Beijing to Guilin and Hong Kong - 13 days

Welcome to China! Upon arriving at Beijing Capital International Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. After checking in, you'll have time to rest and enjoy the evening at your leisure.

You’ll start your day by visiting Tiananmen Square, a site of profound historical importance where the People's Republic of China was founded and which has been the backdrop for numerous significant events in China’s history. Take a moment to admire the iconic portrait of Mao Zedong that hangs over the Tiananmen gates.





Next, you’ll proceed to the Forbidden City, the grand palace complex that served as the imperial residence for emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. This vast palace boasts over 800 opulent buildings and 9,000 chambers. Please note that the Forbidden City is closed on Mondays. If your visit coincides with a Monday or if tickets are sold out, you will have the option to visit the Lama Temple or Confucius Temple as alternatives.





Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant, followed by an afternoon visit to the Temple of Heaven, renowned for its impressive religious architecture. Continue to the bustling Marriage Market, where parents gather to find suitable matches for their children.





Finally, you’ll transfer back to your hotel to relax and unwind, with the evening at leisure.

After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll set out to visit the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. In spring, the mountain is covered with beautiful flowers; in summer, it is lush and accompanied by the sound of flowing water; in autumn, the mountains are adorned with red leaves and abundant fruits; and in winter, it is blanketed in white snow, presenting a picturesque northern scenery. Perhaps even take the cable car, which can be arranged locally.





After lunch, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a pearl store, where you can learn about and purchase exquisite pearl jewelry.





In the afternoon, spend a leisurely time exploring the Summer Palace, where you can admire the blooming gardens grand pagodas. The Summer Palace is an impressive example of man-made beauty centered around Kunming Lake, an artificial body of water that was created by a labor force of over 10,000 workers. The rest of the evening will be spent at leisure.

Beijing - Xi'an. Begin the day with a tour of Beijing’s alleyways, known as ‘Hutongs,’ in the style of a Hutong Walk. This is also the perfect opportunity to sample some of Beijing's unique street food. Wander through these charming and historic alleys, admiring the tightly packed courtyards that house several households. During your exploration, you’ll even peek into an unassuming courtyard once frequented by the last empress of the Qing dynasty in her later years.





Following your Hutong tour, you’ll enjoy lunch before transferring to Beijing West Railway Station. Here, you’ll board a high-speed train to Xi’an. Upon arrival in Xi’an, you’ll meet your local guide at the railway station and be transferred to your hotel for check-in.

Dive into history at the Terracotta Warrior Museum, where you can marvel at the collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. These life-sized figures were meticulously modeled after actual soldiers of the Qin Army, and the site includes approximately 8,000 soldiers, 100 chariots, and 600 horses - none of which are identical. This impressive army was created to guard the remains of Emperor Qin Shihuang, which are housed in a vast mausoleum complex.





Following your visit to the museum, you’ll visit a jade carving factory. While here, you may also have the unique opportunity to meet one of the farmers who discovered the Terracotta Warriors and hear his personal stories if you're lucky!





You’ll then enjoy lunch at a local Chinese restaurant before transferring back to your hotel. The evening is free for you to explore and enjoy dinner on your own.

Xi'an - Shanghai. Today, you’ll visit the Great Mosque, a significant religious site for China’s Muslim population. This mosque is one of the earliest Islamic structures built in the world and symbolizes the introduction of Islam to the Far East. Its distinctive architecture, which features a strong Chinese influence and pagoda-style construction, sets it apart from other early mosques.





Next, you’ll continue to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Admire the exterior - a well-preserved ancient structure and one of the oldest surviving buildings of its kind in China.





You’ll then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before flying to Shanghai in the afternoon or early evening. Upon arrival, you’ll meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel. Relax at the hotel or take the evening to explore Shanghai independently.

After breakfast this morning, you’ll visit Zhujiajiao Water Town, located within an hour's drive from Shanghai along the Yangtze Delta. Spend half a day exploring this charming water town, wandering through its cobblestone paths. Be sure to visit an old courtyard once inhabited by a wealthy merchant and consider taking a leisurely gondola ride along the canals. You can also take a moment to relax, sip tea in a quaint tea house, and enjoy the soothing sounds of traditional Chinese musical instruments.





After lunch, you’ll visit a silk factory to learn about the production of silk and its significance in Chinese culture. The evening is at leisure.

Today's first stop will be the exquisite Yu Garden, situated in the old city center of Shanghai. Constructed 400 years ago during the Ming Dynasty, Yu Garden is a stunning example of classical Chinese garden design. Surrounded by the rapidly expanding city of Shanghai, the garden has been preserved as a peaceful retreat.





Following your visit to Yu Garden, you’ll enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, head to The Bund, renowned for its iconic skyline. The Pudong area boasts striking modernist architecture, while the colonial buildings across the Bund River provide a contrasting view of Shanghai's historical heritage.





Next, explore the Former French Concession, a charming area that represents a captivating blend of cultures and histories. Stroll through its tree-lined streets and admire the elegant architecture - a mix of Chinese and Western influences.





You’ll then transfer to the airport for your flight to Guilin, departing in the late afternoon or early evening. Upon arrival in Guilin, you’ll be transferred to your hotel.

Guilin - Longsheng - Guilin. After breakfast, you’ll set out to visit the Longji Rice Terraces, also known as the Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces. These terraces are renowned for their breathtaking beauty, resembling the scales of a dragon and the mountain range forming the dragon's backbone. The Longji Rice Terraces are celebrated as one of the most stunning rice terraces in the world.





You’ll enjoy lunch locally before transferring back to Guilin later the same day. The evening is free for you to explore at your own pace.

Guilin - Yangshuo - Guilin. Embark on a scenic cruise along the Li River, featured on the Chinese 20 RMB note and renowned for its stunning natural beauty. The Li River is celebrated as one of the world’s top ten watery wonders. The cruise offers views of verdant hills, bamboo forests, crystal-clear water, fishing boats, and ancient villages that line the river. The journey from Zhujiang Wharf to Yangshuo Town will take approximately 4 hours.





Lunch will be served on board during the cruise. Upon arriving in Yangshuo, you’ll explore Yangshuo Market, where you can see a variety of local produce and meats. Stroll down West Street, Yangshuo's oldest street, now a lively shopping area perfect for picking up souvenirs.







After your exploration, you’ll transfer back to Guilin. The evening is free for you to explore on your own.

Guilin - Hong Kong. After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll take a direct train from Guilin to Hong Kong. Upon arrival in Hong Kong, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and spend the morning at leisure. In the afternoon, embark on a half-day Hong Kong Island Tour, starting with a visit to Victoria Peak for stunning views of Hong Kong and Kowloon.





Continue to Aberdeen Fishing Village, known for its unique floating community, then explore the picturesque Repulse Bay with its scenic views of the South China Sea. Return to the Central District and take a memorable ferry ride across Victoria Harbour aboard the iconic Star Ferry, renowned by National Geographic as one of the top 50 must-do trips. Transfer back to your hotel and enjoy the evening at your own pace.

Today, your China adventure comes to an end. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for your departure flight. Safe travels!