11-Day Imperial and Scenic China Family Tour

Discover the Modern Cities and Countryside of China

When considering international flights, many opt to launch their China adventure from Hong Kong. Furthermore, from Hong Kong, travelers can swiftly reach Guilin in just three hours via high-speed train.

Make history books come alive with the whole family through iconic landmarks like the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Warriors. Additionally, enjoy quality family time on Yangshuo's scenic nature trails.

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

Suggested 11-Day Family Tour

Day Highlights
1-2
Hong Kong
Discover the city on your own
3-5
Guilin
Li River Cruise, Yangshuo Countryside
6-7
Xian
Terracotta Warriors and making Xian noodles
8-11
Beijing
Imperial history, Hutong neighborhood, and lovely panda

Tour Map

9-Day Classic China Family Tour

Tour 'Wow' Points

Sail serenely along the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo

Embark on a picturesque journey along the meandering Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo, where majestic limestone karsts and lush greenery create a stunning backdrop for your cruise.

Li River
Li River

Experience the daily lifestyle of the local farmers in Yangshuo

Visit the traditional house and a farmer market, and try the transportation of old ferry and local motorbike taxi which locals commonly use.

Yangshuo countryside
Fuli ferry

Unleash your creativity by painting a traditional paper fan

You will have the chance to visit a workshop and learn from a local artist how to paint a traditional landscape on a paper fan. You will have your own handmade fan to keep as a souvenir.

painting paper fan
paper fan

Discover the Forbidden City through a family-friendly experience tailored for kids

Kids will visit the library of the princes, the Archery Pavilion, and the Hall of Clocks and Watches. Then play a game about the dragon and the auspicious beats in the Forbidden City.

a family in the Fobidden City
children touching the yellow and green tiles on the wall

Take a thrilling ride on the Mutianyu Toboggan

As you glide down the smooth track with the wind in your hair, you'll marvel at the ancient grandeur and natural beauty surrounding you, creating lasting memories of this exhilarating moment.

Great wall
Great wall

Greetings to the delightful Giant Panda residing at Beijing Zoo

The Giant Panda at Beijing Zoo is a beloved and iconic resident that captures the hearts of visitors with its adorable appearance and playful antics.

Beijing Zoo
Panda

Experience modern Beijing — a 'smart' restaurant and Beijing's New CBD Skyline

Learn how the smart manless system works so smoothly from allocating and serving to cleaning and making a dream kitchen. See the new skyline of Beijing and take pictures of the famous modern architectural structures.

'smart' restaurant
CCTV Headquarters

Witness Terracotta Army, and making clay warriors at a local cave dwelling

Witness the miracle of flour turning into noodles. You will be welcomed into local people's home and learn to cook the most amazing traditional Xi'an noodles from them.

Terracotta Warriors
make Terracotta Warriors

Immerse yourself in the art of crafting Xian noodles

Witness the miracle of flour turning into noodles. You will be welcomed into local people's home and learn to cook the most amazing traditional Xi'an noodles from them.

Xian noodles
Xian noodles

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

Trip Advisor certificate of 2024 Tour Review

Suggested Itinerary

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

Day 1Arrive in Hong Kong| Airport Transfer

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

Day 2Hong Kong | Free Time
Breakfast

Hong Kong is easy for your family to explore on your own. It is a safe and well-developed city with efficient public transportation. And English is available in Hong Kong.

It is a family-friendly destination. From Disneyland and Ocean Park to interactive museums, nature parks, and family-friendly dining options, there are plenty of things for families to enjoy together in Hong Kong.

Day 3Hong Kong to Guilin | High-speed Train and Guilin Food Tour
Breakfast

Be ready to your first high-speed train experience. Going through security and customs will take a longer time. Please arrive at the train station at least 1 hour early.

Your guide tour guide will meet you at the arrival hall, and help you check-in at the hotel.

Day 4 Guilin to Yangshuo| Li River Cruise
Breakfast & Lunch

Take a morning cruise along the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo. Enjoy breathtaking limestone karst landscapes, lush greenery, and picturesque countryside during the cruse.

Spend your afternoon at the West Street. West Street is a vibrant and bustling pedestrian street, known for its lively atmosphere, diverse dining options, shops, and entertainment venues.

Day 5Yangshuo to Xian| Countryside Life Experience
Breakfast & Lunch

You will go out of the area where the most tourists are wandering and see the untouched rural China, to experience the daily lifestyle of the local farmers.

