China's Autumn Highlights

Welcome to China! When you arrive in Beijing, your private guide will meet you at the airport and then take to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is free at leisure. You can stay at the hotel for a rest or go out to explore the vibrant city on your own.

Your Day in Detail

Start at Tiananmen Square, a large public square with lots of history attached. Next to it is the majestic Forbidden City. Visit this architectural masterpiece and listen to the intriguing history behind the palace complex from your guide. Change your tempo in the afternoon to the Temple of Heaven, a sacrificial altar where emperors in the Ming and Qing dynasties prayed for good harvests and eternal peace. You may find local Beijingers playing instruments, singing and dancing there nowadays.

Your Day in Detail

Freshen up in the morning and drive to the awe-inspiring Great Wall at Mutianyu, a well-preserved section with fewer visitors and better breathtaking views. Take the cable car up and hike around to enjoy a great view of the Wall winding like a gigantic dragon along the lofty myriad mountains. On the way back to Beijing city, pay a visit to the Sacred Road, a 7 km path once considered the road leading to heaven by emperors.

Your Day in Detail

Before heading to Xi'an, spend some time exploring the Hutongs on foot, a wonderful way to experience the authentic old Beijing and interact with the local people.

In the afternoon, hop on a high-speed train to Xi'an where your guide is waiting for you at the railway station.

Your Day in Detail

The Terracotta Warriors is undoubtedly a must-see in Xi'an. Initially found by the local farmers in the 1970s when digging a well, these life-sized soldiers had been made for the first Chinese emperor Qin Shi Huang, to protect him in his afterlife.

Change your pace to the Great Mosque, a peaceful retreat in the middle of the bustling city with fascinating old buildings and courtyards. Next to the mosque is the Muslim Quarter, where you can experience authentic local way of life.

Your Day in Detail

Continue your discovery of Xi'an with a visit to the Ancient City Wall, a defensive wall built in the 14th century to protect the ancient town area. It can be explored on foot or by bicycle. Afterward, visit Gao's Courtyard, enjoy a Shadow Puppet show, and try your hand at Chinese calligraphy.

In the afternoon, you will be escorted to the airport for the flight to Guilin. Your guide there will warmly welcome you and assist with your hotel check-in.

Your Day in Detail

Take a 2-hour private transfer to Longji and begin your tour of the Longji Rice Terraces (also named Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces). Be astonished by the ingenuity of the ancient farmers who made the best use of the arable land and water resources in this mountainous area. Meanwhile, be deeply impressed by the beauty of such large-scale rice paddies and minority flavor there. Later in the afternoon, transfer back to your hotel in Guilin.

Your Day in Detail

Guilin is renowned for its picturesque karst scenery, which is fully represented by the Li River. After breakfast, you will be taken to the pier and start a dreamlike Li River Cruise. On the way, marvel at the towering karst peaks, clear water, flourishing bamboo groves, and possibly water buffaloes.

Disembark in Yangshuo in the afternoon, walk through the busy West Street, and then check into your hotel.

Your Day in Detail

Make the most of the fresh morning to have a countryside tour either by bike or private vehicle to delve into the idyllic Yangshuo. Then head back to Guilin airport for your flight to Hangzhou. On arrival, your private guide will pick you up and escort you to the hotel.

Your Day in Detail

Commence the pleasant morning from the West Lake. Being the symbol of Hangzhou, the West Lake has inspired numerous poets, painters, and Chinese garden designers for its natural beauty and historic relics.

Visit the city's different themed museums dedicated to traditional crafts and craftsmanship, including: Knives, Scissors & Swords; Fan; Umbrellas. You may even have a chance to paint a paper umbrella yourself at the Workmanship Demonstrations Pavilion.

Your Day in Detail

Board a high-speed train to Huangshan, where your local guide will meet and escort you to your hotel for checking in.

After a short break, take a 1-hour transfer to Yi County and visit part of the UNESCO World Heritage site at the Xidi Ancient Village, a picturesque village offering a rare chance for visitors to experience Chinese ancient architectural arts and Huizhou culture. Later, drive back and spend some time strolling the 630-year-old Tunxi Ancient Street, to get a glimpse of traditional Chinese calligraphy tools and try some tasty local snacks.

Your Day in Detail

Be prepared for a fantastic exploration of the Huangshan Scenic Area (also known as the Yellow Mountain Scenic Area), a place that always brings people great pictures. Once arriving at Yungu Station, you will take a cable car up to the mountain and check into your hotel. After lunch, hike to Brush Pen Peak and Lion Peak known for their odd rocks, grotesque pine trees, and sea of clouds. When passing the West Sea Grand Canyon, do not miss the breathtaking sunset at Cloud-Dispelling Pavilion. Spend the night at the mountain top.

Your Day in Detail

Rise early to capture the stunning sunrise on the mountain if weather permits. Then continue the morning tour to the Begin-to-Believe Peak where you will be astounded by the bizarrely-shaped pine trees.

Go down the mountain by cable car and drive to the railway station for your high-speed train to Suzhou. Meet the local guide and head for your hotel by private car.

Your Day in Detail

In the morning, take a leisurely walk around the Lingering Garden, where pavilions, ponds, and rockeries are arranged in perfect symmetry, reflecting the elegance of classical Chinese design.

Move forward to the well-preserved Tongli Water Town, to relax in this ancient town known for its sprawling network of rivers, stone bridges, and traditional houses.

Afterward, get to the railway station in Suzhou and hop on a high-speed train to Shanghai. Once arrival, hotel check-in and rest.

Your Day in Detail

Your discovery of the metropolis begins at the Shanghai Museum, which boasts a vast collection of ancient Chinese artworks, including bronzes, ceramics, paintings, sculptures, etc. Wander along the Bund, the well-known riverfront of Shanghai, and stroll through the tree-lined avenues of the Former French Concession. Conclude the tour at Shanghai Tower - the tallest building in China at present. Ascend this skyscraper to have an amazing view of the Huangpu River.

Time to bid farewell to China. Enjoy some leisure time until your private guide takes you to the airport for your flight home.