Discover the very best of China on this 23-day adventure from Shanghai to Shanghai, weaving through ancient cities, rural landscapes and cultural landmarks. From kayaking and cycling amid Yangshuo’s karst peaks to meeting giant pandas in Chengdu, this journey blends nature, history and local life. You’ll wander Xi’an’s old city walls, marvel at the Terracotta Warriors, learn Kung Fu at Shaolin, camp on the Great Wall and explore Beijing’s imperial wonders. Finish with tranquil Hangzhou and vibrant Shanghai. With Mandarin lessons, local cuisine and unforgettable moments throughout, this trip offers the ultimate China experience from start to finish.
A trip to China isn’t complete without a visit to the Great Wall. One of the seven wonders of the world, the Wall covers an enormous 8,850 kilometers across China. One of humankind’s biggest engineering miracles, the best way to enjoy the beauty of the wall is by hiking across it.
On this four-day tour, hike along the Great Wall near Beijing and visit the not-to-be-missed places in the capital such as the Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Hutong. Lower your pace and walk along beautiful mountain ridges and the unrestored and less known sections of the Great Wall. The breathtaking views are often without another traveller in sight!
Staying in the villages at the foot of the mountains is a great opportunity to connect with the friendly hosts and learn about rural life in China.
8:00: Meet Your Guide
Meeting Time: 8:00am, please arrive 5 minutes earlier.
Meeting Place: At the Gate of Lao She Teahouse (Qianmen Branch), easy to locate on map
Address: Building 3, Zhengyang Market, Qianmenxi Main Street, Xicheng District.
Transportation: Take a taxi there from your hotel, with address in Chinese provided by our travel consultant. Or take the subway line 2, get out of the Qianmen stop from the exit C, and walk a few minutes there.
Waiting Time: 10 minutes
8:10: Visit Tiananmen Square
Follow your guide to take a morning walk around Tiananmen Square, and you can shoot distant view photos of the brilliant landmark buildings such as the Monument to the People's Heroes, the Great Hall of the People and the Memorial Hall of Chairman Mao.
9:00: Visit Forbidden City
Walk through the Gate of Heavenly Peace with the great Chairman Mao's portrait on it; you come to this morning's highlight - the 600-year-old Forbidden City - the largest and the most intact imperial palace complex of the Ming and Qing Courts (1368 - 1911 AD).
The majestic Forbidden City has 9,999 rooms! Which are the most essential and interesting parts? We will spend three hours or so exploring the main buildings centering upon the central axis, which splits the entire compound into two symmetrical halves.
After the trip is completed, you will find yourself already near the North Gate of the Forbidden City. It’s your choice to leave with your guide or take advantage of your ticket to linger inside longer to explore the Imperial Garden for more photos. There are cafes and Beijing snacks sold in the peripheral zone, so you can just tackle your lunch here before continuing your own exploration. Your guide will be glad to provide you suggestions to get back to your hotel.
11:30: End the Tour
As we finish touring, we are already near the North Gate. It’s your choice to leave with your guide or take advantage of your ticket to linger inside longer to explore the Imperial Garden for more photos.
Your guide will be glad to provide you ways to get back to your place or assist you in hailing a cab. Safe travel!
Trekking and HikingAdventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers