Journey Through China's Timeless Wonders

Welcome to China! Upon your arrival in Beijing, we'll whisk you away to your reserved accommodation to settle in. As evening draws near, we'll head to the bustling Wangfujing Street, a popular pedestrian avenue renowned for its energetic vibe, a plethora of shops, and a wide array of dining options. This is an excellent chance to familiarise yourself with the city and soak up the local atmosphere. A delightful dinner is included, after which we will escort you back to your hotel to conclude your first day in this vibrant city. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

On our second day in Beijing, we are set for an enriching exploration of China's vibrant capital. We will embark on a full-day tour, where the grandeur of Beijing's historical avenues awaits. Our first stop is the Great Chinese Imperial Palace, more commonly known as the Forbidden City, an architectural marvel that served as the seat for 24 emperors over nearly half a millennium. Afterwards, we'll take in the serene beauty of Jingshan Park, home to Coal Hill, one of the best-preserved imperial gardens offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Forbidden City, weather permitting.Next, our journey continues with a leisurely stroll through Tiananmen Square, one of the world's largest public squares, providing a perfect vantage point to admire the impressive Great National Theatre, also known as the Beijing Opera House. A delightful lunch is included during our tour.In the afternoon, we visit the stunning Summer Palace, the imperial retreat of the Qing Dynasty famous for its beautiful gardens and tranquil lakes. Later, we will delve into the traditional lifestyle of Beijing with an invigorating tricycle ride through the historic Hutong neighbourhoods. Here, we will experience the city's rich cultural heritage, explore quaint shops, and visit a Siheyuan, a traditional courtyard house that showcases the city's architectural charm. In the evening, we'll return to the hotel for a restful overnight stay. Please note, due to heritage protection measures and regulations, the Forbidden City has temporarily limited daily visitor numbers. If we are unable to gain entry, we will instead explore the Confucius Temple and the Lama Temple, significant landmarks in Chinese history and culture.

On the third day of our journey, we will embark on an excursion to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, a spectacular feat of engineering with a history spanning more than 2,000 years. We'll take advantage of round-trip cable car rides (tickets included) to fully appreciate this iconic landmark. A traditional lunch will be included to enhance our experience. Afterwards, we will head back to Beijing, where well board one of China's advanced high-speed trains around 3:45 p.m. Travelling smoothly at 300 km/h, well cover nearly 1,100 kilometres to reach Xian in just over five hours. Upon our late afternoon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel for check-in and unwind after an exhilarating day.

Following our arrival in Xian, we'll delve into the city's rich history as we visit the legendary Terracotta Army. Here, youll witness an awe-inspiring archaeological marvelthousands of life-sized clay soldiers created to guard the tomb of China's first emperor, discovered after being hidden underground for centuries. Afterwards, we'll head back to Xian to explore the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a beautiful Buddhist structure that has gracefully stood for over a millennium.Our journey continues through the city's historic walled centre, where you'll experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Muslim Quarter. Here, well visit the Great Mosque, a remarkable site that highlights the diverse blend of cultures and religions that have shaped Chinas history. Well also gain entry to the Drum Tower, featuring a short performance of traditional Chinese music played on ancient instruments.The rest of your day is yours to discover the charms of Xian at your own pace, be it wandering the bustling streets or uncovering hidden gems in a city that was once the starting point of the ancient Silk Road.

Today, we depart Xian aboard a state-of-the-art high-speed train, swiftly covering the 700 kilometres to Chengdu in just over three hours. Upon arrival, we will head to the renowned Panda Research and Breeding Centre. This reserve is home to 120 giant pandas and 76 red pandas, offering a unique opportunity to observe these fascinating animals up close. Lunch is included during our visit. In the afternoon, we will enjoy a leisurely stroll through the charming People's Park. Here, you can take in the serene atmosphere around the small lake, watch locals practising Tai Chi, and perhaps visit one of the traditional tea houses that add to the park's lively character.

On the sixth day of our journey, we offer a full-day tour of the picturesque Sichuan Province, celebrated for its captivating landscapes and historical villages. Our first stop will be Dujiangyan, where you'll witness a traditional irrigation system that has been in operation for over 2,000 years and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. We then head to Qingcheng Shan, known as the "Mountain of the Green City," a revered Taoist site. As we navigate its forested trails, we'll encounter ancient caves, charming pavilions, and centuries-old wooden temples. Lunch is included during our visit here. Our final destination is the ancient city of Jiezi, where you can wander through alleys that boast a history spanning more than a thousand years. We conclude our compelling day by returning to Chengdu.

Today, we will transfer you to the airport for a flight to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province. Upon arrival, we'll provide a transfer to your hotel, allowing you to settle in before we embark on our next adventure. We'll take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant Bird and Flower Market, a lively place teeming with local culture and offering an array of colourful sights and sounds. Afterwards, we'll visit the Golden Temple of Kunming, an exquisite Taoist temple crafted primarily from brass and set amidst lush greenery. This visit promises to reveal a fascinating piece of the regions spiritual heritage, rounding off a day of discovery in this captivating city.

Our day begins with a visit to Zhuanxin Farmers Market in Kunming, a traditional marketplace brimming with an impressive variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and local produce. Following this, we'll venture out of the city to the Stone Forest, a remarkable UNESCO Natural Heritage Site. This geological wonder is renowned for its unique stone formations, which intriguingly resemble a forest of petrified trees. Lunch is included in today's itinerary. After our excursion, we'll return to Kunming to enjoy a leisurely stroll through the historic Kunming Laojie District, where you can soak up the area's rich history and charm.

We will start our day by transferring to the station in Kunming for a high-speed train journey to Dali, renowned for its rich cultural history and stunning architecture of the Bai ethnic minority. Upon arrival, we'll explore Dali's Old Town, where the historic streets are lined with charming shops, lively bars, and local craft studios. This area provides a vibrant insight into the local culture. Our midday break will include lunch, after which we'll visit the Chongsheng Temple, known for its iconic three pagodas, where we'll ascend using an electric vehicle for ease of access. An overnight stay in Dali will round off this culturally enriching day.

Today, we set off on a journey northwards through a diverse landscape, progressing from the cultivated fields surrounding Erhai Lake to the verdant mountain backdrops. Our first destination is the ancient town of Xizhou, where we will admire the traditional courtyard houses that showcase the architectural heritage of the Bai people. Continuing onwards, we arrive at Zhoucheng Village, renowned globally for its exquisite blue-dyed textiles, each piece crafted entirely by hand. Lunch will be provided during our travels. Later, we will proceed to Lijiang, a city celebrated for being one of the best-preserved locales in Yunnan over the centuries and honoured as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, promising a memorable and culturally enriching experience.

In Lijiang, prepare for an unforgettable day as we journey to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, a highlight of Yunnan Province. Ascend by cable car to admire the breathtaking views that vary with the seasonlush green forests in summer give way to a stunning snow-covered landscape in winter. Please be aware that the cable car may close if strong winds occur, and during peak tourist season, waiting times can be lengthy.After our descent, we'll visit the traditional villages of Yuhu and Baisha, offering a glimpse into the historical roots of the Nakhi people. A delightful lunch will be provided as we pause to enjoy the local flavours. Later, we'll explore Dayan's ancient town; its timeless charm is sure to captivate. Our day concludes with a picturesque stroll through Black Dragon Pool Park, where the reflections of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain create a stunning backdrop. We'll then return to Lijiang for an overnight stay, ready to embrace more adventures ahead.

After breakfast, we will arrange your transfer to the airport, marking the conclusion of our services. We hope you've gathered many memorable experiences during your journey. Safe travels!