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15-Day Beijing, Hohhot, Xian, Luoyang, Guilin and Shanghai Tour

Shaolin Temple and Kungfu Tour

Immerse yourself in the ancient wonders of Beijing and Xian, from the majestic Great Wall to the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army. Discover the unique blend of modernity and tradition in Shanghai, China's bustling metropolis. Explore the cultural and historical treasures of Hohhot and Luoyang, where ancient traditions and magnificent landscapes converge. Marvel at the breathtaking beauty of Guilin's karst mountains and picturesque Li River. Join us on this unforgettable adventure, and uncover the diverse wonders that China has to offer in just 15 days.

The itinerary below is only one possibility. Tips to tailor-make your trip are offered as inspiration. Send us details of your preferences and our travel experts will customize this trip to suit your interests, tastes, and budget.

Tour 'Wow' Points

Find the Hidden Halls in the Forbidden City

The hidden hall in the forbidden city

Explore a Top-Ranked Section of the Great Wall

walking on the Great Wall

Make a Mini warrior with a Local Artisan Family

Learn to make a clay warrior

Witness the Famous Shaolin Temple and Shaolin Kungfu

Shaolin Temple

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Itinerary Quick Look

Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.

DAY 1 Beijing Arrival

Your private guide will be ready to meet and greet you at the arrival hall in Beijing. A comfortable private car with an experienced driver will transfer you directly to your hotel. Your guide will help you to check-in.

DAY 2 Beijing| The Forbidden City

Embark on a cultural journey starting with the Temple of Heaven, a Ming dynasty complex where emperors prayed for good harvests. Explore the vibrant park, witness local activities, and take an easy walk for about 1-1½ hours.

Next, visit Tiananmen Square, Beijing's largest city square with significant historical events and iconic landmarks like the Heavenly Gate and Chairman Mao's Mausoleum.

Beijing Forbidden City

Experience an exclusive Emperor's Tour of the Forbidden City. Explore this immense imperial palace, home to 24 emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Delve into its secrets and architecture during a 2-kilometer easy walk, uncovering deeper insights compared to standard tours.

DAY 3 Beijing| The Summer Palace

Discover the grandeur of the Summer Palace, China's largest and best-preserved royal park. Stroll through its stunning landscapes and experience its cultural significance during a 2-kilometer walk.

Experience the Simatai Great Wall Night Tour, the only section open at night. Marvel at the breathtaking views, especially from Towers 5 and 6. Cable cars are available for convenience. The tour operates from 6 pm to 10 pm in summer and autumn, and 5:30 pm to 9 pm in winter and spring.

Explore Gubei Water Town, nestled near the beautiful Simatai Great Wall. Discover its picturesque combination of mountains, waterways, and traditional courtyard-style buildings. Consider an overnight stay to witness the stunning night views of the Simatai section.

DAY 4 Beijing | Simatai Great Wall

Embark on an exhilarating Simatai Great Wall Day Tour and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of this section located in northern Miyun County, just 120 km northeast of Beijing. A 2½-hour bus ride will transport you to Simatai, known for its steep and unique character. Adding elegance and softness to the Wall, the newly-built Gubei Water Town at its base is a sight to behold.

Simatai Great Wall

The walks on Simatai's Great Wall are graded as moderate and require a good level of fitness due to steep inclines and declines. Expect a round-trip walk of approximately 3 hours (5 kilometers). For those seeking panoramic views without the physical exertion, a cable car is available.

Opt for the Simatai Great Wall Cable Car (one way) to enhance your sightseeing experience. Your guide will accompany you on the cable car ascent, allowing you to admire the remarkable views. After exploring the Wall, you'll enjoy a leisurely 1-hour walk (approximately 2-3 kilometers) down from the highest point to the parking lot. The breathtaking scenery, especially the view of the lake, will leave you in awe.

DAY 5 Hohhot | The Resonant Sand Bay

Embark on a thrilling 20-minute Camel Riding adventure in the desert. Your safety is our priority, as the camel is led during the ride. Don't forget to bring sunglasses and a hat for this immersive nomadic experience.

Explore the Resonant Sand Bay, inclusive of a round-trip cable car ride. This excursion offers a wide range of exciting desert activities such as desert surfing, desert motorcycle rides, desert biking, desert golf, desert swing, and desert air rope. Take your pick from these exhilarating options, with tickets included for your convenience. Indulge in the adventure that suits your interests and prepare for an unforgettable experience in the desert.

DAY 6 Hohhot | Huitengxile Grassland

Embark on adventure to the picturesque Huitengxile Grassland, located 135 kilometers east of Hohhot. This stunning grassland, situated at over 1,800 meters above sea level, showcases more than 90 natural lakes, cascading springs, and striking cliffs. During May to August, the grassland transforms into a colorful sea of flowers. Experience traditional activities like horseback riding, archery, and wrestling, and immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine.

Huitengxile Grassland

Discover the captivating Huanghuagou Gully Scenic Spot, nestled in the Huitengxile Praire near the Yinshan Mountain range. Just 100 kilometers from Hohhot, this scenic spot boasts lush fields reminiscent of the southern landscape. Marvel at the breathtaking vistas and enjoy the beauty of this natural oasis.

DAY 7 Hohhot | The Inner Mongolia Museum

Explore the Inner Mongolia Museum showcasing the rich ethnic history of the region. Discover rare treasures from northern tribes like Xiongnu and Mongolians. Be amazed by the extensive collection of massive dinosaurs and Mesozoic fossilized remains. Experience the cultural heritage and ancient civilizations of Inner Mongolia at this renowned museum.

