This trip blends the perfect mix of China's major metropolises with priceless time experiencing traditional rural life. Explore hidden corners of Beijing' read more...
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Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included. Enjoy a first taste of Chinese cuisine with a Peking Duck welcome dinner.
Private Vehicle
Beijing
Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private vehicle.
Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting
1h
As group members will arrive at different times there are no arranged activities on Day 1 until our group meeting at 6 pm. You can find meeting details on the notice board in the hotel foyer. An included group dinner will follow the meeting, featuring the local specialty Peking Duck.
Take a walk along the 500-year-old Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China. Spend time exploring the towers, views, and the magnificent structure of this unique wonder.
One of the greatest structures ever built, the Great Wall was constructed in stages over 2,000 years. This massive structure stretches 6,000km (3,728 mi) westwards from the sea to western China. The section we visit is called Mutianyu and is one of the best preserved Ming Dynasty sections reachable from Beijing.
Great Wall Mutianyu visit
Mutianyu 3h
Climb the rolling hills of Huairou County at Mutianyu, one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall. Enjoy scenic views as the wall winds along mountain ridges, and take brag-worthy photos of the wall from any of the 22 towers.
Private Vehicle
Beijing 2h-4h
Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private vehicle.
Explore Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven. Walk through hutongs, local backstreet neighbourhoods.
Today we delve into the history of Beijing, visiting the dramatic Forbidden City and the immense Tiananmen Square. Hear tales of emperors and their concubines, a long crafted culture and rich tradition. Witness how ancient Chinese customs are still valued today, while also blended with modern technology and western influences. Visit the Temple of Heaven and its surrounding grounds, full of locals whiling the hours away practicing water calligraphy and Tai Chi, playing cards, and walking pet crickets, all with the colourful Temple of Heaven in the background. Take a walking tour featuring some of Beijing's traditional alleyways and backstreets known as hutongs.
Tiananmen Square Guided Tour
Beijing
Explore one of the world's largest public squares, home to the Monument to the People's Heroes and the Great Hall of the People.
Forbidden City
Beijing 2h
Our CEO will steer around crowds and help make the most of a visit to the Forbidden City.
Temple of Heaven Visit
Beijing 1h30m
Explore the stunning Temple of Heaven, which was built during the rule of the Ming dynasty. Learn more about the history and significance of this place, often referred to as the symbol of Beijing.
Hutong Walk
Beijing 2h-4h
Take a walking tour through some of Beijing's traditional alleyways and backstreets (known as hutongs) and get a taste of this magnificent metropolis.
Private Vehicle
Beijing
Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private ride.
Continue to explore Beijing with our local CEO and enjoy some free time on your own. In the evening, catch an overnight train to Xi'an.
Accommodation this evening will be in Soft Sleeper train cars which have 8-9 compartments per cabin. Each compartment includes 4 beds (two upper and two lower beds) and a sliding door which can be locked.
Overnight train (beds)
Beijing - Xi'an 12h-14h Evening
Stretch out and get some well-earned rest en route to the next stop.
Explore Xi'an like the locals with a bike ride along the ancient city walls. In the evening, visit the Muslim Quarter and local markets.
Arrive in the ancient Chinese capital and traditional silk road terminus, Xi'an, in the morning. We will be met and transferred to our hotel. After settling in, we will gather for an inner city bike ride along the 14km (9 mi) of ancient city walls.
In the evening, explore the multicultural feel of the Muslim Quarter with shopping lanes and street-side food stalls selling naan, kebabs, and a fine array of sweets. Opt to try some of the best street food in China - the spicy beef and lamb kebabs are always a favourite.
Cycling Xi'an City Walls
Xi'an 1h-2h
Rent a bike and cycle the Xi'an city walls. The walls - built for protection in the Tang Dynasty and expanded in the Ming dynasty -are a great way to absorb local history. Hop off where you like and admire the views as you pedal along the 12m (39 ft) wide wall, which takes about 2 hrs to cycle along.
Muslim Quarter Orientation Walk
Xi'an 1h
Enjoy a walk around Xi'an's Muslim Quarter with our CEO, and be introduced to favourite streets, artists, chefs or food stalls in the quarter. Each CEO offers a unique perspective. Get a better feel for the district and have plenty of time to roam around on your own, shopping and eating along the way.
Visit the famed Terracotta Warriors the archaeological wonder built over 2,000 years ago to protect the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi
Huang. Afterwards, visit a Village and enjoy lunch. Opt to enjoy a Tang Dynasty dinner banquet in the evening.
Terracotta Warriors Visit
Xi'an 3h
Visit the site of the Terracotta Warriors, an archaeological treasure where approximately 8,000 soldiers and hundreds of horses stand on guard in three excavated pits in an on-site museum. Learn how the underground warriors were discovered (by accident) in 1974, and why Emperor Qin Shihuang commissioned the statues to serve as his army in the afterlife.
