Our 8-day China tour covering Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Beijing was everything we hoped for—and more. The company made booking seamless: fast replies to our queries, a clear itinerary sent ahead, and easy adjustments when we wanted to switch a museum visit to a local market in Beijing.

Each guide was exceptional. In Shanghai, Sarah showed us the Bund’s glittering skyline and hidden Shikumen lanes, sharing fun facts about the city’s colonial past. In Hangzhou, she led us on a sunrise West Lake cruise, telling the “White Snake” legend that made the scenery feel magical, and took us to a tea plantation where we learned to brew Biluochun.

In Suzhou, guide Tom’s knowledge of classical gardens blew us away—he explained the symbolism of every plant in the Lingering Garden and took us to a tiny silk shop where we watched artisans work. In Beijing, Jack was a star: he navigated the Forbidden City’s crowds with ease, took us to a quiet section of the Great Wall for photos, and recommended a fantastic hutong restaurant for Peking duck.

The drivers were reliable too: cars were clean, no odors, and they drove smoothly even in Beijing’s traffic. The itinerary was perfectly balanced—we saw all the highlights (Great Wall, West Lake, Forbidden City) without feeling rushed, and had time to enjoy local food and moments of calm.

This tour gave us a taste of China’s diversity: modern Shanghai, scenic Hangzhou, elegant Suzhou, and historic Beijing. Thanks to Sarah, Tom, Jack, and the whole team, it was an unforgettable adventure. Highly recommend!

Reviewed to: Unforgettable 8-Day China Tour: Nature, History and Modern Life Across Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou & Beijing

As a couple from Canada with a passion for both history and culture, our 8-day China tour spanning Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Beijing exceeded every expectation. From the moment we booked, the company’s service was impeccable: quick email responses to our questions about itinerary flexibility (we asked to add a local market stop in Shanghai), detailed pre-trip guides with packing tips, and even a reminder about high-speed train ticket collection. Every detail felt thoughtfully planned, leaving us stress-free to soak in the experience.

Our first stop was Shanghai, where guide David greeted us at the airport. Fluent in English with a witty, engaging style, he showed us the contrast between the city’s modernity and tradition: we marveled at the futuristic skyline of the Bund at night, wandered through the historic Shikumen lanes, and visited a bustling wet market (our requested add-on), where David translated for us as we chatted with vendors selling fresh dumplings and tropical fruits. He even recommended a hidden rooftop café with panoramic views—something no guidebook mentioned.

Next, we traveled to Hangzhou with David, who stayed with us for the first four days. West Lake was breathtaking at sunrise, and David brought the “Legend of the White Snake” to life as we cruised on a traditional boat, pointing out spots linked to the myth. At Meijiawu Tea Plantation, he walked us through the tea-picking process, explaining how altitude and soil affect Biluochun’s flavor, then guided us through a tea ceremony where we learned to brew the tea ourselves. The bamboo-lined path at Yunqi felt like a peaceful retreat, and David shared stories of how monks once used the path for meditation—adding depth to the serene scenery.

In Suzhou, guide Ling took over, and her expertise in classical gardens was unmatched. She led us through the Humble Administrator’s Garden, pointing out the “borrowed scenery” technique that makes the garden feel larger than it is, and explained the symbolism of every rock and plant (lotus flowers for purity, pine trees for longevity). We also visited a silk workshop, where Ling translated the artisan’s demonstration of silk reeling—we were fascinated to see how a silkworm cocoon becomes a thread. For lunch, she took us to a family-run restaurant for “Suzhou sweet and sour mandarin fish,” explaining that the dish’s delicate flavor reflects the city’s refined culture.

Our final stop was Beijing, with guide Mark joining us. He led us through Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, sharing stories of emperors and concubines that made the grand palaces feel personal. At the Great Wall (Mutianyu section), he hiked with us, pointing out ancient watchtowers and explaining how the wall was built without modern machinery. He also helped us avoid crowds by taking a less-traveled path, where we had stunning photos taken with no other tourists in sight. On our last night, he took us to a local hutong for Peking duck, where we sat with locals and laughed as he translated our attempts at Mandarin.

