See another side to China in 12 days
This 12 days trip will take you discover China off the beaten path. Combine classic with authentic, experience spectacular landscapes with rich activities (like hiking, horseback riding, cycling, rafting and etc).
Due to an ancient history and deeply rich culture, Beijing has a wide range of exciting things to offer and we have developed a tour that will allow you to experience many of its incredible highlights. Most importantly, you will have a chance to hike on the wild section of the Great Wall.
Xi'an, famous for its old city walls and its impressive bell tower. Xi'an acts as a perfect platform to visit the amazing Terracotta Army that includes more than 6,000 individually crafted soldiers of stunning detail. For lovers of wildlife, Chengdu will also not disappoint as we take a ride to see pandas at the Chengdu Panda Breeding Centre.
The last station is Yunnan, a land of natural beauty and mystery, located in the most southwest of China, has a vast territory, magnificent mountains and rivers, abundant natural resources and diverse cultures.
Services
Included:
- Hotel: 11 nights' hotel fees are based on two people sharing one room with twin bed. All hotels as listed in the above itinerary serve daily western or Chinese breakfast;
- 11 x breakfast, 10 x lunch, 2 x dinner;
- Private Transfers: Transfers between airports, hotels and scenic spots while sightseeing during the trip by private air conditioned vehicle with a driver;
- All the activities fee mentioned in the itinerary: Peking Opera in Beijing; Cycling on the Ancient City Wall in Xi’an; boating on Erhai Lake in Dali, Impression Lijiang Ethnic Show, round trip cable car and shuttle bus in Jade Snow Mountain; Bike for half day cycling trip in Lijiang; horse riding experience in Lashi Lake, and rafting experience in Shigu town;
- Entrance Fees: to scenic spots as listed in the itinerary;
- Domestic flights - Flight from Chengdu to Dali in economy class on day 7;
- Trains -Second class high speed train from Beijing to Xi’an on day 4;
- Second class high speed train from Xi'an to Chengdu on day 5;
Excluded:
- International airfare or train tickets to enter or leave China;
- Medicine for any illness or accident while on the road;
- Tourist accident insurance. NB - you are strongly suggested to buy travel and health insurance before you start out from your home country.
Optional:
- Peking duck dinner on Day 04 ( from USD45 per person)
Itinerary at a Glance
Beijing
Welcome to China!
Beijing
The Summer Palace and Forbidden City
Beijing - Mutainyu Great Wall - Beijing
Discover the Great Wall
Beijing - Xi'an
Visit the Temple of Heaven
Xi'an - Chengdu
Terra Cotta Warriors and Exciting Xi'an City Tour
Chengdu
A Panda Sanctuary and the World's Largest Stone Buddha
Chengdu - Dali
Three Pagodas Temple and a Tie-Dye Workshop
Dali - Shaxi - Lijiang
Uncover the Remarkable "Stone Treasure Mountain"
Lijiang - Jade Dragon Snow Mountain - Lijiang
The Ganhaizi Meadow and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Lijiang
Cycling and Horseback Riding in Lijiang
Lijiang - Tiger Leaping Gorge - Lijiang
Excursion to Tiger Leaping Gorge
Lijiang
Explore Charming Lijiang
Detailed Itinerary
Beijing
Day 1: Welcome to China!
Welcome to China! You will be met at Beijing International Airport by our driver and transferred to a hotel in central Beijing. Today you will have an opportunity to rest and recover from the long flight. If you like, spend some time walking around Beijing and seeing the initial sights. Your guide will be happy to recommend some places for dinner.
Beijing
Day 2: The Summer Palace and Forbidden City
It's your first full day in China! This morning, you will first go to visit the Summer Palace which is an immense park containing some Chinese traditional architecture and arts. You'll love the beautiful design and historic tour.
In the afternoon, you will continue to visit Tian’anmen Square, the largest public square in the world.
Then you will hike to Jingshan Park, where you will receive a nice panoramic view of the Forbidden City at the top of Coal Hill.
In the late afternoon, enjoy a Hutong rickshaw tour. You'll see a local area that has maintained its traditional ways.
This evening, you will go to watch a Chinese opera performance. Peking Opera has a history of about 200 years, and it becomes more and more popular as it is a combination of stylized acting, singing, acrobatics, and colorful costumes.
Beijing - Mutainyu Great Wall - Beijing
Day 3: Discover the Great Wall
After a simple breakfast, the private diver will take you from Beijing to Jiankou, which is about two hours away. The ride is spectacularly scenic and you will enjoy photographing the amazing landscapes along the drive.
When you arrive, you will hike eastwards to Mutianyu Great Wall, which is quiet and beautiful. This part of the Great Wall is not as touristy as other. Along with your expert guide, you will discover parts of the Wall and learn all about the history of this incredible place.
When the day is done, you'll drive back to Beijing for a relaxing dinner and evening in the city.
Beijing - Xi'an
Day 4: Visit the Temple of Heaven
In the early morning after breakfast, you will go to see the local people doing their morning exercises. Then, you will visit the Temple of Heaven. This incredible landmark is a huge and important highlight of Beijing. The Temple of Heaven was the venue for the Ming and Qing emperors to offer sacrifices to Heaven and pray for the harvest. This temple was built in the 18th year of the reign of Ming Emperor Yongle in 1420.
At the end of the visit, you will take a high-speed train to Xi’an. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and have a rest.
