Tours to China: China at Leisure – An Enchanting 13-Day Discovery

Itinerary

Day 1: Beijing arrival

Once you get to the airport of Beijing, a friendly and professional tour guide will meet you and escort to your hotel by a private vehicle. After you check in, it’s your leisure time. If you are looking forward to exploring the local area, please do not hesitate to ask your guide for advice beforehand. Ni Hao and welcome to Beijing!

Overnight in a hotel in a great location.

 

Day 2: Explore historical Beijing

You will be picked up at your hotel after breakfast and taken to explore the historical face of Beijing, starting with a visit to Tiananmen Square – the largest city plaza in the world. Here, you can admire the site of Chairman Mao’s announcement of the formation of the People’s Republic of China and the iconic Tiananmen Gate. From there, explore the Forbidden City, a palace complex of over 9,000 rooms, where 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties once lived – marvel at its yellow glazed tile roof, white marble base and splendid colourful paintings. Additionally, take some time for a brief visit to Jingshan Park, where you will get an excellent shot of the watchtower of the Forbidden City and take a panoramic view of the palace complex. Later, drive around 40 minutes to Summer Palace, the largest royal garden in China. Take a leisurely walk through the ancient pavilions, mansions, temples, bridges, and corridors before feasting your eyes on Kunming Lake and the Long Corridor. Suggested optional activities for the evening: 1) Watch a delightful Kung Fu show between 19:15-20:15; 2) Catch a breath-taking acrobatic show between 19:15-20:15.

✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch

Overnight in a hotel in a great location.

 

Day 3: Marvel at one of the Seven Wonders of the World

Start your adventure to the Great Wall by driving 70km to the Mutianyu segment, which is well-preserved from the Ming Dynasty and less crowded than other parts of the wall. Depart with a cable car and marvel at the view from the highest towers before descending by a different cable car—or take the 40-minute climb down the steps if you have enough energy. Afterwards, take a drive to the Sacred Way, a seven-kilometre-long road that leads to the Imperial Tombs of 13 Emperors of Ming Dynasty. Admire the largest archway in China and Great Palace Gate while you walk through to see the 12 sets of mythical animals and 12 officials. Finally, take a quick glance at the iconic Beijing Olympic Village to view the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube from the outside before heading back to the city.

As an optional activity, you can savour a delicious dinner and taste the famous Peking Roasted Duck at Quanjude.

✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch

Overnight in a hotel in a great location.

 

Day 4: Discover Beijing and enjoy an exciting High-Speed Train to Xian

After breakfast, start your Beijing adventure by heading to the Temple of Heaven – a former imperial site that was originally used to pay homage to Heaven and pray for good harvests, but is now a popular spot for locals to partake in activities such as Tai Chi, dancing, kite flying, and water calligraphy. Then, take a rickshaw journey through the Beijing Hutongs, which are small alleys formed from neighbouring quadrangle dwellings. Explore and learn about the old Beijing lifestyle, visit various antique shops and small boutiques, immerse in the historical changes of Beijing, and pay a visit to a local family’s home. Your Beijing tour is now nearing the end, so your tour guide will take you to the Beijing West Railway Station for an approximately 5-hour high speed train trip to Xian. Upon your arrival, your tour guide will pick you up from Xian North Railway Station and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this ancient capital of China.

✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch

Overnight in a hotel in a great location.

Day 5: Discover Xian and one of the greatest man-made wonders.

After breakfast, travel around 40 km to explore one of the world’s greatest man-made wonders – the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, made by the first emperor of China, Qin Shihuang, intended to protect him in the afterlife. Over 8,000 life-sized military figures, horses, and chariots, kept concealed in pits for more than 2,000 years until 1974 when they were discovered by a nearby farmer, make up this historic army with entire battle units such as infantry and cavalry. Gazing at these masterful sculptures of ancient Chinese design, one can’t help but be in awe and admiration of Emperor Qin Shihuang’s ambition and the amazing talents of the artisans.

After lunch, return to Xian for a peaceful stroll along the Ancient City Wall, the largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China. Admire the stunning views of modern Xian from the 12-meter-high and 18-meter-wide city wall, that totals up to almost 14 kilometres in circumference. Follow the Ancient City Wall visit with a wander to the vibrant Muslim Quarter, where you can indulge in the many local snacks and learn about Muslim culture.

Optional activities: 1) Go for a leisurely ride on the Ancient City Wall; 2) Catch an enthralling performance of the Tang Palace Dance Show (usually held from 8pm to 9pm) after a delicious dumpling dinner at a local restaurant.

✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch

Overnight in a hotel in a great location.

