13-day China Family Tour

Nǐ hǎo! Your family adventure begins in Beijing, where ancient history meets modern city life. After checking into your hotel, you’ve got some time to relax, shake off the jetlag or head out for a first taste of the city at your own pace.

In the late afternoon, you’ll meet your Adventure Leader for the trip and the rest of your group for a pre-departure briefing, preparing the whole family for the adventure ahead and covering key safety tips.

Then it’s time for your first group meal together – Beijing’s iconic roasted duck. A real welcome to China’s legendary food scene. If you’ve still got some energy, you can head out to explore Beijing’s hutongs in the evening, wandering through traditional alleyways full of local life.

Start the day bright and early as you head to Tiananmen Square, one of the most iconic landmarks in China. From here, step straight into history as you explore the Forbidden City, an imperial palace filled with stories of China’s dynasties.

In the afternoon, make your way to Jingshan Park, where a short climb rewards you with a bird’s-eye view over the Forbidden City and Beijing’s rooftops.

In the evening, you can choose to take part in a fun family scavenger hunt through Nanluoguxiang, a lively area known for its traditional hutongs and local snacks.

Today, head out of the city with a transfer from downtown Beijing towards one of the world’s greatest landmarks. On arrival at the Great Wall, you’ll stop for lunch at a local restaurant before setting off on your hike.

Spend the afternoon exploring this incredible structure, discovering quieter sections of the Wall for a more unique experience away from the crowds.

Round off the day with time to take in the views from the Great Wall before heading back to downtown Beijing.

Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Take the chance to relax, explore more of Beijing or revisit your favourite spots from the past few days.

For a fun family day, Universal Beijing Resort is a great option for kids, with themed areas like Jurassic World, Kung Fu Panda and Transformers. Alternatively, explore Beijing’s classic highlights, from the Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven to the 798 Art District. Your Adventure Leader can help arrange tickets if needed.

Today, hop on a high-speed bullet train from Beijing to Zhengzhou, and experience China’s impressive rail network along the way. On arrival, you’ll enjoy lunch before continuing your journey with a transfer to Dengfeng.

After settling into your accommodation, it’s time for a truly unique experience. Visit a local kung fu school, where you’ll meet and interact with students aged around 10–18 years old, learning from each other through both kung fu and language.

In the afternoon, watch the students in action during their training sessions, gaining a deeper insight into this iconic discipline. Later this evening, we’ll keep the fun going with a karaoke night – a chance for everyone to relax, laugh and enjoy time together.

Today, step into the roots of Chinese culture with a visit to the Shaolin Temple, the birthplace of kung fu. Explore the temple grounds and hear stories of Buddha and the legends tied to this historic site, including a visit to the nearby Dharma Cave.

After lunch near the temple, you’ll head back to your hotel. In the afternoon, depending on the weather, get creative with a kite making and flying session.

In the evening, you can choose to join a Mandarin class after dinner, picking up a few local phrases to use throughout the rest of your adventure.

Travel onwards as you transfer from Dengfeng to Gongyinan and hop on a bullet train to Xi’an. Sit back and enjoy the journey as you head towards one of China’s most historic cities.

On arrival, settle into your accommodation before heading out in the evening for a Xi’an night market food tour. Wander through lively streets, sample local favourites and experience the city’s incredible food scene.

If you’re keen for more, there’s the option to catch a traditional shadow puppet performance in the evening, a unique glimpse into Chinese storytelling and culture.

Step back in time with a visit to the Terracotta Warriors, often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”. Come face-to-face with this incredible underground army and learn the stories behind one of China’s greatest archaeological discoveries.

Afterwards, enjoy some hands-on fun with a mini Terracotta Warrior workshop. See how local artisans craft these figures using traditional techniques, then try creating your own to take home.

In the evening, you can choose to visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, where you can catch the impressive music fountain and light show.

Start the day with a bike ride along Xi’an’s Ming Dynasty city walls, one of the best-preserved in China. As you cycle, take in panoramic views of the city, where ancient streets meet modern life below.

Later, hop on a bullet train to Chengdu, sitting back and enjoying the journey as the landscape shifts along the way.

In the evening, you can choose to explore Chengdu’s lively night markets, sampling local snacks and soaking up the atmosphere, or catch a traditional Sichuan Opera performance, famous for its music, storytelling and dramatic face-changing acts.

Head out on a day trip to Dujiangyan, starting with a visit to Panda Valley, where you’ll see giant pandas up close in a peaceful, natural setting.

Continue to Guanxian Old Village, wandering through traditional streets full of local life and history.

You’ll also explore the Dujiangyan irrigation system, an incredible 2,200-year-old water conservancy project still in use today, offering a fascinating and educational insight into ancient engineering.

Travel by train from Chengdu to Guilin, a journey of around 6–7 hours, arriving in the afternoon. On arrival, stop for lunch nearby the airport and try Guilin’s famous rice noodles, a local favourite.

After checking into your accommodation, head out to explore the stunning countryside around the Yulong River. Start with a scenic bike ride through peaceful landscapes, before switching gears in the afternoon with a bamboo rafting experience – a perfect way to relax and take in the surroundings after a morning of travel.

Start the day with a light hike through Yangshuo’s scenic countryside, exploring unique karst landscapes and caves along the way.

The afternoon is free for the whole family to enjoy at their own pace. If you’re feeling active, you can try rock climbing, take a dip in the hotel pool, or simply relax and soak up the surroundings.

In the evening, come together for a special final group meal with a BBQ dinner. Think roasted marshmallows, a campfire setting and outdoor karaoke – the perfect way to celebrate the end of your adventure.

All good things must come to an end, and today it’s time to say goodbye to your travel buddies as your adventure wraps up in Yangshuo. After days packed with unforgettable experiences, this is your moment to reflect, swap memories and take those final group photos.