15-Day China Classic Tour of Hong Kong, Guilin, Chengdu, Lhasa, Xi’an and Beijing

Attractions: No

Meal: Not Included

Hotel: Overnight in Guilin

Today, your guide will take you to Hong Kong West Kowloon Station to board the bullet train to Guilin. Transfer note: There is only one direct high-speed train from Hong Kong to Guilin, which only leaves at around 12 noon. If this train does not fit your itinerary, you can take the train to Guangzhou South Railway Station or Shenzhen North Railway Station and then transfer to the bullet train to Guilin. The guide will adjust your itinerary and you can tell him your plans. Hong Kong International Airport also has daily flights to Guilin, but tickets usually sell out quickly and are quite expensive.). All in all, you can choose the best way to fit your itinerary, if you need any help, please let your guide know, we are very willing to help you if you need.

Upon arrival in Guilin, you will be met by your local guide and driver and transferred to your hotel. The rest of today is up to you, you can make your own arrangements as you like.

Attractions: Longji Rice Terrace, Huangluo Yao Village, Ping’an Village

Meal: Not Included

Hotel: Overnight in Guilin

This morning, you will drive 2.5 hours to visit one of the most beautiful rice terraces in China, the Longji Rice Terrace. The Longji Terraces are famous for their winding terraced landscape, shaped like a giant dragon perched in the mountains, showing a magnificent scene of man and nature living in harmony. Visitors can hike through the terraced fields, feel the serenity of farming life, enjoy the gorgeous sunrise and sunset, taste the local cuisine and experience the rich culture of ethnic minorities.

There are several characteristic Zhuang and Yao villages along the way, among which the most special is Huangluo Yao Village, which is known as the world's No. 1 long hair village, where women living have hair up to 1.7 meters long.

After that, continue to Ping 'an, The Red Yao people live here, and since ancient times, Red Yao women have had the traditional habit of growing long hair, and their long hair, songs and dances, and Red Yao costumes have all become a beautiful folkloric scenery here. If they like to be quiet, sometimes the red Yao girls with long hair will gather at the bank of Jinjiang River to wash their hair together, giving people an original and beautiful visual enjoyment.

 Hike for half a day before returning to Guilin for accommodation.

Attractions: Ten-mile Gallery, Li River, Moon Hill, West Street

Meal: Not Included

Hotel: Overnight in Guilin

If you have noticed, the back of the 20 yuan RMB is printed with the scenery of Guilin, which shows how beautiful and charming it is. You can see ths scenery in person today. You will enjoy the clear Li River and various mountain peaks.

About 4 hours after the trip, the ship in Yangshuo town, check into the hotel. After a short break, you will take the Ten Mile Gallery sightseeing bus to Moon Hill. Moon Mountain is named after its appearance like a bright curved moon. The Moon Mountain can be climbed from the stone steps at the foot of the mountain to the top, and on the way, you can enjoy the charming scenery of the Li River and the magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. There is a viewing platform built on the top of the mountain, where visitors can overlook the entire Li River basin and the surrounding landscape, especially at sunrise and sunset, the view is particularly charming, known as one of the best places to watch the night view of Yangshuo.

Then, take the sightseeing bus back to Fengming and our driver will take you back to your hotel.

Tonight, you can take a walk on the ancient West Street. The West Street was built in the Ming Dynasty and has a history of over 1,400 years. This ancient street has been the commercial and cultural centre of Yangshuo County, and a place where many local ethnic groups, including Zhuang, Han and Yao, gather.

Attractions: Yulong River, Jiuxian Village, Xiangui Bridge, Shuiedi Dock

Meal: Not Included

Hotel: Overnight in Guilin

Today, after breakfast, our guide will take you along the picturesque Yulong River (Yangshuo - Jiuxian Village - Xiangui Bridge - Shuidi Dock) to enjoy your best highlights riding experience. We will make some arrangement for you to pay a visit to the local family, it is a great chance for your children to communicate with the local people with chinese language..

After about 2.5 hours of cycling and visiting family experience, continue to explore the highlights of the Yulong River and enjoy the joyful bamboo raft from the Water Embankment Pier to the Gongnong Bridge, which is the classic part (about 40-50 minutes). Then continue cycling back to West Street for a fun and popular cooking class where you learn about Chinese ingredients and how to cook Chinese food under the guidance of an English speaking chef.

Attractions: No

Meal: Not Included

Hotel: Overnight in Chengdu

After breakfast, drive about two hours to Guilin Airport for your flight to Chengdu. Take 2 hours flight to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport. We have arrange a local English speaker for you, he or she will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel that we have boooked for you.

