Day 1 : BEIJING
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.
Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
1h
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Orientation Walk
Beijing 0h30m 1km
Set out on an orientation walk near the hotel with your CEO to get your bearings. They will show you restaurants, points of interest, supermarkets, ATMs, etc.
Day 2 : BEIJING
This morning, head out to the UNESCO World Heritage Site–Temple of Heaven. This peaceful place is where we meet your Tai Chi master for a private lesson of this ancient martial art, followed by time to explore the Temple. Lunch features Beijing’s specialty with a delicious serving of peking duck. Continue the exploration of Beijing with an afternoon tour of Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public spaces in the world with an infamous political history followed by the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once literally forbidden to those not part of the imperial power structure. Wander through the royal halls and beautiful courtyards-once home to emperors that shaped China’s imperial past.
Temple of Heaven Tai Chi
Beijing
Start the day early practicing the ancient tradition of tai chi, led by a local expert at the historic and impressive Temple of Heaven. You won’t be alone in your efforts. City residents flock here every morning to worship and practice their morning exercise routine. Learn the basic moves of this calming combination of yoga and meditation, which is practiced by millions daily throughout China and around the world. Discover firsthand why tai chi is revered for such health benefits as stress relief, improved balance and circulation, and overall well-being.
Temple of Heaven
Beijing 1h30m
Explore the stunning Temple of Heaven, which was built during the rule of the Ming dynasty. Learn more about the history and significance of this place, often referred to as the symbol of Beijing.
Pecking Duck Lunch
Beijing
Enjoy a lunch of one of Beijing's most iconic dishes, pecking duck! Known for its crispy skin and tender meat roasted with fruitwood, it will be served with thin pancakes, sweet bean sauce, scallions, cucumber, and more!
Explore one of the world's largest public squares and the symbolic centre of Chinese power. Framed by the Gate of Heavenly Peace with its Mao portrait, Mao's Mausoleum, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum, and with elaborate flag raising and lowering ceremonies at dawn and dusk, it's a place of pilgrimage for the Chinese tourists who consider it the heart of their nation.
Forbidden City Visit
Beijing 2h
Check out the iconic Forbidden City in the heart of Beijing. For 500 years the palace was only accessible to the emperors’ attendants and officials by invitation only. Visit sights like the Clock Exhibition Hall, wander through the Three Great Halls or stand in the shade of the cypress trees in the Imperial Garden.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Lunch
Day 3 : BEIJING/ GREAT WALL OF CHINA
Venture out of the city to one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall of China, as featured in the National Geographic article “Discover China's History Along the Great Wall”. A local expert who brings the history of this world wonder to life will meet us upon arrival for an easy hike along the wall surrounded by incredible mountain views and original, unrestored sections of this masterpiece. Then, have a seat at the Beacon Tower for a special drink and local snack and take it all in, a timeless China. Throughout the hike, the expert guide will bring stories of the Great Wall to life, sharing knowledge of emperors and wars as you sip your drink seated upon the ancient stone.
Private Vehicle
Beijing - Jinshanling 3h 165km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Great Wall of China Jinshanling Section
Jinshanling 1h 3km
Along a Jinshanling Section of the Great Wall of China, the watchtowers get closer together, and the Wall is in its best state of repair. These watchtowers were used to store weapons and to keep an eye out for invading enemy forces, as this was getting closer to the middle of the Chinese empire. Enjoy scenic views as the wall winds along mountain ridges, and take brag-worthy photos of the wall from the "original" unrestored sections. The Great wall is an incredible piece of engineering stretching 6000 km west from the mountain ridges north of Beijing. It was originally constructed to protect Chinese empires from nomadic northern tribes, and even though it failed in this purpose, it's still one of the country's most remarkable achievements and an iconic destination. Join a local expert for a short walk along the wall and learn first hand of its history.
Enjoy a Drink on the Great Wall
Jinshanling
Have a seat under the Beacon Tower and grab a glass. It's time to join the local expert for a special drink and snack on the wall. Sip and snack as you learn more about the beautiful and legendary Great Wall of China as you sit on the ancient stone and hear stories from an expert.
