Remarkable cities & landscapes of China

Beijing

Day 1: Welcome to Beijing

Welcome to Beijing, ancient capital of China, bearing countless historical stories and cultural treasures.

On arrival, your guide will meet you at the airport,and provide information about Beijing en route to the hotel. Once you've settled in, the rest of the day in this thrilling city is yours to spend at leisure. 

Beijing

Day 2: Tiananmen Square and the tranquil Summer Palace

After breakfast this morning, it's time to explore the city. Stroll through Tiananmen Square, passing by Tiananmen Tower and the Monument to the People's Heroes. Then head to the Forbidden City. Get off the beaten track and listen to vivid histories and discover a different charm in this 600-year-old legendary palace.

For lunch, enjoy a classic delicacy: aromatic Peking roast duck. Afterwards, walk around the tranquil Summer Palace at a leisurely pace and enjoy the 300-year-old royal garden. Take a pleasant boat ride on the lake and tour the long corridors to view the exquisite paintings on the ceilings.

The rest of the evening is free to spend as you choose.

Beijing

Day 3: Conquer the Great Wall

After breakfast this morning, take the cable car up to the Mutianyu Great Wall: the majestic structure winds through a lush mountain landscape, offering stunning views. Stand on the top and gaze out over a truly spectacular vista.

After the trip, descend by cable car again or, if you're feeling daring, take the toboggan run down.

Afterwards, you'll return to the capital, where you're free to spend the evening as you choose.

Beijing - Xian

Day 4: Temple of Heaven to Tang Dynasty splendour

After breakfast, head to the Temple of Heaven, watch the elders practicing Tai Chi and experience the charm of traditional Chinese culture. Afterwards, take a rickshaw through the alleyways: like entering a time tunnel, this is an immersion into the life of the ancient capital.

In the afternoon, you'll ride on the Bullet Train to Xi’an. Spend the rest of the day exploring Xi'an. Head to Datang Everbright City to experience the splendour of the Tang Dynasty. The grand palace complex is illuminated at night and complemented by a musical fountain show, recreating the glory of Xi'an's golden age.

Xian

Day 5: Discover the secrets of the Terracotta Warriors

After breakfast this morning, it's time to visit the breathtaking Terracotta Warriors. Each terracotta figure has distinctive features and a strikingly animated facial expression, demonstrating the unparalleled craftsmanship of the Qin artisans. Marvel at the mastery of the sculptors and wonder at the formidable strength of the Qin Dynasty's army, captured through this grand artistic endeavor. Afterward, proceed to a local craftsman's cave dwelling and learn how to make a mini terracotta warrior.

After lunch, conclude your day with a visit to the Muslim Quarter. Stroll along the street and taste delicious snacks, getting a glimpse into the daily life of the local people.

The evening is yours at leisure. 

Xian - Zhangjiajie

Day 6: Myths and Legends in Xi'an and Zhangjiajie

After breakfast, you'll start your journey today at the Shaanxi History Museum, for a glimpse at the long and splendid history of Shaanxi through its rich collection. Marvel at exquisite and unparalleled bronzeware and discover their history.

After that, it's time to transfer to the airport for the flight to Zhangjiajie. On arrival, your guide will be there to welcome you and assist with the transfer to the hotel for check in.

The rest of the day is free to explore and enjoy the scenery of Zhangjiajie: recognisable as the inspiration for the mystical world of the film Avatar.

Zhangjiajie

Day 7: Breathtaking 'Dancing with the sky' experience

Prepare for another day of awe-inspiring exploration, beginning with the Bailong Elevator. Take the lift up to 320 metres high (about a 5 minute ride) to enjoy the heavenly scenery.

Later, you'll arrive at Yuanyangjie. The surrounding mountains and forests are secluded, transporting you to Avatar's planet Pandora. Looking into the distance at Mount Halleluiah, the magnificent giant stones and exquisite surroundings are worthy of any great movie.

Take the cable car up Tianzi Mountain. This is famous for its high altitude and winding walkways. Watch the sea of clouds from the main peak and feel the experience of 'dancing with the sky'.

Zhangjiajie

Day 8: Dramatic grand canyon adventure

Fuel up at breakfast today, as this morning you'll enjoy a three-hour hike following the Golden Whip Stream as it winds through the lush valley. On the way, be mindful of the monkeys who have become very familiar with visitors, but should be left alone.

