10-Day Classic China Tour
A Language & Culture Journey for First-Time Visitors
This 10-day Language & Culture China Tour is designed for first-time travelers who want more than sightseeing.
We’ll explore four iconic cities — Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, and Shanghai — hike the Great Wall, visit the Forbidden City, see the Terracotta Warriors, meet adorable Giant Pandas, and savor authentic local dishes in every region.
You’ll enjoy the trip whether you’re learning Chinese or don’t speak it at all. There are no formal language classes, but we offer optional daily language missions that give you a fun way to practice Chinese in real-life situations.
Chengdu
Shanghai
Xi’an
Beijing
Hi, I’m Linglong 👋
Your tour leader for this 10-day journey.
I’ve been teaching Chinese for years and have led small-group tours through China.
I’ll be there with you throughout the journey to help you navigate the language and culture, communicate your needs, and handle little problems along the way — so you can relax and fully enjoy the trip.
Why Travel with Us
Learn as You Travel
There are no formal classes, but you can pick up real-life Mandarin and cultural insights as you travel — no textbooks, just everyday language in context. Optional daily “language missions” give you a fun way to practice Mandarin in real-life situations.
Personal Support Along the Way
In addition to the English-speaking local guides in each city, I’ll travel with the group for the entire tour to help with communication, explain cultural differences, and make sure you feel supported along the way.
Four Cities, Four Sides of China
I carefully chose a classic route through Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, and Shanghai. Together, these four cities show you four very different sides of China: its imperial history, ancient heritage, relaxed local life, and the energy of modern China.
Everything Arranged for You
We’ve taken care of the planning and logistics, so you don’t have to worry about choosing hotels, figuring out where to eat, or booking tickets and transportation — you can simply focus on enjoying the trip.
About This Tour
Tour Dates: October 11–20, 2026 (10 days, 9 nights)
Small Group: 8–12 people
Destinations: Beijing → Xi’an → Chengdu → Shanghai
Hotels: Comfortable 4-star hotels
Meals: All meals included, featuring local specialties
Transport: Airport pickup, private transfers within each city, high-speed trains, and domestic flights all arranged
Guides: Led by Linglong + English-speaking local guides
✨Testimonials✨
Tour Itinerary
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Welcome to China! We’ll meet you at the airport and help you settle into the hotel. Take the rest of the day to relax and recover from your travels.
In the evening, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner — the perfect start to an unforgettable 10-day adventure!
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Begin your day at Tian’anmen Square, a vast landmark that has witnessed China’s defining moments.
Step into the Forbidden City, a magnificent imperial palace once home to China’s emperors, rich with centuries of history and architectural splendor.
Wander through Beijing’s Hutongs, a maze of narrow alleys and traditional courtyard homes that offer a glimpse into local life and living heritage
Enjoy Peking Duck dinner — crisp skin, tender meat, and all the fixings wrapped in thin pancakes.
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Visit the Summer Palace, a peaceful imperial garden of lakes and pavilions. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride across Kunming Lake.
Hike the Great Wall, one of the world’s greatest wonders. Walk along its ancient stone paths and take in the stunning mountain views.
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Take a high-speed train to Xi’an. Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you at the station and escort you to the hotel for check-in and rest.
Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a landmark of Tang dynasty architecture and Buddhism in China.
Spend the evening at Grand Tang Ever Bright City, a vibrant pedestrian street glowing with lanterns, music, and fountains.
Try on Tang-style costumes, catch live performances, or simply enjoy the dazzling nighttime vibe.
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Begin your day at the Terracotta Warriors, where more than 8,000 life-sized soldiers and horses stand guard over the tomb of China’s first emperor.
Stroll along the Ancient City Wall, one of China’s best-preserved fortifications. As the sun sets, feel the quiet beauty of the past blending into the pulse of today.
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After breakfast, take a high-speed train to Chengdu. Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you and escort you to the hotel for check-in.
Spend the afternoon in People’s Park, a lively spot where locals gather for tea, Mahjong, and leisurely pastimes.
Relax with a cup of tea at one of the park’s century-old teahouses, and don’t miss the famous matchmaking corner, where parents post profiles in hopes of finding a match for their children.
In the evening, enjoy a truly unforgettable Palace Banquet, where exquisite Sichuan dishes are served course by course, each paired with captivating live performances. With staff in period costumes and a grand, immersive setting, it feels like stepping back in time — as if you’re a guest at an emperor’s feast.
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Visit the lovely pandas at the Panda Base, where you’ll see China’s most beloved animals in a peaceful, natural environment, watch them munch on bamboo, nap, and play
Return to the city for a traditional Chinese massage, the perfect way to relax after a morning of exploration.
Before dinner, wander through Kuanzhai Alley, where Qing Dynasty architecture meets modern Chengdu cafés, crafts, and culture.
In the evening, enjoy a classic Sichuan hot pot dinner, paired with a dazzling face-changing performance, a signature of Sichuan opera.
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Fly to Shanghai, China’s vibrant hub of culture, style, and innovation.
After hotel check-in and a short rest, take a stroll along the Bund, Shanghai’s iconic waterfront, where grand colonial architecture tells the story of the city’s modern rise.