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 4 : GREAT WALL OF CHINA/ XI’AN
Head back to Beijing and catch the bullet train to the ancient capital city of Xi’an, once the gateway to the Silk Road. This dynamic city has towering skyscrapers but also boasts a century-old centre known as the Muslim Quarter. Upon arrival, take an orientation walk around the lively neighbourhood to get your footing in this spectacular city.
Private Vehicle
Jinshanling - Beijing 3h30m 170km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Bullet Train
Beijing - Xi'an 4h30m 1100km
Sit back and relax on your speedy journey from Beijing to Xi'an.
Orientation Walk
Xi'an 1h
Enjoy a CEO-led orientation walk close to the Xi'an hotel to help you get the lay of the land. Learn where you can find local services (like ATMs and laundromats) and, perhaps, see some city highlights. Every CEO does something slightly different for their orientation walk to show visitors what they like best about the city.
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 5 : XI’AN
After breakfast, visit the impressive, life-sized soldiers that stand in silent formation at the Terracotta Warrior Museum. With over 8000 warriors, almost 1000 horses and chariots, this 2000-year-old tomb tells one of China’s greatest stories of historic military power. After a tour, lunch will be served just outside of the museum at a local family’s restaurant-a morning of cultural exploration paired perfectly with traditional Chinese noodles. Return to Xi’an city centre for an afternoon exploration through the famed Muslim Quarter. Walk through centuries-old alleyways lined with fragrant food stalls, neon signs and historic mosques–you’ll quickly see how incredible Xi’an’s confluence of imperial history blends perfectly with modern-day culture.
Terracotta Warriors Visit
Xi'an 4h
Visit the site of the Terracotta Warriors, an archaeological treasure where approximately 8,000 soldiers and hundreds of horses stand on guard in three excavated pits in an on-site museum. Learn how the underground warriors were discovered (by accident) in 1974, and why Emperor Qin Shihuang commissioned the statues to serve as his army in the afterlife.
Muslim Quarter Visit
Xi'an 1h30m
Explore the lively Muslim Quarter and its serene Great Mosque, making time to indulge in the offerings of exotic local street food stalls. At night, head out for some of the best street food in China – the spicy beef and lamb kebabs are always a favorite.
Xi'An Ancient City Wall
Xi'an
Walk on the ancient City Wall of Xi'An. Learn of its interesting history as part of the Silk Road and admire amazing views of the city.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Lunch
Day 6 : XI’AN/ SHANGHAI
Catch the bullet train to Shanghai–a city where charming colonial architecture meets world class futurism. Arrive in the afternoon and take an orientation walk to get acquainted with the city, and stroll along the lively streets. Tonight, board an evening cruise along the Huangpu River for a different view of Shanghai’s iconic landmarks between the colonial-era Bund, Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower-a spectacular introduction to the city.
Bullet Train
Xi'an - Shanghai 6h 1300km
Sit back and relax on your speedy journey from Xi'an to Shanghai.
Shanghai Orientation Walk
Shanghai
Enjoy your first taste of Shanghai on an orientation walk of the city.
Huangpu Night Cruise
Shanghai
Taking a night cruise is one of the best way to see the view of the lively city, seeing the old bund and the new Pudong area with spectacular modern architectures.
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 7 : SHANGHAI
Immerse yourself in the allure of Shanghai this morning on a walking tour. From quiet tree-lined streets to bustling "long-tang" alleys, traditional Shikumen buildings to French colonial architecture, and from tea shops to modern boutiques we will experience all sides of Shanghai. Then, sit down to a lunch of Shanghainese dumplings. Try the local favorite xiao long bao (soup dumplings) and other buns that are handmade and bursting with flavor. The rest of the afternoon is free to see Shanghai on your terms–head out for a cup of tea in a beautiful garden or browse a contemporary art gallery. Tonight, we wander the famous Bund, an iconic waterfront promenade listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Shanghai Walking Tour
Shanghai
See the highlights of Shanghai on foot. Explore Wukang Road, a historic tree-lined avenue famous for its preserved 1920's villas and Shikumen architecture. Wander through the "long-tang" alleys and experience local life first hand.
Enjoy a free afternoon in Shanghai.
