12 days China Golden Tour Route with Grand Canal Cruise
- Tour Route: Beijing (China's Capital)
Xian (Home of the Terracotta Warriors)Shanghai (Cosmopolitan Metropolis)Zhouzhuang (Ancient Water Town)Suzhou (Classical Gardens)Hangzhou (Paradise on Earth)Guilin (Li River & Yangshuo) - Trip Highlights: This 12-day China Golden Tour Route with a cruise down the Grand Canal is the perfect tour traveler who wants to see more of China. This tour will take you to Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, and Guilin, four of China's most popular tourist destinations. The cities of Suzhou and Hangzhou are more popular than ever and have become very hot tourist destinations. A visit to these two dynamic cities is a great way to experience the REAL China.
- Tour Code: COT-B-012-B
- Dates: No fixed departure dates. You may go whenever you wish.
- Starts/Ends: Beijing/Guilin
- Trip Type: Culture and History Journey, For First Time Visitors
- Activity Level: Active itinerary, Moderate walking, Moderate hiking
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
- Special Experiences:
- A thrilling but safe hiking experience on the Simatai section Great Wall, with some parts less than one meter wide stretching on the cliffy mountain ridges, also known as the Wild Great Wall or the Heavenly Ladder
- Hutong (courtyard dwellings) tour by rickshaw to experience the traditional lifestyle of Beijing folks, and delicious Peking Roast Duck for dinner
- Taste delicious dumplings with surprising variety when appreciate Tang Dynasty Music and Dance reflecting the splendor of ancient China
- Enjoy an awesome acrobatic show in Shanghai where has long-standing reputation in international circus-acrobatic circles
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Beijing
Transfer via: International Flight on your own arrangement
Accommodatoins: Jianguo Garden Hotel 
Upon your arrival at Beijing airport, our local guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free at your own leisure.
Day 2 Beijing (B,L)
Accommodatoins: Jianguo Garden Hotel
Sites visited: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace
Today you will first visit the historic Tiananmen Square, and then the magnificent Forbidden City. In the afternoon, you will marvel at the exquisite Summer Palace.
As the symbol of Beijing, the solemn Tiananmen stands among the bustles.
As the ancient imperial garden, the Summer Palace is more amazing at sunset.
Day 3 Beijing (B,L,D)
Accommodatoins: Jianguo Garden Hotel
Sites visited: Simatai Great Wall
Special Dinner: Peking Duck Dinner
Today you will have a vist to the Great Wall at Simatai after 3 hours driving. Enjoy a famous Peking Duck Banquet for dinner.
Day 4 Beijing / Xian (B,L)
Transfer via: China domestic flight on our arrangement
Accommodatoins: Hotel Royal Garden
Sites visited: Hutongs
After breakfast, you will visit Hutongs by rickshaw, and lunch will be served in one of the local people's home during the tour, when you can learn how to make dumplings. And then take the afternoon flight to Xi'an. Upon your arrival, our local guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free at your own leisure.
Day 5 Xian (B,D)
Accommodatoins: Hotel Royal Garden
Sites visited: Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Bell Tower, Ancient City Walls
Special Dinner: Dumpling Dinner
Unique Cultural Performance: Tang Dynasty Show
Today,you will first visit the incredible life-size Terracotta Warriors and Horses, after lunch, visit the Ancient City Walls and the Bell Tower. Complete the day with a savory dumpling dinner and the Tang Dynasty show both at Shaanxi Grand Opera Theatre.
The Simatai Great Wall is renowned for its steepness, queerness and intactness.
Tang Dynasty Show is a wonderful performance with ancient music and dance.
Day 6 Xian / Shanghai (B,L)
Transfer via: China domestic flight on our arrangement
Accommodatoins: Holiday Inn Shanghai -Downtown
Sites visited: Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Shaanxi Provincial Museum
After breakfast, you will have a city tour to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda before your onward flight to the next destination--Shanghai. Upon your arrival at Shanghai, China's most cosmopolitan city, our local guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free at your own leisure.
Day 7 Shanghai (B,L,D)
Accommodatoins: Holiday Inn Shanghai -Downtown
Sites visited: Shanghai Museum, The Bund, Nanjing Road, Yu Garden, Yuyuan Market
Unique Cultural Performance: Acrobatic Show
Today, your tour of incredible Shanghai will include: Shanghai Museum, the Bund and the Nanjing Road, Yu Garden and Yuyuan Market. Enjoy a wonderful Acrobatic Show at the Shanghai Centre Theatre tonight.
Day 8 Shanghai / Zhouzhuang / Suzhou (B,L,D)
Accommodatoins: Bamboo Grove Hotel
Sites visited: Zhouzhuang, Ancient Memorial Archway, Twin Bridge, Hall of Shen's Residence, Quanfu Temple
In the morning, drive to Zhouzhuang (130km away from Shanghai), there you will pay a visit to the Ancient Memorial Archway, Quanfu Temple, the Hall of Shen's Residence and the Twin Bridge. Drive back to Suzhou afterwards. Overnigh in Suzhou.
As the symbol of the ancient Xian city, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda holds precious Buddhist materials taken from India by the hierarch Xuanzang.
Zhouzhuang - a famous water township in China, is noted for its colorful culture, well-preserved residential houses, intense traditions and customs.
Day 9 Suzhou / Hangzhou (B,L)
Accommodatoins: Lakeview Hotel
Sites visited: Grand Canal, Lingering Garden
Today, you will cruise on the Grand Canal and then visit Lingering Garden before go to bus station for your bus to Hangzhou. After 3.5 hours, upon your arrival at Hangzhou, our local guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free at your own leisure.
