Relaxing Tour of Both Ancient & Modern Flavor
17-Day Beijing, Xian, Lhasa, Shigatse, Chengdu, Guilin, Yangshuo and Hong Kong Tour
Every day has highlights show you: the marvelous sights in Beijing and Xi'an, holy land on the roof of the world – Tibet, nature and unique landscape scenery in Guilin, and finally Hong Kong, "the Pearl of the Orient".
Suggested Itinerary
Your guide will be waiting for you at the airport, ready to take you to the hotel in a private car.
Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square have been at the center of historical events throughout centuries; they have an air of grandeur and larger than human scale proportions to impress even though emperors no longer rule the land.
Temple of Heaven was in its time just as important a place; the sacrifices for good harvest were performed here in ceremonies which no ordinary person was allowed to see. Now the surrounding park is free to locals who come here to do their morning exercises.
The Great Wall is an exciting experience, and on the Mutianyu section you can enjoy it in peace, as it is much less crowded than Badaling. This area was strategically very important and therefore has the most watchtowers. A cable car to the top can be followed by a toboggan ride down, or if you wish you can go back on a chair lift.
Tasting the world famous Beijing Roast Duck is one of essential experiences, so we have booked you a table in one of the best restaurants Hepingmen Quanjude Restaurant, known for their outstanding quality.
The Beijing Hutongs are known for their old world charm: the courtyard houses lining the tree lined alleyways and communities going back centuries. We take you to visit a local family, to hear about their life here.
The Beijing Olympic Stadiums, affectionately known as Bird's Nest and Water Cube, are the new additions to grand architecture. The surrounding park as well as the exterior of these marvelous creations is quite the end to time in Beijing.
In the afternoon your guide will take you to the airport to catch a plane to Xi'an.
The Terracotta Warriors and Horses must be one the most famous sights in the world, and for good reason: these intricately detailed statues are a rich insight into life and warfare over two thousand years ago.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a charming 7th century structure added to along the years but maintaining its status as the landmark of old Xi'an.
Shaanxi History Museum has a comprehensive collection of artifacts explaining how this cradle of culture developed throughout centuries. Muslim Quarters gives an insight into the inheritance of the ancient Silk Road, bringing influences from afar. One of the ancient remains is a bluestone pavement, worn by countless footsteps.
Xi'an City Wall offers a chance to sightsee on a bicycle in comfort; the wall is so smooth and wide that it is a pleasure to do the whole 14km round trip. Shadow Theater in Gao's Courtyard, a former residence of an eminent Ming-Dynasty official, is an enchanting experience of a traditional art form combined with ancient surroundings.
Your guide will take you to the airport and makes sure everything goes smoothly on your transfer to Lhasa.
Potala Palace dominates the cityscape in Lhasa, the white and red palace buildings towering at the end of the famous pilgrim steps. Each visit has to be finished within an hour to give all the pilgrims a chance to get in.
Jokhang Temple is also a center of pilgrimage, and the surrounding Barkhor Street is used as a path to walk along while spinning the prayer wheels, as well as being a place to buy offerings and incense among other more earthly goods. It is a wonderful place to people watch; locals in their colorful traditional outfits are fascinating to see.
This is where having your own driver and guide really comes to its own: this morning you will travel to see the Yomdrok Lake, a stunning alpine lake surrounded by snow capped mountains, and you can stop the journey at any point to enjoy the views.
The Palgor Chorten, or Palcho Monastery, clings to the mountainside as if to protect its greatest structure, an exceptional quality Stupa, a holy circular structure designed to hold relics. By the evening you will arrive in Shigatse, a center of Buddhism.
Tashilunpo Monastery is the seat of the Panchen Lama, second highest in the ranking after Dalai Lama. The buildings painted white and red in the style of Potala Palace are filled with grand statues and murals.
In the afternoon your driver tales you back to Lhasa.
Today is dedicated to flight to Chengdu, home of the Pandas.
Panda Breeding and Research Center is where these delightful creatures are protected, and successfully nurtured little pandas fill the nursery.There is a donation program which allows you take pictures with holding a panda one minute by donating RMB 2,000 Yuan (for reference only). Only 20 tourists are allowed to hold pandas a day. If you want to hold a panda, please tell your travel advisor or tour guide in advance because you must book it at least one week in advance.This program is subject to the availability of pandas on that day. Please bring enough RMB cash as payment by credit card is not accepted there.
