14-Day China Ancient Architecture Private Tour

Beijing, Datong, Pingyao, Xi'an, Shanghai, Suzhou

Traveler Reviews

14 Days China Ancient Architecture Tour tour map

Terracotta Army in Xian travel experience

Tour Type: Private Tour

Tour Code: SKY-Cultural-03

Tour Highlights:

Trace the development of Chinese architecture through Beijing, Datong, Pingyao, Xi'an, Shanghai and Suzhou.
Visit imperial complexes, Buddhist grottoes and temples, preserved city walls and courtyard residences.
Compare northern historic towns with Shanghai's urban heritage and Suzhou's classical gardens.
Travel with private guiding and pre-arranged transfers throughout the route.

Best Travel Time:
This journey operates year-round, with April through November recommended for the most comfortable overall sightseeing conditions.

From $ ~~2129~~1916

Free Inquiry

Tour Itinerary

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Itinerary

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Day 1Beijing

Transfer service to hotel

Meals: No Meals
Recommended Hotel: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing ★★★★

Arrive in Beijing and meet your YUNSKY guide at the airport. Transfer to the hotel for check-in, then keep the rest of the day free to recover from the journey.

Beijing City View

Day 2Beijing

Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, Temple of Heaven, Panjiayuan Antique Market

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Recommended Hotel: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing ★★★★

[09:00-09:30] Meet your guide in the hotel lobby and begin the first day of historic Beijing sightseeing.

[09:30-12:30] Start at Tian'anmen Square, then walk into the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace. Continue to Jingshan Park and climb Coal Hill for a broad view over the palace roofs.

[12:30-14:00] Have lunch at Shi Yuan Restaurant, where the listed local dishes include braised eggplant, vegetable balls and diced chicken with walnuts in soy sauce.

[14:00-16:30] Visit the Temple of Heaven, the ceremonial complex where emperors prayed for good harvests. Afterwards, browse Panjiayuan Antique Market and Pearl Market.

[16:30-17:30] Return to the hotel. On the way, ask your guide for advice about an evening show or a Peking duck dinner.

Forbidden City

Day 3Beijing

Mutianyu Great Wall, Olympic Park, The exterior Bird Nest and Water Cube

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Recommended Hotel: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing ★★★★

[08:00-08:30] Meet your guide at the hotel and depart for the Great Wall.

[08:30-12:30] Drive to Mutianyu Great Wall. Choose to hike after arrival or take the cable car up and walk along the restored wall.

[12:30-13:30] Stop for lunch at Xiaolongpu Restaurant, whose listed vegetable dishes include fried vegetables, dry-fried beans and sweet corn cake.

[13:30-16:30] Drive back toward Beijing and rest in the vehicle. Stop outside the Bird Nest and Water Cube, then visit a teahouse for a Chinese tea experience.

[16:30-17:30] Return to the hotel. Optional evening ideas include a foot massage, Houhai bars or Sanlitun Bar Street.

Mutianyu Great Wall

Day 4Beijing – Datong

Hutong tour by rickshaw, Summer Palace, High speed train to Datong

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Recommended Hotel: Weidu Internation Hotel Datong Centre ★★★★

[09:30-10:00] After breakfast, meet your guide in the hotel lobby for the final half-day in Beijing.

[10:00-11:30] Head to the Drum Tower area for a Hutong Tour by rickshaw and a closer look at neighborhood lanes and local life.

[11:30-14:30] Continue to the Summer Palace,, Beijing's largest surviving imperial garden. A boat ride on Kunming Lake is included, followed by lunch at nearby Xiangyangtun Restaurant with its indoor opera stage.

[14:30-18:00] Transfer to Beijing North Railway Station for the approximately two-hour high-speed train to Datong. Meet the local guide at the station and continue to the hotel for check-in.

Hutong Tour by Rickshaw

Day 5Datong

Yungang Grottoes, Huayan Monastery, Nine Dragon Screen

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Recommended Hotel: Weidu Internation Hotel Datong Centre ★★★★

[09:30-12:00] Drive to the Yungang Grottoes, whose 53 caves contain more than 51,000 Buddhist stone carvings.

[12:30-13:30] Have lunch at a local restaurant and sample Datong dishes.

[14:00-16:30] Return to central Datong to visit Huayan Monastery, the largest well-preserved monastery from the Liao dynasty. Continue to the Nine Dragon Wall,, an early and large glazed screen.

[16:30-17:30] Transfer to the hotel and check in for the night.

Yungang Grottoes

Day 6Datong – Pingyao

Hanging Temple, Yingxian Wood Pagoda

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Recommended Hotel: Hongshanyi Hotel ★★★★

[08:00-08:30] Meet your guide, check out and begin the 5-6 hour journey toward Pingyao.

[08:30-11:00] Drive from central Datong to Hunyuan County and visit the Hanging Temple, an example of historic timber construction built against the cliff.

[11:00-14:30] Continue about one hour to Yingxian County to see the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, then have lunch at a local restaurant.

[14:30-18:30] Travel onward to Pingyao, transfer to the hotel and rest after arrival.

Hanging Temple

Day 7Pingyao

Wang's Courtyard, Zhangbi Ancient town

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Recommended Hotel: Hongshanyi Hotel ★★★★

[09:00-09:30] Have breakfast and meet your guide in the hotel lobby.

[09:30-12:30] Drive to Wang's Courtyard in Lingshi County. Its 54 courtyards and 1,052 rooms provide a detailed look at a large traditional residential complex.

[12:30-14:30] Have lunch at a local Chinese restaurant.

[14:30-16:30] Continue to Zhangbi Ancient Castle, whose more than 1,380-year-old defensive tunnels show the engineering of an underground military settlement.

[16:30-17:30] Return to the hotel in Pingyao and keep the rest of the day free.

Wang's Courtyard

Day 8Pingyao – Xi'an

Pingyao Ancient Town, Shuanglin Temple, High speed train to Xi'an

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Recommended Hotel: Bell Tower Grand New Century Hotel ★★★★

[08:00-09:00] Have breakfast and meet your guide in the hotel lobby.

[09:00-14:30] Explore Pingyao Ancient Town, including the city wall and Rishengchang Exchange Shop, established in 1643 and known as China's first draft bank. Walk along Ming Qing Street. and have lunch at a local restaurant within the old city.

[14:30-16:00] Drive about 15 minutes to Shuanglin Temple, known for its collection of painted clay statues and wooden sculptures.

Transfer back to Pingyao and board the high-speed train to Xi'an.

Pingyao Ancient Town

Day 9Xi'an

Terracotta Warriors, Bell Tower, Gao's Courtyard, Muslim Quarter

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Recommended Hotel: Bell Tower Grand New Century Hotel ★★★★

[09:00-09:30] Meet your guide at the hotel and begin the Xi'an sightseeing day.

[09:30-12:30] Drive to the Terracotta Warriors and view the excavated soldiers, horses and chariots arranged in battle formation. A shuttle bus is included.

[12:30-14:00] Have lunch at Lanchi Restaurant, whose buffet includes dim sum, noodles and Chinese hamburgers.

[14:00-17:00] Visit the Bell tower, then enter Gao's Courtyard to see a traditional residence and learn about paper-cutting and shadow puppetry. Finish in the Muslim Quarter for its streets, shops and local snacks.

[17:00-17:30] Return to the hotel. Ask your guide about the optional Tang Dynasty Show with Dinner if you would like an evening performance.

Terracotta Warriors

Day 10Xi'an – Shanghai

Ancient City Wall, Wild Goose Pagoda and north square, Hanyang Tomb

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Recommended Hotel: Sunrise On The Bund Hotel ★★★★

[09:30-10:00] Pack, check out and meet your guide for a final sightseeing program in Xi'an before flying to Shanghai.

[10:00-12:30] Walk on the Ancient City Wall; bicycle rental is optional and excluded from the tour price. Continue to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and, when available, see the fountain show at the North Plaza.

[12:30-16:30] Have the scheduled dumpling-banquet lunch. On the way to Xi'an airport, visit the Hanyang Mausoleum before continuing to your flight.

Fly to Shanghai. Meet your Shanghai guide at the airport and transfer to the hotel.

Ancient City Wall

Day 11Shanghai

Jade Buddha Temple, the exterior of Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Yuyuan Garden; Shanghai Old Street, The Bund

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Recommended Hotel: Sunrise on the Bund Hotel ★★★★

[09:00-09:30] Meet your guide at the hotel and begin the Shanghai city tour.

