13 Days China Food Tour: Beijing Xian Chengdu Guilin Hong Kong

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Beijing Arrival

   So happy to have you on our 13-day China Food Tour! When you arrive at the Beijing airport, our local guide and driver will warmly greet you with a board showing your name. We’ll first take you to the hotel and to finish the check-in. And then we’ll leave you to spend the rest of the day freely, either rest or explore the city.

   If you still have energy, you can pay a visit to Houhai Lake. It’s a lively area known for its charming lakeside bars, hutongs, and small shops. Here you can enjoy Beijing’s evening vibe while also relaxing a bit from the long flight journey.

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   4-Star Hotel in Beijing
2. Day 2: Beijing City & Food Tour
   City Landmarks & Royal Dishes

   After breakfast, we’ll first visit Tian'anmen Square, one of the largest city squares in the world. Its enormous size (440,000 square meters) is capable of accommodating 1 million people at the same time. Try to take photos with some prominent landmarks in this place (e.g., the Monument to the People's Heroes, the Flagpole, and the imposing Mausoleum of Mao Zedong). Indeed, each of them carries a heavy cultural and historical significance. Your guide will share stories with you while walking through the site.

   And after a short exploration on the square, we’ll continue to the Forbidden City, which is the world’s largest ancient palace. We’ll be spending about 2.5–3 hours here to explore its grand halls and stories lying in the halls. After visiting this site, you’ll then get a broader sense of China’s imperial grandeur. Next, you will be guided to learn how to eat Beijing Roast Duck in the right way and immerse yourself in the culinary delights of Beijing. Experience the rich flavors and crispy skin of this iconic dish.

   

   In the afternoon, explore Beijing’s hutongs, traditional narrow alleys, and Siheyuan (courtyard homes). You’ll take a rickshaw ride through these fascinating neighborhoods and get a closer look at local life and architecture.

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   4-Star Hotel in Beijing
3. Day 3: Beijing History Tour
   Take a Hike on China Great Wall

   Today, we’ll take you to dive deeper into Beijing’s grand history. Our first stop is the Temple of Heaven, a magnificent royal complex designed for emperors (in the Ming and Qing dynasties) to hold important religious ceremonies. Temple of Heaven was built in 1420, and it has been divided into inner and outer altars by two walls. Our main focus today will be the inner altar, which better shows the cultural and historical heritage embedded in the architecture.

   One highlight we can’t miss here is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. It can be easily recognized through the striking blue tiles and golden roof. This hall was designated for the emperors to host a ritual of praying for a good harvest for a whole year. In 1998, the Temple of Heaven had become one of UNESCO’s “World Cultural Heritage”.

   

   Following that, drive to another UNESCO World Heritage site - the Mutianyu Great Wall. Mutianyu is the longest section of the Great Wall in China (about 5,400 meters long), with dense watchtowers being surrounded by scenic beauty. Upon arrival, you’ll first take a cable car ride to reach the wall with your guide, and then you’ll get to fully explore it. Strolling along the ancient defense structure can be quite interesting; however, simply marveling at the engineering wonder is also good.

   If you’d like some extra fun, taking a toboggan ride to go down the mountain would be what you’re looking for.

   Tips: 1) Your guide can purchase tickets on site for you. 2) Travelers over 60 are not recommended to take the toboggan. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.

   After the visit, you will be driven back to the Beijing city center.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Beijing
4. Day 4: Beijing to Xi'an Tour
   Experience Imperial Recreational Life

   In the morning, we will go to explore the Summer Palace, a stunning royal garden that served as a retreat for emperors during the hot summer months. Based on Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, modeled after the West Lake in Hangzhou, the Summer Palace is a large landscape garden that draws on the design techniques of the gardens south of the Yangtze River. It is the most completely preserved imperial palace (for short stays away from the capital) in China and is known as the “Museum of Royal Gardens”.

   You will wander through the pavilions, halls, and lakeside gardens, appreciating the harmony of nature and architecture. If you are interested, you can take a boat tour on Kunming Lake to enjoy another perspective of the Summer Palace.

   

   After lunch, you have the option to fly or take a high-speed rail to Xi'an. The rail journey takes approximately 5 hours and offers scenic countryside views. Choose the mode of transportation that suits your preferences.

