Shanghai – Beijing – Xi’an – Guilin – Hong Kong
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AWESOME is how I would describe my 14 day Essential China Tour. Tour content, accommodations, meals, & domestic travel all met high standards. Heather, you run a first class organization. Your representatives – Jacob, Elaine, Paul, David, Alex – were very professional, well informed, congenial & engaged, providing extraordinary service & engagement throughout the trip. Also, internal support staff – Yuki, Adrianne – were very helpful. Despite this being my first experience with Laurus, I can comfortably recommend you to friends & colleagues & would confidently consider Laurus first in my future travels. A sincere thank you, Paul D |
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
TOUR ITINERARY
Meal Code: B = breakfast / L = lunch / D = dinner
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 close to 25 million, Shanghai is China’s largest city and a dynamic hub of global trade and cultural exchange. The city delights visitors from around the world with its futuristic skyline and historical landmarks.
We begin our day with a visit to Jade Buddha Temple located in an old neighbourhood. We then walk the famous Bund – a waterfront promenade with a riveting history.
After lunch, we stroll the historical People’s Park and adjacent People’s Square in the heart of the city. Originally part of the Shanghai Race Club first established in 1850, the park and the square are surrounded by world-class museums and shops, which attract millions of visitors each year.
We wrap up the day’s sightseeing with a tour of the exquisite Yu Garden in the old town centre.
Day 4/Thu: Free Day in Shanghai (B)
Free day to explore on your own.
If you are interested in art and history, Shanghai Museum would be a great place to spend half a day. This museum houses a huge collection of precious national treasures. Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum and Nanwaitan Fabric Market (high-end tailor shops) are also recommended.
Optional Suzhou Day Tour
After breakfast we ride the high-speed train (30-40 minutes) to Suzhou, an ancient city most famous for its gardens, ancient canals and silk industry. In the late 13th century a Venetian named Marco Polo visited Suzhou and was very impressed by what he saw. He vividly described the prosperous silk industry and dubbed Suzhou “Venice of the East” due to the small waterways crisscrossing the city.
Our full-day schedule takes in the historic Tiger Hill, Humble Administrator’s Garden, North Pagoda, a short canal cruise, and a visit to Suzhou Silk Embroidery Research Institute if time allows. We return to Shanghai by train in early evening.
The all-inclusive price with lunch starts from US$250 per person and requires a minimum of 2 participants to operate.
Day 5/Fri: High-Speed Train to Beijing (B)
After breakfast, we travel to Beijing by high-speed train (G10, 10:00/14:26). Travelling at 350 km/h, this is the fastest passenger rail service in the world. Lunch is not included but hot food and all kinds of beverages are available for purchase on the train.
Beijing is China’s capital, 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 the afternoon exploring Beijing on your own. Ask your guide for recommendations.
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 near near Temple of heaven is recommended.
We 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.
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.
Our evening flight to Guilin takes 2 hours.
Day 11/Thu: Li River Cruise (B/L)
Guilin is a medium-sized southern city famous for its stunningly beautiful karst landscapes.
The five-hour cruise down the Li River between Guilin and Yangshuo is a key highlight of the trip. As the boat drifts along the crystal-clear waters, you are treated to misty peaks, lush greenery, traditional villages and cormorant fishermen on bamboo rafts. The serene beauty of the river, famously depicted on the 20 RMB banknote, makes it a paradise for photographers and nature lovers.
After lunch on board, we disembark in Yangshuo and drive back to Guilin. We wrap up the day with a visit to Fubo Hill for panoramic views of Guilin.
Day 12/Fri: High-Speed Train to Hong Kong (B)
Free morning to explore to explore on your own.
The afternoon rail journey by high-speed train takes just a little over 3 hours.
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)
Our 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 retreating to a nice restaurant for our farewell luncheon.
The afternoon is set aside for you to explore on your own. Your local guide will be glad to advise you on what to do.
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. Couples are better off going by taxi, which costs around HK$300 equivalent to US$40 or less.
You may also like the 14-day Best of China
| City | Nights | Hotel | Category |
| Shanghai | 3 | Amara Signature Shanghai | Luxury / 5 stars |
| Beijing | 3 | New Otani Chang Fu Gong | Luxury / 5 stars |
| Xian | 2 | Sheraton Xian North City | Luxury / 5 stars |
| Guilin | 2 | Sheraton Guilin | Luxury / 5 stars |
| Hong Kong | 2 | Harbour Grand Kowloon | Luxury / 5 stars |
Price are per person based on double occupancy. See Terms & Conditions for cancellation penalty.
