24 Days Beijing Xian Chengdu Shanghai Hangzhou Guilin Hong Kong with Panda Visit and Yangtse River Cruise

Tiananmen Square

Forbidden City

Today’s tour begins with the exploration of Tiananmen Square after breakfast. Tiananmen Square is located in the center of Beijing city, also the biggest city square in the world. It’s on the gate tower of the square that Chinese Chairman Mao Zedong declared the foundation of People's Republic of China.

When you move forward and pass through several doorways under the gate tower of Tiananmen Square, magnificent Forbidden City will bump into your eyes. Forbidden City is the best preserved imperial palace in China and the largest ancient palatial structure in the world. It has more than 9,000 rooms where 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties have lived. The splendid architecture of the Forbidden City represents the essence and culmination of traditional Chinese architectural accomplishment.

After lunch, you’ll have a short break and then drive to Summer Palace lying in the outskirts of Beijing. This is the largest royal garden in the world built in the grandeur. In the ancient time, it mainly served imperial royals in Qing Dyansty to spend summer and enjoy leisure times. Built with exquisite layout and amazing architectural technique, the beauty of the Palace is overwhelming and is sure to impress anyone. The palace takes an area of 290 hectares and comprises diversified buildings, you are about to spend 4 hours in it.

When you finished your day tour, you have optional choices of your night activities according your interests: 1) Watch the Chinese traditional Kungfu Show in the Red Theater (from 19:30 to 20:40). 2) Boat on Kunming Lake, the major lake of Summer Palace, to cruise around and enjoy the pleasant night scenery.

Stay overnight in Beijing

The Great Wall in Beijing

Mutianyu Great Wall

In the morning after breakfast, we will drive to the suburb of Beijing to witness the grand world architectural wonder - Great Wall. Great Wall proves that China was one of the strongest countries in its history. Stretching thousands of kilometers, the Great Wall protected the ancient Chinese against the invasion of the enemy from its north side for more than 1000 years. The Great Wall was listed as one of the world's eight wonders. Mutianyu Great Wall, featured “graceful”, enjoy the best quality among all Wall sections, 80km north-east of Beijing with 22 ancient watchtowers, about one every kilometer. (Cable car is optional if you do not want to walk)

You’ll take a cable car to ascend the Great Wall, then hike the most beautiful and interesting part of Mutianyu, which usually impresses tourists by its spectacular natural scenery and abundant vegetation. After the exciting tour, descend Mutianyu Great Wall by cable cars and drive back to hotel to end the pleasant day.

Stay overnight in Beijing

Temple of Heaven

Beijing Hutongs

Today’s journey begins with the sightseeing of Temple of Heaven, a famous ancient architecture constructed in Ming and Qing dynasties. Temple of Heaven consists of two parts and is the place for emperors in Ming and Qing Dynasties to sacrifice to god and pray for harvest. Excepting for the intricate architecture of the various halls, you’ll also marvel at the ingenious design of the echo wall and the three-tone stone.

After lunch, you will get back to the central city to enjoy a relaxing and peaceful afternoon hanging about in Beijing Hutongs. Hutong is a kind of ancient urban alley unique to Beijing. Different from rows of high-rise buildings, winding and narrow alleys and cozy quadrangle courtyards, Hutongs will represent you what the past of Beijing is like. Taking ride of a jinricksha or a bicycle to shuttle through silent Hutongs, you’ll feel like wandering the river of history and find how tradition and modernism is mingled in this city.

Now, your Beijing tour will come to an end and you will be drop off at the Beijing West Railway Station to board the high-speed train to Xian. The train journey will last 4-6 hours. You can have a rest on it.

Stay overnight in Xian

Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum

Ancient City Wall

After breakfast, we are about to visit the Eighth Wonder of the World, the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum. You will not only be attracted by the life-sized warrior figures and horses, each of which has distinct facial expressions and positions, but also be astonished by various kinds of ancient weapons which reflect the highly advanced technology in weapon-making 2,200 years ago.

