China Essential Tour

Welcome to Beijing, the capital of China! Your wonderful China 10-day tour will start here. 

Our guide will be holding your name sign and waiting for you at the airport, and then you will be transferred to your hotel and have a nice rest.

Option: If you want to get a VIP airport pick-up service, please contact us. We can provide airport pick-up with luxury cars such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW and some other luxury business car as you wish. We can also provide the flowers, welcome letter in the hotel room. No matter what kind of VIP service or hidden surprise you want, we will help you make it realize. 

Today, you will first go to see the famous Tian’anmen Square which is located in the center of Beijing. It covers an area of 440,000 square meters and can hold a grand gathering of 1 million people. It is the largest city center square in the world. The National Museum of China, the Great Hall of the people and the Mao Zedong Memorial Hall are all located there.

From there you will enter the “Imperial Palace" known as the Forbidden City (closed each Monday) where 24 emperors ruled China for about 600 years. It is the largest existing wooden architecture, with total coverage of 720,000 square meters. There are more than 9,000 rooms inside. If you are interested in Chinese architecture, you can take a closer look at the roofs, carvings, building materials, and structure of the Forbidden City. If you are interested in Feng Shui in China, you can ask your tour guide about the features of Feng Shui in the Forbidden City. If you want to know more stories about ancient Chinese emperors, the tour guide is also happy to tell you the anecdotes of the Chinese emperors that are word of mouth.

After lunch, you will go to the Summer Palace where ancient Chinese emperors spend their summertime. It is also the most beautiful and complete imperial garden in existence in China. So it is also known as the "Royal Garden Museum”. Walk along the longest corridor in the Chinese garden and feel the slightly cool breeze, or sit in the beautifully carved and decorated pavilion and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake. These are things that the ancient emperors often did in the summertime.

Option: It will be a good choice if you watch a Kung Fu show in the evening. The Red Theater is a famous performance venue in Beijing. The legend of the Kung Fu show here has always been the favorite show of the majority. This show connects traditional Kung Fu performances with stories. It mainly tells the story of a young monk, from apprenticeship and learning Kung Fu to becoming a Kung Fu master. The show includes a variety of performances of Chinese Kung Fu and Chinese weapons and also combines ballet and modern dance with it. The Irish ambassador once praised that the legend of the Kung Fu show is more exciting than the River Dance. 

Tian'anmen Square

Summer Palace

This morning, we will drive for about 1 hour for about 45km to visit the Ming Tombs. The 7.3 kilometers long Sacred Way is the main way leading to the thirteen imperial tombs. The Chang Tomb is the largest, earliest, and best-preserved tomb among the 13 tombs. It is the joint burial grave of Emperor Zhudi and his beloved Empress Xu. Many foreign leaders have visited Chang Tomb, including Queen Elizabeth II of England.

After lunch, we will drive to the Great Wall, which is the longest defensive project in the world. The part we will go to is called Mutianyu Great Wall, it is located in Huairou District 44 kilometers away from the Ming Tombs. We will drive about 1 hour. Mutianyu Great Wall is the Great Wall with the highest vegetation coverage. So the air quality here is very high.The wall is seven to eight meters high and four to five meters wide. In order to prevent enemy aggression, there are beacon towers almost every 100 meters on the Mutianyu Great Wall. Moreover, there were crenellations on both sides of the Great Wall, which were the blindage for the soldiers during the war. You can choose to go up to the Great Wall by cable chair, climb up and enjoy the view and then come down by toboggan. (For guests with the age above 60, he or she will take the round trip cable chair. A round trip cable car option is also available.)

On the way back to the hotel, you will have a photo stop at the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, also known as the National Stadium and National Aquatics Center. Both of them are popular for their unique building structure and shape. They used to be the venues of the 29th Olympic Game in China. And now, it is also used for other sports events or conferences. You will see them from afar. 

Option One: One of the best ways to visit the Mutianyu Great Wall is on the helicopter. This will be an exciting experience. You will take a helicopter in the Mutianyu Scenic Area and fly to a high altitude to overlook the entire Mutianyu Great Wall. The flight process is about 10-15 minutes. Professional pilots will escort you and make sure you are safe. What a special Great Wall tour this is.

Option Two: Do you want to take the Peaking Roast Duck as your dinner today? Peaking Roast Duck is the most famous and popular food in Beijing. It has been eaten in China for 1,000 years. It is said that Zhu Yuanzhang the emperor in the Ming Dynasty loved roast duck very much and ate one roast duck almost every day. Roast duck is a selection of ducks with plump meat, grilled over a charcoal fire. The roasted duck has crispy skin. When eating, the waiter will cut the duck meat into pieces and roll the meat with green onions and cucumber into pancake, dipping ingredients. This is how to eat the delicious roast duck.

