This itinerary is a perfect choice for Americans who don’t want to spend money and time on the Chinese visa application.
Beijing – Xi’an – Guilin – Hong Kong – Shanghai
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.
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:
- Peking Opera show with dinner in Beijing
- Tang Dynasty cultural show with dinner in Xi’an
- Half-day immersive tea farm visit in Guilin
- Post-tour extension to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
TOUR ITINERARY
Meal Code: B = breakfast / L = lunch / D = dinner
Day 1/Thu: Departing for Beijing
The trip starts with your transpacific flight departing from a city of your choice. You’ll lose a day upon crossing the International Date Line.
Day 2/Fri: Arrival in Beijing
Meet the driver on arrival for transfer to the hotel. You’ll have the remainder of the day at leisure. The guide will get in touch with you tonight.
Day 3/Sat: Beijing (B/L/D)
The capital of China, Beijing is a world-class cultural and educational centre with a population of 21.9 million (2020), ranking it China’s second largest city behind Shanghai. Beijing is renowned for its opulent palaces, temples, and huge stone walls and gates – treasures that make it the most popular tourist city in China by the number of visitors it receives every year.
We begin today with a visit to the Forbidden City. Officially known as the Palace Museum, the Forbidden City was where the emperors of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1912) dynasties lived and carried out their administration. Construction of the Forbidden City took 14 years (1406-1420) to complete. The complex consists of 980 buildings and covers 72 hectares or 180 acres. It exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture and has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and elsewhere. Though the Qing Dynasty was overthrown in 1912, the royal family was allowed to continue to live in the Forbidden City till 1924, when the last emperor, Pu Yi, was driven out of the imperial palace. One year later, the Forbidden City was turned into a museum. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987, this is the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
Next comes Tian’anmen Square. Located in the heart of Beijing, the square measures 880 metres from north to south and 500 meters from east to west. Said to be the largest public plaza in the world, Tian’anmen Square has the capacity to hold one million people. The imposing Tian’anmen Tower sits at the north end of the square while the Monument to the People’s Heroes dominates the centre. The square is flanked by The Great Hall of the People (west) and the National Museum (east). Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum and Qianmen (Front Gate) are located in the south of the square. One of the top 16 tourist attractions in Beijing, Tian’anmen Square is also the witness of the Chinese people’s great struggles for democracy and personal freedom since 1919.
Afternoon sightseeing takes place at the Temple of Heaven, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated in southeastern Beijing, the Temple of Heaven is China’s largest extant sacrificial temple where, during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the emperors conducted the elaborate and most exalted sacrifices addressed to “the Supreme Ruler of the Universe”. Construction of the temple started in 1406, during the reign of the Ming Emperor Yongle, and took 14 years to complete. The temple was expanded under the Qing emperors Qianlong (1736-1796) and Jiaqing (1796-1820). Occupying 2.73 square kilometres (roughly 1,700 by 1,600 metres), the area of the Temple of Heaven is more than twice that of the Forbidden City.
The famous Hongqiao Pearl Market, the largest pearl market in the world, is right across the street from the Temple of Heaven. Recommended by numerous guidebooks for freshwater pearls, Hongqiao teems with domestic and international shoppers. If you are interested, please ask the guide to drop you off there. However, you’ll need to get back to the hotel by taxi, which costs the equivalent of 10 US dollars or less.
Today we enjoy a delicious dinner at a popular Peking Roast Duck restaurant. Peking Roast Duck is a famous Beijing dish prized for the thin and crispy skin with authentic versions serving mostly the skin and little meat, sliced in front of the diners.
Day 4/Sun: Beijing (B/L)
After an early breakfast we embark on a full-day excursion to the legendary Great Wall at Mutianyu, 75 km northeast of the city.
Zigzagging over 6,000 kilometres from east to west along the undulating mountains, the Great Wall was built to hold off tribal invaders from the north. As history shows, the Wall failed the Chinese rulers miserably, especially in the case of Kublai Khan whose men swept across China from the Mongolian steppe, thus marking the beginning of the Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368).
Construction of the earliest sections of the Wall started in the 7th century BCE. A major renovation started with the founding of the Ming Dynasty in 1368 and took 200 years to complete. The wall we see today in Beijing is almost exactly the result of this effort.
Day 5/Mon: Beijing – Xi’an (B/L/D)
We begin our sightseeing today with a visit to a traditional hutong neighbourhood. Hutong refers to an ancient alleyway with siheyuan or “4-sided courtyard house” on both sides. The name hutong dates back to the Yuan Dynasty (1279 – 1368 CE). According to some experts, the word originated from the Mongolian language, in which it is pronounced as “hottog” and means “well”. In ancient times, people tended to gather and live around wells. Therefore, the original meaning of hutong should be “a place where people live around”.