The Bund Visit
Shanghai 1h
Take a stroll along the Bund, a waterfront area in the central part of Shanghai, and enjoy its spectacular array of Art Deco style buildings. Shanghai has one of the best collections of Art Deco architecture in the world, so enjoy this magnificent sight.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Lunch
Day 8 : SHANGHAI / ZHANGJIAJIE
Catch a morning flight to Zhangjiajie–an otherworldly landscape, where 1,000-meter quartzite pillars rise above misty valleys. We’ll spend the next 3 nights in this dreamlike region exploring some of China’s most incredible natural phenomena.
Plane
Shanghai - Zhangjie 2h30m 1300km
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Orientation Walk
Zhangjiajie
Take an orientation walk of the city where the mountains and the river meet.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Dinner
Day 9 : ZHANGJIAJIE
Spend the day at the UNESCO World Heritage Site–listed Zhangjiajie National Forest. We’ll soar beside the misty peaks on the Tianzi Mountain cable car and stop to admire an amazing view at Yuanjiajie, known as the Hallelujah Mountains, which inspired the Disney film Avatar. Then, drive and do some hiking to see the various lookout points before descending the cliffside in the Bailong elevator–the world’s tallest outdoor elevator.
Wulingyuan National Forest Park and Bailong Elevator
Zhangjiajie
Visit the stunning Wulingyuan National Forest within the Zhangjiajie National Park. Step into another world and watch as the mist forms around sky scraper tall mountain karsts. Embark on an unforgettable shuttle ride through the park and hike to the Bailong Elevator, the tallest outdoor elevator in the world. Ride the glass elevator to the bottom and admire the incredible views the entire way down.
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 10 : ZHANGJIAJIE
Head to Tianmen Shan National Park, home of one of the longest cable cars in the world. Take the cable car up Tianmen Shan Mountain to the Heavenly Gate. Gaze through the natural rock arch carving to see the sun shine through and learn of its legendary folklore. For those with an adventurous side, step onto the glass skywalk, a clear bridge that hugs the edge of the cliff to make an amazing view even better. As we head back down to the bottom, the adventure continues with a series of escalators and cable cars for one last chance to marvel at the beautiful landscape.
Tianmen Shan Mountain National Park Cable Car and Glass Bridge
Zhangjiajie
Spend the day exploring the magnificent Tianmen Shan Mountain National Park, famous for blending natural karst wonders with Buddhist culture and Tujia heritage. Take the cable car up to the top of the mountain, taking in the stunning natural phenomenon around you. At the top, walk across the cliffside glass bridge at the Heavenly Gate. Then take the outdoor escalator down to the bottom.
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 11 : ZHANGJIAJIE / CHENGDU
This morning, take a high speed train to Chengdu, the capital of the Sichuan Province. Later, explore People’s Park, the first public park in the city where local life is on full display. Walk through the beautiful green space to see teahouses and lotus ponds while people play mahjong, drink tea and practice calligraphy. Surrounded by koi ponds and bonsai gardens, relish the chance to immerse yourself in Chengdu’s laid-back lifestyle. Tonight, the culture-filled day in Chengdu continues with its world-renowned cuisine as the focus. Hot pot is on the menu–a delicious, family-style bubbling broth that cooks meat and veggies for a personalized and incredible soup experience. You’ll quickly learn why Sichuan is one of China’s most celebrated culinary regions.
Bullet Train
Zhangjiajie - Chengdu 4h30m - 5h 770km
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
People's Park Visit
Shanghai 1h
Enjoy a visit to this lush public park in Shanghai -- it's very popular with visitors. It's also where many demonstrations are held, and is the site for the Shanghai Art Museum and Museum of Contemporary Art Shanghai. Many highrise buildings overlook People's Park.
Chengdu Hot Pot Dinner
Chengdu
Enjoy a delicious and spicy bowl of Sichuan hot pot in one of China's foodie capitals.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Dinner
Day 12 : CHENGDU
Drive out of the city to the Dujiangyan Panda Base, a national conservation and research centre dedicated to supporting the panda population from extinction. You’ll have the opportunity to meet with a local conservationist who will share insight into the centre’s efforts as well as introduce the pandas. Learn about their habits, diet and behaviour as they play and munch bamboo. Our local expert will share how programs like this research center have improved the population numbers of wild pandas as discussed in the National Geographic article “Giant Pandas 101,”. We’ll leave with a newfound inspiration to your own role in wildlife conservation around the world as we return to Chengdu for a free afternoon to explore or rest.
