Arrival in Beijing and Group Gathering

Beijing - 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 its contemporary culture. Your journey kicks off 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 and verified, 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.

Beijing

Mutianyu Great Wall - This morning, you’ll travel by private bus to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall (approximately 2 hours) to explore, take photos, and learn about the history of this monumental site. An engineering marvel, the wall extends 6000 km west from the mountain ridges north of Beijing. Originally built to protect Chinese empires from northern nomadic tribes, it remains one of the country’s most impressive achievements and a must-see destination. The walk is generally on the restored section of the wall, but it involves steep, uneven terrain with numerous steps, so reasonable fitness and comfortable footwear are essential. The walk covers about 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 a cable car, chairlift, or even a toboggan for the descent (at your own expense).

Beijing to Xi’an

Forbidden City-The Palace Museum - Today, you’ll explore two of Beijing’s most popular attractions on foot and using 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.

Xi’an

Xi’an City Wall (Chengqiang) - 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 discover 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 enjoying 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 brings an exciting cultural mix, reflected in its food options, from delicious Muslim fare to delightful dumplings in Chinese restaurants. Consider visiting 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 of emergencies.

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. Learn about this incredible archaeological discovery, unearthed in 1976 by farmers digging a well after being buried for 2000 years. These clay statues of soldiers, horses, and chariots (originally 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 nearly 2000 warriors - each uniquely sculpted from clay with different costumes, heights, and facial expressions - stand in battle formation. The scale is truly impressive.

Xi’an to Chongqing

Chongqing - In the morning, catch a high-speed train from Xi’an to Chongqing (approximately 5 hours), the gateway to the Yangzi River. Chongqing is China’s largest city, with over 20 million residents in the city center and suburbs sprawling along the river and up the steep hills behind it. Board your riverboat, your home for the next few nights, and begin the cruise down one of the world’s greatest rivers. The gorges are spectacular, and most travelers enjoy their time on the Yangzi boats. Cabins are twin-share with private bathroom facilities. 19:00-21:00 Board the cruise in Chongqing 21:00-21:30 Embarkation Safety briefing Approx. 21:30 Departure in Chongqing 21:30 Captain’s Welcome Reception.

Ghost City of Fengdu & Shibaozhai Bridge

Ghost City of Fengdu - Continue your cruise along the Yangzi River. There is Tai Chi exercise in the morning. After breakfast, you can choose an extra optional tour to Fengdu Ghost City (not included, duration 8:00-10:30 AM) or participate in onboard activities. Fengdu is known as the “Ghost City,” with many historical sites linked to ghost culture, attracting numerous tourists. This ancient town houses 75 Buddhist and Taoist temples built during the Tang Dynasty, featuring many demon and god statues. In Chinese legends, Fengdu is where the devil resides, and it’s also a place for punishing the devil and rewarding the good. In the afternoon, enjoy a shore excursion at 3:00 PM to Shibaozhai Pagoda (included), located in Zhong County on the south bank of the Yangtze River. This magnificent structure, built against a sheer rectangular cliff, resembles a heavenly building due to its architectural style and surroundings.

Sail through White Emperor City, Qutang Gorge, shore excursion to Shennong Stream

Disembark at Yichang, shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam Site

Shanghai

Shanghai - Blending 21st-century architecture with old-world charm, Shanghai pulses with the energy of contemporary China. Arrive and take the subway to your accommodation. Enjoy a full day of guided and unguided exploration, but don’t worry if you can’t see everything you want to – you’ll return at the end of the trip. First up is a leader-led walking tour that will take you to historical Shanghai. Experience the city during the roaring 1920s with a tour of the Bund, a strip of stunning art deco-style buildings. Wander the narrow winding lanes (nongtangs) of Old Shanghai, where you can glimpse local life. Explore the European-influenced French Concession, then stroll along Luwan’s Huaihai Road, a bustling shopping street. The area’s tree-lined avenues and numerous Tudor mansions earned it the nickname ‘Paris of the East’. When night falls, perhaps sample Shanghai’s diverse food scene.

Shanghai to Xitang

Xitang Ancient Town - Join your leader today for a walking tour that will transport you back in time. At the Bund, experience 1920s Shanghai; its spectacular array of Art Deco buildings line what was once Asia’s most important financial street. Wander the narrow winding lanes (longtangs) of Old Shanghai, where you can truly glimpse the locals’ daily life. Explore the European-influenced French Concession and the tree-lined avenues and Tudor mansions of Luwan’s Huaihai Road. In the afternoon, leave Shanghai behind and embark on a two-hour journey to Xitang, a nearby water town. Once a hub for 19th-century businessmen, Xitang becomes enchanting in the evening when day-trippers depart. Stroll along lantern-lit canals and ask your leader for recommendations on which hole-in-the-wall eatery to choose, savoring classic Chinese cuisine while watching the lights reflect on the water’s surface.

