Splendid China (22 days)

Beijing  – Qufu –  Shanghai – Hangzhou – Huangshan – Wuyishan – Longyan – Xiamen – Guangzhou – Shenzhen – Hong Kong

This 22-day journey takes you well beyond China’s usual tourist circuit, combining famous historical landmarks with some of the country’s finest natural scenery and lesser-known cultural treasures. From the Great Wall in Beijing and the birthplace of Confucius in Qufu to the classical gardens of Hangzhou, the spectacular landscapes of Yellow Mountain and Mount Wuyi, and the traditional Hakka villages of Fujian, the itinerary reveals the extraordinary diversity of China.

Travelling primarily by high-speed train, we explore historic cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and regions rarely included in conventional China tours. The journey concludes in Hong Kong, offering a fascinating contrast to the traditional China encountered along the way.

Important Features

• Small group size.
• Inter-city travel by high-speed rail.
• Expert guides handpicked by company owners.
• No annoying forced shopping of any kind.
• Quality meals at non-tourist restaurants.
• Unlimited supply of bottled water during group activities.
• Free Wi-Fi in all hotels.

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 your private transfer to the hotel. You’ll have the remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 3/Sat: Beijing (B/L/D)
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.

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 4/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 5/Mon: Beijing – Qufu (B/L/D)
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 travel to Qufu by high-speed train (G2562, 14:42–17:03), a journey of approximately two hours and 20 minutes.

Day 6/Tue: Qufu (B/L)
Qufu is the birthplace of Confucius (551–479 BCE), whose teachings profoundly influenced Chinese civilization and much of East Asia. The city’s three principal Confucian sites, the Temple of Confucius, the Kong Family Mansion and the Cemetery of Confucius, together form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We begin our sightseeing at the Kong Family Mansion, which served as the residence of Confucius’s descendants for centuries.

We then proceed to the Cemetery of Confucius, also known as Confucius Forest, where Confucius and generations of his descendants are buried. The extensive grounds are dotted with ancient trees, tombstones and monuments. If time permits, we will visit a nearby village.

Afterwards, we tour the impressive Temple of Confucius, one of China’s largest and most important temple complexes. Its courtyards contain grand halls, elaborate gateways, ancient cypresses and stone steles recording centuries of history.

Day 7/Wed: Qufu – Shanghai (B)
The train ride to Shanghai takes 3 hours 28 minutes (G261, 10:54/14:22).

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.

After hotel check-in, enjoy a free afternoon.

Day 8/Thu: Shanghai (B/L/D)
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 9/Fri: Shanghai (B)
Today is a free day.

If you are interested in Chinese art and history, Shanghai Museum East in Pudong would be an excellent place to spend half a day. The museum houses outstanding collections of ancient bronzes, ceramics, jade, paintings and calligraphy. The original Shanghai Museum at People’s Square now focuses mainly on special exhibitions.

The Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum and Nanwaitan Fabric Market, known for its numerous tailor shops, are also recommended.

Day 10/Sat: Shanghai – Hangzhou (B/L/D)
The rail journey to Hangzhou this morning takes less than an hour (G221, 09:00/09:45).

Hangzhou is one of China’s great historic cities, renowned for its scenic West Lake, classical gardens, ancient temples and rich cultural heritage.

We begin our sightseeing with a short cruise on West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has inspired poets, artists and emperors for centuries. The lake is surrounded by temples, pagodas, gardens and willow-lined paths. Among its best-known landmarks are the Broken Bridge, Su Causeway and Leifeng Pagoda.

We then proceed to Guo’s Villa (Guo Zhuang), one of Hangzhou’s finest private gardens. Located near West Lake, the garden features classical pavilions, rockeries and ponds arranged in the traditional Chinese style.

Our first stop after lunch is Lingyin Temple, also known as the Temple of the Soul’s Retreat. Founded in 328 CE by the Indian monk Huili, it is one of China’s most important Buddhist temples. The temple stands among forested hills and rocky cliffs near Feilai Peak (Flying Peak).

We conclude the day’s sightseeing at the China National Silk Museum on the southern shore of West Lake. The world’s largest museum dedicated to silk, it houses textiles dating from the Neolithic period to modern times, including rare silk fragments, imperial robes and archaeological finds from Silk Road sites. The museum is also a leading centre for textile conservation and research.

Enduring Memories of Hangzhou

This is an outdoor evening performance staged on West Lake. Directed by renowned filmmaker Zhang Yimou, the production combines music, dance, lighting and special effects on a submerged stage, creating the illusion of performers moving across the water. Drawing on local legends, including the story of the White Snake, the show presents traditional Chinese themes through modern theatrical techniques.

The performance is not included in the tour price but may be arranged subject to availability.

Day 11/Sun: Hangzhou (B/L)
After breakfast, we drive 30 minutes to Longjing Village, where the world-famous Longjing green tea is produced. We’ll explore the scenic rolling tea plantations and learn about the history and production of Chinese tea.

