Highlights of China Tour - A

Tour Price: please contact us
Destinations: Hong Kong, Guilin, Chengdu, Yangtze River, Shanghai, Xian, Beijing
Duration: 22 Days
Tour Type: Private Tour
Accommodation: 19 nights in well selected hotels
Highlight: China is a big country abounding in natural wealth. During 22 days in-depth tour in China, you will reach the major tourist cities in China, see the landmarks including the historic and modern architectures and learn the rich culture of the old country.


 

Day 01: Arrive in Hong Kong    
Activities: 1. Upon arrival in Hongkong airport, greeted by local English speaking tour guide around the exit after luggage claim. Your guide will hold a name-board bearing your (or your party's) name.
2. Your tour guide will present welcome speech and brief introduction on Hongkong city on the road to the hotel in Hongkong.
3. After check in hotel, you will enjoy night view of Hongkong on your own.

Meals: NIL
Accommodation: Metropark Hotel Kowloon
 
Day 02: Hongkong    Hongkong
Activities: 1. Pick you up from the hotel and start the full day sightseeing tour in Hong Kong. You will visit the Victoria Peak with ride up Peak Tram, Aberdeen with Sampan, Repulse Bay, Stanley Market, and Cat Street, Man Mo Temple.
Victoria Peak is regarded as the landmark of Hong Kong. Moving to the 373 meters hill top, the Tram ride is spectacularly breathtaking and will offer you the best chance to capture exceptional videos for the charming scenery. Regarded as the origin of Hong Kong, Aberdeen has the history of more than 150 years. Even before Hong Kong became a trade center for the foreign businessmen, there had villagers settle down in Aberdeen. Stretching long with the blue water and the clear sky gently lapping the seashore, Repulse Bay is a popular tourist destination in Hong Kong and regarded as one of the best resorts to take a holiday.
2. After the whole day tour, transfer you back to the hotel.

Meals: NIL
Accommodation: Metropark Hotel Kowloon
 
Highlights:
Day 03: Hong Kong    Macau
Activities: 1. Pick you up from the hotel in the morning and sail across the sea between Hong Kong and Macau on a jetfoil or catamaran.
2. The sightseeing in Macau lasts about 7 hours. During the tour, you will visit the landmarks of Macau City including the Ruin's of St Paul, Largo de Senado, Monte Fort, Macau Museum with entry ticket & Casino.
3. After the tour in Macau, transfer you back to the hotel in Hong Kong.

Meals: NIL
Accommodation: Metropark Hotel Kowloon
 
Highlights:
Day 04: Hongkong    Guilin
Activities: 1. Free morning explore Hongkong on your own.
2. At 13:00, pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to take later afternoon flight for Guilin.
3. Upon arrival in Guilin, greeted by the private tour guide and transferred to hotel in Guilin. This evening, you could explore beautiful Guilin on your own.

Meals: NIL
Accommodation: Hotel Universal Guilin
 
Day 05: Li River    Yangshuo
Activities: 1. Pick you up from the hotel at 07:30 and transfer you to Yangdi and take bamboo raft down the Li River, which is the real traditional Chinese moment. Surrounded by beautiful karst formations of Yangshuo, drift through the mist and take in the scenery as fisherman fish as they have for thousands of years.
2. The bamboo rafting takes you through the most scenic section for about 2 hours, stopping for lunch in the ancient village of Xingping.
3. After strolling around Xingping ancient town for 1-2 hours, transfer you to Yangshuo. And then you will have free time to explore Yangshuo by yourself.
4. If you like, you can ride a bike (optional activity) to explore Yangshuo's idyllic countryside scenery in the help of your guide.
5. After the whole day tour, transfer you back to the hotel in Guilin.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Universal Guilin
Optional add-ons: Ride a Bike in Yangshuo
 
Highlights:
Day 06: Guilin    Longsheng
Activities: 1. Pick you up from the hotel and drive about 100 km (2 hours) from Guilin to Longsheng county. The most popular are Ping An Rice Terrace and Jinkeng Rice Terrace. You will visit the Ping An Rice Terrace.
2. Then move on to visit the Longji Terraced Rice Fields. It received the name because the rice terraces resemble a dragon's scales, while the summit of the mountain range looks like the backbone of the dragon. Standing on the top of the mountain, you can see the dragon's backbone twisting off into the distance.
3. After that, transfer you to visit the minority villages. Zhuang and Yao minority villages live around the area, and feature traditional architecture where no nails are used in construction. The different minority customs and dress always amaze worldwide tourists.
4. After the whole day tour, transfer you back to the hotel in Guilin.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Universal Guilin
 
