China Tour and Kungfu Experience
11-Day Beijing, Xian, Luoyang, Dengfeng, Zhengzhou and Shanghai Tour
China is the birthplace of Shaolin Kungfu, and on this tour you are taken to the very mountain where the monks still practice their art. You will see the great cities of Beijing, Xian and Shanghai and their famous sights as well as the quiet waters of Luoyang.
Suggested Itinerary
Your vacation couldn't have a better start than your own guide and driver meeting you at the airport and take you to your hotel.
We take you to the less visited section of the Great Wall, Mutianyu, which is a less touristy part. A cable car takes you up to make sure you make the most of trekking where the views are best over the watchtowers in the distance. An option for coming down is the toboggan run, although sometimes it is so popular that the waiting time cab be too long.
The Temple of Heaven has a collection of buildings used by the Emperor once a year to make a sacrifice for good harvest. The structures form a line on a South to North axis, which was considered very lucky. The surrounding park has become the place where locals come to exercise and practice their hobbies, be it singing, kungfu or flying a kite.
In the evening your guide will take you to experience that famous delicacy of Beijing: Roast Peking Duck.
Tiananmen Square is a symbol of China's national pride, where a flag raise each morning gathers asizablecrowd; at times you have to arrive by 4am for the 7am event. Our day startslater than that, visiting Tiananmen Square, from which you can see Chairman Mao's mausoleum and National Museum as well as the Great Hall of the People, each standing imposingly around the square.
Directly from the square you will access the Forbidden City or Palace Museum as it is now also called. The size makes it more of a small town instead of a palace; one visit is never enough to see everything. Many buildings have been renovated, and even more wings opened to the public. The architecture is steeped in symbolism; your guide will tell you more.
Hutongs are an essential part of Beijing life, and the best way to tour the winding alleyways is by a rickshaw. Your guide will also take you to meet a local family, who has for generations lived in the same house. Afterwards you can walk along the charming Silver Ingot Bridge and find out all the information you can get just from a closed gate to a hutong dwelling.
The area is near some great shopping streets, so you may wish to stay there on your own, just tell your guide.
Good to Know
There is a famous acrobatic Kongfu show in Beijing, ask for more details.
There is perhaps no better way to explore Yangshuo's countryside, than by bike or eCart. After experiencing the bustle of local traffic you will soon be in Yangshuo's rural countryside roads and lanes. It is not only the scenery that captivates but people and culture all around you.
This morning is dedicated to visiting the Summer Palace, a haven of the emperors and now a popular place for locals to relax. The extensive gardens and the lake are just as much part of the allure as are the pavilions and towers; make sure you spend some time meandering among the willows.
On the way back to the hotel a stop at the Olympic Park area allows you to see up close the impressive Bird's Nest and Water Cube, although time does not allow for an internal visit. After lunch you are taken to your hotel to prepare for your flight to Xi'an. Your guide will take you to take care of everything.
One of the most memorable experiences in China is to see the Terracotta Army. Still standing in place of their original discovery, standing firm after over 2000 years underground. Discoveries are still made; some new soldiers which still show the painted effects have recently been put on display. Don't miss the film about the discovery process.
The elegant Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a landmark in Xi'an, and stands on the grounds of Da Cien Temple, located in a large garden.
Good to Know:
Qujiangchi Park near the pagoda is a great place for a stroll after dinner; the buildings around the lake are lit charmingly.
Shaanxi History Museum has beautiful displays which tell the story of Chinese history, as this is where the center of events was in ancient times. Your guide will help you get the most out of the experience, as many of the guide boards are not in English.
The ancient city wall of Xi'an is a wonderful place to get some fresh air and see the city from a vantage point. It is one of the best preserved city fortifications in the world, and so level on top that you can rent a bike and cycle the whole 14km circuit.
After lunch you take a short train ride to Luoyang, where you will be met at the station and taken to your hotel.
Luoyang Grottoes have more than 100 000 carvings and statues of Buddha, all carved along a river bank, a truly magnificent art display in a natural environment.
White Horse Temple on the other side of Luoyang is considered to be the cradle of Buddhism in China; many renowned monks from abroad have visited in times past to gain wisdom and knowledge.
