Colorful China

Itinerary

• Day 1: Beijing, Arrival

  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.

  • Beijing

• Day 2: Beijing City Tour with the Forbidden City

  Your in-depth China tour will open 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.

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  • Beijing

• Day 3: Beijing, Great Wall Tour

  Chairman Mao said that he who does not reach the Great Wall is not a true man. 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 proper, pay a visit to the Sacred Road, a 7 km path once considered the road leading to heaven by emperors.

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  • Beijing

• Day 4: Beijing Hutongs and a bullet train to Xi'an

  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.

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  • Xi'an

• Day 5: Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an

  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 a culinary adventure awaits you, try and savor the food of every flavor there.

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  • Xi'an

• Day 6: Xi'an to Guilin by flight

  Continue the discovery of Xi'an 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, enjoy a Chinese calligraphy lesson at the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a beautiful and serene spot dating back to the Tang Dynasty about 1,300 years ago.

  After lunch, 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.

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  • Guilin

• Day 7: Longji Rice Terraces in Guilin

  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.

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  • Guilin

• Day 8: Li River Cruise to Yangshuo

  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.

  For those interested in local minority cultures, the Impression of Sanjie Liu, a magnificent outdoor show on the Li River, will be recommended at an additional cost.

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  • Yangshuo

• Day 9: Guilin to Hangzhou by flight

  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.

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  • Hangzhou

• Day 10: West Lake and theme museums in Hangzhou

  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.

  Discover more about this city at the four theme museums featuring knives & scissors & swords, fans, umbrellas, arts & crafts respectively. You may even have a chance to paint a paper umbrella yourself at the Workmanship Demonstrations Pavilion.

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  • Hangzhou

• Day 11: Bullet train to Huangshan, Architectural Xidi Village

  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.

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  • Huangshan

• Day 12: Huangshan Scenic Area

  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.

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  • Huangshan

• Day 13: Huangshan to Suzhou by bullet train

  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.

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  • Suzhou

• Day 14: Suzhou to Shanghai by bullet train

  In the morning, have a leisurely walk around the Humble Administrator's Garden. Its exquisite beauty, artistic value, and historic significance make it a wonderful representative of classical gardens in China.

  Move forward to the well-preserved Tongli Water Town, to have a 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.
  

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  • Shanghai

• Day 15: Highlights in Shanghai

  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.

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  • Shanghai

• Day 16: Shanghai, Departure

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

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