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Li River cormorant fishing Pingyao Ancient City Yungang Grottoes Mutianyu Great Wall the Forbidden City
  • Li River cormorant fishing
  • Pingyao Ancient City
  • Yungang Grottoes
  • Mutianyu Great Wall
  • the Forbidden City

Discover China in 15 Days

Beijing - Datong - Pingyao -Xian - Guilin - Shanghai

1. Wonderful world heritage sites in Beijing - Forbidden City, Great Wall and Temple of Heaven.

2. Discover the Chinese cultural civilization in central China - Datong, Pingyao, Xian.

3. Finest natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere in Guilin, Yangshuo.

4. Find the new look of China at cosmopolitan Shanghai.

Tour Code : CT-13

Destinations : Beijing, Datong, Guilin, Pingyao, Shanghai, Suzhou, Xian,

Duration :15 days

Travel Style :Private Tour ( Water Town/ Countryside/ Grottoes/ Ancient Architecture/ )

Transport:Flight+Train



Detail Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival at Beijing

Day 1 Arrival in Beijing

Private Car

Sunworld Hotel (4 star)


Our English-speaking guide will meet you at the airport/train station according to your landing time. Please look for a sign with your name outside the luggage claim area (if not specified). We will then transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

Day 2 Beijing- A day of Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Jingshan Park and Temple of Heaven

Private Car

Breakfast + Lunch

Sunworld Hotel (4 star)


After breakfast, we will depart to Tiananmen Square, the world's largest city square. We will have a brief stop to photograph some national iconic structures, including the Monument to the People’s Heroes, Great Hall of the People, Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, etc. Many visitors come early for the spectacular flag-raising ceremony (not included). To the north of the square is the South Gate of the Forbidden City, where we will spend the next 2.5-3 hours. In 2020, the Forbidden City celebrates its 600th anniversary. It boasts the largest and best-preserved collection of ancient architecture, with more than 900 rooms in the palace. Exiting from the Forbidden City's north gate, we will continue with a short visit to Jingshan Park, located on the other side of the road. Situated on the axis of the inner city, the park offers a panoramic view of the Forbidden City and other historic sites like the Bell and Drum Tower, Beihai Park, etc.

 

This morning involves a long walk, so we'll refresh ourselves and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, we will head to the World Heritage Park, the Temple of Heaven, which was built for worship and praying for a harvest. The architectures in the park are outstanding representatives of ancient Chinese art.


 

Day 3 Beijing - Mutianyu Great Wall and Olympic Park

Private Car

Breakfast + Lunch

Sunworld Hotel (4 star)

Not reaching the Great Wall means not being a true man," is a common Chinese saying. Visiting the Great Wall is a highlight of the Beijing experience. We will meet at your hotel at 8:30 am and head northeast to Mutianyu Great Wall. This section of the wall is ranked number one among all sections on TripAdvisor, featuring beautifully restored architecture with fewer tourists. A round-trip cable car is included to save energy and allow for a delightful walk on the top. On the way back, we will drive past the Olympic Park and take photos of the new landmarks, the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube.

 

Day 4 Beijing to Datong with bullet train - Summer Palace, Hutong and departure transfer

Private Car & Afternoon train

Breakfast + Lunch

Datong Hotel (4 star)

We begin our city trip at the Summer Palace, the best-preserved imperial garden globally and the largest of its kind in China. The garden resembles an art gallery with over 3000 man-made pavilions, palaces, temples, bridges, and corridors. Given the vastness, two hours may not cover everything. Next, we explore the Hutong, a traditional neighborhood, offering a glimpse into the real life of common people. Following that, we transfer to catch the train (Train No. G2515 Dep 15:07 - Arr 17:35) in the afternoon.


 Beijing Hutong

 

Day 5 Datong - Yungang Grottoes, Huayan Temple and Nine Dragon Screen

Private Car

Breakfast + Lunch

Datong Hotel (4 star)

 

A day dedicated to exploring the city highlights. We commence our journey at the most significant site, Yungang Grottoes, spending two hours or more in this extraordinary location. Yungang Cave stands as one of the most supreme achievements of Buddhist cave art in China, featuring 252 caves and niches with over 51,000 ancient statues and celestial beings, all crafted by top artists 1500 years ago. Each cave is unique, adorned with beautiful paintings reflecting a blend of Chinese character and influences from Indian, Persian, and Greek designs along the Silk Road.

 

In the afternoon, we visit Huayan Temple, a nearly 1000-year-old Buddhist Temple situated in the downtown area of Datong city. The ancient architectures house beautiful artistic sculptures, frescoes, and inscriptions. Huayan Pagoda offers a splendid overview of the entire old city from its highest balcony. Following this, we make a brief visit to the Nine Dragon Screen, a remarkable and artistic structure, which is the oldest and largest one in China.

