China Landscape and Cultural Tour

• Hongkong Arrival

• None

• None

Welcome to the Pearl of the Orient—Hong Kong! This vibrant city dazzles with stunning skyscrapers, bustling shopping streets, colorful cuisine, and unique cultural experiences. As an international financial hub, Hong Kong beautifully blends East and West, showcasing a mix of modernity and traditional charm.

Whether you’re interested in shopping, savoring delicious food, exploring rich culture, or enjoying natural beauty, Hong Kong has everything you need for an unforgettable travel experience.

Recommend for Free Time:

Victoria Harbor Night View:  Victoria Harbor is the iconic attraction of Hong Kong, you can take a walk along the waterfront or take a night cruise on Victoria Harbor and enjoy the light show on both sides of the harbor from the boat.

Temple Night Market: Temple Night Market is the largest and oldest in Hong Kong. With a variety of snacks, handicrafts and goods available for purchase, it is a great place to sample local cuisine and go shopping.

• Explore Hong Kong on your own

• 4-star Hotel

• Breakfast

Discover the vibrant streets of Hong Kong at your own pace!  You can wander through bustling markets, visit iconic landmarks, or relax in beautiful parks. Don't miss the chance to sample local delicacies like dim sum or egg tarts, and take in stunning views from Victoria Peak.  Whether you're shopping in Causeway Bay, exploring the history of Central, or enjoying the nightlife in Tsim Sha Tsui, there's something for everyone in this dynamic city. 

• Hongkong-Guangzhou

• 4+star Hotel

• Breakfast

In the morning, we will take the high-speed train from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station to Guangzhou Railway Station. The journey will take approximately 40-50 minutes. Upon arrival, our driver and guide will meet you at the station, and we will begin our Guangzhou tour in the afternoon. Today's itinerary includes:

• Chen Clan Academy: A representative of Lingnan traditional architecture, where you can admire exquisite carvings and decorations.

• Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street: Experience the charm of Guangzhou's old town and savor local delicacies such as rice noodle rolls and wonton noodles.

Evening: Free time. Suggestions include:

• A night cruise on the Pearl River: Enjoy the stunning night views along both banks of the Pearl River and experience the vibrancy of Guangzhou.

• Strolling through Zhujiang New Town or Beijing Road Pedestrian Street and having dinner there.

   

If you have any preferences, feel free to share them with our guide, who can offer excellent recommendations.

• Yuexiu Park-Canton Tower-Shamian Island-Sacred Heart Cathedral

• 4+ star hotels

• Breakfast

   

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at the hotel to begin today's journey. The itinerary includes:

• Yuexiu Park: A serene escape in the heart of Guangzhou, offering lush greenery and historical landmarks.
• Canton Tower: An iconic symbol of modern Guangzhou, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city from its observation decks.
• Shamian Island: Known for its European-style architecture, this area presents a stark contrast to the morning's sights. Here, you can experience the unique blend of history and modernity.
• Sacred Heart Cathedral (Stone House): Construction began in 1863 and was completed in 1888, taking 25 years to build. Designed by a French architect and constructed by Chinese craftsmen, it is one of Guangzhou's most representative historical buildings. As the largest Gothic-style Catholic church in China, it is entirely built of granite, earning it the nickname "Stone House." Standing at 58.5 meters tall, this majestic cathedral is one of Guangzhou's landmark structures.

• Guangzhou--Guilin

• 4+ star hotels

• Breakfast

Today, you will head to Guangzhou Station to take the high-speed train to Guilin, which is about a 2-hour trip. Upon arrival at Guilin Railway Station, your local guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for your own exploration.

Recommendations for Free Time:
You can explore Guilin's popular local cuisine and experience the lifestyle of the locals. Guilin also offers a vibrant nightlife. You may choose to stroll through the Rongshan Lake Scenic Area, where you can visit iconic spots such as the Sun and Moon Pagodas, the Ancient South Gate, the thousand-year-old banyan tree, and the Crystal Glass Bridge.

• Li River Cruise-Xingping Ancient Town-Ruyi Peak

• 4+stars Hotel

• Breakfast

Embark on a luxurious cruise aboard the Galaxy Star Cruise to explore the majestic Li River (from Zhujiang to Longtou Mountain), the 5A-rated Li River scenery, Ruyi Peak, and Xingping Ancient Town.

