Classic China Nature and Culture Tour
17-Day Private China Tour: Hong Kong– Beijing– Shanghai–Xi'an–Yunnan
Begin your adventure in vibrant Beijing and explore iconic attractions like the Great Wall and Forbidden City. Immerse yourself in the modernity of Shanghai before diving into the ancient history of Xian, home to the captivating Terracotta Warriors. Discover the enchanting beauty of Kunming's Stone Forest, wander through the UNESCO-listed Old Town of Lijiang, and experience the cultural heritage of Shaxi and Dali.
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

Experience the Charm of Lijiang Ancient Town

Step Back in Time And Explore the Historic Shaxi Ancient Town

Why Choose Us

Your Wellbeing is Our Priority.
- 1-to-1 travel expert
- Vaccinated guides
- Private Rides

Your Trip is Perfectly Planned.
- Less crowded
- Exclusive Exciting Experiences

Your Booking is Risk-Free.
- No cancellation fee (up to 22 days before departure)
- Free changes
Finish Your Booking in as Quick as 1 Day
1. Tell us your dream travel idea
2. Work out your unique plan with 1 to 1 expert advice
China Highlights, Asia Highlights, and Global Highlights collaborate to provide families and couples with personalized and stress-free experiences in diverse destinations.


![]() ![]() |
Der Partner für eine individuelle China Reise
Die Agency (in unserem Fall vertreten durch Tutu Sun) hat für uns eine perfekte Reise organisiert. Sehr gute Kommunikation im Vorfeld der Reise und vor Ort. Zu 100% verl?sslich, immer pünktlich und an jedem Ort sehr freundliche und engagierte Guides. Wir k?nnen eine Buchung bei diesem Unternehmen absolut und uneingeschr?nkt empfehlen. In Beijing hatten wir mit Herrn Chen 3 interessante Tage inklusive einer sehr spannenden individuellen Wanderung auf der grossen Mauer. more
Aug 2023,
Jeanne K
|
Beijing Tour
Bruce was an amazing guide and very knowledgeable. He got me past ALOT of long lines fast and knew all the best places to go to take pictures! Also provided good recommendations for additional activities! If you get Bruce you’re in good hands! more
Aug 2023,
Anthony L
|
Great two weeks in China with China Highlights
The trip included Shanghai where Kris was our amazing guide, Guilin and Yangshuo with Gary who did an amazing job at adjusting the schedule to meet our needs given the incredible heat, Chengdu with Helen who shared her passion for the Pandas with us, had fun in the peoples park with us and introduced us to the local opera which was fascinating and ensured we were able to taste amazing Sizhuan food without burning up! We then moved on to Xian with Jenny who ensured we got to the Terracotta army early enough to get an amazing view, took us to try our hand at making our own warriors, was very knowledgable about the history of Xian which was very interesting and lastly allowed us to try making dumplings which we all loved. Our final stop was Beijing. Ethan was our tour guide and he again did an amazing job ensuring we got to the Great Wall of China early enough to see the amazing wall without too many people and whilst it was still relatively cool, share his great knowledge of the Forbidden City and Summer Palace with us, introduced us to the Beijing Hot Pot and importantly ensured we were able to celebrate our sons 18th birthday in style and with his favourite Chinese food!! Thank you again for making our 2 weeks so special and we will for sure be back very soon. more
Aug 2023,
Sandra
|
There is tour guides and there is felix
I had a blast with this tour! Felix is such an amazing person and so knowledgeable! He understands how to share knowledge and make us interested! Me and my friends had a wonderful day with Felix around the city I highly recommend China Highlights and would most likely recommend felix!!! more
Aug 2023,
PrettoMauricio
|
Jennifer is an awesome guide and the…
Jennifer is an awesome guide and the tours were great! more
Aug 2023,
Renan Santos
|
Beijing2023 a not to be missed experience!!