Day 10 Hangzhou / Guilin (B,L,D)
Transfer via: China domestic flight on our arrangement
Accommodatoins: Guilin Park Hotel
Sites visited: West Lake, Feilai Peak (Peak Flying From Afar), Lingyin Temple, Six Harmonies Pagoda
The city tour in this beautiful city will include: West Lake by boat, Lingyin Temple and Feilai Peak and Six Harmonies Pagoda. Then you will be transfered to airport for your flight to Guilin. Upon your arrival at Guilin, the most scenic city in China, our local guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel.
Day 11 Guilin / Yangshuo (B,L)
Accommodatoins: New Century Hotel
Sites visited: Li River Cruise, West Street(Yangshuo)
After breakfast, drive to Zhujiang Pier (about 40-minute drive) to start the boat cruise along the tranquil Li River, the highlight of your sightseeing tour in Guilin, until you get to Yangshuo County. Free time in the afternoon after checking in the hotel in Yangshuo.
Located in Hangzhou, the Lingyin Temple is one of the ten most famous Buddhist temples in China.
On the Li River Cruise, tourists may fully enjoy the fantastic Guilin mountains and rivers.
Day 12 Guilin (B)
Transfer via: International Flight on your own arrangement
Sites visited: Reed Flute Cave, Fubo Hill, Elephant Trunk Hill
Today's excursion will bring you to the Elephant Trunk Hill, the Fubo Hill and the Reed Flute Cave. Our local guide escorts you to the airport for your onward flight to your next destination.
Price & Included Features
- China domestic flights as specified in the itinerary
- Accommodations: for 11 nights at three star or higher hotels in comfortable twin-bedded rooms with twin-beds, a private bath, air-conditioning, television, telephone and minibar
- 27 meals: 11 full breakfasts, 9 lunches and 7 dinners(Peking Duck Dinner,Dumpling Dinner)
- 2 unique cultural performance-- Tang Dynasty Show in Xian, Acrobatic Show in Shanghai
- Round-trip transfers between airports, hotels, and scenic spots in each city by private air-conditioned vehicles with experienced licensed drivers
- A local English-speaking guide in each city
- Entrance fees to all scenic spots listed in the itinerary
- Luggage transfers between airports and hotels
- China Life Tourist Accident/Casualty Insurance
- Government taxes and service charges except tips for tour guides and drivers
Accommodation
Beijing - Jianguo Garden Hotel
A Four-Star International Hotel, Jianguo Garden Hotel is located in the heart of Beijing. It is located on bustling Chang'an Street, located near the well-known Shopping street of Wangfujing and just a few minute's drive to historical Tourist attractions such as Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Detail
xi'an was called Chang'an in the Han Dynasty ,The connotation of "Chang'an"is "a place of permanent peace ".Xi'an was the starting point of the world-famous Silk Road , It can be well likened to history museum , moving around this old city is like going through thousands of years back in time. Hotel Royal Garden is located at east street of busy shopping centre. There is 5km(3miles) to railway station , 42km(26miles) to airport .and possess 429 guest rooms. Detail
Shanghai - Holiday Inn Shanghai -Downtown
The Four-star Holiday Inn Shanghai is strategically located with easy accessibility to shopping and tourist attractions. Combining a central location with excellent service and facilities, the Holiday Inn Downtown Shanghai is an ideal choice for visitors to Shanghai. Detail
The hotel features non-smoking rooms and each room has individually controlled air conditioning, television, internet access, trouser press, iron, and hair dryer. The hotel also offers its guests room service, morning wake-up calls, a boutique, car rental, dry cleaning, and laundry. Detail
The Lakeview Hotel is situated by the city of Hangzhou's renowned West Lake. You can enjoy a picturesque view of the whole West Lake from our hotel. Guests will enjoy first-rate accommodations and exceptional amenities that combine with our signature brand of service. Please, relax and enjoy the view from our 359 well-designed rooms and suites. You can find the hotel at the crossing of West Huancheng Road, Hu Bin Road and Qingchun Road, and it is the most convenient 4 star business hotel within walking distance of the business district and the beautiful West Lake. We are 40 minutes from the Hangzhou International Airport and 10 minutes from the Hangzhou Railway Station. Detail
Guilin Park Hotel is a four-star international hotel. Conveniently situated between Lake Guihu and Mount Laoren in the city center. The hotel commands some of the most picturesque views in Guilin and contrasts finely with the famous Duxiu peak, Diecai Hill and Fubo Hill. Lying on the slight mountain slope, surrounded by green trees and fresh flowers, the building combines modern arts with a rich national flavour. Detail
Hotel in Yangshuo just nearby the west street. You could walk to the west street in 10 minutes and wander along the east-western style street. For entertainment, there is a bar, coffee shop, gymnasium, beauty salon and so on. Detail
Meals
Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary. Meal codes are: B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner.
Breakfast - Each breakfast will be served in your hotel. Breakfast selections include both Chinese and Western dishes to meet every diner's taste.
Lunch - Lunches are normally arranged at the Chinese restaurants near the scenic spots. Your tour guides will order food according to your appetite. Most are Chinese dishes, and some are modified to fit westerners' tastes. A complimentary glass of beer or soft drink is served with lunch.
Dinner - Same as lunch. If you prefer to not eat Chinese food, China Odyssey Tours suggests you have dinner on your own. Your local tour guide can recommend some good western restaurants in the area.
Transfer and Transport Service
China Odyssey Tours has received wide recognition for its transfer service. With our on-time service, you will never feel alone while traveling through China. We work hard to live up to the slogan's promise "You are not alone in China".
With our private small group tours, you can feel safe in the knowledge that you will enjoy flexible tour arrangements and you will have your own tour guide, car and driver in each destination, exclusive to your own group of friends or family.
