21 Days China Holiday with Yangtze River Cruise Tour

Day 1 Hong Kong Arrival

Highlights: Airport Pick Up

Welcome to Hong Kong , Pearl of the Orient! Your local guide is ready to pick you up at the arrival hall of the airport, and transfer you to hotel. The rest of today is to recover from long flight, or explore this vibrant and bustling metropolis on your own.

Free Time ideas: It is one of the most popular things to do in Hong Kong to spend ten minutes riding the humble Star Ferry which sails between Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon and Hong Kong Island(daily 6:30am-11:30pm). From the ferry, you can enjoy the breathtaking skyline of Hong Kong especially in the evening when the Symphony of Lights begins.

Day 2 Hong Kong (B, L)

Highlights: Victoria Peak, Repulse Bay, Stanley Market

After breakfast, start today’s half day tour with a visiting to Hong Kong’s symbol – Victoria Peak . An exciting tram will take you to this highest peak in Hong Kong (552m). Walk through the verdant woods to explore hidden old buildings left by the old Hong Kong. Also ascend to the observation deck to sweep the magnificent Hong Kong skyline and tranquil harbor views.

Continue to take a trip to Repulse Bay . Known as the Hawaii of Orient, the Repulse Bay is the most beautiful sand beach with long coastline, soft sand, clean water and appropriate temperature. After the leisure break in Repulse Bay, proceed to the Stanley Market . Browse fancy petty commodities in various little stores, or just order a cup of coffee or beer at the seaside café or pub, a great way to spend time away from the maddening crowds.

After the tour, transfer back you your hotel. The rest of today is free for you to have fun.

Day 3 Hong Kong to Guilin (B)

Highlights: bullet train

Today, your guide and driver will take you to Hong Kong West Kowloon Station to take a bullet train to Guilin, which takes only about 3.5 hours. (Transfer note: there is only one direct bullet train to Guilin from Hong Kong which only at around 12:00 p.m. If the train does not match your schedule, you can take train to Guangzhou South Station or Shenzhen North Station first, then transfer to a bullet train to Guilin. Please tell your travel expert if you are interested and they will adjust your tour arrangement accordingly. There is also one daily flight from Hong Kong International Airport to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (1.5 hours), but the tickets usually sell out very quickly, and the prices are quite high. )

Upon arrival at Guilin railway station/airport, your local tour guide and driver will meet you, and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to have fun on your own.

Evening Ideas : You can take a leisure walk around the famous city water system – Two Rivers and Four Lakes for the amazing night views.

Day 4 Guilin – Longsheng – Guilin (B, L)

Highlights: Longji Rice Terrace, Huangluo Yao Village

In this morning, you’ll be driven about 80 kilometers (about 1.5 hours) to witness one of the most beautiful rice terraces in China – Longji Rice Terrace , an amazing feat of farm engineering rising up to 1000m high in Longsheng County. There are several featured Zhuang and Yao minority villages along the road and you’ll take a visit to the special Huangluo Yao Village , the First Village of Long Hair in the World, where you can see women in red ethnic clothes with very long hairs (the longest can reach up to 1.7 meters).

Later, continue your drive to a beautiful 600-year-old Zhuang Village – Ping’an . The rice terrace is layer upon layer, like the changing ladder created by nature leading to the blue sky, forming a majestic painting between heaven and earth. From Ping’an, you can hike on the cobbled paths built among terraces to catch the best landscape. Climb up to the great lookouts at Seven Stars with Moon and Nine Dragons and Five Tigers from which you can get superlative views of terraces and villages. Hike half day around, then back to Guilin for accommodation.

Good to Know:

1. Best time to visit: Longji Rice Terrace can be visited all year round. Go mid-April to late June for mirror-like irrigated terrace and rice transplanting scene; go July to mid-September for green terraces; go late September to early-November for golden and harvest scene; or go late December to early February for silvery terraces.

2. Walking: When arriving at Ping’an Village, you can only be dropped at Ping’an Village Tourist Center parking lot that you need to walk about 900 steps to your hotel. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended!

3. Luggage carrying: For the aged or travelers who are lack of physical strength, you’d better hire a local porter to help carry your heavy luggage to the hotel (pay extra expense on your own).

4. Notice: The Viewing Platform of Seven Stars with Moon is under a reconstruction which means it is closed for travelers at present. The hiking route between Seven Stars with Moon and Nine Dragons and Five Tigers would do some adjustment during the construction. You won’t miss the amazing rice terraces scenery when visiting.