After lunch, in the afternoon, you'll proceed to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, where you will be amazed by some unique cliffs, streams and lakes. Challenge yourself on the world's longest and highest glass bridge. Afterward, transfer back to downtown Zhangjiajie, where the evening is free.

Zhangjiajie

Day 9: Daredevil Tian’men Mountain pursuits

After experiencing the Grand Canyon yesterday, after breakfast today, you'll visit the Tian’men Mountain for more adventures.

Challenge yourself again by taking the world’s longest mountain ropeway and hiking along the glass walkway hanging on the cliff. Standing in mid-air is a breathtaking way to experience the scenery. 

After drinking in these dazzling sights, you'll head back to your hotel for an evening at leisure. 

Zhangjiajie - Guilin

Day 10: Bullet train to atmospheric Guilin

After breakfast at your hotel today, you'll be departing from Zhangjiajie; it will take about seven hours to travel to Guilin by high-speed Bullet train.

In the evening, once you've settled into your new hotel, take a stroll to Two Rivers and Four Lakes, enjoying the night view of the Sun and Moon Pagodas or go to Dongxi Alley to experience the market atmosphere.

Guilin - Longji Rice Terrace

Day 11: Fairytale caves and picturesque rice terraces

Today's adventure begins at Reed Flute Cave. Inside the limestone cave, see stalactites of all shapes and sizes. Lit up with colorful lights, it feels like stepping into a fairytale.

Continue to Longji Terraced Fields. These terraced rice paddies wind up and down the hillsides. Climb to the top observation deck and be greeted with panoramic vistas of the entire valley — views so stunning you'll never want to leave.

Later in the day you'll head back to Guilin, where you are at leisure to relax at your hotel or head out and explore some more.

Guilin - Yanghshuo

Day 12: Serene cruise to Yangshuo

After pickup from your hotel after breakfast this morning, you'll head to the Li River cruise pier to board the cruise to Yangshuo. 

Standing on the deck, gaze at the limestone peaks reflected on the serene river, their winding silhouettes resembling masterful Chinese ink paintings. Cruise down the Li River, enjoying lunch onboard, and sail on to Yangshuo, your home for tonight. You'll disembark at West Street. It's certainly worth taking a stroll down this street, as it is lined with restaurants, bars, snackshops and handicraft stalls.

Yangshuo - Shanghai

Day 13: Scenic countryside tour

After breakfast this morning, enjoy a countryside tour in by private car or, if you feel enegergetic and are confident cycling, by bicycle (the bike tour lasts around two hours). The tours let you fully appreciate the idyllic scenery and see the agricultural lifestyle of the area. 

After lunch, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. When you're settled in your hotel, head out for take a stroll down Nanjing Road and soak up the energy of the bustling city, or make your way to the Bund to take in the dazzling night-time views of this modern metropolis.

Shanghai

Day 14: Modern glamour and heritage of Shanghai

Your Shanghai adventure kicks off at Yu Garden. Meander through the greenery, soak up the charm of the traditional buildings and pavilions that capture the essence of a Jiangnan Garden.

Head up to the 88th floor observatory of the Jin Mao Tower. From there, enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the city, including the skyscrapers in Pudong and landmarks like the Bund promenade, museums and theatres: all represent Shanghai's modern glamour.

After lunch, make your way to the Bund. The buildings here radiate a strong sense of history. Relish the views of the Huangpu River and see how much Shanghai has transformed over the decades.

Cap off the day with a stroll through Shanghai Old Street. It's like stepping back in time to the bustling market scene of 100 years ago. Here, sample delicious traditional Shanghai street food for a true taste of the city's cultural heritage.

Shanghai - Tongli Water Town

Day 15: Rustic charm of the 'Venice of China'

Set out early today to reach Suzhou and visit Tongli Town, also known as the 'Venice of China'. Strolling through this old village, look out for ancient Ming and Qing dynasty buildings and homes on every corner. Take a boat ride for the perfect way to see the black-roofed, white-walled houses that line the canals and admire all the rustic charm around you.

After the trip, drive back to Shanghai for another free evening of exploration.

Shanghai

Day 16: Departure day

Today, it's time to say goodbye to China. After breakfast today, you have some leisure time until being transferred to the airport for your homeward flight.