Family Vacation to China With Li River Cruise

/5 935 Latest reviews

Tour Code: ODY-CN-2454

Destination:Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Shanghai

Duration

12 Days

Tour Type

Private & Bespoke

Tour Style

Classic

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About This Trip

Discover China's treasures with your children on this adventure-filled family vacation! Guided tours and hands-on activities make history fun for both kids and parents. Stroll Beijing's iconic attractions like the Forbidden City and Great Wall. In Xi'an, marvel at the Terracotta Army and try shadow puppetry. Cruise Guilin's scenic Li River before exploring Yangshuo's countryside. Wander through the beautiful Reed Flute Cave, then fly to cosmopolitan Shanghai. Wander the Bund, experience silk workshops, and sample dim sum together. Throughout the journey, cultural immersion opportunities such as dumpling-making classes and local home visits provide quality family time in China's iconic cities.

Itinerary Summary

DAY PLACE HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 4 Beijing Great Wall, Forbidden City, Rickshaw Hutong Tour, Hands-on Craft Activity, Peking duck, Old Beijing Hotpot
5 - 7 Xi'an Terracotta Army, Puppet Show, Home Visit, Tang Costumes, Muslim Quarter, Drum Tower
8 - 10 Guilin Li River Cruise, Reed Flute Cave, Bamboo Rafting, Yangshuo Countryside Tour
11 - 12 Shanghai The Bund, Yu Garden, Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai Tower, Dim Sum Lunch
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Itinerary

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Day 1: Beijing, Arrival

Touch down in Beijing and open your family vacation to China! Our guide will warmly greet your family upon your arrival in China's ancestral capital and escort you to your hotel, where comfortable rooms await. Each landmark brings history to life for curious young minds, with parents and children exploring Beijing's palatial ruins and alleyway sceneries hand in hand.

Beijing

Day 2: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Peking duck

Begin with a visit to iconic Tiananmen Square and feel the historical and political pulse in the heart of modern China. Then, head to the imperial residences of the Forbidden City. Wander in awe through its vast halls and passages, exploring an endless collection of relics within the former home of emperors. Climb up Jingshan Park's peak, rewarded with panoramic city views from above.

For lunch, indulge in Beijing's iconic delicacy - Peking duck. Revel in the contrasting layers of crispy skin and succulent flesh wrapped in a soft crepe.

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Beijing

Day 3: Temple of Heaven, Great Wall, Old Beijing Hotpot

The morning finds you amidst the serene surroundings of the Temple of Heaven, unraveling the mysteries of ancient imperial ceremonies within its ornate halls. Thereafter, at Mutianyu, about two hours away from downtown Beijing by drive, a scenic cable car journey uplifts you to the lofty heights of the Great Wall section. Heralding whipping mountain winds, the fortified ramparts trail endlessly under a vast blue sky.

In the evening, enjoy the Old Beijing Hotpot. Simmer thinly sliced lamb in boiling stock and savor the warmth of good company as fragrant smells tease the senses.

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Beijing

Day 4: Rickshaw Hutong Tour, Hands-on Craft Activity, Beijing - Xi'an

This morning, trace the narrow alleys and winding lanes of Hutong on a rickshaw tour. Ancient courtyards and architectural relics are revealed, transporting you to periods past. Afterward, indulge your inner child with a relaxing session of hand-pinching noodles or shaping playful clay figures.

As afternoon light fades, the high-speed rail whisks you westward till the ancient Xi'an emerges. On arrival, your guide will escort you to the hotel for check-in and relaxation after the travel day.

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Xi'an

Day 5: Terracotta Army, Muslim Quarter, Terracotta sculpture workshop

Venture into the archaeological wonder of the Terracotta Army to delve into the subterranean vault housing over 8,000 life-sized warriors and horses molded in battle formation over 2,000 years ago. Try your hand at traditional crafts and shape a miniature Terracotta sculpture.

When returning to the city, explore the bustling alleys and taste diverse street snacks amid the crowds and sounds of the Muslim Quarter.

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Xi'an

Day 6: Puppetry Show, Calligraphy Workshop, Tang Dynasty Costumes

Start your day discovering the architectural marvel of Drum Tower dominating the old city. Towering drum and bell structures inspire curiosity while strolling ancient alleys of the Muslim Quarter. Later, in the centuries-old Courtyard of family Gao, giggles erupt as shadow puppetry spins fanciful tales before your eyes. Also, here, get hands-on exploring your artistic sides through calligraphy tutorials - laugh at each other's "scribbles" as skills grow.

In the evening, dress up in traditional Tang Dynasty costumes and stroll the Great Tang All Day Mall, a place replacing the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty over 1,200 years ago.

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Xi'an

Day 7: Glimpse of Local Life

For a truly immersive experience, your whole family receives a warm invitation into a local Xi'an home. Watch eagerly as your host kneads dough for dumplings and join in the motion. Enjoy hands-on lessons shaping fillings and pleating wrappers together, giggling over wonky results.

Later, a flight will take you to Guilin, where you will meet your new guide and driver for more adventures.

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Guilin

Day 8: Li River Cruise

Your day discovers the poetic Li River, floating past its dramatically towering limestone pillars lining emerald shores. Gaze in wonder at the changing panoramas of this steep karst geography. Disembarking in Yangshuo by early afternoon, wander along famed West Street, where souvenirs tempt amid street performers' tunes. Later, be transferred to the hotel for rest.

