China is a fantastic destination for travelers who are interested in history, culture, food, adventure, and/or natural wonders. With 12 days in China, you could arrange to visit 4–5 cities. Below are some of the tour options that we highly recommend.
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1. A Classic 12-Day China Tour Itinerary for Families and Couples
- Days 1‒4: Beijing
- Days 5‒6: Xi’an
- Days 7‒9: Guilin
- Days 10‒12: Shanghai
If you are visiting China for the first time, we recommend coveringBeijing, Xi’an, Guilin, and Shanghai, which are rich in historical sights and natural highlights. Some of the top attractions in this itinerary are the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Terracotta Warriors, the Bund, the Li River, and Yangshuo’s countryside.
Days 1–4: Beijing
98.8% positive customer reviews among 10,000+
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This hiking was amazing
This hiking was amazing. Organization was perfect since the beginning. Kimmi was answering all our questions rapidly and effectively. Once in China we found really a good team The driver and the tour guide Oliver accompanied us all the trip and they took a good care of us. They adapted to our needs always happy and smiling. Good work China Highlights! more
Jun 2023, Virginia Tapia Hompanera
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An excellent 2 days in Beijing with guide Lily
We had a great experience with China Highlights and our tour guide for the two days in Beijing, Liu Yuan (Lily), was excellent. She is friendly, professional and very knowledgeable about the Forbidden Palace, Temple of Heaven, The Great Wall and the Summer Palace. These are the places we visited with her. She is patient and didn't rush us at all. She adapted the tour activities and schedule to accommodate our interests and side trips such as Bei Hai Park. She is also very helpful: she took the extra time to walk us to the pizza restaurant in a mall which we would not have found on our own. We appreciate everything Lily did for us and highly recommend her. more
Jun 2023, Flamenco64
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I booked on short notice and Roger was…
I booked on short notice and Roger was very quick in responding and planning the shedule to our wishes. Our guide was very friendly and we got along great and our driver very polite. Unfortunately due to a lot of traffic our shedule was affected but we were not hurried and could enjoy our 2 destination Greta wall and the Summer Palace. I would recommend booking with China Highlights! more
Jun 2023, Clemens
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Great Wall China
It has been a unique experience from start to finish. Our tour guide Oliver made it possible, very prepared and always up to the task, always very responsible and capable of keeping our interest at all times. Thank you Oliver for this very special and unforgettable experience. more
Jun 2023, Maytee
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Great experience in Bejing with Jack
我们有一个了不起的经验与中国的亮点188金宝搏官方下载and our Bejing Guide Jack. We travelled through China for two weeks with two small kids (3-5) and all the China Highlights Guides and Drivers went out of their way to make this a memorable experience. Jack and our driver Mr. Lee in Bejing were amazing and we had a wonderful time here. The kids loved the great wall and the topoganing down, the face painting and the rikscha ride - and we loved all the sights. Jack and Mr. Lee were very patient with us and the kids and we managed to see everything in a relaxed fashion. We can highly recommend China Highlights and Jack and Mr. Lee. more
Jun 2023, Leo
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Best Tour Company
Olivia was our guide throughout the tour.During the actual tour, Olivia was exceptional and provided us with great insights into the sights and history as well as stories about Chinese culture and experiences (I now have to visit more places in China!). Her restaurant recommendations were amazing and I will definitely trust her to find great food options. She even showed us to our train gate at the end! more
Jun 2023, Pranam P
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3 day tour of Beijing with Tom
We had a 3 day tour of Beijing with our amazing tour guide Tom. He is super knowledgeable, and we learned a lot from him about the interesting history of everything we saw. He also took great care of us and made sure we had everything we needed to be comfortable. I highly recommend Tom! more
Jun 2023, Raghav
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Great wall with kids
We visited The Great Wall in Mutianyu and the Changling Tomb. We had a good buffet lunch and had some interesting conversation about local life. Recommend Linda from China Highlights as a guide in Beijing. It was really hot on the wall, so better be earlier. more
Jun 2023, XX
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Best Tour in China
Ivy is the best tour guide we ever have , very knowledgeable and take good care of us throughout our trip in Beijing . She is always early and love her arrangement for the entire trip . Will not hesitate to chose China Hightlights again . more
Jun 2023, Jade
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Excellent Service
I organise a group tour for U.K. nurses to China and communicated with Roger who’s been very efficient, helpful and accommodating. Good service and reliable. Guided us through the process accordingly and has given us different options that suit our budget and need.The company has different tour options from high end to reasonable choices of tour packages. Excellent English speaking skills too! Highly recommended! more
Jun 2023, RALPH DEOCAMPO
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Roger Li is a valuable asset to your company
我住在加州,是指你的薪酬any by a friend in Beijing for a group of 4, private tour to Beijing and the Great Wall in 9/2023. After I submitted my inquiry online, on 5/27, I received a reply from Roger Li within 24 hours. And it was the weekend. I was very impressed. Roger has been very helpful and patient in assisting me in planning this trip since 5/27. He is extremely responsive and detailed. I am very grateful to have been assigned to such a responsible young man. I am looking forward to a safe and pleasant trip with your company’s arrangement in 9/2023. more
Jun 2023, Huey Lee
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My experiences have been great!