[09:30-12:30] Visit Jade Buddha Temple and see its seated, jewel-covered Buddha, described as weighing 1,000 kg. Continue to the exterior of Oriental Pearl TV Tower and walk along the Riverside Promenade.

[12:30-13:30] Stop for a local lunch featuring dim sum and steamed buns.

[13:30-16:30] Explore Yuyuan Garden, then browse Shanghai Old Street and Nanjing Road for local souvenirs. Finish with a walk along the Bund, whose waterfront buildings reflect Shanghai's international trading history.

16:30-17:30] Return to the hotel. Ask your guide about the optional Acrobatic Show, including the popular ERA production.

The Bund

Day 12Shanghai – Suzhou

Tongli Water Town, Pingjiang Ancient Street, Tiger Hill

Meals: Breakfast& Lunch
Recommended Hotel: Garden Hotel ★★★★

[09:00-09:30] Guide will meet you up at the hotel lobby

[09:30-12:30] Drive to Tongli Water town, known for its Ming- and Qing-era residences, gardens, houses and temples. A wooden canal-boat ride through the waterways is included.

[12:30-13:30] Have lunch at a local restaurant in Tongli.

[13:30-16:30] Continue to Suzhou and walk along Pingjiang Ancient Street, preserved for more than 800 years. Then visit Tiger Hill, a landmark with over 2,500 years of history and a 34-meter-high hill.

[16:30-17:30] Return to the hotel. The evening is free, with Shantang Old Street or a walk beside the Grand Canal suggested for independent exploration.

Tongli Water Town

Day 13Suzhou – Shanghai

Lingering Garden, Suzhou Museum, Humble Administrator Garden, Silk Factory

Meals: Breakfast& Lunch
Recommended Hotel: Sunrise on the Bund Hotel ★★★★

[09:00-09:30] Meet your guide in the hotel lobby.

[09:30-12:30] Visit Lingering Garden, one of Suzhou's four celebrated classical gardens, then continue to Suzhou Museum, designed by I. M. Pei.

[12:30-13:30] Have lunch at a local restaurant near Suzhou Museum.

[13:30-16:30] Explore the Humble Administrator Garden, Suzhou's largest classical garden, then visit the Silk Factory to see how silk is produced.

[16:30-18:30] Drive back to Shanghai, check in at the hotel and keep the rest of the day free.

Humble Administrator's Garden

Day 14Shanghai

Transfer service to airport

Meals: Breakfast

Keep the day free until the airport transfer. A Maglev ride to Pudong Airport can be arranged if requested; otherwise, transfer directly by road.

Service Ends

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Tour Price (US$ per person)

Hotel Class	Group Size	Dec. ~ Feb.	Mar. ~ Nov.
Economy Hotel ★★★	2 ~ 5 pax	$ ~~3292~~ 2963	$ ~~3416~~ 3074
Economy Hotel ★★★	6 ~ 9 pax	$ ~~2129~~ 1916	$ ~~2253~~ 2028
Comfortable Hotel ★★★★	2 ~ 5 pax	$ ~~3515~~ 3163	$ ~~3742~~ 3368
Comfortable Hotel ★★★★	6 ~ 9 pax	$ ~~2355~~ 2119	$ ~~2582~~ 2324
Deluxe Hotel ★★★★★	2 ~ 5 pax	$ ~~3891~~ 3502	$ ~~4119~~ 3707
Deluxe Hotel ★★★★★	6 ~ 9 pax	$ ~~2744~~ 2470	$ ~~2972~~ 2675

Price includes:

♦ Domestic flight or high-speed train as specified
♦ Private transfer between the airport or railway station, attractions, and hotels
♦ Private licensed English-speaking guide and driver service
♦ Hotel accommodation with daily breakfast on sharing basis
♦ All attraction entrance fees as specified
♦ Meals mentioned in the itinerary, Chinese local food

Price excludes:

* International Air tickets or Train Tickets to enter or leave China
* Tips to your tour guide and driver on your own discretion
* China Entry Visa Fees
* Personal expenses
* Optional tours, meals, activities and services
* China Life Tourist Accident/Casualty Insurance

Remarks:

※ Prices are valid from Jan 1, 2026 to Dec 31, 2027, except Chinese public holidays, local fairs or events.
※ YUNSKY reserves the right to adjust the price caused by exchange rate
※ No guide on the flight and Yangtze River cruise.
※ Recommended hotels are subject to change in actual booking
※ Special requirements should be advised to YUNSKY in advance.
※ YUNSKY reserves the right of final explanation for any change due to the reasons beyond our control.

