Nihao! Welcome to Beijing

The capital city of China! Upon your arrival at the airport/train station in Beijing, the driver will meet and greet you at the exit, and then escort you to the well-selected hotel in downtown Beijing. The rest of the day is free on your own so you can have a good rest for the jet lag or explore by yourself around your hotel.

Arrival Ideas:

Beijing is well connected by air and high speed rail. There are two airports – Beijing Daxing International Airport and Beijing Capital International Airport operating many international and domestic airlines. Travelers can go to Beijing by air from most cities of China, like Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xian, Guilin, Hangzhou, Kunming, Wuhan, Xiamen, Guiyang, Chongqing, and Lanzhou. In addition, travelers can take the high speed train to Beijing from Xian (4-5 hours), Shanghai (4.5-6 hours), Zhengzhou (2.5-3 hours), Wuhan (4-5 hours), Harbin (5-5.5 hours), etc.

Today you will spend the whole day exploring the ancient citadel of Beijing through China’s famous landmarks, imperial grandeur, and royal gardens.

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up at your hotel and head to Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square and symbol of China. It has witnessed many major events in China’s history over the past decades, and from here you can take great photos of Tiananmen Gate, seen daily on CCTV News.

Walking across the square, you will visit the mighty and splendid Forbidden City, the world’s largest palace complex and former home of 24 Chinese emperors. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Forbidden City has about 500 years of history, serving as the political and ritual center of China during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. With over 8,700 rooms, it is not only China’s largest and best-preserved collection of ancient buildings, but also a city within a city, like the Vatican in Rome. Enter through the Meridian Gate and visit along the central axis to ensure you see all the highlights. Admire the brilliant architecture and numerous ancient treasures while listening to your guide share stories of the emperors who once lived here. Later, take a 15-minute walk up to Jingshan Park, where you can enjoy magnificent panoramic views over modern Beijing and the Forbidden City’s russet roofs. (Note: It requires some walking, so please wear comfortable footwear. You can decide whether or not to climb to the top based on your physical condition.)

In the afternoon, drive to the Summer Palace, the “Museum of Royal Gardens”, once a summer retreat for royal families. The grounds, temples, gardens, pavilions, lakes, bridges, gate-towers, and corridors are marvels of landscape design. Take a leisurely stroll to appreciate the imperial architecture, hilltop views, and beautiful lakes, which offer a pastoral escape into the landscapes of traditional Chinese painting.

Travel Note

The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays. If your tour date coincides with a Monday, we will adjust the itinerary to ensure your visit is still included.

In this morning, you will head northwest of Beijing (about 1.5-2 hours’ drive, 73km) to the Great Wall at Mutianyu. The Great Wall boasts a history over 2,000 years and stretches more than 3,000 miles across several provinces of northern China, making it one of the most impressive ancient masterpieces on the planet. Mutianyu Great Wall is connected with the Jiankou Great Wall in the west and the Gubeikou Great Wall in the east. Mutianyu is the longest and best fully-restored Great Wall with fewer tourists and is also famed for its 23 Ming-era watchtowers and stunning views. Take the cable car up to the 14th watchtower and then enjoy the memorable hiking time on the wall while visiting its western route. With the green pines and cypresses covering the surrounding area, and the winding wall standing majestically on the vast land, you will capture the most stunning natural scenery in this section. Challenge yourselves while climbing up to the 20th watchtower where you could fulfill your Great Wall dream. Cherish the chance and take photos as many as you like!

After the once-in-lifetime experience, head back to downtown Beijing and have the chance to take photos with the exterior of the Bird’s Nest (Beijing National Stadium) and Water Cube (Beijing National Aquatics Center). They were both designed for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and used for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games.

After that, transfer back to your hotel and have a good rest tonight.

After breakfast, your group will be escorted to the train station for high-speed train to Xi’an (about 4.5-5.5 hours). Welcome to Xi’an, the capital of 13 ancient Chinese dynasties! Upon arrival at the train station, your driver will greet you at the exit and escort you to your hotel in Xi’an.

In the afternoon, you will visit Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, one of Xi’an’s most recognizable landmarks and a symbol of the magnificence of the Tang Dynasty. This seven-story pagoda, standing in the tranquil Da Ci’en Temple, is one of China’s best examples of a Tang-style pagoda (squarish rather than round). It was completed in AD 652 to house Buddhist sutras brought back from India by the monk Xuan Zang. His travels inspired one of the best-known works of Chinese literature, Journey to the West.

