Day 1: Beijing Arrival
[ Pick-up Service ]
Arrive at Beijing International Airport, where your local tour guide will warmly welcome your family. You’ll then be transferred to your hotel in a comfortable, non-smoking private van, ensuring a smooth start to your holiday. Your guide will assist with the check-in process, making everything easy and hassle-free.
[ Meals ] N/A
[ Accommodation ] Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing
Day 2: Beijing | Historical Landmarks and Local Experiences
[ Tiananmen Square ]
Tiananmen Square, the largest city square in the world, spans an impressive 440,000 square meters. Originally designed and built in 1651, it was expanded to its current size in 1958. During holidays, the square is beautifully adorned with fresh flowers, creating a vibrant atmosphere for visitors to enjoy.
[ Forbidden City ]
Next, head to the Forbidden City, the imperial palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is the world's largest palace complex, covering 74 hectares, and is surrounded by a 52-meter-wide moat and 10-meter-high walls. Within its vast grounds, there are over 8,700 rooms, making it an incredible place to immerse yourself in China’s rich history and royal culture.
[ Hutong and Dumpling-Making ]
Afterward, take a rickshaw tour of the Hutongs, Beijing’s historic alleys, and visit a local family who has lived there for generations. Experience authentic Beijing life and, as part of the visit, try your hand at making dumplings. You’ll prepare your own dumplings and enjoy them for lunch.
[ Peking Duck ]
In the evening, indulge in a classic Peking Duck dinner, one of Beijing’s most famous dishes. Your guide will show you the proper way to enjoy it according to Chinese customs, ensuring an authentic dining experience.
[ Meals ] Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
[ Accommodation ] Park Plaza Beijing Hotel
Day 3: Beijing | Explore the Less-Crowded Mutianyu Great Wall
Experience authentic Beijing life with a visit to Temple of Heaven Park, where locals engage in early morning activities like Taiji, dancing, exercise, kite flying, and more—giving you a glimpse of the city’s vibrant start to the day.
[ Temple of Heaven ]
Then, explore the Temple of Heaven, an awe-inspiring symbol of China’s imperial history. Built between 1406 and 1420, this magnificent site was where emperors prayed for good harvests and peace. It’s a must-see for understanding Chinese culture and architecture.
[ Mutianyu Great Wall ]
After lunch, travel to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, known for its stunning vistas and lush surroundings. The Wall here stretches across the mountains, with beautiful watchtowers offering panoramic views. Take the cable car up to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, then choose to either ride the cable car back down or take the exciting toboggan ride for a thrilling descent.
[ Meals] Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
[ Accommodation ] Park Plaza Beijing Hotel
Day 4: Beijing-Xi’an | Summer Palace Boat Cruise & Train to Xi'an
[ Summer Palace ]
The Summer Palace, the largest preserved imperial garden, was once a summer retreat for China’s emperors. Covering 726.5 acres with three-quarters of it water, it’s a masterpiece of landscaping, featuring iconic spots like Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake. With over 3,000 structures—pavilions, bridges, corridors, and more—you’ll also enjoy a boat cruise on Kunming Lake.
[ Train to Xi'an ]
After lunch, your guide will escort you to Beijing West Railway Station, assisting with ticketing for your 4-5 hour train journey to Xi’an, an ancient former capital of China.
[ Meals] Breakfast & Lunch
[ Accommodation ] Grand Mercure, Renmin Square, Xi’an
Day 5: Xi’an | Terracotta Warriors Visit and Hanfu Experience
[ Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum ]
After breakfast, drive about 40 kilometers to visit one of the world’s greatest wonders, the Terracotta Army. Built by China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, to protect him in the afterlife, this vast army of over 8,000 life-size terracotta warriors, horses, and chariots lay buried for more than 2,000 years until its discovery in 1974. The incredible craftsmanship and scale of the figures reflect both the emperor's ambition and the extraordinary skill of ancient Chinese artisans.
[ Big Wild Goose Pagoda ]
After lunch, return to Xi'an to visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, standing at 64.5 meters tall. Built by the renowned Buddhist monk Xuanzang to house the scriptures he brought back from India, the pagoda is an iconic symbol of Chinese Buddhism. (Note: There is a 30 yuan fee to climb the pagoda.)
[ Hanfu Experience ]
As part of your cultural experience, children in the group will have the chance to try on traditional Hanfu, complete with ancient makeup, and step into the world of ancient China by wearing these beautiful costumes.
