Chengdu-Beijing: Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square-Forbidden City, Hutong (L)

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport - The driver will be waiting in the lobby of your Chengdu hotel with a sign displaying your name, ready to transfer you to the airport for a 2-hour flight to Beijing.

Upon arrival in Beijing, your tour guide will be waiting at the exit of the arrival hall with a sign displaying your name. Board your private air-conditioned vehicle and head into the city. During the drive, your tour guide will share interesting facts and history about the city. Feel free to ask any questions you may have.

Temple of Heaven - Proceed directly to the Temple of Heaven, where Ming and Qing Dynasty emperors worshipped the God of Heaven. Accompany your tour guide for a walk around the park, where you can observe local retirees engaging in various exercises. You are welcome to join them if you wish.

Inside the Temple of Heaven, you will visit the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest and the Hall of Imperial Zenith.

Echo Wall - Walk across Danbi Bridge to reach Echo Wall and Circular Mount Altar.

Yuanqiutan - Continue to Yuanqiutan. Discover how ancient emperors communicated with the heavens and worshipped the God of Heaven. Your tour guide will narrate the related histories and stories along the way.

Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Guangchang) - Next, visit Tiananmen Square, home to the Great Hall of the People, the Monument to the People’s Heroes, Chairman Mao’s Memorial Hall, and the Front Gate. Stroll around the square and learn about the stories and histories of the surrounding buildings.

Forbidden City-The Palace Museum - Enter through the South Gate-Meridian Gate to explore the magnificent Forbidden City, a 250-acre (101-ha.) complex of courtyards, palaces, pavilions, and gardens that served as the imperial palace for over 500 years.

Hall of Great Harmony (Taihe Dian) - Walk through the courtyards and halls of the Forbidden City with your tour guide, learning about the history and stories of this vast palace. Visit the Hall of Great Harmony, where the emperor conducted state affairs, as well as the Hall of Central Harmony and the Hall of Complete Harmony.

Palace of Heavenly Purity - Continue to explore the living quarters in the palace, including the Hall of Union, Hall of Heavenly Purity, and Hall of Earthly Tranquillity.

The Imperial Garden of The Palace Museum - Conclude your tour of the Forbidden City at the Imperial Garden, then exit through the North Gate.

Shichahai Scenic Resort - Proceed to the Shichahai area, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, and take a leisurely walk around Yandai Xie Street, Gulou East Street, and Nanluoguxiang Alley.

Nanluoguxiang - Explore the shops and hutongs around Nanluoguxiang Alley. After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Beijing.

Beijing: Great Wall of China-Olympic Park-Summer Palace (B,L)

Mutianyu Great Wall - Meet your tour guide in the lobby of your Beijing hotel, board your private air-conditioned vehicle, and head directly to the Great Wall at the Mutianyu Section. Your tour guide will share related histories and stories along the way, and you are welcome to ask any questions.

Upon arrival, follow your tour guide to take the cable car or ski lift up to the Great Wall, marvel at the surrounding area, and hike up and down different towers. You can decide how long you wish to stay at the Great Wall.

Niaochao National Stadium - Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local village restaurant, where you will dine with the villagers and savor cuisine from Northeast China.

On the return journey to the city, you will pass by the Olympic Park to catch a glimpse of the impressive modern stadiums built for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics.

Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) - Continue to the Summer Palace, a well-preserved royal garden renowned for its beautiful landscape and spectacular architecture, considered one of the most classical gardens in the world.

Hall of Benevolence and Longevity - Learn about Empress Cixi’s stories with your tour guide and explore her living quarters.

Long Corridor at the Summer Palace - Walk along the world’s longest corridor, listed in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Qingyan Stone Boat - Proceed to the Marble Boat, a foreign-style superstructure symbolizing the stability of the Qing Dynasty.

After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel in Beijing.

Beijing - Xi’an-Big Goose Pagoda-City Wall-Muslim Quarter (B,L)

Capital Airport Residential District - Your driver will pick you up from the lobby of your Beijing hotel and transfer you to the airport for a 2-hour flight to Xi’an.

Upon arrival, your local guide will be waiting at the exit of the arrival hall with a sign displaying your name. Head directly to Xi’an city.

Xi’an City Wall (Chengqiang) - Upon reaching the city, visit the Xi’an City Wall. Ascend to the top of the centuries-old city wall and admire the views of the city below. You may choose to ride a bike around the city wall if you wish.

Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayanta) - Continue to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, built to house sutras and Buddha figurines brought to China from India by the Buddhist translator and traveler Monk Xuanzang.

Explore the area with your tour guide and learn about its history.

Muslim Quarter - Afterwards, head to the Muslim Quarter, the hub of the Muslim community in Xi’an City. Stroll around the Muslim food and souvenir market with your tour guide. You may try delicious local snacks at your own cost.