Later, you will have the opportunity to explore the vibrant and bustling Muslim Quarter, one of the most famous neighborhoods in Xi’an. Stretching for about 500 meters, this area is home to the city’s Hui Muslim community. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and especially the mouthwatering street food. You can try famous Xi’an specialties such as Roujiamo, Yangrou Paomo, Biangbiang noodles, and kebabs.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel. Drive about 40km (about 1 hour) to uncover one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world – the Terracotta Army Museum, built by the first emperor of China, Qin Shihuang, to protect him in the afterlife. Around 8,000 vivid life-size Terracotta Warriors have been found so far. First, visit the largest and most imposing pit, believed to contain over 6,000 terracotta figures of soldiers and horses. You will be amazed by this subterranean life-size army of thousands standing silently to guard the emperor. Marvel also at the fabulous artistic skills of ancient Chinese artisans. Next, move to another pit where you can see around 1,300 warriors and horses. Examine the ancient army formation, including the kneeling and standing archers, the chariot war array, and numerous troopers holding weapons.

After lunch, head to visit the Ancient City Wall, also known as the Fortification of Xian, representing one of the oldest, largest, and best-preserved Chinese city walls. Spend time leisurely walking the wall and enjoying its inner and outer walls, watchtowers, and moat, taking in panoramic views of modern Xian, there, you will also visit the awe-inspiring Bell Tower (or Drum Tower), a landmark from the Ming Dynasty dating back 600 years, will be beautifully illuminated, creating a captivating backdrop for stunning photos showcasing the harmonious blend of ancient history and modernity in Xian. In the evening, you may also have the chance to visit the lively Bell & Drum Tower Square (Zhongulou Square), allowing you to immerse yourself in Xian’s vibrant nightlife like a local.

Transfer via: High speed train Xian – Chengdu arranged by AOT(second class seat)

On this day, you will be transferred to the train station for a high-speed train to Chengdu (about 3-4 hours). Upon your arrival in Chengdu, your guide will meet you at the exit of the train station and escort you to your hotel in Chengdu downtown area. The rest of today is free on your own to explore this laid-back city well known for Giant Pandas and Sichuan cuisine.

Today, fulfill your panda dream at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, the world’s largest facility for captive pandas. You’ll see them playing and eating, and maybe even spot newborn cubs in the nurseries. Don’t forget to visit the adorable red pandas and explore the Panda Museum secrets.

Note: We suggest arriving early, since the pandas are much more active during the cooler morning hours.

This afternoon, take an hour’s drive to the Sanxingdui Site Museum. It’s a world-class archaeological treasure where you’ll discover the 3,000-year-old Ancient Shu Kingdom. You can’t miss the Bronze Sacred Tree or the famous Vertical-eyed Mask. The Gold Scepter and early pottery are also on display, all showing off an incredible civilization that totally changed the history of the Sichuan region.

Conclude your day at Jinli Old Street,a 1,800-year-old landmark reflecting the Shu Kingdom’s heritage. Renowned for its traditional architecture and lively energy, this stone-paved landmark offers an ideal setting to sample authentic Sichuan snacks, browse handmade crafts, and experience the rich cultural atmosphere and vibrant street life of historic Chengdu.

Plan B: Chengdu Downtown City Tour (No Sanxingdui Museum)

Sanxingdui Museum tickets are limited during peak times. If they are unavailable, your itinerary will be updated to include a full-day Chengdu city tour instead.

This alternative route includes: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding → Chengdu Museum → Kuanzhai Alley → Renmin Park

On this day, you will be escorted to the train station in Chengdu for your high-speed train journey to Guilin (5-6 hours). (Note: In some circumstances, you may take a flight from Chengdu to Guilin, which takes about 1.5 hours.) Welcome to Guilin, the land of nature’s masterpieces. Upon your arrival in Guilin, your driver will meet you at the exit of the train station/airport and escort you to your hotel in downtown Guilin.

Afternoon: Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave

In this afternoon, your group will head to Elephant Trunk Hill, the iconic symbol of Guilin. Located where the Li River meets the Peach Blossom River, this natural limestone formation resembles a giant elephant drinking from the water. Formed over millions of years by water erosion, it’s the inspiration behind the famous saying “Guilin’s scenery is the finest under heaven.” Walk to Water-Moon Cave, a semicircular opening between the trunk and body of the “elephant.” Standing 12 meters high, the cave features engraved poems from the Tang and Song dynasties – a poetic blend of nature and culture.

Next, visit the Reed Flute Cave, known as the “Palace of Nature’s Art.” Inside, discover a breathtaking world of stalactites, stalagmites, stone pillars, and flowstone, sculpted by nature over millennia. Colorful LED lights illuminate formations like “Lion Peak at Dawn,” “The Primitive Forest,” “Dragon and Elephant Peak,” and “Mountain of Fruits and Flowers.”

