Arrival in Beijing & Group Meeting

Temple of Heaven - Ni Hao! Welcome to Beijing, the capital of the world’s most populous nation. This city offers a wealth of historical insights into China’s ancient past, alongside modern attractions that highlight contemporary culture. Your journey begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm, where you’ll meet your tour leader and fellow travelers. Please check for a note in the hotel lobby or inquire at reception for the meeting location. During the group meeting, your passport, insurance, and next of kin information will be collected/checked, so please have these ready. After the meeting, consider exploring the vibrant streets of Beijing. With your hotel centrally located, a stroll in any direction will reveal delightful surprises. Perhaps start your China adventure with a taste of the iconic Peking duck. No meals are included on this day.

Special Information: If you wish to arrive a few days early in Beijing, additional accommodation can be arranged for you (subject to availability).

Beijing Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City Tour

Forbidden City-The Palace Museum - Today, you’ll explore two of Beijing’s most popular attractions on foot and via public transport. While it can be crowded, this is the best way to immerse yourself in the local culture. Head to the city’s center – Tiananmen Square, the symbolic heart of Chinese power. Surrounded by the Gate of Heavenly Peace with its Mao portrait, Mao’s Mausoleum, the Great Hall of the People, and the National Museum, with elaborate flag-raising and lowering ceremonies at dawn and dusk, it’s a pilgrimage site for Chinese tourists who see it as the nation’s heart. From here, you’ll enter the vast Forbidden City. Built over 500 years ago and off-limits to commoners for most of that time, the Forbidden City remains much as it always has. As you explore the grand halls and courtyards, you’ll appreciate the might and grandeur of the Imperial Chinese court during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Beijing Mutianyu Great Wall & Overnight Train to Xi’an

Mutianyu Great Wall - This morning, you’ll take a private bus to visit the Mutianyu Great Wall (around 2 hours) and spend time exploring, taking photos, and learning about this historic site. An incredible feat of engineering, the wall stretches 6000 km west from the mountain ridges north of Beijing. Originally built to protect Chinese empires from nomadic northern tribes, it remains one of the country’s most remarkable achievements and an iconic destination. The walk is generally on the restored section of the wall, but it involves walking on steep, uneven terrain with multiple steps, so reasonable fitness and comfortable shoes are necessary. The walk is approximately 5 kilometers and will take 2 to 3 hours, depending on your fitness level. You can choose how to access the wall, with options including cable car, chairlift, or even toboggan to descend (at your own expense). This evening, you’ll catch an overnight train to Xi’an.

Xi’an Muslim Quarter & Ancient City Wall Walking Tour

Muslim Quarter - You’ll arrive at Xi’an train station around 9 am and transfer privately to your hotel. Today, join your leader on a short walking tour to explore what was once the start of the ancient Silk Road trading route. The city boasts a vibrant Muslim Quarter, where you’ll wander narrow streets past shops, lively markets, and groups of white-bearded men in skull caps sipping tea in cafes. See the City Walls and Gates, the most complete in China, stretching over 13 kilometers (8 miles) around the city. Xi’an’s Silk Road history means it has a fascinating mix of cultures, exemplified by its food options, ranging from delicious Muslim fare to delightful dumplings in Chinese restaurants. Perhaps visit the Bell and Drum Towers, the former built (according to legend) to restrain dragons causing earthquakes, and the latter filled with drums once used to mark time and warn in emergencies.

Exploring the Terracotta Warriors of Xi’an

The Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses - Today, travel by private transport (around 2 hours) to visit one of the world’s man-made wonders - the Terracotta Warriors. You’ll learn about this incredible archaeological find, rediscovered in 1976 by farmers digging a well after being buried for 2000 years. These clay statues of soldiers, horses, and chariots (originally all painted) were commissioned by Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi as part of his mausoleum after ascending the throne in 264 BC. Three main pits are open for viewing, where just under 2000 warriors - each individually sculpted from clay with unique costumes, heights, and facial expressions - stand in battle formation. The scale is truly impressive. Enjoy a free evening to explore Xi’an.

