Imperial Dynasties & Yangtze Waterways
A Curated Exploration of Ancient Capitals, Countryside Beauty, and Modern Marvels
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
Your private guide will welcome you at Beijing Airport's Arrival Hall after you retrieve your luggage and clear Customs. Enjoy a comfortable private transfer to your downtown hotel. After check-in, the remainder of the day is yours to recover from jet lag and settle in.
Day 2: Beijing's Imperial Grandeur
- Morning Exploration: Visit Tian'anmen Square, the symbolic heart of China, followed by an in-depth exploration of the Forbidden City. Discover how imperial families stayed warm during winter through ancient underfloor heating systems and high-quality Hongluo charcoal.
- Culinary Experience: Enjoy an à la carte welcome lunch featuring Peking Roast Duck at a noted restaurant, where the chef demonstrates proper slicing techniques.
- Afternoon Cultural Sites: Explore Yonghe Temple with its unique yellow-tiled roofs and visit the Temple of Heaven where emperors prayed for good harvests.
Day 3: Great Wall Adventure & Hutong Life
- Mutianyu Great Wall: Experience one of China's most spectacular Great Wall sections with a round-trip cable car ride to avoid strenuous climbing.
- Modern Landmark: Drive by the Bird's Nest (National Stadium) for photo opportunities.
- Traditional Beijing: Take a 40-minute rickshaw ride through Shichahai's ancient Hutongs and visit a local family in a traditional courtyard house.
Day 4: Royal Gardens & High-Speed Travel
- Summer Palace: Explore the world's largest preserved royal garden, featuring the Longevity Hill, Kunming Lake, and the magnificent Long Corridor.
- High-Speed Train: Experience China's modern transportation with a 4.5-5.5 hour high-speed train journey to Xi'an at speeds up to 350km/h.
Day 5: Terracotta Warriors & Tang Dynasty Culture
- Terracotta Army Museum: Discover the Eighth Wonder of the World with exclusive access to new exhibition halls showcasing recently displayed artifacts.
- Unique Experiences: Visit the home of Mr. Yang Zhifa, the farmer who discovered the Terracotta Army, and create your own mini terracotta figure at a local workshop.
- Cultural Exploration: Visit Shaanxi History Museum and explore the Great Tang All Day Mall in the evening.
Day 6: Ancient Walls & Muslim Quarter
- Morning Activities: Join locals for Tai Chi at City Wall Park and cycle along the ancient City Wall.
- Cultural Immersion: Visit the Great Mosque and explore the vibrant Muslim Quarter.
- Culinary Adventure: Enjoy a feast of Xi'an snacks including hot oil noodles, Chinese hamburgers, and crumbled flatbread in mutton stew.
- Historical Site: Visit Han Yang Ling Museum before flying to Guilin.
Day 7: Li River Scenery & Yangshuo Countryside
- Scenic Cruise: Take a 4-hour Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, admiring the stunning karst landscape.
- Countryside Cycling: Enjoy a 1.5-2 hour cycling tour through Yangshuo's picturesque countryside along the Yulong River.
- Local Interaction: Visit a local family during your countryside exploration.
Day 8: Natural Wonders & Travel to Shanghai
- Reed Flute Cave: Explore this magnificent underground palace featuring spectacular stalactites and stalagmites formed over 700,000 years.
- Travel: Fly to Shanghai and transfer to your hotel.
Day 9: Shanghai's Contrasts
- Cultural Sites: Visit Shanghai Museum, renowned for its bronze and porcelain collections, and explore the classical Yu Garden with adjacent Yuyuan Bazaar.
- Farewell Lunch: Enjoy an à la carte farewell lunch at the famous Shanghai Club, sampling authentic Shanghainese cuisine.
- River & Urban Exploration: Take a Huangpu River cruise showcasing Shanghai's impressive skyline, explore the Bund, and visit the artistic Tianzifang district.
Day 10: Departure from Shanghai
Private transfer to Shanghai airport for your departure, concluding your memorable journey through China's cultural treasures.