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China: Big Cities & Iconic Culture

5.0Based on
15 daysDuration
Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers
18 peopleMaximum group size
18 - 39 yearsAge range for participants
EnglishGuide language
Moderate
Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Highlights

Travel off the beaten track and stay in the historic.

fortified tulou homes of the Hakka people in central China.

Shop.

eat and stroll through iconic cities like Shanghai and Beijing.

Go off the beaten track to see the beautiful mountains in the Guilin country side.

Itinerary

China: Big Cities & Iconic Culture is a 15-day exploration that captures both the pulse of urban China and the tranquility of its countryside. From Beijing’s ancient splendor to Shanghai’s cosmopolitan flair, and the serene mountains of Yangshuo, every step is filled with wonder. A standout feature is the immersive stay in Yongding’s historic Hakka tulou houses, revealing a seldom-seen facet of Chinese culture. This small group tour offers travelers a thoughtfully curated blend of must-see sights and authentic local experiences, ensuring a deep and varied journey through China’s heart.

day 1 - Beijing

Welcome to China! Arrive at anytime. Then join your CEO and group in the evening for a Welcome Meeting and an Orientation Walk of Beijing. Tonight's your First Night Out so get to know your group under the bright Beijing lights.

Accomodation:Golden Inns (Beijing South Railway Station) (or similar)
Included Activities:Connect With New Friends, Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Duration : 1.0 hr, Orientation Walk Distance : 1 km

day 2 - Beijing

Hop on local transportation and visit some of Beijing's top tourist spots. Take a CEO led tour of the symbolic centre of Chinese power, Tiananmen Square. See the Forbidden City from a birds eye view at Jingshan Park and wander through the picturesque Hutong alleyways.
Forbidden City: Please note that visiting the Forbidden City is not included in the tour. We do not have time to visit on this tour. If you wish to visit, please do so before the trip.

Accomodation:Golden Inns (Beijing South Railway Station) (or similar)
Included Activities:Drum and Bell Tower Visit Duration : 1.0 hr, Tiananmen Square, Hutong Walk Duration : 2.0 hr - 4.0 hr, Nanluoguxiang, Jingshan Park Visit
Optional Activities:Forbidden City Visit , Temple of Heaven Explore the stunning Temple of Heaven, which was built during the rule of the Ming dynasty. Learn more about the history and significance of this place, often referred to as the symbol of Beijing., Lama Temple Visit Tour Lama Temple, or Yonghe Temple as its formally known, to learn more about the history of Buddhism in Beijing. The temple is ornately decorated with impressive frescoes, arches, and intricately carved architecture. Admire some of the statues in the different pavilions and halls, then head to the Wànfú Pavilion to see the Maitreya Buddha.

day 3 - Beijing/Xi’an

This morning, travel to the legendary Great Wall of China. Together we'll hike about 5 kilometers of this 6000 km masterpiece. Opt to ride the cable car, chairlift or even ride the toboggan down. After a full Day at the Wall, we'll return to Beijing where we'll board an overnight train to Xi'an.
Lunch will be on your own at the Great Wall. There are options at the foot of the wall, but you can also bring your own lunch if you wish to spend more time on the wall.

Transport:Basic Overnight Train (beds) Duration : 12.0 hr - 15.0 hr, Private Vehicle Duration : 2.0 hr - 2.5 hr Distance : 80 km
Included Activity:Mutianyu Great Wall Visit Duration : 3.0 hr
Optional Activities:Cable Car at Great Wall , Toboggan at Great Wall

day 4 - Xi’an

Wake up this morning as you pull into the historical city of Xi'An, the entrance to the Silk Road. After an orientation walk, hop on a public bus with your CEO to take a tour of the mysterious Terracotta Warriors. In the evening, return to the city for an evening stroll through the Muslim Quarter.

