Essential China Senior Trip From Hong Kong

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival, Hong Kong

  Upon your arrival in Hong Kong, China's most westernized city, your private tour guide will welcome you at the airport and accompany you on a private transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

  • Hong Kong

• Day 2: Hong Kong Island

  Acquaint yourself with the unique east-meets-west cityscape on today's introductory tour. Start by riding the Peak Tram, in operation since 1888, to reach Victoria Peak, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city. Free to explore the entertainment and shopping options available on the Peak. Later, we will guide you to the heart of Hong Kong - Central. Here, you'll take the Central Mid-levels Escalator to explore the transformed historic site, the former prison known as Tai Kwun, and the nearby Central Market. Experience the vibrant essence of Hong Kong's prime location and uncover intriguing culture and history.

  The afternoon is yours to relax or explore more of Hong Kong at your pace.

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  • Hong Kong

• Day 3: Hong Kong - Guilin

  Enjoy some leisure this morning until your private car arrives to take you to the railway station, where a high-speed train is waiting to whisk you over to Guilin in just 3.5 hours.

  Nightfall arrives, and you might want to stroll amidst the enchanting night scenery of downtown Guilin, admiring the dazzling lights of the Sun and Moon Pagodas shining upon the Fir Lake.

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  • Guilin

• Day 4: Guilin - Yangshuo, Li River Cruise

  Today, you will take the Li River cruise down to the scenic town of Yangshuo. Along the way, immerse yourself in the dramatic landscape of clear water, karst hills, paddy fields, and rural villages.

  Disembark in Yangshuo at around 1:30 pm to 2 pm (depending on the water condition) and walk through the bustling West Street, followed by a private transfer to your Yangshuo hotel. For the rest of the day, relax, indulge, and explore your scenic surroundings.

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  • Yangshuo

• Day 5: Yangshuo, Cooking Class or Countryside Tour

  For the morning's itinerary, choose one that interests you. Take a join-in cooking class (about 3 hours) to learn how to make a few popular local dishes from an English-speaking chef. Or go on a countryside tour, driving by farmlands, exploring Jiuxian Ancient Village, and strolling beside the Yulong River.

  In the afternoon, you will have free time to explore Yangshuo at your own pace.

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  • Yangshuo

• Day 6: Yangshuo - Xi'an

  Following a tranquil morning in Yangshuo, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Xi'an.

  Have a rest at your hotel before enjoying an enriching visit to Tang Dynasty Theme Park, known as the Great Tang All Day Mall. From vibrant market scenes to elegant imperial courts, it promises an immersive experience of ancient Chinese life and culture.

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  • Xi'an

• Day 7: Xi'an, Terracotta Warriors

  Spend the morning exploring the legendary 2,000-year-old Terracotta Army, including thousands of Terracotta Warriors and gleaming Bronze Chariots, and listen to the stories behind these life-size warriors and their master Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of a unified China.

  Once back to the city center, stroll around the bustling Muslim Quarter to try out ethnically Muslim food and visit the active Great Mosque if time permits.

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  • Xi'an

• Day 8: Family Visit & Home Cooking, Xi'an - Beijing

  To truly experience Chinese life and culinary traditions, visit a local family this morning and engage with your hosts to learn the art of crafting dumplings, hand-pulled noodles, and other comforting dishes. If you wish, accompany them to a local market and select fresh ingredients before starting the cooking.

  Then, boarding a high-speed train to Beijing in 4.5 to 6 hours, meet your local guide for a private transfer from the railway station to your hotel. The rest of today is free to relax or explore at your leisure.

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  • Beijing

• Day 9: Beijing, Forbidden City & Chinese Medical Experience

  Start today's city journey from Tiananmen Square - the landmark of Beijing, followed by an insightful visit to the Forbidden City. You will be amazed by the massive imperial palace home to 24 Chinese emperors and their families for some 500 years. Within the royal complex, step into the Imperial Medicine Hall of Yonghe Palace to learn the art and science behind Chinese medical practice and try your hand at creating a traditional perfume sachet.

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  • Beijing

• Day 10: Beijing, Mutianyu Great Wall

  After breakfast, drive about two hours to visit the less crowded Mutianyu section of the Great Wall.

  Upon arrival, take a cable car ascending to enjoy panoramic views of the lush rolling hills and ancient fortifications. Engage in some moderate hiking along the Wall, exploring its impressive watchtowers and robust stonework while soaking in the majestic scenery. The peaceful surroundings and breathtaking vistas make for an unforgettable experience at one of the world's most iconic landmarks.

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  • Beijing

• Day 11: Beijing, Heaven of Temple & Summer Palace

  Begin your day in the revered Temple of Heaven, where you can join locals in their morning exercises, such as singing, dancing, and practicing Tai Chi. Afterward, venture into Beijing's historic Hutong neighborhoods. Visit a traditional courtyard-style house and engage with a local family over a homemade lunch.

  In the afternoon, unwind with a leisurely boat cruise on Kunming Lake at the magnificent Summer Palace. Marvel at the lush gardens, grand temples, and splendid palaces that epitomize perfect harmony in this picturesque setting.

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  • Beijing

• Day 12: Beijing, Departure

  Bid farewell to Beijing today. Your tour guide and driver will pick you up at the appointed time and take you to the airport for your flight back home.

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