Highlights of China (21 days)

Shanghai – Beijing – Xi’an – Chengdu – Chongqing – Yangtze Cruise – Yichang – Wuhan – Guilin – Hong Kong

This 21-day journey brings together many of China’s greatest historical and scenic attractions, from the imperial landmarks of Beijing and the Terracotta Army in Xi’an to the giant pandas of Chengdu, the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River and the limestone landscapes of Guilin. The tour begins in Shanghai and concludes in Hong Kong, offering a broad introduction to China’s history, culture and rapid modernization.

Travel between cities is primarily by high-speed train, complemented by a three-night Yangtze River cruise. The itinerary allows time for both guided sightseeing and independent exploration.

Important Features

• Small group size – maximum 20
• Intercity travel by high-speed train
• No annoying forced shopping of any kind
• Quality meals at non-tourist restaurants
• Unlimited supply of bottled water during group activities
• Outside cabin on or above bridge deck for Yangtze cruise
• Complimentary Yangtze Cruise Amenity Package
• Great Wall visit at Mutianyu with cable car rides
• Day trip to Longji terraced rice fields

Options Available

• Suzhou day trip from Shanghai
• Peking Opera show in Beijing
• Tang Dynasty cultural show in Xi’an
• Traditional face changing performance in Chengdu

Tour Itinerary

Meal Code: B = Breakfast / L = Lunch / D = Dinner

Day 1/Mon: Departure for Shanghai
Depart from a city of your choice, losing a day upon crossing the International Date Line.

Day 2/Tue: Arrival in Shanghai
Meet our driver on arrival for your transfer to the hotel. You’ll have the remainder of the day at leisure. The guide will contact you in the evening.

Day 3/Wed: Shanghai (B/L/D)
With a population of nearly 25 million, Shanghai is China’s largest city and a major centre of international trade and commerce. Its modern skyline contrasts with historical landmarks that reflect the city’s colourful past.

We begin with a visit to Jade Buddha Temple, followed by a walk along the Bund, Shanghai’s famous waterfront promenade lined with historic buildings.

After lunch, we stroll through People’s Park and adjacent People’s Square, which occupy the site of the former Shanghai Racecourse, opened in 1862. Today, the area is surrounded by museums, shops and cultural attractions.

We conclude our sightseeing at Yu Garden, a beautiful classical Chinese garden in Shanghai’s historic old town.

Day 4/Thu: Shanghai (B)
Today is a free day.

For those interested in Chinese art and history, Shanghai Museum East in Pudong is an excellent choice. Its collections include ancient bronzes, ceramics, jade, paintings and calligraphy. The original Shanghai Museum at People’s Square now focuses primarily on special exhibitions.

Other recommended attractions include the Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum and Nanwaitan Fabric Market, known for its numerous tailor shops.

Optional Suzhou Day Tour

After breakfast, we travel to Suzhou by high-speed train (30–40 minutes).

Suzhou is famous for its classical gardens, canals and silk industry. Marco Polo visited the city in the late 13th century and wrote admiringly of its prosperity. Its extensive network of waterways has earned it the nickname “Venice of the East.”

Our sightseeing includes Tiger Hill, Humble Administrator’s Garden and a short canal cruise. We return to Shanghai by train in the late afternoon.

The all-inclusive price, including lunch, starts at US$250 per person. A minimum of two participants is required.

Day 5/Fri: Shanghai – Beijing (B)
After breakfast, we travel to Beijing by high-speed train (G10, 10:00–14:26). Travelling at speeds of up to 350 km/h, this is among the fastest passenger rail services in the world. Lunch is not included, but hot meals and beverages are available for purchase on board.

Beijing, China’s capital, is a major political, cultural and educational centre with a population exceeding 20 million. An imperial capital for much of the past eight centuries, the city is renowned for its magnificent palaces, temples and other historical landmarks, many dating back to the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) dynasties.

The remainder of the afternoon is free for independent exploration. Ask your guide for recommendations.