Attractions: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Wenshu Temple, Renmin Park, Jinli Old Street

Meal: Not Included

Hotel: Overnight in Chengdu

This morning, we will go to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding for an unforgettable visit. Here is the world famous scientific research and breeding base, public education base and educational tourism base. The base covers an area of 1000 mu. As the "Giant Panda ex situ Ecological Protection Demonstration Project", it is famous for protecting and breeding endangered wild animals unique to China such as giant pandas and red pandas.

After visiting the panda base, you will be taken to the Wenshu Temple, a secluded Buddhist temple in the bustling center of Chengdu, where you will be able to admire the exquisite Buddhist architecture or stroll the temple's peaceful path. Chengdu is known for its relaxed and leisurely pace of life and lifestyle, and a visit to the Renmin Park. To truly experience the slow life of Chengdu people, you must go to the "People's Park". Experience the authentic "city life" and feel the daily life of Chengdu people. You can go directly to the People's Park.

Next we will visit the famous Jinli Old Street. Here the whole street is full of specialty snacks and exquisite art, you can choose your own interest to try.

Attractions: Yarlong Tsangpo River

Meal: Not Included

Hotel: Overnight in Lhasa

Today is free until your guide shows you to catch your flight to Lhasa. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the arrival hall and escort you to your hotel in downtown Lhasa for spectacular views along the Yarlong Tsangpo River. It is the longest plateau river in China, located in the Tibet Autonomous Region, and one of the highest rivers in the world. Originating in the northern foot of the Himalayas in southwest Tibet, the Jamayangdzong Glacier, known as the Maquan River upstream, runs from west to east across southern Tibet, bypasses the easternmost peak of the Himalayas, turns south and flows out of China via Basika. Water energy reserves are abundant, second only to the Yangtze River in China.

After checking in, we will leave you a full day to recover yourself of the high attitude and cold weather, make sure you get great sleep and get ready for our trip.

Attractions: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street

Meal: Not Included

Hotel: Overnight in Lhasa

After breakfast, explore the sacred and mysterious Lhasa. The first stop is the magnificent Potala Palace. The Potala Palace, known as "Budala Gong" in transliteration, has a long history and is an important gateway for sharing Tibetan architecture and culture with the world.

In the afternoon, visit Jokhang Temple. Jokhang Temple is a extremely revered and essential site in the history of Tibetan Buddhism

Outside the Jokhang Temple is the famous pilgrimage circle, Barkhor Street. Barkhor Street is a place where you can experience the historical lifestyle of Lhasa. It has kept the traditional appearance of the old city intact. Walking along the street, you can get a glimpse of the way people lived in the past and enjoy the local food and culture of Lhasa.

Attractions: Norbulingka Park, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery

Meal: Not Included

Hotel: Overnight in Lhasa

Today starts with a visit to Norbulingka Park. Norbulingka is a national key cultural relic protection unit, located in the western suburbs of Lhasa, Tibet. Built in the 1840s (Dalai VII), it is the place where successive Dalai Lamas spent their summer and governed, and is a typical Tibetan style garden.

Then drive about 5 kilometers west to Drepung Monastery. Drepung Monastery is the biggest monastery in Tibet. With its white buildings and red grand halls, it looks like a magnificent pile of rice on the mountainside. It's a stunning sight that's perfect for taking memorable photos

Then, you'll visit the 600-year-old Sera Monastery. The full name of Sera Temple is "Sala Mahayana Temple", one of the six main temples of the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism. Together with Drepung Temple and Gandan Temple, it is the latest of the three major temples in Lhasa. Sera Temple belongs to the national key cultural relics protection unit, located in the northern outskirts of Lhasa 3 kilometers at the foot of the Salaouzi mountain, surrounded by willows everywhere, since ancient times has been a place where senior monks and living Buddhas have lectured.

Attractions: No 

Meal: Not Included

Hotel: Overnight in Xi’an

You can explore the mysterious Lhasa until your tour guide transfers you to the airport for your journey to Xian.

Welcome to Xian. Immerse yourself in the wonderful history and culture of ancient Xi'an.We will pay a visit to  the Museum of Terracotta Warriors and Horse, wandering around the small Goose Pagoda, walking though the city wall to feel the ancient Xi’an sense. The local tour guide will welcome you at the arrival hall of Xian Xianyang Airport and escorted to your downtown hotel in a private vehicle. The rest of the day is free, you can choose to explore Xi’an or have a rest.

Attractions: Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter

Meal: Not Included

Hotel: Overnight in Xi’an

Our first stop today is the Terracotta Warriors and Horses. Generally speaking, all of the terracotta warriors have the unique majesty and calmness of the Qin people in their faces, with distinctive personalities and strong characteristics of the times. The terracotta sculptures are painted and sculpted in a combination of ways, although the age is far away, but in the freshly excavated can still be vaguely seen on the face of the characters and clothes painted in the colours.

