China History and Nature Tour
Immerse yourself in the ancient wonders of Beijing and Xian, from the iconic Great Wall to the magnificent Terracotta Army. Encounter giant pandas in Chengdu and delve into the vibrant cultural scene in Kunming. Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Guilin, with its karst mountains and picturesque Li River.
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
Explore a Top-Ranked Section of the Great Wall
Unearth a Fascinating Piece of History at the Terracotta Warriors and Horses
Witness the Fascinating Karst landscape of the Stone Forest
Immerse Yourself in the Awe-inspiring Presence of the Leshan Giant Buddha
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
An amazing experience in Beijing !
We had a wonderful time visiting the Beijing Zoo and the Great Wall with our guide Paul! He was exceptionally kind and knowledgeable and took exceptionally good care of us. We enjoyed conversing with him and learning about life in Beijing as well as the history of the Great Wall. He was also helpful in finding us food to fit my dietary needs which I appreciated. Everything about our trip has been smooth and we had such good fun. I would absolutely recommend China Highlights and Paul for their professionalism! more
Sep 2024, Ann-Marie M@E2527CAannmariem
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Family Fun Beijing!
Great experience with China Highlights!!! Great sightseeing, wonderful people! Thank-you Selinda (Tour guide) for a wonderful time! more
Sep 2024, DSD
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Guide Olivia
Olivia was an excellent and thoughtful guide. Would highly recommend. H as d an excellent trip to Beijing in September 2024 more
Sep 2024, RupertL
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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.
Experience the beauty of the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, ranked as the top choice on TripAdvisor. This well-preserved section offers stunning views and restored architecture. We provide a round-trip cable car ride for an effortless ascent and descent, saving time compared to climbing steps. Enjoy free time to explore the Wall, hike the popular "golden route" between the 14th and 23rd watchtowers, and embrace the magnificence of this historic landmark.
Discover Beijing's magnificent Summer Palace, the largest and best-preserved royal park in China, located just 9 miles (15 kilometers) from downtown. Experience the park's stunning natural views and rich cultural heritage, earning it the reputation as 'The Museum of Royal Gardens.' Explore the captivating Garden of Virtue and Harmony on a leisurely 2-kilometer walk, and enjoy a serene boat ride for an enhanced experience of this imperial retreat.
Unearth a fascinating piece of history at the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, an awe-inspiring army discovered by accident in 1974. Guarding Emperor Qin's tomb since 210 BC, this remarkable collection features over 7,000 life-sized soldiers, archers, horses, and chariots in battle formation. Each figure is unique, and the ongoing excavation and restoration work can be observed in the three protected pits within massive hangars. Just 1.5 hours from Xian, explore the excellent museum and watch a captivating film on the vaults' history. Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes, and photography (without flash) is allowed.
Discover the Hanyang Tomb, also known as the Tomb of Emperor Jingdi from the Han Dynasty. Opened to the public in 2001, this landmark is renowned for its vast collection of various types of tombs. Marvel at the underground exhibition hall, featuring the archaeological results from the expansive mausoleum complex of Emperor Liu Qi (188 to 141 BC) and his dynasty. Explore exhibits in the above-ground museum building and, with prior arrangements, even have the opportunity to witness or participate in ongoing archaeological excavations.
Discover Shaanxi's fascinating history at the renowned Shaanxi History Museum. Housed in Tang-style buildings, this impressive museum showcases a vast collection of artifacts, beautifully displayed across four galleries. Most item labels are in English, and your guide will assist with additional information. Wear comfortable shoes for your visit.
Visit the remarkable Great Mosque in Xian's Muslim quarter. This large Islamic mosque combines Chinese architecture with Islamic practices. Explore its courtyards aligned towards Mecca, adorned with intricately decorated pavilions and gateways. This active place of worship is significant for the Hui community, descended from Silk Road traders.
Explore the spiritual Big Wild Goose Pagoda within the serene grounds of Da Ci'en Temple. This 7th-century brick pagoda housed Buddhist materials collected by Xuanzang during his journey to India. The temple complex offers magnificent Buddhist statues and murals to admire.
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Xian's Muslim Quarter, located near the Bell Tower. This bustling area features a 500-meter avenue with unique stalls, souvenir shops, cafés, and bars. Run mainly by the Muslim community, it offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in diverse cultural delights.
Visit the impressive Ancient City Wall, one of the oldest and most intact city defenses in existence. Built in the 13th century on the foundations of the Tang Forbidden City, it surrounds the city center. Take a leisurely walk or rent a bike or electric cart to explore the 14km circuit with panoramic city views.
Discover the charming Xian City Wall Park, adjacent to the Ming Dynasty City Wall. Established in 1982, it combines the ancient wall with a moat and forest belt. This popular park offers an enjoyable experience for casual walks, recreation, and sightseeing, enhancing the city's unique character.
Visit the Panda Breeding and Research Center, located just 6 miles north of Chengdu City. Explore the bamboo groves and observe giant pandas, red pandas, and other endangered species. Learn about the successful breeding program and visit the panda museum to deepen your understanding of these fascinating creatures. Note: Plan an early visit to avoid crowds during summer vacations. Interactive activities with the pandas are temporarily closed for their protection.