Xi'an - Chengdu
Day 5: Terra Cotta Warriors and Exciting Xi'an City Tour
After breakfast, you will drive to visit the magnificent Qin Terra-cotta Army with an extension to Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world: a lifesize clay soldier poised for battle. Qin's tomb was built about 2500 years ago and was filled with more than 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots, and 520 horses as well as models of palaces, pavilions, fine vessels, precious stones, and rarities. UNESCO listed the site as one of the world cultural heritages in 1987.
In the afternoon, drive back to Xi'an city. You'll love your visit to the Great Mosque and Muslim Quarter.
Tonight, you will have a chance to enjoy a Chinese Dumpling feast with a Tang Dynasty dancing show.
Chengdu
Day 6: A Panda Sanctuary and the World's Largest Stone Buddha
In the morning, you will go to the Chengdu Research center of Panda Breeding to have a real chance to get intimate interactions with panda bears. Here, you can explore the daily life of the cute pandas, eating bamboo at their active time and climbing in the trees.
In the afternoon, take a drive to visit Leshan Giant Buddha. The looming Leshan Giant Buddha is the largest carved stone Buddha in the world at 71 meters. This is one truly impressive sight you won't want to miss!
After dinner, attend the Sichuan Opera—a dazzling show performed with local instruments, hand shadows, candle storytelling, fire-spitting, and face changing. Later, take time wandering around the local market and bar street Jinli, tasting local delicacies and enjoying the leisure life with local people.
Chengdu - Dali
Day 7: Three Pagodas Temple and a Tie-Dye Workshop
Take an early morning flight to Dali and upon arrival, our guide will lead you to visit Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple northwest of Dali. The temple occupies a scenic location at the foot of Mt. Cang Shan facing Erhai Lake and was built in the reign of Emperor Hongwu of Ming Dynasty, which has a history of over 1,800 years.
Then, you will go for a boat tour on Erhai Lake. This peaceful and relaxing cruise will be a wonderful treat.
Following, extend your tour to the native's hand-made clothing process - a tie-dye cloth workshop in a local village. By visiting this small town, you will gain a better understanding of the history of this ingenious people and an appreciation of a culture that has been important in Chinese history.
Dali - Shaxi - Lijiang
Day 8: Uncover the Remarkable "Stone Treasure Mountain"
In the morning, you will take a drive to Shibao Shan, a stone treasure mountain, which is famous for its red rock formations called Danxia landscape and the Buddhist grottoes.
You will then walk about two hours down from the mountain to Shaxi village, a historical village at the foot of Shibao Shan, nestled in a valley. Shaxi village is a place that the World Monuments Fund has listed as one of the 100 most endangered sites in the world. This area was once a bustling trade station on the Southern Silk Road (Tea and Horse Caravan Road), that linked China and Tibet with Southeast Asia, so the ancient remains, frescoes, art, and graffiti on the mountains show a mixture of cultural influences from other parts of the world.
Lijiang - Jade Dragon Snow Mountain - Lijiang
Day 9: The Ganhaizi Meadow and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Today, you'll drive to Ganhaizi Meadow where you will take the sightseeing bus for a short visit through the Baishuihe River. Take the chairlift up to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Later, you will hike around in the original forest in Spruce Meadow. Then, visit Blue Moon Valley, a stunning sight.
After lunch, you will enjoy the Impression Lijiang Ethnic Show directed in Ganhaizi Meadow. A cultural show demonstrating the traditions and lifestyles of the Naxi, Yi and Bai peoples of the area. After that, drive to visit the Black Dragon Pool and Dongba Culture Museum.
Lijiang
Day 10: Cycling and Horseback Riding in Lijiang
Today, you will start your cycling tour from Lijiang Old Town. Cycle to Baisha Old Town first, then stop to visit Baisha Murals where your guide will give you an introduction to these unique murals.
Then, go on your cycling tour to Lashihai Lake. Lashihai Lake is a nature reserve rich in biodiversity. Later, you will start your horse-riding around Lashihai Lake. It is the largest lake in Lijiang County and is truly gorgeous. Surrounded by the mountains, the catchment of Lashihai is wide and vast. The Rivers of Meiquan and Keluokang are merged together into Lashihai. Your guide will take you around the lake on horseback before you return to the hotel.
Lijiang - Tiger Leaping Gorge - Lijiang
Day 11: Excursion to Tiger Leaping Gorge
After breakfast, take a private bus to Tiger Leaping Gorge, which is a canyon on the Yangtze River. This gorge is formed by two mountains—the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the Haba Snow mountain. Flowing between them is the Golden Sand River. It is said that once, in order to escape from the chasing of a hunter, the tiger had to leap from one side to the other side of the river. The rock that the tiger used has now become the core of this gorge.
After lunch, you will visit the upper Tiger Leaping Gorge. Later in the afternoon, you'll drive to Shigu town, where you will have an exciting whitewater rafting experience before you visit Shigu town. Then your car will drive you to Lijiang Old Town.
Lijiang
Day 12: Explore Charming Lijiang
On your last day, you'll relax in Lijiang Old Town in the morning. Lijiang, a well-preserved old city of ethnic minorities with brilliant culture, is a central town of the Lijiang Autonomous County of the Naxi Ethnic Minority in Yunnan Province. It is embraced by the tree-covered Lion Mountain in the west, Elephant and Golden Row Mountains in the north, vast fertile fields in the southeast, and crystal clear water running through it. The old town looks like a big jade ink slab and therefore received the alias of the Town of Big Ink Slab.
After a lovely day, you'll be transferred to the airport where you'll catch your flight home. We hope you had an amazing time in China!
