Beijing. O/N Beijing

Beijing - At 9:00 am, the guide will meet the group at the hotel lobby in Beijing to begin a one-day tour of the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven.

Forbidden City-The Palace Museum - The tour starts with a visit to the Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, or Gu Gong in Chinese. Located at the heart of Beijing, it served as the imperial palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368 - 1911). Construction began during Emperor Chengzu’s reign in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and took 14 years to complete. Ancient Chinese astronomers believed the Purple Star (Polaris) was at the center of heaven, where the Heavenly Emperor resided in the Purple Palace. Thus, the emperor’s earthly palace was called the Purple City, and entry was forbidden without the emperor’s permission, hence the name ‘The Purple Forbidden City’, commonly known as ‘The Forbidden City’.

Jingshan Park (Jingshan Gongyuan) - Next, the tour proceeds to Jingshan Park, a stunning royal landscape garden covering 57 acres (about 230,000 square meters). It is located on the central point of the city’s south-north axis, facing the Forbidden City’s north gate. Situated on Jingshan Hill, originally named Wansui Hill (Long Live Hill), Zhen Hill, or Meishan Hill (Coal Hill), the park’s mid-summit is the highest point in Beijing, offering a panoramic view of the Forbidden City.

Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Guangchang) - The tour then moves to Tiananmen Square, a large plaza near Beijing’s center, named after the Tiananmen (“Gate of Heavenly Peace”). It is located north of the city, separating it from the Forbidden City. The square holds significant cultural importance as the site of several key events in Chinese history.

Temple of Heaven - After lunch, the tour visits the Temple of Heaven, a complex of Taoist buildings in southeastern urban Beijing, known as the Xuanwu District. Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties visited the complex for annual ceremonies to pray for good harvests. Although considered a Taoist temple, the Chinese Heaven worship by the reigning monarch predates Taoism. The Temple of Heaven is a must-see attraction in Beijing!

Beijing. O/N Beijing

Beijing - In the morning, the tour guide will meet the group at the hotel lobby at 9:00 am and transfer them to the Mutianyu Great Wall, a 90-minute drive covering 80 km.

Mutianyu Great Wall - Upon arrival at the scenic area’s parking lot, visitors will take an electric car to the entrance and then a chairlift to the 14th watchtower. A leisurely hike on the wall lasts about 2 hours, ending with a toboggan ride down. The Great Wall at Mutianyu, built and restored in the early Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), is one of the most renowned sections of the Wall. Mutianyu is celebrated for its unique charm, “Out of all the Great Walls, Mutianyu stands apart.” Visitors can explore the ancient structure and learn about its history and significance. The professional guide will answer questions and share exclusive stories and facts about the Mutianyu Great Wall.

Ming Tombs (Ming Shishan Ling) - At 1:00 pm, enjoy lunch at a local countryside restaurant before heading to the Ming Tombs. Located in Changping County, about 50 kilometers northwest of Beijing’s urban area, the site is a tomb cluster from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), including 13 emperor’s mausoleums, seven tombs for concubines, and one grave for eunuchs. Situated at the foot of Mount Yan, the surrounding area is breathtakingly beautiful.

Beijing - At the end of the day, the guide will escort the group back to their Beijing hotel.

Beijing–Guilin. O/N Guilin.

Beijing - The tour guide and driver will meet the group at their Beijing hotel at 9:00 am and drive to the Beijing Lama Temple, an 18-minute drive covering 6 km.

Lama Temple (Yonghegong) - Discover the best of Beijing on this one-day private sightseeing tour. Start the day at the serene Lama Temple and learn about its fascinating history. The Yonghe Temple, also known as the Yonghe Lamasery or Lama Temple, is a temple and monastery of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism located in Dongcheng District, Beijing, China. The temple’s architecture and artwork combine Han Chinese and Tibetan styles.

Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) - Afterwards, the tour heads to the expansive Summer Palace, covering an area of 2.9 square kilometers, three-quarters of which is water: Kunming Lake. This artificial lake was created by extending an existing body of water to imitate the West Lake in Hangzhou. Situated in the Haidian District northwest of Beijing, the Summer Palace is 15 kilometers (9 miles) from the downtown area. As the largest and most well-preserved royal park in China, it greatly influences Chinese horticulture and landscape with its famous natural views and cultural interests, earning it the title ‘The Museum of Royal Gardens’.

Back Lakes (Hou Hai) - Next, take a private car to the Hou Hai lake area for a rickshaw hutong tour. A Hutong tour offers a chance to mingle with local residents and experience a unique travel adventure in the intricate winding Hutongs. These maze-like, deep alleys remain unchanged from long ago, preserving the city’s history. Many residents are reluctant to leave their beloved Hutongs. Visitors can explore a local family’s house to experience authentic Beijing life and stop occasionally to take pictures.

Nanluoguxiang - The tour continues to Nanluoguxiang, a must-see hutong in the Gulou, or Drum and Bell Tower, district, perfect for retail therapy. It features several kilometers of shops, galleries, and cafés ranging from chic to kitschy. Visitors can find cool T-shirts here (Plastered offers a good line) with creative images of everything from Mao Zedong to garden gnomes.

Beijing Capital International Airport - After the tour, the driver and guide will take the group to Beijing Capital International Airport for a flight to Guilin (CZ3288 22:10–01:20, with earlier options available if possible). The flight takes around 3 hours.

Guangxi Airport Management Group Guilin Liangjiang International Airport Company - Upon arrival in Guilin, the group will be picked up and transferred to their Guilin hotel (driver only, no guide).

Guilin–Longji. O/N Ping’an village.

Guilin - The guide will pick up the group at the hotel lobby around 9:30 am and escort them to the famous Reed Flute Cave, a 30-minute ride.

Reed Flute Cave (Ludi Yan) - Upon arrival at the cave, visitors will explore the underground karst cave and marvel at the stunning formations of stalagmites and stalactites. The Reed Flute Cave is a renowned karst cave with numerous stalagmites and stalactites shaped like bamboo shoots, pillars, curtains, and flowers, creating a magnificent underground palace. Inside the cave, visitors can discover more astonishing sights, such as stone lions, miniature forests, pagodas, and crystal chambers, each with a romantic or intriguing story. The guide’s vivid interpretation, along with the lighting, adds mystery to the scene. A trip to the cave lasts about 40 minutes.

Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces - After a two-hour drive, the group will reach the entrance for the Longji Terraces, where they will purchase Longji entrance tickets for the rice terraces in Ping’an Village. This village boasts the most famous and beautiful rice terraces in Longji and requires about a 30-minute drive from the entrance ticket office.

Ping’an Village - Upon arrival, the group will take a moderate trek along steps to Ping’an Zhuang Village. The walk takes about 40 minutes. The guide will lead a stroll around the village, showcasing the local Zhuang people’s unique wooden stilted houses, and the group can enjoy lunch in the village. After a short lunch break, the terrace exploration continues to the No.2 Viewing Platform (Seven Star with the Moon), a 15-minute walk, offering a fantastic spot for a bird’s-eye view of the Longji Terraces. Visitors will have ample time to take pictures and enjoy the fresh air at the platform. The tour then proceeds to No.1 Viewing Platform (Nine Dragons and Five Tigers), a 30-minute walk along a flat path. Afterwards, the group will check in at a hotel in Ping’an and have free time.

Longji–Sanjiang–Yangshuo. O/N Yangshuo.

Ping’an Village - Today, the group will embark on a Dong Minority tour to the Dong Village in Sanjiang. Nestled at the foot of mountains and surrounded by rivers, Dong Village features well-preserved residential houses and a charming natural landscape.

Chengyang Bridge Scenic Resort - In the village, visitors will see the landmark constructions of Dong Village, the Wind and Rain Bridge, and Drum Tower. Constructed with wood and bricks, the Wind and Rain Bridge combines the styles of a bridge, corridor, and kiosk, reflecting the unique Dong style and the wisdom of the Dong people. Originally built to provide shelter for field workers, the bridge later became a popular meeting place for young people and a famous attraction for visitors worldwide. The Drum Tower, with its lofty pointed tower and upturned eaves, signifies arrival at a Dong Village. Located in the village center, the Drum Tower serves as the political and cultural hub. When the village chief beats the drum on the top floor, villagers stop their work and gather around the Drum Tower.