Bird‘s Nest

Mutianyu Great Wall

This morning after checking out from your hotel, you will visit the Temple of Heaven, where the ancient emperors worshipped the god of heaven and prayed for a good harvest. It is also the largest building group for worshiping the god of heaven in the world. The buildings here are with different functions. For example, the Circular mound altar is a place for holding winter solstice worship activity and the Hall of Abstinence is the place where the emperor fasted and rested three days before offering sacrifices. Nowadays, the Temple of Heaven is a very popular park for people to do Tai Chi or some other morning exercise. Your Beijing tour is about to end now and you will be transferred to the train station and take an estimated train G87 14:00/18:20 to Xi’an. Your local guide in Xi’an will then transfer you to the hotel. 

Xi'an, known as Chang'an in ancient times, was the capital of 13 dynasties in ancient China and the starting point of the ancient China Silk Road. Xi'an, with its profound history and culture, has been rated as one of China's best tourist destinations.

Temple of Heaven

Temple of Heaven

This morning after breakfast, we will drive for about 1 hour about 37 KM to visit the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses Museum - As one of the top ten rare ancient tombs in the world, the Terracotta Warriors and Horses are a must-see place when you come to Xi'an. The terracotta army is the funeral of Emperor Qin Shihuang who is the first emperor in China. There are currently about 8,000 terracotta warriors and horses unearthed. These include terra cotta soldiers, chariots, and horses. The most amazing thing is that thousands of terracotta warriors look all different. You can even see the difference in their hair or beard.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, where Master Xuanzang kept the classics brought from India. The previous five stories pagoda were added to nine stories, and then the height of the stories was changed several times. Finally, the seven-story pagoda was fixed as the one we see today, with a total height of 64.517 meters. 

Option: Why not have some dumplings as your dinner. We can arrange the dumplings dinner with the Dang Dynasty Singing and Dancing show! The Chinese started eating dumplings more than 2,000 years ago. Later in the Tang Dynasty, dumplings became one of the favorite foods of the public. Especially during the Lunar New Year, everyone will eat dumplings. At the dumpling dinner in Xi'an, you will eat dumplings with various fillings. And these dumplings have different shapes that are very delicate. While eating dumplings, you will also enjoy the singing and dancing of the Tang Dynasty. The actors danced in Tang Dynasty costumes. It will let you have an illusion of traveling through time and space.

Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses Museum

Big Wild Goose Pagoda

After breakfast, we will see the 600 years old City Wall which is the most complete City Wall in China. The City Wall is 13.74 kilometers long, with an average height of 12 meters and a width between 15 and 18 meters. Then we will transfer you to the airport and take an estimated flight MU2331 13:20/15:35 to Guilin. Upon your flight arrival at Guilin airport, your tour guide will meet you at the arrival hall, and then you will be transferred to your hotel.

Option One: If you want to get some more exciting activity in Xi’an, we can arrange the biking on the City Wall for you. We can provide single-riding bicycles and double-riding bicycles. Cycling on the high city wall while watching the charming scenery of the ancient city is also a unique experience.

Optional Two: Want to taste some local food or get some souvenirs for your family? We would like to help you change the City Wall visiting to the Muslim Street visiting. This is a street in the Hui Nationality District, about 500 meters long. There are 10 mosques of different ages and sizes in the district. Walking on the street, you can see shops with Chinese traditional architectural style and Muslim architectural style. You can buy ethnic costumes, handicrafts, halal food, special Xi'an snacks, etc. here.

City Wall

Muslim Street

This morning, we will pick you up from your hotel. And then drive about one hour to get to the pier for a 4 hours' cruising on Li River - the essence of a sightseeing tour in Guilin. Li River scenic area is the world's largest karst mountain and water scenic area. You will enjoy the mountains with different shapes. There is a mountain called Nine Horses Mountain. It is said that you can find nine horse images on the mountain. Use your imagination and don’t miss the wonderful scenery here. In addition, you may also see the farmers and their water buffalos wandering around on both sides of the river bank. That is because there are still some traditional villages along the river. The people here earn their living by farming. Today, your lunch will be on board.

And then you will disembark in Yangshuo. We will take you to visit Yangshuo West Street which is an S-shaped street. There are various small shops on both sides of the street. If you want to taste local specialties, then you must not miss the beer fish here. In addition, you can also buy some souvenirs for friends here. After that, we will drive back to Guilin and get back to your hotel. 

Option One: Bamboo rafting on the Yulong River is a popular activity in Yangshuo. For the people who want to get some more exciting experience, it will be a good choice. Unlike the Lijiang River cruise ship before, bamboo rafting is completely manpower. The boatman will hold a long pole and push slowly to control the speed and direction of the bamboo raft. When going down the river, the largest drop will reach a height of 1 meter. It is very exciting. But don’t worry, you will be very safe. We will suggest you bring a sun hat and sunglasses.