I have been working with China Highlights for different trips in the past few years. My experiences have been great. This year I work with Roger Li to plan a 11-day tour in 2024 with a group of 7. Roger Li has been responsive and patient. We are excited about our China adventure next year. more
Jun 2023, Ying W
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Planning a Tour
I have been working with China Highlights to plan a 6 day tour. Our group has changed its mind a few times. Roger Li has been great at working with us and our changing agenda. He is very responsive. I am truly looking forward to our China adventure more
Jun 2023, Cathy
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I had a great experience with a private…
I had a great experience on a private tour with Roger Li. We went to Gubei Water Town and Roger climbed the Great Wall at Simatai with me all the way up, which was much more than I could expect. Roger is very kind and knowledgeable. I asked him for the real China food experience and Roger on the spot improvised a very special visit to a local family restaurant where through Roger’s excellent interpretor skills I could have wonderful conversations with the family and 2 other guests. All food was made fresh, veggies came from their own garden - and I ate a rare mountain plant salad. Superb day thanks to Roger. more
Jun 2023, Dianne
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China Highlights - Ivy, exceptional tour experience
我们家最近开始的乐趣on a tour in Beijing led by Ivy, and we must say it was an amazing experience. Ivy possesses a remarkable talent for guiding and enlightening her guestsFrom the moment our tour began, Ivy's passion for her craft shone through. Her enthusiasm was infectious. It was clear that Ivy not only possessed an immense knowledge of the tour's subject matter but also had a genuine love for sharing it with others.Another standout quality of Ivy was her impeccable organizational skills. The tour ran seamlessly, with every detail carefully planned and executed. From coordinating transportation to ensuring timely breaks, Ivy's attention to detail was commendable. Her efforts created a stress-free experience for the guests, allowing us to focus solely on the exploration and enjoyment of the tour. Thanks Ivy for giving us an unforgettable experience and such great first impression of a beautiful China. more
Jun 2023, YH Loh
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My advisor Mr Roger Li
My advisor Mr Roger Li was very accurate precise and knowledgeable . You can trust him in every aspect.good job! more
Jun 2023, FILIPPO AND PAOLA SCEVOLA
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Great Wall and Summer Palace
We have just spent a wonderful day touring the Great Wall and Summer Palace in Beijing. We were all blown away by the Wall (including our children who are not easily impressed!) and loved the scenery, the history and the toboggan slide down! The grounds of the Sumner Palace are beautiful. Our guide, Jack, was so helpful, patient and full of interesting information and patiently answered all our questions. A fantastic day out! more
Jun 2023, Kate Newberry
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Fantastic time in Beijing with Olivia as our guide
Olivia was our tour guide in Beijing.We saw so many amazing things, Tianamen Square, Forbidden City, Great Wall (Mutianyu). She was so delightful and informative. Really added to our experience. We ate at some wonderful restaurants, including a delicious luncheon of Peking duck. It was my daughter's birthday and we were surprised by a lovely birthday cake too. Great recommendations for our free time too. more
Jun 2023, Pamela B
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wonderful guide Tom
我决定和我的妻子一起旅行China. After we visited Shanghai, we went to Beijing by train. There we were met by the guide Tom. We stayed in the hotel and the next day we started the tour according to the plan. historical and cultural objects, for events that took place in those periods of history. The Great Wall is a pride of the Chinese people and it was a dream to visit it. Thank you Tom, thank you to the company China Highlights. I would recommend this company and the guide Tom to everyone. . more
Jun 2023, Fatmir B
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Sanya and Gubei Water Town
My second trip, was at Gubei Water Town. Again my private car and my guide Tom were wonderful. Tom was very helpful when I was on the great Wall of China, always lending me a helping hand and warning me when the terrain was uneven. Excellent scheduling of events, e.g. from the Great Wall I saw a drone show and a water fountain show. Both perfectly timed for amazing views. Tom was helpful in selecting places to eat and was knowledgeable. I would strongly recommend both tour guides Tom and Valerie. more
Jun 2023, Alaa Elmoursi
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Spend 2 days exploring the top attractions, including theForbidden City and the Great Wall.For a better experience, we recommend you visit a less-crowded Great Wall section — Mutianyu,因为这部分是完全恢复d easy-walking. But, if Great Wall hiking is what you want to do, you could walk our most-asked-for hiking route — from Jinshanling to Simatai — with your own private guide.
