How to Plan Your 11 Day Small Group Tour of Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai No Shopping

If you’re planning a trip to China and hoping to see some of the country’s most memorable sights, this 11-day small group tour of Beijing, Xian, Zhangjiajie, and Shanghai is an excellent option. With private drivers and local English-speaking guides at your service, you’ll be able to relax and focus on enjoying your trip while taking in some of China’s most incredible offerings.

Overview

This tour includes all of the essentials to make your trip to China complete. Visiting iconic landmarks such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Warriors, you’ll see China’s most famous attractions in one go.

What’s Included

• Dinner
• Private drivers with air-conditioned vehicles
• Private local English-speaking guides
• International airfares
• Entry visa fees
• Tips or gratuities for guides and drivers

Meeting and Pickup

The tour guide will pick you up at Beijing Capital International Airport when you land on the first day. Each morning (except the last day), they will also come to pick you up at your hotel.

Pickup Point

Beijing Capital International Airport

Shunyi District Beijing China

Start Time

09:00 AM

Pickup Details

On the first day when you arrive in Beijing, your guide will pick you up at the Beijing airport. During the tour, your guide will pick you up at the hotel each morning (except the last day).

What to Expect

Day 1

• Airport pick-up in Beijing

Day 2

• Visit Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City
• Experience the Temple of Heaven

Day 3

• Tour the Mutianyu Great Wall

Day 4

• Visit the Summer Palace and Beijing Hutongs
• Flight from Beijing to Xi’an

Day 5

• See the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an
• Visit a local family
• Experience an ancient Pagoda
• Watch a Tang Dynasty Dancing Show

Day 6

• Take a city highlights tour in Xi’an
• Flight from Xi’an to Zhangjiajie

Day 7

• Tour Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Day 8

• Experience Tianmen Mountain

Day 9

• Explore Fenghuang Ancient Town

Day 10

• Discover the highlights of Shanghai

Day 11

• Free time until your departure from Shanghai

Final Remarks

With its well-planned itinerary and experienced guides, this 11-day small group tour of Beijing, Xian, Zhangjiajie, and Shanghai is an excellent option for anyone looking to experience some of China’s most stunning and memorable landmarks. The price of the tour includes all essentials such as transportation, guide service, meals, and taxes, as well as entrance fees. It’s also worth noting that the tour is free of shopping stops, so you can be sure that you’re only visiting places that are of genuine interest to you. To book the tour, visit here.

FAQ about Beijing – All You Need to Know!

If you are planning to visit Beijing, the capital of China, you must be having a lot of questions in mind. In this blog post, we have compiled some frequently asked questions about Beijing to help you with your trip planning. From the best time to visit to the popular tourist attractions, we have got you covered.

1. What is the best time to visit Beijing?

Beijing has a continental climate, which means its summers are hot and humid while winters can get pretty cold with heavy snowfall. The best time to visit Beijing is in the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. During these seasons, you can enjoy the city’s outdoor activities, such as visiting the parks and strolling around the streets without feeling too hot or cold.

2. How to get to Beijing from the airport?

Beijing has two international airports, Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). Both are well connected to the city with various transportation options, including taxis, buses, and trains. To get to the city center from Beijing Capital International Airport, you can take the Airport Express train, which takes around 30 minutes and costs CNY 25-100, depending on your destination. You can also take a taxi, which takes around one hour and costs around CNY 100-300, depending on traffic. If you arrive at Beijing Daxing International Airport, you can take the Express Line or the Airport Shuttle Bus to get to the city center. The Express Line costs CNY 30-40 and takes around 20 minutes, while the Shuttle Bus costs CNY 30-50 and takes around one hour.

3. What are the must-visit tourist attractions in Beijing?

Beijing is home to some of the world’s most famous tourist attractions, such as the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven. Here are some of the must-visit tourist attractions in Beijing:

• The Great Wall of China
• The Forbidden City
• The Temple of Heaven
• The Summer Palace
• Tiananmen Square
• The National Museum of China
• The Beijing National Stadium (Bird’s Nest)
• The Beijing National Aquatics Center (Water Cube)

4. What are some of the best food options in Beijing?

Beijing is known for its delicious and diverse cuisine, which includes some of China’s most famous dishes such as Peking duck, hotpot, and dumplings. Here are some of the best food options in Beijing:

• Peking Duck
• Hotpot
• Dumplings (Jiaozi)
• Beijing Noodles (Zhajiangmian)
• Mongolian Hotpot (Instant Boiled Mutton)
• Lamb Skewers (Yangrou Chuan)
• Roast Pork (Siu Mei)
• Stir-fried Liver (Chao Gan)

5. Is it safe to travel to Beijing?

Beijing is generally a safe city for tourists, with a low crime rate. However, like any other big city, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables safe. You should also take precautions against pickpocketing and scams, especially in crowded places such as markets and tourist attractions.

