China Tour

Exploring the Land of the Dragon

Arrival in Beijing, where you will meet our representative at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Beijing is the capital of China and one of the oldest cities in the world, as well as one of the four ancient capitals of China. The vast city, covering an area of approximately 16,800 square kilometers, is located in the northeast of the country, and its literal translation is “Northern Capital.”

On the way, we will stop to visit the 798 Art District.
After resting and refreshing, we will embark on a rickshaw tour through the hutong alleyways. These narrow streets are lined with traditional courtyard houses, showcasing examples of traditional architecture and urban life in the old city. Afterward, we will continue to the vibrant Wangfujing pedestrian street.

In the evening, we will enjoy a Peking Duck dinner. The duck will be served roasted and sliced thinly, accompanied by crispy pancakes, a mixture of chopped herbs, and a sweet sauce. The restaurant where you will dine has received numerous awards and traditionally roasts the duck in a brick oven, enhanced with fruitwood for a richer aroma.
Overnight in Beijing.

After breakfast, we will visit the Forbidden City, which served as the palace for Chinese emperors 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 the home of the emperor and his family for nearly 500 years, as well as the political and ceremonial center of the Chinese government.

It is called the “Forbidden City” 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 for visitors and has become a national museum.

We will visit Tiananmen Square, a vast square in the center of Beijing named after the Tiananmen Gate, which was built by the Ming Dynasty and is one of the most significant symbols of China. The square has hosted many important and historic events throughout Chinese history, including the proclamation of Chinese independence in 1949, along with countless cultural events, speeches, parades, and various cultural activities. Surrounding the square, you can find the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, and Mao’s Mausoleum.

Afterward, we will enjoy a view from Coal Hill and continue to visit 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 and according to your flight time, we will transfer to the airport for your flight 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, we will embark on a city tour. We will visit the city walls, which were originally part of the imperial palace of the Tang Dynasty and were rebuilt in the 14th century by the Ming Dynasty, which also gave 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, we will transfer to the hotel.

In the evening, enjoy a Dim Sum meal. The name means “small touches to the heart,” referring to a Chinese meal made up of small dishes that originated in Canton but gradually spread throughout China.
Overnight in Xi’an.

After breakfast, we will travel to one of Xi’an’s most remarkable sites—the Terracotta Warriors site, which features an army of 6,000 life-sized warriors and horses made of baked clay, arranged to protect the emperor on his journey to the afterlife.
Afterward, we will continue our visit to the Goose Pagoda and explore the city markets. At the end of the tour, we will transfer to the hotel.

In the evening, enjoy a performance in the style of the Tang Dynasty, including dinner.
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 hiking in Emeishan, which includes walks along the trails and encounters with pilgrims visiting the sacred monasteries. In addition to the numerous monasteries scattered throughout the area, the beautiful views from the lookout points, Mount Emei is rich in flora and fauna. Hikers who climb the paths alongside the Chinese pilgrims may encounter lively monkeys. (Cable car ascent, walking descent).
In the afternoon, we will drive for about an hour and a half through the picturesque countryside of Sichuan Province to Yaan, a town located in the western part of Sichuan Province, situated beneath the Tibetan plateau.

Yaan is renowned for its hot springs and exquisite tea fields, but beyond that, it is the first place in China where pandas were discovered. In 2001, the large panda reserve in the fertile Bifengxia Valley opened, dedicated to the breeding and rescue of pandas that are endangered.
Overnight in Yaan.

After breakfast, we will head to the fertile Bifengxia Valley to visit the giant panda reserve. We will explore the area, observe the pandas, and enjoy a leisurely nature walk. In addition to the diverse vegetation and rich wildlife, we can also enjoy the beauty of several waterfalls.

Afterward, we will drive back to the city of Chengdu. Upon arrival, we will transfer to the airport for your flight 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 approximately two and a half 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.

After that, we will continue our drive for about 3 hours to Yangshuo, a picturesque town known for its stunning karst landscape and vibrant, colorful market located along the banks of the Yulong River. Surrounded by towering limestone peaks, Yangshuo is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as cycling, hiking, and bamboo rafting. The town’s lively atmosphere is enhanced by street performances and local cuisine. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Yangshuo.

After breakfast, we will embark on a bamboo raft ride on the Yulong River. This journey will take us between stunning cliffs while observing the tranquil lives of the villagers and the unique lifestyle of the fishermen along the river.

In the afternoon, we will hike to Moon Hill, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the area (the climb is challenging but well worth the effort—the scenery definitely justifies the exertion!). Afterward, we will visit local villages in the vicinity.

Next, we will explore the West Street of Yangshuo, known for its vibrant atmosphere, shops, and cafes.
In the evening, enjoy the spectacular show “Impressions.” Directed by the renowned Zhang Yimou, who also directed the opening ceremony of the Olympics, this performance features over 500 local performers, with the natural landscape serving as a stunning backdrop enhanced by lighting effects.
Overnight in Yangshuo.

After breakfast and according to your flight time, we will drive approximately 1.5 hours back to Guilin and transfer to the airport for your flight back home.