Highlights:
Day 07: Guilin    Chengdu
Activities: 1. Pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to visit the Elephant Trunk Hill first. Elephant Trunk Hill is the symbol of Guilin and got its name because its shape resembles an elephant with its trunk drinking from the Li River.
2. Then move on to visit the Reed Flute Cave. Reed Flute Cave is regarded as the most impressive cave in Guilin. Bizarrely-shaped limestone formations look fantastic under the colorful lights.
3. Then transfer you to the railway station. After simple lunch at railway station, you will take overnight train for Chengdu. Along the railway, you will enjoy the natural scenery of Sichuan East and Yungui Plateau. You could enjoy dinner (optional meal) in dining car on the train.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Overnight on the train
 
Highlights:
Day 08: Chengdu    Chengdu
Activities: 1. Upon arrival in Chengdu, greeted by your private guide and transferred to enjoy a big buffet lunch.
2. Check in hotel for refreshment. Free for the rest of the day.
3. For the rest free time, you are highly advised to explore local park - Chengdu People's Park. This park is only 15 minutes walking distance from the hotel. The best way to get to know the locals in China is to hang out at a local park. The people of China know how to enjoy life and you will see that clearly when you visit a park in later afternoon. People sing Karaoke, dance, practice tai chi, strutt the runway and so much more. You are welcome to join local people to experience dancing or Taichi or local tea.
4. In the evening, enjoy the Hot Pot in a local restaurant. Maybe this will be the most exciting meal you ever have. Huajiao peppers from the region are so hot they make your tongue go numb. It's not a hot that burns as much as a hot that excites the senses. This kind of experience must be unique and unforgettable memory.
5. After lunch, transfer you back to the hotel.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Garden City Hotel
 
Highlights:
Day 09: Chengdu    Chengdu
Activities: 1. Pick you up from the hotel and drive about 6 miles north to the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, where you can explore the daily life of the cute pandas, and get close to the lovely creatures. You could learn some information about Pandas in Panda Museum.
(Optional Activity: You could inform us about booking to hold a baby panda for once in a lifetime experience. It needs about 2000 RMB as the donation fee, helping to save the endangered giant pandas.)
2. After lunch, transfer you to visit the Wide and Narrow Alley, an ancient street with hundreds of years' history combined with modern elements. There you can imagine the old Chengdu by walking pass the Qing Dynasty styled buildings.
For the rest leisure time, you are advised to explore Jinli old Street where you could appreciate the local snacks and artifacts. For photographers, visit here in the evening will be the best time to get better photos with all the red lanterns lit up in the dusk.
3. At the end of the day, transfer you back to the hotel.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Garden City Hotel
Optional add-ons: Hold a baby panda to take photos
 
Highlights:
Day 10: Chengdu    Chongqing
Activities: 1. After breakfast in hotel, pick you up at 07:50 and transfer you to Chengdu Railway station to take the bullet train D5106 (09:04-11:08) for Chongqing North station.
Upon arrival in Chongqing, greeted by your private guide and transferred to have lunch at a nice local restaurant.
2. In the afternoon, first visit the Stillwell Museum. Joseph W. Stilwell (1883 - 1946) was born in Palatka, Florida, USA. He was graduated from West Point in 1904. Stillwell Museum is built to commemorate General Joseph W. Stilwell who contributed greatly to the liberation of China during the World War II.
3. Then move on to visit Ciqikou Old Town. Ciqikou Old Town is located in Shapingba district of Chongqing and on the west bank of Jialing River. The majority of the houses date from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, periods during which many masterpieces of Chinese architecture were created.
4. After dinner a local restaurant, aboard on 5-star Yangtze cruise - Blue Whale and start Downstream Cruise from Chongqing to Yichang. Set sail from Chongqing at 21:30

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: M S. Blue Whale or similar cruise
 
Highlights:
Day 11: Yangtze Cruise    
Activities: 10:00-12:30 Shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City.
14:00-16:00 Shibaozhai (optional).
Located on the northern bank of the Yangtze River, Fengdu Ghost City is a historic cultural town with Chinese characters and is famous for the ghost culture all over the world. Fengdu gained the reputation as the "Ghost City" in the Eastern Han Dynasty (25 AD - 220 AD). Later the Ghost City combines the cultures of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism with the mystique of ghosts. Since Tang Dynasty, there are 48 temples built in the city, all of which look magnificent with lifelike statues. With the history of nearly 2000 years, it is regarded as one of the must-visit destinations during the Yangtze River Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: M S. Blue Whale or similar cruise
 