We spent 3 days in Beijing with Jennifer as our tour guide. The Great Wall, Forbidden City and the Summer Palace were all amazing, the Hutong tour was very interesting and we enjoyed seeing a typical home from that era. Jennifer was a wealth of information in Chinese history with names and date’s giving us insight into what we were seeing and the historical significance. She was warm, friendly, kind and professional and I would highly recommend her to enhance your trip more
Aug 2023,
Rita A
|
Amazing Time at Honk Kong, Beijing and The Great Wall
We were a group of 10 people, our trip started at the beautiful Hong Kong, we had the best guide ever, Ken Ku, a really polite man and He always was worried for our needs. We met the Abeerden harbour, the beach side, the grand Buda, beautiful templesVictoria Peak, Temple Street, Jade market and lots of amazing places. Also we spend some days at Beijing and there we were in the main places you should go. The Summer Palace, Tiananmen Place, Chaoyang theater and spectacular show. We also travelled to the Mutianyang area to see the unveliable Great Wall, we eat in spectacular restaurants, we had a comfortable and fresh bus to travel all places. I tried to resume everything but still missing things. Thanks to all the team and our guide Lluvia in Beijing, She was so sweet. more
Aug 2023,
Community Manager
|
High quality and flexibility
Bruce has been a very good guide to us. We spent different days with him, trekking on the great Wall, visiting forbidden City, hutong, summer palace and many other places in Beijing. He was also able to arrange for me a last second calligraphy class in a school as well. I strongly recommend him to anyone visiting the city. more
Aug 2023,
Isabella L
|
Amazing 3 day tour in Beijing with Linda
We are from France and arrived in the best conditions. First of all, Linda, our Beijing tour guide came to pick us up, and we knew straight away that the 3 next days would be amazing. She is incredibly kind, so professional and very passionate. We’ve learned so much with her, from the Great Wall to the Summer Palace, through the hutong and more for you to discover! We are so grateful to have met her and we highly recommend her for your future journey to Beijing. Thank you some much Linda and hope to see you again soon! more
Aug 2023,
Remi Crozet
|
Amazing 3 days in Beijing with Linda
We are from France and arrived in the best conditions. First of all, Linda, our Beijing tour guide came to pick us up, and we knew straight away that the 3 next days would be amazing. She is incredibly kind, so professional and very passionate. We’ve learned so much with her, from the Great Wall to the Summer Palace, through the hutong and more for you to discover! We are so grateful to have met her and we highly recommend her for your future journey to Beijing. Thank you some much Linda and hope to see you again soon! more
Aug 2023,
Alain
|
Amazing Trip
We had a great experience with china highlights. Very helpful and careful. Our trip was splendid, very comfortable and safe cars. Our guide Jack gave us good tips and knowledge. more
Aug 2023,
Allan Lima
|
Our Amazing China Trip with China Highlights…
Our China Trip with China Highlights was absolutely and truly remarkable. The service we received from China Highlights guides (Jack in Beijing, Mervyn in Xi'an, William in Guilin and Martin in Shanghai), drives and their office team was second to none. more
Aug 2023,
Somma Mohammadi
|
China, beyond what you hear!