Throughout the trip, the drivers and vehicles were consistent in quality: spotlessly clean, spacious for our luggage, and always on time. The Beijing driver, in particular, navigated the city’s busy traffic smoothly, and he even had heated seats ready for the chilly autumn mornings.

This 8-day tour wasn’t just a series of sights—it was a journey through China’s soul. David, Ling, and Mark didn’t just show us places; they shared stories, food, and traditions that made us feel connected to the country. We left with a deeper understanding of China’s past and present, and memories that will stay with us forever. If you want to experience China beyond the tourist traps, this is the tour for you.

Reviewed to: Unforgettable 8-Day China Tour: Nature, History and Modern Life Across Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou & Beijing

This 4-day private Beijing tour from Shanghai was exactly what we wanted: a deep, unhurried dive into the city’s culture, made perfect by the tour company and our guide, Lisa. From booking, the company was responsive—they customized the itinerary to skip crowded group spots and added a private silk-weaving workshop at our request, confirming details via email within hours.

Lisa was outstanding: fluent in English, with a passion for Chinese history that shone through. At the Forbidden City, she took us to the Hall of Mental Cultivation, explaining how it was used by Qing emperors, and pointed out hidden carvings that most visitors miss. At the Temple of Heaven, she taught us about the “Heavenly Circle, Earthly Square” design philosophy, making the architecture feel meaningful, not just beautiful.

The driver and car were top-notch: spotless, spacious, and the driver drove steadily, even in busy areas. He always opened the door for us and waited patiently if we wanted to snap extra photos. The itinerary was smartly crafted: we explored imperial sites, joined a private calligraphy class, visited a hutong family for lunch, and ended with a sunset walk along the Summer Palace’s Kunming Lake. There was no wasted time—every activity felt purposeful and intimate.

Lisa’s little touches made it special: she brought us local snacks (like candied hawthorns) to try and translated for us during our hutong lunch, helping us chat with the family about their daily life. This tour wasn’t just sightseeing—it was a genuine cultural connection. We left with a new appreciation for Beijing’s heritage and will absolutely book with this company again.

Reviewed to: Cultural Deep Dive In 4 Days Beijing Private Tour From Shanghai with Exclusive Experiences

As a couple passionate about deep cultural exploration, we chose this 4-day private Beijing tour from Shanghai—and it surpassed every expectation, thanks to the tour company’s meticulous planning and our exceptional guide, David. From the moment we inquired, the company’s communication was prompt and tailored: they asked about our specific interests (ancient Chinese history and imperial culture) and adjusted the itinerary to include lesser-visited cultural gems, rather than just the standard tourist spots. They even arranged a high-speed train pickup service and confirmed our boutique hotel’s proximity to historic districts, ensuring convenience every step of the way.

David was a walking encyclopedia of Chinese culture, with a gift for weaving stories into every site. On Day 1, we visited the Forbidden City—but instead of the crowded main halls, David led us to the Palace of Eternal Longevity, a quiet courtyard where imperial concubines once resided. He pointed out the subtle symbolism in the roof tiles (yellow for emperors, green for nobility) and explained how the courtyard’s layout reflected Confucian family values. Later, at Tiananmen Square, he contextualized the landmarks with stories of China’s modern history, answering our questions with depth and clarity—never rushing or oversimplifying.

Day 2 focused on imperial rituals: we visited the Temple of Heaven, where David demonstrated how emperors performed sacrifices to the gods of harvest, even mimicking the ancient ceremonial gestures to make the tradition come alive. In the afternoon, we joined a private calligraphy workshop with a local master—arranged by the tour company—and David translated the master’s instructions, helping us write our names in traditional brush strokes. That evening, he took us to a family-run restaurant in a hutong, where we tried imperial-style dishes like “Beggar’s Chicken” and he shared the story of how the dish was created for a hungry emperor.