Visit a traditional house, take a local ferry and motorbike taxi, and wander through the vibrant farmer market.

Release your artistic talent at 'Chinese Painted Fan Town'. You will have the chance to visit a workshop and learn from a local artist how to paint a traditional landscape on a paper fan. You will have your own handmade fan to keep as a souvenir.

Day 6Xian | The Terracotta Warriors and Muslim Quarter
Breakfast & Lunch

Visit the Terracotta Warriors, be immersed in the awe-inspiring presence of the meticulously crafted clay soldiers, horses, and chariots that stand as a testament to ancient China's rich history and cultural heritage.

Enjoy a leisurely walk on Xian's ancient City Wall, taking in panoramic city views, and admiring its centuries-old historical significance.

Explore Xian's lively Muslim Quarter for a sensory journey through bustling markets, aromatic spices, colorful streets, and a variety of local delicacies and cultural finds.

Day 7Xian to Beijing | Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Cooking Xian Noddle
Breakfast & Lunch

Explore the Big Wild Goose Pagoda to witness intricate carvings, climb spiral stairs for panoramic views, and uncover its rich historical and cultural significance.

Enjoy the cooking experience with your family! Xian noodles are known for their unique flavor and texture. You will be welcomed into local people's home and learn to cook the most amazing traditional Xi'an noodles from them.

Experience the speed of China by taking a high-speed train from Xi'an to Beijing, which can reach speeds of up to 350 km/h.

Day 8Beijing | Forbidden City and Hutong Tour for Kids
Breakfast & Lunch

The vast Tian'anmen Square is probably the most famous square in the world, and the surrounding buildings, such as Chairman Mao's Mausoleum, the National Museum, and the People's Congress, emphasize its iconic appearance.

History comes to life in the Forbidden City. Your knowledgeable guide will show you an interesting story about the emperors' lives and the impressive architecture. To keep the kids active, we specially choose some sites that interest kids more and play an interesting game.

At lunchtime, you will taste the popular Beijing roasted Duck.

The classic hutong area is a charming place to spend an afternoon. 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.

Day 10Beijing | Boat ride in Summer Palace and Lovely Panda
Breakfast & Lunch

The kids will not need to wait any longer to see the pandas; Beijing Zoo has many wild and rare animals from China, and among them are some adorable pandas.

Have lunch in the first "smart restaurant" in China to experience the high level of technology. You'll be driven to Beijing's CBD after lunch. See the new skyline of Beijing and take pictures of the famous modern architectural structures.

The Forbidden City was the winter abode of the emperors, but the Summer Palace was where they escaped the heat and enjoyed outdoor living in the vast gardens and pavilions. A short boat ride across the lake takes you to the main buildings, and you can climb the tower and see the entire park.

Day 11Beijing | Departure
Breakfast

Your private car, driver, and guide will be ready and waiting at your hotel lobby to get you to the airport on time. Sit back and relax, as they help you check-in and escort you to the correct security gate. We will take the stress out of your travel and set you up for a nice journey home.

Hotel Selection

—the Icing on the Cake

Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.

Novotel Peace
Moondance Boutique Resort
The Bund Shanghai

Tour Price

FromUSD2,329per adult USD1,959per 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-06

Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.

Number in your group

What's your hotel choice?

I am also available on:

Start planning your tailor-made tour with 1-1 help from our travel advisors. Create Your Trip

Sign up to Our Newsletter

Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our team of experts.

Click to Sign up

Why China Highlights

Customize Your Tour

Customize Your Tour

  • Travel Advisors Rooted in China
  • Instant Response, No More Waits!
  • Direct Connections, Supreme Values
Maximize Your Flexibility

Maximize Your Flexibility

  • Your own personal guide and ride.
  • Explore at your own pace.
  • Unparalleled flexibility, impossible on a group tour.
Ensure Your Satisfaction

Ensure Your Satisfaction

  • The Top 20% nationwide guides at your service.
  • 20% more space on your group's transportation.
  • 24/7 emergency support.
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.
China Highlights logo
Trip Advisor rating Rated 5 out of 5 | 98.8% Excellence
China Highlights International
Travel Service Co., LTD
Featured on
China Highlights was featured on these medias.

Address: Building 6, Chuangyi Business Park, 70 Qilidian Road, Guilin, Guangxi, 541004, China