Riverbanks to Skylines: Iconic China (2024)

The following itinerary is for your inspiration. Our experts will customize your own tour accordingto your interests, schedules, hotel tastes and budget. All can be tailor-made!

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Day 1 - Welcome to Beijing!

Today you will fly to Beijing. On arrival, your private guide will be ready to welcome you at the arrival hall, and transfer to your hotel with a private car and driver. Your guide will help you with luggage and hotel check-in, and ensure your arrival is worry-free.

Accommodation: Sunworld Hotel Wangfujing

Day 2 - The Forbidden City & Hutongs

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up at your hotel and take you to Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest public square and a symbol of China. It's witnessed decades of historic events. Walk across the square and explore the awe-inspiring Forbidden City, the world's largest palace complex and former home to 24 emperors. With over 8,728 rooms, it's China's best-preserved ancient building collection. Enter through the Meridian Gate and explore the central axis to see highlighted palaces and learn about the emperors' stories. Later, take a 15-minute walk to Jingshan Park for a panoramic view of modern Beijing and the Forbidden City.After lunch, enjoy a rickshaw tour through the historic Hutongs, immersing yourself in local life.

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Tiananmen Square

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Forbidden City

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Jingshan Park (Panorama view of Forbidden City)

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Rickshaw in Hutong

Accommodation: Sunworld Hotel Wangfujing

Day 3 - The Temple of Heaven & Mutianyu Great Wall

Meet your private guide in your hotel's lobby at your preferred time in Beijing. Then heading directly to Mutianyu Great Wall which will take about 1.5 hours, your tour guide will explain the related histories and stories on the way, sit back and enjoy the countryside sceneries along the way. Once arrive at the The Mutianyu Great Wall, you’ll take the cable car or ski lift up to the Wall, spend some time to hike up and down for about 1.5 hours at the various sections of the Wall, exploring the watch and beacon towers. Afterwards, stop at a local restaurant for lunch. In the afternoon, continue to explorethe courtyards in the Temple of Heaven park, learn the histories and stories about the temple with your tour guide, get to know what an emperor's worship looks like. You will visit major buildings inside the park, including Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, Hall or Imperial Zenith, Echo Wall, Nine Dragon Cypress, Circular Mount Alter and more.Then watch the locals play the Tai chi,which is slow motion exercise.It is a becoming more and more popular sport throughout the whole world.

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Mutianyu Great Wall

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Take cable car up and down the Great Wall

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Temple of Heaven

Accommodation: Sunworld Hotel Wangfujing

Day 4 - Summer Palace & Bullet Train to Xi'an

Enjoy your free time until your guide comes and escort you to the high-speed train station.

Today you will arrive in XIan by high-speed train station. On arrival, your private guide will be ready to welcome you at the arrival hall, and transfer to your hotel with a private car and driver. Your guide will help you with luggage and hotel check-in, and ensure your arrival is worry-free.

Accommodation: DS Hotel (Xi'an Giant Wild Goose Pagoda South Plaza)

Day 5 - Terracotta Warriors & Xi'an Ancient City Wall

Depart from your hotel and venture to the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage-listed site of the Terracotta Army. Listen as your guide sets the historical scene and describes how 7,000 life-sized terracotta figures and horses were buried beside Emperor Qin Shihuang in his majestic mausoleum. Disembark and explore the site, marvelling at the endless rows of figures. Browse the exhibitions of the museum to gain further insight into the intriguing history of the tomb.

Later this afternoon, take a walk on the Bell & Drum Tower Square and from where you could pay an outer visit of the two towers. The two towers were also built in the Ming Dynasty and the Drum Tower is 4 years older than the Bell Tower.

Continue move to Muslim Quarter. In this food street, you will meet lots of local food and snacks, as well as some little souvenirs. If you are interested in local food, it is a good place to satisfy your stomach.

At last you will visit the Great Mosquea, a major place for the religious activities of the Muslims in Xi’an. This mosque, different from the mosques we usually see, is more like a traditional Chinese garden. For example, you will see Chinese pavilions with painted beams and engraved ridgepoles. At last, transfer you back to hotel.

Accommodation: DS Hotel (Xi'an Giant Wild Goose Pagoda South Plaza)

Day 6 - Chongqing City Tour & Bullet Train to Chongqing and Embark Yangtze Cruise

Enjoy your free time until your guide comes and escort you to the high-speed train station.

Today you will arrive in Chongqing by high-speed train station. On arrival, your private guide will be ready to welcome you at the arrival hall, and transfer to your hotel with a private car and driver. Your guide will help you with luggage and hotel check-in, and ensure your arrival is worry-free.

Discover the treasures of Chongqing on our captivating tour that takes you through the city's most iconic landmarks. This enchanting journey starts with a visit to the Three Gorges Museum, where you'll delve into the rich history and culture of the region, providing valuable insights into the Yangtze River's significant role.

