China Explored(Trip #59879)

Tour Overview

This trip takes you on a journey through the very heart of this vast country. For many the highlight will be the hike along the Great Wall, far from the madding crowds, or biking through the stunning landscapes around Yangshuo. Whatever your preference, you will be hard pressed to see more of China in the same amount of time.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1, BEIJING
Arrive and check in.

Day 2, BEIJING - GREAT WALL
A day at the Great Wall with a 3-5 hour hike along one of the less visited sections.

Day 3, BEIJING - XI’AN
Visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Overnight train to Xi’an.

Day 4, XI’AN
Morning guided tour of the Terracotta Warriors. Free afternoon to explore the Great Mosque and other sights.

Day 5, XI’AN – CHENGDU
A free day to explore the many fascinating sites of Xi’an before the overnight train to Chengdu.

Day 6, CHENGDU
Afternoon arrival in Chengdu. This evening there’s the chance to see the fascinating Sichuan variety performance.

Day 7, CHENGDU – CHONGQING
A morning visit to the Giant Panda Research Base. In the afternoon we take a short train journey to Chongqing where we board our cruise boat.

Days 8-9, YANGTSE RIVER CRUISE
We cruise down the Yangtse River, passing through the spectacular Three Gorges. Along the way we stop for various excursions to places of interest. (BLD)

Day 10, YICHANG – GUILIN
We disembark in Yichang and transfer to Wuhan for the overnight train to Guilin. (B)

Day 11, YANGSHUO
Early arrival in Guilin and transfer to the scenic town of Yangshuo. The day is free to explore the beautiful countryside or perhaps take a lesson in Tai Chi, calligraphy or Chinese cooking.

Day 12, YANGSHUO
A full free day to explore. Perhaps hire a bike and cycle along small tracks through the fields amidst the amazing karst scenery.

Day 13, YANGSHUO - SHENZHEN
Afternoon transfer back to Guilin. Overnight train to Shenzhen.

Day 14, HONG KONG
Arrive in Shenzhen before taking the train through the New Territories to Kowloon.

Day 15, HONG KONG
Tour ends.