9-Day Classic China Family Tour

Explore Imperial, Historical, and Modern China with Your Family

This customizable family tour blends China's rich history, captivating culture, and vibrant modern attractions across Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai.

Introduce your children to China's rich history and look into its future. Immerse yourselves in diverse cultures and savor unique sights and sounds. Packed with family-friendly activities, this classic China tour offers an ideal option for a memorable family vacation.

Here is a suggested itinerary. If your family wants to add any activities or change anything, just feel free to let your travel adviser know. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests and needs.

Suggested 9-Day Family Tour

Day Highlights
1-3
Beijing
Imperial and Historical Sites include Forbidden City and Great Wall 
4-6
Xian
Terracotta Warriors, Shadow Puppetry, and Xian Food
7-9
Shanghai
Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Tower, and the Bund Tunnel

Tour Map

9-Day Classic China Family Tour

Tour 'Wow' Points

Learn Chinese history and play games specially designed for kids in the Forbidden City

Besides the six main palaces on the axis, you will also explore some sites that interest kids more. You will play a game about the nine sons of the dragon and the auspicious beats in the Forbidden City.

Forbidden City
Forbidden City family tour

Enjoy delicious Beijing roast duck with succulent flavors and crispy skin

Beijing roast duck is a famous Chinese dish that features thin, crispy skin and tender meat. It's a must-try dish for anyone visiting Beijing or looking to explore authentic Chinese.

Beijing roast duck

Ride the toboggan down the Great Wall for an exhilarating journey

The toboggan ride offers a fun and slightly adventurous way to descend from the Wall, providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape as you weave down the hillside.

Great wall
toboggan

Experience how Chinese children living in an old Hutong district study and play

Discover the traditional lifestyle and let your kids be like Chinese children living in a hutong as they experience how they study and play, and taste the snacks they love.

SUGER PAINTING
Chinese calligraphy

Visit the Terracotta Warriors and create a miniature replica

Marvel at the archaeological wonder of thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, chariots, and horses. then make a Terracotta Warriors by yourself at the family workshop in the countryside,

Terracotta Warriors
make Terracotta Warriors

Narrate a family tale through Chinese shadow puppetry

Try your hand at dyeing a carved puppet. The teacher will show you how to operate the puppets behind the curtain. Tell a Chinese story you know or a story about your family using Chinese shadow puppetry.

shadow puppetry
shadow puppetry

Indulge in Xi'an cuisine and experience the vibrant Muslim quarter

While exploring the bustling streets of the Muslim Quarter in Xi'an, you can sample local specialties such as roujiamo (Chinese hamburgers), biangbiang noodles, steamed cold noodles and pita bread soaked in lamb soup.

Xi'an cuisine
Xi'an cuisine

Crossing Shanghai's Huangpu River in a constantly changing color tunnel

The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel in Shanghai is an underground pedestrian tunnel that connects the Bund and Pudong areas of the city. It offers a unique experience with multimedia displays, colorful lights, and moving walkways.

 Sightseeing Tunnel
 Sightseeing Tunnel

Test your courage at the glass sky deck on top of the highest building in Shanghai

The Shanghai Tower is the tallest building in China, offering breathtaking views of the Shanghai skyline from the Observation deck.

Shanghai skyline
Shanghai skyline

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Suggested Itinerary

Your preferences design the real journey. We're ready to create a wonderful China family tour for you.

Day 1Arrive in Beijing | Airport Transfer

Your personal guide and driver will meet you and your family at the airport, and transfer you to your hotel in a non-smoking private vehicle, making sure your holiday gets off to a smooth start. Your guide will help you check-in.

Day 2Beijing | Forbidden City and Hutong Life
Breakfast & Lunch

In the morning, after seeing Tian'anmen Square, discover the Forbidden City. Besides the six main palaces on its axis, we have specially chosen some places that interest kids. Play a game as you learn more about the nine sons of the dragon and the four auspicious beasts represented in Forbidden City architecture.

Relish lunch at a top Beijing roast duck restaurant, renowned globally for its tender red meat and unique, non-greasy texture.

Next, visit a traditional courtyard to experience the traditional lifestyle in the hutongs. Children can learn Chinese calligraphy, play with Chinese yo-yos, and taste traditional sweets.