In the evening, end the day at a rooftop cocktail bar and enjoy panoramic views of Shanghai’s glittering skyline. You’re welcome to order a drink, but drinks are optional and not included in the tour price.
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Start the day with a relaxed walk through the former French Concession, a charming district filled with leafy streets, colonial-era buildings, and stylish cafes.
Enjoy a free afternoon to explore on your own, whether it’s last-minute shopping, chilling at a local café, or strolling through a nearby park.
As the sun sets, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner — to toast the journey, share stories, and say goodbye (for now!) to new friends.
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After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy some final quiet moments or last strolls through the city.
When it’s time, we’ll help you book a ride to the airport.
We hope this journey fills you with lasting memories and new friendships — and that it’s just the beginning of your China story. 💛
✅ What’s Included
Comfortable 4-star hotels
Three meals a day, featuring regional specialties
Transportation within China: airport pickup, private transfers within each city, high-speed trains, and domestic flights
Entrance fees for all listed attractions and activities
English-speaking local guides in each city
Linglong as your tour leader throughout the journey
Pre-trip checklist, travel tips, and email support
Maximum 12 travelers · No shopping stops
❌ NOT Included
International flights to/from China
Visa fees: You’ll need a valid passport and, for some countries, a visa to enter China
Travel insurance (required)
Personal expenses (e.g. room service, shopping, laundry, drinks, phone calls, etc)
Tips for local guides and drivers (optional but appreciated)
Excess baggage charges
Anything not listed in the itinerary
$3,995 USD/Person
≈ $400 per day
🗓 October 11 - 20, 2026
📍 Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Shanghai
🔥 Booking closes August 15
Got questions? Email us at hi@linglongmandarin.com
Planning your own trip?
I’ve put together a free China Travel Guide to help you prepare for your first trip, with practical information and useful tools you need to travel with more confidence.
FAQs
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You may be wondering about this, so I wanted to explain clearly what the price includes and what makes this trip different:
✅ My personal support throughout the journey — In addition to the English-speaking local guides in each city, I’ll travel with the group for the entire tour to help with communication, explain cultural differences, and handle little problems that come up along the way.
✅ A maximum of 12 travelers — no crowded buses, rushed sightseeing, or getting lost in a large group.
✅ Quality hotels and three meals a day — not just breakfast. All meals are included, so you can enjoy a wide variety of local food without having to plan every meal or figure out what to order.
✅ Seamless transportation — airport pickup, private transfers within each city, high-speed trains, and domestic flights are all arranged and included.
✅ No shopping traps — your time is spent exploring China, not being taken to stores.
This isn’t a budget bus tour. It’s a carefully planned small-group experience designed to make your first trip to China comfortable, meaningful, and enjoyable.
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Yes — you’ll need a valid passport. It must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Some countries are eligible for visa-free entry, while others will need to apply for a tourist visa in advance.
If you do need a visa, we’re happy to provide an invitation letter to support your application.
👉 Click here to view our detailed visa guidelines.
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We keep our group size small, with very limited spots available. Once your booking is confirmed (you’ve received our confirmation email), we will begin securing hotels, transportation, and local services on your behalf. For this reason, we ask that you commit thoughtfully.
Once your booking is confirmed, the 30% deposit is non-refundable.
If you have paid the full amount and notify us in writing to cancel on or before August 15, 2026, we will refund any amount paid beyond the 30% deposit, minus any applicable processing or handling fees.
If you cancel after August 15, 2026, the full tour fee is non-refundable, as travel arrangements will have been finalized with our local partners.
No refunds will be issued for no-shows, late arrivals, or early departures.
Payment-related fees:
Payments made by credit/debit card will incur a 5% Stripe processing fee, which is non-refundable, as it is charged by Stripe, not us.
Payments made by bank transfer will be subject to a $50 USD handling fee, deducted from any eligible refund to cover wire costs.
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The tour is limited to 8–12 travelers. We’re keeping it small to allow for deeper cultural experiences, smoother logistics, and a more relaxed, friendly group dynamic.
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Nope! It’s totally okay if you don’t know any Chinese — your tour leader and local guides will handle all translation and logistics.
There are no formal language classes, but we offer optional daily language missions to help you practice Chinese in real-life situations and connect with locals.
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We’ll do our best to accommodate your dietary needs.
However, due to the nature of Chinese cuisine and group meal logistics, it can be difficult to fully accommodate strict vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets — but we’ll always inform you of meal plans in advance and do our best to help you find suitable options.
If you have dietary restrictions, please let us know when you book so we can plan accordingly.
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Absolutely! You’re welcome to arrive before or stay after the official tour dates.
Just make sure your flights align with our starting and ending cities.
If you’d like help booking accommodations or planning activities outside the tour, we’re happy to offer suggestions.
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Most likely! If you’re interested but can’t make this trip, feel free to join the waitlist below so you’ll be the first to hear about future tours!
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Yes — for travelers looking for a more customized China trip, we work with a trusted travel partner who can help design a tour based on your preferences. You can submit your request here.
Stay Connected for Future China Tours
Be the first to know about new tour dates and get early access — plus Mandarin learning tips and resources! 😉