Beijing: A mega-historical city. Our tour guide, Jack welcomed us in the airport with a big smile. We stayed at a nice hotel in CBD. In China, if I want to name a problem, it would be language barrier that hardly you can find people who can speak English. Thanks to our tour guides we did not have any issues in our trip. Also, with so many free apps for translation, there is zero problem even we don’t speak any Chinses. Beijing, with the combination of old and new buildings, living side by side, you feel the city is transiting from old to modernism with a high speed. But with the rich history inside the town, I got distracted to chase signs of modernism and rather preferred to sink in the deep well of this ancient history. The resting time inside my 5 star hotel, was a place to think of the Forbidden City, the Great Wall and waiting to see the next wonder which was expecting us in the next day. Amongst all the famous and popular areas that you are expected to visit, I was most impressed when the tour introduced us to a local family in a traditional part of the town to have an afternoon tea with them. That provided us the opportunity to know how traditional people still live. How hospitable these people were. The tour always got our opinion for foods and our answer always was Chinese food. Local Chinses Food. Diversity of the menu is big and everyone can choose multiple options. Meats, pork, chicken, seafood, vegetarian… you name it. After 3 days we went to Xi-An with “bullet train”. This was another careful choice by the tour to give us the opportunity to see the cities and villages on our way. The train with a speed of 310 km/hr was very convenient and clean. On the way, I could see the fast tracking of new construction sites and developments. One think that was interesting for me, most of the machineries that were being used, seem to be “made in China”. Xi-An We arrived at Xi-An at a night maybe 9 pm. This city is the starting point of The Silk Road. Welcomed by our tour guide Mervyn, we entered a smaller city than Beijing. You could see that Xian was more regulated than Beijing. The city was live with many people walking around. We inspected the mysterious Terracotta Warriors where the venue was overly populated by visitors. But what completed the experience for us, thanks to our tour, was meeting a local artist who taught us how these warriors were made with clay. Each of us, even kids, was given some clay and moulds and we made our little statues. After that we visited the city museum where I could see how Chinese were using nice plates and bowls 1500 years ago, some were as fashionable as those we use today. I also visited Muslim district. It was interesting how different religions live peacefully next to each other inside this ancient city. And the surprise here, was visiting a busy street and trying street foods by our choice, and it was all shouted by China Highlights . Oh, I cannot say how much we loved this. Mingling with people and nice shop keepers, taking photos, testing the foods, … Guilin And then we flew to Guilin. Which is a smaller city in East China. It was night. We were welcomed by our tour guide, William. Friendly man with some sense of humour which we all loved it. At night we could not see much comparing to Beijing and Xian. Full of little restaurants on each side of the street and people all out, like it is a national celebration. Later William told us, how people in this city like to enjoy their time. We stayed in Shangri-La in Guilin, very high quality in foods, accommodation and entertainment. This hotel really respects its brand regardless of the location. In the morning when I opened the curtain, I wasn’t sure if the scene in front of me is a minotaur or a natural scenery. Series of mountain peaks, sitting next to each other, like those that you see in cartoons. So, first day we started going to rice terraces in the rural area of Guilin. The extent of beauty cannot be described in writing, but feel free to google “rice terraces, Guilin” and trust your eyes. After some hiking through the terraces, we got to this small village, without proper modern access but all narrow footpaths. We entered a local house and tried local food. Sticky rice cooked and smoked in bamboo, that we learn and prepared it ourselves. Beef, pork, vegetables, rice wine… It was a feast better than those you can find in any luxury restaurant in the cities. The next day we boarded on a ferry to flow on the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo. Here I witnessed the peaky range of mountains that I had seen from my hotel window yesterday. It was close to 40 degrees outside, but it couldn’t stop me from staying on the roof deck and enjoying the scenery. Day after, we were off to next destination, Shanghai. Unfortunately, the flight had major delay that night. But few interesting things happened in the airport that I cannot miss to add them. First and for most, was the continues support of our tour guide, William, who checked on us until 1:15am when the plane