Day 3Beijing | The Great Wall and the Temple of Heaven
Breakfast & Lunch

Visit the Temple of Heaven in the morning, where emperors of old prayed for a good harvest, and where local people now do morning exercises. Lots of elderly local people meet there daily to sing, exercise, and do tai chi..

In the afternoon, we'll take you to the less-crowded Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, where a cable car offers a comfortable ascent to stunning views from the wall's watchtowers. Embark on a thrilling toboggan ride down (when the weather is good), enhancing this unforgettable family-friendly experience.

Day 4 Beijing to Xi'an | The Summer Palace
Breakfast & Lunch

Spend the morning relaxing in the Summer Palace, which consists of gardens and lakes. Take a boat ride across a lake and explore the Garden of Virtue and Harmony to take you further into China's history.

Later in the day we will take you to the train station for your bullet train to Xi'an, escorting you all the way to the boarding gate.

Upon arrival, you will be met at the arrival gate by your tour guide, and transferred to your hotel by a private vehicle and driver.

Day 5Xi'an | The Terracotta Warriors and City Wall Biking
Breakfast & Lunch

Experience with your children's archeology comes to life in the form of the Terracotta Army, stood in arrays in the underground pits where they were found. An interesting museum and film deepens the experience. Unravel the mysteries surrounding these figures with our knowledgeable guides.

Visit a countryside family workshop before returning downtown to create your own terracotta figurine, a memorable souvenir to take home.

Take a bike ride along Xi'an City Wall, one of the oldest and most complete city defenses still standing. There are ramparts, gates, and watchtowers in abundance to explore.

Day 6Xi'an to Shanghai | Shadow Puppetry and Xi'an Food Tasting
Breakfast & Lunch

The elegant Big Wild Goose Pagoda is one of the main attractions in Xi'an's city center, and it makes a truly wonderful silhouette against the sky.

Visit a Chinese Shadow Puppetry studio to learn about the history of this art and its new lease of life. Have a fun family time trying your hands at dyeing a carved puppet, and then tell a story using Chinese shadow puppetry. The teacher will show you how to operate the puppets behind a curtain.

Take on an ultimate food challenge at the bustling Muslim Quarter. Sample iconic street foods like lamb kebabs, roujiamo (Chinese hamburgers), pita bread with cumin lamb, spicy noodles, and much more.

Our guide and driver will take you to the airport for your afternoon flight to Shanghai.

Day 7Shanghai | New and Old Shanghai
Breakfast & Lunch

Shanghai is a collision of new and old. Visit the new part of Shanghai in the morning. Ascend to the 118th-floor observation deck of Shanghai Tower, the world's second-tallest building, for a panoramic view of the city.

Take the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel to other side of river, enjoying the colorful light displays, music, and visual effects during the journey.

In the afternoon, travel back in time to the old part of Shanghai: the famous Yuyuan Garden that was built during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644).

The market street near Yuyuan Garden is an exciting experience, where crowds of people buy local snacks, handicrafts, antiques, and souvenirs.

Day 8Shanghai Free Day | Your Choice of Activities
Breakfast & Lunch

Based on former clients' experiences, they highly recommend allocating a free day in Shanghai for shopping or visiting Disneyland. If you are interested in traditional Chinese culture and architecture, the water towns nearby would be a good choice.

Day 9Departure
Breakfast

After a buffet breakfast at your hotel, your guide and driver will make sure you get to the airport on time and without any stress. Say goodbye to China and take some awesome memories home.

Hotel Selection

—the Icing on the Cake

Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.

Novotel Peace
Somerset Xindicheng Xi'an
Somerset Xindicheng Xi'an

Tour Price

FromUSD1,759per adult USD1,490per child (2-11 years old) Based on a private tour for a family of 4 people with 1 child below 12 years old. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people and chosen hotel

Price includes:

  • Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
  • English speaking local guide
  • Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
  • 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling

Tour Code: cht-ft-01

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Customize Your Tour

Customize Your Tour

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Maximize Your Flexibility

Maximize Your Flexibility

  • Your own personal guide and ride.
  • Explore at your own pace.
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Ensure Your Satisfaction

  • The Top 20% nationwide guides at your service.
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Live Your China Story

Live Your China Story

  • Authentic local culture and lifestyles.
  • Understand the culture by living it.
  • Uncover fascinating histories and witness New China.
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