Traditional shopfronts and tiled roofs along Yuyuan Old Street

Shanghai’s skyline rising across the Huangpu River from the Bund

Elevated blue-hour view of the Bund and Huangpu River in Shanghai

Traditional roofs in Shanghai’s Old City with modern towers beyond

Elevated view across Tiananmen Square from Tiananmen Gate

All journeys

CULTURE · PRIVATE JOURNEY

Spirit of China

Ten private days from Shanghai through Suzhou’s canals and Hangzhou’s lake scenery to Xi’an and Beijing

Every journey is customizable.

Your dates, route, pace, stays and experiences.Tailor this journey Meet our guides

Overview

Summary

Follow China from garden rooms and waterways to ancient capitals, with private guiding through Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Xi’an and Beijing.

Duration10 days

RouteShanghai → Suzhou → Hangzhou → Xi’an → Beijing

Travel stylePrivate journey

Begin beside Shanghai’s Huangpu River, then explore the smaller worlds of Suzhou’s gardens and canal-side streets. Hangzhou opens the view again with West Lake before the journey turns to the archaeology of Xi’an and the imperial spaces of Beijing. Second-class rail and one domestic flight connect these five cities. This ten-day itinerary is a starting point: we work with you on the hotels, timing and pace so the journey reflects your interests.

TagsHeritageClassical gardensHigh-speed railFood culture

Discover the details of Yu Garden before seeing Shanghai’s changing skyline from the Bund.
Explore the Master of the Nets Garden and see Suzhou from its canal and the lanes of Pingjiang Road.
Cruise on West Lake, take in the Qiantang River from Six Harmonies Pagoda and walk the shopfronts of Qinghefang.
Look closely at the Terracotta Army and explore the towers, walls and market streets of Xi’an.
Walk through Beijing’s imperial landmarks, courtyard lanes, Great Wall scenery and Summer Palace gardens.

TAILORED QUOTEOn requestper person · final price confirmed in your proposal

Get a quote

Itinerary

Shanghai

Arrive in Shanghai

Your driver meets you at the airport for a private transfer to your hotel. Keep the rest of the day open to settle in and rest after your arrival.

DOPrivate airport welcome · Transfer to the Shanghai hotel

EATAt leisure

STAYCentrally located hotel in Shanghai · Room category confirmed in the proposal

MOVEPrivate air-conditioned vehicle

Stays

Shanghai · Suzhou · Hangzhou · Xi’an · Beijing

City-centre hotels with breakfast

Spend nine nights in centrally located hotels, with breakfast each morning from Day 2 to Day 10.

We select and confirm each hotel, room type and bedding arrangement with you in the tailored proposal. Properties, star ratings and room categories are not fixed by this starting itinerary. All hotels meet a minimum 4-star standard, with 5-star and luxury options available in every destination.

Nights: 9
Breakfast: Included
Properties: Confirmed in proposal

Note

Included

Nine nights in centrally located hotels with breakfast

Private English-speaking local guiding and private air-conditioned ground transport

Airport, railway-station and hotel transfers shown in the itinerary

First-entry admission for the listed sightseeing visits

Second-class rail tickets for Shanghai–Suzhou, Suzhou–Hangzhou and Xi’an–Beijing

Economy-class domestic flight from Hangzhou to Xi’an, including applicable taxes

Suzhou Grand Canal and short West Lake boat rides

Service charges and applicable government taxes

Not included

International flights and related taxes

China visa costs and travel insurance

Personal spending such as drinks, laundry, calls and optional activities

Tips for guides and drivers

Lunch and dinner, paid separately

Performances, viewpoints or side trips unless added to the confirmed proposal

Note

Documents: Passport valid for at least six months · Entry and visa requirements depend on nationality and the wider travel plan. ChinaHue can provide itinerary documents, but travellers should confirm current rules before departure.
Insurance & safety: Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is strongly recommended and is not included in the route. · Local support and activity-specific briefings are provided throughout the journey.
Accessibility & families: Share mobility requirements before booking so walking routes, vehicle access and hotel choices can be reviewed. · Children travel with a responsible adult; age-appropriate pacing and vehicle seating can be discussed during tailoring.
Packing: Comfortable walking shoes · Weather layer and sun protection · Reusable water bottle · Passport used for ticket reservations
On request: Full gallery, detailed route maps and the complete dining list are shared while shaping your journey.

Plan your journey

Send your preferred dates and party details. We will confirm hotels, rail and flight schedules, pricing and any pace adjustments in a private proposal.

TAILORED QUOTEOn request

Tailor this journey

Tell us what you need. We reply within one business day and can create a private proposal for your account.

Payment, commitment & arrangements

Your tailored proposal and booking agreement define the payment schedule and confirm your commitment.

Ticketing and supplier bookings begin only after the payment condition in your signed proposal is met.

Your final proposal shows the complete price, taxes and statutory charges before any payment is requested.

The deposit is 30% and the balance is due 45 days before departure.

Cancellation & refund schedule

Cancellation fees vary by days before departure and confirmed supplier costs.

90 days or more90+ days before departure90% refund

45–89 days45+ days before departure60% refund

15–44 days15+ days before departure30% refund

Self-service cancellation closes 15 days before departure · Asia/Shanghai · policy 2026.1.

Not automatically refundable: Confirmed supplier charges · Issued air and rail tickets

Booking terms

Final services are confirmed in your proposal and booking agreement.

24/7 support

+86 400 800 2026 (24/7 while travelling)

Spirit of China

Shanghai

City-centre hotels with breakfast

Included

Not included

Note

Plan your journey

Imperial Capitals & the Li River

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