eventually took off and even, I saw his later follow up to make sure we landed safe and been handed to the next guide in Shanghai. This is beyond normal responsibility that you expect. On top of that, we had Kimi, our tour supervisor who kept checking on us. Kimi kept updating us of his follow up with the airline which was happening in the background. In addition to that, kids liked to have KFC which was only available on the other side of security gate. In China, rules are strict and if you have passed the security checks, it is very difficult to cross the gate and start it again. But here, police were so nice and helpful, who kindly helped my family to get their food, stayed with them and after some formalities, escorted them to pass the security gate without any hassle. Maybe 2 or 3 policemen and women, spent 45 minutes of their time to make sure, visitors are in comfort inside the airport and in response to our appreciation they told us, we are just doing our normal work! Oh, I remembered, in China police does not carry guns, when walking on the streets. This is the level of safety! Shanghai Around 4 am, we landed in Shanghai. Welcomed by our very friendly and knowledgeable tour guide, Martin. When we arrived to the hotel, we just went to bed and rest. In the morning, I thought the beds are smaller than King Size as we had in our contract. I checked it with Martin. He double checked with hotel and explained to us the standards are bit different in each hotel. But never the less, they upgraded our rooms to sweets to ensure of our comfort. The new rooms were generously large, double bathroom and shower and high level… it was a heavenly gift mostly for the kids. Next day, we had a walk through the city. Where I was amazed by the tall buildings, modern urban design, strict traffic rules and in one word, a modern city with its high-class citizens. What amazed me even more, was that all these had happened in the last 30 years. We tried to visit the Shanghai Tower, but the queue was more than 3 hours wait, so we gave up. Next day we went to Disney Land. The “Promised Land” for the kids, from the minute we decided to visit China. I, personally am not a fan of manmade excitements, but even me spent 11 hours in Disney Land and enjoyed my time like everyone. This was a good example of cross-cultural understanding between China and the West. And last day, we did some walk around the city before we are taken to the airport. And here was a catch of the day as we have had in every other city. Martin came to us and said he has arranged to visit the restaurant-bar of J- Hotel in level 120 of Shanghai Hotel which is even 2 floor higher than the public observatory that we could not visit yesterday. We were shouted by China Highlights to spend some time in this most luxurious bar! And this is how we left China with the most unforgettable memories. And by the way, we had our two young children with us, 6 and 8 years old. And not that they have been practicing hiking or walking in the past. Like other kids, they prefer watching TV and games, but the walks and places were so attractive to drag them all way with us for 110km walking in 12 days. more
Aug 2023,
Shaha R
|
At rather short notice Carol organised…
We were appreciative of all our guides (Jenny, Jacob, Helen, Nur, Karem and Felix) who all spoke good English, were mindful of our needs and flexible in their approach. We really enjoyed our journey out west along the ancient Silk Road and while it had some challenges we have returned with so many great memories. more
Jul 2023,
Gary McPhee
|
Trip Beijing - Shanghai 9 days
After hearing that China was opening its doors for tourists, even though our tour schedule is for next year, Roger Li convinced us to book early because the price was affordable and if it turns out that we cancel the booking, China Highlights will return the full down payment His expertise, patience, and insightful suggestions have been invaluable in work out our itinerary. Roger has been diligent in addressing all our queries, making this planning phase a breeze. Roger Li has been great at working with us and our changing agenda. He is very responsive and very professional Highly recommend his services . Georges N. more
Jul 2023,
Georges
|
a happy tour in Beijing
My son Taylor booked the tour for us from chinahighlights. we stayed in Beijing for four days.Bruce was our tour guide. He spoke fluent English and there was no barrier between us. He was very patient, he met us at the airport and our flight was delayed for three hours, but when I met him, he was smiling and very warm. He was very professional, He explained every scenic spot to us carefully. We learned a lot about Chinese history from him.We had planned to visit a local Beijing family to learn how to make some Chinese food, but because they were traveling, we couldn't. Bruce rearranged the itinerary for us, and we went to the Confucian Temple and the Imperial College, which was a great place to visit. more
Jul 2023,
lois A
|
China Highlights goes above and beyond!
