Chinese Culture and Natural Beauty Tour
Dive into Beijing's imperial history, explore the ancient city of Pingyao, and marvel at the Terracotta Army in Xian. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Guilin and cruise along the picturesque Li River. Experience the mystical beauty of Zhangjiajie, the inspiration for the floating mountains in the movie Avatar. Finally, discover the vibrant modernity of Shanghai, where tradition meets innovation.
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
Explore a Top-Ranked Section of the Great Wall
Make a Mini warrior with a Local Artisan Family
Marvel at the Famous Hallelujah Mountain in the Movie "Avatar"
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
Albee Ning Surreal China Trip
Albee Ning with China Highlights never fails to create the perfect vacation!!! She listens and understands what interests us and provides a guided tour that is surreal. We will remember and share the marvellous memories of this experience for the rest of our lives!! Thanks for everything Albee!!! (Including our dinner together by the elephant in Guilin!!) more
Oct 2024, Mike and Lucy
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Well organised and interesting
Tom was very helpful and knowledgeable. The walk along the Wall was well planned and really enjoyable. The visit to the Summer Palace and Forbidden City were memorable with excellent guiding more
Oct 2024, Robin
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Tour of Beijing
Tom from China tours guided us for a hike on the Jiansanling section of The Great Wall and then a one day tour of Beijing including Forbidden City Tiananmen Square and the Summer Palace. He was very friendly and accommodating from the begin. He answered all of our questions about Chinese history and culture and gave great explanations of the history of all the monuments we visited. The restaurants he chose and dishes he recommended were very tasty on both days. I would recommend him very highly to anyone looking for an English language tour in Beijing and particularly for people interested in history. more
Oct 2024, Sam M
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Itinerary Quick Look
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.
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.
Explore the largest city square in Beijing, known for its cultural significance and surrounded by impressive buildings, including the Forbidden City and Chairman Mao's Mausoleum.
Visit the historic Temple of Heaven, built in the Ming Dynasty, where emperors prayed for good harvests. Experience the lively park atmosphere, filled with locals practicing Tai Chi and enjoying the surroundings.
Uncover the secrets of the world's largest imperial palace, home to 24 emperors. With our Emperor's Tour, explore carefully-selected sites and learn about the fascinating Ming and Qing dynasties. Enjoy a comfortable 2-kilometer walk within the palace.
Experience the traditional Beijing Hutongs on a rickshaw ride, immersing yourself in the historic alleyways. Visit a local family and discover the unique courtyards.
Located in the northwest of Beijing, the Summer Palace is a captivating royal park and the largest of its kind in China. Immerse yourself in the stunning natural landscapes and cultural significance of this well-preserved site, often referred to as 'The Museum of Royal Gardens.' Explore the expansive park, covering approximately 2 kilometers, and enjoy the beauty it has to offer.
Experience the awe-inspiring Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, lauded for its picturesque scenery and beautifully-restored architecture. This family-friendly section offers various ways to explore. To save time, we arrange a round-trip cable car ride instead of climbing steps for approximately 40 minutes. Once on the Wall, you'll have free time to walk around, with your guide providing informative introductions.
Explore Pingyao Ancient Town, one of China's best-preserved ancient towns and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside the intact city walls from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, discover well-preserved buildings and immerse yourself in traditional Chinese arts and crafts. In the evening, enjoy the town's picturesque beauty with its red lanterns and unwind in one of the local bars.
Terracotta Warriors Discovery (Half-day): Witness the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors, an astonishing archaeological find in Xi'an. Learn the fascinating stories and secrets behind these life-sized statues crafted over 2,200 years ago. Visit a local cave dwelling to witness traditional warrior-making and even try your hand at creating one.
Xian City Wall Bike Tour: Embark on an adventure along the ancient Xian City Wall, one of the best-preserved in China. Ride a bicycle along the 13.74 km path, immersing yourself in the city's history. Alternatively, explore the Bell Tower if biking is not an option due to weather conditions.
Shaanxi History Museum - Immerse yourself in the history of China through a visit to the prestigious Shaanxi History Museum. Housed in grand Tang-style buildings, this impressive museum showcases a vast collection of artifacts, thoughtfully displayed for your exploration. While most item labels are in English, your guide can assist with additional information. Wear comfortable shoes for this fascinating journey through time.
Cooking Dumplings with Locals - Delve into the local culture by joining friendly hosts in their home to learn the art of making traditional Chinese dumplings, known as jiaozi. This immersive experience allows you to discover the secrets of dumpling making while gaining basic skills and insights into local customs. The entire process takes approximately 1-2 hours.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda - Explore the significant Buddhist site of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, located within the picturesque Da Ci'en Temple grounds. Built in the 7th century, this elegant brick pagoda served as a repository for Buddhist scriptures brought back from India by Xuanzang. Discover the temple's majestic halls adorned with Buddhist statues and murals during your visit, which typically lasts around 1 hour.
Muslim Quarter - Just west of the Bell Tower in downtown Xi'an, you'll find the vibrant Muslim Quarter. Stroll along the 500-meter avenue paved with bluestones, immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere of stalls, souvenir shops, cafés, and bars run predominantly by the local Muslim community. Engage with the diverse products and flavors as tourists, including many from overseas, flock to this bustling area.
Visit the breathtaking Longji Rice Terraces near Guilin, resembling dragon's ribs from the mountaintop. These manmade wonders were built 600 years ago by local minority groups and cover 66 square kilometers. Explore Ping'an Zhuang Village, home to over 50 families, and enjoy panoramic views after a moderate walk or arrange for alternative transportation. Experience the local culture by learning how to make Bamboo Stuffed Rice from a welcoming family. Immerse yourself in the beauty and traditions of these remarkable rice terraces.
Yangshuo Countryside Visit: Immerse yourself in the picturesque countryside of Yangshuo, renowned for its stunning scenery with peculiar hills that seem to touch the sky. Experience breathtaking views of karst peaks, rice fields, crystal-clear waters, and lush green bamboo. Your knowledgeable guide will accompany you on a countryside tour, showcasing the beauty of the rice paddies and mountains. This approximately 1.5-hour trip involves a cycling distance of 10-12 km. If biking isn't your preference, you have the option to explore the area on an electrombile or by hiking, without any additional cost.
Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo: Embark on an unforgettable experience with a scenic cruise along the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo, spanning approximately 4 hours. Every bend of the river reveals stunning sights, from spectacular limestone peaks to graceful bamboo groves, farmers tending rice paddies, and water buffaloes leisurely cooling off in the river. You may even catch a glimpse of fishermen aboard narrow bamboo rafts or the famous fishing cormorants. Departure points vary based on the river's water level throughout the year. Our selected cruise features a medium-sized 4-star boat, accommodating around 80 passengers. Enjoy a buffet or semi-buffet lunch onboard, as we strive to provide you with the best experience available.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: Explore the stunning natural beauty of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique pillar-like formations shaped by years of erosion. With over 90% forest coverage, this scenic area encompasses Yuanjiajie, Yangjiajie, Jinbian Stream, and Wulongzhai. Immerse yourself in the culture and folklore of nearby villages, inhabited by Tujia, Bai, Miao, and Hui ethnic groups, providing enriching side trips.
Mt. Tianzishan: Experience the four natural spectacles of Mt. Tianzishan—mists enveloping the peaks, breathtaking sunrise and moonlit nights, and snow-capped winter vistas. With more than 80 natural platforms, you can revel in the magnificent scenery. Take a cable car to Tianzi Mountain for a relaxing ascent and panoramic views. Note: Avoid rush hours by coordinating with your guide to minimize waiting time.
Bailong Sightseeing Elevator: Ascend the Bailong Sightseeing Elevator, the world's tallest and fastest, offering a spectacular view of the Sandstone Peak Forest. The transparent elevators, carrying up to 3,000 people per hour, reach a height of 335 meters in just two minutes. Plan your visit outside of peak hours to avoid long queues. Coordinate with your guide for the best timing.