   Once in Xi'an, check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

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   4-Star Hotel in Xi'an
5. Day 5: Xi’an History Tour & Food Tour
   Xi'an Highlights & Authentic Local Snacks

   In the morning, your guide will pick you up at the hotel lobby, and the first place to visit is the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, and we’ll spend 1 hour to drive there. And indeed, it is often called the eighth wonder of the world. Visit here will probably take around 2.5 hours, you can explore the museum to admire thousands of life-sized clay soldiers and horses, which are designed to guard the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Each figure is different, as that had been made with unique features and detailed armor, vividly bringing ancient China’s first imperial army to life.

   Your guide will provide insights into the purpose and significance of the Terracotta Army. After that, you will be taken to participate in a unique DIY activity, guided by a professional, where you can create your own mini clay warrior as a memorable souvenir.

   

   In the afternoon, we’ll return to Xi’an City to visit the Ancient City Wall, the most complete existing ancient city wall in China. And it has been standing there top and upright since the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It is in the central part of Xi’an, stretching 13.7 kilometers in length and 15 meters in width. Visitors can climb up the wall and stroll or cycle (optional, and renting a bicycle will need extra fee) through the wall to explore the nearby structures, such as watchtowers, battlements, and arrow towers. And also, you’ll be able to embrace the magnificent view of the city.

   In the evening, take a food tour of the Muslim Quarter, known for its authentic Xi'an street food, including specialties like Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), Mutton and Bread Pieces in Soup, Soup Dumplings, and Liangpi (cold noodles). Walking along the antique streets, lined with traditional Hui buildings, you can feel the rich atmosphere of Muslim culture.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Xi'an
6. Day 6: Xian to Chengdu by Bullet Train
   Dig into the Splendid Chinese Civilization

   Today, we’ll be visiting the Xi’an Museum. Here, thousands of artifacts are waiting to tell you how the rich history and culture of ancient Chang’an being kept or transformed through all these years. And the better thing is the museum complex is peacefully set in the Jianfu Temple area, which means you’ll also get the chance to see the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a “younger sister” of the famous Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Together, they can remarkably show the architectural grace and Buddhist heritage of the Tang Dynasty.

   

   In the afternoon, you’ll board a bullet train from Xi'an to Chengdu, the home town of the giant pandas.

   After your arrival in Chengdu, your guide will then take you to check into your hotel and you can take the evening to unwind a bit and prepare for the adventures ahead.

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   4-Star Hotel in Chengdu
7. Day 7: Chengdu's Panda & Food
   Culinary Experience of Cooking Sichuan Dishes

   After breakfast, your guide will take you to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, a lush 120-hectare park dedicated to protecting and breeding giant pandas. Here you can observe these adorable creatures living happily in various enclosures. And here, not a single moment will be board as they are gonna do a lot of things in front of your eyes, such as munching on their bamboo, climbing trees, and lazily rolling around, and they’ll certainly be even more cute than in videos or photos. There’s also a panda museum and research center where you can learn about conservation efforts that have been done and this rare species. It’s a must-see for wildlife lovers and photography enthusiasts alike.

   After that, continue your exploration of Chengdu's culinary scene with a visit to the Sichuan Cuisine Museum. You will engage in a cooking class where you'll learn how to prepare three typical Sichuan dishes under the guidance of a professional chef. You may discover the secrets of Sichuan cuisine and taste the flavors of your creations during a pleasant dinner, which will leave an unforgettable memory during this China food tour.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Chengdu
8. Day 8: Chengdu to Guilin by Flight
   Enjoy Gastronomic Delights Along Gourmet Street

   This morning, start the day with a 1.5-hour drive to the Jinsha Museum, which is a site museum built for the protection, study, and display of Jinsha culture and ancient Shu civilization (221-263). You can see gold artifacts, bronze statues, precious jade, stone tools, and other cultural relics found at this historical excavation site.

   Then, your tour guide will take you to dive deeper into Chengdu’s culinary culture. Wander through an old alley and sample some typical Chengdu street food. You will indulge in the alluring flavors of local delicacies and experience vibrant street food.

   

   After that, we will head to People's Park, a popular gathering place for locals. You can enjoy a cup of tea at a traditional tea house and savor local snacks while immersing yourself in the park's lively atmosphere.

