China 12-Day Tours & Itineraries

Explore 8 trips designed by local kimkim specialists to get ideas for your trip to China.

Experience China with our 12-day itineraries tailored to various interests. If your dream trip includes modern skyscrapers, ancient warriors, and gorgeous natural landscapes, consider a journey like this Shanghai to Beijing highlights, featuring a night cruise on the Huangpu River and a visit to the Great Wall. You might also enjoy a different route, like this Beijing to Hong Kong grand adventure, where you'll visit the Temple of Heaven and the terra cotta warriors and enjoy a luxury river cruise. If trekking along the Great Wall and visiting four major cities sounds like a fun trip, consider something similar to this China, Hong Kong, and Macau trip. 

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Yuyuan Garden (Garden of Happiness) in the center of Shanghai
Map of Highlights from Shanghai to Beijing - 12 Days
Highlights from Shanghai to Beijing - 12 Days

This exciting 12-day itinerary includes some of China's best cultural and natural wonders. Kick off the trip in cosmopolitan Shanghai where you'll explore its modern waterfront, peaceful gardens, and artsy neighborhoods. Next is Zhangjiajie for a dose of dramatic mountain vistas before you continue to Xi'an to see the Terra Cotta Warriors. Finish with a bullet train to Beijing to experience the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and—on your last full day—the Great Wall of China.

The Great Wall of China
Map of Beijing to Hong Kong Grand Tour - 12 Days
Beijing to Hong Kong Grand Tour - 12 Days

This fascinating 12-day itinerary is the ultimate introduction to modern and ancient Chinese civilization. Kicking off in Beijing, you'll experience the best sites of the country's exhilarating capital before making your way to Hong Kong by way of a plane, bullet train, and luxury cruise with key stops along the way. Led by English-speaking private guides, this a great balance of history, breathtaking landscapes, and insight into Chinese culture.

Explore the region's most famous cities.
Map of Discover China, Hong Kong and Macau - 12 Days
Discover China, Hong Kong and Macau - 12 Days

Take a great trip to China and experience the country's most famous attractions. Trek the Great Wall, explore the world's largest palace, the Forbidden City, view the amazing 2,000-year-old Terracotta Warriors, and visit Hong Kong and Macau on this comprehensive trip.

Experience the dramatic karst scenery in Guilin during a boat ride down the tranquil Li River
Map of Best of China: Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin & Shanghai - 12 Days
Best of China: Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin & Shanghai - 12 Days

Spend 12 days discovering four iconic cities in China, starting in the capital, Beijing. Enjoy a traditional Peking duck dinner, trek a portion of the Great Wall, and cruise across Kunming Lake before flying to Xi'an. Here, you can walk along the ancient city walls and admire the artistry of the Terracotta Army. Then, the Reed Flute Cave, Longji Rice Terraces, and tranquil Li River await your discovery in the Guanxi region. End with a highlights tour of Shanghai, where you'll see a mix of historic and modern highlights.

Hike a portion of the Great Wall of China before transfering to Ulanqab
Map of Active Chinese Adventure in Beijing & Inner Mongolia - 12 Days
Active Chinese Adventure in Beijing & Inner Mongolia - 12 Days

Travel off the beaten track on this 12-day active adventure in Beijing and Inner Mongolia. Spend four days exploring China's capital, then transfer to Ulanqab to experience the Huitengxile Grassland and the Wulanhada Volcano Geopark. Stay in a yurt, ride a horse through the grasslands, and trek to the rim of a volcanic crater before summiting Daqing Mountain. Other highlights include visiting Badakar Monastery, off-roading in the Kubuqi Desert, and discovering the Mausoleum of Genghis Khan.

Visit the China Fan Museum in Hangzhou to admire the delicate fans from bygone eras
Map of China's Ultimate Art & Culture Tour: Beijing to Hangzhou - 12 Days
China's Ultimate Art & Culture Tour: Beijing to Hangzhou - 12 Days

Creative types will love this 12-day tour exploring China's art and culture scene. Start in Beijing with a mask painting class and an exploration of the 798 Art Zone, based in former military factories. Then, head to Xi'an, where you can learn Chinese calligraphy and watch a shadow puppet show. Spend a day discovering Suzhou's beautiful gardens before you head to the M50 Art District in Shanghai. Your final stop is Hangzhou, which has three art museums, including one dedicated to the craft of umbrella-making.

Ride a camel across the Singing Sand Dunes to get to Crescent Moon Spring
Map of Experience China's Former Silk Road: Xi'an to Kashgar - 12 Days
Experience China's Former Silk Road: Xi'an to Kashgar - 12 Days

Discover five ancient Silk Road cities on this fascinating 12-day journey across China. Kick off at the start of the infamous trade route, Xi'an, known for its Terracotta Army. Then, head to Jiayuguan to explore the Jiayu Pass and a portion of the Great Wall of China, followed by the UNESCO-listed Mogao Caves and Gobi Desert. From here, admire the Flaming Mountains and ancient ruins in Turpan before ending your trip in Kashgar, where you'll meet a local Uyghur family and tour historic Islamic landmarks.

The incomparable Terracotta Army
Map of Along the Great Silk Road: Xi'an to Kashgar - 12 Days
Along the Great Silk Road: Xi'an to Kashgar - 12 Days

One of the most famous trade routes in world history is undoubtedly the ancient Silk Road, established over 2,000 years ago and bridged East and West. Over 12 days, you'll follow in the footsteps of this history, traveling the Silk Road from its beginning point in China's ancient city of Xi'an west into the arid desert region of Xinjiang and oasis cities like Turpan and Kashgar. Along the way, you'll see the Terracotta Army, visit Buddhist temples, ride camels through the desert, and more.

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