Highlights:
Day 12: Yangtze Cruise    
Activities: 08:00-10:30 Shore excursion to White Emperor City (optional280 p.p.)
10:30-11:00 Qutang Gorge
12:00 Wu Gorge
12:30-16:30 Boat excursion to "Three Little Gorges"
17:00 Xiling Gorge
Qutang Gorge is the first one of the three gorges of the Yangtze River, and it is famous for its sheer and spectacular precipices. The widest point of Qutang Gorge is more than 150 meters while its narrowest point is about 10 meters.
Wu Gorge is known for the beautiful scenery, stretching 45 kilometers. Wu Gorge has too many places of interest such as Twelve Peaks, Luyou Cave, Dayu Shoushu platform, Shennv Temple site, Kongming stone tablet, etc.
Xiling Gorge is famous for its twists and turns waterway, rocks everywhere, many beaches and swift rivers and boats sailing adventure in ancient times. There are many other gorges located on both sides, such as broken water gorge, sword art of war gorge, white dog gorge, etc.
Three Little Gorges zigzags about 31 miles from Wushan County in the south to the Dachang Ancient Town in the north. They are the Dragon Gate Gorge, Misty Gorge and Emerald Gorge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: M S. Blue Whale or smiliar cruise
 
Highlights:
Day 13: Yichang    Shanghai
Activities: 08:00-10:00 Shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam
10:00-11:00 Xiling Gorge
12:00 Disembark in Yichang
Three Gorges Dam is the world's largest hydroelectric project. The project consists of the dam, the hydropower stations and the navigation facility. It is 607 feet in height with the top of 3,319 yards wide. The whole project took 17 years to finish, which started in 1992 and includes three stages. As a landmark of Yangtze River tour, the Three Gorges Dam playing an important role in flood control, power generation and navigation improvement is really worth a visit.
Upon arrival in Yichang, greeted by local tour guide by the exit and transferred to Yichang East Station for Shanghai.You will take simple lunch at the train station.
Upon arrival in Shanghai, greeted by local tour guide and transferred to hotel in Shanghai.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Shanghai Zhabei
 
Highlights:
Day 14: Shanghai    Shanghai
Activities: 1. Pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to visit the Bund. The Bund is a famous waterfront and regarded as the symbol of Shanghai for hundreds of years. On one side, across the water is Pudong, the new city dominated by the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. On the other side is the walk itself, with the beautiful British Buildings mainly from the 1920s and 1930s.
2. Afterwards, move on to visit the symbol of new city - the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. The large lower sphere has a futuristic space city and a fabulous sightseeing hall. From here, on a clear day a visitor can see all the way to the Yangtze River.
3. In the afternoon, transfer you to visit the Yuyuan Garden, which used to be a private garden. There you can experience the layout and style of a traditional Chinese garden, and appreciate classical Chinese architecture: pavilions, winding cloisters, decorated walls, dwellings, and the most unique building there - a ship-like living room by a pond.
4. Then free strolling around the Bazzar, a very nice place where you can enjoy the traditional Chinese architecture, restaurants and shopping.
5. In the evening, free time on your own to enjoy night view of Shanghai along the Bund or Nanjing Road. You could watch awesome acrobatic show if you are interested in the famous Acrobatics (optional: USD 30 for standard seat).
6. After the whole day tour, transfer you back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Shanghai Zhabei
Optional add-ons: Acrobatics Show
 
Highlights:
Day 15: Shanghai    Hangzhou
Activities: 1. Pick you up from the hotel and take morning bullet train for Hangzhou.
2. Upon arrival in Hangzhou, greeted by the private tour guide and transfer to visit West Lake. West Lake is the symbol of Hangzho, and is considered one of the most beautiful sights in China. You will take west lake boat to Fairy Island and see one of the Ten Best Views of West Lake - Three Pools Mirroring the Moon.
3. After lunch, transfer you to visit Six Harmonies Pagoda, a perfect symbol of brick-and-wood structure built in the ancient China. The name "six harmonies" comes from the six Buddhist ordinances, meaning "harmonies of the heaven, earth, east, west, south and north". It is located on the north bank of the Qiantang River in the south of Hangzhou City and forms the wonderful sceneryof Hangzhou together with "the ten sceneries of the West Lake".
4. Then check in hotel for refreshment. Free for the rest of the day.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hangzhou Sophia Hotel
 
Highlights:
Day 16: Hangzhou     Xian
Activities: 1. Pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to visit Lingyin Temple. It is one of the most important and wealthiest Buddhist temples in China, which boasts plenty of pagodas and Buddhist grottoes. Located in front of the temple proper, Feilai Feng (Flying Peak) is an outstanding Buddhist grotto, in which are engraved numerous Buddha images. Legend has it the peak was originally from India, and flew to Hangzhou overnight as a demonstration of the omnipotence of Buddhist law.
2. After lunch, free time to explore Hefang street, where you could taste famous & traditional snacks in ancient old Hangzhou town.
3. Then transfer you to Hangzhou train station to take the overnight train for Xian Z86 (16:49-09:14).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: on the train
 