Day 5 Guilin – Li River Cruise – Yangshuo(B, L)

Highlights: Yangshuo Town, Yulong River, cruise along the Li River

As the declaration in Chinese textbook "Guilin’s landscape is the best under heaven", today you will explore this best landscape starting with a relaxing sightseeing cruise along the Li River from Mopanshan Pier to Yangshuo Town. Along the 84-kilometer cruise, dazzling scenery overwhelms your eyes like a vast endless Chinese painting of winding river, green limestone karst mountains, fascinating countryside views, amazing scene of A Painting of Nine Horses, and notable view printed on the back of the 20 RMB note. (Please note: Lunch is served by the cruise with simple local Chinese cuisine. And you can take some snacks when getting on board.)

After about 4 hours’ cruise, disembark in Yangshuo Town , and check in your hotel. After a short break, start your impressive exploration of the best charming sightseeing and ideal countryside ease at Yulong River . Let all the refreshing scenes please your eyes and souls to the utmost. Just enjoy every moment with the Karst hills dotted around, chatting stream, rippling mountain reflection, swaying floras, patches of vivid crops, comfortable breeze….There are diverse kinds of ways for your enjoyment of the fun and beauty, including biking, hiking, sightseeing bus, bamboo rafting and scooter. You can easily choose and combine your ideal way(s) and part of Yulong River. ( Please tell your likes to your travel consultants before booking the tour , as the final prices will differ by activities you choose.).

Biking (some physically demanding & sightseeing by the river) – Ride to enjoy the river view and the real fields (route: Yangshuo – Jima – Shuiedi Dock – Gongnong Bridge – West Street; for 1.5-2 hours).

Bamboo Rafting (relaxing and interesting & sightseeing on the river) – have fun with the classic bamboo rafting (Route A: Shuiedi Dock – Gongnong Bridge for 40-50 minutes; Route B: Jima Dock – Gongnong Bridge for 1.5 hours) to see the more serene view like pieces of traditional Chinese landscape ink paintings.

Sightseeing Bus (most leisurable and comfortable & sightseeing on the road) – sit leisurely on the bus from Jima to Gongnong Bridge to appreciate the lovely countryside view (about 0.5 hour). You can get off and on anywhere on the middle way to explore more about your interested place.

This evening is for you to walk leisurely on the ancient West Street to witness how the western culture and Chinese culture perfectly and peacefully coexist here. Whether you want to enjoy a cup of drink in bar, taste some local food, or just experience the relaxing atmosphere, you get it here.

Note: according to the regulations of Yulong River Tourism, children less than 1 meter high and elders over 70 years old are not allowed to take the bamboo rafting.

Optional evening activity:

Watch the splendid evening performance of Impression Liu Sanjie with the Li River itself as the stage, which was directed by famous director – Zhang Yimou (usually performs for an hour between around 19:45 and 22:20).

Day 6 Guilin & Flight to Chengdu (B)

Highlights: Airport or Pick Up

After breakfast, drive about 2 hours to Guilin Airport to catch your flight to Chengdu . You will arrive at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport after 2 hours' flying, and then be picked by your tour guide and transfferred to your downtown hotel.

Optional Evening Activity: 1) enjoy a delicious dinner of Sichuan cuisine at a local restaurant; 2) watch a wonderful performance of Sichuan Opera which includes folk opera, face changing, fire spitting, rolling lights, and other delightful entertainment (usually performs at 20:00~21:30).

Day 7 Chengdu Tour ( B, L )

Highlights: Chengdu Research Base of Giant – Wenshu Temple – Jinli Old Street

This morning you will make a memorable visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding . This facility is not only the most important panda scientific research center in the world, but also the home for more than 100 Giant Pandas. You will walk at leisure through the bamboo-framed paths and closely observe giant pandas of different ages eating bamboos, playing with each other, tumbling, and climbing trees. Be sure to not miss the chance to watch female pandas nursing their cubs in the nursery rooms! There is also a very informative Panda Museum where you can learn more scientific facts about Giant Pandas. Next, you will be taken to a hidden spiritual Buddhist temple in hustling downtown Chengdu, Wenshu Temple , where you will marvel at the exquisite Buddhist architecture, soak in the reverent atmosphere, and wander on the temple’s peaceful paths.

