China Culture & Nature in a Nutshell

Itinerary

• Day 1: Beijing, Arrival

  Welcome to Beijing, the vibrant capital of today's China!

  Upon your arrival, your local guide will greet you and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax and recover from jetlag.

  • Beijing

• Day 2: Beijing, City Highlights Tour

  Start your exploration of Beijing with a visit to Tiananmen Square, the nation's political heart, followed by the splendid Forbidden City - a sprawling imperial palace complex serving as the feudal power seat between 1420AD-1911AD. Follow your knowledgeable guide to admire these grand architectures and immerse yourself in the fascinating stories behind them. Afterward, wander through some old hutongs - narrow alleys lined with Siheyuan (courtyard houses) -and peek into the traditional Beijing life.

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  • Beijing

• Day 3: Great Wall & Imperial Tomb

  No visit to Beijing is complete without a tour of the Great Wall. Today, you will conquer the magnificent Mutianyu Great Wall, a well-preserved section known for its stunning scenery and sturdy watchtowers. Hiking atop the venerable ramparts, marvel at the sweeping landscapes and feel the echoes of history beneath your feet.

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  • Beijing

• Day 4: Beijing - Xi'an

  Begin a new day at the Temple of Heaven, where you encounter locals in morning exercises, like Tai Chi. Feel free to join them and experience a slice of Beijing's daily life. Continue to the Summer Palace, a splendid imperial garden with serene lakes and charming pavilions. If time permits, take a boat ride on the Kunming Lake for beautiful views of the surroundings.

  Later, be escorted to the airport for your flight to Xi'an. Upon arrival, be welcomed and transferred to your hotel.

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  • Xi'an

• Day 5: Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall & Muslim Street

  The highlight of your tour today is the Terracotta Warriors, boasting thousands of life-size statues buried to protect China's first Emperor, Qin Shihuang, in the afterlife.
  Witness the sheer scale and artistry of this underground army and gain insight into the powerful military of the Qin Dynasty (221BC-207BC). Nearby, visit Xi'an Art Ceramic Factory and learn how these remarkable statues were crafted using ancient techniques.

  Late afternoon, return to the city and explore Muslim Street, a narrow bazaar filled with exotic local delicacies and souvenirs.

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  • Xi'an

• Day 6: Xi'an - Guilin

  After breakfast, fly to Guilin, which is celebrated as one of China's most picturesque cities.
  Upon arrival, meet your local guide and explore the Reed Flute Cave, known for various stalactites and stalagmites beautifully illuminated by vibrant lights, before heading to your hotel for relaxation.

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  • Guilin

• Day 7: 1-Day Longsheng Terraced Rice Fields Excursion

  Today's journey will take you to Longsheng, a culturally rich minority area famous for its spectacular Terraced Rice Fields, cascading down mountain slopes like shimmering ribbons, with their hues shifting from lush green, golden yellow, or sparking silver, varying according to season.
  Beyond the stunning views, you will also have the chance to visit the traditional village inhabited by Zhuang and Yao ethnic groups.

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  • Guilin

• Day 8: Li River Cruise to Yangshuo, Countryside Cycling & West Street

  Today, enjoy a leisurely Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo. As the boat glides along the river leisurely, you will be mesmerized by dramatic limestone karst peaks, lush greenery, and quaint riverside villages - like drifting through a traditional Chinese landscape painting.
  Upon arrival in Yangshuo, check into your hotel then start a bicycle tour (or a private car ride, if preferred) through idyllic countryside, mosaiced with emerald rice paddies, peaceful villages, winding trails, and majestic peaks.

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  • Yangshuo

• Day 9: Bullet Train to Chongqing

  After breakfast, transfer to Guilin for your high-speed journey to Chongqing. Upon arrival, meet your guide and driver who will whisk you to the dock to board your ship and start your memorable Yangtze River Cruise.

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  • Yangtze River Cruise

• Day 10: Yangtze River Cruise, Shibaozhai

  As the ship sails along the river, you can participate in various onboard activities, including a Tai Chi lesson to energize your morning. For those fascinated by Chinese folklore, an optional tour (pay on board) to Fengdu Ghost City offers a captivating glimpse into ancient beliefs about the afterlife.
  During the compulsory shore excursion, you will visit Shibaozhai, an impressive 12-story wooden pagoda built into a steep cliff. This architectural marvel provides panoramic views of the river and surrounding landscapes.  

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  • Yangtze River Cruise

• Day 11: Yangtze River Cruise, Shennv Stream

  Continue your cruise while enjoying the serene landscapes that unfold along the river bank. The shore excursion included for today is to Shennv Stream, a pristine tributary of the Yangtze River. Change a small boat to delve into the secret realm surrounded by dramatic cliffs, lush vegetation, and traditional villages.

