Magical China

Today, travel by train through a changing landscape of modern cities and picturesque countryside on your way to Guilin. Upon arrival, continue directly to Yangshuo, a charming
town surrounded by some of China’s most spectacular karst scenery. After checking in, and if time allows, take a stroll along Yangshuo’s lively main street—an ideal introduction to the town’s atmosphere and local culture.

Yangshuo

Begin the day with a leisurely walk along the scenic banks of the Yulong River before heading to Moon Hill. A visit to its distinctive Moon Cave offers panoramic views across the surrounding karst landscape. Later, relax on a bamboo raft ride along the gently flowing river and take in the peaceful countryside.

In the afternoon, continue to Longsheng, where you will hike through the impressive terraced rice fields to your accommodation in Ping’an. Please note that you will need only hand luggage for this part of the journey. Your main luggage will be stored securely at the park entrance.

Bamboo Rafting on Yulong River

dinner

An early start is well worth it today, as the rising sun casts a golden glow across the sweeping rice terraces. Afterwards, return to Guilin and board an express train to the ancient town
of Fenghuang. Once you have checked into your hotel, join the group for dinner at a well-known restaurant in the Old Town and sample the local cuisine.

Longsheng Longji Rice Terraces

breakfast

Begin the day at a relaxed pace with a guided walking tour of Fenghuang. Along the way, visit several of the town’s notable sights, including the ancient pagoda, the Miao Ethnic Minority Museum, the Yang Family Ancestral Temple, and the historic city wall. After the walk, unwind with a traditional tea ceremony and sample locally sourced teas and herbal infusions. The morning ends with a peaceful ride in a traditional wooden boat along the river. In the afternoon, board an express train and continue to Zhangjiajie.

Fenghuang Ancient Town

breakfast and dinner

Remember the spectacular floating mountains in the film Avatar? The Na’vi may not make an appearance, but the landscapes that inspired the film will feel familiar as you explore Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Take a cable car up Tianzi Mountain and enjoy sweeping views of the park’s distinctive sandstone pillars. For an added thrill, you can also choose to cross the 430-metre long glass bridge spanning the deep gorges of Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon—just try not to look down! In the evening, enjoy a traditional dinner at a local restaurant in Wulingyuan.

Wulingyuan Scenic Area

breakfast and dinner

The morning is free for you to spend at your own pace. Afterwards, visit Tianmen Mountain, known for its dramatic rock formations and spectacular mountain scenery. Continue to Yichang, a mid sized city at the eastern end of the Yangtze River’s Three Gorges. From there, travel to Maoping Port and board your comfortable cruise ship. Dinner will be served on board.

breakfast and lunch and dinner

Enjoy a scenic voyage through the Yangtze River's Three Gorges, each with its own distinctive landscape. Some stretches are narrow, with steep cliffs rising from the water, while elsewhere the mountains slope more gently, making way for farmland and fruit orchards. A range of shore excursions has been arranged, including a visit to the Three Gorges Dam, a boat ride along a peaceful tributary of the Yangtze, and a tour of either Fengdu's Snow Jade Cave or Xiaoguanshan Folk Culture Park. Please note that excursions are subject to change depending on weather and navigation conditions.

Yangtze River Cruise

breakfast and lunch and dinner

Enjoy a scenic voyage through the Yangtze River's Three Gorges, each with its own distinctive landscape. Some stretches are narrow, with steep cliffs rising from the water, while elsewhere the mountains slope more gently, making way for farmland and fruit orchards. A range of shore excursions has been arranged, including a visit to the Three Gorges Dam, a boat ride along a peaceful tributary of the Yangtze, and a tour of either Fengdu's Snow Jade Cave or Xiaoguanshan Folk Culture Park. Please note that excursions are subject to change depending on weather and navigation conditions.

breakfast and lunch and dinner

Enjoy a scenic voyage through the Yangtze River's Three Gorges, each with its own distinctive landscape. Some stretches are narrow, with steep cliffs rising from the water, while elsewhere the mountains slope more gently, making way for farmland and fruit orchards. A range of shore excursions has been arranged, including a visit to the Three Gorges Dam, a boat ride along a peaceful tributary of the Yangtze, and a tour of either Fengdu's Snow Jade Cave or Xiaoguanshan Folk Culture Park. Please note that excursions are subject to change depending on weather and navigation conditions.

breakfast

Discover Chongqing, a vast, futuristic metropolis and one of China's largest urban centres, with a population of more than 35 million. Visit the historic district of Ciqikou, take a leisurely
walk through peaceful Eling Park, and experience the lively atmosphere of Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street before transferring to the railway station. From there, board a high-speed train to Xi'an. The journey takes approximately five hours, giving you time to relax before arriving in this historic former imperial capital.

Eling Park

breakfast and lunch

Today, visit one of the highlights of the tour: the Terracotta Army of China's First Emperor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the life-sized clay soldiers and bronze chariots, created more than 2,000 years ago and remarkably well preserved. After a traditional dumpling lunch, continue to Xi'an's magnificent 14-kilometre Ming Dynasty City Wall, the longest and best preserved ancient city wall in China. You will have the opportunity to walk or cycle along this historic fortification. In the evening, explore the lively night market in the Muslim Quarter and sample a variety of local specialities. Along the way, your guide will share stories about the history and influence of Muslim communities along the ancient Silk Road.

Terracotta Warriors

breakfast

Today, take a high-speed train from Xi’an to Beijing, a journey of approximately five hours. Upon arrival in China’s capital, step back into the imperial past with a visit to the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its classical gardens and striking architecture offer a fascinating glimpse into China’s imperial history. Set beside Kunming Lake, the complex is home to the renowned Marble Boat and the 700-metre-long covered corridor, decorated with intricate painted scenes. Both are among the palace’s most distinctive sights and offer excellent photo opportunities. Afterwards, you will be taken to your hotel, and the rest of the evening is free for you to relax or explore at your own pace.

Summer Palace

breakfast and dinner

Begin the morning at the magnificent Temple of Heaven, where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties once performed solemn ceremonies and prayed for good harvests. Take time to appreciate the spiritual significance and distinctive architecture of this historic complex.

In the afternoon, travel north of Beijing to Mutianyu Great Wall, a beautifully preserved and generally less crowded section of the UNESCO listed Great Wall. You will have plenty of time to walk along this iconic structure and enjoy sweeping views as the wall winds across the mountain ridges. A cable car provides an easy journey back down. On a clear day, you may even catch a glimpse of Beijing's skyline in the distance.

End the day with a traditional Peking duck dinner, a fitting culinary finale to your journey through China's history and flavours.

breakfast

Begin the day at Tiananmen Square, one of China's most historically significant public spaces. It was here in 1949 that Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China. The square is also home to the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall and the Monument to the People's Heroes. At its northern end stands Tiananmen Gate, beyond which lies the Forbidden City, enclosed by imposing red walls. Walk through the vast palace complex and explore the former home of generations of Chinese emperors.

Later, visit the Lama Temple and the Confucius Temple. Those who still have energy can round off the day with a walk through Beijing's traditional hutongs.

Forbidden City

breakfast

Depending on your departure time, you will be transferred to the airport for your return or onward flight.