Yangshuo County - After lunch at Chengyang Village, the group will take a comfortable 3-hour car ride to their Yangshuo hotel for a restful stay.

Yangshuo. O/N Yangshuo

Yangshuo County - In the morning, the guide will meet the group at 9 am to explore the Yangshuo countryside.

Yulong River - The group will travel along the Yulong River by bicycle or E-bike to immerse themselves in the local idyllic landscape for 2-3 hours. Along the way, they will see vast farmlands dotted with colorful wildflowers and log cabins, stretching from the foot of rolling hills. Occasionally, peasants driving one or two oxen plow the fields, adding vitality to the rustic scenery.

Fuli Ancient Town - After a lunch break, the group will drive for an hour to the Xingping Dock for a motorized raft journey on the Li River. En route, they will pass by Fuli Town, renowned for its traditional handicraft - painted fans. If interested, a short stop can be made there.

Xingping Town - Upon arrival at Xingping Dock, the group will board the motorized raft. A ride on the Li River is a must-do on a Guilin Yangshuo day tour. Compared to ordinary ships, the raft, a traditional means of transportation seating four people, offers a wider view and is the best way to enjoy the picturesque natural scenery. During the one-hour raft ride, visitors will see famous spots, including the Yellow Cloth Shoal, depicted on the CNY20 banknote, and Murals Hill, where verdant plants form images of nine horses on a sharp cliff.

Important Tips: Due to safety concerns, people over age 70 and children less than 1 meter tall are not allowed on the Li River boat raft.

Yangshuo County - After the boat tour, the group can explore Xingping Old Street before being dropped off at their Yangshuo hotel. There is an optional night show in Yangshuo, ‘Impression Sanjie Liu’, performed above and on the Li River against verdant hills. The dreamlike stage effect and original singing and dancing of national minorities have earned the performance a great reputation among visitors. The show begins at 8:00 pm and lasts for 70 minutes; ticket prices range from CNY 268 to CNY 368, depending on the seats. If interested, the guide will reserve tickets and escort the group to the site after dinner.

Yangshuo. The tour ends.

Yangshuo County - In the morning, the guide and driver will pick up the group from the hotel around 9:00 am and escort them to the Yulong River for the Yangshuo Yulong bamboo boat tour.

Yulong River - A bamboo raft ride on the Yulong River (or Dragon River), a tributary of the Li River, offers a relaxing way to enjoy the scenic area south of Yangshuo. Visitors can appreciate the stunning scenery and views of country life on a non-motorized raft, steered by a gondolier over breakwaters past small mud-brick villages and farmlands. Once on the bamboo raft, sitting and enjoying the peaceful countryside and limestone mountains, the beauty of the experience unfolds. Even if visitors have cycled the area, the view from the river is distinct. The boat ride lasts for 50 minutes, one way.

Xianggong Mountain - After the Yulong bamboo boat ride, the group will drive to see Yangshuo Xianggong Hill. A 15-minute climb along a moderately sloped staircase leads to the top of Xianggong Hill. Please inform the guide in advance if a walking stick is needed. Situated between the famous Yellow Cloth Shoal and Mural Hill, Xianggong Hill is one of the best viewing platforms in Guilin to admire the Li River’s glamour. The supreme view of the meandering Li River making a 180-degree bend attracts countless visitors and photographers annually.

Guangxi Airport Management Group Guilin Liangjiang International Airport Company - After lunch in Yangshuo, the group will be transferred to Guilin airport/train station or back to their Yangshuo hotel, marking the end of the 7-day Beijing–Guilin tour.

• Economy class flight tickets (Beijing to Guilin)
• Entrance ticket
• Lunch
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Private car and private guide

• The hotel and dinner

• Can add more days if you want

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.