Xi’an to Chengdu & City Walking Tour

Tianfu Square - In the morning, catch a high-speed train from Xi’an to Chengdu (approximately 3 hours). After arrival, settle into your hotel and then explore Chengdu. Chengdu has a relaxed vibe, where locals prioritize life over work (as it should be, right?), making mahjong and tea essential elements of their lifestyle. Join your leader for a walking tour to downtown Tianfu Square, where a giant statue of Chairman Mao overlooks his people. Continue to the lively People’s Park and enjoy a cup of tea in a tea house, taking advantage of other services like ear cleaning and massages. Chengdu was listed as a gourmet capital by UNESCO in 2010, so why not try the local delicacies?

Close Encounter with Giant Pandas in Chengdu

Giant Panda Breeding Research Base (Xiongmao Jidi) - Prepare for a heartwarming experience this morning as you get up close with adorable pandas at the Panda Breeding Centre in Chengdu. Learn about the conservation efforts to repopulate this ancient species. You’ll see them being fed, playing, sleeping, or simply being cute in their playgrounds. Enjoy some downtime in the afternoon, perhaps exploring the trendy Kuanzhai Lane or searching for spicy Chengdu snacks on Jinli Street.

Chengdu to Yangshuo & West Street Walking Tour

West Street - This morning, catch a high-speed train from Chengdu to Yangshuo. After arriving at Yangshuo station, transfer to your hotel in Yangshuo. Surrounded by limestone karsts, Yangshuo is popular with both international and domestic tourists, which is great if you enjoy cafes and bars. It’s one of the best places in the country to experience local culture and traditions while having fun. Take a walk through the town with your leader upon arrival and head down to the Li River to experience a landscape immortalized in many Chinese paintings.

Yangshuo Countryside Cycling Tour

Moon Hill - The stunning countryside surrounding Yangshuo is best experienced on an optional cruise down the Li River. Float past limestone monoliths, rice paddies, and water buffaloes drinking at the river’s edge. For those feeling active, consider biking through the beautiful green surroundings and nearby villages or participating in a peaceful Tai Chi session. Enjoy a guided walk through a local market before visiting a converted country house to learn to cook local specialties.

Continue to Discover the Beauty of Yangshuo

Xianggong Mountain - A fantastic optional activity for the day includes picking tea leaves, tea making, drinking tea, and leisurely listening to the rhyme at the Seven Fairies Peak tea plantation. Climb Xianggong Hill to view the meandering Li River and enjoy sunlight and shadow, cloud seas, sunrises, sunsets, and rosy clouds. Discover the mystery of the Ancient Stone Village. Highly recommended.

Yangshuo to Hong Kong

Victoria Harbour - Depart Yangshuo and continue your journey to the final stop, Hong Kong. You’ll be transferred to Guilin and then take the high-speed train (approximately three and a half hours) to Hong Kong West Kowloon High-Speed Railway Station. From there, head to your centrally located hotel. Join your leader for a walking tour, and perhaps explore the Temple Street night market or enjoy the light show at Victoria Harbour. Celebrate your final night with the group in this amazing city.

Hong Kong (Departure Day)

Hong Kong Park - Your China tour concludes this morning. There are no activities on the final day, and you are free to leave your accommodation at any time.

Kindly Reminder: The check-out time is usually 12:00. If you have booked an airport transfer through Truly China Travel, please confirm the pick-up time with your tour leader in advance. If you wish to extend your stay in Hong Kong, additional accommodation can be arranged for you (subject to availability).

• Travel agency liability insurance
• Private transfers from/to airport/train station
• Visits to Terracotta Warriors, Panda Breeding Center, and a cycling tour in Yangshuo
• English speaking tour guides in each destination
• Breakfast included
• High-speed train tickets for specified routes
• Private bus and entrance tickets for Mutianyu Great Wall excursion
• Overnight train with soft sleeper
• Accommodations in double rooms with private facilities

• International flight and departure tax;
• Lunches and dinners;
• Other optional excursions and entrance tickets;
• Tips to tour guides and drivers;
• Other personal expenses;
• Visa to China.

Get thee to China for the adventure of your life! Seriously, these 12 days of the country’s big-ticket highlights will have you missing this country for years to come. From massive and historical Beijing (hello Great Wall!), ancient capital  Xi’an (home of the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors), leisure Chengdu (the hometown of China’s National Treasure Giant Panda), pastorally picturesque Yangshuo, and eventually to the world-in-itself gobsmacking city of Hong Kong, this is your (super affordable) opportunity to get here with a whole group of new friends.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.