Day 3 was dedicated to literary and artistic heritage: we explored the Summer Palace, with David highlighting poems inscribed on the Long Corridor’s beams, and visited a small porcelain studio on the outskirts of Beijing. There, we watched artisans paint traditional blue-and-white patterns, and David explained the evolution of porcelain from the Ming to Qing dynasties. The driver, Mr. Zhang, deserves special praise too—his car was immaculately clean, with no odors, and he navigated Beijing’s traffic smoothly, always arriving 10 minutes early. He even adjusted the air conditioning to our preference and had hot water ready for our tea thermos.

On our final day, we visited the National Museum of China with David, who curated a 2-hour tour focusing on artifacts that tied to our previous days’ experiences—like a Ming Dynasty imperial robe that matched the roof tile symbolism we’d learned about at the Forbidden City. The itinerary was perfectly balanced: no rushed transfers, plenty of time to absorb each site, and moments of relaxation (like a tea break in a hutong courtyard) that felt like genuine cultural connections.

By the end of the tour, we didn’t just “see” Beijing—we understood layers of its history, art, and traditions. David’s expertise, the company’s flexibility, and Mr. Zhang’s reliability turned this into more than a vacation; it was a cultural education. We can’t recommend this private tour enough for travelers who want to go beyond the surface.

Reviewed to: Cultural Deep Dive In 4 Days Beijing Private Tour From Shanghai with Exclusive Experiences

We took our 12-year-old son on this 3-day Great Wall hiking tour from Shanghai, and it was the highlight of our year. The company was incredibly helpful upfront: they explained which sections were kid-friendly (avoiding overly steep climbs), suggested packing light hiking shoes for our son, and even arranged for a child-sized backpack stuffed with his favorite snacks—all thanks to a quick note we mentioned in our booking.

Our guide, Mei, was a godsend for families—patient, energetic, and a pro at keeping kids engaged. She turned the hike into a “Great Wall Treasure Hunt,” giving our son a small notebook to tally watchtowers, spot dragon carvings on tower doors, and count the crenellations along the parapets. When he asked about “how soldiers slept here,” Mei shared simple, exciting stories about ancient garrisons instead of dry facts. On Day 2, when our son started flagging, she slowed the pace and pointed out a family of marmots scurrying near the wall—turning his tiredness into excitement. She also always had extra water and granola bars handy, just in case.

The driver was fantastic too: the car was roomy for our hiking gear and our son’s travel toys, and he drove carefully on the mountain roads. He even remembered Mei mentioning our son loved apples and stopped at a roadside stand to pick up a bag of fresh, crisp ones—such a thoughtful touch.

The itinerary was smartly designed for families: we hiked moderate sections (Mutianyu to Gubeikou) with plenty of shaded rest stops, stayed in family-friendly guesthouses with comfortable beds and hot showers, and enjoyed meals that catered to a kid’s palate (like fried rice and steamed buns) alongside local specialties. On Day 3, Mei took us to a small nearby museum, where she helped our son complete a “Junior Archaeologist” worksheet about the wall’s history—something he still talks about weeks later.

We were worried a 3-day hiking tour might be too much for a pre-teen, but Mei and the team made it fun and manageable. Our son now calls himself a “Great Wall Explorer,” and we’re already planning our next trip with them.

Reviewed to: From Skylines to Stone Wall: 3 Days Beijing Great Wall Hiking Tour From Shanghai

As hiking enthusiasts, we’d dreamed of exploring the Great Wall beyond the crowded tourist spots—and this 3-day tour from Shanghai turned that dream into reality. The company’s communication was seamless from booking: they sent detailed hiking gear recommendations, confirmed the difficulty level (moderate, perfect for our experience), and adjusted the pickup time to align with our high-speed train arrival in Beijing.

Our guide, Liam, was a hiking and history expert—fluent in English, with intimate knowledge of the less-visited Jiankou to Mutianyu section we trekked. He shared vivid stories of the wall’s construction (like how local villagers helped build the watchtowers) and pointed out faded inscriptions on stone bricks that most hikers miss. During steep climbs, he kept our group motivated with fun facts about ancient soldiers’ daily lives, and he always stayed at the back to ensure no one fell behind. Liam’s photography skills were also top-notch—he knelt, climbed, and adjusted angles to capture our best moments against the wall’s dramatic mountain backdrop.