Chengdu is famous throughout China for its relaxing and leisurely pace and lifestyle, which will be demonstrated by a visit to the City’s Renmin Park . Sit down, order a pot of Chinese tea, have a casual chat with your friends and watch locals indulging themselves in different kinds of folk entertainment – napping, playing mahjong, disco dancing, and giving neck massages! Next will be an impressive visit to the famous Jinli Old Street . Time will steal away as you quietly walk on the lively streets full of delicious local snacks, delicate artifacts, interesting folk shows, and other activities.

Optional Activity: In the evening, watch a wonderful performance of Sichuan Opera which includes folk opera, face changing, fire spitting, rolling lights, and other delightful entertainment (usually performs at 20:00~21:30).

Day 8 High Speed Train to Chongqing & Board Your Ship (B, L)

Highlights: Hongya Cave, Three Gorges Museum, Chaotianmen Dock

This morning, you will be transferred to Chengdu Eastern Railway Station to take the high speed train to Chongqing (about 2hrs). Upon arrival at Chongqing Northern Railway Station, you will be met by our tour guide and then go to visit Ciqikou Ancient Town – Chongqing's old harbor and once the site of the residential houses of many of Chongqing's richest merchants. Here you can still see exquisite Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, visit local shops and tea houses, watch local Sichuan street performances and undertake other interesting activities. After this you will be taken to the next highlight site, Three Gorges Museum , a large monographic museum presenting the history and culture of the Three Gorges Dam Project and its place in Chinese history. Then, go to visit Hongya Cave , the must-see highlight to appreciate the layers of featured Ba and Shu regional wooden tilted houses overlapped leaning the mountain up to 11 storeys, which looks quite glittery lit by the orange lights from nightfall. And continue to get up to the 11 level with vehicles and roads alongside to catch the sparkling nightscape of Jialing River and the nearby buildings with beautiful neon.

After the tour, be escorted to Chaotianmen Dock to board your Yangtze cruise ship between 18:00-20:00. Your memorable Yangtze River cruise will sail around 21:00! (Note: 1. There’re 13 sub-piers of Chaotianmen Dock and different ships will dock at different piers. Please check the info with your travel consultant and know where to board your ship at least one day beforehand. 2. The boarding time and departure piers change based on the ship line, water level, season, weather and other factors. Your travel consultants will ensure you have the actual departure time and boarding pier before your boarding. 3. You can have dinner or buy some snacks at Chaotianmen Square before embarkation.)

Day 9 Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D)

Highlights: Shibaozhai Pagoda

In the morning, wake up leisurely and enjoy the gentle sunshine shining over the tranquil and beautiful Yangtze River. It will be colorful and interesting whether you decide to stay onboard or go ashore at river stops.

Onboard you will enjoy different kinds of activities, like practicing Tai Chi on the boat’s sundeck, drinking a relaxing morning coffee, attending a Yangtze River history and culture lecture, or taking part in the Captain’s Welcome Party and evening shows.

Next follow a local guide and make a shore excursion to Shibaozhai Pagoda , one of the “Pearls” of the Yangtze River. A gem of Chinese architecture, this 12-story, 18th century red wooden temple on the northern bank of Yangtze River is an architectural delight full of legends and beautiful stories. (Note: Comfortable shoes are highly recommended since there will be lots of stairs to climb up!)

Optional Excursion : Take a shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City for an extra fee. Called the “City of Ghosts”, it is endowed with mysterious stories about underworld and cruel tortures and different kinds of devils and Chinese demons. Entering this ghost city, you will find many statues of demons and vivid scenes of their perfidious activities. (Note: Once again, the visit to Fengdu Ghost City requires much walking and comfortable shoes are again highly recommended!)

Day 10 Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D)

Highlights: Three Gorges – Shennv Stream – Captain’s Farewell Party

Today you will sail through the spectacular Three Gorges while relaxing on the sun deck and soak up the breathtaking gorge scenery passing by as you drift through Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge respectively.

In Wu Gorge you will take an enjoyable adventure to primitive Shennv Stream (Goddess Stream). Switch to a smaller boat to sail down this beautiful stream running in a narrow side gorge where you will have close-up views of high mountain peaks and hanging coffins on the steep cliff faces. After watching an entertaining music and dance show of local Tujia ethnic minority, sail back to your ship.

In the evening, you will firstly enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Party with all your mates onboard, and then watch the fascinating process of passing the ship through the Three Gorges Dam Five-stage Ship Locks at 23:00 PM.