Giant Panda Conservation and Research Centre
Chengdu
Visit the popular pandas at the Dujiangyan Panda Base, a conservation and research centre created to provide a space for rescued captive pandas and prepare them to be reintroduced to the wild. Learn about their life cycle and habitat and take memorable photographs of these iconic national treasures. A local expert will introduce you to the pandas and teach us first hand about these amazing yet endangered animals.
Spend the afternoon free in Chengdu.
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 13 : CHENGDU / YANGSHUO
After breakfast, take the train out of the city to the beautiful town of Yangshuo. Nestled between sky-scraping limestone pillars and green rice paddies, enjoy the slower lifestyle where tradition and custom thrive. Life along the Li River is one of the most enchanting and inspiring places in the world, as recognised in the National Geographic book “The 10 Best of Everything: Top 10 Watery Wonders.” Arrive in the evening and enjoy the remainder of the day to rest.
Bullet Train
Chengdu - Yangshuo 6h 1180km
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Yangshuo Orientation Walk
Yangshuo
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs.
Meals Included:
Breakfast
Day 14 : YANGSHUO
Float down the Li River on a bamboo raft past the towering karst mountains and lush fields for an exciting and tranquil morning. This beautiful place will have you feeling inspired and moved as did poets and painters who have journeyed here before us looking for inspiration. Lunch will be served at Jia Community Restaurant, a G Adventures-supported initiative where local female farmers curate meals full of traditional flavors blended with international cuisine and locally sourced ingredients. After, visit the Qixianfeng Tea Plantation learning about each step of the ancient Chinese art of tea. From picking the leaves, to the traditional techniques of hand-frying passed down through generations, then finishing with a tea ceremony. Today, you’ll explore the historic heritage and natural wonder that makes Yangshuo so special.
Li River Bamboo Raft
Yangshuo
Enjoy a float on the Li River, a centrepiece of any trip to northeastern Guangxi Province. Take in breathtaking scenery and a taste of a life far removed from the concrete metropolis. See gorgeous karst mountains peeking out each river bend, water buffalo patrolling fields, and locals reaping rice paddies. Greet school kids and fishermen as they float by on bamboo rafts.
Jia Community Restaurant
Yangshuo
Enjoy a traditional Chinese meal served by rural women working to create new opportunities for their families. Since the migration of men to urban centres is common in rural regions, women and children now have a safe place to gather and learn together at Community Corners, created by the Rural Women's Development Foundation. In Liandaowan Village, you'll enjoy a meal and support women developing new work skills to become self-reliant. This initiative helps to create meaningful employment alternatives to agriculture as a source of income.
Qixianfeng Tea Plantation
Yangshuo
Learn about ancient tea production while wandering the plantations and soaking in the beautiful views. Qixianfeng Tea Plantation was voted as the most beautiful highland tea field in China, nestled in Yangshuo's karst mountains. Taste some samples in a tea ceremony and learn about different types of tea from a local expert.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Lunch
Day 15 : YANGSHUO / HONG KONG
Board a bullet train for Hong Kong, a city steeped in history, opulence and a unique blend of international influence. Tonight, sit together for a dinner of dim sum (small savoury and sweet dumplings) and yum cha (tea). These flavorful, steamed favorites, a mix of tradition and culinary artistry, are often filled with shrimp, pork, crab roe, pork and more. After dark, make our way to Victoria Harbor for the famous light show–the Symphony of Lights. This dazzling show will light up the already impressive Hong Kong skyline. Then, walk along the harbor and enjoy your last night together.
Bullet Train
Yangshuo - Hong Kong 3h 400km
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
The Symphony of Lights - Victoria Harbour
Hong Kong 0h15m
A Symphony of Lights is a daily light and sound show in Hong Kong. It is the world's largest permanent light and sound show according to Guinness World Records.Take a stroll to the harbour for an amazing view of the light show and admire Hong Kong's spectacular skyline.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Dinner
Day 16 : HONG KONG
Depart at any time.
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Meals Included:
Breakfast