   Later in the day, take a flight to Guilin, a city renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and natural beauty. Check into your hotel and relax for the evening.

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   4-Star Hotel in Guilin
9. Day 9: Guilin Rice Terraces
   Rustic Landscape & Traditional Flavors

   After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a scenic journey to the Longji Rice Terraces, also known as the Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces. Stretching across steep mountain slopes at altitudes from 300 to 1100 meters, these terraces were first built over 600 years ago by the Zhuang and Yao ethnic people. The landscape changes through the seasons (shimmering like mirrors in spring, lush green in summer, and golden in autumn), making it a paradise for photographers. Your guide will also show you around the neighboring villages and you may also get the chance to interact with the local ethnic minority residents to learn about their ethnic culture and traditions.

   A special activity will be arranged for you to learn how to make Bamboo Tube Rice, a traditional dish cooked inside bamboo tubes. Enjoy a delicious meal of local cuisine with fresh ingredients and savor oil tea, a unique beverage of the region.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Guilin
10. Day 10: Guilin to Yangshuo Cruise
    Immerse Yourself in Picturesque Scenery along Li River

    Today, you will experience the enchanting beauty of the Li River on a leisurely cruise. The cruise lasts for about 4 hours, and you’ll sail from Guilin to Yangshuo through a dreamlike karst landscape. Along the way, there will be towering limestone peaks, green bamboo groves, and tranquil villages gradually show up in your eyes. And we’ll have a chance to see the most famous formations such as Elephant Hill, Nine Horse Fresco Hill, and Yellow Cloth Shoal.

    Normally, the cruise will be held on a standard 3-star boat. However, if you prefer an even more comfortable journey, feel free to tell your travel guide in advance and we’ll be upgrading it to a 4-star cruise for you. Lunch is usually served in a rather simple style on board, so you’re encouraged to bring your own favorite snacks, just like many other visitors have done. During these few hours, try to fully relax on deck with fresh air welcoming you. And you can capture the mesmerizing views along the way to Yangshuo.

    

    Arrive in Yangshuo and check into your hotel, and spend the rest of the day exploring the town's vibrant streets, browsing the local stores, and soaking up the unique atmosphere.

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    4-Star Hotel in Yangshuo
11. Day 11: Guilin to Hong Kong by Bullet Train
    Admire Views of Li River in A Different Way

    After breakfast, embark on an adventure along the Yulong River, the longest tributary of the Li River in Yangshuo, with a total length of 43.5 kilometers. The water is clear and gently flowing all year round. The mountains on both sides of the river are beautiful, rolling, and myriad in form. The river banks are lush with green grass, verdant bamboo, and shady trees.

    Today, we will take you to experience bamboo rafting. Drift along gentle currents surrounded by stunning nature and peaceful landscapes.

    

    In the afternoon, you will be escorted to take a high-speed train to Hong Kong, a bustling metropolis that seamlessly blends Eastern and Western influences. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and prepare to explore the vibrant streets of this dynamic city.

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    4-Star Hotel in Hong Kong
12. Day 12: Hong Kong Food Flavor
    Tantalize Your Taste Buds with Exquisite Dim Sum

    A great day starts with greater food. Your guide will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to sample local dim sum directly, which is an identical Hong Kong meal that you cannot miss. Common Hong Kong-style dim sum picks include shrimp dumplings, siu mai, and steamed rice noodle rolls. And this special type of meal is known for the foods’ delicate size, color, and flavor.

    

    Then, take a guided walking tour through narrow alleys and hidden corners of Hong Kong to add more fun to this China food adventure. Your guide will lead you to discover local specialties and street food delights. Learn about the city's history, culture, and culinary traditions as you explore the dynamic neighborhoods.

    Take your time to savor different street food offerings, allowing your taste buds to be delighted by the diverse flavors and textures that Hong Kong has to offer.

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    4-Star Hotel in Hong Kong
13. Day 13: Hong Kong Departure

    Have breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy your last leisure time in China. Afterwards, depending on your flight, your guide will accompany you to the airport for departure. Your 13-day China food tour ends here. We hope you have enjoyed your time with China Xian Tour.

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