China Family Tour With Guilin & Hong Kong

Step into the vast expanse of Tiananmen Square, the gateway to centuries of imperial history. Venture next into the Forbidden City, a palatial complex that whispers tales of emperors' past. As you explore, your guide will share fascinating stories and insights while you look for colorful roof decorations and mythical creatures hidden throughout the palace - turning the visit into a fun treasure hunt for all ages.

Later, leave the wide-open spaces for the narrow lanes of the Hutongs. A rickshaw ride takes you deep into a different Beijing: low rooftops, shared courtyards, and a pace that hasn't changed in decades. Then comes the calligraphy part, you'll learn to write Chinese characters with a brush pen. It's one of those rare activities where teenagers and parents end up laughing at the same things, the wobbly lines and the ink on their fingers.

This morning, head to Mutianyu Great Wall by car, which takes around 2 hours. Then take a comfortable cable car ride up the mountain. Upon arrival, enjoy a leisurely walk along the wall while taking in the spectacular views. Mutianyu's easy access and relatively gentle stone steps have made it one of the most popular sections of the Great Wall to visit. With a refreshing breeze on your face and panoramic views all around, discovering this remarkable feat of ancient Chinese engineering feels both inspiring and wonderfully relaxing.

Start the morning at Temple of Heaven, a sacred complex where emperors performed rituals to pray for good harvests and favorable weather. The blue glazed tiles used in the architecture is marvelous, but the park around it is just as memorable. This is where locals come to sing, dance, practice tai chi, and walk their birds in cages.

Here, you'll take part in a guided Tai Chi session led by an experienced instructor. Through gentle, flowing movements and mindful breathing, you'll learn the basic principles of this traditional Chinese practice.

Later, board a high-speed train to Xi'an. The ride takes about four to five hours, plenty of time to rest, flip through photos, or watch the landscape flatten out. Upon arrival, your Xi'an local guide will meet you at the station.

Travel to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Bronze Chariots Museum, as you explore the excavation pits, your guide will share the fun stories behind it.

After the visit, step into a local workshop and create your own mini terracotta warrior. This hands-on activity is especially popular with children, who can learn about the craftsmanship behind the ancient army while making a unique souvenir to take home.

Later, head to the Muslim Quarter. The lanes are narrow and crowded, but that's part of the experience. Follow the smells, try a roujiamo (think of it as a Chinese burger), and let the kids pick something that looks strange (that's usually where the best bites come from). It's a great place for the whole family to sample Xi'an's diverse food culture and soak up the atmosphere of the old city.

Begin the day on Xi'an's Ancient City Wall, walk along the broad ramparts and enjoy sweeping views of both the old and modern city below. Continue to the Drum Tower, where you'll learn about traditional timekeeping.

Later, you'll visit a local family in their home, a chance to see how a Xi'an family really lives. You can help make dumplings or hand pulled noodles in their kitchen, talk about daily life, and if everyone is up for it, you might even walk with the host to a nearby market to pick up fresh ingredients. It's simple, real, and often the day that families remember most.

In the evening, head to Grand Tang Everbright City a large cultural park built to reflect the elegance and grandeur of the Tang Dynasty. You'll enjoy illuminated pavilions, lakeside pathways, and cultural performances.

Start the day early at the Chengdu Panda Base, since the pandas are most active in the morning. You'll see them eating, climbing, and tumbling around in large, natural enclosures. Most families end up spending more time here than they expected, simply because it's hard to leave.

In the afternoon, you'll drive to Sanxingdui Museum, home to a collection of artifacts that stand apart from anything else in China. Giant bronze masks with protruding eyes, a golden scepter, and other strange relics tell the story of a civilization that thrived here thousands of years ago and left few written records. The museum is compact enough to explore in a couple of hours without wearing out the family, and the mystery of it all tends to spark curiosity in all ages.

Board a morning train to the picturesque city of Guilin. It's a long ride that takes up most of the day, so settle in and make yourself comfortable. If you'd prefer to fly, that can be arranged too.

Upon arrival, your guide will take you to Reed Flute Cave. Inside, you'll find limestone formations hanging from the ceiling and rising from the floor, lit up in purple, green, and blue. The path is flat and easy to walk, and the whole visit will be just the right length before checking into your hotel.

In the morning, set out on a scenic Li River cruise. The boat moves slowly, you'll watch the limestone peaks drift by, along with bamboo groves, small villages, fishermen, and water buffalo standing knee deep in the river. The ever-changing landscape makes the cruise a favorite for both photographers and families.

Arrive in Yangshuo in the afternoon and take time to explore its lively streets filled with local shops, cafés, and market stalls. Wander at your own pace, sample local snacks, or simply relax with a drink while enjoying the laid-back atmosphere of this charming riverside town.

Start the day with a ride on the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak, where panoramic views stretch across Hong Kong's iconic skyline, Victoria Harbour, and the surrounding islands. Continue to Tai Kwun, a restored heritage complex where historic buildings, open courtyards, and contemporary art create an engaging space to explore. Then you'll explore Central Market with colorful street art, local cafés, and hidden corners. It's an easy stop for a snack without sitting down for a full meal, you can sample egg tarts, deep fried dough balls, milk tea, herbal tea, and wonton noodles.

Later, head to Repulse Bay for a more relaxed family time. You'll also enjoy fun moments while the guide leads you to board Ding Ding Tram, the old double decker tram that has been running through Hong Kong for over a century. Kids love riding on the top deck and watching the city go by at a slow, clanking pace.

Your adventure begins at Wong Tai Sin Temple, a Taoist sanctuary known for its fortune telling tradition among locals. Next, you'll head to Mong Kok, a lively local gathering spot, to explore markets such as Ladies' Market, Goldfish Street, and the Bird Garden. Then, sit down for an authentic Cantonese dim sum lunch. Steamed buns, dumplings, and egg tarts are usually family favorites.

Continue your journey at the Hong Kong Science Museum, where interactive exhibits encourage visitors of all ages to explore and experiment. Then head to the Hong Kong Museum of Art before taking a walk along the Avenue of Stars.

As night falls, board a Chinese junk boat and conclude your day with the Symphony of Lights, admiring the illuminated cityscape and enjoying the evening light show.

After the cruise, take a taxi or city metro to your hotel on your own.