The Dragon's Trail Through China's Iconic Landscapes
From Imperial Grandeur to Natural Wonders - An Unforgettable Exploration of China's Greatest Treasures
Introduction
This meticulously crafted 12-day journey takes you through China's most celebrated destinations, blending ancient history with modern marvels. Experience the perfect harmony of imperial grandeur, archaeological wonders, cosmopolitan energy, and breathtaking natural landscapes in one seamless private tour.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing - Gateway to Imperial China
Transfer service to hotel
Meals: No Meals
Recommended Hotel: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing ★★★★
Arrive in Beijing, China's magnificent capital city. Your personal TCT tour guide will greet you at the airport regardless of your arrival time and provide comfortable transfer to your hotel. After check-in, the remainder of your day is free to relax and anticipate the adventures ahead.
Day 2: Beijing's Imperial Heart
Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, Temple of Heaven, Panjiayuan Antique Market
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Recommended Hotel: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing ★★★★
[09:00-09:30] Meet your guide in the hotel lobby to begin exploring Beijing's historical treasures.
[09:30-12:30] Visit Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest public square, then proceed to the magnificent Forbidden City - the world's largest and most complete ancient imperial palace. Continue to Jingshan Park for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Forbidden City from the summit of Coal Hill.
[12:30-14:00] Enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine at a carefully selected local restaurant.
[14:00-16:30] Explore the Temple of Heaven, China's largest surviving structure for celestial worship, where emperors once prayed for bountiful harvests. Conclude with shopping at the fascinating Panjiayuan Antique Market.
[16:30-17:30] Return to your hotel with opportunities to arrange an evening Peking duck dinner or cultural performance with your guide's expert recommendations.
Day 3: The Great Wall and Olympic Legacy
Mutianyu Great Wall, Olympic Park, the exterior of Bird Nest and Water Cube
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Recommended Hotel: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing ★★★★
[09:00-09:30] Meet your guide to embark on today's highlight - the Great Wall experience.
[09:30-12:30] Journey to the Mutianyu Great Wall, renowned for its stunning scenery and popularity among international visitors. Choose to hike this magnificent structure or utilize the cable car for easier access to the wall's most spectacular sections.
[12:30-14:00] Savor lunch at a local restaurant near the Great Wall.
[14:00-16:30] Return to Beijing city, with time to rest during the drive. En route, admire the exterior of the iconic Bird Nest stadium and Water Cube - architectural marvels from the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
[16:30-17:30] Return to your hotel with options to experience Beijing's vibrant nightlife, including foot massage treatments, Houhai night bars, or Sanlitun bar street.
Day 4: Beijing's Local Life & High-Speed to Xi'an
Hutong Tour by rickshaw, Summer Palace, Departure to Xian by high speed train
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Recommended Hotel: Somerset Xindicheng Xi'an ★★★★
[09:30-10:00] After packing and checking out, meet your guide for a final exploration of Beijing's cultural treasures.
[10:00-11:30] Travel to the Drum Tower area for a delightful Hutong Tour by rickshaw, offering intimate insights into traditional Beijing lifestyle within the city's ancient alleyways.
[11:30-14:30] Visit the magnificent Summer Palace, China's largest and best-preserved imperial garden. Enjoy a scenic boat ride on Kunming Lake before lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Following lunch, transfer to the railway station for your high-speed train journey to Xi'an (approximately 5 hours). Your Xi'an guide will greet you upon arrival and assist with transfer to your hotel.
Day 5: Xi'an's Terracotta Army & Ancient Quarters
Terracotta Warriors, Bell Tower, Gao's Courtyard, Muslim Quarter
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Recommended Hotel: Somerset Xindicheng Xi'an ★★★★
[09:00-09:30] Meet your guide to discover Xi'an's ancient wonders.
[09:30-12:30] Journey to the Terracotta Warriors, one of the world's most significant archaeological discoveries, featuring thousands of life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots in battle formation. Shuttle bus service is provided for convenience. Visit a pottery figurine factory to witness traditional craftsmanship techniques.
[12:30-14:00] Enjoy Chinese lunch near the Terracotta Warriors site.
[14:00-17:00] Explore the magnificent Bell Tower, China's largest and best-preserved ancient bell tower. Continue to Gao's Courtyard to appreciate traditional architecture and experience local cultural arts like paper-cutting and shadow puppetry. Conclude at the vibrant Muslim Quarter for shopping and sampling diverse local snacks.
[17:00-17:30] Return to your hotel with options to experience the spectacular Tang Dynasty Show with Dinner.
Day 6: Xi'an's Heritage & Flight to Shanghai
Ancient City Wall, Wild Goose Pagoda and north square, Hanyang Mausoleum, Fly to Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Recommended Hotel: SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund ★★★★
[09:30-10:00] After packing and checking out, meet your guide for a final exploration of Xi'an before departing for Shanghai.