Highlights:
Day 17: Xian    Xian
Activities: 1. Upon arrival in Xian, greeted by your private tour guide and transferred to take simple breakfast in KFC or Mcdonalds.
2. Then drive you to the hotel in Hangzhou to check in.
3. At 11:30, pick you up from the hotel and transfer to enjoy Xian cuisine at a famous local restaurant.
4. After lunch, transfer you to visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, one of the symbols of Xian and is a must-see for visitors to this ancient city. Some reviewed it as "a pretty and peaceful place to meditate". You will have free time to stroll around or even meditate at this relaxing place.
5. Later afternoon, visit the most intact wall in China - Xian Ancient City Wall. The main magnet of Xian is the city wall, which is the most complete city wall that has survived in China as well being one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world.
6. End of the day, transfer you back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Skytel Xi'an
 
Highlights:
Day 18: Xian    Xian
Activities: 1. Pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to visit Terracotta Warriors. To visit Army of Terracotta Warriors is the main reason why you are here in Xian. The museum includes Pit 1, Pit 2 and Pit 3 as well the exhibition hall of the chariots and horses. Standing in front of the warrior battle formation, you may get some magical inspiring feeling of stepping onto a battlefield. The visit lasts for 2-3 hours.
2. After lunch, transfer you to visit Shaanxi Provincial History Museum. If you love Chinese history, Shaanxi Provincial Museum is a must on your Xian trip. 370,000 exhibits in the museum vividly show the history of over a million years from prehistoric times (1,150,000 years ago - 21st Century BC) to about 1840 AD. The most notable items are clay figurines, murals, bronze wares, gold and silver articles.
3. Evening free to explore Xian nightlife or optional activity (Tang Dynasty Show with Dumpling Dinner, USD 50 p.p.).
4. After the whole day tour, transfer you back to the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast Lunch
Accommodation: Skytel Xi'an
Optional add-ons: Tang Dynasty Show with Dumpling Dinner
 
Highlights:
Day 19: Xian    Beijing
Activities: 1. Pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to train station to take high-speed train for Beijing.
2. Upon arrival in Beijing, greeted by your private guide and transferred to have lunch firstly. And then check in hotel for refreshment. Free for the rest of the day
3. Your hotel is just around Olympic Stadiums, where one famous walking snack street & some shopping malls are located around. You are advised to explore the night view of Olympic stadiums or shops on your own.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Beijing Minzuyuan
 
Highlights:
Day 20: Beijing    Beijing
Activities: 1. Pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to enjoy the morning excursion to Mutianyu Great Wall. Mutianyu Great Wall is our highly recommendation section for foreign visitors. This section of Great Wall has 22 watch towers distributed at close intervals along the wall. Here enjoys the most beautiful mountain scenery with less crowds. Your tour guide is expected to accompany you to do the hiking on the Great Wall for about 2 hours. Cable car or toboggan is available but optional (RMB 80 for single way, RMB 100 for round trip).
2. After lunch at Xinshuangquan Eco Restaurant by the Wall, transfer you visit Ming Tombs - Changling, the tomb of the third emperor of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Zhu Di. During Zhudi's time, the Ming Dynasty reached its peak. Changling Tomb is the largest and the most completely preserved of these tombs. Because of its grand ancient architecture, brilliant culture and long history, the site is one of the most significant attractions in Beijing.
3. In the evening, you will enjoy famous Peking Duck dinner at Sijiminfu Roast Duck Restaurant, and then watch famous Kungfu Show in Red Theatre. Kungfu show follows a storyline which tells a young boy trying to fulfill his dream of becoming a Kung Fu master.
4. After the whole day tour, transfer back to hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Beijing Minzuyuan
 
Highlights:
Day 21: Beijing    Beijing
Activities: 1. Pick you up from the hotel at 07:30 and transfer you to visit Jingshan Park to have bird view at Forbidden City.
2. Then start the exploration to Forbidden City. Forbidden City served as the home of 24 emperors and his family (14 in the Ming Dynasty and 10 in the Qing Dynasty). Visit the Forbidden City is to review the history of China's Feudal Society.
3. Then walking around Tiananman Square. 880 meters from north to south, and 500 meters from east to west, Tiananmen Square is the largest public square in the world and the heart zone of Beijing.
4. After late lunch, transfer you to visit Temple of Heaven. Temple of Heaven was the place where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshiped the heaven and prayed for good harvests. It will fascinate you with the unique architecture like Hall of Prayer of Good Harvest and Echo Wall. Now the surroundings of the Temple of Heaven are a very popular park for exercising. You can watch even join local people doing exercising like dancing, singing or Taichi.
5. In the evening, you are advised to explore the Shichahai Area or Wangfujing Commercial Area to feel nightlife of Beijing. Or enjoy Peking Opera Show (optional activity USD 30 pp).
6. After the whole day tour, transfer you back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Beijing Minzuyuan
Optional add-ons: Peking Opera Show
 
Highlights:
Day 22: Beijing Exit    
Activities: After breakfast, pick you up from hotel and transfer to airport for the departure. Tour end!

Meals: Breakfast