Day 6/Sat: Beijing (B/L/D)
We begin with a visit to the Forbidden City, officially known as the Palace Museum. Built between 1406 and 1420, this vast imperial complex served as the residence and administrative centre of 24 emperors during the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) dynasties. Covering 72 hectares, it is one of the world’s largest and best-preserved complexes of ancient wooden buildings and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Next is Tian’anmen Square, one of the world’s largest public squares and the site of major events in modern Chinese history, including the May Fourth Movement of 1919 and the pro-democracy demonstrations of 1989. The square is surrounded by prominent landmarks, including Tian’anmen Gate, the Great Hall of the People and the National Museum of China.

Our afternoon sightseeing takes us to the Temple of Heaven, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Completed in 1420, this vast complex was where Ming and Qing emperors performed ceremonies and offered sacrifices to Heaven, praying for good harvests and the well-being of the empire.

The Hongqiao Pearl Market is located across the street from the Temple of Heaven. Those interested in shopping may ask the guide to drop them off after sightseeing, but must return to the hotel independently.

Dinner features Peking roast duck, one of Beijing’s most celebrated dishes, traditionally served with thin pancakes, scallions, cucumber and a savoury sauce.

Day 7/Sun: Beijing (B/L)
After an early breakfast, we set out on a full-day excursion to the Great Wall at Mutianyu, approximately 75 kilometres northeast of central Beijing.

The Great Wall is one of China’s greatest engineering achievements. Its earliest sections date back to the 7th century BCE, when individual states built defensive fortifications. Following China’s unification in 221 BCE, Qin Shi Huang ordered existing walls to be connected and extended. Successive dynasties continued construction, with much of the brick-and-stone Wall familiar to visitors today dating from the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644).

The Mutianyu section, originally established in the 6th century and substantially rebuilt during the Ming Dynasty, is known for its well-preserved watchtowers and beautiful mountain scenery. Round-trip cable car rides are included, allowing more time to explore the Wall itself.

Day 8/Mon: Beijing – Xi’an (B/L)
We begin with a visit to a traditional hutong neighbourhood. Hutongs are narrow alleyways lined with siheyuan, traditional courtyard houses. Dating back to the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), these neighbourhoods offer a glimpse of old Beijing.

Next is the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China’s finest imperial gardens. Originally developed during the Qing Dynasty, much of the complex was destroyed by British and French forces in 1860 and subsequently rebuilt. Covering approximately 290 hectares, the Summer Palace is renowned for its beautiful gardens, traditional architecture, Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake.

After lunch, we board a high-speed train to Xi’an (approximately 4 hours 20 minutes), travelling through the North China Plain. China’s extensive high-speed rail network has transformed intercity travel, making long-distance journeys faster and more convenient.

Day 9/Tue: Xi’an (B/L)
With a history spanning more than 3,000 years, Xi’an served as the capital of several Chinese dynasties, including the Han (206 BCE–220 CE) and Tang (618–907). It was also the eastern terminus of the ancient Silk Road, which connected China with Central Asia and regions farther west.

We spend the morning visiting the Terracotta Army, approximately 30 kilometres east of Xi’an. Discovered by local farmers in 1974, this extraordinary collection of life-sized warriors and horses was created to guard the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it ranks among the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.

After lunch, we return to the city for a stroll along the ancient city wall. Built during the Ming Dynasty in the late 14th century, this remarkably well-preserved fortification extends approximately 13.7 kilometres around the old city.

Day 10/Wed: Xi’an – Chengdu (B/L/D)
Our morning sightseeing begins at Xi’an Museum, which houses more than 110,000 historical artefacts spanning several thousand years. The museum complex also includes the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, built during the Tang Dynasty (618–907), and the historic Jianfu Temple grounds.

We then visit the Great Mosque and adjacent Muslim Quarter in the old town centre. Established in the 8th century, the mosque is distinguished by its traditional Chinese architecture, with courtyards, pavilions and tiled roofs rather than the domes and minarets commonly found in Islamic architecture elsewhere.