Accomodation:Bancheng Guesthouse (or similar)
Transport:Local Bus
Included Activities:Orientation Walk Duration : 1.0 hr, Terracotta Warriors Guided Tour Duration : 3.0 hr Distance : 2 km, Muslim Quarter Orientation Walk Duration : 1.0 hr

day 5 - Xi’an/Chengdu

This morning, enjoy some free time in the city of Xi'an before heading to our next destination. Opt to visit the ancient City Wall or take a cycling tour on top of it. Then head to train station to take the bullet train to Chengdu. Join your CEO for an orientation walk of the city before heading out for your Big Night Out! Grab a beer or plum juice for yourself and enjoy it under the bright lights of Chengdu alongside your crew.

Accomodation:Poshpacker Local Tea Hostel (or similar)
Transport:Bullet Train Duration : 3.5 hr - 4.0 hr
Included Activities:Orientation Walk, Big Night Out
Optional Activities:Cycling Xi'an City Walls Rent a bike and cycle the Xi’an city walls. The walls – built for protection in the Tang Dynasty and expanded in the Ming dynasty –are a great way to absorb local history. Hop off where you like and admire the views as you pedal along the 12m (39 ft) wide wall, which takes about 2 hrs to cycle along.

day 6 - Chengdu

After your Big Night Out, choose to take this morning slow or get ready to see all that Chengdu has to offer. Opt to visit the Giant Panda Breeding Center and learn about this amazing, but endangered, species. In the afternoon, with your group and CEO, visit Chengdu's more popular spots, like Tianfu Square, People's Park and Kuanzhaixiang.

Accomodation:Poshpacker Local Tea Hostel (or similar)
Included Activities:People's Park & Tianfu Square Visit, Kuan Zhai Xiang Zi
Optional Activities:Giant Panda Breeding Center Visit the popular pandas at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, created to provide an ideal breeding environment for these endangered creatures. Learn about their life cycle and habitat and take memorable photographs of these iconic national treasures. See a number of other rare species, including the little-known red panda. Arrive in the fall for a chance to see tiny newborn pandas.

day 7 - Chengdu/Yangshuo

We'll ditch the big city this morning and head to the mountains today. A late morning bullet train brings us to the city of Yangshuo. After we arrive, we'll take an orientation walk of this picturesque, riverside city.

Accomodation:Floral Hotel Memorize Scene (Baina Hotel) (or similar)
Transport:Bullet Train, Private Vehicle Duration : 1.5 hr - 2.0 hr
Included Activity:Orientation Walk Duration : 1.0 hr

day 8 - Yangshuo

Today we'll hop on a bike and explore the countryside of Yangshuo. Ride along the river, travel through a local village and stop for lunch at a local restaurant, all while taking in the incredible mountains surrounding the area. In the afternoon, head back to the city and enjoy a free evening.

Meal:Lunch
Accomodation:Floral Hotel Memorize Scene (Baina Hotel) (or similar)
Included Activity:Yangshuo Guided Cycle Tour Duration : 4.0 hr - 5.0 hr Distance : 10 km

day 9 - Yangshuo

Enjoy a free Day in Yangshuo! While this city may not be as big as some of China's other top destinations, there is no shortage of things to do here. Opt to visit the Xianggongshan & Tea Farm or go to the Impression Liu Sanjie light show. How about a Tai Chi or Kung Fu class? Even a cooking class!

Accomodation:Floral Hotel Memorize Scene (Baina Hotel) (or similar)
Optional Activities:Impression Liu Sanjie Culture Show , Central Chinese Cooking Class - Yangshuo Calling all foodies! Get an inside look at real Chinese food with a tour of the Yangshuo market to learn about the ingredients used in the Yangshuo area. Afterward, learn to cook Chinese food in a traditional Chinese farmhouse in the beautiful countryside just outside Yangshuo. After the cooking class you can sit down and enjoy the delicious dishes you have prepared. , Xianggongshan & Tea Farm Visit , Tai Chi Class Start the day early with a private Tai Chi class led by a local expert. This weaving together of calming yoga and meditation is practiced by millions daily throughout China and around the world. Learn the basic principles and moves of this ancient practice and start to discover firsthand why Tai Chi is revered for such health benefits as stress relief, improved balance and circulation, and overall well-being.

day 10 - Yangshuo/Guangzhou

We'll arrive to the train station this morning to take a bullet train to one of the most important cities in China, Guangzhou. After arriving and a short rest, we'll hit the town and take a tour to see what Guangzhou has to offer. Visit Yuexiu Park, Chen Clan Academy and the Shamian Island. Then in the evening, opt to take the Pearl River boat cruise under the Guangzhou city lights.

