Essential China (14 days)

Shanghai – Beijing – Xi’an – Guilin – Hong Kong

Shanghai – Beijing – Xi’an – Guilin – Hong Kong

Embark on a journey of opulence and discovery with this luxury China tour, meticulously crafted to redefine your travel experience. On this tour you’ll immerse yourself in the grandeur of China’s rich cultural tapestry while indulging in the epitome of luxury and comfort.

This fast-paced luxury China tour is a perfect choice for the time-pressed looking for a well-rounded introduction to both the traditional and modern China. Trip highlights include the Great Wall at Mutianyu, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace, the Terracotta Army and a day cruise on the picturesque Li River in Guilin.

Important Features

• Outstanding guides handpicked by company owners
• Small group size – average 15, maximum 20
• Inter-city travel by high-speed train except for one city pair
• Luxury hotel accommodations
• Quality meals at non-tourist restaurants
• Unlimited supply of bottled water during group activities
• Complimentary Wi-Fi in all hotels
• Great Wall visit at Mutianyu with cable car rides
• No annoying forced shopping of any kind

Options Available:

• 2-day pre-tour Yellow Mountain extension
• Peking Opera show with dinner in Beijing
• Tang Dynasty cultural show with dinner in Xi’an
• Half-day immersive tea farm visit in Guilin

Meal Code: B = breakfast / L = lunch / D = dinner

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1/Mon: Departure for Shanghai
Begin your journey from a city of your choice. You’ll lose a day after crossing the International Date Line.

Day 2/Tue: Arrival in Shanghai
Upon arrival in Shanghai, meet your driver for the private transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax or explore at your leisure.

Day 3/Wed: Exploring Shanghai (B/L/D)
With a population of 25 million, Shanghai is China’s largest city, offering a unique blend of a futuristic skyline and historic landmarks. After a brief tour orientation, visit the Jade Buddha Temple located in an older part of the city, the famous waterfront promenade known as the Bund, and the exquisite Yu Garden in the old town. The day concludes with a scenic drive through the modern financial district of Lujiazui, located across the Huangpu River.

Day 4/Thu: Free Day in Shanghai (B)
Today is yours to explore the city at your own pace. We recommend visiting the Shanghai Museum, often regarded as one of the best in China, and the nearby Urban Planning Exhibition Center.

Day 5/Fri: High-Speed Train to Beijing (B)
After breakfast, experience the world’s fastest train, reaching speeds of up to 350 km/h, as you travel to Beijing. Beijing, China’s capital, is a major cultural and educational hub with a population of 22 million. Known for its opulent palaces, temples, and historic walls, it is the country’s most visited city. Spend your afternoon exploring Beijing at your leisure. An optional tour of the Lama Temple is available, showcasing Tibetan Buddhist architecture and history.

Day 6/Sat: Sightseeing in Beijing (B/L/D)
Today’s itinerary begins with a visit to the Forbidden City, home to emperors from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, completed in 1420, consists of 980 buildings spread across 72 hectares. Next, visit Tian’anmen Square, one of the world’s largest public squares and a focal point of China’s modern history. In the afternoon, explore the Temple of Heaven, another UNESCO site, where emperors once conducted grand sacrifices. If you’re interested in shopping, the Hongqiao Pearl Market is nearby, renowned for its selection of pearls. End the day with a traditional dinner featuring Beijing’s famous roast duck.

Day 7/Sun: Great Wall Adventure (B/L)
After an early breakfast, embark on a full-day excursion to the Great Wall at Mutianyu, about 75 km northeast of Beijing. Stretching over 6,000 km, the Wall was built to defend against northern invaders, although it failed against Mongol forces during Kublai Khan’s reign. The sections of the Wall near Beijing are largely the result of reconstruction efforts from the Ming Dynasty.

Day 8/Mon: Beijing to Xi’an (B/L/D)
Begin your day with a visit to one of Beijing’s historic hutong neighborhoods, characterized by traditional courtyard houses. Next, explore the Summer Palace, a UNESCO site built as an imperial retreat. In the afternoon, board a high-speed train to Xi’an. The 4-hour journey offers scenic views of China’s rural countryside.

Day 9/Tue: Terracotta Army in Xi’an (B/L)
Xi’an, with its 3,000-year history, was the capital of several Chinese dynasties and home to the famous Terracotta Army. Your morning will be spent visiting this archaeological marvel, built to accompany China’s first emperor into the afterlife. Afterward, enjoy a stroll along Xi’an’s ancient city wall, one of the best-preserved in China.

Day 10/Wed: Xi’an to Guilin (B/L)
Start the day at the Shaanxi Provincial Museum, which traces the region’s history from ancient times to the Qing Dynasty. Later, visit Xi’an’s grand mosque and explore the adjacent Muslim bazaar. In the evening, fly to Guilin, known for its stunning natural beauty and karst landscapes.

Day 11/Thu: Li River Cruise (B/L)
Today, embark on a scenic five-hour cruise down the Li River, taking in breathtaking views of towering karst mountains and traditional Chinese villages. After lunch on board, disembark in Yangshuo and return to Guilin. The day wraps up with a visit to Fubo Hill, which offers panoramic views of the city.

Day 12/Fri: High-Speed Train to Hong Kong (B)
Spend a leisurely morning exploring Guilin before taking a high-speed train to Hong Kong. Hong Kong, a vibrant city known for its skyscrapers and natural harbors, was a British colony until 1997. Today, it operates under the “one country, two systems” model, retaining much of its autonomy.

Day 13/Sat: Exploring Hong Kong (B/L)
Your Hong Kong tour starts with a ferry ride across Victoria Harbour to Central, the city’s business district. Ascend Victoria Peak for stunning views of the city and surrounding islands. Stop briefly at Repulse Bay before heading to Stanley Market, famous for its open-air stalls and bargains. The afternoon is free for personal exploration.

Day 14/Sun: Departure from Hong Kong (B)
Your tour concludes today. You can take a taxi or the Airport Express Train to the airport for your return flight.

Dates and Prices
discount available

Price are per person based on double occupancy. See Terms & Conditions for cancellation penalty.

* Land Only price excludes international airfare. Please contact us for a fare quote.