12-Day China Private Highlight Tour of Beijing, Shanghai, Guilin and Xi’an

Attractions: Tian’anmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple Heaven, Facial makeup painting in Hutong
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Over night in Beijing

Today we start to explore this city treasure by a visit to Tian’anmen Square, the world’s largest city center square, the locality of numerous major political and historical events. It is the witness of Chinese development. It is only a walking distance from Tian’anmen Square to Forbidden City, the world’s existing largest and most complete ancient wooden structure buildings. You will explore the glorious palace halls and gardens for more than 2 hours in Forbidden City, learning the legendary story of the emperors and how the royal family lived there. You will be stunned by the numerous old art treasures exhibited in halls. A la carte lunch is served at a local restaurant to have a taste of the authentic Chinese food at noon time and have a break at the restaurant.

In the afternoon, we will Temple of Heaven, the existing largest structure for sacrifice to heaven and a place where the emperors prayed for a year of abundance. In the visit of Temple of Heaven, you will be astonished by the exquisite ancient Chinese architectures. Then we move to a less commercial Hutong nearby. A short walking (around 30mins) along the authentic Hutong will give you a deep impression of the local residents’ live. We stop to visit a local family to learn Facial Makeup Painting for Beijing Opera.

Tour ends by driving back to hotel. Please feel free to consult with your local guide about the evening activities in Beijing, such as the night shows of Beijing.

Attractions: Mutianyu Great Wall with round way cable car, the exterior of Bird Nest and Water Cube
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Over night in Beijing

It will be an exciting day today. In the early morning, guide will pick you up from your hotel lobby. Today we will visit the must-visit spot in Beijing— Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the famous sections of China Great Wall. It takes about 2 hours driving from the downtown of Beijing to Mutianyu Great Wall. Mutianyu Great Wall was first built in the mid-6th century during the Northern Qi, making it older than the Badaling section. (***Round way cable car are included at Mutianyu Great Wall***)

A la carte lunch is arranged at a good restaurant at the foot of Mutianyu. Drive back to downtown of Beijing.When we reach Beijing, we will have a photo stop outside the Bird Nest and Water Cube, which were the famous sites constructed for 2008 Beijing Olympic. The tour finishes by dropping off at your hotel. If you would like to try local specialty tonight, you could ask for some suggestion about Peking Roast Duck Restaurant.

Attractions: Summer Palace, High speed train to Xian
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Overnight in Xian

In the morning, check out from hotel and start to visit the last spots in Beijing — Summer Palace, the existing largest, best-preserved imperial garden in China. The Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake are regarded as the representative of Summer Palace. In the park, you could choose to take a boating trip on the lake, enjoying the beautiful royal garden view. Walk along the Long Corridor— the longest corridor in the world, admiring the extremely rich and prestigious paintings on the beams of the corridor.
A la carte lunch will be arranged at a local restaurant on the way to Beijing West Railway Station to take high speed train (2nd class seat, duration: about 5-5.5 hours) from Beijing to Xi’an. Our guide will wait at the exit of Xi’an train station with our signboard and transfer you to check in hotel. Free at leisure for the rest of the time。

Attractions: Ancient City Wall, Tai Chi Chuan Course, Terracotta Warriors, Pottery workshop
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Overnight in Xi’an

Today we will have a full day to explore this historical and cultural city in China. Pick up from hotel in the morning, and then have a visit to the landmark of Xi’an—Xian City Wall. You could choose to have a bicycle riding on the city wall (***Bicycle riding is optional and excluded from our price***). An impressive Tai Chi Chuan course is arranged at the City Wall for you. Originating from the roots of classical Chinese culture, Tai Chi Chuan absorbed a variety of sources including the Book of Changes, Taoism and Buddhism. With a professional Tai Chi Master’s teaching, you will understand Chinese culture better.
After that, we will drive to the highlights in Xi’an —-the Terracotta Warriors. On the way to Terracotta Warriors, we will have a stop at a cave dwelling pottery workshop, where you will have chance to learn how to make a miniature terracotta warrior.
In the afternoon, we will have enough time to visit this world wonder — Terracotta Warriors, one of the world’s most important archaeological finds, with troops, horses and carriages in battle formation.
The tour finishes by dropping-off at the hotel lobby. You could ask your local guide for some information about evening entertainment or night show, such as Tang Dynasty Show.