[ Tang Dynasty City ]
In the evening, visit the Tang Dynasty City, a beautifully illuminated area that brings the glory of the Tang Dynasty to life. The evening ambiance, enhanced by stunning lighting, offers a unique and captivating glimpse into the city’s illustrious past.
[ Meals] Breakfast & Lunch
[ Accommodation ] Grand Mercure, Renmin Square, Xi’an
Day 6: Xi’an | City Wall & Muslim Quarter Food Tour
[ Ancient City Wall ]
Take a leisurely stroll along the ancient City Wall, one of the most iconic and best-preserved city walls in China, dating back over 600 years. Enjoy panoramic views of Xi'an and immerse yourself in the history of this remarkable structure, which showcases the city's feudal architecture, military history, and artistic craftsmanship.
[ Muslim Quarter ]
Next, dive into a food adventure in the vibrant Muslim Quarter, where you can sample both traditional Xi'an dishes and trendy snacks that have become local favorites.
[ Take flight/train to the Birth Province ]
Later, your guide will transfer you to the airport/ railway station for the flight/train to the birth province. The group tour concludes here.
[ Add-on Tour to the Orphanage ]
For families interested in visiting their child's or children's orphanage, we offer personalized side trips. Lead to China specializes in orphanage visits, working closely with Chinese government and orphanages to provide the most affordable rates. Please let us know the orphanage city, any additional destinations you're interested in, and your preferred departure city (Guangzhou/Shanghai/Beijing), and we’ll arrange a customized private package for you.
For more information on orphanage visits in China, please visit to:
https://www.leadtochina.com/travel/adoption/orphanageList/
[ Meals] Breakfast & Lunch
Price
- 1 adult + 1 adoptee= US$2,050
- 2 adults + 1 adoptee= US$3,300
- 2 adults + 2 adoptees= US$4,100
- 2 adults + 1 adoptee + 1 child= US$4,180
- 3 adults + 1 adoptee= US$4,550
- 2 adults + 2 adoptees + 1 child= US$4,980
- 2 adults + 1 adoptee + 2 children= US$5,060
4% OFF if you book by Jan 31, 2025;
3.5% OFF if you book by Feb 28, 2025
Price Inclusions
- All arrangements and first admission/entrance fees of scenic spots specified in the itinerary.
- Well-equipped commercial vehicle with excellent private guide and driver accompanied on your tour among airports, train stations, scenic spots and hotels.
- Selective 4/5 star Hotel based on two persons sharing one room. All hotels as listed in the itinerary serve daily western breakfast.
- China High Speed Train Ticket of Beijing-Xian.
- Buffet breakfast in hotel, Chinese lunch or dinner as listed in the itinerary.
- Travel Agency's Liability Insurance with your tour inside China.
- Chinese government taxes and the city construction fees on your travel tour.
Price Exclusions
- Transportation to/from Orphanage City and Orphanage visiting fees are not included.
- International or domestic airfare or train tickets not included in the itinerary.
- Meals not specified in the itinerary and extra and alcoholic or beverages during meals.
- Tips for guides and drivers.
- China entry visa fees.
- Single room supplement (USD360 if needed).
- Personal expense: e.g. mini bar, personal telecommunications, laundry, excess baggage charges etc.
Important Remarks
- All prices are quoted in US dollars, per family.
- The total number of participants in each group will not exceed 25 people.
- For different scheduled tour and other arrangements, please contact us for a price quote.
- Guaranteed Departures: We promise that the heritage trips will not be canceled for lack of participation.
- Considering that the travel departure date is still early, we reserve the right to make appropriate adjustments to the hotel, transportation and related activities to ensure that the itinerary will go smoothly.
- Adjoining/Interconnecting rooms are available subject to customer’s request. Additional charges may apply due to third party or hotel request.
- LTC is uniquely qualified to offer a special homeland experience for you and your family. Unlike other travel agencies would arrange shops and factories on the heritage tours, we offer "NO SHOPPING" policy on our 2025 group tour. This allows you more time to enjoy and see sites without the hassles of being forced to go to places where you have no interest. If you ask to go shopping, we're happy to take you to quality local shops, and help you pick a bargain in some interesting local markets.
- Prior to departing for China, all travelers will need to obtain a China visa in their passport. All passports must have 6 months validity remaining at the time you apply for your China visa. LeadtoChina will offer you our invitation letter to assist in obtaining the tourist visa to China.
- We suggest that you purchase travel insurance that covers a wide range of unforeseen losses and damages, including baggage damage, flight delays and cancellations.
