19-Day China Classic Tour of Shanghai, Suzhou, Guilin, Chengdu, Lhasa, Xi’an and Beijing

Attractions: Not Included

Meal: Not Included

Hotel: Overnight in Shanghai

Welcome to Shanghai! After retrieving your luggage, you will find your local guide waiting for you in the Arrival Hall of the airport, holding a welcome sign with your name on it. After a warm greeting, you will be taken to the hotel in a comfortable and air-conditioned vehicle and your guide will help you with the check-in. 

Attractions:Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, Shanghai World Financial Center, Nanjing Road, the Bund

Meal: Not Included

Hotel: Overnight in Shanghai

After breakfast, we will pick you up at your hotel lobby at the specified time. Today, the first stop is to visit Shanghai Museum. The exhibition area is 12000 square meters, the first floor is the ancient Chinese bronze Hall, the ancient Chinese sculpture hall and the exhibition hall; The second floor is the ancient Chinese ceramics Hall, the temporary ceramic hall and the exhibition hall; The third floor is the Chinese calligraphy Museum, the Chinese Painting Museum and the Seal Museum of the Chinese dynasties; The fourth floor is a comprehensive museum with the jade Museum of ancient China, the Coin Museum of ancient China, the Furniture museum of Ming and Qing Dynasties, the Arts and Crafts Museum of Chinese minorities and the exhibition hall.

Afterwards, we will take you to Yu Garden, which was built in the Ming Dynasty and has a history of more than 400 years as of 2015. Yu Garden's green layout is reasonable, plants are properly configured, and the level is clear. It is characterized by many ancient trees and famous trees, large bonjing, and flowers. There are also more than 40 ancient buildings in the garden, such as ear Hall, iron Lion, fast building, moon building, jade Linglong, jade water gallery, listening to Tao Pavilion, Hanbi building, inner garden Jingguan Hall, ancient opera stage, pavilions and pavilions as well as rockery and pond.

Afterwards, we will drive to the Lujiazui area of Pudong New Area to visit the Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC), a skyscraper in the Lujiazui Financial Center of Shanghai, China, which is part of the core district of Shanghai's Financial City. It is the fourth tallest building in China and is shaped like a bottle opener. Climb to the 100th floor sightseeing hall, you can see the Oriental Pearl spire.

Afterwards, we will take you to another famous landmark in Shanghai - Nanjing Road, a very busy commercial district and a great place to experience the modern atmosphere of the area. For the last tour, we will stop at The Bund. The Bund is located on the banks of the Huangpu River in Huangpu District of Shanghai, that is, the Outer Huangpu Beach, which is a Chinese historical and cultural district. The Bund stands 52 classical revival buildings with different styles, known as the Bund International Architecture Exhibition group, is an important historical site and representative architecture in modern China, and one of the landmarks of Shanghai.

Attractions: Lingering Garden, Shantang Ancient Street, Tiger Hill, Suzhou Silk First Factory

Meal: Not Included

Hotel: Overnight in Suzhou

Today, we will drive to Suzhou. Start our journey today with the Lingering Garden. It is a classical garden in Suzhou, one of the four famous gardens in China, and also a world-renowned example of artistic treatment of architectural space. It was built in Ming Dynasty. In the Qing Dynasty, it was called "Han Bi Villa", commonly known as "Liu Yuan", and later changed to "Liu Yuan". The park has been listed as a World Cultural Heritage by the United Nations, and has been rated as a national 5A tourist attraction.

After visiting the Lingering Garden, we will head to Shantang Ancient Street, in the northwest of Suzhou City, has been the bustling area of Gusu City since ancient times, and has the reputation of "a second-class rich and graceful place in the world". Shantang Street has Shantang village wedding, pray for the river lights, Shantang festival, Tanabata cultural festival, rolling gods, welcome the God of wealth, Lantern Festival and other customs. Some people sing: "Above is heaven, below is Suzhou and Hangzhou." Hangzhou has the West Lake and Suzhou has the mountain pond. Two great places, great views." Shantang Street at night is very artistic and suitable for taking photos. You can also find a teahouse to drink tea, listen to Pingtan, feel the traditional culture of old Suzhou.

In the afternoon, we will go to the most historic attraction in Suzhou - Tiger Hill. Next, you will go to Suzhou Silk First Factory. The overall color is mainly white, reflecting the natural color of silk. The wall makes a natural zigzag in the population, symbolizing the softness and elegance of silk. There is a row of mulberry trees on the top of the wall, and the middle is hollowed out, just like a stretch of the ancient city wall on the Silk Road.