Don’t miss the Crystal Palace, where still water reflects the glowing rock walls, creating a dreamlike, otherworldly scene. Experience the Water Curtain Movie – a short film projected behind a flowing water screen, showcasing the geological evolution of the cave. It’s a magical finale to an unforgettable journey.

After the tour, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel in Guilin.

“East or west, Guilin landscape is the best”. After breakfast, you will go to explore the most stunning natural scenery along the Li River, which is renowned as one of the “the world’s top 10 watery wonders” by National Geographic. Drive about 1 hour from your hotel to the pier and start a 4.5-hour relaxing sightseeing Li River cruise trip to Yangshuo. Along the 84-kilometer scenic cruise, you will feast your eyes with endless Chinese paintings of winding rivers, numerous green limestone karst peaks, grazing water buffalo, farmers working in the fertile fields, and idyllic villages nestled at the bases of the hills. (Lunch Upgrade: Asia Odyssey Travel has thoughtfully prepared a customized Western-style lunch exclusively for you. Your guide will bring freshly made meals prepared early that morning for you to enjoy on the boat.) 

After arriving in Yangshuo, the driver will pick you up from the dock and drive to your hotel in Yangshuo town for a short rest. Then, it’s time to get up close to Yangshuo rural paradise. Choose the way that suits your style: (1) by driving, plus walking; (2) by bike; or (3) by scooter. (Additional prices may apply). 

Let all the picturesque scenes please your eyes and souls to the maximum for total relaxation. At various points, you might also spot locals engaging in their daily chores, farmers tending to their fields, or even children playing along the riverbanks. Quaint stone houses dot the riverbanks, their grey slate roofs offering a delightful contrast against the verdant surroundings. A solitary water buffalo languidly grazes in the fields, a sight that adds an endearing touch of rural life to the panoramic display.

Later, you will stroll leisurely along the West Street, which is the most prosperous area in Yangshuo. Restaurants, bars and souvenir shops along the street are always full of guests. It is a fusion of western culture and Chinese culture and it is the best place to spend your nightlife here. Whether you want to enjoy a cup of coffee, taste some local food or just throw yourself into the vivid atmosphere… all you can get.

Transfer via: High speed train Guilin-Chongqing arranged by AOT(second class seat)

On this day, you will be escorted to train station for your high speed train to Chongqing. Welcome to Chongqing, the Mountain City of China! Upon your arrival in Chongqing, your guide will meet you at the exit of the train station and escort you to Chongqing Chaotianmen Port to board your Yangtze cruise. You will have free time after the cruise ship check-in and you can go around the area of Chaotianmen Port. Your memorable relaxing cruise journey starts at 21:00!

Remarks:

1. Please call the ship one day ahead or at least in the morning on the boarding day to have clear idea about which pier you are going to use;
2. All the times on the schedule are estimated ones which are subject to change due to weather and navigation conditions.
3. The boarding time and departure piers may change based on the ship line, water level, season, weather and other factors.

Notice for Transferring from Chongqing to Fengdu to Board the Cruise:
During the summer months, if the water level is too high or too low, it may be necessary to transfer from Chongqing to Fengdu by bus (arranged by the cruise company) in order to board the cruise. The drive takes about 2.5 hours. This situation occurs more frequently in March–April and July–August. If this happens, our travel consultant will provide you with detailed information about the transfer in advance.

Today, your cruise will move quietly along the Yangtze River. You can wake up late and see the beautiful river in the soft sunshine. Eat your buffet breakfast and start your day! The cruise has many special activities. You can go on a trip to see old Chinese sites or stay on the ship to relax and learn about Chinese culture.

In the morning, follow your local English-speaking guide to visit Fengdu Ghost City. This place has many old temples and memorials. You can learn famous stories about the underworld and see different kinds of Chinese ghosts and demons.

Or, you can take an optional trip to Shibaozhai Pagoda for an extra fee. It is one of the eight most amazing buildings in the world. You can climb the 12-story red wooden tower to see a great view of the Yangtze River.

Note:

The itinerary above is for your reference. Some attractions and trips might be a little different depending on the cruise company. We will help you pick the best cruise for your special needs and interests.

Today, you have a full day to see the beautiful Three Gorges. First, you will sail through Qutang Gorge, which is famous for its high cliffs and the amazing Kui Gate. Next, you will go through Wu Gorge, which is very quiet and pretty. Finally, you will see Xiling Gorge, known for its rough water and rugged rocks. You can listen to the guide’s stories and enjoy the breathtaking views from the ship.