This afternoon, we travel by high-speed train to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. Situated on the fertile Chengdu Plain, the city is known for its rich history, distinctive cuisine and relaxed lifestyle. The surrounding region has long been called the “Land of Abundance” because of its agricultural productivity.

Archaeological discoveries at Sanxingdui and Jinsha reveal that the Chengdu region was home to a sophisticated Bronze Age civilization long before the Qin conquest of the ancient state of Shu in 316 BCE.

Day 11/Thu: Chengdu (B/L)
Our morning sightseeing takes us to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, one of China’s leading centres for giant panda conservation and research. We observe these fascinating animals in a naturalistic setting and learn about efforts to protect this vulnerable species.

After lunch, we visit Jinsha Site Museum, built around an important archaeological site discovered in 2001. Dating primarily from approximately 1200 to 650 BCE, Jinsha was a major centre of the ancient Shu civilization. Excavations have uncovered thousands of artefacts made of gold, bronze, jade, ivory and stone. Among the most celebrated discoveries is the exquisite gold ornament known as the Sun and Immortal Birds.

We conclude our sightseeing at Wangjianglou Park, known for its bamboo groves, traditional gardens and historic riverside tower. The park commemorates Xue Tao (768–831), one of the most celebrated female poets of the Tang Dynasty. A stop at a traditional Chengdu teahouse offers a glimpse of the city’s relaxed lifestyle.

Day 12/Fri: Chengdu – Chongqing (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we travel by high-speed train to Chongqing, arriving around midday.

Situated at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, Chongqing is a major economic centre in western China. Known for its steep hills, dramatic skyline and spicy cuisine, the city also served as China’s wartime capital during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945).

After lunch, we visit China Three Gorges Museum, whose collections explore the history and culture of the upper Yangtze region and the impact of the Three Gorges Dam. Across People’s Square stands Chongqing People’s Great Hall, an imposing landmark completed in 1954.

We continue to Jiefangbei, the city’s bustling commercial centre. Time permitting, we also explore nearby Shibati, a historic neighbourhood known for its steep stone stairways and traditional buildings.

After dinner, we make a brief stop at Hongyadong, an illuminated riverside complex inspired by traditional stilt-house architecture, before transferring to the cruise terminal to board our Yangtze River ship.

Day 13/Sat: Yangtze Cruise (B/L/D)
At approximately 6,380 kilometres, the Yangtze is Asia’s longest river and the third longest in the world. Rising on the Tibetan Plateau, it flows eastward across China before emptying into the East China Sea near Shanghai. For thousands of years, the river has been a vital transportation artery and a cradle of Chinese civilization.

Today’s shore excursion takes us to Shibaozhai, one of the most distinctive historical landmarks along the Yangtze. Its main attraction is a 12-storey wooden pagoda built against a steep rocky hill, providing access to a Buddhist temple above. Originally constructed in the early 19th century, the pagoda was extended from nine to twelve storeys in 1956.

The entire complex is now protected from the rising waters of the Three Gorges Reservoir by a surrounding embankment.

Day 14/Sun: Yangtze Cruise (B/L/D)
Today we cruise through Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge, two of the celebrated Three Gorges of the Yangtze River.

Qutang Gorge, the shortest of the three at approximately eight kilometres, is known for its narrow passage and towering cliffs. At its western entrance stands the imposing Kuimen Gate, one of the most dramatic sights along the Yangtze.

Wu Gorge stretches approximately 45 kilometres and is famous for its steep, forested mountains and legendary Twelve Peaks, including Goddess Peak. Its scenery has inspired Chinese poets and painters for centuries.

We also enjoy an excursion into Goddess Stream, a narrow tributary surrounded by steep cliffs and lush vegetation. Travelling aboard a smaller sightseeing boat, we explore scenery inaccessible to larger cruise ships.

The remainder of the day is spent enjoying the river scenery as our ship continues downstream towards the Three Gorges Dam.

Day 15/Mon: Yichang – Wuhan (B/L/D)
This morning we visit the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric power station by installed capacity. Completed in stages between 1994 and 2012, the dam provides flood control, electricity generation and improved navigation along the Yangtze River. The massive project has also been controversial because of its environmental impact and the displacement of more than a million residents.

