Five-City Odyssey from the Vibrancy of Hong Kong to the Grandeur of Beijing

• Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees Hong Kong or hotel of similar caliber
• None

Your English-speaking guide will greet you at the arrivals hall and escort you directly to your hotel. Check in and take some time to recover from any jet lag.

• Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees Hong Kong or hotel of similar caliber
• Breakfast

Half-Day Tour of Victoria Peak, Aberdeen, and Repulse Bay (meals not included): Your Hong Kong guide will pick you up from the hotel for a tour lasting up to five hours. Hong Kong, with its unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures, is an exciting travel destination.

This half-day excursion will take you to one of Hong Kong's most popular attractions—Victoria Peak. You'll ride the 112-year-old Peak Tram and visit the iconic Peak Tower. Next, you'll head to Aberdeen Harbour, famous for its community of fishermen living on boats. You have the option to take a sampan ride for $10-12 to experience this distinctive lifestyle. The final stop is Repulse Bay, one of Hong Kong’s most prestigious and upscale residential areas. 

• Guilin Lijiang Waterfall Hotel or hotel of similar caliber
• Breakfast

 Today, you will journey to Guilin by train. The guide and driver will meet you at the hotel at the appointed time and drive you to the West Kowloon Railway Station, where you will board the high-speed train to the charming city of Guilin.

Upon arrival at the Guilin West Railway Station, a local guide will greet you at the station's exit. After meeting you, the driver will escort you to your hotel in Guilin. Following check-in, you may retreat to your room for some rest. The remainder of the day is yours to explore at leisure.

• Guilin Lijiang Waterfall Hotel or hotel of similar caliber
• Breakfast, lunch

Today, we will visit the Longji Ping’an Rice Terraces, home to over 50 families and more than 200 residents. Viewed from above, the terraces resemble the ribcage of a dragon extending from the steep slopes, hence the name "Dragon's Backbone".

Located approximately two hours by car from Guilin, the area is surrounded by several villages. The terraces span an area of 66 square kilometers (25 square miles) and were constructed by local ethnic minorities around 600 years ago. The terraces in the village range from 300 to 1,100 meters in elevation.

This excursion promises to quicken your pulse and requires a moderate amount of walking, necessitating a certain level of fitness. Typically, vehicles must stop outside the village, and you will take an electric cart up the mountain to the first viewpoint to admire the terraces' spectacular beauty. Afterward, you may walk for about 30 minutes to another viewpoint for a different perspective. You can then descend on foot.

We will arrange for you to enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the Longji scenic area, with your local guide recommending specific venues based on your interests and schedule.

After lunch, your guide and driver will escort you back to Guilin, a journey of about two hours. Once you return to the hotel, you can retreat to your room for a well-deserved rest. If you wish to relax with a foot massage, feel free to ask your guide for recommendations; this service will be at your own expense.

• Yangshuo Mountain Retreat or hotel of similar caliber
• Breakfast, lunch

Relish your leisure time today! You will embark on a Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, where breathtaking scenery unfolds around every bend.

Upon reaching Yangshuo, we will check in and take a brief repose. Afterwards, we shall explore the picturesque countryside of Yangshuo by bicycle or e-bike.

The cruise lasts 4-5 hours, today's lunch will be provided on the cruise. 

• Sunrise On The Bund or hotel of similar caliber
• Breakfast, lunch

Waking up with bird twittering, today you will experience a Chinese Cookery Class. This class begins at the local market, where ingredients for the dishes are chosen by students. Enjoy the fruits of your labor.

After concluding lunch, the guide and driver will escort you to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport, where you will board a flight to Shanghai.

Upon arriving at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, you will be welcomed by the guide. You will then proceed to the hotel for check-in. After settling in, you may retire to your room for rest. The remaining time is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

• Sunrise On The Bund or hotel of similar caliber
• Breakfast, lunch

Your local guide will lead you to ascend Shanghai's tallest building, the Shanghai Tower, offering a monumental view over the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and a sweeping panorama of the city.

