Family Trip China Itinerary 14 Days

2 Weeks Family Trip Itinerary to Beijing Xi'an Guilin and Shanghai

This 14-day China travel itinerary designed for families traveling with children or elderly members. The journey covers four major destinations: Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin (including Yangshuo and Longji), and Shanghai. The itinerary balances cultural exploration, natural scenery, and family-friendly activities, with a strong focus on comfort and flexibility.

Itinerary Overview

Total Duration: 14 days

Route: Beijing (4 days), Xi'an (3 days), Guilin / Yangshuo / Longji (4 days) (Ideally, stay 2 nights in Yangshuo for a more relaxed pace)  and Shanghai (3 days)

Transportation Recommendations:

• Beijing to Xi’an via high-speed train
• Direct flights for Xi’an to Guilin and Guilin to Shanghai

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing

Airport pickup and transfer to hotel. Rest and adjust to the time difference. If time permits, take a leisurely visit to the Shichahai Hutong area, and enjoy a rickshaw ride through the traditional alleys.

Day 2: Beijing – Tradition & Arts

Morning: Visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City (audio guide or family-friendly guided tour available). Afternoon: Join a Peking Opera mask painting workshop. Children can paint their own mask and learn about this traditional art form. Evening: Optional: Attend a Peking Opera or a kung fu performance.

Day 3: Beijing – The Great Wall & Nature

Full day excursion to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, with cable car access – suitable for both seniors and children. Recommended activities: rubbings of stone carvings or outdoor sketching at the foot of the Wall. Return to the city in the evening.

Day 4: Beijing to Xi’an by High-Speed Train (Approx. 4.5 hours)

Arrive in Xi’an in the afternoon. Light sightseeing at the Ancient City Wall – optional bike ride on the wall for all ages. In the evening, explore the Muslim Quarter for local snacks, visit a historic courtyard, and enjoy a shadow puppet show.

Day 5: Xi’an – Terracotta Warriors & Hands-On Experience

Morning: Visit the world-famous Terracotta Warriors. Afternoon: Take part in a clay workshop to make your own miniature warrior to take home. Evening: Optional performance – “The Song of Everlasting Sorrow” or Tang Dynasty Music & Dance show.

Day 6: Xi’an Cultural Day – Fly to Guilin

Morning: Visit the Shaanxi History Museum. Afternoon: Join a family-friendly noodle or dumpling workshop (e.g., biangbiang noodles). Evening: Take a direct flight to Guilin (evening flights recommended to maximize daytime).

Day 7: Guilin – Longji Rice Terraces

Private car to Longji Rice Terraces (approx. 2.5 hours). Afternoon: Light hiking on scenic trails with panoramic views – short routes available for kids and seniors. Stay in a local guesthouse, experience Zhuang minority culture.

Day 8: Longji to Yangshuo

Morning: Join a bamboo rice cooking class or visit Mahai Village to learn traditional paper-making. Afternoon: Drive to Yangshuo (approx. 3 hours), check into a countryside retreat or hotel near West Street. 

Day 9: Yangshuo – Outdoor Family Fun

Morning: Bike ride along the Ten-Mile Gallery (child seats/e-bikes available). Afternoon: Rock climbing experience – safe, beginner-friendly with professional guides. Evening: Attend the Impression Liu Sanjie live river show under the karst mountains.

Day 10: Yangshuo – Cooking & River Rafting

Morning: Join a Chinese cooking class, starting with a local market visit and ending with classic Yangshuo dishes. Afternoon: Bamboo raft ride on the peaceful Yulong River – great for families.

Day 11: Yangshuo – Guilin – Fly to Shanghai

Drive to Guilin Airport, fly to Shanghai. Upon arrival, visit Yu Garden and enjoy a tea ceremony or calligraphy demo. Evening stroll along the Bund to admire Shanghai’s iconic skyline.

Day 12: Shanghai – City & Future

Morning: Visit the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum or Natural History Museum – great for kids. Afternoon: Explore Lujiazui Financial District, ascend the Shanghai Tower observation deck.