Attractions: Suzhou Museum, Zhouzhuang

Meal: Not Included

Hotel: Overnight in Shanghai

This morning, we are going to visit the Suzhou Museum. It was designed and built by the world-renowned architect I.M. Pei. When designing the Suzhou Museum, Pei perfectly combined the characteristics of Suzhou gardens with modern fashion.

Next, we will head to the beautiful water town of Zhouzhuang. The water towns in the south of the Yangtze River make people fascinated and infatuated. In the impression of Jiangnan water town, wumawning boat slowly flowing on the calm lake, people living in accordance with the water, lit the cooking smoke of dinner. The tenderness of Jiangnan water town, so printed in the mind.After the water town tour, your guide and driver will escort you to your hotel in Shanghai.

Attractions: Jade Buddha Temple, Tianzifang

Meal: Not Included

Hotel: Overnight in Lhasa

In the morning, you will visit Jade Buddha Temple, also known as Jade Buddha Zen Temple, located in Putuo District Anyuan Road, although the temple history is not long, but it is one of the most famous ancient temples in Shanghai, one of the four Buddhist temples in Shanghai. The Ruyi Wheel Guanyin statue of Jade Buddha Temple is located in the Hall of Great Compassion in the temple.

Next, you will be transferred to Tianzifang, located in Shanghai, is a national AAA tourist attraction. Before 1998, it was still a road market, and the name was the elegant name given by painter Huang Yongyu. In the afternoon, your guide will escort you to the airport for a flight to Guilin. The rest of the day is your time for leisure.

Attractions: Li River, Yulong River, West Street

Meal: Not Included

Hotel: Overnight in Yangshuo

Today, you'll take a relaxing sightseeing cruise along the Li River. The Li River basin has a unique geomorphology, with turquoise and clear water, and the rolling hills on both sides of the river, which form a breathtaking beauty.

After disembarking, we will take a break and we will start exploring the Yulong River. The Yulong River in Yangshuo, Guangxi attracts many tourists with its clear water, beautiful landscape and serene countryside. It is an ideal place for travellers seeking nature and tranquillity to relax and enjoy the gifts of nature.Tonight, you can walk the ancient West Street at your leisure and witness how Western and Chinese cultures coexist perfectly and peacefully here. 

Attractions: Longji Rice Terrace, Huangluo Yao Village, Ping’an, Seven Stars with Moon, Nine Dragons and Five Tigers

Meal: Not Included

Hotel: Overnight in Longji Rice Terrace

In this early morning, you’ll be driven about 150 kilometers to witness one of the most beautiful rice terraces in China - 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 featured Zhuang and Yao minority villages along the road and you’ll take a visit to the special Huangluo Yao Village. 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.

Later, continue your drive to a beautiful 600-year-old Zhuang Village - Ping’an and check in your hotel located near the rice terraces. After some rest, start to explore the breathtaking views. From Ping’an, you can hike on the cobbled paths built among terraces to catch the best landscape. Climb up to the great lookouts at Seven Stars with Moon and Nine Dragons and Five Tigers from which you can get superlative views of terraces and villages. 

Attractions: Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave

Meal: Not Included

Hotel: Overnight in Guilin

The rest time of this morning is free and you can do everything what you want to do.After Longji Rice Terrace sightseeing, transfer back to Guilin in a comfortable vehicle. 

Then make a visit to the symbol of Guilin landscape - Elephant Trunk Hill. When viewed from a suitable angle, the peak is really shaped like an elephant's trunk, which is lifelike and very fascinating. Tourists can enjoy the landscape and take photos around Elephant Trunk Hill. In addition, you can take a cruise or rent a bamboo raft on the Li River to enjoy the whole landscape, which includes the magnificence of the Elephant Trunk Hill and the magnificent natural scenery around it. At night, the illuminations on the mountain will be lit up to give you an even more stunning night view.

Then, drive about 7 kilometers to next attraction - Reed Flute Cave. Inside the cave, there are a large number of beautiful and colourful, exquisite stalagmites, stone milk, stone pillars, stone mantle, stone flowers, a wide range of, composed of the Lion's Ridge sunrise, Hongluo Treasure Tent, Panglong Pagoda, the primitive forests, crystal palace, flowers and fruits of the mountain and other landscapes, so that the tourists are overwhelmed, just like a fairyland, known as "nature's art of the Palace," has become the Chinese and foreign tourists visit Guilin must be a hot spot for travellers.Accommodate in Guilin City.

