12 Day Chinese Culture Discovery
China is a vast country with a long history and a fascinating culture for you to explore. Follow us from the majestic Great Wall in Beijing to the mysterious Terra-Cotta Warriors in Xi'an, and explore China’s stunning diversity from the beautiful Li River in Guilin to the dynamic Bund in Shanghai. This tour offers many cultural treats: Chinese kite flying, interesting varieties of Chinese food , traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy, Chinese paper-cuts, and martial arts. Come explore this ancient country in depth.
Day 1 Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, where our local guide will meet and escort you to your hotel.
Day 2 Beijing
Beijing has long been China's political and cultural center. Today we will bring you to some of Beijing's greatest sights; first to the massive Tiananmen Square and we will stroll through the Gate of Heavenly Peace to see the magnificent Forbidden City. In the afternoon, you will marvel at another of Beijing's landmarks - the splendid Temple of Heaven built in the 15th century, where you will learn how to fly Chinese kites.
Day 3 Beijing
On this full-day excursion, experience the majestic 2,000-year-old Great Wall and see the Sacred Road to the Ming Tombs before returning to the city.
Day 4 Beijing/ Xian
In the morning visit the Beijing Zoo where you will see the Giant Pandas. In the afternoon, you will have a lesson in your choice of Chinese painting or Chinese calligraphy. For your onward trip to Xi’an, you will stay overnight on the train in a luxurious soft-sleeper (four passengers to a compartment).
Day 5 Xi’an
On bicycles, you will start your Xi’an exploration. We will guide your journey along the Ancient Wall. After lunch you will visit the incredible Terracotta Warriors, 6,000 statues of soldiers and horses arranged in battle formation to protect the mausoleum of the first Chinese Emperor Qin-Shihuang, who lived 2,200 years ago.
Cycling on the ancient walls while enjoying the beautiful scenery may be one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life. The ancient walls are the largest and best-preserved ancient fortress in the world, wide enough to permit 10 horses to walk on it side by side. It will take about 2 hours to complete your cycling journey on the wall.
Day 6 Xi’an
Today you will go to Hu County and visit a local farmer’s home. After your arrival, the local people will teach you how to make dumplings and you can enjoy the dumplings you made for lunch. In the afternoon, you can visit some local villages or go out to pick some fruit in the local people's garden. Enjoy some live performances by the local people and stay overnight in a provincial home.
Day 7 Xi’an / Guilin
After breakfast, learn the art of Chinese paper-cutting with a local family in their home. After lunch, fly to Guilin.
Day 8 Guilin / Yangshuo
Enjoy a full day of scenic cruising on the tranquil Li River. Along the river, be inspired by breathtaking views of peaks and pinnacles and crystal-clear water. The serene pastoral views of rice paddies and water buffalo will delight you. In the afternoon, you will cycle along some country roads.
Day 9 Yangshuo / Guilin / Shanghai
Start the day with taichi practice in Yangshuo Park. Back in the city of Guilin, visit Elephant Trunk Hill, the symbol of Guilin, and colorfully-lit Reed Flute Cave.
Day 10 Shanghai
An exciting day of sightseeing presents Shanghai's uniqueness. Stroll the waterfront Bund and crowded Nanjing Road, the beautiful Yu Garden and the bustling Yuyuan Market, and explore the fascinating Shanghai Museum. Your wondrous day will be topped off with tonight's impressive acrobatic show at the Shanghai Centre Theatre.
Day 11 Shanghai
Today you will take the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel to arrive at the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Then visit Pudong, the New City, and the French Concession.
Day 12 Shanghai
You will be escorted to the airport for your flight back home. |
