China's Grand Tapestry: History, Nature & Culture
An Epic Exploration from Imperial Capitals to Himalayan Frontiers
Part I: Imperial Legacy - The Ancient Capitals
Days 1-4: Beijing - Imperial Grandeur
Day 1: Arrival in China's Capital
Transfer to your hotel in Beijing, China's magnificent capital city offering unparalleled historical relics and cultural treasures.
Day 2: Imperial Heart of China
- Morning: Explore Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest urban square
- Late Morning: Discover the Forbidden City, the world's most complete ancient imperial palace
- Afternoon: Visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors prayed for good harvests
- Evening: Optional Peking Opera performance (additional cost)
Day 3: Great Wall Majesty
- Morning: Hike the magnificent Mutianyu Great Wall, one of China's best-preserved sections
- Afternoon: Photo opportunities at the Bird's Nest and Water Cube Olympic venues
- Evening: Optional Peking Roasted Duck dinner (additional cost)
Day 4: Traditional Beijing & Departure
- Morning: Rickshaw tour through Beijing's ancient Hutongs, experiencing traditional local life
- Afternoon: High-speed train to Xi'an
Days 5-6: Xi'an - Ancient Capital & Terracotta Warriors
Day 5: Warriors & Walls
- Morning: Marvel at the Terracotta Warriors, one of archaeology's greatest discoveries
- Afternoon: Walk the massive Xi'an City Wall, ancient China's military defensive system
- Evening: Explore Muslim Quarter's local specialties and snacks
- Optional: Tang Dynasty Show with Dinner (additional cost)
Day 6: Cultural Xi'an
- Morning: Visit Shaanxi History Museum
- Afternoon: Explore Small Wild Goose Pagoda and Jianfu Temple
- Late Afternoon: Flight to Guilin
Part II: Natural Wonders - Karst Landscapes & Terraced Mountains
Days 7-9: Guilin - China's Scenic Masterpiece
Day 7: Longji Rice Terraces
- Full Day: Journey to Longji Rice Terraces, marveling at magnificent man-made landscapes
- Cultural Experience: Visit local Zhuang and Yao minority villages
- Evening: Optional Four Lake Night cruise (additional cost)
Day 8: Li River Paradise
- Morning to Afternoon: Li River Cruise to Yangshuo through breathtaking karst scenery
- Afternoon: Explore West Street and bicycle tour through Yangshuo countryside
- Evening: Return to Guilin
Day 9: Guilin's Natural Sculptures
- Morning: Visit Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin's iconic symbol
- Late Morning: Explore Reed Flute Cave's colorful stalactites and stalagmites
- Afternoon: High-speed train to Kunming
Part III: Yunnan Paradise - From Stone Forests to Himalayan Heights
Days 10-11: Kunming - City of Eternal Spring
Day 10: Stone Forest Wonder
- Full Day: Explore the Stone Forest, ancient wind and water erosion creating stone tree formations
- Historical Significance: Known since Ming Dynasty as the "First Wonder of the World"
Day 11: Journey to Dali
- Morning: Bullet train to Dali, ancient center of Yunnan culture
- Afternoon: Erhai Lake ecologic corridor with optional biking
- Late Afternoon: Visit Three Pagodas and Xizhou Bai's Houses
- Evening: Explore Dali Ancient Town, gateway to the ancient Silk Road
Days 12-13: Lijiang - Naxi Kingdom Heritage
Day 12: Ancient Lijiang
- Morning: Free time in Dali with optional activities
- Afternoon: Train to Lijiang
- Evening: Explore Lijiang Ancient Town's 700-year-old cobblestone streets
Day 13: Jade Dragon Mountain
- Morning: Visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (cable car available)
- Afternoon: Explore Yufeng Temple's religious harmony
- Late Afternoon: Discover Baisha Mural in ancient Naxi capital
Days 14-16: Shangri-La - Tibetan Highland Paradise
Day 14: Journey to Paradise
- Morning: Scenic drive to Shangri-La
- Enroute: Stop at Tiger Leaping Gorge and First Bend of Yangtze River
Day 15: Tibetan Cultural Immersion
- Morning: Visit Songzanlin Lamasery, Yunnan's largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery
- Afternoon: Explore Potatso National Park's pristine lakes
- Late Afternoon: Learn traditional Tang-ga painting in ancient town
Day 16: Free Day & Departure
- Day: Free leisure time in Shangri-La
- Evening: Flight to Chengdu
Part IV: Panda Homeland & Metropolitan Finale
Days 17-19: Chengdu - Land of Pandas & Spice
Day 17: Chengdu Leisure Culture
- Afternoon: Experience local life at People's Park with tea and mahjong
- Late Afternoon: Visit Wuhou Temple and explore Jinli Old Street
- Evening: Optional Face Changing show or Kuanzhai Alley snacks
Day 18: Panda Conservation
- Morning: Visit Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- Afternoon: Explore Jinsha Ruins Museum showcasing ancient Shu culture
- Evening: Optional Sichuan Opera (additional cost)
Day 19: Leshan Giant Buddha
- Morning: Visit Leshan Giant Buddha, world's tallest stone Buddha statue
- Options: Climb the Buddha or take Minjiang River cruise
- Afternoon: Flight to Shanghai
Days 20-21: Shanghai - Modern Metropolis
Day 20: Shanghai Highlights
- Morning: Explore Yuyuan Garden and the Bund waterfront
- Afternoon: Visit Jade Buddha Temple and Shanghai Oriental Pearl TV Tower
- Evening: Optional acrobatics show (additional cost)
Day 21: Departure
Transfer to Shanghai airport for your homebound flight, concluding your comprehensive China journey.