Xitang-Shanghai to Yangshuo

Guilin - Rise and shine to explore the streets of Xitang. Cross charming bridges, relax by the canals, sip steaming cups of tea, learn about local history at one of the many museums, or simply get lost among the maze of peaceful cobblestone streets – a welcome break from bustling modern Shanghai. Return to Shanghai and board an overnight soft sleeper train bound for Guilin. The journey will take around 19 hours in total, though you’ll hopefully be sleeping for most of it. Train travel in China may not be entirely luxurious, but it’s certainly one of the best ways to connect with the country and its people, as it’s the primary mode of transport for locals.

Yangshuo

Yangshuo County - Disembark from the train and take a private bus from Guilin to Yangshuo. Absorb the charm of this town, popular with both Chinese and Western travelers, who come for the stunning landscape and stay for the excellent cafes and bars. It’s also one of the best places in the country to experience local culture and traditions while having plenty of fun. The countryside around Yangshuo is immortalized in many traditional Chinese paintings – imagine immense limestone karsts dotting the rural landscape, towering spectacularly over rice paddies and the meandering Li River. This scene is even celebrated on every 20 yuan note!

Yangshuo

Li River - The dramatic 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 splendid 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

Moon Hill - 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; climbing Xianggong Hill to view the meandering Li River, enjoying sunlight & shadow, cloud seas, sunrise, sunset, and rosy clouds; and discovering the mystery of the Ancient Stone Village. Highly recommended.

Yangshuo to Hong Kong

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

Hong Kong (Departure Day)

Hong Kong - Your China tour concludes this morning. There are no activities scheduled for the final day, and you are free to leave your accommodation at any time. Kindly Reminder: the check-out time is typically 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.

• Yangshuo - West street and river bank walking tour
• Beijing - Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City walking Tour
• Private bus and entrance tickets for excursions to Mutianyu Great Wall in Beijing
• Xitang - ancient town walking tour
• Yangshuo - countryside cycling tour
• Yangtze River Cruise
• Professional English speaking tour leader
• Breakfast
• Shanghai - city walking tour
• Three Gorges Dam tour
• Xi’an - Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Muslim Quarter and City Wall walking tour
• High speed train (Xi’an-Chongqing, Guilin-Hong Kong), 2nd class
• All transportation during the tour
• Night train (Beijing-Xian, Yichang-Shanghai, Shanghai-Guilin), soft sleeper
• Private bus and entrance tickets for excursions to Terracotta Army in Xian
• Hong Kong - Victoria Harbour walking tour
• Chongqing - city walking tour
• All accommodations in double and twin share rooms with private facilities

• Airport and departure taxes
• Arrival transfer on Day1 and departure transfer on Day17
• Lunches and dinners are not included, except the lunches and dinners on Yangtze River cruise
• Other optional excursions and entrance tickets
• Tips to drivers and tour guides
• Other personal expenses
• Visa to China
• Travel insurance

Discover the imperial architecture in Beijing, Learn how to build Great Wall, See the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, Explore the Ming City Wall, Bell Tower & Great Mosque, Cruise down the Yangtze River for visiting the controversial old and new Three Gorges and the Massive Dam Project, Experience the contrasts of Shanghai, A Short Excursion to Eastern Venice-Xitang, Sail down the most beautiful Li-River, Be amazed by natural landscapes in Yangshuo, Experience vibrant Hong Kong.

• The itinerary may be adjusted on the way, but it will not affect the original criteria and tourist attractions; in the event of uncontrollable factors (such as landslides, traffic congestion, weather, flight delays, etc.), Due to vehicle failure and other reasons, the travel delay or the failure to complete the scenic spot tour, we are responsible for solving or refund the tickets, the resulting costs are self-care,we do not bear the loss and liability. (tour order adjustment tips);
• Carry valuablestaff with you so as not to lose them. Do not smoke, spit or throw away rubbish in your car. Do not drink too much while traveling. Please take care of your belongings. If any property is lost, the travel agent will not be liable.
• During the tour, no expenses (such as meals, tickets, accommodation, etc.) are not refunded during the trip due to personal reasons. In the period of the departure of the group, the safety issues are taken care of by the guests, and the departure certificate is signed before the departure of the regiment. If there are any problems, we will help solve the problem, but do not take responsibility;
• Please ensure the health of the old people, such as the accident caused by the elderly during the trip, we only help, but do not assume responsibility for this;
• This trip is our comprehensive package price products, if holding student card, senior citizen card, officer card and other valid documents do not gettickets discount;
• When you travel, pay attention to protect your skin. In order to avoid fierce solar exposure, you should apply suncream, use umbrellas or wear hats, sunglasses, etc.
• Shoes must be comfortable, women travel do not wear high heels;
• Please pay attention to weather forecast or online inquiry before departure, so that you can bring your clothes.

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