21 days China Landscape and Ethnic Culture Tour
- Trip Highlights: This tour takes you to the quintessential destinations all around China. 21 days will give you a moderate schedule enabling an in-depth visit at each sight. The splendid Beijing, the historic Xian, the magnificent Yangtze River, the picturesque Guilin, the exotic Yunnan, and the mysterious Tibet are all packed up into your ideal China vacation.
- Tour Route: Beijing (China's Capital)
Xian (Home of the Terracotta Warriors)Lhasa (Holy Tibetan City)Yangtze Cruises (Majestic Landscapes)Kunming (Spring City)Lijiang (Preserved Ancient Town)Guilin (Li River & Yangshuo)
- Tour Code: COT-B-021-B
- Dates: No fixed departure dates. You may go whenever you wish.
- Starts/Ends: Beijing/Guilin
- Trip Type: Landscape and Nature, River Cruise Holidays, Ethnic Culture and Folk Arts
- Activity Level: Regular itinerary, Moderate walking, Easy cycling
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
- Special Experiences:
- Experience the holiness and heavenly beauty of Tibetan plateau and its spiritual heart - Lhasa
- Cruise down the Yangtze River for spectacular landscapes and man made marvels
- Cruise for half day down the extremely scenic Li River featured crystal clear water and unique-shaped limestone hills along the way
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive / Beijing
Transfer via: International Flight on your own arrangement
Accommodations: Jianguo Garden Hotel 
Upon your arrival at the Beijing airport, your local guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax and recover from jetlag.
Day 2 Beijing (B,L)
Accommodations: Jianguo Garden Hotel
Sites visited: Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Hutongs
On this day you will first visit Tiananmen Square followed by the magnificent Forbidden City. In the afternoon you will explore Beijing's Hutongs by pedicab and walk along the Houhai (back sea) bar street.
Day 3 Beijing (B,L,D)
Accommodations: Jianguo Garden Hotel
Sites visited: Great Wall, Sacred Road
Special Dinner: Peking Duck Dinner
You will visit to the magnificent Great Wall (Mutianyu section) and Sacred Road. In the evening you will be taken out for an incredible Peking Duck Banquet for dinner.
The magnificent Tiananmen Square is the south gate to the Forbidden City.
The splendid Great Wall is an ideal place to hiking and sightseeing.
Day 4 Beijing / Xian (B,L)
Transfer via: Domestic flight arranged by China Odyssey Tours
Accommodations: Grand New World Hotel
Sites visited: Temple of Heaven
After breakfast, you will visit Beijing's spectacular Temple of Heaven and enjoy watching the locals doing their morning exercises before being escorted to the airport for your flight to your next destination. Upon arriving in Xian, your local guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax, or step out to discover what this amazing city has to offer.
Day 5 Xian (B,L)
Accommodations: Grand New World Hotel
Sites visited: Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Banpo Museum, Bell Tower
You will visit the incredible life-size Terracotta Warriors in the morning. After lunch, you will visit the Banpo Museum and then the ancient Bell Tower.
Day 6 Xian (L)
Accommodations: Grand New World Hotel
Sites visited: Ancient City Walls, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Great Mosque
After breakfast, you will tour Ancient City Walls and Big Wild Goose Pagoda. In the afternoon, you will visit The Great Mosque and Muslim community.
Terracotta Warriors and Horses - the first emperor's underground warriors afterlife.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda - it has been the holy place for Chinese Buddhist since ancient time to today.
Day 7 Xian / Lhasa (B,L)
Transfer via: Domestic flight arranged by China Odyssey Tours
Accommodations: Tibet Hotel
Sites visited: Lhasa
On this day you will be free until your guide escorts you to the airport for your flight to your next destination-Lhasa. Upon your arrival at Gonggar airport, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to the hotel in Lhasa city (2-hour drive), you will view the Stone Giant Buddha engraved in the mountain face en route. After checking in the hotel, rest in the afternoon to get adapted to the high altitude.
