14 Days China Tour of Beijing Chengde Xian Guilin

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Beijing Arrival

   Great welcome to Beijing! When you arrive at the airport, our local guide and driver will be waiting for you with a sign with your name on it! You will then be transferred to the hotel and help you check in. The rest of the day is free for you to recover from your trip.

   Meal: Dinner

   Accommodation: Waldorf Astoria Beijing

2. Day 2: Beijing City Tour
   Forbidden City, Beijing's Old Hutong

   After breakfast, we will start with a full-day history & culture trip. We will first set out for the Palace Museum. Established in 1925, the museum is built on the foundation of the imperial palace - the Forbidden City - from the Ming and Qing dynasties. After 600 years of ups and downs, the doors of the imperial palace were finally opened to the public. The Palace Museum is the world's largest and most well-preserved complex of wooden structure palace buildings. In addition to architectural art, here you can also admire numerous unique collections.

   

   Afterwards, follow your guide to take a rickshaw ride through Beijing's old hutong neighborhoods and visit a local family living in a traditional quadrangle (Siheyuan). You will experience the local culture and learn about the history of the city.

   Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Accommodation: Waldorf Astoria Beijing

   

3. Day 3: Beijing Historical Relics Tour
   Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace

   Today, we will spend the entire day exploring some historical landmarks in Beijing. First, we will visit the Temple of Heaven, the world's largest existing ancient sacrificial architectural complex. Surrounded by two concentric walls, the Temple of Heaven is divided into the Inner Altar and Outer Altar, with the main structures concentrated in the Inner Altar. The Inner Altar is further divided into the North and South parts. The northern part is used to pray for the next year's harvest during the Spring Festival, with the central building being the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. The surroundings of the Temple of Heaven form a park where locals relax, and you may witness many people practicing activities like Tai Chi and taking strolls.

   

   Later in the day, you will enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the Summer Palace, one of China's four famous gardens (the other three being the Chengde Mountain Resort, Suzhou's Humble Administrator's Garden, and the Lingering Garden). Once an imperial garden during the Qing Dynasty, it has now become a popular attraction for tourists to appreciate the beauty of Chinese classical gardens. The vast lakes within the park create a picturesque scene with pavilions and towers. The most impressive feature is the Long Corridor, stretching 728 meters, adorned with exquisite and unparalleled wall paintings. Additionally, the Seventeen-Arch Bridge within the garden is a highlight with its unique design, making it an excellent spot for photography.

   Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Accommodation: Waldorf Astoria Beijing

   

4. Day 4: Beijing - Jinshanling - Chengde
   Tiananmen Square, Jinshanling Great Wall

   After breakfast, your guide will take you to Tiananmen Square, which was built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and is a symbol of China and a priceless treasure. It consists of two parts, the platform and the tower, with a total height of 34.7 meters. There are five gates under the city, of which the middle gate is the largest. Your guide will explain why in the past, only the emperor was allowed to enter and exit through Tiananmen Square.

   

   Following that, you will be transferred to the Jinshanling Great Wall, located in Luanping County, Hebei Province. It was an important military defense line during the Ming Dynasty and is a significant part of the Great Wall of China. This section of the Great Wall is renowned for its original appearance and unique terrain. You can choose to take a cable car or hike to explore the Great Wall. The Jinshanling Great Wall is well-preserved, with tall and sturdy walls, complete with watchtowers and beacon towers. Here, you can experience the wisdom of ancient Chinese people and admire the beautiful scenery of the surrounding mountains.

   After the hike, we will escort you to Chengde, approximately a 1.5-hour drive away. Chengde is the location of the Chengde Mountain Resort, another one of China's four famous gardens.

   Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Accommodation: Chengde Qiwanglou Hotel

   

5. Day 5: Chengde Tour
   Putuo Zongcheng Temple,

   After breakfast, take a guided tour of Putuo Zongcheng Temple, a magnificent Tibetan Buddhist temple that replicates the iconic Potala Palace in Lhasa. Built by Emperor Qianlong in the 18th century, it forms part of the Chengde Mountain Resort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This imperial temple, surrounded by picturesque landscapes, features towering golden roofs, intricately carved walls, and sacred halls

   Following the temple visit, we will explore the nearby Chengde Mountain Resort, a Summer Palace built by the emperor of the Qing Dynasty for the political purpose of pacifying and uniting ethnic minorities in China's border areas and consolidating national unity. It covers an area of 5.64 million square meters and is mainly divided into two parts: the palace area and the garden scenic area. As you enter the resort, you will appreciate the beautiful scenery of lakes, rockeries, pavilions, halls, temples, pools, and woods.

   Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Accommodation: Chengde Qiwanglou Hotel

   

6. Day 6: Chengde - Gubei Water Town
   Puning Temple, Gubei Water Town

   In the morning, we will visit Puning Temple, a Han-Tibetan temple built during the Qing Dynasty in the reign of Emperor Qianlong. The front half of the temple follows the Han Chinese architectural style, while the rear half adopts the Tibetan style, modeled after the Sanyuan Temple in Tibet. The entire temple is grand and covers an area of about 23,000 square meters. It is renowned for its statue of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, standing at 27.21 meters, crafted from gilded wood.

   Afterwards, we will drive for 2 hours to Gubei Water Town, located in the Miyun District of Beijing. Here, numerous buildings in Ming and Qing styles have been preserved, creating an ancient and charming atmosphere. You can take a boat ride to explore the water town, savor various local snacks, and appreciate exquisite handicrafts. The night view of Gubei Water Town is exceptional and a paradise for photography enthusiasts. As night falls, the ancient town is illuminated, creating a romantic and mysterious ambiance. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the night view of the Great Wall in the distance.

   Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Accommodation: Gubei Watertown Wuzhenhui Boutique Hotel

   

7. Day 7: Simatai Great Wall Hike - Xi'an
   Simatai Great Wall

   Today, you will once again hike along the Great Wall. Simatai Great Wall, located to the southeast of Gubei Water Town, is one of the most representative sections of the Great Wall, measuring 5.7 kilometers in total. This part of the Great Wall features steep terrain, densely packed watchtowers, and magnificent views of green waves and surrounding mountains. In 2012, Simatai Great Wall was named by The Times as one of the "World's Top 25 Scenic Spots". Unlike other crowded sections of the Great Wall, Simatai provides you with the opportunity to take photos without too many other tourists.

   

   After the hiking adventure, you will be transferred to the airport to catch a flight to Xi'an, the ancient capital of thirteen dynasties. Upon arrival, a local driver will escort you to your hotel for some rest.

   Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Accommodation: Wyndham Grand Xian

8. Day 8: Xi'an City Tour
   Ancient City Wall, Shaanxi History Museum, Shadow Play, Grand Tang Dynasty Ever-bright City

   This morning, we will take you to visit the Ancient City Wall, also known as the Ming City Wall. It is currently the best-preserved ancient city wall in China, standing at a height of 12 meters with a total circumference of 13.74 kilometers and featuring 4 major city gates. With the guidance of your guide, you can ascend the wall and either rent a bike for cycling along the wall or simply enjoy panoramic views of the entire city. The wall is equipped with numerous military facilities such as arrow towers and watchtowers, allowing you to learn about the ancient military defense system.

   After that, you will be transferred to visit the Shaanxi History Museum, where, you will gain insights into the historical changes in Shaanxi from prehistoric times to 1840. The museum, covering an area of 65,000 square meters, boasts a rich collection with various exhibition halls, including basic exhibition halls and the Tang Dynasty Mural Treasures Museum (additional charges). You will have the opportunity to admire bronze ware from the Shang and Zhou periods, pottery figurines from various dynasties, gold and silverware from the Han and Tang periods, and exquisite Tang Dynasty murals.

   

   Grand Tang Dynasty Ever-bright City, located at the foot of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, is a large-scale pedestrian street with architecture inspired by the prosperous Tang Dynasty. The combination of Tang Dynasty elements with modern features makes this street more fashionable, artistic, and charming. As night falls, you can appreciate the fountain show on the north square of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a perfect blend of music and lights, adding brilliance to your evening. (Self-guided visit)

   Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Accommodation: Wyndham Grand Xian

9. Day 9: Terracotta Warriors Tour
   Terracotta Warriors, Forest of Stone Steles Museum, Muslim Quarter

   Today, you will be escorted to the Terracotta Army, which is the burial pit of Qin Shi Huang's mausoleum, approximately a 1-hour drive away. Thousands of terracotta warriors, horses, and chariots have been unearthed here, creating a grand scale. We will visit Pit 1, Pit 2, and Pit 3 of the Terracotta Army. Hailed as the "Eighth Wonder of the World", the Terracotta Warriors has been visited by over 200 foreign heads of state and government, serving as a prominent symbol of China's ancient civilization.