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Yangshuo

Day 9: Countryside Tour in Yangshuo

Yangshuo's picturesque countryside awaits your family's discovery. Embark on a leisurely bicycle ride spinning along winding rural lanes, or hop aboard a private vehicle for scenic hillside vistas. Then, board the traditional bamboo raft, settling onto aged poles as you push off from the shore. Smiles linger from quality time while the simple vessel floats silently amongst shades of jade.

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Yangshuo

Day 10: Guilin - Shanghai, Reed Flute Cave

Boards the vehicle to return to Guilin City, where wonder awaits at Reed Flute Cave. The curious children drag you through mystical grottoes lit by rainbow hues of calcium deposits shaped into whimsical pillars, curtains, and monuments.

Then, bid scenic Guilin goodbye and fly to Shanghai. On arrival, check into your hotel for an evening at leisure downtown.

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Shanghai

Day 11: Old and Modern Shanghai

Start your discovery of Shanghai by strolling the Bund for iconic river views and photos of the dynamic skyline. Then, immerse in exhibits unveiling city development at Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall. Wander Yu Garden together, discovering hidden charms amongst pavilions and ponds. Also, visit Yuyuan Market to take in the local atmosphere.

For lunch, enjoy Chinese dim sum, relishing flavorful favorites like plump shrimp dumplings. Your family savors the variety of small plates and delicate flavors. Later, a visit to a silk workshop delights all. At Jade Buddha Temple, children gaze in awe at exquisite statues and the constant stream of believers. Then, take the dizzyingly fast elevator ascending Shanghai Tower, the world's second-highest skyscraper, for spectacular views from its observation decks above the city.

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Shanghai

Day 12: Shanghai, Departure

A filling breakfast fuels your family for the journeys ahead. Your guide transfers you all to the airport, marking the end of this adventure.

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What Our Clients Say

"Great Customized Service", "Trip of A Lifetime", "Exceed All Expectations"

Richee Family Adventures

05 Aug 2025

Second Honeymoon My wife and I celebrated our 20th anniversary by spending a few weeks touring around Asia. We loved how Odynovo worked with us to craft a tour of what we wanted to see and how we wanted to see it. This was our first time traveling with a private tour guide, and it was truly amazing. they took care of all transportation, tickets, and everywhere we went we had someone who not only spoke our language, but was also very well-versed in the places we were visiting. We saw Beijing and then took a bullet train to Xi'an. In both cities we had tour guides who had done this "a thousand times," and as a result knew all the tricks on where to take the best pictures, what lines to stand in, where to eat, and what not to waste your time seeing. At one point our guide pulled out ponchos from her backpack when it started to rain, while another helped us haggle for a good price on a new suitcase. We were surprised by how much we loved China, and it is safe to say that is because of the quality of service we got from Odynovo. Oh, and the hotels were great, too! In our first hotel my wife fell in love with her breakfast soup that she had to have every morning, while in Xi'an we were right around the corner from the Muslim Night Market and were able to get to it in less than 5 minutes of walking.We are already looking to see what tours we will be doing next through Odynovo, as the service was amazing, the quality was remarkable, and the cost was very worth it for what we received.
Shannon V

05 Aug 2025

Fabulous! We had a fabulous experience with our guide and Odynovo walking the Great Wall of China, and all other sites in Beijing. We loved our Peking duck dinner. It was fabulous. Thank you, Sammie/Jing for a great experience.
domotic d

05 Aug 2025

Beijing Beauty It started off with a friendly face at the airport, with Roy, our tour guide.The week has been such a pleasure and a treat. From adventures to The Great Wall, Temple of Heaven and the Forbidden City, to local markets, delicious Beijing food and roof top tea houses.Roy and our driver, Mr. Zhou, were prompt in picking us up and driving us around safely.The knowledge and fact about history and Beijing that Roy knows and explains is amazing and the fact he could answer my weird and inquisitive history questionsnwoth ease was a treat.He made it so easy to enjoy ourselves and absorb all that was around us, he even takes great photos too! 😊Polite, kind and thoughtful and ever patient in letting us take our time with things that interested us.I would highly recommend this tour and Roy again and again.
Zarah B

05 Aug 2025

Amazing travel experience My name is Zarah M. Babangida a Nigerian and i visited Beijing with my colleagues from the office. During our 5 day stay in Beijing, Ms. Eva Ma, was our Tour guide and from the minute we came through the Arrival Gate of the Airport, we were embraced by her alluring smile and warm welcome. She remained consistent with her warmth, a kind and intelligent professional who exuded unique passion not just for her job as a tour guide but, even more so as a proud Chinese woman. Her outstanding insight and knowledge of the sweet Chinese history and heritage left us in awe. I couldn't be more proud and thankful that she was assigned to our group and she made our stay exciting, fun-filled effortless and knowledge packed. I absolutely commend her dedication to work which she depicted throughout our stay. I recommend her to every visiting tourist because to know Eva, is to love her. If it were up to me, i will increase her bonuses or upgrade her salary as i am sure most tourists would want or revisit for her sake first and then perhaps other reasons.Thank you Eva and keep the passion up🙌.

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