For a special experience, you could take our Great Wall night tour at the Simatai section, which is the only section open at night. Get there in the late afternoon and enjoy a sunset view from the Wall, and we could even arrange a romantic picnic dinner on the Great Wall! Families with teenagers, we recommend you spend some time on a Chinese cultural experience to learn more about Chinese culture, such as tai chi exercises in the morning with a master or joining a Chinese calligraphy course.
Days 5–6: Xi’an
Xi’an is famed for itsTerracotta Warriors and Horses. To help you gain a better understanding of this unique attraction, we recommend our hand-made clay-warrior program. Create your own unique warrior with local artisans and then take it home as a souvenir. You'll learn a lot about how the Terracotta Warriors were made over 2,000 years ago.
You can also join our Han-era (206 BC – 220 AD)clothing cultural activity. Put on traditional Hanfu clothing and take photos to give you an unforgettable memory and historical insight.
For families with teenagers, we recommend you take a biking tour on the Xi’an City Wall and a food tour in the Muslim Quarterto experience local culture and life.
Days 7–9: Guilin
Known for its beautiful karst landscape,Guilin is the best place to see a “living Chinese landscape painting”.A top highlight of Guilin touring is the Li River cruise from Guilin city to Yangshuo, when you would enjoy breathtaking river-and-mountain views.
In Yangshuo, we have arranged many outdoor activities suitable for families: cycling around the villages, visiting local farmers, bamboo rafting, rock climbing, and more.
If you are visiting Guilin in autumn, then spend a day in Longji Terraced Fields Scenic Area to view the golden tiers of paddy fields and experience the interesting minority life and culture in local villages around harvest time.
Days 10–12: Shanghai
In Shanghai, most travelers visit The Bund, where you can see many skyscrapers and buildings of different styles dating back a century.
On our in-depth culture discovery tour, our private guide would take you walking around the old buildings of the Bundto help you get a better understanding of Shanghai’s impressive modernity and flourishing history.
For the rest of time in Shanghai, you are free to do a vast choice of entertaining activities, such as shopping, visiting museums, drinking coffee on top of the skyscrapers, or just having a rest in a top Chinese spa treatment hall.
If you are interested in this itinerary, check out our12 Days Classic China Tours
2. A 12-Day China Tour Itinerary with Pandas
Pandas are among the favorite animals of many people. If seeing pandas in their hometown is one of your bucket list experiences, this itinerary would be good for you.You can always see a number of pandas in Chengdu, whereas there would only be one or two at most in zoos in your own country.In this itinerary, we include Chengdu, alongside the other top destinations — Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, and Guilin.
- Days 1–3: Beijing
- Days 4–5: Xi’an
- Days 6–7: Chengdu
- Days 8–10: Guilin
- Days 11–12: Shanghai
As activities in other destinations could be the same as in the above trip itinerary 1, we just include Chengdu trip details below.
Join our Panda Keeper Program tour to get a close quarters experience with these adorable animals in Chengdu Panda Reserve.Our guide would help you join in the program activities, such as cleaning the panda enclosures, seeing them being fed, and making their favorite cakes.
