10-Day China Tours from Australia: Explore History and Culture with the Best China Tours from Australia

Summary

Day1 Beijing Arrival
Day2 Beijing: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven
Day3 Beijing: Great Wall, Summer Palace
Day4 Beijing-Luoyang by train: Hutong
Day5 Luoyang-Dengfeng-Luoyang: Shaolin Temple
Day6 Luoyang-Xi'an by train: Luoyang Museum, Luoyang Grottoes and White Horse Temple
Day7 Xi'an: Terracotta Warriors, Bell Tower, Gao's Courtyard and Muslim Quarter
Day8 Xi'an-Shanghai by Plane: Ancient City Wall, Wild Goose Pagoda and north square and Hanyang Tomb
Day9 Shanghai: Shikumen, the Bund, Yuyuan Garden, Jade Buddha Temple, Lujiazui CBD and Shanghai Tower
Day10 Shanghai Departure

Day1 Beijing Arrival

Our friendly driver will be waiting for you at the airport arrival hall, holding a clear “Your Way Holiday” sign. From the moment you land, we ensure a seamless and stress-free start to your journey. The driver will escort you directly to your hotel in comfort and safety, giving you time to relax after your flight. Our team is here to support your experience from day one, with local insight and personal care—so you can truly travel like a local.

Day2 Beijing

Begin your day at the iconic Tiananmen Square, the political heart of China. As you stand in this immense public space, your guide will explain its powerful symbolism and historical milestones—from the founding ceremony of the People’s Republic in 1949 to key events that shaped modern China. Surrounded by landmarks such as the Monument to the People’s Heroes and the Great Hall of the People, the square sets the stage for your deep dive into Beijing’s past. Your guide will also point out small local details—flag-raising rituals, security protocols, and local behaviors—that bring the square’s everyday relevance to life.

Next, walk through the Gate of Heavenly Peace into the magnificent Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage site and once the seat of imperial power for over 500 years. Spanning more than 180 acres with nearly 1,000 preserved buildings, this vast palace complex offers endless layers of discovery. Our guide will help you navigate its grand courtyards and intricate halls, unraveling stories of emperors, royal ceremonies, and the symbolism behind its vibrant architecture. You'll gain insights into Confucian principles, imperial hierarchy, and ancient construction techniques—all while avoiding the typical rush by following our carefully planned route.

In the afternoon, visit the serene Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of Ming architecture and spiritual design. Here, emperors once performed annual rites to ensure bountiful harvests. The guide will explain the temple's fascinating alignment with celestial principles and its perfect harmony with nature, reflecting ancient Chinese cosmology. As you explore the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the Circular Mound Altar, notice the acoustic marvels and spiritual symbolism designed into every structure. Along the way, your guide will also highlight local life: morning dance groups, tai chi sessions, and elderly residents playing chess in the park—small, authentic moments that reflect how tradition lives on in daily Beijing life.

Day3 Beijing

Today’s journey takes you to the legendary Great Wall, a symbol of China’s strength and endurance. We visit a carefully selected section—less crowded yet beautifully preserved—to give you a more authentic experience. As you ascend the winding stone steps, your guide will share the deeper story behind this colossal structure: how it was built across dynasties, the lives of the soldiers who guarded it, and the strategic watchtowers stretching across the rugged mountains. There’s time to explore at your own pace, take photos from scenic viewpoints, and even pause for a quiet moment to admire the wall’s epic scale away from the usual tourist rush. With our local insight, you’ll truly travel like a local.

In the afternoon, we’ll explore the tranquil beauty of the Summer Palace, the largest and best-preserved imperial garden in China. Your guide will introduce you to the artful design of Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake, showing how Qing dynasty emperors used this retreat to escape Beijing’s summer heat. Marvel at the richly painted Long Corridor, wander through the ornate halls, and learn the story of Empress Dowager Cixi, whose influence left a lasting mark here. Our guide will also point out hidden details—like symbolic carvings, ancient calligraphy, and the clever engineering of the Marble Boat—helping you experience this royal retreat with depth and context that go far beyond a guidebook.