After having lunch, return to Xi’an downtown for a short break and to take a wonderful stroll on the Ancient City Wall or you can also cycling on top of it. The wall around the city centre of Xi'an is a massive construction, about 14 kilometers in perimeter. With 98 defensive ramparts, four main gates, and a moat around it, the ancient city wall is a wonderful example of ancient defensive building. Standing on it, you can enjoy panoramic views of modern Xian. Near its center are the Bell Tower and Drum Tower.

Late in the afternoon, we will travel to Muslim Quarter, the most famous gourmet street and largest Muslim business street in Xi’an, for local specialties. It’s the perfect place to have close chat with street venders of Muslims and buy the exquisite handicrafts and enjoy various local snacks.

Stay overnight in Xi’an

In the morning, we are expected to visit Shanxi History Museum, the best place to take a glance at the glorious history of ancient Chinese civilization. The precious exhibits dates from the Paleolithic era to the Qing Dynasty. The breadth and depth of the artifacts and quality of artwork from each time period and dynasty are breathtaking! The museum is crowded, so be prepared to go with the flow of the people in front of each display.

After lunch your Xi’an tour will come to an end, and we will take ride of flight from Xian to Jiuzhaigou. Upon your arrival, you will be welcomed by local tour guide in Jiuzhaigou.

Stay overnight in Jiuzhaigou

Jiuzhaigou National Park

Jiuzhaigou National Park

Today you will visit Jiuzhaigou National Park, well-known as a Fairy Land. Home to nine Tibetan villages scattered in its 720 sq., it consists of three valleys – Rize Valley, Shuzheng Valley and Zechawa Valley formed a shape of “Y”. There are 114 lakes, 47 springs, 17 groups of waterfalls, 11 rapids and 5 tufa shoals in total.

By using both broadwalks and the shuttle buses, you will explore the wondrous land for a whole day.

After the tour, be escorted to your hotel in Jiuzhaigou.

Stay overnight in Jiuzhaigou

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Wenshu Temple

Today after breakfast, we will firstly pay a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (known as Chengdu Panda Base), where we can explore the daily life of the cute pandas and get close to the lovely creatures. Then move on to Wenshu Temple, a typical ancient monastery of Qing Dynasty in Chengdu downtown.

In the afternoon, we will visit Renmin Park to experience the most authentic Chengdu local life. Having a cup of tea in a traditional teahouse, watching the local old couples dancing. You will enjoy typical leisure lifestyle of Chengdu. Then move on to Jinli Ancient Street, one of the oldest streets to appreciate the local snacks and artifacts. The elegant style of the architectures tells you what Sichuan looks like during the Qing Dynasty.

Stay overnight in Chengdu

Jinsha Site Museum

Dufu Thatched Cottage

In the morning, we will visit Jinsha Site Museum, the relics of the ancient capital of Shu Kingdom. You will learn how people lived in this land 3000 years ago, and see the Gold Band with Sun and Magic Birds.

In the morning, we will visit Jinsha Site Museum, the relics of the ancient capital of Shu Kingdom. After lunch, we will visit the Dufu Thatched Cottage, a museum in honor of Dufu (712 -770 AD), who was the greatest realist poet and has been famed as the Sage of Poetry.

At night, we will have a delicious dinner of Sichuan cuisine.

Stay overnight in Chengdu

Today you will take high-speed train from Chengdu to Chongqing. Upon your arrival in Chongqing railway station, your local tour guide will escort you to Chongqing Chaotianmen Port to board your ship during 18:00-20:00. Your lifetime Yangtze River cruise sails at 21:00!

Stay overnight on the ship

Shibaozhai

Three Gorges

In the morning, the river guide will give a brief orientation of the cruise schedule and Yangtze River introduction. You can do whatever you like on board. After enjoying buffet lunch, the ship will disembark at Zhongxian and our local guide will take you for an onshore excursion to Shibaozhai. Built along the Yuyin Mountain, the world famous Shibaozhai tower shows a unique and charming architectural image. Being one of the rare wooden structures, Shibaozhai tower is reputed as the Eighth Fantastic Architecture of the World for its talented and supernatural design.

After finishing the visit, you will be back aboard ship and the cruise continues towards the splendid Three Gorges. This evening, the cruise staff will invite you to join the Captain's Welcome Party held on deck.

