China's Imperial Legacy & Natural Wonders
From Ancient Capitals to Limestone Peaks: A Journey Through China's Most Iconic Landscapes
Tour Overview
Experience China's Greatest Treasures
This meticulously crafted 11-day small group journey takes you through China's most remarkable destinations, blending imperial history with breathtaking natural beauty. Starting in the political heartland of Beijing and concluding in the futuristic metropolis of Shanghai, this tour is perfectly designed for first-time visitors seeking to discover China's diverse cultural heritage and stunning landscapes while forming new friendships along the way.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in China's Capital
Beijing Arrival & Airport Transfer
Arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport where our driver will greet you with a TCT signboard. Transfer to your 4-star hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is free for you to recover from your journey and adjust to the new time zone.
Meals: No meals | Accommodation: 4-Star Beijing Hotel
Day 2: Imperial Beijing Exploration
Temple of Heaven, Hutong Culture & Forbidden City
Begin your cultural immersion at the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests. Experience authentic local life with a rickshaw tour through Beijing's ancient Hutongs, including a visit to a local family residence. Participate in a traditional Peking opera facial mask painting workshop before enjoying an à la carte Chinese lunch.
Afternoon exploration includes Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest city center square, followed by the magnificent Forbidden City - the world's largest and most complete ancient wooden structure complex. Evening optional entertainment includes a thrilling Chinese Kung Fu Show or Acrobatic performance.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: 4-Star Beijing Hotel
Day 3: Great Wall Adventure
Mutianyu Great Wall & Olympic Legacy
Today's highlight is the magnificent Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, featuring stunning views and fewer crowds. Round-trip cable car is included for comfortable access. Enjoy an à la carte lunch at the foot of the Great Wall before returning to Beijing for a photo stop at the iconic Bird's Nest and Water Cube from the 2008 Olympics.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: 4-Star Beijing Hotel
Day 4: Royal Gardens & High-Speed Journey
Summer Palace & Bullet Train to Xi'an
Morning visit to the Summer Palace, China's largest and best-preserved imperial garden. Cruise Kunming Lake and walk the famous Long Corridor before enjoying an à la carte lunch. Afternoon high-speed train journey (approximately 5-5.5 hours) to the ancient capital of Xi'an. Transfer to your hotel upon arrival.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: 4-Star Xi'an Hotel
Day 5: Terracotta Warriors & Ancient Walls
Xi'an City Wall & Archaeological Marvels
Morning exploration begins at Xi'an's Ancient City Wall, where optional bicycle riding is available. Visit a traditional pottery workshop in a cave dwelling to learn miniature terracotta warrior creation techniques. After à la carte lunch, discover the world-famous Terracotta Warriors Museum, featuring thousands of life-sized soldiers in battle formation.
Evening exploration of Bell Tower Square and the vibrant Muslim Quarter, perfect for souvenir shopping and sampling local street food.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: 4-Star Xi'an Hotel
Day 6: Cultural Heritage & Scenic Transition
Traditional Courtyards & Flight to Guilin
Morning visit to Gao's Courtyard to appreciate ancient residential architecture and shadow puppetry culture. Photo stop at Big Wild Goose Pagoda North Plaza, possibly witnessing the magnificent music fountain show. Afternoon flight to Guilin, renowned for its stunning karst landscape and natural beauty.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: 4-Star Guilin Hotel
Day 7: Mountain Terraces & Ethnic Culture
Longji Rice Terraces & Zhuang Village Life
Full-day excursion to the breathtaking Longji Rice Terraces (Dragon's Back), featuring magnificent stepped rice fields carved into mountainsides. Enjoy a unique bamboo-cooked lunch in Ping'an Zhuang Village. Afternoon exploration of ethnic Yao and Zhuang villages, observing traditional lifestyles and craftsmanship. Optional Four Lakes Night Cruise available in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: 4-Star Guilin Hotel
Day 8: Li River Scenery & Yangshuo Charm
Li River Cruise & West Street Exploration
Morning Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo (approximately 4 hours), sailing through stunning limestone karst formations that have inspired Chinese artists for centuries. Afternoon exploration of Yangshuo's famous West Street, blending Chinese culture with international influences. Optional Impression Liusanjie show available for evening entertainment.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: 4-Star Guilin Hotel
Day 9: Guilin's Natural Wonders & Modern Metropolis
Elephant Trunk Hill & Flight to Shanghai
Morning visits to Guilin's iconic landmarks: Elephant Trunk Hill, the city's symbol, and Reed Flute Cave, showcasing spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations. After à la carte lunch, fly to Shanghai, China's most modern metropolis. Transfer to your hotel upon arrival.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: 4-Star Shanghai Hotel
Day 10: Shanghai's Contrasts
Traditional Gardens & Futuristic Skylines
Morning exploration of Shanghai's traditional side: Shikumen alleyways showcasing local life, followed by the classical Yuyuan Garden and bustling Chenghuangmiao Old Street. After lunch, ascend the Oriental Pearl TV Tower for panoramic city views and visit the Shanghai City History Museum.
Evening experience at the Bund, admiring the spectacular illuminated skyline of Pudong's skyscrapers across the Huangpu River.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: 4-Star Shanghai Hotel
Day 11: Journey Conclusion
Shanghai Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport for your homebound flight, concluding your comprehensive China exploration.
Meals: Breakfast