Includes internal flights on economy class, twin shared luxury accommodation, English speaking guide, private cars, and sightseeing listed in the itinerary. Excludes visa and travel documents, travel insurance, international flights, local tipping, etc.
This itinerary is to give you a flavor of what is possible. We can tailor this trip to suit your specific needs and expectations.
Upon arrival, our guide will greet you at the airport and escort you to Beijing Marriott Hotel City Wall for check in. You’ll receive a short tour briefing in the lobby and then are at your leisure for the evening.
Hotel: Beijing Marriott Hotel City Wall
Day 2: Beijing | Discover the Royal Palace of the Forbidden City and Rickshaw Tour in the Hutongs
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today enjoy an in-depth tour of the mysterious Forbidden City. First stop is Tiananmen Square, the largest city square of China surrounded by historical buildings and well known for its political demonstrations.
Enter the Forbidden City through the decorative Tiananmen Gate. The Forbidden City was home to the emperors of China for half a millennium. Our guide will guide relay to you some interesting stories about the kings and their families.
In the afternoon, take a rickshaw tour through the Hutongs, the old alleyways of Beijing. Visiting the Hutongs provides a sharp contrast between the life of royalty and the commoners in imperial times.
At the end of the day, visit Jinshan Park, the royal garden behind the Forbidden City where you can climb to get a bird’s eye view of the ancient royal complex.
Return to the hotel for leisure.
Hotel: Beijing Marriott Hotel City Wall
Day 3: Beijing | World Wonder: The Great Wall of China
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
No visit to China would be complete without seeing the Great Wall. This barrier was built over 2,000 years ago and has no equal. Transfer by road to the Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall. This segment is less crowded. Take a cable car ride to the top, or it is possible to climb up on foot for an additional challenge. Explore this section of the wall to see excellent views of the countryside and expanses of Northern China.
After lunch, return to Beijing. Enjoy a Chinese foot massage to help relax after two days walking while learning about Chinese reflexology.
In the evening, enjoy a Peking Duck Dinner and Martial Arts Show.
Hotel: Beijing Marriott Hotel City Wall
Day 4: Beijing – Xian | Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace, Fly to Xi’an
Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today will start with the Temple of Heaven. In ancient times the temple was used by the emperors to worship heaven and pray for good harvest for their people. Nowadays, it has been a popular place for elderly locals to come for morning exercise, social activities, and personal talent shows.
Continue your visit to the Summer Palace, the summer retreat for the emperors and their royal families. Stroll along the beautifully decorated corridors, paddle a boat on the Lake and enjoy the serenity of the Chinese royal gardens.
After the tour, you will transfer to the airport for an onward flight to Xi’an, the capital city of China in ancient times.
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted at the airport by our guide and transferred to Wyndham Grand Xian South for check in.
Hotel: Wyndham Grand Xian South
Day 5: Xian | Discover the World Heritage Site—the Terracotta Warriors
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, transfer to the Terracotta Warriors Museum. Here you will uncover the terracotta army dating back more than 2,000 years during the Qin Dynasty. Visit several exhibition halls while learning about the various functions of soldiers during that time and about the ruling Emperor Qin who commanded them.
Return to Xi’an in the afternoon and visit to Xian Bell Tower. You will have a chance to listen to traditional music played on ancient instruments. Then stroll along the Muslim Quarter and visit their market.
Hotel: Wyndham Grand Xian South
Day 6: Xian—Yichang | Hanyang Tomb Underground Museum, Fly to Yichang
Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, visit Shanxi History Museum which houses the largest collection in the world of ancient Chinese artifacts. Then visit the Ancient City Wall of Xian where you can enjoy a relaxing bicycle ride on the wall and be amazed by this ancient construction.
On the way to the airport, visit the underground Tomb of Emperor Liu Qi. It is quite a contrast from the Terracotta Warriors.
Then fly to Yichang. Upon arrival, our guide will greet you and escort you to the pier for boarding President Cruise No. 8.
Hotel: President Cruise No. 8 (or available luxury cruise based on schedule)
Day 6: Yangtze Cruise | Shore Excursion at Three Gorges Dam
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, our cruise will sail through the Xiling Gorge, famous for its beautiful mountain view along the Yangtze River. Enjoy a shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam, the mega hydropower project in China.
In the evening, enjoy the captain’s welcome banquet on the cruise.
Hotel: President Cruise No. 8
Day 7: Yangtze Cruise | Shennong Stream Discovery
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take an excursion today up the Shennong Stream. The stream is quite narrow at some places with steep cliffs rising on both sides. The scenery is break-taking. You’ll have the opportunity to spot ancient hanging coffins in the limestone rock faces overhead. Also, you’ll learn about how they navigated the streams in the ancient times.
Return to the cruise ship and relax. In the afternoon, pass through the Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge.
Hotel: President Cruise No. 8
Day 8: Yangtze Cruise | Shore Excursion to ShibaoZhai Heritage Site
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a shore excursion to Shibaozhai Island and visit the red temple built on the stiff rock of the hill, facing the Yangtze River.
Today you can also take part in an optional excursion to the Fengdu Ghost City. This city features many pagodas and provides insight into the Chinese beliefs of the afterlife. (Extra charges may apply.)
In the evening, enjoy a festive captain’s farewell dinner.
Hotel: President Cruise No. 8
Day 9: Yangtze Crusie – Guilin | Disembark Yangtze Cruise | Fly to Guilin
Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, our guide will pick you up from the cruise ship. Continue to Chongqing city to visit the Panda Room at the Zoo. Then take a stroll around the Ciqikou Ancient Town of Chongqing.