Optional Excursion : Take a shore excursion to White Emperor City for an extra fee. Located at the entrance of Qutang Gorge, this excursion offers the best viewing spot to appreciate the magnificent Kuimen Gate.

Day 11 Yichang & Train to Zhangjiajie ( B )

Highlights: Three Gorges Dam

After breakfast, you’ll begin to check out and disembark at Maoping Port. Today’s highlight is a morning excursion to Three Gorges Dam , the world’s largest hydropower project, located at the middle of Xiling Gorge near Yichang. You will marvel at this gigantic dam from different angles, learn more of the background history of the Three Gorges Dam Project and enjoy the surrounding beautiful landscape and scenery. If you like, you can take an optional experience to sail through Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift , the largest and the most sophisticated ship lift in the world, which takes only 40 minutes with fresh insight into the dam project.

After visiting the Three Gorges Dam, your tour guide will pick you up at Three Gorges Dam Site or Yichang downtown area (depending on your train time to Zhangjiajie). Then drive to the Yichang train station and take a train to Zhangjiajie (about 5hrs). Zhangjiajie is an awesome place that features the unique Karst mountains and picturesque forests, bringing you to the most surreal world – AWATAR world.

After arriving in Zhangjiajie, the local guide will pick you up at Zhangjiajie Railway Station and transfer you to your hotel in Wulingyuan.

Day 12 Tianmen Moutain – Yellow Dragon Cave( B, L )

Highlights: Tianmen Mountain – Yellow Dragon Cave

After breakfast, be ready for today's exciting adventures. You'll first take a trip to Tianmen Mountain (6km south of Zhangjiajie downtown). Referred to as the “Soul of culture and spirit of Zhangjiajie”, Tianmen Mountain, standing 1,500 meters above sea level, boasts miraculous and unique geographic landform, unparalleled natural landscape, profound cultural connotations. There are many exciting things to do, including experience the longest cableway in the world(7455m), experience the Cliff-Hanging Walkway, walking on the breathtaking Glass Path, etc.

Next, you’ll drive about 20km to see the natural wonder in the Yellow Dragon Cave , also known as Huanglong Cave. It is a underground-lost palace which is praised as the most beautiful cave in the world by UNESCO Experts, with an area of 100,000 square meters, a length of 7.6 kilometers, a height of 140 meters. There are two underground rivers, four waterfalls, 13 caverns and 10,000 stalagmites and stalactites is this huge limestone cave. The Magic Needle and Chair of Dragon King are two most famous sights in the cave.

After the sightseeing, drive to Wulingyuan to check in your hotel.

Day 13 Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (B, L)

Highlights: Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, Huangshi Village

After breakfast, drive about 28 km away from Wulingyuan to visit Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon . You will start from the Tourist Center to Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge to walk on the highest and longest glass bridge in the world , and then walk up along the Tianti Zhandao to feel walking to the sky. After that, appreciate the charming sightseeing of running waters, flying waterfalls, lush vegetation, etc. at the Rainbow Square, Yilian Youmeng, Momo Cave, the Holy Spring Lake and other beautiful attractions in Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. (Please note: In Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, you can choose to only experience the thrilling glass bridge or fully explore glass bridge as well as hiking and boating in the Grand Canyon. Feel free to tell your likes to your travel consultants.)

Later, you’ll visit the most beautiful scenic spots in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park . First, you’ll take the cable car to Huangshi Village which is 1080m above the sea level. It is the biggest sightseeing platform to view the spectacular scenery in the national park. A saying goes “He who does not reach Huangshi Village does not pay a true visit to Zhangjiajie.”

About Zhangjiajie National Forest Park :

Located 32 kilometers from Zhangjiajie city, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park was the first national forest park in China, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. It is also famous for the inspiration for the movie AVATAR, the Hallelujah Mountain. The park is known for its odd-shaped peaks and rocks, exquisite forests, tranquil water, beautiful canyons, limestone caves and breathtaking views. Different scenery presents in different seasons. In spring, all flowers on mountains blossom and mountains are luxuriantly green. In summer, the forests flourish and are strongly fragrant. In autumn, the mountain slowly turns yellow and red with a sense of poetry at this time. In winter, travelers can marvel at the evergreen trees among the snowy landscape.