This afternoon, take a relaxing trip to Shennv Stream. You will change to a smaller boat to go down the quiet river. This lets you see the high mountains and old hanging coffins on the rocks. If you want, you can sing and dance with the local Tujia guide to learn about their special culture.

Tonight, you will go to the Captain’s Farewell Party with the other guests. You will have a nice dinner together and celebrate the end of your wonderful trip.

Note:

This reference itinerary is subject to minor adjustments based on the cruise provider. Available shore excursions and daily schedules vary by ship. We will assist you in evaluating the options to ensure you book the most suitable cruise.

After breakfast, you will check out and get off the ship at Maoping Port. Today you will see the Three Gorges Dam, the biggest water project in China. You can see the huge dam and the ship locks. The dam is very big; it is 181 meters high and 2,335 meters long across the Yangtze River.

Optional experience: You can choose to go through the world’s biggest ship lift. It is like a giant elevator for your boat at the Three Gorges Dam. This is a new and exciting way for travelers to see the huge dam very closely from the water level.

After you visit the dam, you will take a tourist bus to the Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal at about 12:30 or 13:00. This afternoon, you will go to the train station to take a high-speed train to Shanghai. The trip takes about 6 to 7 hours. When you arrive, your driver will meet you and take you directly to your hotel in downtown Shanghai.

Note:

1. Check-out: Please check out at the front desk and leave your bags there. The cruise company will take your luggage to the Three Gorges Tourist Centerfor you.
2. Dam Visit: If you only see the Three Gorges Dam, you will get to Yichang at about 12:30.
3. Ship Lift: If you choose theextra Ship Lift trip, you will arrive in Yichang at about 13:30.

Today you will spend the whole day experiencing the perfect blend of West and East in this “Paris of the East.” Visit brilliant museums, traditional Chinese gardens, modern skyscrapers, and exotic architecture.

First, head to the Pudong Area. One eye-catching feature is the trio of towering skyscrapers in the Lujiazui financial district. Shanghai Tower is the tallest building in China and second tallest in the world at 632 meters (2,073 feet). Here, you will ascend the highest building in Shanghai – the Shanghai Tower – featuring a dramatic 120-degree twist from base to peak. Ride the world’s fastest elevators, traveling at 64 km/h, up to the “Top of Shanghai Observatory” on the 118th floor, 546 meters (about 1,791 feet) above ground. Enjoy unparalleled 360-degree panoramic views over the city and look down on the Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center.

Later, visit the Shanghai Museum for an awe-inspiring tour of the finest art collection and profound Chinese history. Built shaped like an ancient bronze ding vessel, the museum has a round top and square base, symbolizing “round sky, square earth.” It contains 120,000 cultural relics showcasing incredible Chinese art spanning 5,000 years. Immerse yourself in the Bronze and Ceramics Exhibition Hall, appreciating the elaborate bronzes and exquisite artifacts. Don’t miss top treasures like the Da Ke Ding bronze vessel from over 3,000 years ago and the Bianzhong of Marquis Su of Jin, ancient musical instruments.

Next, head to Yu Garden, the most celebrated classical Chinese garden hidden in bustling downtown Shanghai. Enjoy a leisurely stroll to see the Chinese architecture and exquisite sculptures and carvings. Outside, Yuyuan Bazaar is a fun place to taste local snacks and shop for traditional crafts and art.

In the afternoon, stroll down Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, lined with famous brands, restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, and towering buildings. Continue to the Bund, the top must-see spot in Shanghai. Known as the “Exhibition of International Architecture,” the Bund features 52 buildings in various styles. Overlook the amazing Pudong skyline and skyscrapers from here.

(Travel Note: 1) The Shanghai Museum and Yuyuan Garden are closed on Mondays. On these days, your visit to the Shanghai Museum will be arranged at the Shanghai Museum East, and Yuyuan Garden will be replaced with a visit to the City God Temple. 2) During peak season, if it is difficult to reserve tickets for the Shanghai Museum (People’s Square), your visit will be arranged at the Shanghai Museum East Branch instead.)

It is time to end your 15 days China group tour. You will have some free time in Shanghai and explore more on your own till be escorted to the airport/train station for your flight or high speed train to your next destination.

Trip Extension Ideas: If you’d like to explore other destinations in Asia instead of returning home right away, we would be happy to help you arrange an extension trip. Feel free to share your ideas with us!

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your China tour. We are always here to assist you and hope to see you again on your next trip to China or Asia. Safe journey!