Beijing would take a lifetime to fully explore, but we only had 2.5 days. Fortunately, Cactus, our amazing China Highlights tour guide got us up and going early (the July heat was unbearable!) and guided us through the city and it's treasures. It's was clear she loved history as much as we did and she gave us insight into the rich physical and cultural past, present, and future of the city, country, and all of the dynasties. She answered our questions, fed us well, and even parted us with a beautiful gift that we will cherish for a long time. A few days after our tour, we had a few lingering questions and she helped us find what we were looking for and she even made a reservation at a restaurant for us that we were struggling to do with our limited language skills. She went above and beyond. Anyone traveling in Beijing would be lucky to tour the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and so much more and even luckier to have Cactus as their guide! more
Jul 2023,
Kaila W
|
Great day with our guide Tom
We had an amazing tour with our guide TOM. Everything ran smoothly from the pick-up from our hotel and all the transport between the sites. The tour is well organized and completely hassle free as all of the tickets for the sights are arranged by your tour guide and we had just the right amount of time at each sight with the option to spend more time at each if we liked. Our guide TOM was so knowledgeable about all the sites we visited and answered all of our questions. We got a cable car up to the Great Wall which was lovely and scenic, we also weren’t too tired to walk along the wall when we reached the top. It was honestly the highlight of our trip to Beijing. Thanks to China highlights,we highly recommend to everyone for China highlights and best tour guide TOM more
Jul 2023,
Aline F
|
A reimagined schedule leads to fantastic 2 day tour
We booked a 2-Day tour and were assigned Olivia Tian as our tour guide. She was excellent. Very knowledgeable about the sights we did see and made sure to keep everyone informed. Both my Chinese in-laws and myself (American) had great time. Olivia also made the most of our time by rearranging our schedule a bit to take advantage of the weather and time. The original plan was Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Great Wall on Day 1 and Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace on Day 2. Instead, we did the Great Wall first time on day 1, which meant it was cooler for the hiking. And we did a bit of a faster tour through the Temple of Heaven to be able to catch a theatrical show Olivia recommended. If you enjoy performing arts, the $40-55USD per person tickets are well worth this 60 minute show, the Golden Mask. Great Wall, Temple of Heaven and the Golden Mask Show made up the 1st day. Day 2 was Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Summer Palace. All were great and Olivia was awesome at knowing some shortcuts and getting us by some of the lines where she could. The day ended sort of early (around 330pm) but depending on how much hiking you did at the Great Wall, (and how fit you are), this might be just what you want. Overall, Olivia provided an excellent touring experience and I can't help but recommend her to others looking for a trip to Beijing. more
Jul 2023,
Jonathan M.
|
A reimagined schedule leads to fantastic 2 day tour
We booked a 2-Day tour and were assigned Olivia Tian as our tour guide. She was excellent. Very knowledgeable about the sights we did see and made sure to keep everyone informed. Both my Chinese in-laws and myself (American) had great time. Olivia also made the most of our time by rearranging our schedule a bit to take advantage of the weather and time. The original plan was Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Great Wall on Day 1 and Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace on Day 2. Instead, we did the Great Wall first time on day 1, which meant it was cooler for the hiking. And we did a bit of a faster tour through the Temple of Heaven to be able to catch a theatrical show Olivia recommended. If you enjoy performing arts, the $40-55USD per person tickets are well worth this 60 minute show, the Golden Mask. Great Wall, Temple of Heaven and the Golden Mask Show made up the 1st day. Day 2 was Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Summer Palace. All were great and Olivia was awesome at knowing some shortcuts and getting us by some of the lines where she could. The day ended sort of early (around 330pm) but depending on how much hiking you did at the Great Wall, (and how fit you are), this might be just what you want. Overall, Olivia provided an excellent touring experience and I can't help but recommend her to others looking for a trip to Beijing. more
Jul 2023,
jkjmueller
|
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.
The Forbidden City: Discover the awe-inspiring Forbidden City, the largest and best-preserved ancient imperial complex in the world. Marvel at its grand architecture, from majestic halls and gates to intricate gardens and living quarters. Delve into the rich history of the Ming and Qing dynasties as you explore exhibitions showcasing ancient Chinese treasures. Enjoy a moderate 2-kilometer walk within this historic site.
Tiananmen Square: Experience the cultural significance of Tiananmen Square, China's largest city square. Admire the iconic Tiananmen Gate and surrounding impressive structures, including museums and Chairman Mao's Mausoleum. Capture the essence of China's national pride in this historic landmark.
The Southern Gong and Drum Lane (Nanluoguxiang): Immerse yourself in the charming Hutongs of Nanluoguxiang, a popular district featuring traditional alleyways and courtyard houses. Enjoy the mix of history, fashion, and culture as you explore the vibrant neighborhood with its unique shops, bars, and cafes.
Temple of Heaven: Visit the historic Temple of Heaven, a complex of Taoist buildings dating back to the Ming dynasty. Explore the vast temple park, where locals gather to sing, exercise, and practice tai chi. Enjoy an easy walk through the park, covering approximately 1.5 kilometers.