Day4 Beijing-Luoyang by train

This morning, our guide will accompany you from your hotel to the train station and assist with the check-in process for your high-speed train to Luoyang, one of China’s ancient capitals. The journey, reaching speeds up to 300 km/h, offers more than just comfort and efficiency—it’s also a scenic transition from Beijing’s urban bustle to the historical richness of central China. Along the way, our guide will provide background on Luoyang’s cultural significance and practical travel tips, ensuring you're fully prepared for the next leg of your adventure. With everything arranged, you can sit back and enjoy the landscapes rolling past your window.

Before departing Beijing, you’ll immerse yourself in the charm of its historic hutongs—narrow alleyways lined with traditional courtyard homes that capture the city’s timeless character. Guided by a local expert, you’ll stroll through lanes filled with everyday scenes—residents watering plants, elderly neighbors playing Chinese chess, and street vendors preparing breakfast. You’ll stop at a traditional siheyuan (courtyard residence), where the guide will help bridge conversation with a local family, offering insight into generations-old customs and stories. This experience provides a rare glimpse into Beijing’s living heritage, adding depth and warmth to your understanding of the city beyond its landmarks.

Day5 Luoyang-Dengfeng-Luoyang

Today’s journey takes you from Luoyang to Dengfeng for an immersive visit to the legendary Shaolin Temple, nestled at the foot of the Songshan Mountains. Renowned as the birthplace of Chan (Zen) Buddhism and the cradle of Chinese martial arts, the Shaolin Temple is more than a place of worship—it's a cultural icon. Accompanied by our knowledgeable guide, you’ll explore the ancient temple complex, walking through halls steeped in history, where monks once meditated and trained in silence. The guide will explain the symbolic architecture, the evolution of martial arts within Buddhist practice, and how the temple survived wars, dynastic shifts, and modern transformations.

One of the highlights of your visit will be a live martial arts demonstration by the temple’s resident monks. With our guide helping to interpret the meanings behind each movement, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how Shaolin Kung Fu blends discipline, philosophy, and spiritual focus. Beyond the spectacle, the guide may also share personal stories from students or insights into modern monastic life. After this enriching experience, you’ll return to Luoyang, with your guide available throughout the ride to answer questions, share historical anecdotes, or simply ensure your comfort. It’s a day designed to connect you with China’s spiritual and cultural heritage in a vivid, memorable way.

Day6 Luoyang-Xi'an by train

This morning begins with a visit to the Luoyang Museum, where your guide will offer insights into the city’s rich past as one of China’s ancient capitals. The museum holds over 400,000 artifacts, including jade ornaments, Tang dynasty tri-colored pottery, bronze vessels, and early Buddhist relics. As you move through each exhibit, your guide will highlight how Luoyang’s role in multiple dynasties shaped Chinese culture, politics, and trade. Rather than simply viewing objects behind glass, you’ll uncover the stories and meanings behind them, gaining a deeper appreciation for the depth and continuity of Chinese civilization.

You will then head to the Longmen Grottoes, one of China’s most remarkable UNESCO World Heritage sites. These limestone cliffs are adorned with more than 100,000 statues of the Buddha and his disciples, carved between the 5th and 8th centuries. Your guide will lead you through the most iconic sections, such as the magnificent Fengxian Temple with its giant Vairocana Buddha, and the intricate reliefs in Guyang Cave. With expert explanations, the carvings will reveal their spiritual, artistic, and political significance. The peaceful riverside setting and quiet reverence of the site make it a powerful place for reflection and understanding.

In the afternoon, you will explore the White Horse Temple, the first official Buddhist temple in China, founded during the Eastern Han dynasty. With its graceful courtyards, solemn prayer halls, and international pavilions representing Thai, Indian, and Burmese architectural influences, the temple reflects Buddhism’s journey into China. Your guide will share the story of the two Indian monks who arrived with sacred texts on a white horse, establishing the foundations of Chinese Buddhist thought. After the visit, your guide will escort you to the train station and ensure a smooth boarding process for your high-speed train to Xi’an, setting the stage for the next chapter of your cultural journey.

Day7 Xi'an

Your day begins with a journey to the world-renowned Terracotta Warriors, located just outside Xi’an. This vast underground army, buried for over 2,000 years, was built to guard the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. As you step into the excavation pits, you'll be greeted by thousands of life-sized soldiers, each with distinct features and battle-ready posture. Our guide will not only provide historical context about the emperor’s reign and obsession with immortality, but also point out fascinating details, such as how the warriors were originally painted in vivid colors and how artisans used assembly-line techniques centuries ahead of their time. You'll gain insights into ongoing excavation efforts and lesser-known facts, like the mystery of the unexcavated tomb. This is more than just a museum visit—it's a vivid story of power, ambition, and ancient innovation brought to life through expert storytelling.

