Go in-depth in one of the world’s most fascinating & ancient destinations as you discover China’s hotspots. Experience it all, from the might of the Great Wall to the high rise buildings of Shanghai, from the mystic limestone karsts of Yangshuo to Xi’an’s famous Terracotta army. When you’re not walking in the footsteps of emperors, see this amazing country from a different angle, like on the back of a rickshaw or cycling ancient city walls. There are loads of amazing & unique experiences all wrapped up in this 13 day adventure. 

 

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrice Beijing 

Arrive in the Chinese capital, Beijing. Take your included transfer to the hotel, check-in, & let your Chinese adventure begin. Maybe head out into town to take a peek at this city, famed as one of the Four Ancient capitals of China & home to the 2008 OIympic Games. Later tonight, head back to the hotel where you’ll meet your fellow travel buddies & Tour Manager who will be showing you the sights & sounds of China & Hong Kong for the next 12 days. Hotel

 

Day 2 Beijing 

Start your day in Beijing with a locally guided tour of Tiananmen Square – the world’s largest city square right in the heart of Beijing. Our expert Local Guide will tell you all about this place & its history. It is home to the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, the resting place of the revered Chinese leader & the Monument to the People’s Heroes. There is plenty of time for photos before we walk through the Tiananmen Gate that leads into the famous Forbidden City. This massive former home to the Emperors of China was once off-limits to anyone but the royal court. Later, visit Beijing’s World Heritage Listed Summer Palace, referred to as "a masterpiece of Chinese landscape design." Our Local Guide will bring the Summer Palace to life describing how one of the Empress Dowagers diverted 30 million tells of silver destined for the Royal Navy to enable the reconstruction of the grounds. Tonight is all about going local & indulging in some of the food that China is famous for. Try Wangfujing Night Market – it’s great place to grab a bite for dinner. Hotel (B)

Day 3 Beijing 

With our local guide leading the way, we head out of the city today, bound for an in-depth look at some of China’s fascinating ancient history. Tonight, there’s your chance to try it local & opt in for a delicious local dinner of famous Peking Duck. Hotel (L) (B)

 

Day 4 Beijing to Xi'an 

Experience the stuff of legends today as we visit the site of the 2008 Summer Olympics. Things get a little bit more local later, as we make our way into one of Beijing’s hutongs. The hutongs are narrow streets, formed with traditional Chinese residences that are still inhabited by local families. This afternoon there’s free time for you to explore Beijing. You may want to visit the Temple of Heaven – a location that Chinese emperors would visit annual to pray for prosperity in the coming year. Tonight we do as the locals do & take an overnight train to Xi’an. Overnnight Train (L) (B,D)

 

Day 5 Xi'an 

Wake-up in Xi’an, a former ancient capital of China. Surrounded by old city walls once used to protect the area, Xi’an served as the home to some of many of China’s most important early dynasties. After breakfast, we meet up with our Local Guide, who’ll show us the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. From here it’s a change of scene as we journey to the countryside & the site of the world famous UNESCO World Heritage Listed Terracotta Army. After lunch, our Local Guide will show us around the site of the Terracotta Army. Discovered in 1974 by local farmers, excavation projects have unearthed three pits containing over 8,000 soldiers as well as chariots & horses. After exploring this site, we go back to Xi’an for tonight’s un-missable optional activity - the Tang Dynasty Dumpling dinner & show.Afterwards you could explore some of the local nightlife in the brightly-lit, tree-lined area of the Xi’an’s South Gate. Hotel (L) (B)

 

Day 6 Xi'an to Shanghai 

After breakfast, it’s time for something different as your Tour Manager & Local Guide show you more of the area on a bike ride along the impressive city walls of Xi’an. Later, our Local Guide will give us a glimpse into the past at the Great Mosque of Xi’an & the neighbouring Muslim community with its bustling bazaar.We say farewell to the Shaanxi region before our included flight to Shanghai – the showpiece of modern China, with its distinctive skyline & historical landmarks.First up, we’ll visit one of the tallest buildings in China, the Jinmao Tower. Later, you could ask your Tour Manager for some tips on where to check out Shanghai. Hotel (B)

 

Day 7 Shanghai 

This morning, shop Shanghai-style as we visit the Chenghuang Miao (City God Temple). Later, it’s more sightseeing as we head to the famous Bund, Shanghai’s riverside promenade. Your Tour Manager has loads of ideas for ways to spend this afternoon. Tonight after an included dinner, there’s the option to see a Chinese Acrobatic Show – a brilliant 1.5 hour show that features the crazy “Ball of Death” performance! This is a must-see while in Shanghai! Hotel (B) (D)

 

Day 8 Shanghai to Yangshuo 

This morning it’s time to catch another flight as we head to the city of Guilin & then make our way to Yangshuo town, nestled amongst the limestone karsts that this region is famous for. On arrival, we’ll take a look around the town, where there’s an option to learn a few skills to show off back home at an optional Chinese cooking class! With a free night tonight, head to one of the many outdoor bars, sip on a Tsingtao or shop for bargains at the late night markets. Hotel (B)

 

Day 9 Yangshuo 

With a free day to explore Yangshuo, maybe take a trip down the Li River on a bamboo raft, or head out on foot & climb one of the local hills for a view of the area. Tonight, there’s your chance to witness the spectacle of “Impression Liu Sanjie” on our optional activity – an amazing outdoor performance set on the Li River. Using the natural islands & mountains as the stage, performers dance & sing to music, set under brilliant lights. Featuring over 600 local performers, this show is not to be missed. Hotel (B)

 

Day 10 Yangshuo to Hong Kong 

This morning, jump on 2 wheels as we head into the Yangshuo landscape and take a two-wheel trip to the Moon Hill. Bring your camera along to capture the varying “phases of the Moon” as you make your way up the walking path to the viewpoint. On return to Yangshuo, grab some lunch & we’ll make our way to Guilin for our flight to Hong Kong – a longtime gateway between East & West. Hotel (B)

 

Day 11 Hong Kong 

Your Local Guide will show you some of the highlights of Hong Kong this morning on our city tour. We’ll take a trip to the heights of Victoria Peak on-board a tramcar to see Hong Kong Island & its surrounds. Later, you’ll get to see locals going about their day on a trip to the floating fishing village of Aberdeen located in South Hong Kong, before heading to Repulse Bay famed for its architecture & beach area. Later, it’s time to party like they do in Hong Kong – take one of the famous Star Line Ferries across the harbor to our hotel to get ready for a night out - Hong Kong style. Hotel (B) (D)

 

Day 12 Depart Hong Kong 

It’s time to swap addresses, emails & numbers this morning as our tour ends after breakfast. (B)