Highlights of China

5.0Based on

Explorer Self Guided

Carbon neutral

15 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

16 peopleMaximum group size

12 - 100 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Beijing, China

Ends

Shanghai, China

Highlights

Explore bustling markets in Beijing.

Walk the Great Wall and explore the Forbidden City.

Stand face-to-face with Terracotta Warriors.

Visit a panda sanctuary.

Ride a bamboo raft through Yangshuo's karst landscape.

Hiking in the Mt.Emei area.

Itinerary

From the Great Wall’s ancient stones to the neon glow of Shanghai, the "Highlights of China" trip offers an immersive 15-day exploration for those eager to experience the country’s vast diversity. This guided small group tour journeys from Beijing to Shanghai, weaving together monumental sights like the Terracotta Warriors, the giant Buddha of Leshan, and the misty mountains of Emei Shan.

Experience rural life and stunning scenery in Yangshuo, and enjoy the freedom to explore with your group and independently. With hotels, transport, and meals included, this trip offers a seamless blend of iconic sights and hidden gems.

The standout feature of this itinerary is its perfect mix of cultural landmarks and natural wonders, ensuring a comprehensive China tour package for travelers seeking both depth and variety.

day 1 - Beijing

Arrive at any time. Attend a welcome meeting in the evening followed by an orientation walk with your CEO in the area of Beijing near the joining hotel. There will be an optional group dinner afterwards at a local restaurant.

Accomodation:Dong Fang Hotel Beijing (or similar)

Included Activities:Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Duration : 1.0 hr, Orientation Walk Distance : 1 km

day 2 - Beijing

Visit the vast expanses of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Use free time to explore the Hutongs (historic narrow streets and alleys) or The Temple of Heaven, the Drum and Bell Tower, Lama Temple, or Summer Palace.
Explore bustling Beijing including the famous Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City.

Accomodation:Dong Fang Hotel Beijing (or similar)

Transport:Metro

Included Activities:Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City Visit Duration : 2.0 hr

Optional Activities:Hutong Walk Take a walking tour through some of Beijing's traditional alleyways and backstreets (known as hutongs) and get a taste of this magnificent metropolis. , 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. , Drum and Bell Tower Visit , Summer Palace This UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of palaces, lakes, and gardens in Beijing and is absolutely stunning. Its main components are Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, which is 60m (200 feet) high and has many buildings on it. Kunming Lake is actually man made, and measures 2.2sq km (1.4 sq mi).

day 3 - Beijing

Travel north to the Great Wall, one of the most iconic sights in all of China. Spend the better part of the Day exploring and taking photos, soaking in the atmosphere.
Head out to discover the wonders of the Great Wall of China.

Accomodation:Dong Fang Hotel Beijing (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 2.0 hr - 2.5 hr Distance : 80 km

Included Activity:Mutianyu Great Wall Visit Duration : 3.0 hr

Optional Activities:Toboggan at Great Wall , Cable Car at Great Wall

day 4 - Beijing/Xi’an

In the morning catch a bullet train from Beijing to vibrant Xi'an. After settling in at your hotel go on an orientation walk with your CEO and visit points of interest around the city like the bustling Muslim Quarter. Known as one of Xi'an's most fascinating areas, you will pass the lovely and unusual Great Mosque and wander by food stalls with some of the best street eats in China.

Accomodation:Jin Jiang West Capital International Hotel (or similar)

Transport:Bullet Train

Included Activities:Orientation Walk Duration : 1.0 hr, Muslim Quarter Visit Duration : 1.0 hr - 1.5 hr

Optional Activities:The Great Mosque Discover this hidden oasis behind the markets of the Muslim Quarter. Learn about the Great Mosque's centuries-old history, and explore the temples and gardens to see how Chinese and Islamic architecture came together in this place of worship.

day 5 - Xi’an

Visit one of China’s greatest archaeological treasures—the Terracotta Warriors. This evening, opt for a dumpling banquet with your CEO and group.

Meal:Lunch

Accomodation:Jin Jiang West Capital International Hotel (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle

Included Activities:Terracotta Warriors Guided Tour Duration : 3.0 hr Distance : 2 km, Local Family Lunch Xi'an Duration : 1.0 hr

Optional Activities:Big Goose Pagoda Visit , 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. , The Tang Dynasty Cultural Show with Dumpling Banquet , Xi'an City Wall South Gate Xian City Wall is the most complete city wall that has survived in China, as well being one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world. Along the moat is a beautiful park. You could either walk on the wall or rent a bike and cycle around, traffic free! The wall was first built in 1370. In rectangular shape the whole length is 13.7 Km.

day 6 - Xi’an/Chengdu

Spend a free morning in Xi'An then board a bullet train in the afternoon to Chengdu. After getting settled at the hotel, join an orientation walk around the city. In the evening sit down for a Hotpot dinner with the group.
Hotpot is a very local way to have a meal. We sit around a table with a pot built in the middle – the pot is divided into 2 halves (spicy vs. non-spicy usually). The restaurants flavoured soup is added and brought to a boil, then we can start adding our food in the pot to cook ( including vegetable, meat or fish). The table also offers various sorts of herbs, spices, oil etc so you can make your own soup to taste.