- LeadtoChina Tour Company will not be held liable for damage or loss caused by any of the following events: terrorism, war, fire, accidents, strikes, forces of nature, flight delays or other interruptions of services not within our control.
Payment, Cancellation and Refund Policy
- 10% of total payment for non-refundable deposit is due at the time of registration.
- 50% is due at 3 months before departure, the final balance 40% is due one month before departure.
- We accept the following forms of payment: PayPal, Credit Card Through Paypal, and Wire Transfer. Each of it will need some extra transfer fee. Click to read more details: http://www.leadtochina.com/travel/online-payments.html
- Cancellation Policies (for this Heritage Group tour only).
60 or more days before tour date =10% of total tour cost.
59-30 days before tour date = 20% of total tour cost.
29-15 days before tour date = 35% of total tour cost.
14-7 days before tour date = 50% of total tour cost.
6-3 days before tour date = 80% of total tour cost.
Less than 2 days = 100% of total tour cost.
Additional penalties may be imposed by airlines, train or cruise ships for tickets that have been issued or for deposits that have been paid to hotels.
Once the tour begins, no refund will be made to the travelers who cut short or change the tour regardless of the portions of the package unused. If a traveler withdraws from the tour due to serious illness, injury or other emergency, a refund will be subject to the consent of the local travel agency.
Note: If you do not want to join the group tour, the Private return trip will help you. Also, you can get a tailored tour from our service. Just tell us where you would like to go, and we will make it happen. Customize now or just send email to service@leadtochina.com. We are the Chinese local company and no one knows China better than LeadtoChina!
Beijing Hutong Rickshaw Tour
Hutongs are a type of narrow streets or alleys, commonly associated with northern Chinese cities, most prominently Beijing. In Beijing, hutongs are alleys formed by lines of siheyuan, traditional courtyard residences. Many neighbourhoods were formed by joining one siheyuan to another to form a hutong, and then joining one hutong to another. The word hutong is also used to refer to such neighbourhoods.
Since the mid-20th century, the number of Beijing hutongs has dropped dramatically as they are demolished to make way for new roads and buildings. Nowadays, the well-preserved Hutong zones are located in Dongcheng District, Xicheng District and Qianmen District, all of which are the nice places to feel the Hutongs culture. Some people say Hutong likes an encyclopedia reflecting the history and the social customs of Beijing.
With Lead to China, you are going to tour Hutongs in Gulou Street and Shicha Lake area. Known as "North Watertown", Shicha Lake area is one of the most beautiful sections in old Beijing. as The old Sicha Hai hutongs offer a rare glimpse of old China before modernization took over the country's capital city, and the lake offers a beautiful natural destination for nature lovers. Former residences, palaces of princes, temples, bell tower and drum tower, Silver ingot bridge in that area with plenty of folk activities, such as Playing chess, Doing yangko dance, will give you vivid and impressive Beijingers colorful life.
Not far from the area is the grand Gungwang Fu, a landmark built by He Shen, an imperial official of the Qing Dynasty. Aside from Sicha Lake, the maze of hutongs also leads to two other lakes, the Qian Hai and the Xi Hai.
Additional Orphanage Visit
Optional visit and tour to your child's orphanage is available after the main tour. The cost for the orphanage visit plus the gateway city tour may cost another 4-6 days, the price will vary depending on the city but will average about $700-$1200USD per person. Once we have all of the details for your tours, we will tailor made the additional tour as a private family heritage tour.
For the orphanage visiting, each adoption family needs to provide following information upon registration:
Passports copies of all the travelers
Copy of Adoption Certification or Notarial Certificate of Adoption
There is orphanage application fee for most of the orphanage visiting, the fee ranges from RMB900-RMB 2200, it varies from province to province.
SWI Visiting Arrangements
Generally speaking, you will arrive at the city where the SWI located one day in advance, and have one whole next day to visit SWI, and recall the good time your kid spent here with the nurse and director of the SWI.
[ Here listed below are the details ]
1. Welcome Ceremony
The Director of the SWI will meet you firstly and then have short communication with you on SWI and things you are interested in.
2. Visit SWI
The Director of the SWI will show you around the SWI, such as the children's activity room, library, bedroom, recreation room, dining hall. Your tour guide is your interpreter, and he/she will help you to find out your concerns.
3. Meeting with Your Child's Nurse and China Foster Family
The SWI will inform them your coming and arrange the meeting in SWI if they could find the nurse and the foster family. You know, some left and even moved to other city, so we cannot guarantee that we will find them certainly. It depends on the response from SWI.