DAY 8 Xi'an | The Terracotta Warriors

Unearth the Secrets of the Terracotta Warriors as you delve into the captivating history of Xi'an. While the Terracotta Army is undoubtedly a highlight, our tour offers a unique experience. Explore a lesser-known Terracotta Museum and discover the untold stories behind these astonishing archaeological wonders. Learn how ancient craftsmen created over 8,000 life-sized warriors in just 11 years, a feat that baffles even modern manufacturing capabilities.

Xian terracotta warriors

Next, embark on a thrilling 1.5-hour excursion atop the Xian City Wall. Witness one of China's oldest and most complete city defenses, a remarkable structure built in the 13th century. Mount a bicycle and traverse the 13.74-kilometer perimeter, immersing yourself in the grandeur of the ancient walls, ramparts, gates, and watchtowers. If weather conditions aren't ideal for biking, an alternative visit to the Bell Tower will be arranged. Please note that bike rental fees are included, and your guide can assist you with route suggestions. If biking isn't suitable, you have the option to walk around the wall or utilize a club car designed for certain individuals. Flexibility is key, and your comfort is our priority. Experience the magnificence of the Xian City Wall and create lasting memories of your journey through this historic city.

DAY 9 Xi'an to Luoyang | Longmen Grottoes and Shaolin Temple

Explore the Longmen Grottoes, one of China's largest grottoes, located just 13 kilometers west of Luoyang. Discover the cultural relics nestled amidst picturesque mountains and rivers, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Embark on a one-day Shaolin Temple Tour, delving into its legendary history and connection to martial arts and kung fu. Experience the captivating Shaolin Kungfu Show and savor lunch included in the tour. Return to your hotel after the tour.

Shaolin Temple

Discover the mystique of the Shaolin Temple and its legendary martial arts legacy. Witness the impressive Shaolin Kungfu Show and explore the famous Pagoda Forest. Enjoy this immersive tour and learn about the origins of martial arts and kung fu at this world-renowned temple.

DAY 10 Xi'an to Guilin | The Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Explore the Big Wild Goose Pagoda at the Da Ci'en Temple, a significant Buddhist site. Admire the elegant brick Pagoda, built in the 7th century to house Buddhist materials brought from India. Discover the impressive Buddhist statues and murals in the temple complex.

Delve into the vibrant Muslim Quarter, just west of the Bell Tower in downtown Xi'an. Wander along the 500-meter avenue lined with unique stalls, souvenir shops, cafes, and bars predominantly run by the local Muslim community. Experience the lively atmosphere and shop for distinctive items in this must-visit cultural district.

DAY 11 Guilin | The Li River Cruise

Experience the serene beauty of Yangshuo's countryside on a 2-hour visit. Marvel at the stunning karst peaks, tranquil rice fields, and picturesque landscapes. Learn about local life as your guide takes you through a charming village. Choose to bike, use an electrombile, or opt for a private car at no extra cost.

Embark on an unforgettable 4-hour Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo aboard a 4-star boat. Admire the breathtaking scenery, including bamboo groves, rice paddies, and water buffaloes. Keep an eye out for fishermen and their cormorants. Enjoy a buffet or semi-buffet lunch on the newly operated 4-star boat, accommodating up to 80 passengers. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Li River on this remarkable cruise.

DAY 12 Guilin | Daxu Ancient Town

Discover the well-preserved Daxu Ancient Town located near Guilin. Marvel at its ancient buildings, worn bluestone pavements, and rich cultural heritage during a 2-hour exploration.

Guilin landscape

Embark on an enchanting bamboo rafting experience along the scenic Yulong River in Yangshuo. Drift amidst stunning karst peaks, lush rice fields, and serene bamboo groves. Choose from 40-minute, 1.5-hour, or 2-hour options based on your preferences and hotel location, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty. Note that age restrictions apply for safety reasons.

DAY 13 Shanghai | The Bund and Yuyuan Garden

Discover the exquisite Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai's old quarters. Built during the Ming Dynasty, this 2-hectare private garden showcases classic Chinese architecture. Explore the rockeries, pavilions, and ponds, and immerse yourself in the bustling market surrounding the garden, offering local snacks, handicrafts, and souvenirs.

Shanghai the Bund

Experience the nostalgia of Shanghai Old Street, where well-preserved residences and narrow lanes offer glimpses into local life. Browse shops selling antiques and crafts, stepping back in time to old Shanghai.

Uncover the allure of the Bund with a 2-hour cultural discovery tour. Walk along this iconic waterfront and relive the 1920s era of luxury and elegance. Your guide will provide exclusive access to historic buildings, sharing fascinating stories not found in books. Explore hidden routes while marveling at original architecture, capturing the true essence of Shanghai's heritage.

DAY 14 Shanghai | The Shanghai Tower

Don't miss the chance to visit the world's second-tallest building, the Shanghai Tower. Standing at an impressive height of 632 meters (2,073 feet) with 128 stories, it offers breathtaking views from the highest observation deck at 561 meters. Experience its special features, including the world's second-highest hotel and fastest elevators.

Be mesmerized by the talented performers of the Shangcheng Acrobatic Show. This acclaimed Chinese troupe has wowed audiences worldwide with their incredible acrobatic and circus feats, showcased in a dazzling display of light and color. Prepare to witness the best acts and be captivated by this unforgettable performance.

DAY 15 Shanghai Departure

Our guide will help you transfer from your hotel to Shanghai Pudong Airport for departure with independentcar/van and guide.

Tour Price

FromUS3,750 p/p Based on a private tour for 2 people. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people and chosen hotel

Price includes:

  • Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
  • English speaking local guide
  • Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
  • 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling

Tour code: cht-cx-18

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