Next on our schedule is the Summer Palace, a well-preserved UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. The imperial resort was first named Garden of Clear Ripples, which was burnt down by the allied forces of Great Britain and France in 1860 at the end of the Second Opium War (referred to as Arrow War by the British). Reconstruction started 25 years later and was completed in 1895 when the name was changed to Yi He Yuan (Garden of Good Health and Harmony). The design gives prominence to Longevity Hill, as well as Kunming Lake south of the hill. The sprawling complex covers an area of 290 hectares and the buildings inside consist of over 3,000 bays.
We travel to Xi’an by high-speed train (#G87, 14:00/18:23). The 4-hour-23-minute rail journey through fertile farmland dotted with villages provides the visitor with an excellent way to enjoy the beautiful countryside. The track you travel on between Beijing and Zhengzhou is part of the 2,298 km high-speed railway linking Beijing and subtropical Guangzhou and is also the longest high-speed rail line in the world. In the past 20 years China has been on a building spree expanding the country’s rail network and upgrading existing railways. Its high-speed rail service rivals France’s TGV and Japan’s shinkansen in safety, speed, comfort and punctuality.
Day 6/Tue: Xi’an (B/L)
With a history going back over 3,000 years, Xi’an served as China’s capital of several ruling dynasties including the Han (206 BCE – 220 CE) and the Tang (618 – 907). It is home to the famous Terracotta Army and the eastern terminus of the ancient Silk Road – a network of trade routes connecting China proper with regions as far as the Mediterranean beginning in the Second Century BCE.
We spend the morning visiting the Terracotta Army Museum located 30 km east of the city. Designed to follow the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE) into eternity, the Terracotta Army represents one of the greatest archeological discoveries of the 20th century.
After lunch we return to the city for a stroll on the ancient city wall. Declared a national treasure by the State Council in 1961, the wall (first built in 1370) encircles an area of 14 square kilometres. It runs 13.7 kilometres long and measures 12 metres in height with a thickness at the base between 15 and 18 metres.
Day 7/Wed: Xi’an – Guilin (B/L)
Morning sightseeing begins at Shaanxi Provincial Museum. The modern, well-organized museum was completed in 1992 and traces the history of Xi’an from prehistory to the Qing dynasty (1644-1912). The extensive galleries and exhibitions offer the visitor an excellent introduction to the area that greatly improves understanding of the numerous historical sites in and around the city.
We then visit the grand mosque in the old town centre and the adjacent Muslim bazaar. The mosque was established in the 8th century but the majority of the complex was constructed in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It was further expanded in the Qing Dynasty. Unlike most mosques in Middle Eastern or Arab countries, this mosque is completely Chinese in architectural style. It has neither domes nor traditional minarets.
Our evening flight to Guilin takes 2 ½ hours.
Day 8/Thu: Guilin (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 9/Fri: Guilin – 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 10/Sat: Hong Kong (B/L)
Morning sightseeing in Hong Kong begins with a ferry ride across Victoria Harbour from Tsim Sha Tsui to Central. The heart of Hong Kong’s business district, Central is home to the regional headquarters of many multinational financial services corporations. Consulates general and consulates of many countries are also located in this area, as is the government of Hong Kong.
We then proceed to the top of Victoria Peak. Also known as Mount Austin or The Peak among locals, Victoria Peak is located in the western half of Hong Kong Island with an altitude of 552 meters (1,811 feet). The peak offers sweeping views over Central, Victoria Harbour and the surrounding islands.
We 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 give you some advice on what to do.
Day 11/Sun: Hong Kong – Shanghai (B)
Free morning to explore on your own.
Transfer to the airport on your own for late afternoon flight (2 ½ hours) to Shanghai. Cab fare is not included and should around HK$300, equivalent to US$40 or less. If airport limousine shuttle bus is available, this would be highly recommended for singles.
Upon arrival in Shanghai, meet the driver for your included private transfer to the hotel.
Day 12/Mon: 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 13/Tue: 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. We return to Shanghai by train in the afternoon.
The all-inclusive price with lunch starts from US$250 per person and requires a minimum of 2 participants to operate.
