China Unveiled: Imperial History & Natural Wonders
A Small Group Adventure from Beijing's Cultural Treasures to Shanghai's Modern Marvels
Introduction
This meticulously crafted 11-day small group tour presents the perfect introduction to China for first-time visitors. Journey from Beijing's imperial grandeur through Xi'an's ancient wonders, Guilin's breathtaking landscapes, and culminate in Shanghai's futuristic skyline. Travel with newfound friends while experiencing China's most iconic destinations in a thoughtfully paced itinerary that balances cultural immersion with natural beauty.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in China's Capital
Beijing Arrival & Hotel Transfer - Transfer from Beijing Capital International Airport to your hotel - Meals: No meals included - Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Beijing - Arrive in Beijing, China's capital city, where our driver will meet you at the airport. Transfer to your hotel for check-in and free time to recover from your journey.
Day 2: Imperial Beijing Exploration
Temple of Heaven, Hutong Culture & Forbidden City - Activities: Temple of Heaven, Hutong tour by rickshaw, Peking opera facial mask painting, Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City - Meals: Hotel breakfast, à la carte Chinese lunch - Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Beijing - Begin at the Temple of Heaven, where emperors prayed for good harvests. Experience local life through a Hutong rickshaw tour and traditional mask painting. After lunch, visit Tian'anmen Square and explore the magnificent Forbidden City, the world's largest ancient wooden structure complex.
Day 3: Great Wall Adventure
Mutianyu Great Wall & Olympic Architecture - Activities: Mutianyu Great Wall with round-trip cable car, exterior views of Bird's Nest and Water Cube - Meals: Hotel breakfast, à la carte lunch - Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Beijing - Journey to the spectacular Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, older and less crowded than Badaling. Enjoy included cable car access. Return to Beijing for photo stops at the iconic Bird's Nest and Water Cube Olympic venues.
Day 4: Royal Gardens & High-Speed to Xi'an
Summer Palace & Bullet Train Experience - Activities: Summer Palace, high-speed train to Xi'an - Meals: Hotel breakfast, à la carte lunch - Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Xi'an - Explore the Summer Palace, China's best-preserved imperial garden. After lunch, board a high-speed train (5-5.5 hours) to the ancient capital of Xi'an. Transfer to your hotel upon arrival.
Day 5: Terracotta Warriors & Ancient Walls
Xi'an City Wall & Archaeological Wonders - Activities: Ancient City Wall, Terracotta Warriors, pottery workshop, Bell Tower Square, Muslim Quarter - Meals: Hotel breakfast, à la carte lunch - Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Xi'an - Cycle or walk along the magnificent Xi'an City Wall. Visit a pottery workshop to create miniature terracotta replicas. After lunch, explore the incredible Terracotta Warriors army. Conclude at Bell Tower Square and the vibrant Muslim Quarter for shopping and local snacks.
Day 6: Cultural Xi'an & Flight to Guilin
Traditional Courtyards & Pagodas - Activities: Gao's Courtyard, Big Wild Goose Pagoda North Plaza, flight to Guilin - Meals: Hotel breakfast, à la carte lunch - Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Guilin - Visit Gao's Courtyard to appreciate ancient residences and shadow puppetry. See the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and music fountain show. Fly to Guilin, renowned for its stunning natural landscapes.
Day 7: Rice Terraces & Minority Culture
Longji Terraces & Zhuang Village Life - Activities: Longji Rice Terraces, Ping'an Zhuang Village - Meals: Hotel breakfast, à la carte lunch - Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Guilin - Travel to the breathtaking Longji Rice Terraces, marveling at these agricultural masterpieces carved into mountainsides. Enjoy bamboo-cooked lunch in Ping'an Zhuang Village and experience local minority culture.
Day 8: Li River Cruise & Yangshuo Charm
Scenic River Journey & West Street Exploration - Activities: Li River Cruise, West Street - Meals: Hotel breakfast, lunch box - Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Guilin - Embark on a memorable 4-hour Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, surrounded by stunning karst landscapes. Explore Yangshuo's famous West Street before returning to Guilin.
Day 9: Guilin's Natural Wonders & Flight to Shanghai
Iconic Landscapes & Modern Metropolis - Activities: Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave, flight to Shanghai - Meals: Hotel breakfast, à la carte lunch - Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Shanghai - Visit Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin's symbol, and explore the spectacular stalactites of Reed Flute Cave. After lunch, fly to Shanghai, China's most modern metropolis.
Day 10: Shanghai Past & Present
Traditional Gardens & Futuristic Skylines - Activities: Shikumen architecture, Yuyuan Garden, Chenghuangmiao Old Street, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, City History Museum, the Bund - Meals: Hotel breakfast, à la carte lunch - Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Shanghai - Explore Shanghai's traditional side through Shikumen architecture and the classical Yuyuan Garden. Visit the Oriental Pearl TV Tower for panoramic views and learn about Shanghai's history. Conclude at the Bund to admire the illuminated skyline.
Day 11: Departure from Shanghai
Farewell to China - Transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport - Meals: Breakfast - Bid farewell to China as you transfer to the airport for your international flight home, filled with memories of imperial history, natural wonders, and modern marvels.