Meal:Dinner

Accomodation:Celebrity Ruicheng Hotel (or similar)

Transport:Bullet Train Duration : 3.5 hr - 4.0 hr

day 7 - Chengdu

Enjoy a morning visit to see pandas at the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. Witness the conservation efforts being made to save this endearing species. Afterwards, take time for lunch on your own before your CEO will take the group to People's Park by metro for an orientation walk. End the walk in Tianfu Square, located in the city centre of Chengdu. Take the metro back to the hotel before an optional group dinner in the evening.

Accomodation:Celebrity Ruicheng Hotel (or similar)

Included Activities:Giant Panda Breeding Center Duration : 3.0 hr, People's Park & Tianfu Square Visit

day 8 - Chengdu/Emei Shan

Travel from Chengdu to Leshan this morning in a private vehicle. Upon arrival the group will have time to grab lunch on their own before the included visit to the Giant Buddha. The building of the monument began in the year 713 and finished in the year 803 taking more than 90 years to carve. Thousands of workers expended their efforts on the project. Then, drive to the foot of Mt. E'mei, located southwest of Sichuan Basin. Continue to the monastery.

Accomodation:Chanlin Inn (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle

Included Activity:Leshan Giant Buddha Visit

day 9 - Emei Shan

Take the shuttle bus to Wannian Monastery Parking lot for the start of today's hike. Walk to Qingyin Ge, Guangfo Monastery, Fu hu Monastery, Shengshui Ge, Chun Yang Dian, Lei Yin Monastery. Finish at the WuXianGang Parking lot where the group can take the shuttle back to Baoguo Monastery, or choose to keep hiking to Fuhu Nunnery, then walking back to Baoguo Monastery. There will be free time before an optional group dinner in the evening.

Accomodation:Chanlin Inn (or similar)

Included Activity:Hike around Emei Shan Duration : 6.0 hr - 10.0 hr

day 10 - Emei Shan/Yangshuo

Travel by private vehicle to Leshan train station and hop on a bullet train to Yangshuo. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel, get settled, and then go on a CEO-led orientation walk before an optional group dinner.

Accomodation:Zhangtai Heju Hotel Ubud Town (or similar)

Transport:Bullet Train, Private Vehicle Duration : 0.75 hr

Included Activity:Yangshuo Orientation Walk

day 11 - Yangshuo

Drive to Xingping pier and navigate the stunning Li River on a bamboo raft. Afterwards, take the local ferry across the river to get to the Dabeicun Village. Set off on a short walking tour led by your CEO. End the walk at the Jia Community Restaurant where the group will have lunch.

Meal:Lunch

Accomodation:Zhangtai Heju Hotel Ubud Town (or similar)

Included Activities:Xing Ping Li River Bamboo Raft Duration : 1.5 hr Distance : 10 km, Jia Community Restaurant

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. , 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 12 - Yangshuo

Enjoy free time for more activities and to explore this beautiful area. Opt to join a cycling tour through the countryside which includes lunch with a local family.

Accomodation:Zhangtai Heju Hotel Ubud Town (or similar)

Optional Activities:Yangshuo Guided Cycle Tour , Moon Hill Entrance and Hike Enjoy a hike up to Moon Hill, one of Yangshuo's most popular attractions. This karst hill has a huge hole through the middle that's shaped like the moon, hence its name. The views of the surrounding countryside from the hill are spectacular -- it's worth the climb!

day 13 - Yangshuo/Shanghai

Catch a flight to Shanghai today and arrive in the late afternoon. Take an orientation walk down one of the city’s most famous streets, Nanjing Road and The Bund, a famous waterfront on the west bank of Huangpu River with a great view of the city's skyline. During winter months, take an evening flight to Shanghai and enjoy a free morning in Yangshuo.

Accomodation:Zhen Yue Hotel (or similar)

Transport:Private Vehicle Duration : 1.5 hr Distance : 84 km, Plane Duration : 2.5 hr Distance : 1500 km

Included Activities:Orientation Walk Duration : 1.0 hr, The Bund Visit Duration : 1.0 hr

day 14 - Shanghai

Temples, markets, gardens and colonial enclaves are around every corner. Spend some time immersed in Shanghai today. Start with a visit to the Shanghai Museum, one of the best in the country. Then, take the metro to Yuyuan Gardens for an optional visit and walk around the grounds. The remainder of the afternoon is free for optional activities in the area. There will be an optional group dinner in the evening.

Accomodation:Zhen Yue Hotel (or similar)

Included Activity:Shanghai Museum Duration : 1.5 hr

Optional Activities:Yuyuan Garden , Shanghai Acrobatic Performance , Shanghai Tower

day 15 - Shanghai

Depart at any time.

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotels (14 nts).

Meals

2 lunches, 1 dinner
Note: Allow USD445-580 for meals not included.

Transport

Train, private vehicle, walking, plane.All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Guide

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Included activities

Your G for Good Moment: Jia Community Restaurant, YangshuoYour Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and GroupYour Foodie Moment: Local Family Lunch Xi'an, Xi'anGreat Wall excursionTiananmen Square and Forbidden City guided tourShanghai Museum entranceXi'an orientation walkTerracotta Warriors tourEmei Shan entranceLeshan Giant Buddha visitVisit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda BreedingLi River bamboo raft ride

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

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