[10:00-12:30] Visit the impressive Ancient City Wall, one of China's oldest and best-preserved fortifications. Optional bicycle riding available atop the wall (additional cost). Continue to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and enjoy the spectacular North plaza fountain show.
[12:30-16:30] After lunch, transfer to Xi'an airport, visiting the Hanyang Mausoleum en route - China's largest museum by floor space.
Fly to Shanghai, where your Shanghai guide will greet you at the airport and assist with transfer to your hotel.
Day 7: Shanghai's Blended Elegance
Jade Buddha Temple, the exterior of Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Old Street, The Bund
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Recommended Hotel: SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund ★★★★
[09:00-09:30] Meet your guide to explore China's most dynamic metropolis.
[09:30-12:30] Visit the serene Jade Buddha Temple, famous for its exquisite jade Buddha statue weighing approximately 1,000 kg. Admire the exterior of the iconic Oriental Pearl TV Tower while strolling along the picturesque Riverside Promenade.
[12:30-13:30] Enjoy lunch at a local Chinese restaurant.
[13:30-16:30] Discover the classical beauty of Yuyuan Garden, a masterpiece of Chinese garden design. Experience shopping at Shanghai Old Street and Nanjing Road - Shanghai's earliest commercial street, perfect for unique souvenirs and silk products. Conclude with a leisurely walk along the Bund, renowned for its spectacular collection of international architecture.
[16:30-17:30] Return to your hotel with options to experience Shanghai's spectacular Acrobatic Show, particularly the renowned ERA performance.
Day 8: Flight to Guilin & Subterranean Wonders
Fly to Guilin, Reed Flute Cave
Meals: Breakfast
Recommended Hotel: Jolie Vue Boutique Hotel or similar ★★★★
Enjoy a leisurely morning before transferring to the airport for your flight to Guilin. Your Guilin guide will greet you upon arrival. In the afternoon, explore the magnificent Reed Flute Cave, a stunning natural wonder featuring spectacular stalactites and stalagmites in mesmerizing formations and colors. Return to your hotel for evening relaxation.
Day 9: Li River Cruise & Yangshuo Countryside
Li River Cruise, West Street, Yangshuo countryside
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Recommended Hotel: Jolie Vue Boutique Hotel or similar ★★★★
[08:00-08:30] Meet your guide for today's scenic Li River adventure.
[09:30-14:00] Embark on a memorable Li River Cruise with buffet lunch aboard a deluxe vessel. Marvel at the fairy-tale landscape as you cruise toward Yangshuo. Enjoy the views from the sundeck or through panoramic windows. After disembarking, explore West Street or take a sightseeing car to the parking area.
[14:30-17:00] Experience the Yangshuo countryside by bicycle, immersing yourself in the tranquil beauty of southern China's rural landscape. Return to Guilin for overnight.
[17:00-17:30] Optional extensions include staying in Yangshuo for the spectacular Impression of Liu Sanjie performance or exploring West Street's nightlife before returning to Guilin. Alternatively, the Two Rivers and Four Lakes Night Cruise offers a magical evening experience.
Day 10: Guilin's Landmarks & High-Speed to Hong Kong
Elephant Trunk Hill, Riyue Shuangta Cultural Park, Take high speed train to Hongkong
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Recommended Hotel: Harbour Plaza Metroplis Hotel ★★★★
[09:00-09:30] Meet your guide after checking out from your hotel.
[09:30-13:00] Visit Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin's iconic natural landmark. Explore the beautiful Riyue Shuangta Cultural Park adjacent to Shahu Lake, famous for its striking golden and silver pagodas. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Transfer to Guilin West Railway Station for your high-speed train journey to Hong Kong (approximately 3.2 hours). Your Hong Kong driver guide will greet you upon arrival and assist with transfer to your hotel.
Day 11: Hong Kong's Panoramic Vistas
The Victoria Peak, Stanley Street, Aberdeen Fishing Village, Gem Factory Outlet
Meals: Breakfast
Recommended Hotel: Harbour Plaza Metroplis Hotel ★★★★
Today's half-day city tour features Victoria Peak, offering unparalleled views of Hong Kong from 373 meters above sea level. Visit Aberdeen fishing village (sampan ride not included), home to communities living on traditional fishing junks. Explore Stanley Street and visit Hong Kong's largest jewelry factory. The remainder of your day is free for personal exploration of this vibrant city.
Day 12: Departure from Hong Kong
Transfer service to airport
Meals: Breakfast
After packing and checking out, enjoy free time before transferring to the airport for your departure flight. Your pick-up time will be confirmed in advance based on your flight schedule. Final shopping opportunities are available before heading to the airport.
Service Ends