12 days China Golden Tour Route with Grand Canal Cruise
- 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 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)
- 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
- 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
Accommodations: 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)
Accommodations: Jianguo Garden Hotel
Sites visited: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Jade Gallery
On this day you will visit Tiananmen Square, and the magnificent Forbidden City. In the afternoon, you will marvel at the spectacular Temple of Heaven and Jade Gallery.
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)
Accommodations: Jianguo Garden Hotel
Sites visited: Simatai Great Wall
You will be driven to the Jinshanlin section of the Great Wall where you will hike to the Simatai section. You will return back to downtown Beijing in the evening.
Day 4 Beijing / Xian (B,L)
Transfer via: Domestic flight arranged by China Odyssey Tours
Accommodations: Grand New World Hotel
Sites visited: Hutongs
After breakfast, you will visit Hutongs by rickshaw, lunch will be served in one of the local people's home during the tour. 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,L)
Accommodations: Grand New World Hotel
Sites visited: Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Bell Tower, Ancient City Walls, Xian Art Ceramics Factory
Today, you will first visit the incredible life-size Terracotta Warriors and Horses and Art Ceramics Fatory. After lunch, visit the Ancient City Walls and then the Bell Tower.
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: Domestic flight arranged by China Odyssey Tours
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Shanghai -Downtown
Sites visited: Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Hanyang Tombs
After breakfast, you will visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the Hanyang Tombs before your onward flight to the next destination--Shanghai. Upon your arrival at Shanghai, China's most cosmopolitan city, your personal guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax, or step out into this amazing city for an adventure on your own.
Day 7 Shanghai (B,L)
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Shanghai -Downtown
Sites visited: Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, Jade Buddha Temple, Jinmao Tower, The Bund, Nanjing Road, Jiangnan Silk Workshop
Unique Cultural Performance: Acrobatic Show
After breakfast, you will visit the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, which chronicles Shanghai’s past, present and future. You will immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere in the Jade Buddha Temple. You will later stroll along the Bund and Nanjing Road. After, you will enjoy a bird's eye view of the modern Shanghai from the Jinmao Tower and the famouse Silk Workshop. In the evening you enjoy a wonderful Acrobatic Show.
Day 8 Shanghai / Zhouzhuang / Suzhou (B,L)
Accommodations: Bamboo Grove Hotel
Sites visited: Ancient Memorial Archway, Hall of Shen's Residence, Quanfu Temple, Twin Bridge, Zhouzhuang
In the morning, you will be driven to water town of Zhouzhuang (one-hour). There you will visit the Ancient Memorial Archway, Quanfu Temple, Shen's Residence Hall, and the Twin Bridge. In the late afternoon you will be driven to Suzhou (40 minutes). Stay over night 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)
Transfer via: Express train arranged by China Odyssey Tours
Accommodations: Lakeview Hotel
Sites visited: Grand Canal, Lingering Garden, Pan Gate, The No.1 Silk Factory
Your tour in Suzhou includes: the quiet Lingering Garden and the Pan Gate. Enjoy the gentle breeze while cruise on the Grand Canal. Later visit the No.1 Silk Factory to learn how the pure silk products are made from a small cocoon. Then you will be transferred to the railway station for your express train to Hangzhou.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)
Transfer via: China domestic flight on our arrangement
Accommodations: Guilin Park Hotel
Sites visited: West Lake, Feilai Peak (Peak Flying From Afar), Lingyin Temple, Dragon Well Tea Plantation
The city tour in this beautiful city will include: West Lake by boat, Lingyin Temple and Feilai Peak and Dragon Well Tea Plantation.Then you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Guilin. Upon your arrival in Guilin, the most scenic city in China, your personal guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax, or step out into this dynamic city for a little adventure on your own.
Day 11 Guilin / Yangshuo / Guilin (B,L)
Accommodations: Guilin Park Hotel
Sites visited: Li River Cruise, West Street(Yangshuo), Elephant Trunk Hill
After breakfast, you will be driven to Zhujiang Pier (40-minute drive) to start your boat cruise down the picturesque Li River, which is the highlight of any visit to Guilin, until you get to Yangshuo County. Along the river, you will be inspired by breathtaking views of peaks and pinnacles, crystal-clear water and picturesque pastoral views of rice paddies and water buffaloes. Visitors feel they have stepped into a traditional Chinese painting. In Yangshuo, after roaming through the famed West Street, you will be driven back to Guilin (1.5-hour drive) and pay a visit to Elephant Trunk Hill.
Located in Hangzhou, the Lingyin Temple is one of the ten most famous Buddhist temples in China.
Enjoy a wonderful Li River Cruise and get a lifetime memory.
Day 12 Guilin (B)
Transfer via: International Flight on your own arrangement
Sites visited: Reed Flute Cave, Fubo Hill, Guilin South China Sea Water Pearl Museum
Today's excursion will bring you to Fubo Hill, Pearl museum and Reed Flute Cave before your guide escorts you to the airport for your flight to your next destination.
Price & Included Features
- China domestic flights as specified in the itinerary
- Accommodations: for 11 nights at four star hotels in comfortable twin-bedded rooms with a private bath, air-conditioning, television, telephone and minibar.
- 20 meals: 11 full breakfasts, 9 lunches and 0 dinners
- 1 unique cultural performance-- Acrobatic Show
- 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
The Grand New World Hotel in Xian is rated as one of the outstanding 4 Star Hotels in Xian in China. The hotel offers a host of amenities and facilities. It stands out among the other 4 star hotels due to its superior deliverance in customer satisfaction. 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
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.