Li River Cruise Experience:

• Luxury Four-Star Cruise (including electric cart): Enjoy a picturesque journey along the Li River (AAAAA-rated scenic area, approximately 4 hours). This is currently the highest-grade cruise ship operating on the Li River. Marvel at the five stunning highlights of the Li River: Xingping's beautiful scenery, the reflection of Huangbu, the Nine Horses Fresco Hill, Langshi's misty rain, and Yangdi's flying waterfall.
• Xingping Ancient Town: One of Yangshuo's most characteristic ancient towns. You will witness the classic reflection of Huangbu and the backdrop of the 20 RMB note, immersing yourself in the breathtaking landscape.

Ruyi Peak Adventure:

Ruyi Peak (approximately 120 minutes): Take a cable car to the summit of Ruyi Peak for a panoramic view of Yangshuo. The Ruyi Cloud Top platform, with a diameter of 20 meters and a total area of 314 square meters, stands as Yangshuo's highest 360-degree viewing platform. From here, you can take in the stunning views of the Yulong River, Moon Hill, and the Ten-Mile Gallery. The orderly peaks, varying in brightness and shades of green, present a myriad of picturesque scenes, offering a glimpse of a paradise on earth. While the peaks may seem delicate at ground level, their grandeur from above is truly awe-inspiring!

Evening Free Time Suggestions:

In the evening, you can freely stroll along the vibrant and borderless Foreigner's Street—Yangshuo West Street (best visited after 21:00). Experience the lively atmosphere and unique charm of this bustling street.

• Silver Cave-Yulong River-Watching Performance

• 4+stars Hotel

• Breakfast

Silver Cave: The Most Beautiful Karst Cave
Explore the wonders of Guilin's karst landscape at Silver Cave (AAAA-rated scenic area, approximately 60 minutes). This cave is a quintessential example of karst topography and even captivated former U.S. President Bill Clinton, who delayed his flight to Hong Kong during his 1998 visit to China just to tour Silver Cave!

Bamboo Rafting on the Yulong River in Yangshuo
Experience the Yulong River Double Bamboo Raft Drift, often described as "not the Li River, but even better than the Li River." This scenic spot has been praised by CCTV as the most beautiful landscape in Yangshuo.

Watch the Large-Scale Landscape Performance—Impression Sanjie Liu
Impression Sanjie Liu (approximately 70 minutes) is performed in the world's largest natural theater, set against the backdrop of the Li River and karst mountains. This performance is a masterpiece that showcases the culture of Guangxi's ethnic minorities and the creativity of China's elite artists. It is the world's first "landscape live performance," offering a unique and unforgettable experience.

• High speed train to Chengdu

• 4+stars Hotel

• Breakfast

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel in the morning, you will have free time to relax and recharge.

In the afternoon, we will board the bullet train departing at 13:21 to Chengdu (the journey takes approximately 5 hours). Upon arrival at Chengdu Railway Station, your driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in and rest.

• Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding--Yulin Road-- inli Ancient Street

• 4+stars Hotel

• Breakfast

Welcome to the beautiful city of Chengdu, known as the "Land of Abundance."

In the morning, you will visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. This is not only a global research center for giant pandas but also a cozy home to over a hundred pandas. Here, you can observe pandas of all ages eating, playing, rolling on the ground, and climbing trees.

After returning to downtown Chengdu, we will head to Yulin Road, a famous cultural and artistic district known for its unique local charm, trendy shops, and delicious food. We will stroll from West Yulin Road to East Yulin Road. Along the way, you can experience the lively atmosphere of the Yulin Market (don’t miss the chance to try the soft, sweet handmade corn cakes), explore cozy coffee shops and bookstores, and take photos by the graffiti walls and unique store signs. For lunch, you can choose from a variety of options, including Chinese cuisine, Western dishes, local snacks, and hotpot—there’s something for everyone!

As night falls, you will step into Jinli Ancient Street, where you’ll find ancient-style architecture, a dazzling array of Chengdu snacks and delicacies, exquisite handicrafts, and lively folk performances. You’ll spend an unforgettable evening here, immersed in the charm of Chengdu’s culture and history.

• Chengdu--Huanglong Scenic Spot--Jiuzhai

• 4+ stars Hotel

• Breakfast

After breakfast, we will take the high-speed train from Chengdu to Huanglong (approximately 1.5 hours). Upon arrival, your driver and guide will meet you at the station and take you to the Huanglong Scenic Spot, renowned for its four wonders: colorful pools, snow-capped mountains, alpine valleys, and forests. This area is also known for its well-preserved tectonic zones, glacial relics, and river source landscapes.

