Silk Road Odyssey: Southern Xinjiang Explorer
An In-Depth Exploration of China's Iconic Cities and Landscapes
Section 1: Imperial Beginnings - Beijing (Days 1-4)
Day 1: Arrival in the Ancient Capital
Transfer service to hotel - Accommodation: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing ★★★★ - Begin your journey in Beijing, one of the world's most mysterious cities - Airport greeting by tour guide and hotel transfer - Free time to overcome jet lag and prepare for upcoming explorations
Day 2: Imperial Grandeur & Local Life
Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, Hutong Tour by rickshaw - Morning (09:00-12:30): Visit Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square - Explore the magnificent Forbidden City, the most complete ancient imperial palace - Hike to Jingshan Park for panoramic views of the Forbidden City - Lunch (12:30-14:00): Authentic Chinese cuisine at local restaurant - Afternoon (14:00-16:30): Rickshaw tour through Beijing's historic Hutongs - Visit traditional courtyards and local families - Conclude at Drum and Bell Tower, ancient timekeeping centers - Evening: Optional Peking duck dinner and night activities
Day 3: Spiritual Sites & The Great Wall
Temple of Heaven, Mutianyu Great Wall - Morning (08:00-10:00): Temple of Heaven visit with local morning exercise observations - Witness Chinese Kongfu, Taichi, and square dancing - Midday (10:00-13:30): Scenic drive to Mutianyu Great Wall with lunch en route - Afternoon (13:30-16:00): Great Wall exploration with hiking or cable car options - Experience the Toboggan descent (optional) - Evening: Optional foot massage or nightlife exploration
Day 4: Imperial Gardens & Journey West
Summer Palace, High speed train to Xi'an - Morning (09:30-11:30): Visit Summer Palace, China's largest imperial garden - Enjoy boat ride on Kunming Lake - Lunch (11:30-12:30): Nearby Summer Palace - Afternoon: High-speed train to Xi'an (5-hour journey) - Hotel transfer and check-in at Somerset Xindicheng Xi'an
Section 2: Ancient Capitals & Cultural Treasures (Days 5-8)
Day 5: Terracotta Warriors & Muslim Culture
Terracotta Warriors, Bell Tower, Gao's Courtyard, Muslim Quarter - Morning (09:30-12:30): Explore the magnificent Terracotta Warriors - Visit pottery figurine factory for hands-on experience - Lunch (12:30-14:00): A La Carte at local restaurant - Afternoon (14:00-17:00): Bell Tower visit, Gao's Courtyard cultural experience - Muslim Quarter exploration with local snacks and shopping - Evening: Optional Tang Dynasty Show with dinner
Day 6: Ancient Walls & Journey to Panda Homeland
Ancient City Wall, Wild Goose Pagoda, High speed train to Chengdu - Morning (10:00-12:30): Ancient City Wall visit with optional bicycle riding - Big Wild Goose Pagoda and North plaza fountain show - Afternoon (12:30-16:30): Lunch followed by 4-hour high-speed train to Chengdu - Hotel transfer and check-in at Tianfu Sunshine Hotel
Day 7: Panda Encounters & Local Life
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Renmin Park, Jinli Old Street - Morning (09:30-12:30): Giant Panda Breeding Research Base with shuttle bus - Observe pandas eating and playing in natural habitat - Lunch (12:30-13:30): A La Carte at local restaurant - Afternoon (13:30-16:30): Renmin Park visit with tea break and mahjong lesson - Jinli Old Street shopping and Qing Dynasty architecture appreciation - Evening: Optional Face Changing show or Kuanzhai Alley exploration
Day 8: Ancient Ruins & Culinary Delights
Jinsha Ruins Museum, Hotpot lunch, Wuhou Temple, Fly to Guilin - Morning (09:30-11:30): Jinsha Ruins Museum exploring ancient Shu culture - Lunch (12:00-13:30): Authentic Sichuan Hotpot experience - Afternoon (13:30-14:30): Wuhou Temple, Three Kingdoms Period museum - Evening: Flight to Guilin and hotel transfer
Section 3: Natural Wonders & Scenic Beauty (Days 9-12)
Day 9: Rice Terraces & Minority Culture
Longji Rice Terraces, Minority Village - Morning (09:00-12:30): Scenic drive to Longji Terraces through mountainous roads - Trekking to view stunning 700-year-old rice terraces - Lunch (12:30-13:30): Local minority village restaurant with bamboo rice - Afternoon (14:00-15:30): Minority village cultural immersion - Photography opportunities and local lifestyle observations - Evening: Return to Guilin with optional Night Cruise on four lakes
Day 10: Li River Majesty & Countryside Charm
Li River Cruise, West Street, Yangshuo countryside tour - Morning (09:30-14:00): Deluxe Li River Cruise with buffet lunch - Fairy-tale scenery appreciation from sundeck or cabin - West Street exploration after disembarking - Afternoon (14:30-17:00): Yangshuo countryside biking along Yulong River - Scenic views of limestone hills and clear river waters - Evening: Return to Guilin for overnight stay
Day 11: Journey to Paradise City
Fly to Hangzhou, Hefang Street, Local snacks walking tour - Morning: Leisure time before checkout and flight to Hangzhou - Afternoon: Airport transfer and hotel check-in - Evening: Hefang Street exploration with local snack tasting
Day 12: West Lake Serenity & Tea Culture
West Lake with boat trip, Meijiawu Tea Plantation, Chenghuang Pavilion - Morning (09:30-11:30): West Lake boat trip with scenic park views - Lunch (12:00-13:30): Local restaurant - Afternoon (14:00-15:30): Meijiawu Tea Village immersion - Learn tea picking, cooking, and preparation techniques - Late Afternoon (16:00-17:00): Chenghuang Pavilion for West Lake panoramic views
Section 4: Classical Gardens & Modern Marvels (Days 13-16)
Day 13: Garden City Elegance
High speed train to Suzhou, Lingering Garden, Lion Grove Garden, Pingjiang Ancient Street - Morning: High-speed train to Suzhou with guide meeting at station - Late Morning (11:30-12:30): Pingjiang Ancient Street leisure walk - Lunch (12:30-13:30): Authentic Chinese cuisine in ancient street - Afternoon (13:30-17:00): Lion Grove Garden (650-year history) - Lingering Garden exploration (Qing Dynasty classical garden) - Hotel check-in at Garden Hotel Suzhou
Day 14: Water Town Charm & Modern Metropolis
Tongli Water Town, drive to Shanghai - Morning (10:00-13:00): Tongli Water Town exploration (Song Dynasty establishment) - Local boating trip along ancient waterways - Lunch (12:30-13:30): Local restaurant near waterways - Afternoon: Private transfer to Shanghai with hotel check-in - Evening: Optional Nanjing Road exploration
Day 15: Shanghai Contrasts - Old & New
Shanghai Old Street, Shikumen, the Bund, Jade Buddha Temple, Lujiazui CBD, Shanghai Tower - Morning (09:30-12:30): Shanghai Old Street time travel experience - Shikumen traditional residence exploration - The Bund orientation walk along historic foreign trade center - Lunch (12:30-13:30): A La Carte at local restaurant - Afternoon (13:30-16:30): Silk museum visit - Lujiazui CBD exploration with Riverside Promenade leisure time - Shanghai Tower visit with panoramic city views - Evening: Optional ERA Acrobatic Show
Day 16: Departure from Shanghai
Transfer service to airport - Morning: Free time at leisure - Airport transfer with optional Maglev train experience to Pudong Airport - Service Concludes