The Grand Tapestry of China
Rewritten Itinerary: China's Imperial Legacy, Natural Wonders & Urban Frontiers
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing - Gateway to Imperial China
Transfer service to hotel - Meals: No Meals - Recommended Hotel: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing ★★★★ - Arrive in Beijing, China's capital city, where you'll be greeted by your tour guide and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy leisure time to rest and acclimate to your new surroundings.
Day 2: Beijing's Imperial Heart - Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven
Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, Temple of Heaven - Meals: Breakfast & Lunch - Recommended Hotel: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing ★★★★ - Morning: Explore Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square, then enter the magnificent Forbidden City - the world's largest and most complete ancient imperial palace. Hike to Jingshan Park for panoramic views over the Forbidden City. - Afternoon: Visit the Temple of Heaven, China's largest existing structure for celestial sacrifices, where emperors prayed for harvest. - Evening: Optional Peking duck dinner and night show arrangements.
Day 3: The Great Wall & Olympic Legacy
Mutianyu Great Wall, Olympic Park, Bird Nest & Water Cube exteriors - Meals: Breakfast & Lunch - Recommended Hotel: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing ★★★★ - Morning: Journey to Mutianyu Great Wall, renowned for its beautiful scenery and excellent preservation. Choose to hike or take the cable car for breathtaking views. - Afternoon: Visit the exterior of Bird Nest and Water Cube, iconic structures from the 2008 Beijing Olympics. - Evening: Optional foot massage or exploration of Houhai night bars and Sanlitun bar street.
Day 4: Beijing's Local Life & High-Speed to Xi'an
Hutong Tour by rickshaw, Summer Palace, High-speed train to Xi'an - Meals: Breakfast & Lunch - Recommended Hotel: Somerset Xindicheng Xi'an ★★★★ - Morning: Experience traditional Beijing life with a rickshaw tour through ancient Hutongs. - Afternoon: Explore the Summer Palace, China's largest and best-preserved imperial garden, including boat ride on Kunming Lake. - Late Afternoon: High-speed train to Xi'an with guide assistance upon arrival.
Day 5: Xi'an's Terracotta Army & Ancient Culture
Terracotta Warriors, Bell Tower, Gao's Courtyard, Muslim Quarter - Meals: Breakfast & Lunch - Recommended Hotel: Somerset Xindicheng Xi'an ★★★★ - Morning: Discover the incredible Terracotta Warriors, one of the world's most significant archaeological finds. Visit pottery figurine factory. - Afternoon: Explore Bell Tower, Gao's Courtyard with traditional paper-cutting and shadow puppetry demonstrations, and the vibrant Muslim Quarter with local snacks. - Evening: Optional Tang Dynasty Show with Dinner.
Day 6: Xi'an's Ancient Walls & Journey to Chongqing
Ancient City Wall, Wild Goose Pagoda, High-speed train to Chongqing - Meals: Breakfast & Lunch - Accommodation: Somerset Yangtze River Chongqing ★★★★ - Morning: Walk or cycle along the Ancient City Wall, then visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda and North plaza fountain show. - Afternoon: Five-hour high-speed train to Chongqing with guide assistance upon arrival.
Day 7: Chongqing's Mountain City & Yangtze Cruise Embarkation
Three Gorges Museum, Ciqikou Ancient Town, Liziba Station, Yangtze River Ropeway, Hongya Cave, Cruise Embarkation - Meals: Breakfast & Lunch - On Board: Victoria Cruise ★★★★★ - Full Day: Explore Chongqing's highlights including Three Gorges Museum, Ancient Town of Ciqikou, famous Liziba Station, Yangtze River Ropeway, and Hongya Cave stilted buildings. - Evening: Check into Victoria Cruise and set sail at 9:00 PM.
Day 8: Yangtze River Cruise - Fengdu & National Parks
Fengdu Shuanguishan National Park, Optional Fengdu Ghost City, Optional Three Kingdoms Show - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner - On Board: Victoria Cruise ★★★★★ - Morning: Shore excursion to Fengdu Shuanguishan National Park or optional Fengdu Ghost City visit. - Evening: Captain's welcome reception and optional FengYan SanGuo "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" Show.
Day 9: Yangtze Three Gorges & Goddess Stream
Optional White Emperor City, Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, Goddess Stream - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner - On Board: Victoria Cruise ★★★★★ - Morning: Optional White Emperor City excursion with views of Qutang Gorge. - Afternoon: Cruise through dramatic Qutang Gorge and scenic Wu Gorge, followed by boat excursion to Goddess Stream. - Evening: Captain's Farewell Banquet.
Day 10: Three Gorges Dam & High-Speed to Shanghai
Three Gorges Dam, High-speed train to Shanghai - Meals: Breakfast - Recommended Hotel: SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund ★★★★ - Morning: Disembark and visit the monumental Three Gorges Dam site. - Afternoon: High-speed train to Shanghai with guide assistance upon arrival.
Day 11: Shanghai's Contrasts - Ancient Temples & Modern Skylines
Jade Buddha Temple, Oriental Pearl TV Tower exterior, Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Old Street, The Bund - Meals: Breakfast & Lunch - Recommended Hotel: SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund ★★★★ - Morning: Visit Jade Buddha Temple and admire the exterior of Oriental Pearl TV Tower from Riverside Promenade. - Afternoon: Explore classical Yuyuan Garden, shop at Shanghai Old Street and Nanjing Road, then stroll along the Bund's architectural gallery. - Evening: Optional Acrobatic Show, particularly the popular ERA performance.
Day 12: Flight to Guilin & Karst Landscapes
Flight to Guilin, Elephant Trunk Hill, Riyue Shuangta Cultural Park - Meals: Breakfast - Recommended Hotel: Jolie Vue Boutique Hotel or similar ★★★★ - Morning: Flight to Guilin with guide assistance upon arrival. - Afternoon: Visit Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin's iconic symbol, and explore Riyueshuangta Cultural Park with its golden and silver pagodas.
Day 13: Li River Cruise to Yangshuo & Silver Cave
Li River Cruise, West Street, Silver Cave, Langzi Ancient Village - Meals: Breakfast & Lunch - Recommended Hotel: Green Lotus Hotel ★★★★ - Morning: Scenic Li River Cruise with buffet lunch, enjoying breathtaking karst landscapes. - Afternoon: Explore West Street, then visit Silver Cave karst formation and well-preserved Langzi Ancient Village. - Evening: Optional Impression of Liu Sanjie show or West Street nightlife.
Day 14: Yangshuo Countryside & High-Speed to Hong Kong
Yangshuo countryside tour, High-speed train to Hong Kong - Meals: Breakfast & Lunch - Recommended Hotel: Harbour Plaza Metropolis Hotel ★★★★ - Morning: Yangshuo countryside exploration by bike or electromobile, visiting traditional villages and Yulong River area with authentic farmhouse lunch. - Afternoon: High-speed train to Hong Kong (approximately 3.5 hours) with driver assistance upon arrival.
Day 15: Hong Kong Island Highlights
Victoria Peak, Aberdeen fishing village, Repulse Bay, Half day free - Meals: Breakfast & Lunch - Recommended Hotel: Harbour Plaza Metropolis Hotel ★★★★ - Morning: Victoria Peak tram ride and observation deck for spectacular city views, followed by Aberdeen fishing village with sampan ride. - Afternoon: Free time for personal exploration and shopping.
Day 16: Hong Kong Departure
Transfer service to airport - Meals: Breakfast - Check-out and transfer to Hong Kong International Airport for departure flight, with optional final shopping opportunities.