 

Day 6: Explore Xian & a flight to Guilin

After a delicious breakfast, you will be taken to the famous Da Cien Temple, the site of a Buddhist sutra translation during the Tang Dynasty. Here, you may choose to climb up the Big Wild Goose Pagoda for an extra 30 RMB, rising to a height of 64.5 meters, it was built by the famous Buddhist master Xuanzang, the prototype character for Tang Seng in the famous Chinese novel “Journey to the West”. Both national and international travellers will be awed by Shaanxi History Museum, where the visitor can admire historic relics such as porcelains, paintings, and currencies dating from the Zhou to the Tang dynastic periods (1100BC to 907 AD). Please note that Shaanxi History Museum may be replaced with other activity or attraction due to crowding tourists during July ~ early September and China’s National Day during Oct.1-Oct.7. Double check with your travel consultant about details. Afterward, fly to Guilin (about 2hrs), the darling of tourists. Upon landing, you’ll be welcomed and escorted to check in your hotel in Guilin City.

✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch

Overnight in a hotel in a great location.

 

Day 7: A relaxing Li River Cruise

Begin your exploration of the highly praised ‘Guilin’s landscape is the best under heaven’ today with a pleasant sightseeing cruise up the Li River from Mopanshan Pier to Yangshuo Town. Spanning 84-kilometers, you’ll be amazed by the endless Chinese painting before you of meandering rivers, verdant limestone karst mountains, stunning rural vistas, the awe-inspiring mural of A Painting of Nine Horses, and the scene depicted on the face of the 20 RMB note. Snacks are available for boarding, and lunch is also provided with simple local Chinese dishes.

After a 4-hour cruise, stop in Yangshuo Town and check into your hotel. Take a small break, then embark on an incredible adventure through the mesmerizing beauty and serene countryside of Yulong River. Revel in views of Karst hills, trickling streams, mirrored mountains, fluttering floras, and vibrant crops – let it soothe your eyes and mind. There is much to do and see; options can range from biking, hiking, bamboo rafting, to scooter riding. You can mix and match your preferred activities along Yulong River. Please inform your travel consultant about your preferences when making tour bookings as prices may vary dependant on the activities of your choice.

Take your bike for a ride and explore the riverside and open lands along the Yangshuo to Jima to Shuiedi Dock to Gongnong Bridge to West Street route and experience the beautiful scenery for 1.5-2 hours. Alternatively, relax and enjoy the beautiful views as you leisurely drift down the river on bamboo rafts either from Shuiedi Dock to Gongnong Bridge (40-50 minutes) or from Jima Dock to Gongnong Bridge (1.5 hours) – it’s like stepping into a traditional Chinese ink painting. Please note, according to the regulations of Yulong River Tourism, children less than 1 meter high and elders over 70 years old are not allowed to take the bamboo rafting.

 Take an evening stroll down West Street and take in the perfect harmony of Eastern and Western culture. If you’re feeling thirsty, stop at a bar and grab a drink, or try some of the local cuisine. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and immerse yourself in the moment.

For an optional evening activity, why not take in the incredible performance of Impression Liu Sanjie directed by famous director Zhang Yimou. The Li River is the stage, and the show usually runs for an hour between 19:45 and 22:20.

✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch

Overnight in a hotel in a great location.

 

Day 8: Yangshuo to Guilin to Chongqing

After breakfast, transfer back to Guilin in a comfortable vehicle, estimated to take 1.5-2 hours. Visit Elephant Trunk Hill, the symbol of Guilin landscape, made of a giant rock resembling an elephant drinking water. Stone carving, Buddhist temple, and relic exhibitions are also located here, each with historical significance. Drive for 7 kilometres to reach Reed Flute Cave, a majestic underground palace with vibrant colours created by Mother Nature over the passage of time. Marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites, stone shields, and stone waterfalls of varying sizes and shapes. Afterward, take a bullet train to Chongqing, estimated to take 5 hours. When you arrive at the railway station, you will be transported to Chongqing Chaotianmen Port to board your Yangtze River cruise. Boarding times typically occur between 18:00-20:00. Please note that boarding times and piers may change based on the cruise ship, water level, season, and weather. Your travel consultants will inform you of the details before your boarding.

Breakfast and lunch included.

Overnight in a hotel in a great location.

 

 

Day 9: A relaxing Yangtze River Cruise

As the sun rises over the tranquil Yangtze River, make the most of your morning by luxuriating in the gentle warmth and natural beauty of the surroundings. If you choose to stay onboard, there are plenty of activities in store for you – attend a Yangtze River history and culture lecture, or practice Tai Chi on the sundeck, or simply enjoy a relaxing morning coffee. As the day goes on, you can finish it off with the Captain’s Welcome Party and evening shows. Should you take a shore excursion instead, head off to the Shibaozhai Pagoda – one of the “Pearls” of the Yangtze River. An architectural masterpiece built in the 18th century, it is a must-see full of legends and remarkable stories. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes though, as there are plenty of stairs to climb!