Day 8 Lhasa (B,L)
Accommodations: Tibet Hotel
Sites visited: Barkhor Street, Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace
Your sightseeing today will include the Lhasa's cardinal landmark - Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and flourishing Barkhor Street.
Day 9 Lhasa (B,L)
Accommodations: Tibet Hotel
Sites visited: Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, Norbulingka Park
Today we will bring you to the Norbulingka Park, the Drepung Monastery and the Sera Monastery.
The majestic Potala Palace has won the name of the "New seven wonders of the world" by the American newspaper USA Today.
Shotan Festival is Tibetan's most ceremonious festivals in the year, people usually eating Yoghourt and watching Tibetan dramas at this day.
Day 10 Lhasa / Chongqing / Embark your ship (B,L,D)
Transfer via: Domestic flight arranged by China Odyssey Tours
Accommodations: Ship of Yangtze Cruise
Special Dinner: Hot Pot
Free in the day until our local guide escorts you to the airport for your onward flight to your next destination-Chongqing. Upon arriving in Chongqing, your personal guide will meet you at the airport. Enjoy a hot pot dinner before your transfer to get on board the ship
Day 11 Yangtze River Cruise (B,L,D)
Accommodations: Ship of Yangtze Cruise
Sites visited: Fengdu Ghost City
Shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City.
Day 12 Yangtze River Cruise (B,L,D)
Accommodations: Ship of Yangtze Cruise
Sites visited: Lesser Three Gorges
Shore excursion to Lesser Three Gorges by smaller vessels.
Day 13 Yichang (B,L)
Accommodations: Peninsula Hotel
Sites visited: The Three Gorge Dam
Shore excursion to Three Gorges Dam site this morning(08:00-10:00). After lunch, you will disembark the ship in Yichang at 13:30. Stay over night in Yichang.
Fengdu Gost City - an ideal place to understand Chinese ghost culture.
The Three Gorge Dam - the largest hydro- electric power station in the world.
Day 14 Yichang / Kunming (B,L)
Transfer via: Domestic flight arranged by China Odyssey Tours
Accommodations: Kunming Hotel
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Kunming. Upon arriving in Kunming, your tour guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax, or step out onto the city for a little adventure of your own.
Day 15 Kunming (B,L)
Accommodations: Kunming Hotel
Sites visited: Stone Forest
On this day you will visit Kunming's famous Stone Forest, a bizarre rock formation created over millennia of rain and weather. A must-see! In the afternoon you will be free to check out all that Kunming has to offer.
Day 16 Kunming / Lijiang (B,L)
Transfer via: Domestic flight arranged by China Odyssey Tours
Accommodations: Wang fu Hotel
Sites visited: Lijiang Ancient Town, Lion Hill
You will be escorted to the Kunming airport for your flight to Lijiang. Upon arriving in Lijiang, you will be met by your local guide who will escort you to your hotel. You will then the Lijiang Ancient Town and the beautiful Lion Hill located inside the Ancient Town.
Day 17 Lijiang (B,L)
Accommodations: Wang fu Hotel
Sites visited: Baisha Mural Paintings, Black Dragon Pool Park, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Museum of Naxi Dongba Culture
This day will be a full one. You will visit the picturesque snow capped Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, followed by a trip to the ancient Baisha Mural Paintings. In the afternoon you will visit the Black Dragon Pool Park and Museum of Naxi Dongba Culture located inside the park.
The Naxi minority people are the main minority living in the well preserved Lijiang Ancient Town.
The picturesque Black Dragon Pool Park is an excellent park to relax yourself.
Day 18 Lijiang (B,L)
Accommodations: Wang fu Hotel
Sites visited: First Bend of the Yangtze River, Shigu (Stone Drum) Town, Tiger Leaping Gorge
In the morning you will be driven to the town of Shigu (Stone Drum) to view the stunning First Bend of the Yangtze River and Iron Chain Bridge. After, you will visit the Tiger Leaping Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. In the late afternoon, you will be driven back to Lijiang (2 to 3 hours drive).
