16-day Classic China from $2299 (Land Only)
Day 1: Fly to Beijing
Join your travel companions at the airport for your flight to Beijing.
Day 2: Arrival in Beijing (L/D)
Upon arrival in Beijing, enjoy an included lunch before visiting the stunning Temple of Heaven, built in 1420. Check-in at the hotel for a three-night stay. In the evening, enjoy a welcome drink and dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 3: Discover Beijing (B/L/D)
Begin with a visit to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, home to emperors for over 500 years. Next, explore Beijing’s ancient alleyways, known as hutongs, by rickshaw. Visit a local family, participate in a dumpling-making lesson, and enjoy lunch. The day concludes with a traditional Peking Opera performance after dinner.
Day 4: The Great Wall of China (B/L/D)
Start with a stroll along the Sacred Way and a visit to the Chang Ling Tomb Museum. After lunch, head to the Badaling section of the Great Wall, one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. Walk along the ramparts before dining on a Peking duck dinner.
Day 5: Beijing to Xi’an (B/L/D)
Visit the 18th-century Summer Palace and cruise on Kunming Lake (weather permitting). In the afternoon, board a high-speed train to Xi’an, traveling 1,100 km in five hours. Upon arrival, enjoy dinner en route to the hotel.
Day 6: The Terracotta Warriors (B/L/D)
Start the day at the serene Small Wild Goose Pagoda, where locals practice Tai Chi. Visit the 2,000-year-old Terracotta Warriors, one of the world’s greatest archaeological discoveries. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 7: Explore Xi’an (B/L/D)
Walk along Xi’an’s well-preserved Ming Dynasty city wall, offering views of parks and daily life. Explore the Drum Tower and the vibrant Muslim Quarter, the starting point of the Silk Road. After lunch, relax at the hotel before heading to a Tang Dynasty Show in the evening.
Day 8: Fly to Guilin (B/L/D)
Fly to Guilin in southern China for a three-night stay. Upon arrival, explore the ancient town of Daxu, known for its well-preserved buildings, bluestone streets, and traditional culture. Enjoy dinner before returning to the hotel.
Day 9: Li River Cruise and Cooking Lesson (B/L/D)
Cruise along the stunning Li River, famous for its karst landscape and clear waters. Upon arrival in Yangshuo, attend a cooking class at the Yangshuo Cooking School. Shop for fresh ingredients at a local market, then learn to prepare traditional Chinese dishes before enjoying your meal.
Day 10: Reed Flute Cave (B/L/D)
Visit Reed Flute Cave, known for its water-eroded rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites. Spend the afternoon at leisure, allowing time for personal exploration or relaxation.
Day 11: Fly to Chengdu (B/L/D)
Fly to Chengdu, located near the foothills of the Tibetan plateau. Explore Jin Li Street, famous for traditional-style tea houses and craft stores. Check into the hotel for a two-night stay and enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Day 12: Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (B/L/D)
Today we visit the renowned Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, the only refuge in the world dedicated to this endearing species. After lunch, we return to the hotel. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure.
Day 13: Fly to Shanghai (B/L/D)
Fly to Shanghai, China’s largest city. Travel into the city center via the high-speed Maglev train, reaching speeds over 200 mph. After lunch, stroll along the Bund, a riverside promenade lined with colonial-era architecture. Check into the hotel for a three-night stay. In the evening, enjoy a world-class acrobatic show.
Day 14: Explore Shanghai (B/L/D)
Visit the classical Yu Yuan Gardens and the Bazaar in the old town district. Explore the Jade Buddha Temple before lunch. In the evening, take a Huangpu River cruise to admire Shanghai’s spectacular skyline.
Day 15: Zhujiajiao and Farewell Dinner (B/L/D)
Tour the ancient water town of Zhujiajiao, known for its charming bridges and waterways. Return to Shanghai for some free time shopping on Nanjing Road. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner to celebrate your incredible journey through China.
Day 16: Return Home by Flight (B)
Head to Shanghai Pudong Airport for your return flight home.