Spectacular China

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Begin the day at Tiananmen Square, where Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. The square is also home to the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall and the Monument to the People’s Heroes and is surrounded by several important national landmarks. At its northern end stands Tiananmen Gate, the entrance to the Forbidden City. Enclosed by imposing red walls, this vast former imperial palace served as the political and ceremonial centre of China for centuries. Explore the grand halls of the Outer Court before continuing to the smaller courtyards and residences of the Inner Court, once reserved for the emperor and the imperial household. The immense scale and architectural detail of the palace complex are truly impressive.

In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Heaven in southern Beijing. Once reserved for emperors who came to pray for good harvests, the historic complex is now open to the public. Its surrounding park is also a lively gathering place, where local residents meet to exercise, sing, play cards, and exercise.

Forbidden City

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Today, take the high-speed train from Beijing to Shanghai. The journey takes around five hours, with trains reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h. After arriving in Shanghai, take a walk along the Bund, the city’s famous waterfront. On one side of the Huangpu River, you will see grand historic buildings dating from Shanghai’s days as an international trading port.
Across the river, the futuristic skyline of Pudong creates a striking contrast. Continue to Nanjing Road, one of Shanghai’s busiest and bestknown shopping streets. Packed with shops, restaurants, department stores, and bright advertising displays, it is a great place to experience the energy of modern Shanghai. It is also worth returning in the evening, when the street comes alive with lights.

The Bund

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Begin the day with a tour of Shanghai's Old Town, which offers a glimpse of what the city looked like towards the end of the Qing Dynasty. Today, the area is filled with souvenir shops and popular restaurants and is also home to the famous Yu Garden, a fine example of a traditional private garden from southern China. Although popular with tourists, the garden remains a peaceful green oasis in the heart of the Old Town. Next, visit the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center in People's Square, where you can learn about Shanghai's history and plans for its future development. If the centre is unavailable, a visit to the Shanghai Museum, which features a selection of artefacts from Chinese history, will be arranged instead. End the day with a bird's-eye view of the city from the observation deck of Shanghai Tower.

Yu Garden

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Today, take another high-speed train to Huangshan, a journey of approximately three hours. Widely regarded as one of China’s most beautiful and dramatic destinations, Mount Huangshan was named by an emperor during the Tang Dynasty. “Huangshan” means “Yellow Mountain,” and yellow was traditionally associated with imperial power in China. The striking landscape has inspired generations of Chinese painters. After checking into your hotel and taking a short rest, visit the small but lively Tunxi Old Town at the foot of the mountain.

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Today will be one of the more active days of the tour. Take a cable car up the Huangshan mountain, enjoying views of the surrounding scenery along the way. From the upper station, hike through the spectacular mountain landscape and visit some of the UNESCO World Heritage Site's most scenic areas. With its dramatic peaks, deep valleys, weathered rocks, and distinctive pine trees, the scenery often resembles a traditional Chinese landscape painting. Although the cable car covers most of the climb, the mountain trails still involve frequent gentle ascents and descents.

Mount Huangshan

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After breakfast, visit the ancient village of Hongcun before setting out on an approximately three-hour hike to Xidi. The scenic route follows quiet country roads, paths through fields, gentle hills, and old stone lanes. Along the way, pass through Xieli and Tachuan villages before reaching Xidi. Take time to explore this well-preserved ancient village before transferring to the railway station. From there, take a high-speed train to Hangzhou, a journey of around two hours. The capital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou is celebrated in a well-known Chinese saying as a paradise on earth.

Hong Village

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Begin the day at Lingyin Temple, a renowned Buddhist monastery, before visiting the tea plantations and Liuhe Pagoda, also known as the Pagoda of Six Harmonies. Next, you will explore West Lake, Hangzhou’s most famous attraction. Covering around 500 hectares and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011, it features more than 60 scenic spots. A walk along its idyllic shores is an essential part of any visit to Hangzhou. Partly man-made, the lake is known for its embankments, small bridges, and pavilions and has become a symbol of the city. Its scenery even appears on China’s one-yuan banknote. You will also visit Huagang Park, or “Flower Harbor,” located directly beside West Lake. Established hundreds of years ago, the park is now home to more than 20,000 plant species, goldfish-filled ponds and streams, and an impressive garden complex.

Meijiawu Tea Village

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Today, you will take a longer high-speed train journey from Hangzhou to Guilin. Covering more than 1,400 kilometres, the journey takes approximately eight hours. Upon arrival, continue to Yangshuo, a small town administered by Guilin. Set amid one of the most beautiful parts of  southern China's karst region, it is equally popular with domestic and international visitors.

Yangshuo

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Today, you will explore the surrounding landscape in two different ways. First, enjoy a bamboo raft ride through the karst countryside, drifting past steep hills, farmland, and villages. Sit back, relax, and take in the scenery as you float along. There will also be plenty of time for a bike ride or a longer walk through the beautiful countryside.

Bamboo Rafting on Yulong River

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Today, return to Guilin and take a high-speed train to Guangzhou. Upon arrival, you will be taken to your hotel, where you can rest after the journey. In the evening, visit Canton Tower in Guangzhou's modern urban district.

Canton Tower

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Since the opening of the high-speed rail link, travelling from Guangzhou to Hong Kong has become much easier, with the journey taking only about an hour. After arriving at the railway station, you will be taken to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore Hong Kong and experience the city at your own pace.

Hong Kong

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Spend the day exploring Hong Kong at your own pace. English is one of the city's official languages, and its excellent public transport system makes getting around easy. Alternatively, join an optional guided excursion to Macau, East Asia's famous gaming destination, accompanied by an English-speaking guide. Located just a few kilometres across the bay from Hong Kong, Macau offers a striking contrast to its bustling, British-influenced neighbour. Its Portuguese heritage is evident throughout the historic centre, from its old streets and neighbourhoods to the famous Ruins of St. Paul's. You may also choose to visit one of the city's casinos.

Hong Kong

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This morning, a half-day excursion takes you to some of Hong Kong Island's highlights, including the scenic south coast and Aberdeen, a neighbourhood once largely home to fishing communities. The highlight of the tour is the journey up to Victoria Peak, where you can enjoy superb views of Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula. In the evening, you will be transferred to the airport for your return or onward flight.

Victoria Peak