China Highlights Journey - Private - 14 Days

Arrive in Beijing, the bustling capital of China. Upon arrival, our tour guide will warmly greet you at the airport and arrange your transfer to the hotel, regardless of your flight's timing. Once you've checked in, the remainder of the day is yours to explore at your own pace or simply relax and acclimatise.

Today's adventure takes us to the heart of Beijing. After breakfast, we will visit the Temple of Heaven, the largest existing structure for heavenly sacrifices where emperors once prayed for fruitful harvests.

Here, you will marvel at the intricate ancient Chinese architecture and may observe traditional activities like Kung Fu, Tai Chi, square dancing, card playing, and chess. Our next stop is Tiananmen Square, the largest city centre square in the world and the stage for many pivotal events in Chinese history.

After an early lunch at a nearby restaurant, we will walk to the Forbidden City, the largest and most well-preserved ancient wooden structure in existence. Over more than two hours, you will explore its magnificent palace halls and gardens, uncovering the legendary stories of emperors and the royal way of life.

Following this, we will ascend Jingshan Park for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City. As we drive back to the hotel, we will pause at a tea store en route. Feel free to join evening activities, such as Beijing's night shows.

Our day begins as our guide collects us from your hotel lobby in the morning. We will explore the iconic Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China, renowned for its impressive architecture and scenery. The journey from central Beijing takes approximately two hours. Note that a cable car and slideway are available at own cost, should you wish to use them.

We'll enjoy a traditional Chinese lunch at a reputable restaurant situated at the foot of the Great Wall. On our return to Beijing, we'll visit a jade carving factory to observe this intricate craft.

Back in Beijing, we'll pause for photos outside the Bird's Nest and Water Cube, both built for the 2008 Olympic Games and notable for their striking designs. The tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel. For dinner, consider trying Peking Roast Duck at a local restaurant.

In the morning, we will check out from the hotel and visit the Summer Palace, Beijing's largest and best-preserved imperial garden. This exquisite site features Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake, which epitomise the grandeur of the palace grounds.

Optional activities include a boating excursion on the lake to enjoy stunning views of this royal masterpiece. We will stroll along the Long Corridor, renowned as the world's longest covered walkway, adorned with intricately detailed paintings.

Following our visit, we'll enjoy a Chinese lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Beijing West Railway Station. Here, we'll board a high-speed train to Xi'an, a journey of approximately 5 to 5.5 hours in a second-class seat.

Upon arrival, our guide will meet you at the Xi'an train station exit, holding a signboard for easy identification, and escort you to the hotel to check in. You will have the rest of the day at your leisure to explore or relax.

Today, we will immerse ourselves in the historical and cultural richness of Xi'an. We begin with a morning pick-up from your hotel, heading directly to Xi'an's premier attraction, the Qin Terracotta Warriors. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a testament to China's ancient artistry and military history.

Following this, we visit a pottery workshop, offering you the opportunity to craft your own pottery figure. A traditional Chinese lunch will be served at a local restaurant nearby.

In the afternoon, we head back to Xi'an to explore the iconic Xi'an City Wall. Here, you have the option to cycle along the wall for a unique perspective (please note, bicycle hire is not included in the tour price).

Our next stop is the North Square of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, offering splendid views of this revered Buddhist site.

The tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel lobby. Should you wish to explore Xi'an's evening entertainment, such as the Tang Dynasty Show.

You have the morning free to explore at your own pace. At noon, we will check out and proceed directly for lunch.

The afternoon will be spent visiting the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, renowned for its exquisite Tang Dynasty architecture and one of the best-preserved Buddhist temples from that era. During your visit, you'll have the opportunity to watch a traditional shadow play, explore the nearby Jianfu Temple, and visit the Xi'an Museum.

We then transfer to the airport for our flight to Guilin, famous for its dramatic limestone landscapes.

Today, we embark on an intriguing journey to explore the ethnic villages and majestic rice terraces. Our local tour guide will collect you from your hotel lobby in the morning.

We will travel from Guilin to the Longji Rice Terraces Scenic Area, also known as Dragon's Back. These impressive terraces are carved into the hillsides and resemble giant steps that twist around the mountains.

Lunch is scheduled at a local restaurant in a minority Village, situated amidst the terraces. Here, you might sample traditional bamboo-cooked dishes, such as bamboo rice and chicken, infused with a subtle bamboo aroma, offering a unique culinary experience compared to city fare.