Village visit and lunch
Xi'an 1h
Visit a Village close to where, in 1974, a local farmer digging a well unearthed one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the century: the Terracotta Warriors. Explore a bit and enjoy a delicious local lunch.
Private Vehicle
Xi'an
Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private ride.
Fly to Guilin and continue on to China's lush southwest to experience the rural culture and unique limestone karst scenery of the Yangshuo area.
Plane
Xi'an - Guilin 1h45m-2h
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Private Vehicle
Guilin - Yangshuo 1h45m-2h 75km
Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private vehicle.
Trek through the beautiful countryside, passing through villages and rice and fruit fields. In the evening, enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Li River.
You'll have an opportunity to wander the shop and cafe-lined streets or relax with a drink before enjoying an evening sunset cruise on the world famous Li River.
Li River Cruise
Yangshuo 1h30m
Enjoy the Li River cruise, a centrepiece of any trip to northeastern Guangxi Province. Take in breathtaking scenery and a taste of a life far removed from the concrete metropolis. See gorgeous karst mountains peeking out each river bend, water buffalo patrolling fields, and locals reaping rice paddies. Greet school kids and fishermen as they float by on bamboo rafts. Be sure to bring your camera for this popular water tour.
Walking
Yangshuo 4h-5h
Lace up your shoes and get to the next stop under your own power.
Private Vehicle
Yangshuo
Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private vehicle.
Take a rural cycling trip, passing rice paddy fields and limestone karst mountains. Later, try preparing local cuisine at a cooking school and enjoy the results for dinner.
Embark on a day of easy cycling and rural discovery, venturing from Yangshuo out into the Dragon River area to take in the montage of rural scenes. Later, learn how to prepare local cuisine at a cooking school and enjoy the results for dinner.
Return to Yangshuo for a free evening, which you can choose to spend relaxing or experiencing some of Yangshuo's vibrant nightlife.
Cycling
Yangshuo 4h-5h
Embark on a day of cycling, venturing out from Yangshuo into the countryside by the Dragon River area to take in the montage of rural scenes, including small villages surrounded by karst mountains, winding rivers, and stunning scenery.
Cooking Class
Yangshuo 3h
Enhance your culinary skills with a hands-on cooking class in Yangshuo. Learn how to prepare fantastic local dishes and enjoy your wok-prepared creation afterward.
Private Vehicle
Yangshuo
Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private ride.
Fly to Shanghai and take an orientation walk along the Bund area.
In a great day of contrasts, you'll awake overlooking the rural countryside and finish the day in the heart of China's bustling metropolis, Shanghai.
Cosmopolitan Shanghai is a mesmerizing array of old and new, from the 19th century Asian-infused Victorian and early 20th century Art Deco architecture to the bold 21st century futuristic skyline additions.
Plane
Guilin - Shanghai 2h
Private van transfer to airport and private bus from airport to hotel.
Orientation Walk of the Bund
Shanghai 1h
Take a stroll along the Bund, a main road that follows the Huangpu River, with our CEO. This is a great opportunity to get a layout of the city and figure out what you want to explore next.
This evening, get a behind-the-scenes peek at famed Shanghai acrobats, visiting their training room, interacting with the artists and learning about this ancient tradition, which will be followed by an awe-inspiring performance.
Behind-the-Scenes with the Shanghai Acrobats & Performance
Shanghai
Get a behind-the-scenes peek at the famed Shanghai acrobats, visiting their training room, interacting with the artists and learning about this ancient tradition. After, enjoy the awe-inspiring performance of tumbling, balancing, and plate-spinning. There are amazing contortionists and high-wire walkers. The show blends Chinese acrobatics with state-of-the-art multimedia technology unlike anything you have ever seen.
Enjoy free time to explore on your own. Opt to visit Yuyuan Gardens or the Shanghai Museum.
Free Time
Shanghai
There are so many options in the vibrant city of Shanghai - enjoy the day exploring on your own.
Optional Activities
Shanghai Museum
Shanghai
Free
Visit Shanghai Museum, home to a world-class collection of ancient Chinese art. Tour individual galleries devoted to such items as sculpture, bronze, ceramics, jade, coins, Ming and Qing Dynasty furniture, paintings, and calligraphy. Stop at the gift shop on your way out.
Yuyuan Gardens
Shanghai
45CNY per person
Explore this tranquil, 400-year-old, five-acre garden. Climb to the top of the Rockery to see the greenery from above. Check out the Jade Rock and watch the swarms of goldfish swim around in the ponds. With multiple pavilions and halls there's plenty to see. Depending on when you visit there may be flower shows or tea ceremonies in the area. Opt to visit the bustling bazaar located outside the gardens and hone your bargaining skills.
Depart any time today.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
As per itinerary - B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals