Splendid China Tour

This morning visit a pagoda on the Silk Road - the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, which represents the superb Buddhist art of Tang Dynasty. Since it was built in the 7th Century, the pagoda has experienced several big earthquakes and wars, and stands still today. Right here, also visit Xian Museum, getting to know the Legendary history of Xian - once a center of the world. At the pagoda, experience yourself the traditonal Chinese Shadow Play and Puppet Show (the show will be arranged at Gao’s Courtyard House if winter every Tuesday and in winter). 

Later explore the Muslim community of Xian, visit Great Mosque that has a unique facade of traditional Chinese style and stroll at the Muslim quarters, the bustling shopping street where hundreds of streets foods are for sale. 

Meal: B, L

Transfer to the airport of Xian to catch your flight to Lhasa. After an about 3-hour air journey, flying over cities, mountains, rivers and valleys, arrive in Lhasa, the holy land of Tibet. Be met by your local guide of Lhasa at the airport and transferred your hotel. Free time for acclimate yourself to the high altitude and local weather. You're not suggested to do strenuous exercise at the first day at Lhasa, but relax and walk leisurely.  

Meal: B

Full day city tour of Lhasa - Visit Norbulingka, nicknamed as the Summer Palace of Lhasa. But for local Tibetans, it is a lovely and valuable garden, where you can see various plants, trees and flowers, apart from the enormous Tibetan palace and temple architeture. THen visit Sera Monastery, one of the most famous temples in Tibet, with tens of thousands of Buddha Statues. Here you may witness the fantastic Tibetan Buddhist debate.  Also visit the nearby Tibet Museum, to learn the long and tubulent history of Tibet, and discovery Tibetan traditions and cultural relics.  

Meal: B, L

Enoy another day exploring deeper of Lhasa. Visit The Potala Palace - world's highest altitude palace and known as the symbol of Tibet. It consists of the white palace and white palace, both are  Tibetan architectural masterpieces. Walk from one chamer to another to discover numerous Tibetan culture and art treasures. Then visit Jokhang Temple, which make Lhasa the holy city. Every day, you can see pilgrims in Lhasa or local from thousand miles away to pray devoutely in front of the temple. Jokhang Temple connects with the old town of Lhasa and Barkhor Street. This ancient street is the way to holy Jokhang Temple and offers a glimpse of traditional local lifestyle.  

Meal: B, L

Leave Lhasa and fly to Chengdu, the brithplace of pandas. After about 2  hour air trip, you will be picked up and transfer to visit Jinsha Cultural Relic Museum, one of the most important museums in China, with 2,235 sets/pieces of gold, bronze, jade, stone, lacquer, wood, pottery, ivory and other cultural relics collection. Then ramble Jinli Old Street lined with West Sichuan architectural buidings. Enjoy the leisure atmosphere and local appetizing spicy foods and snacks. 

Meal: B, L

Visit Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center in the morning. Watch the cute giant pandas eating their breakfast like bamboo or cakes, rolling on the ground or climbing in the trrees. It is a wonderful experience to see pandas in Chendu when touring in China. Wave goodby to pandas and fly to Lijiang. Be met and transferred to your hotel at Lijiang Old Town, the kindom of Nali minority groups. Enjoy yoursel the night view and night activities of Lijiang. 

Meal: B, L

Drive out of Lijiang Old Town to explore the great nature of Lijiang. View the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain that consists of 13 peaks like silver dragon flying on the blue sky, hence the name. Local Naxi people consider it as a holy mountain. You'll take a cable car to its picturesque Cloud Fir Meadow (including eco-friendly bus) to take in the breathtaking views of alpine meadow and snow peaks. On the way back to Lijiang, stop and visit Baisha Old Town, the former political, economic and cultural center of Lijiang. With few tourists, Baisha is more pritmive and peaceful. Admire Baisha Mural, created hundreds of years ago, is a heritage of Lijiang Dongba culture and religion. 

Meal: B, L

After breakfast, transfer to visit Black Dragon Pool Park. See Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, togerther with an ancient arch bridge, old buildings and clouds, is reflected on the lake, creating a gorgeous pictures. This has been an iconic image of Lijiang. Don't miss your chace to take great photos. Later today drive to visit Shuhe old town, which was a trading post on ancient Tea-horse road. Visit the Tea-horse Road museum and discover how Lijiang was transformed from agricultural civilazation to commercial civilization. The rest of the day is for your independent exploration of Lijiang Dayan Old Town, which was carefully constructed with Naxi style architectures and dwellings. It is one of the best places in the world to idle and to be in daze. Forget about your worries and troubles. 

Meal: B, L

Take three hours high speeed train from Lijiang to Kunming in the morning. Arrive at Kunming, China's Spring City, and transfer to visit the famous Stone Forest. As its name suggests that it is a forest of stones, dating to millions of years ago. This geological parks provides visitors a wonderous journey with various karst peaks, waterfalls, caves, etc. Your guide will lead you to walk along a less-touristed route. 

Meal: B, L

Enjoy a refreshing morning with a visit to West Hill and Dragon Gate (cable car included), disovering pristine ancient temples hidden in the woods, and view the Dianchi Lake, where there are seagulls flying here and there. Later. have a walk around Green Lake Park. Along the small paths to pavilions, you will local people enjoy relaxed and happy daily life.  Tansfer to the airport and fly to Guilin in the afternoon. Guilin is one of top scenic destinations in China. 

Meal: B, L

Take a leisurely cruise down Li River to enjoy spectacular karst sceneries. You will feel like you've slided into a fairyland made of karst peaks, smalls islands and primitive villages. Float by Nine-horse Fresco Hill and Yellow Cloth Shoal. Disembark at Yangshuo. After checking into the hotel, it is followed by an excursion to the countryside to witness the local farmer’s life and beautiful landscape by either bike or golf-car-like vehicle. Along the country roads and Yulong River, pass by rural farmlands, stop by local villages and even be invited to a local family house. Overnight at Yangshuo.

Meal: B, L

Transfer for an optional tour of Yulong River bamboo rafting (1.5 hour), which is especially recommended in summer, and if there're children traveling with you. Savor the picturesque sceney in a relaxing way, passing by bridges and bamboo groves. Also enjoy an leisure, easy hike to the countryside near old town of Yangshuo. You may enounter with local villagers and chat with them. Yangshuo is a leisure capital, if there is still time, you may relax at cafe and explore the town on your own pace. 

Meal: B, L

Drive back to Guilin in the morning, and visit the famous Reed Flute Cave, also called “Natural Arts Gallery”. Among the best karst caves in China, Reed Flute Cave is full of stalactites and stalagmites in various different shapes and modelings like animals, waterfalls, high-rises, etc. Later walk up the Fubo Hill to have a bird’s eye view of the city and stroll leisurely at the central lakes to see Elephant Trunk Hill - the cultural symbol of Guilin, and the Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas. Drive to the airport and fly to Shanghai in the late afternoon. Shanghai is the most popular destination in China. 

Meal: B, L

In the morning, visit Yu Garden, an exquisite small garden nestled in the old quarters of Shanghai, to admire traditional Chinese garden art. Then pay a visit to a local Shanghaiese family to understand the local people’s real life. In the afternoon, a private history tour of the Bund to see old & new Shanghai along Huangpu River. The 20th-century colonial buildings and modern skyscapers are connected seamlessly. Optional fantastic acrobatic show at night. It blends traditonal Chinese tricks and high technology. 

Meal: B, L

This morning, join the locals to visit Fuxing Park that mixes the French and Chinese garden style. Locals like to practice Tai Chi and enjoy fun activities with their kids in the park. Then visit the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, and know how Shanghai was built to be a metropolis like today. Then transfer to Tianzifang to enjoy the fun and laidback ambience at the small shops and café in the old narrow lanes of Shanghai. Fly to Beijing in the late afternoon. Beijng is the capital city of China, and boasts of numerous historical site, several of which are UNESCO-protected World Heritage sites. 

Meal: B, L

Today we start with Temple of Heaven, where the ancient emperor worshipped the God for good harvests and stable reign, and now has become a perfect place for many local seniors to enjoy their lives after retirement. Then visit Tiananmen Square, and walk through the Gate of Heavenly Peace to enter the Forbidden City to unveil the mystery of Chinese Imperial Palace of Ming and Qing Dynasty. You're suggested to taste Beijing Roasted Duck for dinner (optional). 

Meal: B, L

The Great Wall is the iconic landmark of China, and surely a must-visit sight when touring Beijing. This morning, pay a visit to Mutianyu Great Wall on the mountops, a less touristy section, round-way cable car has been included. Learn from your private guide about the history and facts of the Great Wall, and know how this incredible structure was built merely by hands. When driving back to downtown Beijing, visit 798 Art Zone, a thriving artistic community to see the modern art works made by Chinese artists. Here you can also find many classic Chinese cultural elements.

Meal: B, L

Enjoy the last minute sightseeing in Beijing, and be transfered to the airport for your return home international flight. Your guide will assist you in check-in procedures and walk you until the security check. Wave goodbye and fly home safely. End of your 20 day China tour. 

>> If you have one or two more days in Beijing, go visit Forbidden Cty, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace and Hutongs. 

Meal: B

Trip ends