China's Cultural Signature

Spend the day exploring three of Beijing’s most photographed sites with your private guide and driver. Head to the center of the city and begin with a walk across the sprawling expanse of Tiananmen Square. Built in 1417 during the Ming Dynasty and serving as the front door to the Forbidden City, the present square is one of the largest in the world, stretching a vast 44 square hectares. Here, walk past and featuring the Tiananmen Tower, Monument to the People’s Heroes, Great Hall of the People, and the Mao Zedong Memorial. Many historically important moments have unfolded in this public setting.

From here, cross the street and enter through the towering gates of the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the largest number of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world. The expansive palace complex is comprised of 9,999 buildings spread across 74 hectares and protected by a 19-foot deep moat and a 32-foot tall wall, divided into two parts. The Outer Court was where the emperor exercised his supreme power over the nation, while the Inner Court was where he lived with his royal family. Twenty-four emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties reigned over China from the Imperial Palace here until 1924. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant.

Spend a relaxing afternoon in the hutong alleyways. Hop onto a rickshaw ride to see the real life-link past of old Beijing.

Today’s tour involves a fair amount of walking at a leisurely pace. Comfortable walking shoes and adequate protection from the sun are highly recommended.

Accommodation: 4* Penta Hotel Beijing/ 5* Regent Hotel Beijing

Start your day from the Temple of Heaven, which was where emperors prayed to 'heaven' for a good harvest. You may arrive early to see the locals practicing martial arts and doing other activities that you may never see in your country.

Later, drive to the Great Wall for about 2.5h.

Great Wall is by far China’s most iconic architectural wonder, captivating the imagination of generations of travelers intrigued by this feat of engineering. Meet with your private guide and driver at your hotel for a full day of exploration, and head northeast of Beijing with your private driver to explore the Mutinayu section, located 45 miles northeast of the city. This well-preserved section winds along lofty, cragged mountains for 1.4 miles and holds a prominent place in Chinese military history. Construction began during the 6th century Northern Qi Dynasty, and it was restored in the early years of the Ming Dynasty (spanning from the 14th to 17th century).

An abundance of natural springs in the area give this section of the Great Wall a lush verdant ecosystem, and the rolling forested hills make for an impressive panoramic photo regardless of the time of year. Take a cable car to the top of the hillside to explore the 26-foot-high granite walls. The 22 watchtowers stretch along the top of the mountain ridge as far as the eye can see, an impressive military barrier against invading forces from the north. Lunch will be at a local restaurant near the Great Wall.

Today’s tour involves a fair amount of walking at a leisurely pace. Comfortable walking shoes and adequate protection from the sun are highly recommended.

Accommodation: 4* Penta Hotel Beijing/ 5* Regent Hotel

Enjoy a private transfer between the train station and your hotel with an English-speaking guide.

Transfer from Beijing to Pingyao via the high-speed bullet train. The train ride is approximately 4 hours.

Enjoy a private transfer between the train station and your hotel with an English-speaking guide. The transfer includes use of a golf cart from the hotel to the Old Town Gate.

Accommodation: 4* Dechaoge Guest Hotel/ 5* Yun Jing Cheng Residence

The Ancient City of Pingyao is the most authentically preserved walled town in China, and a delight to discover. Spend the day exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site with your private driver and guide. The iconic Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture, picturesque red lantern-lined streets, well-preserved courtyards and latticework of ancient houses and lanes give the city a unique atmosphere – this is the China of yesteryear that many travelers long to find.

Start with an orientation walk along the ramparts of the Old City Wall. Standing 39-feet tall, the wall has 72 watchtowers and 6 gates: one each in the north and south walls, and two gates each on the east and west wall giving the city the aerial appearance of a giant turtle. From here, continue to the Temple of the City God of Pingyao, a well-preserved Taoist temple constructed during the Song Dynasty. The temple features elaborate woodcarvings, stone sculptures, and murals and covers an awe-inspiring 8,733 square yards. Stop for your included lunch at a local restaurant.

Next visit the Yamen County Government Office, the former government offices dating back to the North Wei Dynasty from 386 to 534. Offering a unique look into the former feudal nature of Chinese society, the compound includes a trial hall and former prison on its grounds. From here, head to Rishengchang Exchange Shop, considered to be the first draft bank in China’s history. At its peak in the 19th century, the bank controlled almost half of the Chinese economy. The exchange shop is now home to a museum delving into the Shanxi commerce system.

End the day by strolling along Ancient Ming-Qing Street, lined with stone and brick homes flanked by granite thresholds. The street was ancient China’s answer to Wall Street, home to major traders and a wide range of shops. The modern version of the street is a vibrant pedestrian arcade lined with red lanterns and a wide range of restaurants and shops, courtyard guest homes and local markets. At the end of the day, transfer back to your hotel by private vehicle.

Accommodation: 4* Dechaoge Guest Hotel/ 5* Yun Jing Cheng Residence

The outskirts of Pingyao hold a treasure trove of ancient sites that will appeal to guests interested in Chinese Buddhism and luxurious Qing Dynasty architecture. With your private guide and driver, start with a visit to the Wang Family Compound, one of the Four Families of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) in Shanxi Province, located in Jingsheng town approximately 22 miles from Pingyao. The grandiose compound is typical of the Qing Dynasty Shanxi courtyard home. The former residence of the descendants of the Wang Family, the structure is decorated with stone, wood and brick sculptures and serves as a fantastic museum of architectural art. The collection includes furnishings, old coins, porcelain, rare stones and jade carvings, and it is also possible to wander through the various homes on the compound and take in the opulence characteristic of the Qing Dynasty from 1644-1911 in Shanxi Province.

Next visit the Shuanglin Temple, located in Qiaotou Village approximately 4 miles from Pingyao. The temple is home to more than 2,000 color ancient painted sculptures dating to the Song Dynasty and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Buddhist imagery at Shuanglin Temple includes numerous sculptures of Bodhisattva, more commonly associated with Mahayana Buddhism found in India and the sub-continent. A local lunch is included before returning to your hotel.

Enjoy a private transfer between the train station and your hotel with an English-speaking guide. The transfer includes use of a golf cart from the hotel to the Old Town Gate.

Transfer from Pingyao to Xi'an via the high-speed bullet train. The train ride is approximately 3 hours.

Enjoy a private transfer between the train station and your hotel with an English-speaking guide.

Accommodation: 4* Grand Noble Hotel Xi'an/ 5* Wyndham Grand Xi'an South

The Terra Cotta Warriors are the most iconic site in Xi’an, an impressive marvel that went undiscovered until 1974. With your private driver and English-speaking guide, spend the day visiting the Terra Cotta Warriors, the Ancient City Wall and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The incredible army of over 7000 soldiers, archers, horses, and chariots in full battle array has guarded Emperor Qin’s tomb since 210 BC. Incredibly, each figure is unique, and the painstaking repair and excavation continues in 3 pits, protected inside enormous hangars specially constructed for the archeological dig. Then discover a local craftsman's cave dwelling and learn how to make a mini terracotta warrior.

Stop for a local lunch before returning to the city center to visit the Ancient City Wall. The walls, ramparts, gates, and watchtowers form one of the oldest and most complete city defenses are still around. Built in the 13th-century on the foundations of the original Tang Forbidden City surrounding the city center you can walk, rent a bike or take an electric cart around the full 8.5-mile circuit, with great views of the city on either side and a deep moat surrounding the fortifications. At the end of the day, return to your hotel by private vehicle.

Accommodation: 4* Grand Noble Hotel Xi'an/ 5* Wyndham Grand Xi'an South

Discover more of Xi'an and China's ancient history at Shaanxi History Museum and Big Wild Goose Pagoda, then head to the Muslim Quarter and wander through the alleys to taste the local Muslim cuisine.

You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Guilin. Your Guilin guide will collect you and escort you to your hotel where you can have a good rest.

Accommodation: 4* Guilin Bravo Hotel/ 5* Sheraton Hotel Guilin

Karst hills, graceful bamboo groves, and cormorants — the stunning view of the Li River is the essence of Guilin. While most tour groups only use a 3-star cruise, we will arrange a 4-star cruise (the highest level, better facilities, and a buffet lunch) to ensure you have the best experience of the river's charm.

The cruise arrives in Yangshuo at noon. After you've checked in, it's time to explore the most beautiful countryside.

Choose whichever type of transport you prefer, whether it's a private car, bicycle, or moped. This is a good opportunity to meet the local people and interact with them.

Tips: Yangshuo offers a relaxing atmosphere and various activities: a cooking class, a tai chi lesson, a farming experience, and even rock climbing. Tell us what you want to try, so that we can enrich your tour.

Accommodation: 4*Yangshuo Mountain Retreat/ 5* Yangshuo Ancient Garden Boutique Hotel

After a good night's sleep, start your day with a bamboo rafting tour.

Sitting back on a non-motorized raft that's steered along the Yulong River by a gondolier is the best way to enjoy the rural view and the tranquility.

After lunch, head to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport for your flight to the modern city of Shanghai.

Accommodation: 4* Sunrise On The Bund/ 5* Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai

Spend the day visiting some of Shanghai’s most captivating sites with your private guide and driver. Start with a visit to the Shanghai Museum, treasure trove of ancient Chinese art. The museum collection features over 120,000 pieces, including bronze, ceramics, calligraphy, furniture, jade, ancient coins, paintings, seals, and sculptures. Home to eleven galleries, the collection includes several items of national importance, including one of three specimens of a “transparent” bronze mirror from the Han Dynasty.

Stop for lunch at a local restaurant showcasing Shanghai’s cuisine, then drive to the Yu Gardens, the largest of Shanghai’s ancient gardens, dating to the mid-16th century. The expansive grounds feature the architectural styles of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, with six pavilions each with their own unique design, laid out in the Suzhou style. The Grand Rockery in the center of the garden is a popular photo stop, with replica peaks, cliffs, and caves. The Yu Gardens are a year-round delightful retreat from Shanghai’s frenetic pace, as the changing seasons offer a different experience and a moment of quiet contemplation. Adjacent to the gardens is the City God Temple, surrounded by a network of local snack vendors and souvenir shops that make for a colorful walk into the Yu Garden.

Later, have a indepth tour to The Bund. Shanghai’s architecture is unique from the rest of the country. Lining the western bend of the Huangpu River, The Bund is a popular pedestrian area that parallels the river with a dramatic backdrop of majestic Shanghai buildings dating to the 1920s and 1930s. Step back in time and discover and the best of 20th-century Shanghai architecture with your private guide driver, exploring an area that was the former Shanghai International Settlement.

At the end of the day, return to your hotel by private vehicle.

Accommodation: 4* Sunrise On The Bund/ 5* Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai

Your private car, driver, and guide will be ready and waiting at your hotel lobby to get you to the airport on time. Sit back and relax, as they help you check-in.