After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel in Xi’an.

Xi’an: Terracotta Warriors Museum- Guilin (B,L)

The Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses - Your tour guide will pick you up in the lobby of your Xi’an hotel and head directly to the Terracotta Warriors Museum. Your tour guide will share related histories and stories along the way, and you are welcome to ask any questions.

Begin with a visit to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors Museum, known as “the Eighth Wonder of the World.” The museum is divided into three sections: No.1 Pit, No.2 Pit, and No. 3 Pit. The original site was discovered by four local farmers while drilling a well in 1974 and has since become Xi’an’s most important attraction. Stroll around the museum and gain rich information from your tour guide.

Guilin - After lunch at a local restaurant, you will be transferred to the airport for a 2-hour flight to Guilin.

Your driver in Guilin will be waiting at the exit of the arrival hall with a sign displaying your name. You will be transferred to your hotel in Guilin.

Guilin: Cruise to Yangshuo (B, L )

Li River - Your private English-speaking guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel’s lobby at 8:00 am and transfer you to Zhujiang Pier, where you will embark on a boat cruise down the Li River to Yangshuo County. The Li River Cruise is considered a highlight of any visit to Guilin.

Gui Lin Zhujiang Pier - Along the river, enjoy breathtaking views of peaks and pinnacles, crystal-clear water, and picturesque pastoral countryside scenery. The river generally has three sections. Various attractions like peaks and villages along the river have interesting descriptive names, which require much imagination to visualize. Listening to your tour guide’s legendary stories about the attractions is a delightful experience while appreciating the landscapes. Most stories are mystical fairy tales and love stories. The cruise usually takes around 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on water conditions.

Xingping Fishing Village - The Li River takes a significant turn at Xingping, offering beautiful and poetic scenery. It has been depicted in many Chinese landscape paintings. Even the newly-issued 20 RMB note features this scenery on its back. A photographer once said, “Shots from any perspective of this place turn out to be impressive and stunning.”

You will enjoy a simple lunch on the boat.

West Street - Arrive in Yangshuo at 1:30 pm, stroll around West Street with your tour guide, and explore various shops, craft shops, painting and calligraphy stores, backpack shops, and cafes. Your tour guide will assist you in negotiating prices if you wish to purchase any souvenirs.

Shili Hualang - In the afternoon, explore the Ten-Mile Gallery in Yangshuo.

Strolling down a country road makes you feel like you are traveling in a painting. This is true of the Ten-Mile Gallery in Yangshuo County, a fairyland on earth. As the name implies, Ten-Mile Gallery is a picturesque road stretching from the Yangshuo town area to Moon Hill, featuring rolling hills, endless fields, idyllic villages, and clear rivers on both sides.

Guilin Butterfly Spring - Along Ten-Mile Gallery, there are a few famous sites you should not miss, such as Butterfly Spring Park. In the park, peculiar peaks, grotesque rocks, magnificent waterfalls, and bubbling springs can be found everywhere. A winding path leads to the sightseeing terrace, where you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of Ten-Mile Gallery.

Big Banyan Tree - As the journey through Ten-Mile Gallery continues, you will encounter a Big Banyan Tree, which is over 1,400 years old. Follow your tour guide to stroll around, learn about the love story of Liusanjie, and see how new lovers come here to make wishes for their future.

Moon Hill - Your last stop is Moon Hill. Let your tour guide know if you wish to stop for photos.

After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel in Guilin.

Guilin City Highlights-Shanghai (B, L)

Elephant Trunk Hill (Xiangbishan) - Meet your tour guide in the lobby of your hotel and discuss the highlights and attractions you wish to see in Guilin City with your knowledgeable guide, who will help you plan an itinerary according to your interests. Then, set off and explore.

Typically, you will start at Elephant Trunk Hill, the landmark of Guilin. It has been a famous tourist destination since the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907). The hill resembles a giant elephant drinking water from the river.

Enjoy a vigorous walk to the top, visit the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644) Puxian Tower, which was built to worship Samantabhadra. Learn its history from your tour guide, then enjoy panoramic views of the city, Li River, and surrounding scenery.

Yunfeng Temple - Continue to Yunfeng Temple, one of the famous ancient temples of Guilin. It was the dwelling place of Monk Jianzhen, an eminent monk of the Tang Dynasty, who crossed over to Japan six times to spread Buddhist doctrines and help regularize monks’ behavior. Stroll around the temple and the exhibition gallery on the second floor.

Fubo Hill - Proceed to Guilin Fubo Hill. Fubo Hill stands next to the Li River and rises abruptly from the surrounding landscape. It is famous for both natural beauty and historic art.