Following lunch, you will have free time to explore the ethnic villages. These are home to the Yao and Zhuang communities, who have lived here for generations in wooden houses. You can observe daily life, such as locals working in the paddy fields and women in traditional attire practising needlework in the village or under their roofs.

At approximately 15:00, we will begin our drive back to Guilin, aiming to return to your hotel by 17:00. En route, we will stop at a sea-water pearl store. Additionally, a Four Lakes Night Cruise is recommended as an optional evening activity in Guilin.

In the morning, we'll embark on the Li River Cruise, journeying from Guilin to Yangshuo - a trip of approximately four hours. As we glide along the river, enjoy the enchanting landscapes reminiscent of a fairy tale.

Upon arrival in Yangshuo, take a stroll down the renowned West Street, known for its vibrant shops and local charm. Later, we'll explore the picturesque countryside by bike or local transport. The rest of the day is yours to explore Yangshuo at your leisure. You may choose to explore by bicycle or local vehicle.

In the morning, we'll drive back to Guilin to explore the city's main attractions.

Our first stop is Elephant Trunk Hill, a symbol of Guilin. Shaped like a giant elephant dipping its trunk into the Li River, it offers the opportunity to climb to the top for panoramic views of Guilin’s hills and waterways. You can then stroll along the Li River and Shanhu Lake to see the Golden and Silver Twin Pagodas on the lakeside.

Next, we’ll visit Reed Flute Cave, renowned for its stunning stalactites and stalagmites, which create a mystical atmosphere with their unique shapes and vibrant colours. On our way, we'll make a brief stop at a pearl shop.

For lunch, we’ll enjoy an A La Carte meal at a popular local restaurant, known for its lively atmosphere and delicious food. In the afternoon, we board a high-speed train to Zhangjiajie and transfer to our hotel upon arrival.

After breakfast, we will spend the day at Tianmen Mountain, exploring its six renowned wonders. Our adventure includes a ride on the Tianmen Mountain Cable Car, a walk along the thrilling Glass Skywalk, and a visit to the historic Tianmen Temple.

We'll also stroll through the tranquil Bonsai Garden and admire the stunning natural arch of Tianmen Cave. Our journey on Connected-Heaven Avenue will offer further spectacular views.

Later, we visit Dayong Ancient Town and see the impressive 72 Qilou, a vast Tujia-style stilted building inspired by local architectural traditions.

Today, we will begin our exploration by visiting the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, accessed via the Bailong Elevator. This location is a highlight of your private Zhangjiajie tour, renowned for its "Hallelujah Mountains" featured in the film Avatar, and the impressive "First Stone Bridge in the World."

Next, we will travel by battery car to Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve. Here, you will encounter striking mountain vistas, expansive valleys, and unspoilt forests. If conditions are favourable, you might even witness the stunning sea of clouds.

Our journey continues with a small train ride through the Ten-mile Gallery, a 5km stretch featuring stones of various shapes that resemble a natural landscape painting.

At the end of the day, we will return you to your hotel in Zhangjiajie for a well-deserved rest.

This morning we visit the remarkable Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, famous for its record-breaking height and length. We then enjoy a scenic boat ride on Baofeng Lake, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.

Later, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Shanghai.

On our final day in Shanghai, we will explore the dynamic and modern metropolis of mainland China. Our day begins with a stroll through Nong Tang, the charming alleys of Shikumen, where we will experience the everyday life of locals and admire the city's distinctive architectural style.

Next, we visit Yuyuan Garden, a quintessential example of a classical Chinese garden nestled in the heart of downtown.

Following this, we continue to the iconic Bund. Here, we will admire the stunning architecture along the Huangpu River and catch views of landmark structures such as the Oriental Pearl TV Tower across the river.

Our tour includes a visit to the Shanghai Museum and the historic French Concession, rich in cultural heritage. The day concludes with a drop-off at your hotel, where you may discuss evening entertainment with your local guide.

An acrobatic show or a Huangpu River cruise is recommended for a memorable night.

Enjoy a leisurely free day before your departure. If you wish, we can arrange for you to take the exhilarating Maglev train ride to Pudong Airport. Alternatively, we can provide a direct transfer to the airport by car.