Your guide and driver will take you to Dengfeng, and the place all Kungfu aficionados know: Shaolin. Even the name sounds mysterious and legendary. Wushu martial arts were developed here by the Shaolin monks, and they display their skills in a fantastic show.
The Pagoda Forest on the foot of the Shaoshi Mountain consists of over 200 brick pagodas, all built in memory of a particular Kungfu master.
You will spend the night in Shaolin, and enjoy the vegetarian delights in the Yongtai Nunnery canteen.
The morning is spent in transfers from Dengfeng to Shanghai, and at lunch time you will arrive in Shanghai, and enjoy the culinary delights in true Shanghai style.
The past and present of Shanghai contrast in the afternoon: you will stroll on the Bund, said to be an architectural museum of European buildings, and explore the Nanjing Road, which is a gleaming new shopping paradise.
Shanghai Museum is by far the biggest, and very possibly the best museum in China. Well laid out exhibitions are further clarified by an excellent audio guide.
Yuyuan Garden is a peaceful oasis in the middle of the busy city, and a wonderful example of ancient garden design. From it you emerge on a busy Yuyuan Market area, where you can buy those all important little mementoes and souvenirs.
The Shanghai World Financial Center has a thrilling observation deck: the floor is made of glass, and at 474 m (1,555ft) it is quite vertigo inducing.
Price includes:
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The tour was of The Greta Wall of China
The tour was excellent. Selinda was very knowledgeable about all the aspects of our tour. Selinda was very interesting and knew so much Chinese history more
Mar 2024, Alice W
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Beautiful Beijing with Ethan & Mr. Chen
Ethan, our wonderful guide, whose praises we can not sing loudly enough, was compassionate, caring, and overall endearing! His sense of ease and familiarity with each sight, which were unfamiliar wonders to us, provided a sense of peacefulness that facilitated full enjoyment - helped too by his punctuality and attention to detail. more
Feb 2024, apisn2023
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The Highlights and High Life of Beijing with Ethan & Mr. Chen
Ethan, our wonderful tour guide, made our entire trip an absolute joy for us as he was extraordinarily caring, considerate, and generous. Having had the pleasure of taking in the sights of Beijing previously with another lovely guide, Angela, it was spectacular not only to show the family how fantastic the city is but also how high the quality of services provided by China Highlights are. Each day unveiled a new treasure, helpfully detailed by Ethan, and punctuated by delicious and varied local food. Our driver, Mr. Chen, was also a delight, and was equally as key to the overall experience as he was both attentive and almost mystically punctual! more
Feb 2024, Apis
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Great Time in Beijing
Our 4-day experience in Beijing was unforgettable. Our guide, Selinda, opened the doors to the city's millennia-old history and culture with her knowledge, kindness, and courtesy. We discovered magnificent places, tasted delicious food, and stayed in clean hotels, all accompanied by safe and reliable transportation service. We recommend traveling with China Highlights. more
Feb 2024, Nicola B
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3rd time the charm, is being charmed for the 3rd time.
This is my 3rd tour of Beijing in the last 18 months and I think that speaks a little to the quality of service you get with China Highlights. Each time the sites are the same but each tour guide managed to present them in new and wonderful ways. Also some attractions that were undergoing renovations have been completed, so there were new things to see as well.A big thanks to Mr. Michael, our tour this time around. He was very gregarious and knowledgeable about all the sites. more
Feb 2024, Jonathan Mueller
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3rd time the charm, is charmed for the 3rd time
The sites stay the same but each time we have done this tour, the tour guides manage to make it feel like it is the first time you are experiencing it. And, with the constant renovations, this time we were able to see previous areas that were unavailable the last time we came. more
Feb 2024, Jonathan M
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Great trip and experience!