  Those history buffs may opt for a visit to the White Emperor City (available at an additional cost), a historical site celebrated for its ancient temples, poetic legends, and stunning views of the Qutang Gorge.

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  • Yangtze River Cruise

• Day 12: Bullet Train to Nanjing

  The final shore excursion brings you to the Three Gorges Dam Site, the world's largest hydroelectric project. Get on the viewing platforms to appreciate the impressive scale of this colossal structure.
  After that, disembark the ship at around 11:00 am and then be escorted to the railway station for a bullet train to Nanjing. Upon your arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel.

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  • Nanjing

• Day 13: Nanjing Historic Heritage

  Start the tour today by marveling at the Mausoleum of Sun Yat-sen, the terminator of China's feudal dynasty and the pioneer of modern China. Nearby, visit Meiling Palace, a stately villa built as the residence of Chiang Kai-shek and his wife, Soong Mei-ling. 

  Then, explore the Xiao Mausoleum, where the founder of the Great Ming Dynasty rests. Stroll through its tree-lined Scary Way, pass by stone animals, ministers, and general warriors having guarded the tomb for over 600 years, and listen to the stories of this emperor who came from a poor peasant family.

  For the rest of the day, take a relaxing walk around Xuanwu Lake, the largest royal garden lake in Chinese history, and skim over scenic temples, pagodas, pavilions, and bridges.

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  • Nanjing

• Day 14: Ancient Temple, Fortification & Old Street Exploration

  Qixia Temple, first built in 489 AD, is a well-known Buddhist holy place. Nestle along the Qixia Mountain, cloaked in towering ginkgo trees and maple leaves, with quaint pagodas, Buddhist caves, and status dotted here and there, it's also a famous place to enjoy colorful autumn foliage or forest hiking.

  After two to three hours here, return and discover the old part of downtown Nanjing. Visit Zhonghua Gate, part of the ancient city wall, and delve into its ingenious design as a fortification to defend the power seat of the Ming Dynasty. East to the ancient gate, wander the narrow lanes of Laomendong to browse old buildings, antique shops, and internet celebrity snacks. When night falls, get on a wooden boat to take in the night charm of the Qinhuai River.

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  • Nanjing

• Day 15: Bullet Train to Huangshan

  After breakfast, be transferred to the railway station for a bullet train to Huangshan. On arrival, meet your local guide and driver for an impressive tour to Hongcun - a UNESCO World Heritage Site that seems like a charming Chinese landscape painting. Strolling through this antique village, you may get a deep understanding of their customs and cultures.

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  • Huangshan

• Day 16: Mt. Huangshan Overnight

  This morning, an hour's drive will take you to the foot of the Yellow Mountain (Mt. Huangshan) for a cable car up to the mountain top. After getting off the cable car, you need to walk around 40 minutes to 1.5 hours to your hotel. Along the way, you will see all manners of pines and peaks. If lucky enough, you may meet up with the sea of clouds. Finally, enjoy the fascinating sunset at Cloud Dispelling Pavilion.

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  • Mt. Huangshan

• Day 17: Sunrise Witness, Bullet Train to Shanghai

  Get up early this morning to watch the breathtaking landscape of sunrise and then get back to the hotel for breakfast. Afterward, continue to explore the picturesque West Sea Scenic Area and then take a cable car down and head to the railway station for a high-speed train to Shanghai. On arrival, be transferred to your hotel for check-in.

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  • Shanghai

• Day 18: Shanghai City Highlights

  Discover the dynamic blend of tradition and modernity that defines Shanghai. Start from the Shanghai Museum, hosting exceptional collections of historic and artistic treasures, from jade carvings and ceramics to traditional paintings and calligraphy.

  Next, stroll into the Yu Garden, a secluded oasis hidden in the hustle and bustle of Shanghai and showcasing beautiful rockeries, koi-filled ponds, intricately designed pavilions and bridges. Outside the garden, explore the Yuyuan Market before continuing with a leisurely walk along the Bund, a charming waterfront promenade offering panoramic views of the city’s dazzling skyline. For a spectacular finale, ascend the 118^th floor of the Shanghai Tower for a breathtaking bird's-eye view of the cityscape.

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  • Shanghai

• Day 19: Free Day in Shanghai

  Have a free day to explore more in Shanghai at your own pace. Indulge in high-end shopping or exquisite fine dining, or delve deeper into the city's modern and innovative façade. Alternatively, consider an optional tour to the nearby Suzhou, famed for its classical gardens, silk heritage, and charming water towns.

  • Shanghai

• Day 20: Shanghai Departure

  Your unforgettable journey through China concludes today. At the appointed time, your guide will escort you to the airport for your homebound flight. 

  Safe travels and farewell!

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