12-day authentic China expedition trip

Beijing

Day 1: Welcome to China!

Today your adventure in China begins when you arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport. As you exit into the arrivals hall, you will be met by your driver who will transfer you to your hotel in central Beijing. Check into your hotel, freshen up after your journey, and get ready for the adventure to come.

Forbidden City - Summer Palace - Tian’anmen Square

Day 2: Follow the Footsteps of Ming Dynasty Emperors

After breakfast this morning, set out to discover the highlights of Beijing by visiting three of the capital city's most iconic sites: Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Summer Palace.

Your first stop is Tiananmen Square -- the world's largest city square. Spend some time taking in the atmosphere of this impressive place, then, venture to the Forbidden City.

The Forbidden City is a magnificent palace complex that was once the residence of Ming and Qing dynasty rulers. Constructed in the 15th century, the complex offers an extraordinary encounter with China's imperial past. You can hike up the hill in Jingshan Park to get a panoramic view of this magnificent complex

Finally, visit the Summer Palace, situated just outside the city. Here, you will discover an exquisite classical Chinese garden.

Tonight, get ready for a Peking duck feast.

Gubeikou - Jinshanling Great Wall

Day 3: Spend Time at the Great Wall of China

This morning, we'll drive to Gubeikou, the starting point of our hike to the Great Wall of China. Our destination is the Jinshanling section, a peaceful part of the wall surrounded by beautiful green foliage. Admire the exquisite brickwork of this ancient stretch of the wall and observe how it winds its way through the graceful mountains. 

Later, we'll drive to Gubei Watertown, which lies at the bottom of the Simatai section of the Great Wall. This newly developed tourist village offers comfortable accommodations in a peaceful rural setting. 

Gubei Watertown - Simatai - Jiankou

Day 4: Encounter an Intriguing Water Village

Choose your own adventure this morning. Would you like to watch a dazzling sunrise from the Great Wall of China? Hike up to the top of the Simatai Great Wall for panoramic views. Alternatively, spend some time in the watertown. Today you have the opportunity to join a cultural workshop such as tie-dyeing or kite painting. Just be sure to book in advance. 

After lunch, we'll set off for our next hike along the Great Wall. We'll start at the Jinshanling section and continue until we reach a very old part of the wall, which offers fantastic views of the surrounding landscape.

Later, you will be transferred to Jiankou village to spend the night in a local guesthouse.

Jiankou Great Wall - Mutianyu

Day 5: Traverse a Tranquil Section of the Great Wall

Another full day of hiking is on the agenda for today. Today's trek begins at Xizhazi village where we'll follow a small mountain trail that leads straight up to the wall. This trail isn't easy, but you'll be rewarded with fantastic views from the top. Climb up to the deserted watch-tower and set your eyes on a dazzling panorama. From here, we'll continue for about 4-hours. Chances are good that we won't encounter any other tourists during this tranquil trek, as you make your way to the Mutianyu portion of the wall, which in contrast to the stretch you've just traversed, is one of the most visited spots.

Enjoy lunch before heading back to Beijing.

Temple Of Heaven - Shichahai - 798 Art District

Day 6: See the Local Life in Traditional Beijing

This morning after breakfast, we'll stop to see the locals doing their morning calisthenics before heading to the Temple of Heaven. Here is where Ming and Qing dynasty emperors offered sacrifices for a fruitful harvest.

Later, continue to the alluring Hutong neighborhood where you can view a traditional way of life. Learn how to make dumplings and eat lunch with a local family, then set off on a rickshaw ride.

Later, continue to Art District 798, where you will have the opportunity to explore this complex of converted factory spaces, which are now artist studios and cultural centers.

Beijng - Xian

Day 7: Take the Train to Xi'an

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel this morning. Later today you will head to Xi'an by high-speed rail. Enjoy a private transfer to the Beijing West Railway Station. Tonight, you will pull into the station in Xi'an, home of the magnificent Terracotta Warriors. Your local guide will meet you at the station and transfer you to your hotel in the city center. Spend the evening at your leisure.

Qin Terra-cotta Army - Xi’an Old City - Gao's Grand Courtyard

Day 8: Meet the Terracotta Warriors of Xi'an

A great adventure in Xi'an awaits today. First, come face to face with an extraordinary army of Terracotta Warriors. Discovered in 1974, these 6,000 life-sized figures were buried beneath the earth for centuries. Constructed over 2,000 years ago to guard the mausoleum of China's first emperor Qin Shihuang, the impressive soldiers each feature distinctive costumes and facial expressions.

After your visit, continue to Xi'an's ancient city walls, where you can set off on an exhilarating bike ride. Then, visit Xi'an's atmospheric Muslim Quarter where you will see Gao's Grand Courtyard, the Great Mosque, a vibrant bazaar street lined with shops and food vendors known as "Muslim Street," and watch a shadow puppet show. 

Tonight you will enjoy a typical Muslim dinner.

Shanxi History Museum - Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Day 9: Learn About Local History

Before catching a flight to Shanghai today, take the morning to visit some of Xi'an's interesting sights. First, head to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda where you can watch the North Plaza Fountain show. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then make your way to the Shanxi History Museum. Here, you will discover an excellent exhibition that showcases this region's rich history. 

In the afternoon, you will be transferred to Xi'an Lijiang Airport to board your plane to Shanghai. Upon arrival, meet your local guide who will transfer you to your hotel. 

Yu Garden - Jade Buddha Temple - The Oriental Pearl Tv Tower

Day 10: Tour the Iconic City of Shanghai

Set out to discover Shanghai this morning. First, explore Yu Garden. Established in 1559 during the Ming dynasty, this pretty parkland offers ample opportunity to stroll through a classical Chinese setting featuring exquisite pavilions and pagodas that rise up among graceful trees, stones, and flower beds. Next, pay a visit to the jewel-encrusted Buddha at the Jade Buddha Temple, before making your way to The Bund. This iconic, mile-long avenue was once home to the banks and trading houses of the 1920s and 1930s. End your tour at the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, a city landmark that rises 468-meters above the city of Shanghai.

Wuzhen

Day 11: Encounter the Riverside Village of Wuzhen

An enchanting day in Wuzhen is on the agenda for today. This morning, you will be picked up at your hotel for the approximately 2-hour drive to this lovely riverside village.

Upon arrival, set out on a visit to a wine-making plant and local printing workshop. You'll enjoy a traditional Chinese lunch followed by an exploration of an exhibition of antique beds from the Ming and Qing dynasties. A visit to a local folk museum is next on the itinerary, and finally, relax aboard a typical Chinese gondola for a leisurely cruise along the river before heading back to Shanghai.

Shanghai

Day 12: Goodbye, China!

Your 12-day trip to China has come to an end. We hope you have had an unforgettable experience in this extraordinary land. At the appropriate time, you will be picked up at your hotel and driven to the airport in Shanghai to catch your flight back home.

We wish you pleasant travels and look forward to welcoming you back again one day.