Day 13: Shanghai – Art & Creativity

Morning: Visit M50 Creative Park – optional ceramics or painting workshop for families. Afternoon: Free time or explore the charming Tianzifang art district.

Day 14: Departure

Airport transfer according to your flight schedule. End of a memorable journey!

Cultural and Outdoor Activities by City

Luxury Hotel Overview (5-Star Selections)

2 Weeks Family Trip Itinerary: Beijing Chengdu Guilin and Hong Kong

The following is a 14-day customized family tour in China, suitable for travelers with children or elderly members. It covers Beijing, Chengdu, Guilin (including Yangshuo and Longji), and Hong Kong (including Disneyland), combining cultural experiences, nature exploration, and family-friendly activities. Each city features centrally located five-star hotel accommodations to ensure comfort and convenience.

Trip Overview

Total Duration: 14 Days

Route: Beijing (3 nights), Chengdu (3 nights), Guilin/Yangshuo/Longji (5 nights) and Hong Kong (2 nights)

Transportation: High-speed train or flight from Beijing to Chengdu; flight from Chengdu to Guilin; high-speed train or flight from Guilin to Hong Kong

Day 1–3: Beijing | Capital of Culture

Hotel: Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing

Great location: Walking distance to the Forbidden City, easy subway access

Cultural Experiences: Peking Opera Mask Painting (Family-friendly DIY activity), Traditional Peking Opera or Kung Fu Show

Outdoor Activities: Mutianyu Great Wall (Round-trip cable car), Hutong Rickshaw Tour + Visit to a Traditional Courtyard Home

Day 4–5: Chengdu | Pandas & Tea Culture

Hotel: The Ritz-Carlton Chengdu (or Niccolo Chengdu)

Prime location in Chunxi Road/Tai Koo Li area, near the metro

Cultural Experiences: Sichuan Opera Face-Changing Show & Teahouse Visit, Stroll through Jinli Street and Kuanzhai Alley

Family Activities: Half-day Panda Volunteer Experience (Feeding & Cleaning), Relaxed visit to Du Fu Thatched Cottage

Day 6–7: Longji | Minority Culture & Rice Terraces

Hotel: Traditional Guesthouse in Longji (e.g., Jinxiulongji)

Cultural Experiences: Traditional Zhuang Indigo Dyeing or Bamboo Rice Cooking

Outdoor Activities: Light Hiking to Rice Terrace Viewpoints (Cable car/short routes available)

Day 8–10: Yangshuo | Scenic Countryside

Hotel: Yangshuo Mountain Retreat

Surrounded by mountains and river, peaceful and nature-friendly

Cultural Experiences: Chinese Cooking Class (From local market to the table)

Outdoor Activities: Cycling along the Ten-Mile Gallery (Child seats and e-bikes available), Beginner Rock Climbing Experience, Bamboo Rafting on the Yulong River, “Impression Liu Sanjie” Outdoor Show

Day 11: Guilin | Leisure City Tour

Hotel: Shangri-La Hotel Guilin

Riverside view rooms, full amenities, family-friendly

Optional Activities: Easy visit to Elephant Trunk Hill Park Or enjoy free time to relax

Day 12–14: Hong Kong | Urban Energy + Disneyland Fun

Hotels: Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong or The Landmark Mandarin Oriental

Disney Stay: Disney Explorers Lodge (or Hollywood Hotel)

City hotels near Central MTR & old town charm; Disney hotels packed with family-friendly facilities

Cultural Experiences: Explore Old Streets in Central (PMQ, Li Yuen Street East, etc.), Victoria Harbour Night View + Avenue of Stars

Family Activities: Full day at Hong Kong Disneyland, Peak Tram Ride + Sky Terrace Observation Deck

2 Weeks Family Trip Itinerary: Beijing, Inner Mongolia, Xian and Chengdu

2 Weeks Family Trip Itinerary: Chengdu, Zhangjiajie, Shanghai, Yellow Mt. and Beijing