After lunch, return to Xi 'an and enjoy panoramic views of modern Xi 'an while walking on the Ancient City Wall, the largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China, is one of the first batch of national key cultural relics protection units and a national AAAAA-level tourist attraction.

After visiting the city walls, you'll be transported to the bustling Muslim Quarter, Muslim Quarter is a famous food and cultural neighbourhood in Xi'an, a snack street in Xi'an. Muslim Quarter is located in Beiyuanmen, where was originally an official district in the Qing Dynasty.

Attractions: Da Cien Temple, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Shanxi History Museum

Meal: Not Included

Hotel: Overnight in Beijing

After breakfast, head to Da Cien Temple. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is the most famous structure in the temple. The tower, 64.5 meters high, was built by the famous Buddhist master Xuanzang. If you have read Journey to the West, Xuan Zang is the prototype of the Tang monk in the book. (Note: There is an extra charge of $30 to climb the Big Wild Goose Pagoda)

Next, we'll go to Shaanxi History Museum. China's first large-scale modern national museum, the first batch of "AAAA" level tourist attractions, known as "the pearl of the ancient capital, the treasure house of China".

You can arrange the rest of today by yourself until you get escorted to take a high speed train to Beijing. When you have arrived at Beijing, you will also be met by a guide who will take you to your hotel.

Attractions: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace

Meal: Not Included

Hotel: Overnight in Beijing

We begin our exploration of the historical face of Beijing at Tiananmen Square. Tiananmen Square is the centre of Beijing and the symbol of China. It is the largest city square in the world, covering an area of 440,000 square metres and can accommodate 1 million people.After Tian 'anmen is the Forbidden City. It is located in the centre of Beijing's central axis, was the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is also the world's largest and most well-preserved wooden structure of palace-type buildings. The Forbidden City, the last imperial palace in China, is the centralised presentation of imperial culture in traditional Chinese culture in architectural form.

After a midday break, drive to the outskirts of Beijing and enjoy a visual feast at the Summer Palace. The Summer Palace, a royal garden in China during the Qing Dynasty, formerly known as the Garden of Clear Ripples, is situated in the western suburbs of Beijing, 15 kilometres from the city, with the entire garden covering an area of 3.009 square kilometres (of which the Summer Palace World Cultural Heritage Area covers an area of 2.97 square kilometres), with the water surface accounting for about three-quarters of the area.

Attractions: Mutianyu Great Wall, Bird’s Nest, Water Cube, Imperial Tombs of 13 Emperors of Ming Dynasty

Meal: Not Included

Hotel: Overnight in Beijing

After breakfast, head to Mutianyu Great Wall. The Mutianyu Great Wall is connected to the Juyongguan Great Wall in the west and the Gubeikou Great Wall in the east, which has been the military stronghold guarding Beijing since ancient times, and is known as the "Dangerous Ridge Pass".

Next, cross a 7km passage to The Imperial Tombs of 13 Emperors of Ming Dynasty. The Ming 13 Tombs, a national scenic spot, is located at the southern foot of Tianshoushan Mountain in Changping District, 50 kilometres north of Beijing, and is the mausoleum complex of the thirteen emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), which is characterised by a grand scale, a complete system and a relatively complete preservation. The area has a beautiful natural landscape and an abundance of cultural relics and monuments.

Then drive back to Beijing and stop at the Olympic Village to admire the famous Bird's Nest and Water Cube from the outside.

Attractions:Temple of Heaven, Hutongs

Meal: Not Included

Hotel: No

The first destination is the Temple of Heaven. Formerly known as the Temple of Heaven and Earth, is located on the east side of Yongdingmen Street in Dongcheng District, Beijing. It was the place for the emperors of Ming and Qing Dynasties to worship heaven, pray for grain and rain. It is the largest remaining ancient sacrificial complex in China.

 Then, back in the city center, take a time-filled rickshaw ride to Beijing's Hutongs. Beijing's hutongs are not only the veins of the city and the thoroughfares of the traffic, but also the places where the common people of Beijing live and the important stage for the historical and cultural development of the capital.

 It has recorded the historical changes, the style of the times, and contains a strong cultural atmosphere, as if a museum of folk customs, branded with the imprint of people's various social life. Walking in it, there are places of interest everywhere, and a closer look is like an encyclopaedia of Beijing, and many of the bricks and tiles in the hutongs have a history of hundreds of years.

Your China tour is now about to end. Drive to the airport to catch your flight to your next destination or back home.