Afterwards, we return to the city to visit Hangzhou Botanical Garden, known for its extensive collection of native and introduced plants, seasonal flower displays and pleasant walking paths.

The afternoon is put aside for you to explore on your own.

Day 12/Mon: Hangzhou – Huangshan (B/L)
After breakfast, we travel by high-speed train to Huangshan (G1509, 09:33–11:01), the city named after the famous Yellow Mountain.

This afternoon, we visit Hongcun, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its well-preserved traditional Huizhou architecture. Founded during the Song Dynasty, the village features whitewashed houses, dark-tiled roofs, narrow lanes and an ingenious water system connecting canals, ponds and traditional residences. Its picturesque setting against wooded hills has made it one of China’s most photographed historic villages.

Day 13/Tue: Huangshan Scenic Area (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we drive to Huangshan Scenic Area and take a cable car up the mountain to begin our full-day exploration.

Yellow Mountain inspires visitors with its striking low-hanging clouds, distinctly shaped granite rocks and twisted pine trees.  The jagged range consists of more than 70 knifelike peaks with the highest one reaching 1,864 metres above sea level. Vegetation on the range is thickest below 1,100 metres (3,600 feet), with trees growing up to the timberline at 1,800 metres (5,900 feet). Huangshan is a frequent subject of traditional Chinese paintings and literature, as well as modern photography.

Day 14/Wed: Huangshan – Wuyishan (B/L/D)
This morning we take the high-speed train to Wuyishan (approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes).

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, Mount Wuyi is celebrated for its dramatic sandstone cliffs, winding rivers, rich biodiversity and historical importance as a centre of Neo-Confucianism. Its landscapes have inspired Chinese scholars, poets and artists for centuries.

Our afternoon sightseeing includes Yixiantian (One-Line Sky), Huxiao Yan (Tiger Roaring Rock) and the Tianyou Peak Scenic Area, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Day 15/Thu: Wuyishan (B/L)
We continue exploring Mount Wuyi today, visiting Xiamei Village and a local teahouse to sample the region’s celebrated oolong tea. A highlight of the day is a two-hour bamboo raft ride along the Nine-Bend River, passing beneath towering cliffs and through some of the area’s finest scenery.

Day 16/Fri: Wuyishan – Xiamen (B/L/D)
After breakfast we ride the bullet train (D2325, 08:30/12:11) to Xiamen, a seaport city historically known in the West as Amoy.

Our afternoon sightseeing focuses on Gulangyu Island where major attractions include Shuzhuang Garden, the Piano Museum, and the charming lanes of Longtou Road. Many Western-style buildings were erected on Gulangyu when Xiamen was operated as a treaty port following the First Opium War. The island later became home to a thriving international community of Europeans, Americans, and Japanese, whose influence can still be seen in the elegant colonial villas, churches, and consulates scattered throughout the island. Today, Gulangyu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China’s most attractive vehicle-free destinations, renowned for its seaside scenery, historic architecture, and relaxed atmosphere.

Day 17/Sat: Xiamen – Yongding Tulou – Xiamen (B/L)
After breakfast, we travel by high-speed train to Longyan (approximately one hour), followed by a drive to the Chuxi Tulou Cluster in Yongding County. Set amid green hills, this traditional Hakka village is known for its impressive circular and square earthen buildings, some of which form part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Fujian Tulou.

Our sightseeing includes a panoramic view of the village, Jiqing Lou and the Hakka History Museum.

Day 18/Sun: Xiamen – Guangzhou (B/D)
This morning we take the high-speed train to Guangzhou, enjoying views of southern China’s changing landscapes during the approximately four-hour journey.

Guangzhou, historically known in the West as Canton, is the capital of Guangdong Province and one of China’s leading commercial centres. Our afternoon sightseeing includes the Guangdong Provincial Museum.

Day 19/Mon: Guangzhou (B/L)
Our full-day sightseeing includes Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Yuexiu Park, the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall and Shamian Island, where many European-style buildings dating from Guangzhou’s colonial trading era still stand.

Day 20/Tue: Guangzhou – Shenzhen – Hong Kong (B/L)
This morning we travel by high-speed train to Shenzhen, a journey of approximately 30 minutes.

Once a small border town, Shenzhen has grown into one of China’s leading centres of technology, innovation and manufacturing. Its transformation over the past four decades provides a fascinating introduction to China’s economic development. We explore the city by private vehicle, with commentary from our guide on Shenzhen’s history and rapid growth.

Late in the afternoon, we cross the border into Hong Kong.

Day 21/Wed: 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 22/Thu: Returning Home (B)
The tour ends this morning. For your transfer to Hong Kong International Airport, a taxi is recommended for convenience.

Dates & Prices

Prices are per person based on double occupancy. International airfare is not included.