Day 14 Zhangjiajie & Flight to Shanghai (B)

Highlights: Yuanjiajie, Zhangjiajie National Park, Tianzi Mountain

On this day, you’ll first take Bailong elevator up to Yuanjiajie , which is situated in the north of Zhangjiajie National Park . This scenic area is world famous as the mountains here inspired the floating mountains in the Hollywood movie Avatar. The peaks in Yuanjiajie are nearly at the same height, which makes it a mountain platform great for enjoying sweeping vistas.

Next, take a sightseeing bus to Tianzi Mountain , where you can have a stunning view of the peaks rising one after another. Atop of the mountain offers a full extent of the whole scenic area, which is magnificent and spectacular. There are four wonders in Tianzi Mountain : the Sea of Clouds, the Radiance of the Moonlight, Rays of Sunshine and the Snow in winter.

After the exciting tour, you'll be transferred back to Zhangjiajie City to catch your flight to Shanghai (about 2hrs), the most flourishing metropolis in China. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be escorted by local tour guide to check in your downtown hotel. The rest of today is free for you to explore this cosmopolitan.

Day 15 Shanghai City Highlights (B, L)

Highlights: Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, Shanghai World Financial Center, Nanjing Road, The Bund

After breakfast, you will visit Shanghai Museum , one of the best museums in China. Conveniently located near the People’s Square, this large museum is designed and built with a round top and a square base which symbolize the ancient Chinese perception of the world as “round sky, square earth”, and mainly focus on Chinese ancient history and art. Over one billion cultural relics are exhibited inside, including precious bronzes, paintings, calligraphy, ceramics, jade, sculptures, traditional furniture, seals and old coins from more than 5,000 years ago to the Qing Dynasty. Da Ke Ding(bronze food vessel in over 3000 years ago), Bianzhong of Marquis Su of Jin (ancient musical instruments) are top treasures to visit. An Audio Explanation Device will help you better learn the facts and knowledge of the exhibitions.

Then, transfer to Shanghai old town to visit Yu Garden (Yuyuan), a famous Southern China classical garden which was originally built about 450 years ago. Walk around to view the ancient pavilions, halls, towers with jagged carved cornices and decorations, grotesque rockeries, glittering ponds filled with swimming kois and many old plants. These buildings, laid out in an asymmetry, fully embody impressive Chinese architectural style, art and skills, from which you can imagine an ancient living scene and find a magic harmony between human and nature. Yuyuan Bazaar outside the garden is an interesting place for shopping traditional Chinese handicrafts and artworks and tasting a variety of local snacks.

Next, visit the Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC), “the Eye of Shanghai”, one of the most incredible skyscrapers in Lujiazui. With a height of 492 meters (1,614 ft), the tower is the second tallest building after the nearby Shanghai Tower (632 meter/2,073 ft). Ascend up to the 474 meter-high 100th floor observation deck, try a thrilling skywalk on the transparent glass walkway and enjoy a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the entire city, including the Bund, neighboring Shanghai Tower, Jinmao Tower and many surrounding attractions. Feel Shanghai lying under your feet and blue sky hanging above your head.

Later, get to Nanjing Road , Shanghai’s earliest commercial street and one of the most popular current landmarks. Lots of big name brands, restaurants, cafés, souvenir shops and towering buildings can be seen when you stroll around this busy pedestrian mall. Continue your walk to the Bund , the most iconic place of Shanghai. Stretching along the west bank of the Huangpu River, this 1.5km-long road was a simple towpath for transporting good but developed to the early “East Wall Street” in late 19th century. Most known as a perfect blend of the East meeting the West, the Bund mainly features 52 various European-style architectures praised to the Exhibition of World’s Architecture. Make a pleasant walk to see those western classical and modern style buildings and amazing skyscrapers of Lujiazui across the river.

After the tour, drive back to your hotel. (If you want to spend free time at the Bund, Nanjing Road or take a relaxing Huangpu River cruise to see the city’s most significant edifices and streets ablaze with colorful lights (about 50 minutes), or explore somewhere else, please let your tour guide know.)