6. What is the currency used in Beijing?

The currency used in Beijing is the Chinese Yuan (CNY), also known as Renminbi (RMB). ATMs are widely available in the city, and most major credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops.

7. What is the language spoken in Beijing?

The official language of Beijing is Mandarin Chinese. While English is spoken and understood in most tourist areas, it is always helpful to learn a few basic Mandarin phrases such as hello (nǐ hǎo), thank you (xièxiè), and goodbye (zàijiàn).

8. What are some cultural etiquettes to follow in Beijing?

Here are some cultural etiquettes to keep in mind while traveling in Beijing:

• Remove your shoes before entering someone’s home.
• Do not touch someone’s head, as it is considered impolite.
• Gifts are appreciated in Chinese culture, but avoid giving clocks, as they are associated with death.
• Respect the elders and address them properly.
• Do not raise your voice or speak too loudly in public places.

Book Your Tour Now

Beijing is a vibrant and exciting city that offers a unique blend of ancient history and modernity. With its iconic landmarks, delicious cuisine, and friendly people, it is no wonder that it is one of the most visited cities in the world. By following these FAQs, you will be well-prepared for your trip to Beijing and ready to immerse yourself in its culture and beauty.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Beijing

If you are planning to visit Beijing, China soon, you have made an excellent decision. Beijing is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. It is the capital of China and has many attractions that draw tourists from all over the world. Here are some ideas for how to spend your time as a tourist in Beijing.

1. Explore the Great Wall of China

One of the most iconic and recognizable landmarks in the world is China’s Great Wall. It is an engineering marvel that stretches over 13,000 miles and was once used to protect China from invaders. There are many sections of the wall that you can visit, each with its own unique features and views. Some popular sections to visit include Badaling, Mutianyu, and Jinshanling. Regardless of which section you choose, be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water.

2. Visit Tiananmen Square

Located in the heart of Beijing, Tiananmen Square is the world’s largest public square. It is a significant landmark in Chinese history, famous for the 1989 student protests, and home to several monuments and museums. The square is surrounded by government buildings, including the Forbidden City and the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Chinese culture and history.

3. Explore the Forbidden City

The Forbidden City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located in the heart of Beijing. It served as the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and it is one of the most well-preserved ancient buildings in China. With over 9,000 rooms and buildings, it is a vast complex that can take days to explore fully. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking to be done.

4. Try Authentic Chinese Cuisine

One of the best things about visiting Beijing is trying authentic Chinese cuisine. Beijing is famous for dishes like Peking duck, dumplings, and hot pot. There are many restaurants in the city that serve these dishes, ranging from high-end restaurants to street vendors. If you want to try something new, be adventurous and try some of the local street food. You won’t regret it.

5. See the Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is one of the most beautiful attractions in Beijing. It is a vast complex of gardens, pavilions, and temples that was once used as a retreat for the imperial family during the hot summer months. The palace is located in the northwest part of Beijing and offers spectacular views of the surrounding lakes and hills.

6. Visit the Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is a unique architectural marvel located in the southeastern part of Beijing. It was once used by emperors to perform sacrificial rites and is now a park and museum. The temple’s unique design and stunning surroundings make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Chinese culture.

7. Watch an Acrobatics Show

If you want to experience Chinese culture at its best, you must watch an acrobatics show. These shows are a blend of dance, martial arts, and acrobatics that will leave you amazed. There are several theaters in Beijing that offer these shows, including the Chaoyang Theatre and the Tiandi Theatre.

8. Visit the Beijing Zoo

If traveling with children or just want to experience wildlife in China, visit the Beijing Zoo. It is home to over 5,000 animals, including giant pandas, giraffes, and tigers. The zoo is located in the western part of the city and offers a fantastic day out for the entire family.

9. Go Shopping

Shopping in Beijing can be a unique and rewarding experience. You can find everything from high-end luxury brands to local street vendors selling handmade goods. The most famous shopping districts in Beijing include Wangfujing Pedestrian Street and the Silk Market. Don’t forget to obtain unique souvenirs and if going to the street markets, make sure to bargain for prices.

10. Visit the National Stadium (Bird’s Nest)

If you are a sports fan, then you must visit the National Stadium, also known as the Bird’s Nest. It was built for the 2008 Summer Olympics and is an architectural masterpiece. Visitors can take a tour of the stadium and learn about its history and significance.

Book Your Tour Now

Beijing has so much to offer for tourists. These are only ten things to do and see when touring Beijing, but there are many other attractions you can explore. Always wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water when out exploring. Local guides can be helpful in getting around and understanding the history, and culture of the city. Whether it’s strolling through ancient temples, exploring the Great Wall, or trying new foods, Beijing will always leave unforgettable memories.