19-Day Culture and Nature of China

Upon arrival, meet your guide and driver at the airport and then drive to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day resting at the hotel after your journey or explore the city on your own.

Overnight: Beijing

Today, take a trip to the center of Beijing - Tiananmen Square, one of the world’s largest downtown squares where you will see the huge portrait of Chairman Mao at the Gate of Heavenly Peace. Enter the Forbidden City and discover the great halls and courtyards to admire the grandeur of the imperial Chinese court of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Afterwards, visit Jingshan Park to enjoy a stunning, panoramic view of the Forbidden City.

Overnight: Beijing 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

No China tour is complete without a trip to the Great Wall. Today, see the magnificent Great Wall at Mutianyu, a less visited part of the wall with more lovely scenery. You can take a cable car to the top as walking would be rather strenuous. On the way back to the hotel, you can catch a glimpse of the Olympic Bird’s Nest stadium and Water Cube from the outside.

Overnight: Beijing 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, visit the Temple of Heaven, once a sacrificial altar for ancient Chinese emperors to perform rites and now a park. You may see the elderly practicing Tai Chi there. Then head to the Summer Palace, a vast imperial garden in the Qing dynasty, with beautiful lakes, hills, palaces and gardens. In the afternoon, fly to Xi'an. Upon your arrival, your local guide will meet you at the airport and escort you to the hotel.

Overnight: Xi'an
Meal: Breakfast

In the morning, visit the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, a huge collection of life-size terracotta sculptures made over two thousand years ago, each having unique facial expressions. Then visit the Xi’an Art Ceramics Factory to learn how these sculptures were made. After lunch, explore the Muslim Street lined with Muslim shops, restaurants, food stalls, etc. End today’s trip with a visit to the Great Mosque, which is considered to be one of the largest mosques in China, combining traditional Chinese architectural style and Islamic art.

Overnight: Xi’an
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, visit the Ancient City Wall, the most complete city wall in China; then, take a flight to Guilin, known for its breathtaking natural scenery. Arriving at the airport, your local guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel.  

Overnight: Guilin 
Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, head to Zhujiang pier and start your Li River cruise to Yangshuo. Highlights of the cruise include a number of famous scenic spots along the Li River, such as the spectacular scene in Xingping that features on the back of 20 yuan note. When passing by Mt. Laozhai, have your camera ready to capture the most photogenic view of the whole cruise. These karst mountains have offered enormous inspiration to many Chinese painters and poets. After the cruise, be driven to Yangshuo and check into your hotel. In the evening, enjoy wandering through West Street where you can shop till you drop and find delicious snacks.

Overnight: Yangshuo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, drive to the downtown of Guilin and tour the Elephant Trunk Hill, the landmark of Guilin that looks like an elephant drinking water. Later, explore the surreal Reed Flute Cave famed for its multicolored lights hidden in the cracks. After that, fly to Kunming. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel.

Overnight: Kunming
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today is a full day exploration of the Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning karst formations. Countless rocks rise from the ground spreading across a vast area, creating what looks like a forest made of stone. Your guide will explain how these amazing natural structures were formed. Afterwards, take a 3.5-hour drive to Jianshui for the night.

Overnight: Jianshui
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

As the historic center of Yunnan province, Jianshui is a quaint and quiet town with a number of fascinating ancient sites to see. Visit Chaoyang Gateway, once the epicenter of this military town and now a center for cultural activities. Then see the Temple of Confucius, the largest Confucian temple in southern China, and the Garden of the Family Zhu. Next, walk the Twin Dragons Bridge, regarded as one of the most beautiful ancient bridges in China, a great spot to photograph. End today’s sightseeing with a visit to Zhang’s Family Garden and transfer to Yuanyuan with a 3-hour drive.

Overnight: Yuanyang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Yuanyang is known for its picture-perfect rice terraces and is home to the Hani ethnic minority people. Today, take a guided hike to the Bada and Shengcun Rice Terraces. It’s well worth the walk as you will marvel at its magnificent views. Next, visit the Hani ethnic minority village where you can see the locals’ unique clothing and houses. After lunch, tour the Duoyishu Terraces before reaching the Laohuzhui Terraces to capture the breathtaking sunset.

Note: If you like, rise early (around 5 am) to catch the spectacular sunrise at Duoyishu Terraces.

Overnight: Yuanyang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Transfer back to Kunming with a car drive of around 6 hours, enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way!

Overnight: Kunming
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Fly to Dali in the morning. When you arrive at the airport, your guide there will take you to your hotel. Afterward, visit a Bai ethnic minority village. In the late afternoon, take a walk around Dali Ancient Town at leisure with your guide. This is a perfect place to appreciate the Bai minority architecture, sample their special food, or buy some souvenirs. The last stop is the Three Pagodas sitting at the foot of Mount Cang and facing serene Erhai Lake.

Overnight: Dali
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, start your trip to the Shacun Village which is known for its cormorants. Then drive to Shuanglang Ancient Town situated on the northeast shore of Erhai Lake. You can take a cycling tour (26 km, 2-3 hours) on the way. The views of farmland and villages are stunning and you are free to make stops for pictures any time.

Take a leisurely boat ride on Erhai Lake, a mesmerizing freshwater lake surrounded by mountains and charming villages. Afterward, your driver will escort you to Lijiang Ancient Town without the company of the tour guide. After about 3 hours, you will arrive at Lijiang and be met by the local guide who will show you around the Lion Hill located in the center of the town.

Overnight: Lijiang 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, explore the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain with a cable car to the top where you will marvel at the crystal clear sky and fresh air. It is amazing to wander down the walkway and admire the beautiful mountains and surroundings. After admiring ancient Baisha Mural Paintings, you will be driven to Lijiang to tour the Black Dragon Pool Park. Inside the park, you will find lakes, temples, flowering trees and enjoy wonderful views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Besides, you can soak up the Naxi culture at the Museum of Naxi Dongba Culture.

Overnight: Lijiang 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

You are free at leisure in the morning. Later in the afternoon, you will be taken to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, your local guide will escort you to your hotel and help you check in.

Overnight: Shanghai 
Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast, start your exploration of Shanghai. First visit Shanghai Museum which houses a large collection of ancient Chinese artworks including historical currencies, furniture, clothing, pottery, calligraphy, paintings, porcelain, etc. After that, take a stroll in the Yu Garden, famed for Chinese ancient landscape architecture, before discovering the nearby Yuyuan Market where you can try local snacks and observe the local life. Later, have a brief stay at Jiangnan Silk Workshop where you can learn about Chinese silk culture and the processing of silk. Head to the Bund, Shanghai’s well-known riverfront, and admire the various European buildings. End today’s tour at the futuristic Shanghai World Financial Center where you can enjoy a splendid view of the city.

Overnight: Shanghai 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Have some time at leisure before your guide takes you to the airport for your return flight.

Meal: Breakfast