Day 16 Shanghai & Flight to Xian (B, L)

Highlights: Jade Buddha Temple, Tianzifang

After breakfast, your tour guide and driver will pick you up in your hotel, and take you to Jade Buddha Temple , one of the top three sacred Buddhist temples in Shanghai which famed for precious jade Buddhist statues. The temple was built by a Buddhist monk from Mount Wutai to enshrine two jade Buddhas invited from Burma in Qing Dynasty (1882 AD). Now it has been renovated to a Song Dynasty style temple worshiping a sitting Buddha (1.95 meters tall) originally imported from Burma, a reclining Buddha (4.05 meters, 6 tons) donated from Singapore and two smaller reclining Buddhas, Giant Golden Buddha statues, massive valuable Buddhist scriptures and ancient Buddhist sculptures. It’s a wonderful spiritual visit to see real monks chanting and endless pilgrims praying with serene and pure ambience hidden among modern blocks and bustling metropolis.

Finally, drive to Tianzifang , a unique popular tourist enclave remolded from a traditional residential block in the French Concession area of Shanghai. Intertwined narrow alleys are filled with small creative shops selling lovely souvenirs and plenty of cafés, bars and restaurants. It’s great fun to ramble through the maze-like area to appreciate the well-preserved traditional Shanghainese Shikumen (Stone Warehouse Gate) houses, see interesting novel art and handicrafts, savor a lazy open-air coffee time and try some local street food and feel the original Shanghai life vibe.

Lastly, take a flight to Xian (about 2hrs and 45mins), the ancient heart of China. Upon your arrival, be transferred to your hotel in Xian downtown in a private vehicle. The rest of today is free for you to explore the ancient city on your own.

Day 17 Xian (B, L)

Highlights: Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Bell Tower, Muslim Quarter

After breakfast, drive about 40km to discover one of the greatest man-made wonders in the world – the Terracotta Warriors and Horses , built by the first emperor of China Qin Shihuang to protect him in his afterlife. Over 8,000 life-size warriors, horses and chariots, buried in 3 pits for more than 2,000 years until uncovered by a local farmer in 1974, form an ancient military army with complete battle units of infantry, cavalry, etc. Standing in front of these figures, one can’t help being amazed not only by the ambition of Emperor Qin Shihuang but also by the fabulous artistic skills of ancient Chinese artisans.

After lunch, return back to Xian take a wonderful stroll on the Ancient City Wall , the largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China. Enjoy panoramic views of modern Xian while you leisurely examine this well-maintained city wall which is 12 meters high and 18 meters wide with a total circuit of nearly 14 kilometers. This visit is followed by a relaxing wander around bustling and lively Muslim Quarter , a place where you can try different local snacks and explore Muslim culture.

Optional activities: 1) Take a relaxing cycling on the Ancient City Wall; 2) Enjoy a wonderful Tang Palace Dance Show (usually from 8pm to 9pm) after a hearty dumpling dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 18 Xian & High Speed Train to Chengdu (B,L)

Highlights: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Shaanxi History Museum

After breakfast, head to Da Cien Temple , a famous Buddhist sutra translation site during the Tang Dynasty. Big Wild Goose Pagoda is the most famous building in the temple. The pagoda, rising to a height of 64.5 meters, was built by the famous Buddhist master Xuanzang to preserve classic scriptures he bought back from India during the early Tang Dynasty. Xuanzang was the prototype character for Tang Seng in the famous Chinese novel “Journey to the West”. ( Note: It costs an extra 30 RMB if you want to climb up the Big Wild Goose Pagoda)

Next is an educational visit to the Shaanxi History Museum where you can ramble in the modern exhibition halls to appreciate historic relics such as porcelains, paintings, and currencies dating from the Zhou to the Tang dynastic periods (1100BC to 907 AD). (Note: Shaanxi History Museum may be replaced with other activity or attraction because of crowding tourists during July ~ early September and China’s National Day during Oct.1-Oct.7. You may check details with your travel consultant.)

The rest of today is free until you get escorted to take a high speed train to Beijing (about 4.5hrs), the capital city of China. You will be welcomed by local tour guide at airport, then be escorted to check in your downtown hotel.

Day 19 Beijing (B, L)

Highlights: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace

After breakfast, start to explore the historical face of Beijing with a brief visit to Tiananmen Square , now the largest city plaza in the world. Tiananmen Gate on the northern side of the square was the site where Chairman Mao announced the establishment of the People's Republic of China.

Stepping into the Tiananmen, you will see one of the world's five most important palaces – Forbidden City , a huge palace complex of more than 9,000 rooms where 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties lived. Pass through various doorways in this magnificent structure to admire the beautiful and well-preserved buildings decorated with yellow-glazed tile roofs, white marble bases and splendid colorful paintings. After Forbidden City exploration, take a short visit to Jingshan Park where you can get a nice shot of one watchtower of Forbidden City and take a panoramic view of Forbidden City.