The driver and vehicle were reliable and comfortable: the minivan was clean, spacious for our hiking bags, and the driver navigated the winding mountain roads smoothly. He always arrived on time for pickups at our mountain guesthouses and stocked the car with cold water and energy bars for the drives.

The itinerary was perfectly paced for hiking: Day 1 focused on the rugged Jiankou section (with sweeping views of the wall’s “wild” stone paths); Day 2 continued to Mutianyu (blending untamed terrain with well-preserved brick towers); Day 3 included a leisurely walk along a quiet stretch before heading back to Shanghai. We stayed in cozy local guesthouses, where Liam even joined us for dinner and shared more tales of the wall’s local legends.

This tour wasn’t just about hiking—it was about connecting with the Great Wall’s raw, unfiltered beauty. Thanks to Liam and the whole team, we left with stories, photos, and memories that will last a lifetime. Highly recommend for fellow adventure seekers!

Reviewed to: From Skylines to Stone Wall: 3 Days Beijing Great Wall Hiking Tour From Shanghai

We took our 9-year-old son on this “Cultural Gems” tour, hoping to spark his interest in Chinese history—and it worked better than we imagined. The company was incredibly helpful upfront: he answered our questions about kid-friendly cultural activities and even suggested books about Beijing’s landmarks to read with him before the trip.

Our guide was amazing with kids—he turned history into interactive fun. At the Forbidden City, he gave him a “treasure hunt” list (find a dragon with 5 claws, spot a phoenix carving) that kept him engaged for hours. On the hutong tour, he introduced him to a local kid who taught him how to fly a kite, and at the Temple of Heaven, he explained tai chi movements so he could join in. He also took great family photos and helped us avoid crowded areas during peak times.

The driver was fantastic too: the car was spacious enough for our luggage and son’s backpack, and he drove steadily, even in busy traffic. He always had water and tissues ready, and waited patiently when we needed extra time to get our son settled.

The itinerary was genius for families: it mixed big landmarks (Forbidden City, Summer Palace) with hands-on local experiences (making dumplings at a family kitchen, visiting a hutong school). Meals were at kid-friendly restaurants where our son tried Peking duck and sweet soybean milk—no fussy eating battles!

By the end of the trip, our son was talking nonstop about “Beijing’s cool history and nice people.” This tour proved that cultural travel can be fun for kids and meaningful for adults. Thank you for a memorable family adventure!

Reviewed to: Explore Cultural Treasures in 3-Day: Shanghai to Beijing Tour of Landmarks and Local Life

As someone obsessed with Chinese culture, this 3-day “Cultural Gems” tour from Shanghai to Beijing was a dream come true. The company’s communication was seamless from booking: they shared a detailed itinerary highlighting both iconic sites and local spots, and quickly adjusted my pickup time when my high-speed train arrived a bit early.

Our guide was a walking cultural encyclopedia—fluent in English, with a passion for history that shone through. At the Forbidden City, he didn’t just point out halls; he explained the symbolism of the roof tiles (yellow for imperial power, green for harmony) and how the layout reflected Confucian values. But the real highlight was the hutong tour: he led us to a local family’s courtyard, where we sipped jasmine tea and listened to stories about hutong life—something no guidebook could offer. He also helped me chat with a street food vendor, translating as I learned how to make jianbing.

The driver and car were impeccable: the vehicle was spotless, with no odors, and he navigated Beijing’s traffic smoothly. He always arrived early for transfers and even waited patiently when I lingered to take photos of a hutong alley at golden hour.

The itinerary struck the perfect balance between landmarks and local life: Day 1 was Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City; Day 2 included the Temple of Heaven (where we watched locals practice tai chi) and a hutong bike ride; Day 3 ended with the Summer Palace and a visit to a traditional teahouse. No time was wasted, but we never felt rushed.

This tour didn’t just show me Beijing’s sights—it let me feel its soul. I left with a deeper understanding of Chinese culture and memories of genuine local connections. Highly recommend for culture lovers!