Next, we'll explore the mystical Hongya Cave, a stilted building complex that seemingly defies gravity, offering breathtaking views of the city and a chance to immerse yourself in Chongqing's unique architectural charm.

We'll then head to Jiefangbei Square, the bustling heart of Chongqing. Here, you'll experience the vibrant energy of the city and enjoy its modern urban landscape, which perfectly complements its historical gems.

The journey continues with a visit to Ciqikou, also known as Porcelain Port. This ancient street, standing for centuries, is a living testament to Chongqing's rich heritage. Explore the traditional architecture, savor delicious local snacks, and soak in the lively atmosphere of tea houses and mini bars.

This tour promises an unforgettable experience, combining history, culture, and modernity as you discover Chongqing's most renowned and cherished sites. Come and join us on this remarkable journey through the heart of this dynamic city.

Enjoy your free time until your guide comes and escort you to the Ferry Terminal.

Victoria Cruises Downstream Day 1: Embark on an unforgettable journey from Chongqing! Step aboard at the designated dock as we set sail, kicking off with a thrilling safety briefing. Get ready to delve into the heart of China's enchanting landscapes.

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Three Gorges Museum

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Ciqikou Ancient Town

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Hongya Cave

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Jiefangbei Square

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Victoria Cruises

Accommodation: Victoria Yangtze River Cruise

Day 7 - Amazing Yangtze River Cruise

Victoria Cruises Downstream Day 2: Brace yourself for an adventure-packed day! Rise early for a delightful cup of coffee or tea as we approach the mystical Fengdu "ShuangGui Mt. Explore this legendary site, where ancient tales and stunning views await. Then, join us for the Captain's Welcome Reception, where camaraderie and cuisine unite for an unforgettable evening on the river.

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Fengdu Shuangguishan

Accommodation: Victoria Yangtze River Cruise

Day 8 - Appreciating the Beauty of the Three Gorges

Victoria Cruises Downstream Day 3: Get ready to be swept away by natural wonders! Start your day with a refreshing cup of coffee or tea as we navigate through the majestic Qutang Gorge. Then, behold the breathtaking beauty of Wu Gorge during our scenic cruise. Embark on a shore excursion to explore the enchanting Goddess Stream, immersing yourself in its serene surroundings. Cap off the day with a captivating cabaret featuring performances by the talented Minorities and Dynasty Crew. Get ready for an evening of entertainment like no other!

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Qutang Gorge

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Wu Gorge

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Goddess Stream

Accommodation: Victoria Yangtze River Cruise

Day 9 - Discovery of the ​Three Gorges Project & Bullet Train to Shanghai

Victoria Cruises Downstream Day 4: As our journey draws to a close, we embark on a final adventure to the iconic Three Gorges Dam. Explore this marvel of engineering before we shuttle you to Yichang. Arriving at the Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal, we bid you farewell, concluding an unforgettable voyage filled with memories to cherish. Disembark and carry with you the enchantment of the Yangtze River as you step onto the shore. Until we meet again, safe travels!

After visiting the Three Gorges Dam, the driver and guide will take you to the high-speed rail station in Yichang, where you can board the high-speed train to your next destination.

Today you will arrive in Shanghai by high-speed train station. On arrival, your private guide will be ready to welcome you at the arrival hall, and transfer to your hotel with a private car and driver. Your guide will help you with luggage and hotel check-in, and ensure your arrival is worry-free.

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Three Gorges Dam

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Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift (Additional Shore excursion )

Accommodation: Kingtown Hotel Plaza Shanghai

Day 10 - Look for the old days of Shanghai

Your Shanghai city tour include a visit to the ritzyFrench Concessionenclave, a former French colonial settlement. It returned to China in 1946. Despite redevelopment over recent decades, the area has retained its distinct character as a premier residential and retail district in Shanghai.You will also visit the traditional ancient oriental garden –Yuyuan Garden, a classical landscape garden and explore theChenghuangmiao(Old City God Temple) next to the Yuyuan Garden.

If you want to discover the vanishing life of Shanghai, pay a visit toShanghai old streetandNongtangis a must. Nongtang constitutes the most important architectural feature of contemporary Shanghai. It forms the most common living space for ordinary Shanghainese and an important part of local culture. It can be said that if there were no Nongtang, there would be no Shanghai and no Shanghai people.

End of the day, you can visitXintiandi Style Shopping Centerand busyBund. You will pass through back to the golden age in 1920s. Enter some old buildings to have find the luxury of the past.

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Yuyuan Garden

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Night walking along the Bund

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Xintiandi

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French Concession

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Shanghai Chenghuangmiao (Old City God Temple)

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Nongtang

Accommodation: Kingtown Hotel Plaza Shanghai

Day 11 - Fly to Guilin & Guilin City Tour

Enjoy your free time until your guide comes and escort you to the airport for your onward flight.