After lunch, drive to the outskirts of Beijing to spend an enjoyable time in the Summer Palace , the largest and best-preserved royal garden in China. Stroll around ancient pavilions, mansions, temples, bridges and corridors while feasting your eyes on the vast lotus in Kunming Lake and the colorful paintings in the Long Corridor.

Optional activities: 1. You can watch a wonderful Kungfu Show in the Red Theater (Hong Ju Chang) which usually starts at 19:30; 2. Enjoy the classic Chinese art performance of Beijing Opera at Liyuan Theater during 19:30-21:00.

Day 20 Beijing (B, L)

Highlights: Mutianyu Great Wall, Sacred Way, Bird’s Nest and Water Cube

After breakfast, drive about 70km to witness one of the Seven Wonders of the World – the Great Wall . Visit the Mutianyu , a less crowded yet well-preserved segment of the Great Wall built in the Ming Dynasty. It will more than live up to all of your expectations! This great wall, linking Gubeikou in the east and Juyongguan in the west, was served as the vital military strategic point in the ancient time. Moreover, Mutianyu section is the longest great wall in China so far and since protection work is well done here, tourists can now see its original appearance and enjoy the real ancient culture of great wall. Also, spectacular natural scenery in Mutianyu Great Wall always impresses visitors here for its abundant vegetation. You will take a cable car to ascend the Great Wall, then hike the most beautiful and interesting part of Mutianyu. It's a wonderful experience to climb up its rising towers to enjoy scenic views and take brag-worthy photos of the wall wriggling along mountain ridges. After the exciting time, descend Mutianyu Great Wall by cable car. (Note: If energy permits, you can hike up or down which takes about 40 minutes to climb steps. Please tell your likes to your travel consultant.)

Continue your trip to Sacred Way , a 7-kilometer-long passage leading to the Imperial Tombs of 13 Emperors of Ming Dynasty. The Emperor, known as the Son of the Heaven, who came from Heaven to his country through the Sacred Way, also would return to Heaven through this road. Take a walk through the largest archway in China and Great Palace Gate and you’ll see the magnificent stone guard of 12 sets of mythical animals and 12 officials. Then drive back to Beijing city and take a short stop at the Beijing Olympic Village to view its famous Bird’s Nest and Water Cube from the outside.

Optional activity: 1. Enjoy an exciting and safe toboggan ride (about 2~3mins) down Mutianyu Great Wall; 2. After the whole day's tour, treat yourself a great dinner to taste the famous Peking Roasted Duck.

Day 21 Beijing & Departure(B)

Highlights: Temple of Heaven, Hutongs

After breakfast, drive to the imperial site of the Temple of Heaven . Originally a site used to pay homage to Heaven and pray for good harvests, it is now a bustling place where locals take part in traditional activities such as Tai Chi, dancing, kite flying, water calligraphy, and others.

Then get back to the central city to hop on a rickshaw to experience the Beijing Hutongs – small alleys made by neighboring quadrangle dwellings. Shuttle among different Hutongs to get a feel of the old Beijing lifestyle, visit various antique shops and small boutiques, and truly feel the historical changes of Beijing, also pay a visit to a local family's home in the traditional Hutongs.

Your China tour is now about to end. Drive to the airport to catch your flight to your next destination or back home.

What’s Included

• Professional licensed English-speaking guide
• Admission tickets for all attractions listed in the itinerary
• Accommodation as listed in the itinerary (4-star standard)
• Necessary vehicle transfers as listed in the itinerary
• Domestic flights (economy class) and high-speed trains (second class) as listed in the itinerary
• Airport (and train station) pick up and drop off
• Peak Tram up to Victoria Peak
• Audio explanation device in Shanghai Museum
• Cable cars to ride up and down Mutianyu Great Wall
• Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo

Not Included

• China visa
• Personal expenses
• Accommodation not listed in the itinerary
• Single Room Supplement
• Tip for Yangtze River Cruise ship service
• Tourist sites which are not listed in the itinerary
• Recommended optional activities
• Flights or trains not listed in the itinerary
• Excess Baggage Charges
• Optional tips to guides, drivers, etc.

Pricing Note

Final pricing is tailored to your travel dates, party size, hotel preferences and confirmed services. Your proposal will clearly list every included and excluded item.

Travel Tips

How do I book a China group tour?