Returning to the city, you'll explore the Bell Tower, an elegant Ming-era structure that has stood at the very center of Xi’an for centuries. With traditional upturned eaves and rich decorative details, it once marked the heartbeat of the ancient city. From its upper level, you'll enjoy panoramic views over the old city walls and bustling street life. Our guide will explain the symbolic layout of ancient Xi’an, how this tower connected the four corners of the walled city, and its use in both timekeeping and security. They’ll help you notice elements like the carved wooden panels and astronomical symbols, linking architecture with cosmology. You’ll also hear personal anecdotes and legends passed down by locals—offering a more human, textured understanding of the space beyond guidebook facts.

Just a short walk away lies Gao’s Courtyard, a lesser-known but beautifully preserved residence from the Qing dynasty. Hidden in the narrow lanes near the Drum Tower, this courtyard home is a step into traditional Chinese family life. As you enter through its wooden gates, you’ll find elegant stone pathways, carved screens, and rooms arranged according to Confucian hierarchy. Your guide will explain how families lived and worked in such a space, sharing the social rituals embedded in everyday life. You'll also witness a live shadow puppet performance—an ancient form of storytelling—and perhaps even meet a local artist behind the scenes. The guide will translate dialogue, offer historical background, and connect the performance to broader themes of morality and folklore. It's an immersive stop that reveals the deep layers of cultural tradition still alive in Xi’an today.

To close the day, wander through the Muslim Quarter, a lively and aromatic neighborhood that reflects Xi’an’s role as the eastern terminus of the Silk Road. Here, narrow alleys buzz with life as local Hui Muslim vendors serve grilled lamb skewers, steamed dumplings, and fried persimmon cakes. Beyond the food, your guide will share stories of how this multicultural community took root here over a thousand years ago. You’ll learn to distinguish between mosque architecture and traditional Chinese temple forms, notice Arabic calligraphy etched into wooden doorways, and perhaps even chat with shopkeepers using phrases the guide teaches along the way. It’s not just about tasting local specialties—it’s about understanding the people, rhythms, and stories that have shaped this part of Xi’an into the vibrant cultural crossroads it is today.

Day8 Xi'an-Shanghai by Plane

Today’s journey through Xi’an begins with a walk atop the Ancient City Wall, a majestic structure originally built in the 14th century during the Ming Dynasty. Standing 12 meters high and stretching over 13 kilometers, the wall offers sweeping views of both the city’s traditional rooftops and its modern skyline. Your guide will walk you through the history of its construction, explaining how its strategic design once protected the capital of over 13 dynasties. Whether you stroll or ride a bike along its wide path, the experience is a unique blend of culture, architecture, and local daily life visible from above. Your guide may also point out key gates and towers, each with its own story that reveals the city’s layered past.

You will then visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and its surrounding North Square, where heritage and modern life intersect. Built in the Tang Dynasty, the pagoda once held the Buddhist scriptures brought back by Xuanzang from India, and it remains a powerful symbol of cultural exchange and religious devotion. As you explore the complex, your guide will share legends of Xuanzang’s pilgrimage, highlighting its importance in Chinese Buddhist history. The North Square is also home to musical fountains and public art installations. Locals gather here daily, and with your guide’s insight, you’ll discover how this space remains a living part of the city’s cultural fabric.

The last highlight in Xi’an is the Hanyangling Mausoleum, the resting place of Emperor Jingdi and Empress Wang of the Western Han Dynasty. Unlike the grand Terracotta Army, Hanyang Tomb offers a quieter, more intimate experience that showcases miniature terracotta figures representing servants, guards, and animals. Walk along the glass-covered corridors above the burial pits as your guide brings to life the emperor’s ideals and the customs of the Han court. Detailed interpretations of burial practices, family hierarchy, and Han-era life provide a deeply immersive historical narrative. After the visit, your guide will escort you to the airport and help with flight check-in for your journey to Shanghai.