Day 6 Datong to Pingyao with bullet train

Private Car

Breakfast + Lunch

Yide Hotel (4 star)

 

Check out after breakfast, and we will depart for Pingyao after visiting Hangying Monastery and Wooden Pagoda. Located 1.5 hours south of Datong, Hangying Monastery is a beautiful architectural wonder with a history of over 1,500 years. It was built on the west cliff of Jinxia Gorge, more than 60 meters above the foot of Mt. Heng. The entire complex is supported by wooden pillars inserted into the side of the cliff, seemingly hanging on the cliff face with rock at the back of the building. The temple was constructed for religious purposes and is the only one hosting worship for Taoists, Confucians, and Buddhists.

 

Then, we drive 70 km to Ying Xian County for a brief visit to the world’s tallest Wooden Pagoda and take the train nearby to Pingyao city. The pagoda was constructed without the help of a single nail, screw, or bolt and has survived all natural disasters for nearly a century. It stands as a remarkable attraction for architecture enthusiasts.

 


Day 7 Pingyao - Shuanglin Temple, Wang Family Compound, Zhangbi Ancient Castle

Private Car

Breakfast + Lunch

Yide Hotel (4 star)


Today we move 35 km south of Pingyao to visit Wang Family Compound. It is a massive complex built over many generations by the Wang Family, one of the four prominent merchant families of Shanxi Province. The courtyard boasts 1,000 rooms and takes at least two hours to stroll through the entire place. The designs, decorations, carvings, and statues are artistic and charming. Apart from that, there are also temporary exhibitions showcasing the high standards of local art.

 

Proceed to Zhangbi Ancient Castle in the afternoon. It is a well-preserved miniature castle that combines defense, habitation, and religious functions. You can explore teetering alleys and beautiful temples in the village, with the most impressive part being the underground tunnels. It is interesting to descend some 26m in places and tour the 1500m narrow passages, which once served as guardhouses and bedrooms.

 

Back to Pingyao and visit Shuanglin Temple on the outskirts. The temple is renowned as an "oriental art gallery of painted sculptures.

Day 8 Pingyao to Xian with bullet train – Pingyao Ancient Town

Private Car + bullet train

Breakfast + Lunch

lyf Dayanta Xian (4 star)

Pingyao is China’s best-preserved ancient town. It well retains its whole building complex as well the spirit and culture. The town was developed from 14th century and reached its prosperity from the 19th century to the early 20th century, as a financial center for the whole of China. The ancient walls, temples, streets and lanes, nearly 4,000 shops and dwellings illustrate Pingyao’s age-old charms. On the other hand, the town is a living and breathing community for over 30,000 residents, and it is the base for International Photography Festival and many other interesting cultural activities.

Train station transfer in Pingyao and Xian is included in.


Pingyao Ancient Town  

Day 9 Xian - Terracotta Army, Pottery making experience and brief visit of Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Private Car

Breakfast + Lunch

lyf Dayanta Xian (4 star) 

 

After breakfast, we'll meet in the hotel lobby at 8:30 am to explore the iconic Terracotta Army in Xian. Discovered by local farmers in 1979, the museum displays 1,868 excavated terracotta warriors and chariots, offering a glimpse into ancient history. Lunch will be at a unique cave house, where we can experience pottery making guided by local artisans. Upon returning to the city, a brief stop at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda is planned, with the possibility of enjoying a music fountain show at the square.


Customer at Terracotta Army Terracotta Warriors in Xian

Day 10 Xian to Guilin with late afternoon flight – City Wall, Muslim Street and Great Mosque

Private Car + Flight

Breakfast + Lunch

Guilin Lijiang Waterfall Hotel (4 star) 

In the morning, explore Xian's essentials, beginning with the iconic 13.7-kilometer City Wall, offering panoramic views of the old and modern city. Discover the vibrant Muslim Street, home to over 60,000 Hui Minority people, known for its diverse food and rich cultural heritage. Visit the impressive Great Mosque, showcasing a blend of Islamic and Chinese architecture. Optionally, explore the Gao Family Courtyard. Later, catch an afternoon flight to Guilin, where your guide will welcome you for a private transfer to the hotel.