| Depart (Mon) |
Return (Sun) |
Land Only* CA$/US$ |
Single Supplement CA$/US$ |
| 2025 | |||
| 07-Apr | 20-Apr | $5250/$3750 | $1610/$1150 |
| 14-Apr | 27-Apr | $5460/$3900 | $1610/$1150 |
| 05-May | 18-May | $5460/$3900 | $1610/$1150 |
| 12-May | 25-May | $5530/$3950 | $1610/$1150 |
| 19-May | 01-Jun | $5530/$3950 | $1610/$1150 |
| 26-May | 08-Jun | $5390/$3850 | $1610/$1150 |
| 02-Jun | 15-Jun | $5250/$3750 | $1540/$1100 |
| 09-Jun | 22-Jun | $5250/$3750 | $1540/$1100 |
| 16-Jun | 29-Jun | $5250/$3750 | $1540/$1100 |
| 23-Jun | 06-Jul | $5250/$3750 | $1540/$1100 |
| 30-Jun | 13-Jul | $5320/$3800 | $1540/$1100 |
| 07-Jul | 20-Jul | $5250/$3750 | $1540/$1100 |
| 04-Aug | 17-Aug | $5250/$3750 | $1540/$1100 |
| 11-Aug | 24-Aug | $5320/$3800 | $1540/$1100 |
| 18-Aug | 31-Aug | $5320/$3800 | $1540/$1100 |
| 25-Aug | 07-Sep | $5320/$3800 | $1540/$1100 |
| 01-Sep | 14-Sep | $5390/$3850 | $1610/$1150 |
| 08-Sep | 21-Sep | $5530/$3950 | $1610/$1150 |
| 15-Sep | 28-Sep | $5530/$3950 | $1499/$1150 |
| 06-Oct | 19-Oct | $5530/$3950 | $1610/$1150 |
| 13-Oct | 26-Oct | $5530/$3950 | $1610/$1150 |
| 20-Oct | 02-Nov | $5530/$3950 | $1610/$1150 |
| 27-Oct | 09-Nov | $5530/$3950 | $1610/$1150 |
| 03-Nov | 16-Nov | $5390/$3850 | $1540/$1100 |
| 10-Nov | 23-Nov | $5390/$3850 | $1540/$1100 |
| 17-Nov | 30-Nov | $5390/$3850 | $1540/$1100 |
| 2026 | |||
| 23-Feb | 08-Mar | $5250/$3750 | $1260/$900 |
| 16-Mar | 29-Mar | $5250/$3750 | $1380/$985 |
| 06-Apr | 19-Apr | $5250/$3750 | $1610/$1150 |
| 13-Apr | 26-Apr | $5460/$3900 | $1610/$1150 |
| 04-May | 17-May | $5460/$3900 | $1610/$1150 |
| 11-May | 24-May | $5530/$3950 | $1610/$1150 |
| 18-May | 31-May | $5530/$3950 | $1610/$1150 |
| 25-May | 07-Jun | $5390/$3850 | $1610/$1150 |
| 01-Jun | 14-Jun | $5250/$3750 | $1540/$1100 |
| 08-Jun | 21-Jun | $5250/$3750 | $1540/$1100 |
| 15-Jun | 28-Jun | $5250/$3750 | $1540/$1100 |
| 22-Jun | 05-Jul | $5250/$3750 | $1540/$1100 |
| 06-Jul | 19-Jul | $5320/$3800 | $1540/$1100 |
| 03-Aug | 16-Aug | $5250/$3750 | $1540/$1100 |
| 10-Aug | 23-Aug | $5320/$3800 | $1540/$1100 |
| 17-Aug | 30-Aug | $5320/$3800 | $1540/$1100 |
| 24-Aug | 06-Sep | $5320/$3800 | $1540/$1100 |
| 31-Aug | 13-Sep | $5390/$3850 | $1610/$1150 |
| 07-Sep | 20-Sep | $5530/$3950 | $1610/$1150 |
| 14-Sep | 27-Sep | $5530/$3950 | $1499/$1150 |
| 05-Oct | 18-Oct | $5530/$3950 | $1610/$1150 |
| 12-Oct | 25-Oct | $5530/$3950 | $1610/$1150 |
| 19-Oct | 01-Nov | $5530/$3950 | $1610/$1150 |
| 26-Oct | 08-Nov | $5530/$3950 | $1540/$1100 |
| 02-Nov | 15-Nov | $5390/$3850 | $1540/$1100 |
| 09-Nov | 22-Nov | $5390/$3850 | $1400/$1000 |
| 16-Nov | 29-Nov | $5390/$3850 | $1400/$1000 |
* Land Only price excludes international airfare. Please contact us for a fare quote.
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What the tour price includes:
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What the tour price excludes:
See Terms & Conditions for more information. |