Including the most classic China highlights, this program is perfectly designed for the first time visitor to China.
The program starts from Beijing, the capital of Middle Kingdom for eight centuries and capital of China again since 1949. This tour of Beijing covers the principal imperial sites of the Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City, and Summer Palace, plus a glimpse into the traditional way of life in the hutong residential areas, a hike on the Great Wall, and a survey of the varied cuisines the capital can offer.
Then we move to Xi’an, capital of ancient China for over a thousand years and the eastern starting point of the Silk Road. Our program to Xi’an delves into the highlights of its ancient treasures, its rich traditions of Buddhism and Islam, and the unique cuisine and lifestyle of northwest China.
Paris of the East, Queen of the Orient – By exploring the old quarters and backstreets of Shanghai, we will awaken memories of its romantic past. Our tour of Shanghai will recover the memories of its colonial past with visits to old Chinese apartments and early-twentieth century buildings accompanied by our guides who will reveal the stories hidden behind Shanghai's intriguing facades.
In heaven, there is paradise. On earth, there is Suzhou and Hangzhou." Chinese proverb says. In this trip, we visit two of China's most beautiful cities, in the process, learning about town layout of ancient Chinese towns, while immersing ourselves into the ancient Chinese culture of silk, tea and embroidery. A night at the water town is the highlight.
The trip ends in Guangxi. The ethereal beauty of Guangxi's landscape has inspired poets and artists for centuries. Our program take you to see it's enchanting backcountry of rice paddies, the scenery of rugged limestone peaks soaring out of the otherwise flat terrain, lush mountains, and old villages.
Day 1, Arrive Beijing
Arrive in Beijing. Pick up at airport by our guide. The rest of the day is free to have rest.
4-star courtyard hotel (Aloft)
Day 2, Beijing
Relive China’s history with a tour through Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City including the Clock Museum and Treasure Hall. Climb up the Jingshan to get a bird-view of this splendid complex of imperial buildings. After lunch we visit the Hutongs, a labyrinth of lanes that have served as houses to Beijing’s residents for hundreds of years. Enjoy Peking Duck dinner tonight.
4-star courtyard hotel (B/L/D)
Day 3, Beijing
We depart early this morning for an excursion on the Mutianyu Great Wall. In the afternoon, we will visit the Ming Tombs and the Sacred Road.
4-star courtyard hotel (B/L/D)
Day 4, Beijing to Xi’an
Our program starts from a visit to the Temple of Heaven with a Tai Chi lesson by our master. Then we visit the Summer Palace with a boat cruising on the beautiful Kunming Lake and a visit to the Suzhou Street. Take a late afternoon flight to Xi’an. Enjoy a distinctively Xi'an dumpling dinner.
4-star central located hotel (B/L/D)
Day 5, Xi’an
Visit the Terracotta Army in the morning. After lunch, we return to the city to visit to the Big Goose Pagoda. As sunset approaches, we stroll along the Ming Dynasty City Walls that still encircle the old city, and then continue our exploration of Xi'an cuisine at a local restaurant for dinner.
4-star central located hotel (B/L/D)
Day 6, Xi’an to Shanghai
Learn about Xi’an’s former status as ancient capital of China by visiting the Shaanxi History Museum. After a lunch we visit the Great Mosque and walk around the Muslim quarter. We drive to the airport for flight to Shanghai. Tonight is free to have rest or explore on your own.
4-star central located hotel (B/L)
Day 7, Shanghai
Our morning is entirely taken up with a visit to the Shanghai Museum. We then move on to the old Chinese city and the Yu Gardens, where we have a light lunch of Shanghai's famous dumplings, "xiao long bao." In the afternoon we embark on a walking tour of some of the tree shaded streets of the French Concession.
4-star central located hotel (B/L)
Day 8, Shanghai to Suzhou to Wuzhen
We drive 2 hours to Suzhou and first stop at the Silk Museum. Upon arriving in Suzhou, we explore the Garden of the Master of the Nets and The Garden of Humble Administrator - the two most famous gardens in Suzhou. A visit to the newly opened Suzhou Museum will be the highlight of our Suzhou Tour. Drive to the water town Wuzhen in the late afternoon and spend the night there.
4-star Wuzhen Guesthouse (B/L/D)
Day 9, Wuzhen to Hangzhou
After a leisure morning walking around the water town, we drive to Hangzhou. Our first stop in Hangzhou is Linyin Temple, one of the biggest temple complexes in China. Approaching sunset, we cruise on the West Lake, one of China's most beautiful lake laden with romantic love stories.
4-star hotel near to the lake (B/L/D)
Day 10, Hangzhou to Guilin
We drive to Nine Creeks, hike along the valleys of the Longjing tea plantations and end the hike at the Tea Museum, where we will sample the famous green tea of the area. We transfer to airport for our flight to Guilin in the late afternoon.
4-star central located hotel (B/L/D)
Day 11, Guilin to Yangshuo
In the morning, we take a leisurely boat cruising (3.5 to 4 hours) along the Li River to Xinping, an ancient town near Yangshuo. Upon arrival in Xinping, we walk around the picturesque countryside surrounding Xinping. We arrive in Yangshuo late in the afternoon, and the rest of the day, we are free to explore the bustling West Street of Yangshuo.
4-star central located hotel (B/L)
Day 12, Yangshuo
We start our morning biking exploration through serene villages to the Moon Hill. We return to Yangshuo for lunch then spend the afternoon exploring the countryside by bike.
4-star central located hotel (B/L)
Day 13, Yangshuo to Guilin to Hong Kong
We depart Yangshuo to Guilin for our flight back home. Trip ends.
(B)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Airfare US$ 567 per person
Price Includes:
- All hotel accommodations (Atmospheric Boutique Hotel) based on double occupancy, including tax and breakfast
- All meals as stated in the itinerary highlighting the local cuisine with water, tea, local beer, and soft drinks.
- Airport arrival and departure transfers
- All ground transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water and snacks on coach
- All admissions and activity expenses as noted on itinerary
- Services of local guides, site experts, and other support staff
Price Excludes:
- International airfare
- Any en route stopovers, hotels, and meals to and from China
- Excess baggage charges and airport taxes
- Passport and visa fees
- Normal level of gratuities for local guides and drivers
- Travel insurance for trip cancellation, travel delay or baggage lose/damage
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
China
Cultural Journey
Senior Tours
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