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Traveler Reviews Feedbacks & Photos
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5.0

PunkNelson

5.0

Great Hotel stay Very Nice Tour guides Convenient planned daily trips Average selection of restaurant for food though

Kiwimac53

5.0

We were looking for a tour in SW China while in the area for work and found this one. While we wouldn't normally get a private tour but surprisingly it was actually cheaper than most of the group tours in the area and was great value. While I would usually rather keep one guide for the whole tour, as you get to know each other and they get to know what you are interested in, we changed guides 5 times during this trip (fortunately we had the same guide in Kunming at the start and end of the tour which was a real bonus as Murphy, our Kunming based guide, was excellent.) In this case changing guides had the advantage of local knowledge at each site so compensated for the change. Of the 4 guides we had 3 excellent and 1 very good with each of them working hard to look after us and make sure we enjoyed our trip. Vicky, our Dali based guide was also extremely good making our time there a highlight. The tour gives you 2 days at each base ie travel in the morning, have the afternoon and the next day touring the area then drive to the next base. We chose the driving tour as we feel it gives you a better experience of the area and you get to see the locals in action. All the drivers we had were great – they went out of their way to look after us and were very safe, which is saying something for driving in China. While all of the guides were very fluent in English none of the drivers could speak English which was a slight disadvantage as you didn't have the guides with you when traveling between bases but the friendliness and helpfulness of the drivers more than made up for this.
The tour was very well organised and we knew what we were doing from the time we met our guide on arrival at the Kunming railway station to when we walked through security at the airport on our way out. The tour comes with 4,5 and 6 star accommodation choices and we went for the cheapest 4 star option. While the English at the hotels was limited the guides made sure we were checked in and out and took care of any issues (which were minimal). The 4 star option is largely “Chinese style” hotels ie designed for Chinese visitors with breakfast consisting of what many westeners would consider dinner style food but there was always eggs and toast for the less adventurous. The hotels were all clean and comfortable and generally very well located. The Hotel in Kunming (Jin Jang Inn) was a bonus as it seemed higher than 4 star and we stayed there both on our way in and out. As well as breakfast, lunch came with the tour which was enjoyable as the guides choose the restaurants so we got a variety. I got the feeling that most of the restaurants were owned by friends or family or there was some arrangement with the guide, but as you get to formally review each guide and the meals at the end of each stop they work hard to make sure you enjoy the meal and there was always an abundance of food. We tried a range of local cuisine and there was only one meal we didn't think was up to par. You get your own dinner which also suited us as there is invariably a range of restaurants or for the more adventurous there is the street vendors and you can choose what you want. The vehicles we were driven in were all very good- plenty of space and very comfortable.
Being a private tour, while there was a set itinerary, which was diverse and very interesting with something for most people, the guides could tweak it to suit individual interests eg more time at one site and less at another. It is easy to get a bit templed out but overall the itinerary was a good mic of nature and culture. I would thoroughly recommend the tour and the company and we will be looking to the company if/when we go back – Guilin is next on the list as the guides were very happy to discus what they thought we would and wouldn't enjoy based on working with us on this tour,

N2265ZIinfo

5.0

Excellent guides, flexible and knowledgeable travel agent. They speak good English. Our trip was very well organized. We are 100% happy and I can recommend Yun Sky Travel to everybody.

Wesley O

5.0

I contacted Yun Sky Travel for a 13 day China vacation (Beijing/Xian/Yangtze River cruise/Shanghai) and right from the start Bonnie provided me with great choices and package options. Throughout the entire planning and even during the trip Bonnie was there for us following up and making sure everything was perfect. Thank you Bonnie for making our China vacation unforgettable.

Johnf8958

5.0

From the minute I contacted Vicky at Yun Sky Travel to book our holiday, to the time we were taken to Pudong airport for our flight home, the experience was perfect.
My wife and I visited Beijing, Xian and Shanghai and all of our tour guides were fluent in English, very knowledgeable and very friendly.
Thank you Vicky and all at YUNSKY and I will definitely be in contact when I return to China.

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