Discover the historical treasures at the Jinsha archaeological site in Chengdu. Unearthed in 2001, this expansive site spans three thousand years of history and covers five square kilometers. Explore various relics such as gold, bronze, jade, and ivory artifacts, providing insights into ancient cultures.
Embark on a scenic cruise to catch a breathtaking view of the Leshan Giant Buddha. Situated to the east of Leshan City, Sichuan Province, this magnificent statue is perched on Lingyun Mountain where the Min River, Qingyi River, and Dadu River converge. As you cruise along, marvel at the largest stone-carved sitting Buddhist statue in the world.
Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring presence of the Leshan Giant Buddha. Located on Lingyun Mountain, where the Min River, Qingyi River, and Dadu River meet, this colossal stone-carved sitting Buddhist statue is a true wonder. Explore its grandeur and take in the historical and spiritual significance of this renowned masterpiece.
Experience the charm of old Chengdu at Kuan-zhai Lane, also known as the Wide and Narrow Alley. This refurbished section of the city provides a glimpse into traditional Chengdu life. Wander through the narrow alleyways and wide courtyards to soak up the historic ambiance. Discover a variety of Western food and drinks, takeaways, coffee shops, and art galleries, offering a blend of traditional and modern experiences.
Uncover the allure of the Dragon Gate on Xishan, located just 37km west of downtown Kunming and near the picturesque Dianchi Lake. This remarkable complex of grottoes, sculptures, corridors, and pavilions was meticulously carved into the cliffside between 1781 and 1835 by a dedicated Taoist monk and his team of artisans.
Explore the renowned Bamboo Temple, dating back to the Tang Dynasty and famous for its exquisite Arhat statues. Considered one of Kunming's most prominent temples, it offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Take the Xishan Chairlift for a scenic journey from Xvguang Pavilion to Yingxi Pavilion. This convenient mode of transportation allows you to ascend to the mesmerizing Dragon Gate and admire the Taoist Grottoes. Opt for the chairlift on your way down the hill to save time and energy.
Simplify your journey by taking the tourist tram from Xvguang Pavilion to General Liang's Summer Palace. From there, embark on your climb to the Dragon Gate. By utilizing the tram, you can save approximately 20 minutes of walking time.
Visit the Ancient Stone Forest, located 13 kilometers north of Shilin. This distinct stone forest offers a unique experience with different features and styles compared to the ones in Shilin.
Explore the magnificent Jiuxiang Caves, home to over one hundred karst caves and the largest cave group system in China. Marvel at the stunning stalactites and stalagmites, including formations named "Fairies Welcoming Guests" and "Woman Weaver." Note: The final stage includes a challenging climb up Bat Cave, with an optional sedan chair service available.
Witness the fascinating karst landscape of the Stone Forest, located 90 kilometers southeast of Kunming. Marvel at the various shapes formed by millions of years of Earth's movement. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Sani people, experiencing their colorful embroidery and captivating minority dances that complement the stunning natural scenery.
Explore the authentic stony world of Nuohei Village in Shilin County, near the famous Stone Forest. Discover the marvelously crafted lime stone residences and utensils, including roofs, walls, and tobacco kilns. Take a walk along the main road, encountering scattered stony houses that provide a unique glimpse into this fascinating community.
Discover the marvelous Folded Brocade Hill, boasting a scenic climb and iconic attractions like Diecai Pavilion and Looking at the River Pavilion. Visit Fubo Hill, known for its location amidst the Li River and its ability to calm the waters. Climb the steps to reach the hilltop and enjoy a stunning bird's eye view of Guilin city. Don't miss these picturesque destinations during your trip to China.
Visit Xingping, once the largest town along the Li River. Explore its historic sites, including the charming Xingping Old Street, lined with ancient brick buildings and assembly halls. Capture iconic scenes like cormorant fishing and stunning sunsets, known for their superb photographic opportunities. Embrace the local atmosphere while strolling along the riverbank, and enjoy an authentic lunch in a tranquil resort before continuing to Yangshuo.
Embark on a memorable Li River cruise through spectacular limestone peaks, bamboo groves, and rice paddies. Skip the touristy lunch and less scenic portion of the cruise, and instead, indulge in an authentic local lunch at a serene resort in Xingping. Take in the beauty of the surroundings, then travel to Yangshuo by car.
Discover the mesmerizing underground world of limestone formations through an adventurous water cave exploration. Unlike typical tourist caves with artificial lighting and concrete steps, the Water Cave offers a more natural experience. Equipped with a helmet with a headlamp and non-slip shoes, you will navigate the cave by a small boat. Accompanied by an experienced English-speaking guide from our associated outdoor education center, you'll learn fascinating details about the unique karst cave formations.
Embark on an exhilarating zip-lining and abseiling adventure in Yangshuo, renowned for its close proximity to karst hills. Our qualified English-speaking coach will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to our contracted outdoor education center. Receive the necessary equipment from the center's staff, and under the guidance of the coach, experience the thrill of zip-lining between hills and descending down using abseiling techniques.
Our guide will help you transfer from your hotel to Guilin 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-23