Day 19 Lijiang / Kunming /Guilin (B)
Transfer via: Domestic flight arranged by China Odyssey Tours
Accommodations: Guilin Park Hotel
On this day you will be free until your tour guide escorts you to the airport for your flight back to Kunming. And then you will take your forward flight from Kunming 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 20 Guilin / Yangshuo (B,L)
Accommodations: New Century Hotel
Sites visited: Li River Cruise, West Street(Yangshuo)
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. After checking into your hotel, you will take a bike tour along Jima Road.
Cruising on the enchanting Li River.
The magically iluminated Reed Flute Cave.
Day 21 Yangshuo / Guilin / Departure (B)
Transfer via: International Flight on your own arrangement
Sites visited: Elephant Trunk Hill, Fubo Hill, Reed Flute Cave
On this day you will be driven back to Guilin (1.5-hour drive), where you will visit Elephant Trunk Hill, Fubo Hill, and Reed Flute Cave before being escorted to the airport for your flight to your next destination.
Price & Included Features
- China domestic flights as specified in the itinerary
- Accommodations: for 1 night at three star hotels, 16 nights at four star hotels and 3 nights at five star cruise in comfortable twin-bedded rooms with a private bath, air-conditioning, television, telephone and minibar.
- 41 meals: 19 full breakfasts, 18 lunches and 4 dinners(included )
- 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
Tibet Hotel is an enterprise under the administration of Tourism Bureau of Tibet Autonomous Region, which is a luxurious three-star hotel with traditional Tibetan style. The hotel is constructed in granite in shape of the Potala Palace. The hotel is near to the Potala Palace and Norbulinka with comfortable environment and convenient transportation. After finish the Building for the Honored Guests of Tibet Hotel which is built with the standard of four-star hotel and invested 50 million Yuan, Tibet Hotel will welcome you with a new appearance. Tibet Hotel has 258 super-decorated guest rooms and suites including 2 luxurious presidential suites, 8 luxurious suites, 5 economic suites, 220 standard rooms, 20 single rooms, 8 triple rooms and 3 special rooms for the disabled. All these rooms are equipped with sanitary ware from U.S.A., coded safe, central heating system, in-room safe, hair dryer, private bathroom, weight, color TV, refrigerator, mini-bar and etc. Besides these, there are also living-room, office, chess-room and sona-bath. Detail
Yangtze Cruises - Ship of Yangtze Cruise
All the 5-star luxury liners, considered to be truly excellent, are equipped to a very high standard. With various cuisine, English-speaking service and luxurious decor among the finest, they pride themselves on providing the highest quality service especially for overseas guests. Besides standard rooms, deluxe suites are also available, with modern facilities to satisfy your need. During the Yangtze River cruise, you can not only appreciate the impressive landscape, but participate in the various interesting activities, such as the captain's welcome & farewell receptions and dinner, morning Tai Chi exercise, fun and informative Chinese tea tasting, practicing and learning Chinese calligraphy and painting. Moreover, the cruises will make stops in ancient and fascinating riverside towns. It is more than just a cruise tour. It is an experience of nature and culture on an amazing land.
It is a standard 4 star hotel in the small city Yichang.
Founded in May 1956, Kunming Hotel started business in October 1958. The European style architecture of the Hotel looked so serene that it was a very eye-catching building in Kunming in the mid-twentieth century.In 1982, the main building was constructed. The futuristic design of the towering building is still attractive. It was redecorated in 1992. With its well-appointed equipment and first-rate service, Kunming Hotel became the first four-star hotel in Yunnan. Detail
Lijiang Wangfu Hotel is a charming and unique four star hotel in Lijiang.The hotel has 2 floors and 92 guest rooms. Complete with small courtyards, gates, and waterside pavilions, the peaceful surroundings resemble a traditional Chinese landscape painting.
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.