The Mutianyu Great Wall (with round-trip cable car): Discover the awe-inspiring Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, renowned for its stunning scenery and well-preserved architecture. Save time with a round-trip cable car ride instead of climbing steps. After your guide provides introductions, explore the Wall at your leisure, embarking on a scenic hike between the 14th and 23rd watchtowers. Enjoy approximately 2 hours in this captivating location before descending and returning to your vehicle.
Summer Palace with Boat Ride and the Garden of Virtue and Harmony: Immerse yourself in the splendor of the Summer Palace, located just 9 miles (15 kilometers) northwest of downtown Beijing. As the largest and best-preserved royal park in China, it has played a significant role in shaping Chinese horticulture and landscape design. Known as "The Museum of Royal Gardens," the Summer Palace offers breathtaking natural vistas and cultural treasures. Take a leisurely stroll through the park, covering approximately 2 kilometers, and enjoy a tranquil boat ride on the picturesque Kunming Lake.
Lama Temple: Discover the vibrant and colorful Yonghe Lamasery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet. This active temple attracts devotees seeking blessings and good fortune. Marvel at the exquisite halls and courtyards adorned with stunning artwork. Don't miss the opportunity to witness the world's largest wooden statue, the Matreiya Buddha, and explore the Tibetan exhibitions that further enrich your cultural experience.
798 Art District: Experience the vibrant contemporary art scene at the renowned 798 Art District. This former factory complex has transformed into a sprawling creative hub, housing artists' studios, art galleries, design companies, fashion boutiques, bars, and more. Since its establishment in 2002, it has become China's largest and most influential international arts district. Immerse yourself in the cutting-edge art and explore the dynamic cultural spaces that have made 798 a thriving artistic community.
East Nanjing Road: Leisure, Shopping, and Dining (median level consumption): Indulge in a leisurely experience at East Nanjing Road, where you'll find a perfect blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. This bustling street offers a variety of shops catering to different tastes and budgets. Discover both contemporary and time-honored stores that showcase unique features. Whether you're looking for fashion, souvenirs, or local delicacies, East Nanjing Road has something for everyone.
Oriental Pearl TV Tower: Visit the famous Oriental Pearl TV Tower, one of the tallest TV towers globally, known for its distinctive spherical design. Explore the Shanghai History Museum on the first floor, showcasing the city's fascinating history. Note: Expect crowds and queues during peak tourist season (July-September).
The Bund: Take a stroll along the scenic Bund, a 1.5-kilometer embankment along the Huangpu River. Admire the well-preserved European-style buildings, indulge in modern developments, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. The Bund truly comes alive in the afternoon and evening, creating a magical experience. Please be aware that lights are turned off at 10:00 PM.
Yuyuan Garden: Discover the exquisite Yuyuan Garden, a Ming Dynasty private garden in Shanghai's old quarters. Experience its traditional Chinese architecture, with pavilions, rockeries, ponds, and beautiful corridors. The garden also surrounds a bustling market offering local snacks, handicrafts, antiques, souvenirs, and renowned restaurants.
Former French Concession Precinct: Immerse yourself in the charming Former French Concession, encompassing Huaihai Road, Fuxing Road, Huashan Road, Ruijin Road, Yandang Road, Taikang Road, and Sinan Road. Embark on a walking tour to witness historical treasures like the former residences of Sun Yat-sen and Zhou Enlai, Fuxing Park, Moller Villa, Lilac Garden, Notre Dame Cathedral, and numerous French colonial-style buildings. Experience the romantic ambiance created by century-old buildings and the shade of Chenar trees. In the evening, the aroma of coffee beckons from the myriad of cafes, bars, and restaurants.
Xintiandi: Nestled amidst the towering skyscrapers in the heart of the city, experience the vibrant energy of Xintiandi. This bustling urban tourist attraction seamlessly blends Shanghai's historical and cultural legacies. The Shikumen buildings in Shanghai Xintiandi have been transformed into a lively dining, retail, and entertainment center, boasting internationally acclaimed restaurants, boutiques, cafes, and bars.