Next, fly to Guilin. Upon arrival be greeted by our guide and escorted to Shangri-La Hotel Guilin for check in and leisure time.
Hotel: Shangri-La Hotel Guilin
Day 10: Guilin | Stunning Rice Terraced Fields and Remote Hill Tribes
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, enjoy a scenic road trip to the mountainous Longsheng area. Longsheng is home to the spectacular rice terraced fields on the mountain, and the diverse mountain hill tribes of Zhuang, Yao and Miao ethnic minorities.
The path from the village to the top of the mountain isn’t too difficult, but the view of the rice terraced fields below is stunning. You may also choose a short trek on the paths through the rice fields and forests, to discover more breathtaking views and villages.
Return to your hotel in Guilin for leisure time.
Hotel: Shangri-La Hotel Guilin
Day 11: Guilin | Li River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Check out in the morning and embark on a boat cruise down the Li River to Yangshuo. Li River is known as one of the most beautiful rivers in China. With its towering karsts and lush countryside, the Li River is often a theme of Chinese water paintings.
Disembark at Yangshuo, the small town located among the limestone hills. Take a stroll along the stone paved streets to explore this ancient city. Then proceed to Yangshuo Green Lotus Hotel for check in and leisure time.
Hotel: Yangshuo Green Lotus Hotel
Day 12: Guilin | Enjoy the Picturesque Countryside of Yangshuo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Yangshuo is famous for its picturesque and tranquil countryside. Enjoy a relaxing bicycle ride through the stunning views of Yangshuo with our guide. Much of the architecture in Yangshuo predates modern China.
Optional: In the evening, watch the River Show—Impression of Liu Sanjie, a magnificent show performed on the Li River by more than 600 performers. The karst surrounding provides a natural amphitheater. (Additional charges may apply.)
Hotel: Yangshuo Green Lotus Hotel
Day 13: Guilin-Shanghai | Bamboo Rafting the Yulong River | Fly to Shanghai
Internal Flight: Included
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
In the morning, take a bamboo raft down the Yulong River. The name means “Dragon River” and you will realize why as you wind through its many turns in the forested karsts. Drift downstream as the natural scenery passes by.
In the afternoon, transfer to Guilin airport for your onward flight to Shanghai.
Upon arrival in Shanghai, our guide will greet you at the airport and escort you to Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World for check in and leisure time.
Hotel: Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World
Day 14: Shanghai | City Highlights of Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today enjoy a city excursion to the best of Shanghai City. First, transfer to Shanghai’s old quarter for the typical Shanghainese life at Shikumen district. Then continue to the Yu Yuan Garden – one of the famed gardens in China featuring different styles of Chinese floriculture. Then visit the nearby Yuyuan Market and try the popular Shanghai steamed dumplings.
In the afternoon, cross the river to Pudong district, one of the more modern developments of the Asian metropolis. Enjoy the bird’s eye view over Shanghai on the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Then enjoy a walk through the historical buildings and streets along the Bund.
Hotel: Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World
Day 15: Shanghai | Ancient Project of the Grand Canals & Best Gardens in China
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Transfer to Suzhou in the morning, with many world-renown gardens featuring the Suzhou style. Visit several of the most famous classic gardens in the morning exhibiting beautifully built pavilions, Asian garden ponds, and Suzhou foliage.
Have lunch at a popular Chinese restaurant. Then embark on an old style wooden boat for a boat trip on the Grand Canal. The Grand Canal was built in the 4th century to link the transportation between Hangzhou and Suzhou. It has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The canal in Suzhou is flanked by old houses and eye-catching scenery. It is also an opportunity to see daily life along the canal.
Hotel: Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World
Day 16: Shanghai-Departure | Departure from Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy leisure time in the morning. Before your departure flight, your guide will transfer you to the airport and bid you a fond farewell.
It's easier than ever to get going! Request a quote today!
One of our Travel Experts will reach out to you and assist you with an itinerary and quote. Also, feel free to leave your phone number and we will give you a quick call just to say hello and clarify any questions we have about your inquiry.
We know our countries inside and out and can recommend the "must see" places based on the kind of travel you enjoy.
Safety First
Licensed guides and drivers, thru-trip emergency phone with our contacts so you can reach us at the push of a button, vehicles with seatbelts and airbags... - your safety is important to us.
Experience Asia in Comfort
Travel at the pace you want with the comforts you expect. Air conditioned vehicles and rooms, hotels with WIFI, Western toilets and bathrooms.
Price Transparency
We provide the costs up front and in detail so you know where the costs for your trip are coming from.
Speak with a specialist
Submit our inquiry form and someone will contact you by email or phone to start the conversation about your travel plans or questions.
Customize your plans
Your travel consultant will listen to your travel interests and requirements design a draft itinerary. Feel free to make requests and we will let you know about your options and adjust accordingly.
Booking your tour
Once the tour is planned how you like, simply send deposit to reserve the tour and lock in the hotels and rate. Tour Confirmation will be sent with 14 days of deposit. Remainder will be settled 60 days before traveling.
Begin your holiday
Feel free to contact our team for any questions before your big day arrives. We will also contact you during the trip to make sure everything is going smoothly.
REQUEST A FREE QUOTE
It's easier than ever to get going! Request a quote today!
One of our Travel Experts will reach out to you and assist you with an itinerary and quote. Also, feel free to leave your phone number and we will give you a quick call just to say hello and clarify any questions we have about your inquiry.
Speak
Customize
Booking
Begin