Yuanjiajie (including Hallelujah Mountains): Discover Yuanjiajie, located in the northern corner of Zhangjiajie National Park. Visit the top three attractions: Ecstasy Spot, Backyard, and First Bridge. Marvel at the famous Hallelujah Mountain, renowned for its resemblance to the floating rocks in the movie "Avatar". Capture breathtaking photos of the "First Bridge in the World" from the Viewing Bridge Platform (Wangqiaotai).
Today, our guide will lead you to visit Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, which is a stunning natural attraction that has recently been developed into a wonderland for visitors. It offers a combination of majestic mountains, flowing streams, intriguing caves, towering cliffs, and lush forests. One of the highlights of this scenic area is the world's longest and highest glass bridge. Imagine the thrill of walking on this bridge, suspended 300 meters above the ground! It's definitely an experience you wouldn't want to miss during your tour.
If walking on the glass bridge isn't your cup of tea, don't worry. We have an alternative route that allows you to still enjoy the attraction without stepping on the glass bridge. However, if you decide to take on the adventure, please note that for safety reasons, carrying a camera on the bridge is not allowed. You can, however, bring your cellphone or GoPro to capture those unforgettable moments.
Visit the Tianmen Mountain, the awe-inspiring heart of Zhangjiajie! As the highest peak in the area, this majestic mountain offers unrivaled views of ancient trees, stunning karst formations, and scenic roads carved into cliff sides. Hop on the world's longest cable car ride, a thrilling 30-minute journey from the city center, and ascend to the mountain's summit.
At 1430 meters above ground, you'll find the renowned Tianmen Mountain Glass Walkway, a remarkable observation platform that extends from a sheer cliff. This narrow 1.6-meter-wide, 60-meter-long glass walkway offers brave souls not only breathtaking views of the mountains below but also the exhilaration of treading nervously above such heights. Some have even likened this experience to the famous 'skywalk' at the Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA.
Don't miss the chance to explore this remarkable natural wonder in China. Savor the beauty and thrill of Tianmen Mountain, an experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Experience the allure of The Bund, a historic embankment along the Huangpu River. Marvel at the well-preserved European-style buildings that line its promenade, offering a glimpse into Shanghai's trading past. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere that now defines The Bund, with its modern developments, chic restaurants, upscale shops, and lively bars. Be sure to visit in the afternoon or evening to witness the enchanting lights that illuminate the area.
Visit the impressive Shanghai World Financial Center, a soaring skyscraper that serves as a symbol of Shanghai's prosperity. Take in awe-inspiring views from its observation deck, the highest in the world, and explore the diverse offerings within the building, including hotels, apartments, restaurants, shopping malls, and offices.
Indulge in a Zhujiajiao Boat Ride, where you can peacefully glide along the water and admire the town's scenic highlights. Discover historical attractions such as the ancient pharmacy, Post Office, art galleries, temples, museums, and gardens during the 20-minute ride. Allow the intimate setting of the boat to provide a personal experience of this charming water town.
Explore the enchanting Yuyuan Garden, a meticulously designed private garden showcasing classic Chinese architecture. Immerse yourself in the peaceful ambiance as you admire the rockeries, pavilions, ponds, and corridors. Don't miss the bustling marketplace surrounding the garden, offering a blend of culinary delights, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
Visit the revered Jade Buddha Temple, home to invaluable Buddha statues carved from precious white jade. Experience the vibrant atmosphere as worshippers and visitors gather, immersing yourself in the spiritual energy the temple offers.
Take a leisurely stroll through Shanghai's Old Street, where well-preserved traditional houses and narrow lanes transport you to the bygone era of the city. Engage with local life and explore the various shops and stalls, filled with antiques, crafts, and souvenirs, allowing you to discover unique treasures.
Experience the distinctive Shikumen style of housing and witness its evolution from residential neighborhoods to modern gathering places filled with bars, tea houses, and entertainment centers. Don't miss the opportunity to glimpse into the past at Wu Li Xiang, an exhibition that showcases the furnishings and essence of traditional Shanghainese homes.
Our guide will help you transfer from your hotel to Shanghai Pudong Airport for departure with independentcar/van and guide.
Tour Price
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-33