   

   After lunch, we will return to the city to visit the Beilin Museum (Forest of Stone Steles Museum). Covering an exhibition area of 4,900 square meters, this museum specializes in collecting, researching, and displaying stone steles, tombstones, and stone sculptures. Here, you will see a vast collection of steles from various dynasties, stone sculptures, as well as the Confucian Temple, the Forest of Stone Steles, and the Stone Sculpture Art Gallery. If you're fortunate, you may enjoy temporary exhibitions and participate in cultural activities such as calligraphy and painting exhibitions, traditional music performances, and lectures.

   The journey concludes with a visit to the Muslim Quarter. This renowned food and culture street in Xi'an offers a variety of local specialties such as Yangrou Paomo (Mutton/Beef and Bread Pieces in Soup), soup dumplings, Biang Biang Noodles, and more. You can also purchase unique handmade crafts and souvenirs. Additionally, you can take a stroll to the nearby Bell and Drum Towers to admire the iconic night scenery of Xi'an.

   Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Accommodation: Wyndham Grand Xian

   

10. Day 10: Xi'an - Guilin

    Today, you will be transferred to take a flight to Guilin. Upon arrival at Guilin Liangjiang International Airport, you will be met by your guide who will take you to your hotel.

    Guilin is a small city in southern China that is known for its stunning natural scenery. Spend the day exploring the city on your own. You can walk around the city center, visit local markets, and sample delicious street food.

    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Accommodation: Shangri-La Hotel Guilin

11. Day 11: Guilin - Longsheng - Guilin
    Jinkeng Terrace, Yao Ethnic Pastries Making

    After breakfast, your guide will pick you up and drive for 2 hours to Longsheng to visit the Jinkeng Red Yao Terraced Fields. Jinkeng Terraces are large in scale, stacked on top of each other, as picturesque as poetry. There is not only a magnificent natural landscape, but also a rich national culture. Red Yao is a branch of the Yao ethnic group, so named because women like to wear red clothing.

    

    We will take a cable car to the top of the terraces to overlook the magnificent views. The terraces are irrigated in June, reflecting the azure sky; Green in September; and golden in October. Depending on the time of year you visit, you may see different colors.

    Also, learn about the local Yao ethnic culture and participate in a cooking class to learn how to make Yao ethnic pastries. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the local culture and taste some delicious food. Return to your hotel in Guilin in the evening.

    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Accommodation: Shangri-La Hotel Guilin

12. Day 12: Guilin - Yangshuo
    Li River Cruise, Xianggong Hill, Impression of Liu Sanjie

    After breakfast, your guide will take you on a luxury cruise ship on the Li River. This is one of the most scenic waterways in China and is surrounded by stunning karst peaks and lush greenery. During the cruise, you can relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. You can also purchase snacks and drinks on the boat.

    

    After the cruise, you will be guided to climb Xianggong Hill to overlook the beautiful scenery of the Li River. This is a great place to take photos and enjoy the view. In the evening, you can watch "Impression of Liu Sanjie," an outdoor light show that tells the story of a local legend (optional, at your own expense). The performance takes the Lijiang River and the surrounding landscape as the stage, and integrates the story of Liu Sanjie with the local landscape and ethnic customs from a unique perspective, showing the strong national culture and local characteristics.

    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Accommodation: Banyan Tree Yangshuo

13. Day 13: Yangshuo Tour
    Countryside Cycling, Yangshuo West Street, Bamboo Rafting Experience

    Today, your guide will take you on a bike ride through the countryside of Yangshuo, a unique experience. In Yangshuo, the bike path runs through the idyllic countryside and along the way you can enjoy the spectacular karst landscapes and the crystal clear Li River. On the ride, you will also have the opportunity to sample local cuisine and learn about folk culture.

    

    Next, visit Yangshuo West Street, a bustling pedestrian street filled with shops and restaurants. This is a great place to buy souvenirs and try local snacks. Then, you will experience bamboo rafting on the Yulong River. This is a relaxing way to enjoy the beautiful scenery and see the karst peaks from a different perspective.

    After all visits, drive you back to your hotel.

    Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Accommodation: Banyan Tree Yangshuo

    

14. Day 14: Guilin Departure

    On your final day, enjoy your leisure breakfast in the morning. Then, your guide will escort you to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport for your flight home. We do hope you had a wonderful time exploring China with us. Looking forward to seeing you again!

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: N/A