Stay overnight on the ship

Today comes to the top highlight of your Yangtze River Cruise tour. The unique scenery of the Three Gorges will be unveiled in front of you. Standing on the deck of the cruise ship, you will see the steep precipices standing on both banks of this narrow stretch of water. Among them, Qutang Gorge is the most dangerous and shortest.

Wu Gorge is the most beautiful, which is renowned for its deep valley and elegant beauty. Passing through Wu Gorge by the cruise, you will feel like entering a winding gallery of painting. Here, you will change to a sampan to take an interesting adventure along Shennong Stream for 3 to 4 hours. Shennong Stream features picturesque natural beauty, distinctive Tujia flavor, boat tracking culture and valued historical relics.

After that, you will return to the ship and sail into Xiling Gorge. Passing through this gorge is an adventure for it is known for numerous torrents and dangerous shoals. You may find many cultural relics in this gorge, such as hanging coffins. In the evening, the ship will travel through the Five Level Ship Lock of the Three Gorges Dam.

Stay overnight on the ship

Disembark for an excursion to the Three Gorges Dam. Your ship will arrive at Yichang Port around 12:30. Our guide will pick you up at the cruise and help you to transfer to the airport. You will take a flight from Yichang to Shanghai. Upon your arrival, your Shanghai tour guide will meet you and go to hotel in Shanghai.

Stay overnight in Shanghai

Yu Garden

Nanjing Road

After breakfast, we will launch our Shanghai tour. The first stop is Shanghai Museum, one of the Best Four Museums in China. The magnificent 4-story building houses an incredible collection of bronzes, sculptures, ceramics, coins, paintings, calligraphy, costumes and other exhibits in different dynasties. It’s the perfect place for fans of Chinese history and art.

The following stop is the Yu Garden. Built in the 16th century during the Ming Dynasty, the Yu Garden used to be the private residence of a senior Government administrator in the Ming Dynasty. For passionate photographer, never miss the chance to photograph Old Street of Yu Garden.

Having finished the visiting of Yu Garden, we’ll have a rest to have lunch. In the afternoon, we will move on to visit Nanjing Road. Famous Nanjing Road features historic Chinese sculptures at the "Golden Belt" and is an equivalent of New York's Fifth Avenue. Hang around here, you can get a taste of bustling Chinese commerce where retailers from all over the world display their products on streets. And next we will head to the Bund, one of the things you should never miss when on a tour to Shanghai. The Bund displays Shanghai's classic skyline views of colonial architecture and skyscrapers along the 500m wide Huangpu River, which dissects the city into two.

Stay overnight in Shanghai

Chengkan Ancient Village

Tunxi Ole Street

In the morning, after breakfast, you will be transferred to the train station for the Bullet Train from Shanghai to Huangshan about four hours. Upon arrival, your local tour guide will meet you and have a lunch with you.

In the afternoon, we will head to Chengkan Ancient Village, which is a typical combination of natural landscape and Huizhou architecture. Chengkan is a must-see tourist attraction when touring Huangshan. Then we will drive back to Huangshan city. You could enjoy your free time at Tunxi Ole Street.

Stay overnight in Huangshan

In the morning, our guide will meet you at hotel and start our Mt. Huangshan tour. You can enjoy full day exploration to visit Mt. Huangshan that is one of China’s ten best-known mountains. Located in Anhui province, Mt. Huangshan consists of 72 peaks, in which Lotus Flowers Peak is the highest one, 1,840 meters tall above sea level. Mt. Huangshan is characterized by four wonders, namely, odd-shaped pines, grotesque rock formation, seas of clouds and crystal-clear hot springs. The brown and green colors are not there anymore as the leaves have mostly fallen off. It is mostly misty, dark and clouded, like a scene out of Avatar movie, with the fingers of the pine branches eerily feeling the air and welcoming visitors.

You will take cable car up and head to the hotel on the mountain. After lunch, you can hike on Xihai Grand Canyon, which is a definitely must-go place for photograph lovers. You can enjoy the original nature which could take you out of yourself. It is a circular footpath for hiking and you will reach the hotel.