Day 14/Wed: Returning Home (B)
Your China tour ends this morning. Your airport transfer by private vehicle is included. Guests flying back to North America will regain a day upon crossing the International Date Line, thus arriving home the same day as departing from Shanghai.
| City | Nights | Hotel | Category |
| Beijing | 3 | New Otani Chang Fu Gong | Luxury / 5 stars |
| Xi’an | 2 | Sheraton Xian North City | Luxury / 5 stars |
| Guilin | 2 | Sheraton Guilin | Luxury / 5 stars |
| Hong Kong | 2 | Harbour Grand Kowloon | Luxury / 5 stars |
| Shanghai | 3 | Amara Signature Shanghai | Luxury / 5 stars |
Price are per person based on double occupancy. See Terms & Conditions for cancellation penalty.
| Depart (Thu) |
Return (Wed) |
Land Only* CA$/US$ |
Single Supplement CA$/US$ |
| 2026 | |||
| 12-Mar | 25-Mar | $5138/$3750 | $1300/$950 |
| 19-Mar | 01-Apr | $5138/$3750 | $1360/$990 |
| 02-Apr | 15-Apr | $5275/$3850 | $1575/$1150 |
| 09-Apr | 22-Apr | $5410/$3950 | $1575/$1150 |
| 16-Apr | 29-Apr | $5410/$3950 | $1575/$1150 |
| 07-May | 20-May | $5410/$3950 | $1575/$1150 |
| 14-May | 27-May | $5410/$3950 | $1575/$1150 |
| 21-May | 03-Jun | $5410/$3950 | $1575/$1150 |
| 28-May | 10-Jun | $5275/$3850 | $1510/$1100 |
| 04-Jun | 17-Jun | $5138/$3750 | $1510/$1100 |
| 11-Jun | 24-Jun | $5138/$3750 | $1510/$1100 |
| 18-Jun | 01-Jul | $5138/$3750 | $1510/$1100 |
| 06-Aug | 19-Aug | $5138/$3750 | $1510/$1100 |
| 13-Aug | 26-Aug | $5200/$3800 | $1510/$1100 |
| 20-Aug | 02-Sep | $5200/$3800 | $1510/$1100 |
| 27-Aug | 09-Sep | $5200/$3800 | $1510/$1100 |
| 03-Sep | 16-Sep | $5275/$3850 | $1575/$1150 |
| 10-Sep | 23-Sep | $5410/$3950 | $1575/$1150 |
| 17-Sep | 30-Sep | $5410/$3950 | $1575/$1150 |
| 08-Oct | 21-Oct | $5620/$4100 | $1630/$1190 |
| 15-Oct | 28-Oct | $5620/$4100 | $1630/$1190 |
| 22-Oct | 01-Nov | $5620/$4100 | $1630/$1190 |
| 29-Oct | 11-Nov | $5620/$4100 | $1510/$1100 |
| 05-Nov | 18-Nov | $5330/$3890 | $1370/$1000 |
| 12-Nov | 25-Nov | $5330/$3890 | $1370/$1000 |
| Depart (Thu) |
Return (Wed) |
Land Only* CA$/US$ |
Single Supplement CA$/US$ |
| 2027 | |||
| 04-Mar | 17-Mar | $5200/$3800 | $1300/$950 |
| 11-Mar | 24-Mar | $5275/$3850 | $1300/$950 |
| 18-Mar | 31-Mar | $5275/$3850 | $1300/$950 |
| 08-Apr | 21-Apr | $5470/$3995 | $1575/$1150 |
| 15-Apr | 28-Apr | $5470/$3995 | $1575/$1150 |
| 06-May | 19-May | $5470/$3995 | $1575/$1150 |
| 13-May | 26-May | $5470/$3995 | $1575/$1150 |
| 20-May | 02-Jun | $5470/$3995 | $1575/$1150 |
| 27-May | 09-Jun | $5370/$3920 | $1575/$1150 |
| 03-Jun | 16-Jun | $5275/$3850 | $1510/$1100 |
| 10-Jun | 23-Jun | $5275/$3850 | $1510/$1100 |
| 17-Jun | 30-Jun | $5275/$3850 | $1510/$1100 |
| 05-Aug | 18-Aug | $5275/$3850 | $1510/$1100 |
| 26-Aug | 08-Sep | $5370/$3920 | $1510/$1100 |
| 02-Sep | 15-Sep | $5470/$3995 | $1575/$1150 |
| 09-Sep | 22-Sep | $5470/$3995 | $1575/$1150 |
| 16-Sep | 29-Sep | $5470/$3995 | $1575/$1150 |
| 07-Oct | 20-Oct | $5780/$4220 | $1630/$1190 |
| 14-Oct | 27-Oct | $5780/$4220 | $1630/$1190 |
| 21-Oct | 03-Nov | $5730/$4180 | $1575/$1150 |
| 28-Oct | 10-Nov | $5620/$4100 | $1510/$1100 |
| 04-Nov | 17-Nov | $5480/$4000 | $1510/$1100 |
| 11-Nov | 24-Nov | $5370/$3920 | $1370/$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. |