Accomodation:Five Rams City Hotel (or similar)
Transport:Bullet Train Duration : 3.0 hr Distance : 490 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 1.5 hr - 2.0 hr
Included Activity:Guangzhou City Tour

day 11 - Guangzhou/Yongding

The next two nights are a special opportunity to stay in the extremely unique homes of the Hakka People. We'll stay in Hakka Tulou, ancient fortified buildings. Some can be 5 stories tall and some can be dated back to the 12th century. Travel back to the past as we explore this super off the beaten path part of China.
Today's travel brings you quite a distance so charge up those devices and get your playlists ready to roll.

Accomodation:Yuchenglou Guesthouse (or similar)
Transport:Bullet Train Duration : 5.5 hr Distance : 540 km, Private Vehicle Duration : 1.5 hr Distance : 80 km
Included Activity:Hakka Tulou

day 12 - Yongding

Wake up in one of the most unique places you'll ever stay. Then join your group and take an orientation walk of the Hakka Cultural Village. This afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to explore this impressive fortress how you'd like. Learn from the locals and hear their stories about how their families have been living in these homes for hundreds of years.

Accomodation:Yuchenglou Guesthouse (or similar)
Included Activity:Hakka Cultural Village Orientation Walk

day 13 - Yongding/Shanghai

Say goodbye to the community at the Hakka Houses before we head off on our journey to Shanghai. This is a long travel day, but the big city beckons! Shanghai is known to be distinct from the rest of China as one of the most internationally influenced cities in the country. It's an awesome spot to end our trip!

Accomodation:HuaYi Eastern Hotel (Shanghai Hongkou North Sichuan Road) (or similar)
Transport:Shuttle, Bullet Train

day 14 - Shanghai

Start today with an orientation walk in Shanghai. Then join your CEO to head to some of the cities most popular spots. Start in the historical, waterfront district of the Bund Area and then pay a visit to Shanghai Old Town. This afternoon, tick off whatever is left on your Shanghai to do list with some free time. Opt to visit the Yuyuan Garden, shop and stroll through Nanjing Road or ask your CEO from some local restaurant recs. The options are endless in Shanghai! In the evening, join your crew for a Big Night Out!

Accomodation:HuaYi Eastern Hotel (Shanghai Hongkou North Sichuan Road) (or similar)
Included Activities:Old Town Shanghai Walk Duration : 1.5 hr, Orientation Walk Duration : 1.0 hr, Big Night Out

day 15 - Shanghai

Depart at any time.

China: Big Cities & Iconic Culture

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What's Included

Accommodation
Hotels (11 nights), overnight sleeper train (1 night), Hakka guesthouse (2 nights).
Meals
1 lunch
Note: Allow USD385-500 for meals not included.
Transport
Bullet train, overnight train, metro, public bus, private vehicle, bicycle, walking.
Guide
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.
Included activities
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New FriendsYour Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and GroupYour Big Night Out Moment: ChengduYour Discover Moment: YangshuoYour Local Living Moment: Hakka Tulou, Hongkeng VillageYour Big Night Out Moment: ShanghaiTour of Tiananmen SquareJingshan Park visitOrientation walk in BeijingIncluded visit to the Great Wall of ChinaVisit the Terracotta WarriorsTour the Xi'An Muslim Quarter tourOrientation walk in Xi'anTianfu Square visitOrientation walk in ChengduOvernight stay in a traditional Hakka VillageCycle tour through Yangshuo city and countrysideOrientation walk in YangshuoChinese lunch in a local Yangshuo communityGuangzhou city tourCEO-led walk through old town ShanghaiFree time in Shanghai

What's Excluded

Monthly Price Comparison

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