Stay overnight in Huangshan

Today, you will go to Danxia Peak to see the sunrise and clouds sea. You might have chance to see colorful sea of clouds which is the top view of Mt. Huangshan. And then you will come back to your hotel for short break and take cable car down to the foot of Mt. Huangshan and then be transferred to Huangshan Train Station. After taking 3 hours' Bullet Train to Hangzhou, your Hangzhou tour guide will wait for you at the train station and help you to transfer to the hotel.

Stay overnight in Hangzhou

West Lake

Six Harmonies Pagoda

Today you will pay a visit to West Lake, famous for amazing natural scenery, which made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011, described as having "influenced garden design in the rest of China as well as Japan and Korea over the centuries" and reflecting "an idealized fusion between humans and nature". West Lake has influenced Chinese poets and painters throughout Chinese history due to natural beauty and historic relics. After that, you will head to Lingyin Temple, a famous Buddhism temple built in thousands of years ago.

In the afternoon, you will visit Six Harmonies Pagoda, which shows the contribution of Chinese ancient architectural culture. When coming back to hotel, you can plan for the night activities.

Stay overnight in Hangzhou

Today we will leave Hangzhou to Guilin in airplane. You will board at Hangzhou and fly to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport for free. After arriving, you will be picked up and sent to the hotel for a rest. The rest of the day is free to do a little exploration at your leisure.

Stay overnight in Guilin

Yangshuo Town

Li River

Today, you’ll enjoy a leisurely and comfortable cruise along Li River to Yangshuo with beautiful views and a buffet lunch on board with a group tour guide.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to wharf and board to begin your 84-kilometer cruise (about 4 hours). During your cruise, you can enjoy lunch along the way while relaxing on our scenic cruise. The river course from Guilin to Yangshuo is like a green ribbon flanked by verdant hills, with towering peaks along the river reflecting on the crystal-clear water and fields and gardens stretching out across the banks, creating a splendid Chinese landscape painting.

After arriving, you will disembark in Yangshuo Town, and check in your hotel. The rest of the day is free to do a little exploration at your leisure. You can have a short break and immerse yourself into the stunning countryside views and fresh air. Or you can also hang around in the ancient West Street in Yangshuo where quaint and traditional Chinese architectures are mixed with western style buildings in this business street. Whether you want to enjoy a cup of drink in bar, taste some local food, or just experience the relaxing atmosphere, you can get it here.

Stay overnight in Yangshuo

Longji Rice Terrace

Longji Rice Terrace

In this morning after breakfast, we will depart from Yangshuo to witness one of the most beautiful rice terraces in China - Longji Rice Terrace. You will spend about 2 hours on road. Far from bustling metropolis, Longji Rice Terraces are built into the hillsides and offer some of the most fantastic scenery in China. Taking an area of 66 square kilometers, the rice terraces look like great amphitheaters or ribbons as they wind round the contours in tiered bands. When the sun reflects in the water of the paddy fields and glowing with yellow ears when the harvest is ripe, you can enjoy a visual feast for the eyes and totally embrace with the nature.

Stay overnight in the village of Longji Rice Terrace

Your tour guide will pick you up at hotel and transfer to Guilin west train station for high-speed train from Guilin to Hong Kong about 3 hours.

Your Hong Kong tour guide and driver will wait for you and transfer you to hotel in Hong Kong.

Stay overnight in Hong Kong

Aberdeen Harbor floating community

Victoria Peak

The first part of the day will be spent at the Aberdeen Harbor Floating Community. This floating village is well known around the world, and is famed for its seafood restaurants. You can hire a sampan to explore the harbor area and take a stroll along the popular Aberdeen Promenade, which is like a little slice of seaside England in Asia.

After lunch you will be taken to Repulse Bay, where you can spend time on a beautiful tropical beach, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is also the site of one of the most expensive residential areas in Hong Kong, although it is not clear why the name changed from Chonghom Bay, which was the name originally given to the area in 1841.

Later, as the sun sets, you will visit Victoria Peak, the highest point of the island of Hong Kong. The tram can take you all the way to the top, but for the adventurous, you can take the hiking trail up. The views for the peak across Hong Kong harbor are absolutely stunning, especially at sunset.

Stay overnight in Hong Kong

Today, you will be escorted to the airport for a flight to your next destination or back to your home.