If you’re looking for something extra, consider a shore excursion to the ‘City of Ghosts’, Fengdu Ghost City. It is steeped in mysterious tales about the underworld, cruel tortures, and all kinds of devils and Chinese demons. As you wander the ghost city, you’ll come across many demon statues and vivid depictions of their heinous acts. Please note that this trip will involve a good amount of walking, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes!

✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner

 

Day 10: Continue Your Relaxing Yangtze River Cruise

Today you will set sail through the majestic Three Gorges, admiring the wondrous scenery that passes by, from the Qutang Gorge to the Wu Gorge, to the Xiling Gorge. During the journey through Wu Gorge, you can take a thrilling side trip to Shennv Stream (also known as Goddess Stream). Here, aboard a smaller vessel, you can get close views of towering mountains, and see the hanging coffins on steep cliff faces. After delighting in an entertaining music and dance performance of the local Tujia ethnic minority, you’ll return to your ship. To end the night, join your comrades at the Captain’s Farewell Party, or dance along to the enchanting show for a truly wonderful night.

Consider taking an optional shore excursion to White Emperor City for an extra fee. This excursion is located at the entrance of the spectacular Qutang Gorge and provides visitors with the perfect place to admire the awe-inspiring Kuimen Gate

✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner

 

Day 11: A High-Speed Train to Shanghai

Following breakfast, you can disembark at Maoping Port and embark on your morning excursion to the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydropower project. Here, you can appreciate the incredible size of the dam and its structures, get more information on its background, and take in the stunning landscape and scenery. Additionally, you may take advantage of the optional experience to sail through the Ship Lift, a 40-minute journey providing perspectives on the dam that one cannot get elsewhere. After touring the dam, you’ll board the bus arranged by the cruise company to the Yichang Three Gorges Centre Cruise Terminal and embark on a high-speed train to Shanghai. Upon arrival, a local tour guide will pick you up from the station and escort you to the hotel for check-in. In the evening, you have ample time to explore this vibrant and cosmopolitan city.

When disembarking, make sure to take your luggage with you. For those who are only visiting the Three Gorges Dam, there will be a bus from Maoping Port to the Dam site, and you should arrive in Yichang downtown by 12:30. For those wanting to experience both the Dam and Ship Lift, they will switch to a sightseeing boat to sail through the Ship Lift before visiting the Dam site. This should have you arriving in Yichang downtown at 13:30

✓ Breakfast

Overnight in a hotel in a great location.

Day 12: Discover Shanghai

On a full day of sightseeing, you will explore the past and present of Shanghai. You will first visit the Shanghai Museum, one of the Best Four Museums in China. This modern museum has a round top and a square base, symbolizing the ancient Chinese perception of the world as ’round sky, square earth’. It houses a variety of international-standard exhibits including bronzes, paintings, calligraphy, sculpture, ceramics, and jade from more than 5,000 years ago to the Qing dynasty. An Audio Explanation Device will be provided to help you better understand the history and facts about the relics in the museum.

Next, you will take an interesting tour of Yu Garden, a shining star among all the ancient Chinese gardens in Jiangnan. It is designed to refresh your mood and spirit, with its jagged pavilions, glittering pools, roving fish, and pine trees sprouting to the sky. Adjacent to the garden is the Yuyuan Bazaar, where you can savour tasteful local snacks and explore exquisite traditional Chinese handicrafts and art works. After that, you will drive several kilometres to the 100th floor (474m) of the Shanghai World Financial Centre, “the Eye of Shanghai”, for a panoramic view of the modern face of Shanghai.

Your journey continues at Nanjing Road, a shopping paradise as well as a great place to take a leisurely stroll to experience the modern atmosphere of the city. Finally, you will stop at the Bund, originally a simple towpath for transporting goods, but now transformed into a feverish trading district. Here you can witness the perfect fusion of Chinese and Western cultures while taking in the stunning Shanghai skyline with your own eyes!

Attend a thrilling Acrobatic Show for a night of breath-taking acts, such as ‘balls of death,’ chair balancing, hula hoops, juggling of benches, and walking in the air (usually held from 19:30 to 21:00). For a more relaxed experience, take a night cruise down the Huangpu River to view the city’s most iconic buildings and streets lit up in the dark (around 50 minutes)

✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch

Overnight in a hotel in a great location.

 

Day 13: Depart Shanghai

After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, your guide and driver will take you to Jade Buddha Temple, a majestic sight with the world’s largest Jade Buddha and a treasure trove of artifacts, statues, and scriptures. Nestled in the heart of Shanghai, this peaceful kingdom of Buddhism is a perfect retreat from the bustling city.

Your next stop will be Tianzifang, an arts and crafts enclave in Shanghai’s French Concession that has been converted from a traditional residential area. Here you can admire Shikumen architecture, wander through the quaint alleyways, and sip a cup of tea at an outdoor café, all while soaking up the unique atmosphere of Shanghai.

Finally, your guide will accompany you to the airport for your flight to your next destination or home.

✓ Breakfast

 

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