonial charm. Known for its tree-lined boulevards, elegant architecture, and vibrant cultural scene, this area remains one of Shanghai’s most affluent neighborhoods.

Uncover the stories behind this iconic neighborhood as you explore its colonial legacy and learn about the daily lives of its residents. Witness Shanghainese practicing their unique morning exercises and peek into the residences of the city’s wealthy elite. Step inside a traditional Shikumen building to experience the once-crowded living conditions of the past, and discover how local artists and designers have repurposed old buildings, breathing new life into the area.

Morning
Half day
Private tour
Shanghai Highlights City Tour
Shanghai Highlights City Tour
day 12 Shanghai

Departure from Shanghai

After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be transferred by private driver to the the airport for a flight back home. Have a safe journey!

Shanghai Marriott Marquis City Centre
Address
555 Middle Xizang Road, (Close to Nanjing), Huangpu District, Shanghai, Shanghai, CN, 200003
Departure: Private Airport Transfer Sedan

What's included

Exceptional downtown hotel accommodations
Guided sightseeing tours with expert English-speaking guides
Delicious breakfasts at your hotels
In-depth exploration of best landmarks
In-depth exploration of best landmarks
Tickets and intercity transportation as per itinerary
Professional meeting services at the airport
Dedicated support team before and during your trip

Reviews

As you prepare for your travels, we proudly highlight our 99.8% customer satisfaction rate. Below are reviews from travelers who have enjoyed our award-winning service. Thank you for choosing us—your extraordinary journey awaits!
4.90 / 5
Excellent
1.5k+ Reviews
This was a dream trip for me, and they helped make it a dream come true.
The guides Firebird works with are top-notch.
We had a “trip of a lifetime,” thanks to Firebird.
I was extremely pleased with Firebird's personalized service.
cnBeijing
3 nights
cnXian
3 nights
cnGuilin
3 nights
cnShanghai
2 nights