Attractions: Not Included

Meal: Not Included

Hotel: Overnight in Chengdu

Today is free. After that, you will be flying to Chengdu.

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

Meal: Not Included

Hotel: Overnight in Chengdu

This morning you will make a memorable visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. 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.

Following the visit to this Panda base, you will be taken to a hidden spiritual Buddhist temple in hustling downtown Chengdu, Wenshu Temple, where you will marvel at the exquisite Buddhist architecture, soak in the reverent atmosphere, and wander on the temple’s peaceful paths.

Chengdu is famous throughout China for its relaxing and leisurely pace and lifestyle, which will be demonstrated by a visit to the City’s 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 will be an impressive visit to the famous Jinli Old Street. Time will steal away as you quietly walk on the lively streets full of delicious local snacks, delicate artifacts, interesting folk shows, and other activities.

Attractions: Yarlong Tsangpo River

Meal: Not Included

Hotel: Overnight in Lhasa

After arriving in Lhasa, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Yarlong Tsangpo River. The Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon Scenic Area is a fantastic place to visit if you enjoy beautiful sights and taking stunning photos. It's incredibly popular among hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who love to explore the area on foot and participate in various outdoor activities.Adapt to the altitude of Lhasa after check-in.

Attractions: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street

Meal: Not Included

Hotel: Overnight in Lhasa

The grandiose 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 the holiest Buddhist temple in Tibet, Jokhang Temple. Jokhang Temple is a extremely revered and essential site in the history of Tibetan BuddhismOutside the door of 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

Start our day with a visit to the summer palace of Dalai Lamas and also the largest Tibetan garden – Norbulingka Park. It's like a stunning ancient building surrounded by a beautiful garden. Inside, you can discover many valuable historical items and treasures. 

Then drive westward 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.

You will then go to visit another featured Sera Monastery, one of the three great monasteries in Lhasa, Many of its main halls still preserve ancient frescoes, showcasing their historical and artistic significance. This six hundred year-old monastery is famous for its grand ceremony of Buddhism debating.

Attractions: Not Included

Meal: Not Included

Hotel: Overnight in Xi’an

Today's time is your own until you fly to Xi'an.Welcome to Xi’an!

Attractions: Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Bell and Drum Tower Square, Great Mosque, Muslim Quarter

Meal: Not Included

Hotel: Overnight in Xi’an

Drive about 40km to discover one of the greatest man-made wonders in the world - the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, 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.

After that, return back to Xian for some leisure time at the Bell & Drum Tower Square, where the biggest and most intact Bell Tower and Drum Tower in China stands. Then head to the Great Mosque, Chinese style decoration on its outside and Muslim style decoration on the inside. This visit is followed by a relaxing wander around bustling and lively Muslim Quarter, known as one of the representatives of Xi'an style, is the collective name of many streets in the Hui Min neighbourhood, which consists of several streets such as Bei Guang Ji Street, Bei Yuan Men, Xiyang Shi, Dapi Yuan, Hue Jue Lane, Shuo Jin Qiao and so on. 

Attractions: Daci’en Temple, Xi’an City Wall

Meal: Not Included

Hotel: Overnight in Beijing

Before heading to the capital Beijing, we will first visit the Daci'en Temple, a famous Buddhist sutra translation site during the Tang Dynasty. Head to the Xi'an City Wall in Xi'an. Next, you'll stroll around the Xi'an 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. Then you'll take the high-speed train to Beijing.

Attractions: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace

Meal: Not Included

Hotel: Overnight in Beijing

Today, we embark on our journey of exploration of Beijing from 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.

Passing through Tiananmen Square, you can see the five most important palaces in the world, the Forbidden City, a huge palace complex of more than 9,000 rooms where 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties lived. After Forbidden City exploration. After that, we will spend a relaxing afternoon at 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,Sacred Way,Water Cube

Meal: Not Included

Hotel: Overnight in Beijing

In the morning, visit the 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".Then continue your journey to the Sacred Way, a 7-kilometer-long passage to the tombs of the 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty. Finally, drive back to Beijing and stop at the Beijing Olympic Village to admire the famous Bird's Nest and Water Cube from the outside.

Attractions: Temple of Heaven, Hutongs

Meal: Not Included

Hotel: Not Included

Drive to 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, head back to the city to experience the various Hutongs. 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 trip to China is coming to an end and you will return home or head to another flight.