From beginning to end, China Highlights was very courteous, responsive and attentive in planning and executing a great trip!Aspects and execution of the trip was as discussed and was an overall great experience. Our guide, Michael, was very kind and knowledgeable throughout the tour and would address all questions and help us take lots of photos. Would definitely travel with China Highlights again! more
Feb 2024, Karol
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3rd the charm is charmed for the 3rd time
This is my 3rd tour of Beijing in the last 18 months and I think that speaks a little to the quality of service you get with China Highlights. Each time the sites are the same but each tour guide managed to present them in new and wonderful ways. Also some attractions that were undergoing renovations have been completed, so there were new things to see as well.A big thanks to Mr. Michael, our tour this time around. He was very gregarious and knowledgeable about all the sites. more
Feb 2024, jkjmueller
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1 Day in Beijing
Nice views, Not too much people, Jessi (guide ) so friendly and she have a great service & she knows the answer of all your questions more
Feb 2024, Fernando J
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Fabulous day!
Jesse He ,she is a nice tourist guide patience and take good care for us. We had a wonderful time in Beijing,we did the forbidden city and greatwall We love everything ! more
Feb 2024, Charon R
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Private trip in Beijing and Luoyang
We spent 3 days in Beijing with Helen as our guide. We went to TianAnMen, Forbidden City and MuTianYu Great Wall to name a few. Helen took great care of us and is very attentive as I travel with my 60+ years old parents, from asking whether we need restroom breaks to making sure that our lunch were all according to our dietary needs more
Jan 2024, Iriana Iriana
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An excellent day with Linda
Linda (Ling ling)is a great tour guide,provide a lot of knowledge and history of the great wall,and took us to taste very delicious food too,we had a very good time with her!highly recommend her! more
Jan 2024, Angeline Lim
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Great time in Beijing with Bruce
We stayed in Beijing for three days altogether. We went to the summer palace. the Tian'an'men square, the Forbidden City,the Temple of heaven and the Great Wall. Our tour guide Bruce is very friendly and speaks English fluently. He explained every scenic spot to us patiently and humorously. my family are very satisfied with his service. more
Jan 2024, Mayra C
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Bucket List Trip to China
My first stop in China was Beijing. Ethan was my guide there. Daily, they would pick me up and take me to the spots on the itinerary. He helped me plan outside activities like a Chinese acrobat show. He even walked me to my seat in my theater so I could easily find my correct chair. What was most helpful was Ethan waiting with me at the train station and even helping me on to my seat and giving the train attendant my meal order. Very little English was spoken by the train attendant. more
Jan 2024, Megan Sandbothe
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Great Wall at Jinshanling
We went to the Great Wall at Jinshanling which is a very beautiful place which is not that busy. In fact most of the time it felt like we were alone on the wall.The tourguide (Jack) was very knowledgeable and very friendly.A big thumbs up more
Jan 2024, Onno
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Private trip in Beijing and Luoyang
We spent 3 days in Beijing with Helen as our guide. We went to TianAnMen, Forbidden City and MuTianYu Great Wall to name a few. Helen took great care of us and is very attentive as I travel with my 60+ years old parents, from asking whether we need restroom breaks to making sure that our lunch were all according to our dietary needs. We had great 3 days in Beijing.We also visited Luoyang. Our travel advisor arranged a Business class seat for our high speed train to Luoyang. We were picked up at the station by our guide in Luoyang, Lisa. We then visited Dengfeng to see Songyang academy, shaolin temple, Luoyang grottoes. She also took care of us very well and very knowledgeable about the history. more
Jan 2024, lriana lriana
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Beijing 2024
We traveled to Beijing with China Highlights in January 2024. Our tour guide Ethan was organized and knowledgeable which made our trip seamless and very interesting!! He helpfully suggested additional activities if we had time in the evenings and assisted us in booking tickets for them. Visiting the Mutianyu Great wall of China was a big highlight of our time in Beijing! more
Jan 2024, Lydia
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Beijing 2024
We traveled to Beijing with China Highlights in January 2024. Our tour guide Ethan was organized and knowledgeable which made our trip seamless and very interesting!! He helpfully suggested additional activities if we had time in the evenings and assisted us in booking tickets for them. Visiting the Mutianyu Great wall of China was a big highlight of our time in Beijing more
Jan 2024, Explore49612084715
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Beijing
Fantastic couple days in Beijing. Thank you to my guide Mark who eloquently relayed stories about China history and culture. more
Jan 2024, Steve P
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Jack is an excellent guide
Jack is an excellent guide, very patient, punctual, wonderful command of english. I recommend him any day. more
Jan 2024, Brahma
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