Wu Hou Temple is more than a temple: it has charming gardens filled with ancient cypresses shading the winding pathways.
Du Fu Thatched Cottage is famous because China's greatest poet lived there in ancient times; it has a lovely shady garden with ponds and lilies. Jinli Old Street gives you a chance to look at some of the local handcrafts in ancient surroundings before heading to the airport with your guide to fly to Guilin.
Li River and its magnificent mountain landscape has been the inspiration for generations of artists, and it is just as enchanting as they portray it, with water buffaloes wading in the water and farmers following close behind. Yangshuo is the final destination; you will have an evening in this lively little town.
After returning to Guilin you will see some of the natural wonders it has to offer, all created by the limestone mountains: Reed Flute Cave, Fubo Hill, and Elephant Trunk Hill. Your guide will then take you to the airport for your flight onwards to Hong Kong.
Guide will pick you up at your hotel and take you to see the best Hong Kong Island has to offer, starting with Victoria Peak, the best vantage point of the harbor. Peak Tram is a charming way to get up the hillside, it is over hundred year old transport system but still very effective. Aberdeen Harbor on the south side of the island is a haven of old fishing junks where many people live full time, accessible with a sampan (water taxi). Repulse Bay ends the half day tour; this beach is by some very exclusive residential areas, but accessible for all.
Price includes:
What Our Customers Said
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Fantastic
What an epic day we had with or guide “Ivy” from the tour company “China Highlights” visiting Tianamen Square, Forbidden City, having a local Chinese meal and walking on the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu!! Ivy was informative, personable, fun, caring and delivered a great experience for us. Her guide experience was evident in her management and pace of our day and making sure we went to great picture locations that created lasting memories of our trip!! Highly recommend you asking for Ivy. moreMar 2023, Drew Walker
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Adorable trip to Beijing with China Highlights
Such an amazing time spent together with my husband and our guide Nancy in Beijing. We recommend booking the tour with China Highlights as that was an incredibly smart idea and trip we have had over past few days. Visiting the Great Wall of China, the Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven etc., getting more close to the history of China, having the delicious food - that was all done by the CH. We won’t be having such wonderful time without you guys. Still being so amazed and impressed by the historical progress of the country. Much appreciated for your support, help and time, Dear Nancy and China Highlights. Kind Regards, Kenneth&Assel Gillan moreMar 2023, Assel G
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Great Wall Day Trip with Ivy
She answered our questions thoroughly and she also provided us with recommendations for food and things to see outside of our Great Wall day trip. The driver was also a very safe driver and made it a comfortable drive from the city center. We hope to use China Highlights again for future trips. And if you’re in Beijing, you can request for Ivy as your guide. moreFeb 2023, kattaubry
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Great Wall Tour with Ivy
Ivy was a wonderful guide! We took a day trip to the Great Wall and she made our time enjoyable and customized to what we wanted. She was obviously very knowledgeable and passionate about the city. We also avoided tourist traps and she took group photos for us! moreFeb 2023, Customer
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Great Wall Tour with Ivy
We recommend booking with China Highlights! They were able to create a custom trip for us with just a day’s notice. They’re very responsive on WeChat and very professional. moreFeb 2023, Customer
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Fantastic Beijing Tour with Tour Guide - Angela
Had a great time visiting Beijing over Chinese New Year! The city was quiet, but that made it easier to see everything that we wanted to. Our tour guide, Angela, was very knowledgeable and friendly. We found a local brewery, Slow Boat, that we went to twice it was so good. Amazing beer and best burger of my life! We can't wait to book another trip with China Highlights. moreFeb 2023, Kate P
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Beautiful experience in Beijing
The Forbidden City was a highlight of the tour. With Christina's knowledgeable and engaging commentary, we learned about the history of the imperial palace and its role as the center of Chinese politics for over 500 years. The complex is massive, and it was impressive to see the intricate details of the architecture and gardens. moreFeb 2023, Valeria RP
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Amazing 2 day trip to Beijing
Our guide Lily and driver Leo were amazing and super conscious that we were traveling with a toddler. Lily was knowledgeable about all of our stops and was very conscious of our time. She even took special time to relate and connect with our daughter which made the trip even more enjoyable for all of us. moreJan 2023, Jessica T
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