First, we will arrive at the Huanglong Valley, famous for its world-class travertine lake terraces. The valley is named after its resemblance to a golden dragon winding beneath the 5,588-meter-high Xuebao Peak. The most breathtaking attraction is the Five-Color Pond at an elevation of 3,556 meters, where 693 colorful pools resemble emerald gems. Additionally, Huanglong Valley is a paradise for giant pandas and golden snub-nosed monkeys.

Next, you will take a cable car to the mountaintop and then hike through the valley, which is expected to take about 3 hours.

After the Huanglong tour, we will drive to Jiuzhai Valley and check in at the hotel. If you still have energy, you can explore the ancient streets near the hotel at your leisure.

Tips:

• Due to the high altitude of Huanglong, please take precautions against altitude sickness and bring warm clothing.
• Please note that the Huanglong cable car is not operational during winter.
• Food options within the valley are limited, so it’s recommended to bring some snacks or plan to have lunch outside the scenic area.

• Jiuzhaigou Valley

• 4+ stars Hotel

• Breakfast

After breakfast, you will head to this piece of Jiuzhaigou Valley, which is known as the fairyland on earth.

Jiuzhaigou, named after the nine Tibetan villages spread out in the scenic area, has attracted the world's attention with its unrivaled natural beauty since its discovery in the mid-20th century.

The area boasts a stunning array of natural wonders, including snowy peaks, crystal-clear lakes, majestic waterfalls, lush forests, and colorful flora. The scenery changes with the seasons, with autumn being particularly vibrant as the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and yellow.

The classic tour route includes starting from the entrance of Nuorilang Waterfall, passing by the Wucai Pool, then proceeding to the Sea of Five Flowers, Pearl Beach Waterfall and so on. Eventually, you will enjoy Rhinoceros Sea, Shuzheng Waterfall and so on until you return to the park entrance to end the day's journey to the wonderland.

Afterwards, your guide and driver will transfer you back to the hotel for a rest.

Tips:

• Respect the Environment: As a World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, it's crucial to respect the environment and abide by the park's regulations, such as not littering or feeding wildlife.
• Dress and equipment: Jiuzhaigou Valley is located on a plateau with a changing climate, and some visitors may experience plateau reaction. Please bring enough warm clothing and medication, and wear comfortable hiking shoes.

• Jiuzhaigou--Xi'an
  

• 4+ stars Hotel

• Breakfast

Today, we will take a high-speed train to Xi'an (approximately 6.5 hours). 

Upon arrival in Xi'an, the driver will meet you at the train station and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

• Terracotta Warriors and Horses--Da Ci'en Temple--Big Wild Goose Pagoda--Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City

• 4+ star hotels

• Breakfast&lunch

We will embark on a journey of approximately 40 kilometers to visit the world-renowned Terracotta Warriors and Horses. These remarkable terracotta figures were created under the orders of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, to safeguard him in the afterlife. Over 8,000 life-sized terracotta soldiers, horses, and chariots remained buried underground for more than 2,000 years until their accidental discovery in 1974. Standing before these awe-inspiring statues, you will be struck by the grandeur of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's vision and the extraordinary craftsmanship of ancient Chinese artisans.

Before exploring the Terracotta Warriors Museum, you will have the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in traditional culture by crafting a miniature Terracotta Warrior under the guidance of a local potter.

After lunch, we will return to downtown Xi'an and visit Da Ci'en Temple. This temple was a prominent center for the translation of Buddhist scriptures during the Tang Dynasty. Within the temple grounds stands the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a 64.5-meter-high structure built by the renowned Buddhist master Xuanzang to house the scriptures he brought back from India. If you wish, you can climb the pagoda (additional fee applies) for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.

As evening approaches, we will take you to the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, a one-of-a-kind cultural theme complex that recreates the splendor of the Tang Dynasty. Here, you can enjoy vibrant singing and dancing performances and immerse yourself in the enchanting night scenery.

• Xian Museum--Small Wild Goose Pagoda--Ancient City Wall--Muslim Quarter

• 4+stars Hotel

• Breakfast

In the morning, we will visit the Xi'an Museum and the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. The Xi'an Museum showcases a rich collection of artifacts, including exhibits on Shaanxi's history and culture, ceramics, bronzes, calligraphy and painting, and stone carvings. The most distinctive section is the Shaanxi History and Culture Area, which illustrates the historical evolution and cultural heritage of the Shaanxi region from ancient times to the modern era.

Next, we will explore the Ancient City Wall, the largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China. As you pass through Hanguang Gate, it will feel like stepping back in time to the bustling scenes of the ancient Silk Road. On the city wall, you can rent a bicycle (additional fee applies) for a leisurely ride while enjoying a panoramic view of modern Xi'an.