Amidst the bustling crowds, board a public ferry across the Huangpu River, drifting slowly from the modernity of Pudong to the historical depths of old Shanghai, crafting the latest chapter of its story.

Begin your historical journey at the Bund, the landing site of foreigners centuries ago. Each building narrates tales of its golden era, and you'll discover the traces of time etched into its structures, reflecting the ebb and flow of history.

Wander through alleys to observe local life, where residents cope with the city's housing pressures by dwelling in confined spaces.  

Take a moment to relax in a restaurant, savoring exquisite Shanghai delicacies. You'll also have the chance to experience China's most popular method of ordering takeout.

Enjoy lunch at a restaurant near The Bund. Here, you can savor a wide range of cuisines. 

After lunch, continue your tour with an afternoon visit to Yuyuan Garden. 

With a history exceeding 400 years, the Yuyuan Garden offers a wealth of attractions—from the dragon-lined walls and ancient trees to tranquil paths and historic halls filled with valuable antiques.

After concluding today's tour, the guide will escort you back to the hotel for some rest. 

• Xi'an Eastern House Boutique Hotel or hotel of similar caliber
• Breakfast, lunch

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for a tour of Zhujiajiao Water Town. As you will be flying to your next destination, Xi'an, please bring your luggage with you when you leave the hotel.

Zhujiajiao Water Town is shaped like a fan and boasts a history of several hundred years. Along the lakeside are thousands of structures from the Ming and Qing dynasties, with 36 stone bridges maintaining their rustic style. You will visit the following attractions: Helong Art Museum, Hexinyuan, and Kezhi Garden.

During the tour, the guide will arrange for you to take a brief rest in a traditional local teahouse, where you can savor a cup of Chinese tea and enjoy some local snacks, experiencing the relaxed and leisurely lifestyle south of the Yangtze River.

We will arrange for lunch at a restaurant featuring local specialties. Your local guide will recommend suitable dining options based on your interests and itinerary. It is suggested to try some typical Shanghainese dishes such as xiaolongbao, braised pork, and eight-treasure stuffed duck. 

After lunch, the guide and driver will escort you to Shanghai Pudong Airport, where you will board a flight to the ancient city of Xi'an.

Upon arrival at Xi'an Xianyang International Airport, your guide will greet you and meet with the driver, then proceed to the hotel. After checking in, you will have the opportunity to relax in your room. 

• Xi'an Eastern House Boutique Hotel or hotel of similar caliber
• Breakfast, lunch

Today marks a significant day in your tour as you will visit the Terracotta Army, acclaimed as the "Eighth Wonder of the World" and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up from the hotel and drive you to the Terracotta Warriors Museum. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours, and you'll spend around 3.5 to 4 hours exploring the museum.

You will also have the opportunity to admire the first restored terracotta warriors up close, including the illustrious Number One Warrior, and learn about the visionary curator who led their restoration. Engage in a miniature warrior restoration experience under the guidance of a professional restorer and take your creation home as a unique keepsake.

The guide will arrange lunch based on the day's itinerary, typically recommending restaurants that suit your interests. They will suggest local Xi'an specialties such as roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), Xi'an cold noodles, bingbing noodles, hot and sour soup dumplings, and lamb soup bread. 

After concluding the visit to the Terracotta Warriors, you will return to Xi'an city center to explore the ancient city wall.

The Ancient City Wall, battlements, gates, and watchtowers form one of the oldest and most complete surviving urban defense systems. Built in the 13th century, it stands on the site of the original Tang Dynasty imperial palace, encircling the city center.

After completing the tour of the ancient city wall, your sightseeing for the day concludes. The guide will escort you back to your hotel for a rest. 

•  Beijing Peace Hotel or hotel of similar caliber 
• Breakfast

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, the guide and driver will pick you up for a visit to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and the Forest of Stone Steles Museum. Since you will be taking the high-speed train to Beijing after concluding your tour of Xi'an today, please bring your luggage with you.