 

Day 11 Guilin - Longji Rice Terraces Field

Private Car

Breakfast + Lunch

Guilin Lijiang Waterfall Hotel (4 star)

After breakfast, a 1.5-hour drive takes us to Longji Scenic Area, featuring picturesque terraced fields. Constructed since the Yuan Dynasty, these fields span 66 square kilometers and showcase vibrant transformations from green hues in June to golden ripeness in September. In Ping'an village, spend 4-5 hours exploring wooden architecture through home visits. A short walk to the hilltop offers a stunning panoramic view of the Terraced Fields. Return drive begins around 3:30 pm. The cascading terraces captivate in all seasons, whether covered in snow in winter or filled with water in spring.


 



Day 12 Guilin – Yangshuo, Li River Cruise

Private Car + Cruise

Breakfast + Lunch

Moon Dance Hotel (4 star) 

Commence your day at 8:15 am from the hotel, heading to Mopanshan cruise pier to embark on a newly decorated 3-star ship for a 4-5 hour Li River journey. Your guide will accompany you throughout, sharing captivating legends and assisting with capturing the picturesque scenery.

Arriving in Yangshuo around 2 pm, weather permitting, immerse yourself in the countryside beauty along the Yulong River, often called the “Little Li River” for its stunning natural Karst mountain landscape. Opt for biking, hiking, or a battery car ride, as private motor vehicles are not permitted in the scenic area.

Evening hours are free for personal exploration or to enjoy the optional show – Impression Liu Sanjie.

 

Day 13 Yangshuo – Shanghai (fly from Guilin)

Private Car + Flight

Breakfast + Lunch

Wangbaohe Hotel (4 star) 

Start the day with a driving from Yangshuo to Guilin Airport for your morning flight to Shanghai. Your guide in Shanghai will greet you at the airport, ushering you into this vibrant cosmopolitan city. The Bund, an iconic Shanghai landmark, offers a panorama of European-style architectures along the Huangpu River's western bank. A leisurely cruise on the Pujiang River captures the city's stunning skyscrapers. Dive into Shanghai's history and local life at Xintiandi, a preserved Shikumen Alley with antique charm and modern amenities. Conclude your day with a hotel transfer or explore Xintiandi's lively nightlife, arranging your taxi back.


 Evening lights show of the Bund in Shanghai

Day 14 Shanghai - Zhujiajiao, The Shanghai World Financial Center

Private Car

Breakfast + Lunch

Wangbaohe Hotel (4 star)

Explore Zhujiajiao, a 1700-year-old water town on the outskirts of Shanghai, renowned for its well-preserved historical buildings, 36 bridges, and scenic waterways. Stroll through charming streets adorned with rice shops, banks, a pharmacy, a Qing dynasty post office, and picturesque gardens. A leisurely cruise unveils the beauty of this traditional Chinese village.

Venture to the Shanghai World Financial Center, a 492-meter skyscraper with a breathtaking glass observatory on the 100th floor. Experience the thrill and enjoy panoramic views of Shanghai, making it a must-visit for enthusiasts seeking a challenge and stunning vistas.


Day 15 Depart Shanghai

Private Car

Breakfast 

Transfer to the airport/train station for your transport home.



Price Inclusions & Exclusions

  • Price Inclusions

    1. All sightseeing as indicated in the itinerary.

    2. Inter-city transport: high-speed train from Beijing to Xian, flight from Xian to Guilin, Guilin to Shanghai (airport tax is included).

    3.  Ground transfers with an air-conditioned vehicle (car, minibus or coach depending on the size of your group)

    4.  13 Lunches at local restaurants with a cup of soft drink per meal.

    5.  14 nights hotel accommodations with breakfast (based on double occupancy).

    6.  Local English-speaking guide accompany you throughout each city.

    7.  Accident insurance during your travel.                          

  • Price Exclusions

    1.  Chinese visa.

    2.  Flight to and from China.

    3.  Tips to driver and tour guide.

    4.  Personal expenses.

Additional Info

Services You Can Expect

a) Private tour exclusively for your party.

b) Choose your preferred start and end dates, avoiding crowded public holidays like National Day and Chinese New Year if possible.

c) Opt for a well-designed sample tour or request a customized itinerary based on your preferences for hotels, travel pace, sightseeing interests, transportation, etc.

d) We start with moderate hotels and adjust according to your preferences.

e) Secure your tour with a small deposit.

f) Receive continuous customer support until your departure.

Change and Cancellation Policy

  1. 15 days before commencement of services: 100% refund.

  2. 7 to 14 days before commencement of services: charge 10% of the tour price.

  3. 2 to 6 days before commencement of services: charge 50% of the tour price.

  4. Within 2 days of commencement of services or no-show travelers: charge 100% of the tour price.

  5. After the trip has commenced, we are unable to refund any amount for unused services due to your willingness, early departure, late arrival, or missed days on tours.


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