Reviewed to: Explore Cultural Treasures in 3-Day: Shanghai to Beijing Tour of Landmarks and Local Life

We took our two teens (14 and 16) on this private 7-day tour from Shanghai to Xi’an and Beijing, hoping to make history come alive for them—and it worked better than we imagined. The company was incredibly supportive from the start: they tailored the itinerary to include teen-friendly activities (like a Xi’an City Wall scooter ride instead of a bike), confirmed Wi-Fi access at all hotels, and even shared local snack recommendations the kids might enjoy.

Our private guide was a hit with the whole family—energetic, relatable, and great at connecting ancient history to modern life. In Xi’an, he turned the Terracotta Army tour into a “detective game,” challenging the teens to spot differences between the soldiers. In Beijing, they took us to a hutong street art workshop where the kids painted their own dragon murals—something they still talk about! He also helped with group photos, translated menus for us, and adjusted the pace when the teens needed a break.

The driver and minivan were ideal for a family: spacious enough for our luggage, stroller (we brought one for a younger niece who joined us), and snacks. He drove cautiously, especially with kids in the car, and always had cold drinks ready. He even made a quick detour to a Beijing bubble tea shop when the teens begged—such flexibility!

The itinerary balanced education and fun perfectly: Xi’an included the Terracotta Army, a Tang Dynasty dance show (the teens loved the costumes), and street food tastings; Beijing featured the Great Wall (with a chairlift for less walking), Forbidden City (focused on the “drama” of imperial life), and a modern Olympic Park visit. Transfers between Shanghai Xi’an (high-speed train) and Xi’an Beijing (train) were smooth, with the guide handling all tickets and luggage.

Planning a multi-city trip with teens is stressful, but this private tour took all the hassle away. The kids learned so much, and we made memories that will last a lifetime. We can’t recommend this company enough!

Reviewed to: 7-Day Xian Beijing Private Tour From Shanghai: Journey Through China’s Timeless Heritage and Dynamic Cities

My partner and I booked this private 7-day tour from Shanghai to Xi’an and Beijing for our anniversary, and it was nothing short of extraordinary. The company’s service started impressively: they responded to our initial inquiry within an hour, customized the itinerary to skip crowded tourist traps (we hate big groups!), and shared detailed pre-trip tips—like packing comfortable shoes for Xi’an’s Terracotta Army site.

Our dedicated guide was phenomenal—with deep expertise in both Xi’an’s imperial history and Beijing’s cultural heritage. In Xi’an, he led us on a private tour of the Terracotta Army at sunrise (before the crowds hit), pointing out unique details like the soldiers’ individualized faces and explaining the excavation process. In Beijing, he took us to a hidden hutong tea house for a private tea ceremony, introducing us to local artisans. He spoke fluent English, snapped stunning anniversary photos, and even arranged a surprise cake at our Beijing hotel—such a thoughtful touch!

The driver and vehicle were luxurious: a spacious sedan with leather seats, always spotless and fragrance-free. He navigated the 5-hour high-speed train transfer from Xi’an to Beijing seamlessly, picking us up right at the platform with our names on a sign. He drove smoothly through both cities’ traffic, adjusted the temperature to our liking, and never rushed us—even when we wanted to linger at the Summer Palace.

The itinerary was pure perfection for a private trip: Days 1-3 in Xi’an (Terracotta Army, City Wall bike ride, Muslim Quarter food tour); Days 4-7 in Beijing (Forbidden City private tour, Mutianyu Great Wall with cable car, Temple of Heaven, and a Peking duck dinner at a Michelin-recommended restaurant). Every stop felt exclusive, with no wasted time on unnecessary detours.

This tour wasn’t just a vacation—it was a personalized journey through China’s most iconic histories. The company’s flexibility, the guide’s expertise, and the driver’s reliability made our anniversary unforgettable.

Reviewed to: 7-Day Xian Beijing Private Tour From Shanghai: Journey Through China’s Timeless Heritage and Dynamic Cities