During the rest of your time in Chengdu, visit Jinli Ancient Street, where you can try delicious Sichuan hot pot, or have a rest at a teahouse...
If you are interested in this itinerary, check out our12-Day Beijing–Xi'an–Chengdu–Guilin/Yangshuo–Shanghai Tour.
3. A 12-Day China Family Tour Itinerary with Hong Kong
Besides visiting the iconic attractions in three of the most popular destinations with families — Beijing, Xi’an, and Guilin, we include Hong Kong in this itinerary, as there are so manykid-friendly attractions and entertainment activities there. Here are some brief itinerary details for this 12-day China tour with Hong Kong.
- Days 1–4: Beijing
- Days 5–6: Xi’an
- Days 7–9: Guilin
- Days 10–12: Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, you would visit Ocean Park, where you can take a raft ride through a jungle landscape among many other rides.The park also has a plethora of animal exhibits, including a giant panda habitat, a shark aquarium, and a sea lion show.
For most children, it would be a happy ending to finish with Hong Kong Disneyland, where you can view spectacular fireworks shows, parades, and live performances featuring beloved Disney characters.
If you are interested in this itinerary, pleasecontact usfor a Tailor-made Tour.
4. A 12-Day China Tour Itinerary with Tibet
As “the holiest place in China”, Tibet is one of many travelers’ bucket-list trip destinations.In this itinerary, we include Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai to help you visit the top tourist places of China as well as your dreamed-of destination — Tibet.
- Days 1–4: Beijing
- Days 5–6: Xi’an
- Days 7–9: Lhasa, Tibet
- Days 10–12: Shanghai
In this itinerary, we include the capital of the roof of the world, Lhasa, to help you fulfill your Tibetan dream, a land renowned for its awe-inspiring mountainous landscape, rich cultural heritage, and unique architecture.
Pay a visit to the most iconic attraction in Lhasa —the Potala Place, which is also the holiest place for Tibetan Buddhists. Wander around one of the oldest streets in Lhasa — Barkhor Street, and watch pilgrims doing their prostrating obeisances, see locals performing a kora with their prayer wheel rituals, and try delicious local food at the street market.
If you want to explore more unique places in Tibet, you may need 2 or 3 weeks. See our2-Week China Itineraries for Couples and FamiliesandHow to Plan a 3-Week Itinerary in China (Best 3 Options & Costs).
Costs for 12-Day Tour in China
The cost for China tour depends on your type of accommodation, transportation choices, time of travel, service level, and activities selected.For example, the flight ticket price from the U.S. or Europe to China varies a lot depending on the travel time and the airline you use. It is usually from around US$1,200 to US$3,000 for an economy round trip.
The peak travel times in China are the first weeks of May and October (China’s two golden weeks), summer holidays, and Christmas and New Year holidays.Prices can go up by 50 to 100% in peak season periods.
For most visitors who book a private China tour with us,the average cost per day is about US$220–350 per person, including flights/trains within China, 4- or 5- star hotels, lunches, attractions, guides, and private transport.
Thus, a 12-day tour for two people would cost aboutUS$5,300–8,400. A tour for a family of four may cost US$9,000–14,300 (kids under 10 get 30–50% off). Your international flights are not included in this price.
Our refund policy minimizes the monetary risk to you when booking: you'll receive a 100% refund of any payments made to China Highlights if you cancel up to three weeks before departure. (See more details.)
How to Travel Around in China
It is convenient travel throughout the whole country by flights or high-speed trains. Most of China’s tourist cities are connected by high-speed rail and airports. If you book a tour with us, we will arrange the best travel route according to your personal interests and budget, seamlessly booking the flight/train tickets you need.
Tour China with Us
Whether you're interested in history, culture, or natural beauty, there's something for everyone in China. Let's create your dream trip! All our tours can be customized. Justcontact us.
- 11-Day Beijing, Xi’an, Guilin, and Shanghai— the TOP itinerary for first-timers
- 12-Day Panda Keeper and Classic Wonders— the above plus pandas
- 8-Day Beijing–Xi'an–Shanghai Highlights Tour— the classic Golden Triangle itinerary