15-Day China Classic Tour of Hong Kong, Guilin, Chengdu, Lhasa, Xi’an and Beijing

Attractions: No
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Overnight in Guilin

Today, your guide will lead you to Hong Kong West Kowloon Station and board the bullet train to Guilin. (Transfer note: There’s only one direct high-speed train from Hong Kong to Guilin, only at around 12 noon. If the train does not match your itinerary, you can take a train to Guangzhou South Railway Station or Shenzhen North Railway Station and then transfer to a bullet train to Guilin. The tour guide will adjust your itinerary and you can tell him your plans. There is also a daily flight from Hong Kong International Airport to Guilin, but tickets often sell out quickly and prices are quite high.)
Upon arrival in Guilin, you will be met by your local guide and driver and transferred to your hotel. You can arrange the rest of the day yourself.

Attractions: Longji Rice Terrace, Huangluo Yao Village, Ping’an Village
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Overnight in Guilin

This morning, you will drive 2.5 hours to visit one of the most beautiful rice terraces in China, the Longji Rice Terrace. There are several characteristic Zhuang and Yao villages along the way, among which the most special is Huangluo Yao Village, which is known as the world’s No. 1 long hair village, where women living have hair up to 1.7 meters long.

After that, continue to Ping ‘an village, a 600-year-old Zhuang village. Climb to the lookout of the “Seven Star Moon” and the “Nine Dragons Five Tigers”, from which you can get excellent views of the terraces and villages. Hike for half a day before returning to Guilin for accommodation.

Attractions: Ten-mile Gallery, Li River, Moon Hill, West Street
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Overnight in Guilin

The back of the 20 yuan RMB is printed with the scenery of Guilin, which shows how beautiful and charming it is. Today, you will flow downstream from Mopanshan Pier to Yangshuo Town, where you will enjoy the clear Li River and various mountain peaks.

About 4 hours after the trip, the ship in Yangshuo town, check into the hotel. After a short break, you will take the Ten Mile Gallery sightseeing bus to Moon Hill via Tai Yung Shu Workers and Farmers Bridge, a 1.5-2 hour journey. Surround yourself with stunning countryside views and a relaxed atmosphere.

Also, if time and your physical condition allow, climbing that mountain (which takes about 30-50 minutes and requires several thousand steps) offers a close-up view of the larger moon cave and a wider panorama of the karst wonders of Yangshuo town. Then, take the sightseeing bus back to Fengming and our driver will take you back to your hotel.

Tonight, you can take a walk on the ancient West Street, witnessing the collision between Western and Chinese cultures.

Attractions: Yulong River, Jiuxian Village, Xiangui Bridge, Shuiedi Dock
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Overnight in Guilin

Today, after breakfast, our guide will take you along the picturesque Yulong River (Yangshuo – Jiuxian Village – Xiangui Bridge – Shuidi Dock) to enjoy your best highlights riding experience. Visit local family houses and learn about the living environment and daily farm tools of local farmers.

After about 2.5 hours of riding and family visit experience, continue exploring the highlights of the Jade Dragon River and enjoy the joyous bamboo raft from the Shui Dike Pier to the Gongnong Bridge, which is the classic part (about 40-50 minutes). Then continue cycling back to West Street for a fun and popular cooking class where you’ll learn about Chinese ingredients and how to cook Chinese food under the guidance of an English-speaking chef.

Attractions: No
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Overnight in Chengdu

After breakfast, drive about two hours to Guilin Airport for your flight to Chengdu. Take 2 hours flight to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, be met by your guide and transported to your hotel.

Attractions: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Wenshu Temple, Renmin Park, Jinli Old Street
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Overnight in Chengdu

This morning, we will go to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding for an unforgettable visit. Not only is it the world’s foremost scientific research center for giant pandas, it’s also home to more than 100 giant pandas. After visiting the panda base, you will be taken to the Wenshu Temple, a secluded Buddhist temple in the bustling center of Chengdu, where you will be able to admire the exquisite Buddhist architecture or stroll the temple’s peaceful path. Chengdu is known for its relaxed and leisurely pace of life and lifestyle, and a visit to the Renmin Park will give you a sense of this.

Next we will visit the famous Jinli Old Street. Here the whole street is full of specialty snacks and exquisite art, you can choose your own interest to try.

Attractions: Yarlong Tsangpo River
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Overnight in Lhasa

Today is free until your guide shows you to catch your flight to Lhasa. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the arrival hall and escort you to your hotel in downtown Lhasa for spectacular views along the Yarlong Tsangpo River.

After checking in, the rest of the day is for you to adapt to the high altitude and weather in Lhasa. Strenuous exercise should be avoided during this period as it may cause altitude sickness.