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town: Shaped like a fan, the historic Zhujiajiao Water Town offers a glimpse into its centuries-old history. Explore the picturesque lakeside, adorned with well-preserved examples of Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture. Admire the 36 stone bridges showcasing ancient craftsmanship. Your tour will include notable attractions like Tongtianhe (an ancient pharmacy), the historic Post Office, Yuanjin Temple, and the scenic Kezhi Garden.
Zhujiajiao Boat Ride: Take a leisurely cruise along the river through the ancient town of Zhujiajiao and witness the town's picturesque beauty. Enjoy a 10-15 minute boat ride that allows you to soak in the tranquil ambiance and appreciate the unique charm of this historic water town.
Secrets of the Terracotta Warriors: Discover the intriguing secrets of the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an. Explore beyond the widely known facts and delve into the fascinating stories behind these archaeological wonders. Uncover the mystery of how ancient craftsmen created over 8,000 life-sized warriors in just 11 years, and learn about their techniques for preventing clay cracks despite Xi'an's extreme weather. Your knowledgeable guide will reveal these secrets and take you to a local cave dwelling, where you can try your hand at making your own miniature warrior. Immerse yourself in the historical and cultural impact of Emperor Qinshihuang's mausoleum, leaving with a deeper understanding of ancient China.
Shaanxi History Museum: Immerse yourself in the rich history of China at the renowned Shaanxi History Museum. This exceptional museum showcases the captivating heritage of Shaanxi province, elegantly displayed in four Tang-style buildings. Explore the vast collection, including artifacts from various dynasties. While most item labels are in English, your guide will assist with additional information. Wear comfortable shoes for this experience.
Muslim Quarter: Located just 100 meters west of the Bell Tower in downtown Xi'an, the vibrant Muslim Quarter awaits. Walk along the 500-meter-long avenue adorned with bluestone pavement, where you'll find an array of unique stalls, souvenir shops, cafes, and bars, predominantly operated by the local Muslim community. Join locals and international visitors as you explore and shop in this bustling area.
Xian City Wall with Bicycle: Admire the ancient Xian City Wall, one of China's oldest and most well-preserved city defenses. Dating back to the 13th century, it surrounds the city center and stands as a magnificent landmark. Opt for an exciting bicycle ride along the 13.74-kilometer perimeter of the wall, taking approximately 2 hours to complete.
Bamboo Temple: Step back in time and visit the Bamboo Temple, a renowned Tang Dynasty temple in Kunming. Famous for its exquisite Arhat statues, this temple offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the city. Explore the beautifully adorned halls and immerse yourself in the serene ambiance of this historic site.
Kunming Bird and Flower Market: Indulge your senses at the vibrant Kunming Bird and Flower Market, a captivating destination where spring blooms year-round. This bustling market serves as a hub for leisure, shopping, and trade. Marvel at the diverse range of shops and stalls, particularly those featuring flowers, birds, and fish. Additionally, the market is a treasure trove for antiques and unique souvenirs. Prices are reasonable, but remember to exercise your bargaining skills and be cautious of counterfeit items.
The Stone Forest: Witness a marvelous natural phenomenon at the Stone Forest, located 90 km southeast of Kunming. Over millions of years, the Earth's movements have shaped the unique karst landscape, creating a breathtaking sight. As you explore the area, you'll also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the fascinating culture of the local Sani people. Their vibrant folk customs, colorful embroidery, and captivating minority dances harmoniously blend with the natural scenery, leaving you with a lasting impression.
The Dragon Gate on Xishan: Located just 37 km west of downtown Kunming, the Dragon Gate on Xishan is nestled close to the enchanting Dianchi Lake. Discover a remarkable collection of grottoes, sculptures, corridors, and pavilions that were meticulously chiseled from the cliffside between 1781 and 1835 by a dedicated Taoist monk and his team of co-workers. Marvel at the intricate details and craftsmanship of this remarkable site.