Select your travel dates and click “ Free Inquiry or ”. You will get free enquiry and don’t need to pay immediately. After sending us your requirements, one of our professional travel experts will get back to you within 0.5 to 24 hours and we guarantee to reserve a place for you first. When all the information have confirmed, then you make the payment. Please feel free to contact the travel expert directly if you have any questions prior to booking.

Deadline for Booking a Group Tour:

The deadline for receiving guests is tentatively 7 days before departure. For trips to Tibet and the Yangtze River Three Gorges, the deadline is extended to 15 days before departure.

Extend Your China Tour

The above itinerary is the sample one that most travelers would go like that. The tour can be customized based on your likes, interests and budget. At the same time, if you want to extend this tour, just tell us your favored destinations and things to do. Our professional travel experts will redesign the trip totally for you and your group at the best price.

Regarding Children's Fees:

1. Occupying a bed: Children will be charged the adult rate.

2.Not occupying a bed: Children will be charged the group tour fee minus the single room difference. Any ticket discounts will be refunded.

Single Room Supplement:

If you are traveling alone and prefer a private room, a single room supplement will apply. Please contact our travel experts for the exact fee.

Free Pick-up & Drop-off Service:

1. Free pick-up is available for flights/trains arriving between 08:00 and 22:00.

2. Free drop-off is available for flights/trains departing between 09:00 and 23:00.

Additional Cost for Private Transfer:

1. For arrival and departure transfers (1-2 persons): Early arrivals or late departures will incur an additional transfer fee.

2. For flights arriving after 22:00 and departing before 09:00: An additional transfer fee will apply.

Tips: Free airport pickup within 24 hours is only available for group tour passengers; private small group tours or customized group tours are included.

About Cancellation Policy

In the event that you need to cancel your trip, please ensure that you submit a written cancellation request. The calculation of cancellation fees will begin from the date we receive your written request.

The cancellation fees will be calculated as follows:

If the cancellation is made between 45 and 30 days before the scheduled departure date, a fee of 10% of the full payment per person will apply.

If the cancellation is made between 29 and 15 days before the scheduled departure date, a fee of 30% of the full payment per person will apply.

If the cancellation is made between 14 and 7 days before the scheduled departure date, a fee of 50% of the full payment per person will apply.

If the cancellation is made between 6 and 0 days before the scheduled departure date, a fee of 100% of the full payment per person will apply.

Do our guide and driver join the meal with us?

The tour guides and driver will be at the same restaurants with you, but they will only join the meal when you invite. Sometimes the drivers are shy to join as they usually eat fast and could not understand English talk around the table, so the guide will be with you more often.

Will we be able to try some local foods during our visit?

Yes, you will. There will be some meals excluded in your itinerary as you like, and your private guide will be delighted to give you some suggestions and take you to the local restaurants, if you are interested in local food tasting. But remember, some local snacks may not match your stomach, so ask your guided for more information before eating.

Shopping

What to buy in China?

In China, there are myriad souvenirs for visitors, and each city has its own specialty.

How to bargain?

Bargains are not acceptable in big supermarkets and department stores. But in some night markets or tourist shops, you can bargain for a lower price, since the vendors always ask for very high price for a certain item. You’d better ask the opinion of the guide first, and then the guide will tell you the real value and quality of the item. Please note that when the bargain is processing, the guide will be hesitate to help as it may annoy the bosses. Just try to let the guides know you will bargain in advance.

What to do with persistent vendors?

If you do not need something from them, just do not ask for price. Some of the venders are very persisted, and if they keep selling things to you, you can simply say “No, thanks.” (Chinese pronunciation: ”Bu, XieXie”). If they do not give up, you just keep silence. Silence is sometimes useful to handle this situation.

Private tour features

1. Private guide, driver and vehicle are for your exclusive use; no matter you are individually, or in a family or friends group. The tour is run exclusively for you without strangers.

2. Every itinerary can be customized to meet your specific interests/ wishes, that is, you can choose your favored hotels, sightseeing spots, the tour length, means of transportation, budget, etc. All are free of charge.

3. Start the tour on any date you want.

4. Escort you through the whole tour. All private transfers during the tour are offered, including airport/train station transfer, hotel-attractions round trip transfer.

5. The sightseeing during the tour could be based on your own timetable and pace. Flexible to change at your short notice.

6. Ideal for people who need considerate care and assistance, such as elderly, the disabled, families with small children.