China Tour

Into the Mystical Land Above the Clouds

Upon landing in Beijing, we will meet our representative at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Beijing is the capital city of China and one of the oldest cities in the world, as well as one of the four ancient capitals of China itself. The vast city, covering approximately 16,800 square kilometers, is located in the northeastern part of the country, and its literal meaning is “Northern Capital.”

After some rest and refreshment, we will embark on a visit to the Forbidden City, which served as the palace of the emperors of China from the mid-reign of the third emperor of the Ming Dynasty until the end of the reign of the last emperor of the Qing Dynasty. The Forbidden City was home to the emperor and his family for nearly 500 years, as well as the ceremonial and political center of the Chinese government. It is called “forbidden” because the emperors who lived there did not allow anyone to enter or leave without their permission. Since 1924, after the last emperor, Puyi, was expelled, the city has been open to visitors and has become a national museum.

We will visit Tiananmen Square, a vast expanse in the center of Beijing named after the Tiananmen Gate, built by the Ming Dynasty and considered one of the greatest symbols of China. Throughout Chinese history, the square has hosted many important and pivotal events, including the declaration of Chinese independence in 1949 and countless cultural events, speeches, parades, and various cultural occasions. Surrounding the square, you can find the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, and Mao’s Mausoleum.

After that, we will take a viewpoint from Coal Hill and continue our visit to the restored Qianmen Street.
Overnight in Beijing.

After breakfast, we will drive approximately an hour and a half for a day trip to the Great Wall of China. The Great Wall is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World and stretches over 6,350 kilometers. Its construction began over 2,000 years ago when China was unified into a single kingdom by the Qin Dynasty. Parts of the wall were built by independent states and later unified into one wall by the Qin Dynasty. (Ascent and descent from the wall will be by cable car.)

Afterward, we will continue our visit to the Summer Palace, including a boat ride on the lake.

In the evening, we will enjoy an exciting Kung Fu show. This performance combines dance, acrobatics, and, of course, Kung Fu. The story follows a young boy wandering outside one of the many temples in China, dreaming of becoming a master of the martial art. The show first premiered at the Red Theatre in 2004 and has since presented two performances daily, attracting both tourists and local audiences.
Overnight in Beijing.

After breakfast, we will visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors used to communicate with the gods. In the park surrounding the temple, large groups of people practice Tai Chi, dance the tango, play music, and sing.

Next, we will visit the Lama Temple, an active Tibetan temple that now attracts Chinese elites and the middle class seeking prayer and guidance to cope with the rapid changes occurring in Chinese society today.

After that, we will transfer to the train station for a high-speed train ride of approximately 4.5 hours to Xi’an, the ancient capital of China. Xi’an is located at the eastern end of the Silk Road, where the main trade routes between the Far East and Europe passed. As a central hub in China, it is a melting pot of people, culture, and cuisine from all over the country.

Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Xi’an.

After breakfast, we will travel to one of Xi’an’s most remarkable sites—the Terracotta Warriors. This site features an army of 6,000 life-sized soldiers and their horses, made from fired clay, standing ready to protect the emperor on his journey to eternity.
After our visit, we will return to Xi’an for a city tour. We will explore the city walls, originally part of the imperial palace of the Tang Dynasty, which were rebuilt in the 14th century by the Ming Dynasty, giving the city its current name, Xi’an.

Next, we will tour the Muslim Quarter of Xi’an, the heart of the Muslim community in the city, where a unique blend of Chinese and Arab cultures can be found. The Muslim Quarter was established about 1,000 years ago when traders and students from Arab countries arrived in Xi’an, which was a key stop on the ancient Silk Road.

Afterward, we will visit the Big Goose Pagoda and the local markets.

At the end of the tour, transfer to the hotel.
In the evening, enjoy a Dim Sum meal. The name means “small touches to the heart,” and refers to a Chinese meal consisting of small dishes, originating from Canton but gradually spreading throughout China.
Overnight in Xi’an.

After breakfast, we will transfer to the train station for a high-speed train ride of approximately 3.5 hours to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, the most fertile region in China and the fifth most populous city in the country. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.

In Chengdu, which is built in a circular layout, there is a rural and traditional atmosphere with narrow alleys, low wooden buildings, Chinese markets, picturesque tea houses, and greenery everywhere. Today, Chengdu serves as a powerful industrial and economic center, both for the local and international markets. It is one of the largest producers of technology and electronics in China and is also known as the capital of traditional Chinese medicine and a center for herbal remedies.

