G Adventures
Save 20%Epic Southeast Asia: River Cruises & Karst Mountains
Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand · 40 days · Moderate
fromCAD 3,935
Next: 21 JunThe adventure
From cosmopolitan cities to ancient capitals and surreal rural scenery, China’s stunning diversity offers adventurous visitors to the Middle Kingdom a chance to explore both its modern allure and ancient past. A rapidly changing country, now is the time to discover its cultural and historical diversity—and do it with a bit of style! Our experienced CEO will lead the way and eliminate the hassle so you're free to explore China's urban and rural highlights.
At a glance
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
China
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalArrive at any time, arrival transfer included. Enjoy a first taste of Chinese cuisine with a Beijing duck welcome dinner.
Arrive at any time, arrival transfer included. Enjoy a first taste of Chinese cuisine with a Beijing duck welcome dinner.
Day 2Today we visit the Great Wall of ChinaBeijingOne of the greatest structures ever built, the Great Wall was constructed in stages over 2,000 years. This massive structure stretches 6,000km (3,728 mi) westwards from the sea to western China. The section we visit is called Mutianyu and is one of the best preserved Ming Dynasty sections reachable from Beijing. Arriving at the wall, we'll be able to walk up and explore a stretch by foot while taking in the stunning views as it winds along the mountain ridges.
BeijingOne of the greatest structures ever built, the Great Wall was constructed in stages over 2,000 years. This massive structure stretches 6,000km (3,728 mi) westwards from the sea to western China. The section we visit is called Mutianyu and is one of the best preserved Ming Dynasty sections reachable from Beijing. Arriving at the wall, we'll be able to walk up and explore a stretch by foot while taking in the stunning views as it winds along the mountain ridges.
Day 3Explore Tiananmen SquareBeijingToday we delve into the history of Beijing, visiting the dramatic Forbidden City and the immense Tiananmen Square. Hear the tales of the emperors and their concubines, a long crafted culture and rich tradition. Witness how ancient Chinese customs are still valued today, yet are blended with the modern technology and western influences. Visit the Temple of Heaven and its surrounding grounds, which offer a chance to see locals whiling the hours away, practicing water calligraphy and Tai Chi, playing cards, and walking pet crickets, with the colorful Temple of Heaven in the background. Also, take a walking tour featuring some of Beijing's traditional alleyways and backstreets known as hutongs.
BeijingToday we delve into the history of Beijing, visiting the dramatic Forbidden City and the immense Tiananmen Square. Hear the tales of the emperors and their concubines, a long crafted culture and rich tradition. Witness how ancient Chinese customs are still valued today, yet are blended with the modern technology and western influences. Visit the Temple of Heaven and its surrounding grounds, which offer a chance to see locals whiling the hours away, practicing water calligraphy and Tai Chi, playing cards, and walking pet crickets, with the colorful Temple of Heaven in the background. Also, take a walking tour featuring some of Beijing's traditional alleyways and backstreets known as hutongs.
Day 4Continue to explore Beijing with our local CEO…
BeijingContinue to explore Beijing with our local CEO and enjoy some free time on your own. In the evening, catch an overnight train to Xi'an.
Day 5Explore Xi'an like the locals with a bike…Arrive in the ancient Chinese capital and traditional silk road terminus, Xi'an, in the morning; we will be met and transferred to our hotel. After settling in, gather for an a bike ride along the ancient city walls (the inner city is surrounded by 14km (9 mi) of ancient city walls). In the evening, explore the Muslim Quarter, with its multicultural feel, shopping lanes, and street-side food stalls selling nan, kebabs, and a fine array of sweets. Opt to try some of the best street food in China – the spicy beef and lamb kebabs are always a favourite.
Arrive in the ancient Chinese capital and traditional silk road terminus, Xi'an, in the morning; we will be met and transferred to our hotel. After settling in, gather for an a bike ride along the ancient city walls (the inner city is surrounded by 14km (9 mi) of ancient city walls). In the evening, explore the Muslim Quarter, with its multicultural feel, shopping lanes, and street-side food stalls selling nan, kebabs, and a fine array of sweets. Opt to try some of the best street food in China – the spicy beef and lamb kebabs are always a favourite.
Day 6Visit the famed Terracotta Warriors museum and then…Visit the famous archaeological wonder of the Terracotta Warriors, built over 2,000 years ago to protect the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Opt to enjoy a Tang Dynasty dinner banquet in the evening.
Visit the famous archaeological wonder of the Terracotta Warriors, built over 2,000 years ago to protect the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Opt to enjoy a Tang Dynasty dinner banquet in the evening.
Day 7Fly to Guilin and continue…
Fly to Guilin and continue on to a traditional Chinese village and immerse yourself in the local culture with an overnight stay in a small guesthouse.
Day 8Trek through the beautiful countrysideTravel to China's lush southwest to experience the rural culture and unique limestone karst scenery of the Yangshuo area. Arriving into Yangshuo town, there will be opportunity to wander the shop and cafe lined streets or relax with a drink before enjoying an evening sunset cruise on the world famous Li River.
Travel to China's lush southwest to experience the rural culture and unique limestone karst scenery of the Yangshuo area. Arriving into Yangshuo town, there will be opportunity to wander the shop and cafe lined streets or relax with a drink before enjoying an evening sunset cruise on the world famous Li River.
Day 9Take a rural cycling tripEmbark on a day of easy cycling and rural discovery, venturing from Yangshuo out into the Dragon River area to take in the montage of rural scenes. Later, try preparing local cuisine at a cooking school and enjoy the results for dinner. Return to Yangshuo; with an evening free, you may choose to relax or experience some of Yangshuo's vibrant nightlife.
Embark on a day of easy cycling and rural discovery, venturing from Yangshuo out into the Dragon River area to take in the montage of rural scenes. Later, try preparing local cuisine at a cooking school and enjoy the results for dinner. Return to Yangshuo; with an evening free, you may choose to relax or experience some of Yangshuo's vibrant nightlife.
Day 10Fly to Shanghai and take an orientation walk along the Bund areaIn a great day of contrasts, awake overlooking the rural countryside and finish the day in the heart of China's bustling metropolis, Shanghai. Cosmopolitan Shanghai is a mesmerizing array of old and new, from the 19th century Asian infused Victorian and early 20th century Art Deco architecture, to the bold 21st century futuristic skyline additions.
ShanghaiIn a great day of contrasts, awake overlooking the rural countryside and finish the day in the heart of China's bustling metropolis, Shanghai. Cosmopolitan Shanghai is a mesmerizing array of old and new, from the 19th century Asian infused Victorian and early 20th century Art Deco architecture, to the bold 21st century futuristic skyline additions.
Day 11Enjoy free time to explore on your ownShanghai
ShanghaiEnjoy free time to explore on your own. Opt to visit Yuyuan Gardens or the Shanghai Museum.
Day 12Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.
Depart at any time.
Discover China
A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.
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