Welcome to China! Upon your arrival, your friendly tour guide will greet you at the arrival hall of the airport by holding a signboard with your name on it. Then transfer you to a hotel for a good rest and recovery from jet lag.

After a night's sound sleep, today's exploration starts with a leisure stroll at Tiananmen Square, and then move to the Forbidden City, the largest and best-preserved wooden constructions complex in the world that used to be the imperial palace for both Ming and Qing Dynasty from the year 1420 to 1912. Housing over a million incomparable treasures, it is also known as Palace Museum. Marvel at different halls and exquisite architectures of the Palace and get insights into the extravagant lifestyle of the royal families.

Then take a rickshaw ride to tour hutong alleys where you could dive into native's residences and learn to paint a facial mask in the famous Peking Opera at a Hutong courtyard to experience the traditional art of Beijing. Bring this memorable souvenir home with you when you finish. Then transfer back to your hotel.

The Forbidden City

Ride a rickshaw to discover the Hutong alleys

This morning, you will visit the quieter and well-preserved Mutianyu Great Wall. A Round-trip Cable Car is included to make your exploration easier on this great military defensive system and to save more time and energy for hiking on the Wall.

Afterwards, drive back to the city and have a stopover to capture the new iconic structures of Beijing--Bird's Nest and Water Cube and shoot some great photos.

Then make your way to the imperial garden Summer Palace and stroll along the peaceful lake, taking in the picturesque scenery of gardens, halls, and pavilions.

Great Wall

Summer Palace

This morning, you will visit the Temple of Heaven to soak up the splendid architectures where emperors used to hold ceremonies to pray for good harvest and luck for next year. Encounter the locals gathering here for morning exercise, such as dancing, opera singing, Tai Chi and many other featured Chinese activities. You are more than welcome to join these friendly local people to exercise together.

Afterwards, you will be taken to the railway station to take a 4.5-hour high-speed train to China's another ancient capital Xian. Upon arrival, meet your friendly Xian guide and check in to your hotel.

Temple of Heaven

About 1-hour drive from Xian downtown, you will get to Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses Museum to witness this world wonder. Over 8,000 life-sized pottery army soldiers were arrayed in the pits to guard Qinshihuang emperor in his afterlife. Owning distinctive facial expressions, hair styles, figures as well as uniforms, the silent underground army is peacefully awaiting your discovery.

Then drive back to the city to visit the largest and best-preserved City Wall by a relaxing stroll. Alternatively, you could rent a bike to cycle around the wall to have an overview of this old capital.

Afterwards, drive to the bustling Muslim Quarter to appreciate various snacks, and visit the ancient Great Mosque to dig into local's Muslim culture.

Life-sized Terracotta Warriors standing in battle formation in Pit.1

After breakfast, approach to the famous Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a tranquil and serene escape from city bustle. Built in 8th century, this architectural miracle erects for over 1,200 years witnessing the rises and falls of Xian. You will learn from the master to make the traditional art of shadow puppet with a history of over 2,000 years.

On the way to the airport, drop by Hanyang Tombs, a grand mausoleum of Emperor Jingdi (188-141 BC) with numerous exhibits in display. Burial objects in the pits including miniatures of terracotta figures, livestock and tools are unveiled beneath your feet by glass walkways for a close-up gaze.

Afterwards, you will be escorted to the airport to fly to Guilin. Your friendly tour guide will greet you at the arrival hall of the airport, then transfer you to a hotel for a good rest.

Shadow Puppet Making: Supported by a local NGO, the chance of learning to make a shadow puppet allows more and more world travelers to learn about the traditional art.

Make a Shadow Puppet

Shadow Puppets

This morning, you will be escorted to the stunning Reed Flute Cave. Follow your guide and walk through the magnificent cave where numerous stalactites popping out, forming a great scene. Challenge your imagination and check out what they look like.

Then travel to Guilin's landmark Elephant Trunk Hill, a naturally formed mountain in the shape of an elephant drinking water in Li River.

Afterwards, drive about 1 hour to get to Daxu Ancient Town. Get immersed in the ancient atmosphere of the town, taking a relaxing stroll along the old lanes paved with bluestones and appreciating the well preserved old houses on the sides. Take some close-ups of any authentic local encounters. 

The 4-hour relaxing cruise is the best way to take in the beauty of Li River. Drift down to get fully indulged in the enchanting karst hills, like snaking through a moving landscape gallery. Follow the guide's lead to find out the famous sight printed on Chinese 20 RMB note, and appreciate various grotesque hills during the leisure cruise.

Upon your arrival in Yangshuo, enjoy a bike ride through the breathtaking rural scenery and encounter peaceful countryside life.

Li River

Cycling at Yangshuo Countryside

You will be taken to railway station for a high speed train to Chongqing with gorgeous natural sceneries along the way. Upon arrival, your local guide will pick up and transfer you to board the luxury cruise ship. Get ready for your leisurely trip along the essence part of Yangtze River.

Join the Tai Chi class and start your morning in a traditional Chinese way.

After a short break, you will enjoy the onshore excursion to Shibaozhai, a 500-year old wooden tower on an isolated mountain along the Yangtze River. Follow your river guide to explore its famous unique architectural characteristics and uncover the Chinese mythologies.

Tonight, you are invited to participate in the Captain's Welcome Party and enjoy the music and dance performances brought by the crew members. Have a fun night!

Spectacular Wu Gorge of Yangtze River

Today your cruise ship will first sail through the majestic Qutang Gorge and then the most spectacular Wu Gorge.

An onshore excursion is arranged to allow you to discover the hidden beauty of Yangtze by taking a wooden boat deep into the gorges at Shennong Stream or Shennv Stream.

After the refreshing outing, the ship will continue to sail through the longest Xiling Gorge featuring rapid water, rare stones and twisted course.

The Captain's Farewell Party is held tonight to conclude your lifetime Yangtze experience.

This morning, you will disembark to wonder at the Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest hydropower project.

After meeting your guide, stroll along the bank of Yangtze River at Binjiang Park to capture the vivid scenes of local life like singing, playing cards, dancing and fishing.

Then get oriented to Yichang Museum and appreciate the treasures stored here, some of which can date back to Spring and Autumn Period (770BC-221BC).

Afterwards, catch your flight to Shanghai and enjoy the metropolis' stunning night view on the way to your hotel.

In the morning, you will first visit the Yu Garden built in Ming Dynasty (1368AD - 1644AD) to admire its delicate design of halls, yards, rockeries, corridors and pavilions.

Then head to the bustling Nanjing Road and the Bund which is granted as the World Architecture Museum.

Get on top of Shanghai World Financial Center to get a bird's eye view of the cosmopolitan Shanghai.

Continue to visit Xintiandi (New World of Shanghai) to witness the characteristic Shikumen architectures in Shanghai, which is densely clustered with foreign restaurants, cafes and bars.

At last, proceed to the Propaganda Poster Art Center to appreciate the energy and passion of China in 1960s.

Skyscrapers in the Bund

Propaganda poster back in 1960s

Farewell to China! Your memorable 13-day China trip ends here. Your guide and driver will escort you to the airport for your flight home. Wish you a smooth journey.