Signature: China from the Great Wall to Shangri-La

You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

Upon arrival, your Expedition Leader is on hand at the hotel to assist with check-in, provide guidance, and answer questions. In the evening, enjoy an a welcome reception with wine, beer, and soft drinks, paired with an expert-led “Introduction to China” presentation and followed by a welcome dinner.

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 and wander through the Three Great Halls or stand in the shade of the cypress trees in the Imperial Garden.

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.

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.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant run by a local farmer.

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 walk along the wall and learn first hand of its history. Take an electric car up to Shalingkou, and then walk to Xiliang Tower where the dinner is arranged.

Step behind the scenes of one of the world’s most iconic landmarks during an intimate encounter with an expert dedicated to the restoration of the Great Wall. Meet the local craftsmen whose families have lived alongside the Wall for generations and hear firsthand how deeply their heritage is woven into every stone they restore. Through their stories, discover not only the techniques used to safeguard the Wall’s structure, but also the profound cultural significance it holds for the communities who protect it. This immersive talk delves into the Great Wall’s rich history, the challenges of modern preservation, and the ongoing efforts to restore this extraordinary symbol of Chinese resilience and identity.

Enjoy a Beijing-style peking duck dinner on the Great Wall at sunset before returning back to the hotel for the evening.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

Enjoy an expert talk about Dunhuang and Silk Road before dinner at the hotel rooftop restaurant with the view overlooking Mingsha Mountain.

Enjoy a visit to the Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inspiring a school of study called Dunhuangology. According to the Tang Dynasty records, a monk witnessed a vision of 1,000 Buddhas with golden rays. Inspired, he started the construction of the caves, which ended up spanning ten dynasties. There are 750 caves filled with different types of art depicting Buddhas, Apsaras, and daily life.

Drive back to the hotel for free time before visiting Mingsha Mountain.

Experience the breathtaking golden hues over the rolling sand dunes of the Gobi Desert. Watch as the sun slowly dips behind the dunes, casting long shadows and creating a serene, almost magical atmosphere around the Crescent Spring oasis. A truly iconic moment in Dunhuang.

Hop on the park’s shuttle bus and travel through the vast Gobi Desert, stopping at several scenic viewpoints throughout the Yadan Geopark to take in its dramatic, wind-carved landscapes.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Board the shuttle bus to explore three key Silk Road sites: the Ruins of the Han Great Wall, where eroded earthen walls still trace the desert horizon, Big Fangpan Castle, and the Jade Gate Pass, the historic Han-dynasty gateway that once guarded the Gobi Desert along the ancient Silk Road.

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Stop for a quick visit to explore the West Gate, a historic gate of Xi’an’s ancient city wall. Admire its architecture, and learn about its role in the city’s history.

Witness the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show preserving the cultural heritage with a blend of ancient music, inspiring dances to various Chinese instruments, and interesting historical stories to captivate audiences. Before the show there will be a traditional banquet with the main source being the Chinese Dumplings, which are also named Jiaozi. They typically consist of a ground meat and/or vegetable filling wrapped into a thinly rolled piece of dough, which is then sealed by pressing the edges together or by crimping.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

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.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

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.

Discover this hidden oasis behind the markets of the Muslim Quarter. Learn about the Great Mosque's centuries-old history, and explore the temples and gardens to see how Chinese and Islamic architecture came together in this place of worship.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.

Visit the popular pandas at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, created to provide an ideal breeding environment for these endangered creatures. Learn about their life cycle and habitat and take memorable photographs of these iconic national treasures.

Enjoy a meal with your new found friends and reminisce about the fantastic adventure you've all had.

Enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to areas typically closed to the public, offering a rare look at newly unearthed antiquities and ongoing research.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

See centuries-old Dafo, the largest Buddha in the world, at this UNESCO World Heritage site. Building started in 713 and this seated Maitreya was completed by 803 AD being 71 metres tall (233 ft). Opt to board a boat and head out into the Mingjiang River to get an overall view of the statue from afar. Explore carvings and temples before climbing down the path that travels from the statue’s head to its enormous toes.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

In the evening, join the group for a welcome reception and dinner at the hotel.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Enjoy an exclusive, behind-the-scenes experience at the renowned Dujiangyan Panda Base. Meet the “Father of Pandas”, who offers rare insight into giant panda conservation.

Visit a popular traditional teahouse where you’ll savor locally brewed tea while enjoying an opera performance alongside locals.

Enjoy a delicious and spicy bowl of Sichuan hot pot in one of China's foodie capitals.

Wander through a bustling local market to uncover the signature spices and fresh ingredients that define cuisine from Sichuan Province. Continue to a traditional courtyard restaurant for a hands-on cooking class to learn how to craft authentic Sichuan dishes under the guidance of a local chef. For lunch, eat the dishes created during the class.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Ascend by cable car to Yunshan Ping, where sweeping vistas of the snow-capped peak unfold in every direction. Complete the experience with a performance of Impression Lijian, an open-air production set against the mountain itself.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Explore Baisha ancient village on the edge of Yulong mountain.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Explore Luna ancient village and immerse in Naxi culture with a communal banquet featuring traditional music, dances, local barley wine, and a hearty spread of Yunnan specialties.

Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.

Explore the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan, taking a gentle walk along its sacred Kora and experiencing the spiritual atmosphere.

Enjoy an authentic cultural encounter with a local Tibetan family, sampling yak butter tea, snacks, and Tibetan momos.

Stroll through the charming streets of the old town, soaking in local Tibetan architecture and culture before returning to Lijiang.

Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Enjoy a private late-afternoon boat ride along the Li River, enjoying wine, beer, snacks, and the iconic karst landscape bathed in sunset light. Disembark near New West Street and enjoy a short walk through the lively riverside area before dinner at a local restaurant.

Explore a 300-year-old village and watch locals craft traditional rice wine and tofu, gaining insight into local artisanal practices.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

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.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

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.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Enjoy VIP seating at this award-winning performance, showcasing breathtaking acrobatics and jaw-dropping stunts.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

This French Concession was a ceded territory that belonged to France in China from 1849 until 1946. It's now an upscale neighbourhood with a decidedly French flavour and boasts impressive examples of French architecture. Stroll through serene, leafy boulevards, some with French names, such as Avenue Joffre, and admire the beautiful buildings.

Explore this tranquil, 400-year-old, five-acre garden. Climb to the top of the Rockery to see the greenery from above. Check out the Jade Rock and watch the swarms of fish swim around in the ponds. With multiple pavilions and halls there is plenty to see. Depending on when you visit there may be flower shows or tea ceremonies in the area. Opt to visit the bustling bazaar located outside the gardens and hone your bargaining skills.

Conclude the journey with a local dining experience accompanied by a wrap-up presentation from a local expert.

You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport at the end of your adventure.

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.