Option Two: Yangshuo West Street is also famous for its bar and nightlife. If you would like to stay here overnight, we can also arrange the hotel in Yangshuo for you. In this way, you can spend your night here maybe in a bar or wandering around the street. 

Li River

Yangshuo West Street

In the morning, you will visit Reed Flute Cave. This is a karst cave. It got its name from the verdant reeds growing outside, and local people use them to make flutes. There are a large number of beautiful and exquisite stalagmites, stone pillars, stone mantles, and stone flowers in the cave. Together with colored light, they form a dreamy palace. It is like a wonderland, and got its name as "the Art Palace of Nature". Besides the natural scenery, there are 77 murals from different dynasties kept in the cave. It can tell us that thousands of years ago, ancient Chinese people have already found this beautiful place.

And then we will visit Elephant Trunk Hill. It is named after it resembles an elephant. The elephant's trunk stuck into the river which is very vivid. There is also a pagoda on the Elephant Trunk Hill called Puxian Pagoda. From a distance, it looks like an elephant carrying a pagoda on its back. It is the emblematic hill of Guilin and a landmark of Guilin tourism. After lunch, we will transfer you to Guilin airport to take an estimated flight MU9350 15:40/18:10 to Shanghai. Our guide will be holding your name sign and waiting for you at the airport. After that, you will be transferred to your hotel. You can have a rest or walk around the city by yourself.

Shanghai, located in eastern China, is a famous international metropolis in China. At the same time, it is also known as the golden triangle of China's tourism along with Beijing and Xi'an. Here is the inheritance of traditional culture, such as Jade Buddha Temple and classical Yu Garden, as well as the embodiment of modern cultures, such as the Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in Asia. We will explore this magic city together tomorrow.

Elephant Trunk Hill

Reed Flute Cave

After breakfast, you will visit the Jade Buddha Temple which is one of the top ten tourist attractions in Shanghai. The two jade Buddha statues enshrined here come from Myanmar. One jade Buddha is in a sitting position, and the other is lying on his side. Both Buddha statues are decorated with gems, pearls, etc., which are very beautiful and delicate. In the Jade Buddha Temple, in addition to worshiping Buddha statues and admiring ancient Buddhist temple architecture, you can also buy some Buddhist-related souvenirs, including crystal hand beads, porcelain statues of Buddha, various wood carvings, and Chinese calligraphy and painting.

After that, you will visit Yu Garden (closed each Monday). It is a classical garden that a government officer specially built for his parents as a place to enjoy their tranquil and happy retired time. It was built in 1559 and opened to the public in 1961. The architectural style of Yu Garden is a typical Chinese classical garden style, with pavilions, lakes, rockery, and stone carvings. The Huxin Pavilion here is a good place to taste Chinese tea, and you will also have the opportunity to enjoy the traditional Chinese tea ceremony here.

After lunch, we will see the Shanghai Tower. The observation deck on the 119 story is the highest indoor observation deck in the world. The fast elevator can directly take you to the 119 story within 55 seconds. And it will take 70 seconds from the observation deck to the first floor. From here, you can have a panoramic view of the other skyscrapers like Jinmao Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Center, and also Huangpu River and the Bund area.

Later you will take a walk at The Bund, which is a famous waterfront area and known as the symbol of Shanghai. The total length of the bund is 1.5 km, starting from Yan 'an East Road in the south to Waibaidu bridge on the Suzhou River in the north. This is the best place to take photos.

And then you will visit Nanjing Road, which is known as the most prosperous shopping street in Shanghai. There is the largest Apple flagship store in Asia, as well as the Shanghai No. 1 Food Building built in 1925 with a long history. So whether you want to buy items from top international brands or traditional Chinese items, you can find them here. If you just want to stroll around, you can also choose to ride in the Dingding car. It will take you to visit Nanjing Road. After that, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Option: Huangpu River Cruise has been selected as the No. 1 night activity in Shanghai. So if you want to get a memorable night tour in Shanghai, we are more than happy to arrange it for you. Huangpu River cruises are divided into four types: small cruise ships, medium cruise ships, large cruise ships, and luxury yachts. So, no matter how many people you have, or any special needs, we can meet you. Board the cruise and enjoy the scenery of the Huangpu River. When the lights of the buildings on both sides of the river come on, you will see another kind of beauty. On the one side of the Huangpu River, there are many tall buildings such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower, and on the other side of the river, you will see the buildings of all nations. If you are lucky, you may also encounter a light show. That will make your night tour even better.

Nanjing Road

Shanghai Tower

Today, we will take you to the airport according to your flight and fly back to your sweet home. We are looking forward to serve you again in the other cities of China.