Xishan Longmen Chairlift: To optimize your time and energy, take advantage of the Xishan Chairlift. This convenient mode of transportation operates between Xvguang Pavilion and Yingxi Pavilion. Ascend to the Dragon Gate to admire the Taoism Grottoes and conveniently descend the hill using the chairlift.
Lijiang Ancient Town: Experience the charm of Lijiang Ancient Town, nestled in a picturesque setting at an elevation of over 2,400 meters. This historic city has a rich cultural heritage and is exceptionally well-preserved, making it a rare gem in China. Wander through the narrow streets and immerse yourself in the city's long history and splendid culture. The town comes to life in the afternoon and evening, with vibrant lights and a bustling atmosphere. For a more tranquil experience, consider visiting in the early morning when it is less crowded.
The Black Dragon Pool: Discover the enchanting beauty of the Black Dragon Pool, a captivating park named after its picturesque pool. Renowned for its serenity and remarkable scenery, this pool has earned its place among the famous pools of China. Stroll through the park, where lush landscapes and striking views await.
Baisha Murals at Baisha Village: Discover the exquisite Baisha Murals in Baisha Village, a masterpiece dating back over a thousand years. These unique murals beautifully depict the blending of Han, Tibetan, and Naxi cultures, showcasing the life stories of Tibetan Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. Take a leisurely stroll through Baisha Village to further immerse yourself in the local way of life and culture.
Spruce Meadow on Jade Snow Mountain: Embark on an enchanting journey to the Spruce Meadow nestled halfway up Shanzidou on the Jade Snow Mountain. This vast meadow, located at an altitude of 3,240m, captivates visitors with its lush greenery that blankets the mountain ridge during spring and summer. The area holds a hint of romance with a legend of lovers who sacrificed all for their love. The Spruce Meadow is not only renowned for its natural beauty but also as a popular spot for photography and captivating local ethnic dance performances.
Ancient City of Dali: Immerse yourself in history and culture as you explore the enchanting Ancient City of Dali, located at the foot of Cangshan Mountain, just 13 kilometers from Xiaguan. Built in 1382 AD during the Ming Dynasty, this city holds a prominent position on the list of China's Famous Historic and Cultural Cities. As you wander through the ancient streets, you'll be greeted by clear springs and encounter the warm and welcoming local Bai people. Admire the traditional houses adorned with vibrant flowers and experience the simplicity and authenticity of this captivating city.
Houses of Bai People in Xizhou: Explore the historic Houses of the Bai People in Xizhou, known for its traditional cultural significance and beautiful ancient architecture. Admire the intricate paintings adorning the walls of these houses, showcasing the artistry of the region.
Visit the Er'hai West Shore by Horse Carriage: Enjoy a relaxing horse carriage ride along the scenic west shore of Er'hai Lake, starting from Xizhou. Take in the tranquil surroundings and appreciate the beauty of the lake at a leisurely pace.
Three Pagodas: Marvel at the iconic Three Pagodas, towering magnificently between Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake. These ancient structures house valuable Buddhist scripts and hold great historical significance.
Learn How to Make Yunnan Flower Cakes: Immerse yourself in the local culture by participating in a hands-on experience of making Yunnan Flower Cakes. Learn the traditional techniques and enjoy the delightful flavors of these unique snacks, paired with refreshing flower tea.
Shaxi Ancient Town (including Xingjiao Temple, Sideng Street, and Tea Horse Road Exhibition Hall): Step back in time and explore the historic Shaxi Ancient Town, a village with a long and intriguing history dating back to ancient periods. This well-preserved town showcases traditional Bai architecture and features notable structures like the Xingjiao Temple, Sideng Street, and a vibrant marketplace. Once a vital stop on the Southern Silk Road, Shaxi offers glimpses into its rich trading heritage and hosts a bustling local market every Friday. Uncover the charm and historical significance of Shaxi Ancient Town on this immersive itinerary designed for US travelers.
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-35
Start planning your tailor-made tour now. Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.