Explore etchings of Buddha dating back to the Song and Tang Dynasties (618 - 1279) at Thousand-Buddha Cave and Pearl-Returning Cave with your tour guide. Admire the Sword-Testing Rock and learn the legendary stories behind it.

Reed Flute Cave (Ludi Yan) - Afterwards, head to Reed Flute Cave. Over millions of years, dripping water has eroded the cave to create a special world of various stalactites, stone pillars, and rock formations. Explore important spots in the attraction, such as Tower-shaped Pine and Crystal Palace. Despite the fantastic natural scenery inside Reed Flute Cave, there are many writings on the wall. There are 77 travelogues and poems left, which date back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907).

Then, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Shanghai - You will be transferred to the airport for a 2-hour flight to Shanghai.

Your driver in Shanghai will be waiting at the exit of the arrival hall with a sign displaying your name. You will be transferred to your hotel in Shanghai.

Shanghai City Highlights (B, L)

Shanghai Museum (Shanghai Bowuguan) - Meet your tour guide in the lobby of your Shanghai hotel, board your private air-conditioned vehicle, and embark on your customized tour of the city’s sights. Discuss the historical highlights and attractions you wish to see with your knowledgeable guide, who will help you plan an itinerary according to your interests. Then, set off and explore.

Typically, you will start with the Shanghai Museum. The museum is divided into eleven galleries and three exhibition halls. With bronze ware, ceramics, and painting and calligraphy as its distinctive collections, the museum boasts 120,000 pieces of rare and precious cultural relics in 21 categories.

Jade Buddha Temple - Then, proceed to Jade Buddha Temple. You will see the White Jade Buddhas, which were brought here from Burma in the nineteenth century. Stroll around the halls and courtyards in the temple with your tour guide, learn about the history of the temple and Buddhism in China, and observe how locals come to worship and burn incense.

Yu Garden (Yuyuan) - Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then explore Yuyuan Garden.

Yuyuan Garden is the largest ancient garden with Ming and Qing style architecture. Follow your tour guide to explore the garden and learn how to create a perfect garden. Then visit the Old City God Temple, where various local snack shops and streets are scattered around.

The Bund - Continue to the Bund, where you will see the amazing city skyline, including the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, Shanghai Tower, and colonial buildings along the Huangpu River. Take a walk and stop for photos.

Former French Concession - Continue to explore the Former French Concession. Besides its historical and religious significance, the Shanghai French Concession is also a fantastic place for leisure activities. Follow your tour guide to wander the narrow alleyways, dine in one of the many cafes or restaurants (at your own cost), or browse through the endless art galleries and photographic studios.

Xintiandi - Finally, conclude your tour in the lively nightlife district of Xintiandi. As a window to the past and the future, to China and the world, Shanghai Xintiandi’s Shikumen attraction was created by converting residential blocks into a multifunctional dining, retail, and entertainment center filled with restaurants, boutiques, cafes, and bars of an international standard. Follow your tour guide and explore the area.

If you have already visited some of the places mentioned above and wish to do something different, please feel free to discuss with your tour guide where to go. You can choose these attractions or activities based on your interests:

Shanghai Museum/ Pearl TV Tower/World Financial Center/Jinmao Tower

After the tour, you can choose to end your tour in Shanghai or return to Chengdu.

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Economy class plane tickets
• Round-trip cable car or ski lift and toboggan at the Great Wall
• Included meals: lunch and breakfast
• 4-star cruise ticket from Guilin to Yangshuo
• Overnight accommodation in a twin room (twin share option available)
• Guidance by an English-speaking guide
• Transport in a private air-conditioned vehicle
• All entrance fees covered

• Gratuities to tour guide and driver(recommended)
• Accommodation if you choose to have the tour only

Embark on a week-long adventure through China, with expeditions in Beijing, Xi’an, Guilin, and Shanghai, originating from Chengdu. Journey in comfort with private, air-conditioned transportation and flights. You’ll be greeted by a local guide at each locale who will lead you to the major attractions. Unveil the rich history and culture of China through renowned sites such as: Terra-cotta Army, the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, Tian’anmen Square. Explore Xi’an City Wall, the local Muslim quarter, Shanghai’s Yuyuan Garden, White Jade Buddha Temple, the Bund, and Xintiandi area. Sail down the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo, taking in the breathtaking karst peaks. Your amiable and knowledgeable private guide will provide detailed historical context for each of the attractions. The package includes plane tickets, cruise ticket, entrance fee, lunch, English-speaking tour guide, and a private vehicle. At the tour’s end, choose to head back to Chengdu or stay in Shanghai. It also offers an upgrade to include 4-star accommodation with daily breakfast.

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.