Family Vacation to China With Li River Cruise

Itinerary

• Day 1: Beijing, Arrival

  Welcome to Beijing! Start your family vacation in China as your guide meets you at the airport and takes you to your hotel for a smooth check-in. Each landmark in Beijing brings history to life, offering experiences that delight family members of all ages as you explore Beijing's palaces and charming hutongs together.

  • Beijing

• Day 2: Forbidden City & Peking Duck Tasting

  Begin with a visit to iconic Tiananmen Square and feel the historical and political pulse in the heart of modern China. Then, head to the imperial residences of the Forbidden City. Wander in awe through its vast halls and hidden corridors, exploring an endless collection of relics within the former home of emperors. Climb up Jingshan Park's peak, rewarded with panoramic city views from above.

  For lunch, indulge in Beijing's iconic delicacy - Peking duck. Revel in the contrasting layers of crispy skin and succulent flesh wrapped in a soft crepe.

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  • Beijing

• Day 3: Temple of Heaven, Great Wall, Old Beijing Hotpot

  The morning finds you amidst the serene surroundings of the Temple of Heaven, unraveling the mysteries of ancient imperial ceremonies within its ornate halls. Thereafter, at Mutianyu, about two hours away from downtown Beijing by drive, a scenic cable car journey uplifts you to the lofty heights of the Great Wall section. Heralding whipping mountain winds, the fortified ramparts trail endlessly under a vast blue sky.

  In the evening, enjoy the Old Beijing Hotpot. Simmer thinly sliced lamb in boiling stock and savor the warmth of good company as fragrant smells tease the senses.

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  • Beijing

• Day 4: Hutongs With Hands-on Activities, Beijing - Xi'an

  This morning, trace the narrow alleys and winding lanes of Hutongs on a rickshaw tour. Ancient courtyards and architectural relics are revealed, transporting you to the past. Afterward, indulge yourself with a relaxing session of hand-pinching noodles or shaping playful clay figures.

  As afternoon light fades, the high-speed rail whisks you westward till the ancient Xi'an emerges. On arrival, your guide will accompany you to the hotel for check-in and relaxation after the journey.

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  • Xi'an

• Day 5: Terracotta Army & Muslim Quarter

  Venture into the archaeological wonder of the Terracotta Army to delve into the subterranean vault housing over 8,000 life-sized warriors and horses molded in battle formation over 2,000 years ago. Try your hand at traditional crafts and shape a miniature Terracotta sculpture.

  When returning to the city, explore the bustling alleys and taste diverse street snacks amid the crowds and sounds of the Muslim Quarter.

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  • Xi'an

• Day 6: Puppetry Show With Calligraphy, Tang Costumes Dress-up

  Start your day discovering the architectural marvel of Drum Tower dominating the old city. Towering drum and bell structures inspire curiosity while strolling ancient alleys of the Muslim Quarter. Later, in the centuries-old Courtyard of family Gao, giggles erupt as shadow puppetry spins fanciful tales before your eyes. Also, here, get hands-on exploring your artistic sides through calligraphy tutorials - laugh at each other's "scribbles" as skills grow.

  In the evening, dress up in traditional Tang Dynasty costumes and stroll the Great Tang All Day Mall, a place replacing the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty over 1,200 years ago.

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  • Xi'an

• Day 7: Visit a Local Family

  For a truly immersive experience, your whole family receives a warm invitation into a local Xi'an home. Watch eagerly as your host kneads dough for dumplings and join in the motion. Enjoy hands-on lessons shaping fillings and pleating wrappers together, giggling over wonky results.

  Later, a flight will take you to Guilin, where you will meet your new guide and driver for more adventures.

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  • Guilin

• Day 8: Li River Cruise

  Your day discovers the poetic Li River, floating past its dramatically towering limestone pillars lining emerald shores. Gaze in wonder at the changing panoramas of this steep karst geography. Disembarking in Yangshuo by early afternoon, wander along famed West Street, where souvenirs tempt amid street performers' tunes. Later, be transferred to the hotel for rest.

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  • Yangshuo

• Day 9: Countryside Tour in Yangshuo

  Yangshuo's picturesque countryside awaits your family's discovery. Embark on a leisurely bicycle ride spinning along winding rural lanes, or hop aboard a private vehicle for scenic hillside vistas. Then, board the traditional bamboo raft, settling onto aged poles as you push off from the shore. Smiles linger from quality time while the simple vessel floats silently amongst shades of jade.

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  • Yangshuo

• Day 10: Reed Flute Cave, Guilin - Shanghai

  Boards the vehicle to return to Guilin City, where wonder awaits at Reed Flute Cave. The curious children drag you through mystical grottoes lit by rainbow hues of calcium deposits shaped into whimsical pillars, curtains, and monuments.

  Then, bid scenic Guilin goodbye and fly to Shanghai. On arrival, check into your hotel for an evening at leisure downtown.

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  • Shanghai

• Day 11: Old and Modern Shanghai

  Start your discovery of Shanghai by strolling the Bund for iconic river views and photos of the dynamic skyline. Then, immerse in exhibits unveiling city development at Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall. Wander Yu Garden together, discovering hidden charms amongst pavilions and ponds. Also, visit Yuyuan Market to take in the local atmosphere.

  For lunch, enjoy Chinese dim sum, relishing flavorful favorites like plump shrimp dumplings. Your family savors the variety of small plates and delicate flavors. Later, a visit to a silk workshop delights all. At Jade Buddha Temple, children gaze in awe at exquisite statues and the constant stream of believers. Then, take the dizzyingly fast elevator ascending Shanghai Tower, the world's second-highest skyscraper, for spectacular views from its observation decks above the city.

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  • Shanghai

• Day 12: Shanghai, Departure

  A filling breakfast fuels your family for the journeys ahead. Your guide transfers you all to the airport, marking the end of this adventure.

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