16-Day Colorful China

Welcome to China! Arriving in Beijing, your private guide will meet you at the airport and then drive to the hotel to 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.

Overnight: Beijing

After breakfast, tour Tiananmen Square, the epicenter of Beijing, where you can catch a glimpse of Chairman Mao’s portrait at the Gate of Heavenly Peace. Visit the majestic Forbidden City later, where your guide will explain the intriguing history behind this fascinating complex. In the afternoon, head to the Temple of Heaven, a sacrificial altar where emperors in Ming and Qing dynasties prayed for good harvests and eternal peace. You may find local Beijingers playing instruments, singing and dancing there.

Optional: In the evening, enjoy a wonderful Chinese Kung Fu Show, which is an excellent chance to appreciate this charming martial art.

Overnight: Beijing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

You can’t say you’ve done China without a trip to the Great Wall. This morning, drive to the Mutianyu section of the wall, located 70 km northeast of central Beijing. The wall is well-preserved, with fewer visitors and more breathtaking views, but quite steep. It’s advisable to take a cable car to the top as walking is strenuous. On the way back to Beijing, you will make a brief stop at a Jade Gallery before visiting the Sacred Road, a 7 km path that leads to the tomb complex of the Ming Dynasty.

Overnight: Beijing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, spend the whole morning exploring the hutongs on foot. This a wonderful way to experience the authentic old Beijing and interact with the local people. You could also try your hands at the facial makeup of Peking Opera (30 minutes).

In the afternoon, take a high-speed train to Xi’an where your guide is waiting for you at the railway station and will take you to the hotel once you arrive. Enjoy the rest of the hours at leisure.

Overnight: Xi’an
Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, visit the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors, the greatest archeological discovery in the 20th century. First found by the local farmers in the 1970s when digging a well, these life-sized soldiers were made to protect Qin Shihuang, the first Chinese emperor who unified China, in his afterlife. After that, pay a visit to a Ceramic Factory where you can learn about how these terra warriors were made.

Later in the day, head to Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a squarish pagoda built in Tang dynasty over a thousand years ago to house Buddhist sutras. It is now a well-known landmark of Xi’an. In the evening, spend some time wandering the Great Tang All Day Mall.

Overnight: Xi’an
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, make your way to the Ancient City Wall, China’s largest and most complete city wall. It’s best explored on a bike due to its length. Then visit the Drum Tower, which has a collection of antiques, drums, and furniture. Afterward, you will be escorted to the airport for the flight to Guilin. Your local guide there will pick you up and assist with the hotel check-in. Have the rest hours of the day on your own.

Overnight: Guilin
Meal: Breakfast

Take a 2-hour private transfer to the village of Longji and begin your discovery of the beautiful Longji Rice Terraces. Set amid the villages of Zhuang and Yao minority groups, this area will give you a sense of rural life in China. You guide will lead you on the walks through the paddy fields near the villages or you can simply enjoy the scenery on the viewing platforms. After that, drive back to Guilin.

Overnight: Guilin
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, drive to Zhujiang Pier and start your dreamlike Li River Cruise. En route, marvel at the towering karst peaks, clear water, flourishing bamboo groves, and possibly water buffaloes.

After arriving in Yangshuo and checking into the hotel, explore the rural area of the town by bike or car. Then visit the famed West Street, an ideal place to taste some local food and shop for souvenirs.

Optional: For the evening, you may want to watch the Impression of Sanjie Liu, a highly recommended musical night show.

Overnight: Yangshuo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Leave Yangshuo behind and head back to Guilin for a city sightseeing tour. First tour the Elephant Trunk Hill which is named after an elephant-shaped mountain. Make a short stop at a pearl store on the way to Reed Flute Cave where you will be amazed by the multi-colored stalactites, stalagmites, and stone pillars. Afterward, fly to Hangzhou. On your arrival, your private guide is ready to pick you up and take you to the hotel.

Overnight: Hangzhou
Meal: Breakfast

Today, visit four theme museums featuring knives, scissors, swords, fans, and umbrella respectively. Later, tour the Workmanship Demonstrations Pavilion where you can learn to paint paper umbrella yourself. Afterward, enjoy a boat ride on the Grand Canal before your leisurely stroll through the Daloulu historic district. After a visit to the Xiangji Temple, an old temple dating back to over a thousand years ago, your Hangzhou tour comes to an end.

Overnight: Hangzhou
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, take a high-speed train to Huangshan. Your personal guide there will greet you and escorted you to the hotel and help you with the check-in. In the afternoon, have a 1-hour transfer to the Yixian country and visit the ancient village of Xidi which offers a rare chance for visitors to Chinese ancient arts and culture. After that, spend some time strolling the Tunxi Ancient Street.

Overnight: Huangshan
Meal: Breakfast

In the morning, drive to Huangshan Scenic Area. After you arrive at Yungu Station, you will take a cable car to the top and check in your hotel. After lunch, hike to Brush Pen Peak and Lion Peak that are known for their odd rocks, grotesque pine trees, and cloud sea. When passing the lovely West Sea Grand Canyon, enjoy the breathtaking sunset at Cloud-Dispelling Pavilion. Spend the night at the mountain top.

Overnight: Huangshan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Rise early to capture the stunning sunrise. After breakfast, visit the Begin-to-Believe Peak where you will be amazed at grotesque pine trees. After that, go down the mountain with the cable car and be driven to the train station for your high-speed train to Shanghai. There your local guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel.

Overnight: Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, visit the Shanghai Museum (closed on Mondays) which boast a rare collection of ancient Chinese artworks, including bronze, ceramics, paintings, sculptures, etc. Next, take a walk around the classic Chinese garden - Yu Garden before exploring the bustling Yuyuan Market, a great spot to sample street food. Afterward, wander along the Bund, which is the well-known riverfront of Shanghai. Stop by the Jiangnan Silk Workshop where you will learn about the processing of silk and buy some if you like.

Optional: Watch the Acrobatic Show for a memorable night in Shanghai.

Overnight: Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, take a 1-hour drive to Zhujiajiao Water Town. You will find many ancient buildings, bridges, and beautiful gardens in this canal town, which is just like a step back in time. Afterward, you will be escorted back to Shanghai and spend a leisurely afternoon on your own.

Overnight: Shanghai
Meals: breakfast, Lunch

You are heading home. Enjoy some leisure time by yourself until your private guide takes you to the airport to your flight.

Meal: breakfast