Attractions: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Overnight in Lhasa

After breakfast, explore the sacred and mysterious Lhasa. The first stop is the magnificent Potala Palace. The Potala Palace is the political and religious center of Tibet and has been the place where the Dalai Lama has been governing and preaching. It is filled with exquisite thangkas, numerous Buddha statues, vivid murals and other Buddhist art works.

In the afternoon, visit Jokhang Temple, the holiest Buddhist temple in Tibet. The temple is more than 1,300 years old and combines Tibetan, Chinese, Nepali and Indian architectural styles. Outside the Jokhang Temple is the famous pilgrimage circle, Barkhor Street, where you can walk around the temple with Tibetans in colorful costumes.

Attractions: Norbulingka Park, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Overnight in Lhasa

Today starts with a visit to Norbulingka Park, the largest Tibetan garden. The good ecological environment makes Norbulingka the best place for summer vacation. Then drive about 5 kilometers west to Drepung Monastery. The temple once played an important role in Tibetan Buddhism. During the festival, various Buddhist ceremonies are held in the temple, the most famous being the annual Shoton Festival of Buddha exhibition ceremony.

Then, you’ll visit the 600-year-old Sera Monastery, famous for its grand Buddhist debating rituals and beauty.

Attractions: No
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Overnight in Xi’an

You can explore the mysterious Lhasa until your tour guide transfers you to the airport for your journey to Xi’an.

Welcome to Xi’an, the ancient capital of China! The local tour guide will welcome you at the arrival hall of Xian Xianyang Airport and escorted to your downtown hotel in a private vehicle. The rest of the day is free, you can choose to explore Xi’an or have a rest.

Attractions: Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Overnight in Xi’an

Our first stop today is the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, complete with combat units protecting their builder, Qin Shi Huang. Standing in front of these statues, one must be amazed at the craftsmanship of ancient Chinese craftsmen.
After lunch, return to Xi ‘an and enjoy panoramic views of modern Xi ‘an while walking on the Ancient City Wall which is one of China’s largest and best-preserved walls. After visiting the city walls, you’ll be transported to the bustling Muslim Quarter, where you can sample local snacks, you’ve never seen before and explore Muslim culture.

Attractions: Da Cien Temple, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Shanxi History Museum
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Overnight in Beijing

After breakfast, head to Da Cien Temple. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is the most famous structure in the temple. The tower, 64.5 meters high, was built by the famous Buddhist master Xuanzang. If you have read Journey to the West, Xuan Zang is the prototype of the Tang monk in the book. (Note: There is an extra charge of $30 to climb the Big Wild Goose Pagoda)

Next, we’ll go to Shaanxi History Museum, where you can stroll through the modern exhibition halls while appreciating historical relics from various dynasties. (Note: Due to crowded tourists from July to early September and from October 1 to October 7, Shaanxi History Museum may change other activities or attractions. You can check with your travel consultant for details before booking.)

You can arrange the rest of today by yourself until you get escorted to take a high speed train to Beijing. Upon arrival in Beijing, you will also be met by a guide who will take you to your hotel.

Attractions: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Overnight in Beijing

We begin our exploration of the historical face of Beijing at Tiananmen Square, the largest city square in the world. After Tian ‘anmen is the Forbidden City, one of the five great palaces in the world, a huge palace complex that is an appreciation of the architectural wisdom of the ancient Chinese people.
After a midday break, drive to the outskirts of Beijing and enjoy a visual feast at the Summer Palace, the largest and best preserved imperial garden in China. Take a walk among the ancient buildings, enjoy the blooming lotus flowers in Kunming Lake and the painted corridors.

Attractions: Mutianyu Great Wall, Bird’s Nest, Water Cube, Imperial Tombs of 13 Emperors of Ming Dynasty
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Overnight in Beijing

After breakfast, head to Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a relatively well-preserved and less visited section of the Ming Wall. You’ll take a cable car to the Great Wall, then hike to the best parts of Mutianyu and marvel at the amazing wisdom of the ancient people. (Note: If energy permits, walk up and down. It takes about 40 minutes to climb the steps. Please tell your travel consultant what you like.
Next, cross a 7km passage to The Imperial Tombs of 13 Emperors of Ming Dynasty. You will see magnificent stone tablets made up of 12 groups of mythical animals and 12 officials. Then drive back to Beijing and stop at the Olympic Village to admire the famous Bird’s Nest and Water Cube from the outside.

Attractions: Temple of Heaven, Hutongs
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: No

The first destination is the Temple of Heaven. Originally a place of worship for the ancient royal family, it has now become a place for local people to hold traditional activities and entertainment, such as tai chi, dancing, kite flying, water calligraphy and so on. Then, back in the city center, take a time-filled rickshaw ride to Beijing’s Hutongs, alleys of varying widths made up of courtyard homes. Walk through the different hutongs, feel the charm of Beijing’s traditional architecture and historical changes, and visit the old Beijingers who live in the hutongs.
Your China tour is now about to end. Drive to the airport to catch your flight to your next destination or back home.