China's Grand Odyssey: Capitals & Natural Wonders
An Unforgettable Exploration of China's Most Iconic Destinations
Trip Overview
This meticulously crafted 12-day private tour showcases the absolute best of China, blending ancient history with breathtaking natural scenery and modern urban sophistication. Journey through five of China's most captivating destinations - Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Guilin, and Hong Kong - experiencing the perfect balance of imperial grandeur, archaeological wonders, cosmopolitan energy, and stunning landscapes. With carefully selected accommodations, private transportation, and expert local guides, this journey offers an immersive cultural experience that exceeds expectations.
Detailed Itinerary
Imperial Beijing Exploration
Day 1: Arrival in China's Capital
Transfer service to hotel - Meals: No Meals - Recommended Hotel: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing ★★★★ - Arrive in Beijing, China's magnificent capital city - Personal greeting and airport transfer by your private tour guide - Hotel check-in followed by leisure time to rest and acclimatize
Day 2: Imperial Heart of Beijing
Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, Temple of Heaven, Panjiayuan Antique Market - Meals: Breakfast & Lunch - Recommended Hotel: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing ★★★★ - Morning: Hotel pickup followed by visit to Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square - Explore the magnificent Forbidden City, the world's largest and most complete imperial palace complex - Climb Jingshan Park for breathtaking panoramic views over the Forbidden City - Afternoon: Authentic Chinese lunch followed by visit to the Temple of Heaven - Discover Panjiayuan Antique Market for unique souvenirs and cultural artifacts - Evening: Optional Peking duck dinner and night activity planning with your guide
Day 3: Great Wall Adventure
Mutianyu Great Wall, Olympic Park, the exterior of Bird Nest and Water Cube - Meals: Breakfast & Lunch - Recommended Hotel: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing ★★★★ - Morning: Journey to Mutianyu Great Wall, renowned for its stunning scenery and excellent preservation - Choice of hiking or cable car access to experience this world wonder - Afternoon: Local lunch near the Great Wall followed by return to Beijing - Photo stop at Olympic Park to admire the iconic Bird Nest and Water Cube architectures - Evening: Optional cultural activities including foot massage or exploring Beijing's vibrant nightlife districts
Day 4: Beijing to Ancient Xi'an
Hutong Tour by rickshaw, Summer Palace, Departure to Xian by high speed train - Meals: Breakfast & Lunch - Recommended Hotel: Somerset Xindicheng Xi'an ★★★★ - Morning: Check out and hotel pickup for Beijing's traditional Hutong alleys - Immersive rickshaw tour through ancient Hutongs to experience local Beijing life - Afternoon: Visit the magnificent Summer Palace, China's best-preserved imperial garden - Enjoy a scenic boat ride on Kunming Lake before lunch - High-speed train transfer to Xi'an (approximately 5 hours) - Meet your Xi'an guide and transfer to hotel
Ancient Xi'an & Terra Cotta Warriors
Day 5: Warriors & Ancient Culture
Terracotta Warriors, Bell Tower, Gao's Courtyard, Muslim Quarter - Meals: Breakfast & Lunch - Recommended Hotel: Somerset Xindicheng Xi'an ★★★★ - Morning: Hotel pickup for journey to the incredible Terracotta Warriors Museum - Explore one of the world's most significant archaeological discoveries - Visit pottery figurine factory to learn traditional crafting techniques - Afternoon: Local lunch followed by visit to the historic Bell Tower - Explore Gao's Courtyard to appreciate ancient architecture and traditional arts - Discover the vibrant Muslim Quarter with its exotic markets and street food - Evening: Optional Tang Dynasty Show with dinner experience
Day 6: Xi'an to Modern 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 ★★★★ - Morning: Check out and hotel pickup for Xi'an's Ancient City Wall - Optional bicycle ride along the magnificent fortifications (additional cost) - Visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda and enjoy the North plaza fountain show - Afternoon: Lunch followed by visit to Hanyang Mausoleum, China's largest museum - Transfer to airport for flight to Shanghai - Meet Shanghai guide and transfer to hotel
Cosmopolitan Shanghai & Scenic Guilin
Day 7: Shanghai's Urban Wonders
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 ★★★★ - Morning: Hotel pickup for visit to Jade Buddha Temple with its magnificent jewel-encrusted Buddha - Admire the iconic Oriental Pearl TV Tower from the Riverside Promenade - Afternoon: Local lunch followed by exploration of classical Yuyuan Garden - Shopping at Shanghai Old Street and famous Nanjing Road for souvenirs and silk - Leisurely walk along The Bund, Shanghai's spectacular waterfront - Evening: Optional acrobatic show, particularly the renowned ERA performance
Day 8: Shanghai to Scenic Guilin
Fly to Guilin, Reed Flute Cave - Meals: Breakfast - Recommended Hotel: Jolie Vue Boutique Hotel or similar ★★★★ - Morning at leisure before airport transfer for flight to Guilin - Meet Guilin guide and transfer to hotel - Afternoon: Explore the magical Reed Flute Cave with its spectacular stalactite formations - Return to 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 ★★★★ - Morning: Hotel pickup for scenic Li River Cruise with buffet lunch - Marvel at the breathtaking karst landscape from deluxe cruise vessel - Afternoon: Disembark in Yangshuo and explore vibrant West Street - Countryside bicycle tour through Yangshuo's stunning rural landscapes - Evening: Optional Impression of Liu Sanjie show or West Street nightlife - Alternative: Two Rivers and Four Lakes Night Cruise in Guilin
Hong Kong Finale
Day 10: Guilin to Vibrant Hong Kong
Elephant Trunk Hill, Riyue Shuangta Cultural Park, Take high speed train to Hongkong - Meals: Breakfast & Lunch - Recommended Hotel: Harbour Plaza Metroplis Hotel ★★★★ - Morning: Check out and hotel pickup for visit to Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin's iconic symbol - Explore Riyue Shuangta Cultural Park with its magnificent golden and silver pagodas - Afternoon: Local lunch followed by high-speed train to Hong Kong (approximately 3.2 hours) - Meet Hong Kong driver guide and transfer to hotel
Day 11: Hong Kong Island Discovery
The Victoria Peak, Stanley Street, Aberdeen Fishing Village, Gem Factory Outlet - Meals: Breakfast - Recommended Hotel: Harbour Plaza Metroplis Hotel ★★★★ - Morning: Half-day Hong Kong island tour including Victoria Peak for spectacular city views - Visit Aberdeen Fishing Village to witness traditional floating community - Explore Stanley Street and visit prominent jewelry factory - Afternoon & Evening: Free time for personal exploration, shopping, and dining
Day 12: Departure from Hong Kong
Transfer service to airport - Meals: Breakfast - Check out and leisure time for final shopping and exploration - Airport transfer coordinated according to flight schedule - Service Ends