After some rest and refreshment, we will visit Wenshu Temple, a Buddhist temple first built during the Tang Dynasty. It is named after a famous monk who made the monastery his residence in the 17th century. Today, the temple includes several structures typical of Chinese temples with inner courtyards, ponds, pagodas, 200 Buddha statues, and around 120 scriptures housed in authentic wooden and stone buildings.

We will continue our tour along Jinli Street, which is built in the style typical of the Ming Dynasty streets. This ancient street retains the romantic charm that many tourists long for.

After that, we will transfer back to the hotel.
In the evening, enjoy a hot pot meal. This meal consists of a large pot placed in the center of the table, filled with a spiced broth, either clear or red. (Usually, the red broth is the spicier one, so caution is advised.) Next to the pot are plates of meat and vegetables. The meal is conducted in a “fondue” style—dipping skewers into the broth, fishing them out, and enjoying! Bon appétit…
Overnight in Chengdu.

After breakfast, we will visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where we can observe these adorable creatures.

Next, we will travel to Huanglongxi, the largest ancient town in Sichuan, which boasts over 1,700 years of history. Here, we will explore its ancient buildings, cobblestone streets, over 1,000-year-old banyan trees, a water station from the Qing Dynasty, and ancient temples.

After that, we will drive for about two hours to Leshan, an important Buddhist site in China known for its giant Buddha statue, which stands 71 meters tall and is carved into the rock overlooking the river. Upon arrival, we will take a shared boat ride to view the enormous statue.

Then, we will continue with a short drive of about half an hour to Emeishan, a small city where the main attraction is Mount Emei, located 7 kilometers away. Standing at an elevation of 3,077 meters, Mount Emei is considered one of the four sacred mountains of Buddhism in China. At the summit, you will find some of the most sacred temples and pagodas in the Buddhist religion, offering impressive views.

Like Leshan, the Emeishan area is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and serves as a pilgrimage site for hundreds of thousands of tourists each year.
Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Emeishan.

After breakfast, we will enjoy a day of exploration in Emeishan, combining hikes along the trails and encounters with pilgrims visiting the sacred monasteries. In addition to the numerous monasteries scattered throughout the area, the beautiful scenery from the viewpoints makes Mount Emei rich in diverse flora and fauna. Hikers climbing the paths alongside Chinese pilgrims may encounter lively monkeys. (Ascent by cable car, descent on foot.)

Afterward, we will drive back to Chengdu.
Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Chengdu.

After breakfast and according to your flight time, we will transfer to the airport for a flight to Lijiang, a picturesque town on the border of Tibet, located in a valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains. The town has a history of over 800 years and was first established during the late Song Dynasty and early Yuan Dynasty. Lijiang was once an important trading center on the route that transported goods from Yunnan to Tibet and also served as a cultural and economic hub for the Naxi people, one of the last matriarchal cultures in the world.

In 1996, the town suffered significant damage from an earthquake and underwent extensive reconstruction, with many of the houses, bridges, and streets rebuilt. The prominent feature of Lijiang that represents Naxi culture is the diversity of residential styles. Special attention has been given to the decoration of the houses, particularly the arches above the entrances, balconies, doors, windows, and roof beams, all of which can be seen today while wandering the streets of the old town, “Dain,” which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Upon arrival, we will visit the “Jade Dragon Snow Mountain,” which rises to over 5,500 meters. We will take a cable car up to 3,000 meters above sea level and enjoy a short hike.

Afterward, we will descend by cable car and enjoy a minority performance—an outdoor show in the largest open-air theater in the world featuring singing and dancing that showcases the traditions and lifestyle of the various ethnic groups. This production is another work by the renowned Chinese director Zhang Yimou (VIP seating).

Next, we will return to Lijiang and explore the old town, with its cobbled streets, bridges, and streams. The town features beautifully preserved wooden architecture, stone squares, and is vehicle-free, abundant with tea houses, cafes, and inviting small restaurants. After that, transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Lijiang.

After breakfast, we will drive for approximately one and a half hours to visit two of the most beautiful and impressive natural sites in Yunnan: the first bend of the Yangtze River as it descends from the Tibetan plateau and Tiger Leaping Gorge, where the Yangtze River rushes between the cliffs. Here, we will enjoy a short hike along the riverbanks.

After that, we will continue our journey for about two and a half hours to Zhongdian (Zhongdian), the capital of the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, an area famously referred to as the “Land of Shangri-La.” From this town, located at an elevation of 3,200 meters, you can enjoy beautiful views of snow-capped mountain peaks, monasteries, and Tibetan villages. Although Zhongdian is still considered under Chinese sovereignty, the authorities make every effort to preserve the Tibetan character of the town in terms of its buildings, places of worship, the appearance of the residents, and traditional clothing.

Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Zhongdian.
Please note the altitude advisory for the trip.

After breakfast, we will visit the old town of Zhongdian and the Tibetan temple built in 1679, which is currently home to about 500 monks.
We will continue through the stunning landscapes of deep river valleys and impressive views in the Shangri-La Valley to visit Pudacuo National Park.

This park is part of the “Three Parallel Rivers” area, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the park, we will encounter unique flora and fauna native to the region. Afterward, we will enjoy hospitality at the home of a Tibetan family.
At the end of the tour, we will transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Zhongdian.

Early in the morning, depending on your flight time, we will transfer to the airport for a flight to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province in southern China.
Upon arrival, we will drive to one of the most unique scenic areas in China—the Stone Forest. Karst erosion has created “fossil forests” in the limestone cliffs. Here, you will find a collection of limestone formations that resemble a forest of stones, each with a different shape surrounded by various stories and legends. In the Stone Forest, you will meet the Sani women showcasing their embroidery work.

After the visit, we will return to Kunming, from where we will take a high-speed train for approximately 4.5 hours to Guilin. This is one of the most impressive scenic and natural areas in China. The karst peaks, which have created unique landscape formations, the bamboo-covered hills, the flowing river, and the prevailing mists in the area have inspired Chinese painters for centuries.
Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Guilin.

After breakfast, we will drive for approximately an hour and a half to Yangshuo, a picturesque town known for its vibrant and colorful market located along the banks of the Yulong River.

Upon arrival, we will embark on a bamboo raft cruise on the Yulong River. This journey takes us between stunning cliffs while observing the peaceful lives of local villagers and the unique lifestyle of fishermen on the river.

In the afternoon, we will hike to Moon Hill, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the area (the climb is challenging but worthwhile—the scenery definitely justifies the effort!). Afterward, we will visit nearby local villages.
Next, we will explore West Street in Yangshuo, a lively area filled with shops, cafes, and street vendors.

In the evening, enjoy the “Impressions” show, directed by the renowned Zhang Yimou, who also directed the opening ceremony of the Olympics. The show features over 500 local performers, with nature serving as a stunning backdrop enhanced by special lighting effects.
Overnight in Yangshuo.

After breakfast, we will drive for approximately 4 hours for a tour in the Longsheng area. The tour will take us through agricultural landscapes, where we will admire the rice terraces that utilize every piece of land for cultivation, allowing us to glimpse the authentic lives of the local residents. During the visit, we will enjoy a hike of about 50 minutes to a viewpoint for stunning views of the terraces and will also visit local villages.

Afterward, we will continue our drive for about two and a half hours to Guilin, where we will transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai.
Shanghai is the largest city in China and the most populous city in the world. The city is situated at the mouth of the Yangtze River and, unlike other cities in China, does not belong to any specific province. Shanghai is divided into two parts, separated by the Huangpu River. The cosmopolitan Shanghai offers visitors unique architecture that blends European styles with modern skyscrapers, Buddhist temples, green parks, and a rich cultural life.
Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Shanghai.

After breakfast, we will ascend to an amazing viewpoint from the Shanghai Tower, one of the tallest towers in the world and a symbol of modern China. The tower rises to a height of 468 meters and was the tallest building in China until 2007.

Next, we will visit the Old City of Shanghai, including Yuyuan Garden, the nearby markets, and the ancient synagogue. We will then explore the lively French Concession area, known for some of the oldest and most impressive buildings in the city, constructed in European styles that give the area a “Paris of the East” atmosphere. This vibrant district is filled with dozens of galleries, shops, restaurants offering cuisine from around the world, cafes, and pubs.
After that, we will take a stroll along the Bund, the riverfront area lined with colonial buildings. The Bund has been one of the city’s symbols for over 100 years. On one side are well-preserved colonial buildings that give the promenade a European character, including many hotels, banks, and commercial establishments. The other side of the Bund features the towering skyscrapers of the Pudong district, which have become synonymous with the city.

We will continue to visit Nanjing Road, the main shopping street in Shanghai.

In the evening, enjoy an acrobatics show that combines dance and traditional Chinese martial arts with special effects, lighting, and original music.
Overnight in Shanghai.

After breakfast, we will drive for about an hour to the water town of Zhujiajiao. Zhujiajiao is a water town with a history of over 1,700 years. The town served as an important trading center for the surrounding rural area, and many of the ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties have been well preserved.

We will stroll through the town and observe the local way of life, as well as the preserved ancient architectural style.

Afterward, we will drive back to Shanghai. Upon arrival, depending on your flight time, we will transfer to the airport for your flight back home.