Embark on a mesmerizing journey from Guilin airport with our exclusive Private Transfer service, then immerse yourself in the natural wonders and iconic landmarks of Guilin, including the magnificent Reed Flute Cave and the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill.

Highlights:

Reed Flute Cave:Begin your journey with a visit to the enchanting Reed Flute Cave, a subterranean wonderland renowned for its stunning limestone formations and mesmerizing light displays. Venture into the depths of the cave as your guide illuminates the caverns with colorful lights, revealing intricate stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations that evoke a sense of awe and wonder.

Elephant Trunk Hill:Continue your adventure with a stop at the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill, one of Guilin's most recognizable landmarks. Marvel at the striking resemblance of the hill to an elephant drinking from the Li River, a natural wonder that has captivated visitors for centuries. Climb to the hill's summit for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the winding Li River and the picturesque Guilin skyline.

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Reed Flute Cave

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Elephant Trunk Hill

Accommodation: Jolie Vue Boutique Hotel

Day 12 - Immersive Cultural Experience | Longsheng Ethnic Minority Tour and Longji Rice Terraces Adventure

Discover China's fascinating ethnic minority culture on an exciting one day tour around Longsheng in stunning Guilin. Accompanied by your own knowledgeable local guide, venture to the rural Guangxi countryside and interact with the Zhuang and Yao communities, whose intriguing way of life is characterized by traditions formed over centuries. Then, take a gentle hike to the renowned Longji Rice Terraces and absorb spectacular views of the agricultural marvels, and capture some amazing photographs of the scenery beneath you.A local lady dressed in Zhuang costume will show you how to make Guilin Oil Tea. Your guide will translate for you and you also can participate in the process, and finally taste the distinctive flavor of oil tea. Enjoy the added convenience of pick up and drop off to your hotel in downtown Guilin. The perfect day trip from the city!

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Longji Rice Terraces

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Longji Ethnic People

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Bamboo Tube Rice

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Oil Tea

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Longji Cable Car

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Guilin Oil Tea

Accommodation: Jolie Vue Boutique Hotel

Day 13 - Li River Cruise and Yangshuo Exploration | A Day of Scenic Beauty and Cultural Delights

Join us on the Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo - the centerpiece of any trip to northeastern Guangxi Province. Gorgeous Karst peaks give you a surprise at each bend of the limpid river under the blue sky. Water buffalo patrol the fields, peasants reap rice paddies, and school kids and fisherman float by on bamboo rafts. With its breathtaking scenery, life on the river is a taste of a life far removed from the concrete metropolis.Your day will begin with a pick-up at 8:20 in the morning from the hotel in Guilin. From here you will travel to Zhujiang pier, where you will board the boat. The cruise lasts approximately 5-hours (from 9:00 - 14:00). During this time you will enjoy stunning scenery of the Li River. Finally, to finish the day, we will enjoy a wander through Yangshuo town and a roam down the famous West Street. Your day will end at approximately 4 pm, when you will be dropped-off back at your hotel.

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Li River Cruise (Include lunch)

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Yangshuo West Street

Accommodation: Percent Hotel by Li River

Day 14 - Explore Yangshuo's Countryside | A Biking Adventure Inspired by Jimmy Carter

In 1987, former US President Jimmy Carter rode a bike with his wife through the Yangshuo countryside. 35 years later his legacy lives on, and bicycling is one of the most important tourist attractions offered by the city. Every summer, thousands of travellers come to Yangshuo to experience it as Jimmy Carter did.

Today, we'll take you out in the beautiful Yangshuo countryside for a bike tour of a lifetime. This fun and easy tour takes you past the unique scenery of this magical place. You'll be able to snap some pictures of the spectacular mountains, rushing rivers, harmonious villages and quiet countryside.

The itinerary begins at 8:30 and will return approximately around 16:00. You will visit Yangshuo, Yima Village, Chaolong Village, Yulong River, Jiuxian Village, Dashi Village, MoonHill, Aishan Village and return to Yangshuo.

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Yangshuo Cycling

Accommodation: Percent Hotel by Li River

Day 15 - Bullet Train to Hongkong

Enjoy your free time until your guide comes and escort you to the high-speed train station.

Today you will arrive in Hongkong by high-speed train station. On arrival, your private guide will be ready to welcome you at the arrival hall, and transfer to your hotel with a private car and driver. Your guide will help you with luggage and hotel check-in, and ensure your arrival is worry-free.

Accommodation: The Royal Pacific Hotel & Towers

Day 16 - Departure

Enjoy your free time until your guide come and escort you to airport for your onward flight.

Riverbanks to Skylines: Iconic China (2024)
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