Day9 Shanghai

Your day in Shanghai begins with a stroll through the historic Shikumen neighborhood, where traditional stone-gated houses blend seamlessly with narrow alleys, offering a glimpse into the city’s past. Shikumen architecture reflects Shanghai’s unique fusion of Chinese and Western influences from the early 20th century. As you explore, your guide will share stories about local life, community culture, and the evolution of Shanghai from a fishing village to a global metropolis. The rich textures of brick walls, wooden doors, and bustling local shops create an immersive atmosphere, while your guide ensures you don’t miss hidden gems that reveal authentic daily life.

Next, you will visit the iconic Bund, the famous waterfront promenade showcasing a stunning array of colonial-era buildings that stand as a testament to Shanghai’s international history. Your guide will explain the significance of each landmark building, from Gothic cathedrals to neoclassical banks, and how the Bund symbolized Shanghai’s emergence as a financial hub. Moving on, you will discover Yuyuan Garden, a classic example of Jiangnan garden design, with its intricate pavilions, rockeries, and peaceful ponds. Your guide will point out the symbolism embedded in the garden’s architecture and landscaping, revealing how these spaces were designed for both aesthetic pleasure and philosophical reflection.

In the afternoon, the journey continues with a visit to the Jade Buddha Temple, home to two exquisite jade Buddha statues imported from Burma. Your guide will provide insights into the temple’s religious significance, rituals, and role in Shanghai’s spiritual life. Then, explore the ultra-modern Lujiazui CBD, where gleaming skyscrapers embody the city’s rapid development. The day concludes with a visit to Shanghai Tower, China’s tallest building and the world’s second tallest, where your guide will assist in navigating the observation deck to take in breathtaking panoramic views of the sprawling metropolis below. Throughout your day, the guide’s expert narration enriches each experience, bridging Shanghai’s historic roots with its futuristic ambitions.

Day10 Shanghai Departure

On your final day in Shanghai, your guide and driver will ensure a smooth and comfortable departure experience, reflecting our commitment to seamless, personalized service. Whether your flight is early in the morning or later in the day, your guide will assist with check-out procedures at the hotel, helping manage luggage and timing to avoid any stress. They will accompany you to the airport, providing local insights along the way and making sure you arrive with plenty of time to complete all departure formalities. This dedicated support allows you to relax and reflect on the depth of your journey in Shanghai without any last-minute worries.

Price Per Person in US Dollars

Price Includes 1. Cozy Ride:Enjoy the comfort and spaciousness of our air-conditioned car, offering scenic views. 2. Bilingual Expert Guide: Benefit from a personalized experience with a guide fluent in your language, catering to your needs. 3. Entrance Fees: Access all attractions and activities mentioned in the itinerary without worrying about additional entrance fees. 4. Seamless Transfer: Enhance your experience with convenient hotel or train station pickup and drop-off service. 5. Connect Seamlessly: Stay connected with complimentary onboard WiFi, allowing you to share your experiences in real-time. 6. City-to-City Train Tickets: Include the cost of train or flight tickets between the cities listed in the itinerary, ensuring a smooth and efficient travel experience. 7. Accommodations with Breakfast:  Hotel stays are included in the package. We select from trusted hotel brands, combining global chains and exclusive local brands, offering consistent service and an exceptional stay. 8. Complimentary Water: Receive a complimentary bottle of water for each person, keeping you refreshed throughout your journey. 9. Travel Agency Liability Insurance: Benefit from coverage under our travel agency liability insurance, providing added protection and peace of mind during your trip.

Price Excludes 1. Personal Expenses: This includes phone bills, laundry, additional tours, postage, and any entertainment fees not covered in the itinerary. 2. Meals: While meals are not included, our guide will recommend the best local food spots, giving you the chance to explore and choose based on your preferences. (Average cost per person for a regular meal at local eateries: 40RMB/6USD-80RMB/12USD) 3. Tips: Tips are not mandatory but are recommended for excellent service. If you feel satisfied with the service, you may consider leaving a tip. The tipping standards are as follows: Driver: 50-100 RMB per day/group; Guide: 100-200 RMB per day/group. 4. Insurance: Insurance coverage for personal loss, illness, or damages incurred during your trip is not included. 5. Optional Activities: Any optional activities listed in the itinerary are not included in the tour fees, allowing you to choose and participate based on your preferences.