We disembark around noon and transfer to the railway station for our two-hour high-speed train journey to Wuhan, the capital of Hubei Province.

Due to time constraints, a boxed lunch will be provided for the train journey.

Day 16/Tue: Wuhan – Guilin (B/L/D)
Situated at the confluence of the Yangtze and Han rivers, Wuhan is the capital of Hubei Province and a major transportation and economic hub in central China. The city comprises three historic districts: Wuchang, Hankou and Hanyang.

This morning we visit Hubei Provincial Museum, renowned for its archaeological collections. Among its most celebrated treasures is a set of 65 bronze chime bells excavated from the tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng, who died in 433 BCE. If available, we may attend a musical performance using replicas of these ancient instruments.

After an early lunch, we travel to Guilin by high-speed train (approximately five hours), arriving in the early evening.

Guilin has long been celebrated for its beautiful landscape of limestone hills and winding rivers. Its name means “forest of sweet osmanthus,” referring to the fragrant trees found throughout the city.

Day 17/Wed: Guilin (B/L)
Today we take a full-day excursion to the Longji Rice Terraces, approximately 80 kilometres north of Guilin. Known as the Dragon’s Backbone, these spectacular terraces were carved into steep mountainsides over centuries by local farmers, particularly the Zhuang and Yao ethnic minorities.

The scenery changes with the seasons: flooded terraces reflect the sky in spring, lush green rice covers the hillsides in summer, and the fields turn golden before the autumn harvest.

Our excursion includes moderate hiking along stone paths and steps through the terraced fields and traditional villages, offering opportunities to enjoy the scenery and learn about local rural life.

Optional Tea Farm Visit

Time permitting, a late-afternoon visit to the Guilin Tea Science and Research Institute may be arranged for a nominal fee, subject to a minimum of six participants. Established in 1956, the institute conducts research into tea cultivation and production. Visitors can tour the plantations and learn about Chinese tea culture.

Day 18/Thu: Guilin (B/L)
We begin the day with a cruise down the Li River, one of China’s most celebrated scenic waterways. The 83-kilometre stretch between Guilin and Yangshuo winds through a spectacular landscape of limestone peaks, bamboo groves and traditional villages that has inspired Chinese poets and painters for centuries.

After approximately five hours on the river, we disembark in Yangshuo following lunch on board and return to Guilin by road.

We conclude our sightseeing with a visit to Fubo Hill, a limestone peak beside the Li River offering fine views of Guilin and its surroundings. Those interested may walk back to the hotel along the river at a leisurely pace.

Day 19/Fri: Guilin – Hong Kong (B)
Enjoy a free morning to explore Guilin on your own. In the afternoon, we travel to Hong Kong by high-speed train (approximately three hours).

Hong Kong, meaning “fragrant harbour,” is one of China’s two special administrative regions, the other being Macau. A British colony from 1842 to 1997, Hong Kong is now a major international financial and commercial centre. Under the principle of “one country, two systems,” it maintains its own currency, legal system, immigration and customs arrangements.

The city is renowned for its spectacular skyline, bustling harbour and distinctive blend of Chinese and Western influences.

Day 20/Sat: Hong Kong (B/L)
Our morning sightseeing begins with a ride aboard the famous Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour from Tsim Sha Tsui to Central. Operating since 1888, the ferry offers splendid views of Hong Kong’s celebrated skyline.

We then explore Central, Hong Kong’s principal business and financial district, before ascending Victoria Peak for panoramic views of the harbour, city and surrounding islands.

Next is a brief stop at Repulse Bay, one of Hong Kong’s most prestigious residential neighbourhoods, followed by a farewell lunch at a local restaurant.

The afternoon is free for independent exploration. Your guide will be happy to offer suggestions.

Day 21/Sun: Returning Home (B)
Transfer to Hong Kong International Airport independently for your return flight. For convenience, we recommend taking a taxi directly from the hotel.

Dates & Prices

* Land Only price does NOT include international airfare. Please contact us for a fare quote.