4. Chinese Lunch with the Director of SWI
Generally, we will arrange your lunch in SWI dining hall with the director of SWI and you can continue your talk with him/her. However, if he/she is busy and cannot make it with you, or dining hall is not available, we will arrange your lunch in nearby Chinese restaurant with good reputation and hygienic environment. Your tour guide will help you to order dishes to your interests.
5. Vist the Place Where Your Child Was Found
Based on 捡拾弃婴（儿童）情况证明(a file shows where your child was found and who can prove it), your tour guide will accompany you to that area to have a look. Sometimes, life is a miracle and time is the only thing to witness it. One night many years ago, a helpless infant was crying in a little quilt and hoping for a warm embrace from his/her parents, Who would have guessed that the warm embrace comes from a far away country on the opposite side of the continent years later. Thanks God.
6. Take Photos
Drive back to SWI, and say bye bye to people in it. Take photos with people you want to, and give best wishes to people who have been devoted their whole life to look after abandoned children.
[ Special Note: ]
1. It is allowed to check the files of your child in SWI, but should have permission from Provincial Civil Affairs Department firstly.
2. If you want to meet your child's nurse or China's foster family, the SWI will arrange your meeting in SWI. However, some of them did leave for some reasons, so we cannot give you word that we will find them certainly. Anyway, please give best wishes to them.
Hotels
Selecting the right hotel is one of the most important decisions to make when planning a vacation. For example, choose accommodations that offer one- or two-bedroom suites instead of the standard hotel room with two beds. You’ll pay a little more for this convenience, but a good night's sleep is the key ingredient to a successful family trip.
Considering this, we carefully select some hotels suitable for adoptive families. All these hotels include the following 3 or more ingredients: swimming pool, connecting rooms, fine location, good reputation, free Wifi, western-style buffet breakfast, easy transportation and so on.
For the hotels in the orphanage city, normally we will arrange the hotel you once stayed, but if the hotel’s facility conditions are too old, we will recommend other better local hotels for you.
Catering
[ Breakfast ]
We do think having breakfast in your hotel is rather convenient and more hygienic. Besides, most hotels come with breakfast. Generally speaking, 4 or 5-star hotels have good western and Chinese buffet breeakfast. 3-star hotels may only have Chinese breakfast with rice porridge, eggs, Chinese style breads and vegetables.
[ Lunch ]
While on tour, lunch is generally Chinese style. Our guide will help you order to your interests. Dishes are served family style and shared by the guests. The driver and guide may eat on their own or will join you if you invite them. Of course, we do have some fixed restaurants with good reputation and delicious Chinese dishes. Just tell the tour guide your concerns, he/she will find the right dishes for you.
[ Dinner ]
Usually, our clients prefer to relax after a day tour and arrange their own dinner in hotel or somewhere. So your tour guide will give you restaurant suggestions on your needs, which gives you flexibility in time and cuisine. Besides, most cities in China have KFC, McDonald's, Pizza Hut, and some famous world chain restaurants. Just tell your tour guide your idea, he/she will find best solution for you.
[ Drinking Water ]
Most of our tours offer unlimited bottled water in the vehicle so you can keep hydrated and healthy all day long. Tap water in your room is not suitable for drink but it's ok to wash hands & face.
[ Children and Special Diets ]
If you need some special diets or the selective eating of children. Let us know in advance and arrange the suitable diets with nice restaurants for you. If your children are eagering to stop at McDonald's or KFC, you can tell your tour guide who knows where to stop. Halal, vegetarian restaurants, Hindu Meal are definitely possible in big cities, such as Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou and so on, but may not possible in small cities, town or area. Better inform your tour guide in advance.
Vehicles and Drivers used in our China Tours
All our druivers have driving license, several years driving experiences, and they are trained to drive safely and slowly in what is often a chaotic road. It's their job to make you safe and comfortable. Besides, our drivers will adjust the route when traffic jam happens. Normally you will have the same driver and guide in a city. The vehicles will not be completely filled for giving you room to stow your luggage. van will have seat belts for you to use. Some larger buses may not.
There are different types of vans and buses used in various cities around China. The specific type depends on your size of your group. We will give you the one with the right size. However, if you have special requirements on vehicle, don't hesitate to tell us. We will try our best to find best solution for you.
Any part of this itinerary can be altered to fit your need, e.g. accommodation, add/skip city, tour length... Click below to tell us what you're looking for:
Inquire about this trip