Afterward, we will take you to the vibrant Muslim Quarter, where you can savor authentic local snacks and immerse yourself in the unique cultural atmosphere. This bustling area is a perfect blend of history, culture, and culinary delights, offering an unforgettable experience.

• Xi'an--Luoyang--Longmen Grottoes

• 4+stars Hotel

• Breakfast

After breakfast, we will take the high-speed train to Luoyang, Henan Province (approximately 1.5 hours). Your driver and guide will be waiting for you at the train station.

Following lunch, we will visit the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its thousands of Buddhist statues and inscriptions carved into the cliffs. Here, you can marvel at the exquisite artistry and profound historical significance of this breathtaking site. The grottoes are a testament to the rich cultural and religious heritage of ancient China, offering a truly unforgettable experience.

• Shaolin Temple--Shaolin Kung Fu Performance

• 4+ star hotels

• Breakfast

   

In the morning, you will visit the Shaolin Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Chinese martial arts. Here, you can explore the temple grounds and learn about its rich history and cultural significance. We will visit key attractions such as the Shaolin Temple Compound, the Pagoda Forest, and the Chuzu Temple. Additionally, you will witness an impressive martial arts performance by the Shaolin monks, showcasing their extraordinary skills and discipline.

Tips:

• If you are interested in learning Kung Fu, we can customize a Kung Fu training session based on your schedule.
• Please bring your own sportswear for the Kung Fu training, as the school does not provide it.

• Luoyang-Beijing

• 4+ star hotels

• Breakfast

Today, we will travel from Luoyang to Beijing (approximately 4.5 hours by high-speed train). Upon arrival in Beijing, the rest of the day will be free for you to enjoy at your leisure. You can go shopping, take a leisurely stroll through the city, or indulge in some of Beijing's delicious cuisine. If you have any special requests or need recommendations, feel free to consult your travel advisor for assistance.

• Tiananmen Square--Forbidden City--Summer Palace

• 4+stars Hotel

• Breakfast&Lunch

Tiananmen Square is one of the world's largest public squares, where you can wander through history and admire landmarks such as the Monument to the People's Heroes.

Next, head to the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the palace of 24 emperors. The Forbidden City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the palace of 24 emperors, and its sprawling complex is filled with stunning architecture and rich history.

In the afternoon, spend a wonderful day at the Summer Palace. The Summer Palace is the first of China's four major gardens (which belong to the royal gardens) and was only opened to the public in modern times. It has stunning scenery, lakes and palaces. Take a leisurely stroll along the lakeside and enjoy the tranquil environment.

Recommended Activities

• You can choose between a foot massage, Houhai Night Bar or Sanlitun Bar Street Night Tour.
• Watch a Peking Opera performance, Kung Fu performance or acrobatic performance.

• The Great Wall--Bird Nest
• 4+ star hotels
• Breakfast

We will drive about 70 kilometers to the Mutianyu section of the world-famous Great Wall. This section of the Great Wall is well-preserved and relatively unvisited, and it will surely live up to your expectations. The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is one of the "longest Great Walls in China" and impresses visitors with its rich vegetation and magnificent natural scenery. 

You will take an easy cable car up to the Great Wall. Next you will climb up to the city tower overlooking the majestic Great Wall, which will surely make your stay unforgettable. After the Great Wall tour, we will take the cable car down the mountain.

(Note: If you are physically fit, you can also choose to hike up and down the mountain to feel the sense of accomplishment of climbing to the top).

Afterwards, we will return to Beijing, stopping on the way to visit the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube from the outside in the Olympic Village.

Recommend Dinner:

You can go to Quanjude and enjoy a meal of the famous Peking duck.

• Temple of Heaven--Hutongs--Beijing Departure
• None
• Breakfast

After Breakfast, we will visit the Temple of Heaven, a sacred site used in ancient times to worship the heavens and offer prayers for a bountiful harvest. Nowadays, it has become a lively place where locals perform traditional activities such as Tai Chi, dancing, kite flying and calligraphy. Stroll among the halls of the Temple of Heaven and feel the solemnity and mystery of ancient royalty.

Next, we will visit the Hutongs and take a rickshaw ride through Beijing's hutongs. These alleys, made up of courtyards, epitomize life in old Beijing. During lunch, you will learn to make and eat dumplings in the hutongs for an in-depth experience of the old Beijing way of life.

In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight or train to your next destination or home. We hope you have a wonderful memory of this tour and look forward to seeing you again.