The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, an important Buddhist site, is situated within the picturesque Da Ci'en Temple. Built in the 7th century, the pagoda was constructed to house the Buddhist scriptures brought back by Xuanzang (also known as Tripitaka) from his epic journey to India. The temple complex features several grand halls, adorned with exquisite statues and murals. 

The Xi'an Forest of Steles, established during the Northern Song Dynasty (1090 AD), was initially created to preserve a collection of Confucian steles carved in 837 AD—now the oldest existing Confucian classics. The diverse calligraphy and inscriptions narrate the tales, poetry, and history from across the empire. Other exhibits include early sculptures and artifacts unearthed from royal tombs.

After concluding the tour, the guide has arranged for lunch at a local restaurant. Following the meal, you will be transported to the Xi'an High-Speed Rail Station, where you will board a train bound for Beijing.

Upon arriving at Beijing West Railway Station, the guide will await you at the train station exit. After meeting the driver,you will be driven to your hotel in Beijing. Once you check in, you can retir e to your room for a restful break. 

• Beijing Peace Hotel or hotel of similar caliber
• Breakfast, lunch

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you will embark on today's itinerary, visiting Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City in the morning.

Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest city square, resides at the heart of Beijing, with the Tiananmen (Gate of Heavenly Peace) to its north, demarcating it from the Forbidden City.

Encircled by formidable structures, it includes the Heavenly Gate, numerous museums, government edifices, and Chairman Mao's Mausoleum.

The Forbidden City, home to 24 emperors from 1368 to 1911, is a World Heritage Site. It stands as the largest and best-preserved ancient imperial architectural complex globally.

After this delightful excursion, you'll savor dinner featuring Beijing Roast Duck, with your local tour guide recommending a specific venue based on your itinerary.

Beijing Roast Duck, a dish originating from the imperial era, is celebrated for its thin, crisp skin. Authentic versions predominantly feature the skin with minimal meat, sliced before diners by the cook. It stands as the epitome of Beijing cuisine. 

Following lunch, continue your tour with an afternoon visit to the Summer Palace, the largest and most impeccably preserved royal park in China. Renowned for its natural beauty and cultural significance, the palace has profoundly influenced Chinese horticulture and landscape design, earning the title "The Museum of Royal Gardens."

After concluding the day's tour, the guide and driver will return you to your hotel. Take time to relax and unwind.

• Beijing Peace Hotel or hotel of similar caliber
• Breakfast, lunch

Following an enjoyable breakfast at the hotel, you will proceed to visit the Temple of Heaven.

Constructed in 1420 during the Ming dynasty, the Temple of Heaven is a complex of Taoist structures where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties conducted annual ceremonies to pray for abundant harvests.

The park surrounding the Temple of Heaven is vibrant with life. In the morning, numerous local elderly residents gather to sing, exercise, and practice tai chi. 

After visiting the Temple of Heaven, you will depart for the Mutianyu Great Wall, where today's lunch is arranged at a nearby local restaurant. 

The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is ranked top on TripAdvisor among all the Great Wall sections, for its picturesque scenery and beautifully restored architecture. It is about a 1.5-hour drive from downtown Beijing.

In order to save time for you, we arrange a round-trip cable car to ascend and descend the Wall, instead of spending about 40 minutes climbing steps. At the Wall, you have free time to walk around, after your guide does some introductions. The cable car ascends to and descends from tower 14.

Hike “the most beautiful and interesting part of the Great Wall” — between the 14th and 23rd watch towers — acknowledged by hikers as "the golden route".

Following your tour of the Mutianyu Great Wall, you will be escorted back to your hotel for some rest.

• Breakfast

Today, you will conclude your journey and fly back home. The guide and driver will pick you up at the hotel at the arranged time and take you to Beijing Capital International Airport or Daxing International Airport, where you will board an international flight departing from Beijing.