Discover Chinese civilization, a country of many contrasts: rural and urban, traditional and modern, with an exceptional cultural heritage. Begin with visits to some of China’s most iconic and legendary sites, including Beijing, the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, before continuing to Xi’an and its impressive Terracotta Army. From Xi’an, travel by high-speed train to vibrant Shanghai, where traditional Chinese heritage meets modern technology and futuristic design. The journey then continues south to Guilin and Yangshuo, where spectacular karst landscapes, rice fields and rural villages offer a glimpse into the natural beauty and traditional way of life of southern China. The tour concludes in Hong Kong, a dynamic city where Chinese heritage, colonial history and modernity come together.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Forbidden City: Discover the majesty of the walled imperial palace which was reserved for China’s royalty for centuries.
Terracotta Warriors Museum: A collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang (the first Emperor of China), the eighth wonder of the ancient world.
Xi´an: Melting pot of cultures and religions, an ancient city that used to be home to emperors, courtesans, poets, monks, merchants and warriors.
Shanghai: A city of contrasts where China’s traditional past meets modern technology and futuristic design.
Guilin & Yangshuo: Cruise along the Li River through spectacular karst landscapes, rice fields and rural villages, discovering the natural beauty and traditional way of life of southern China.
Hong Kong: Discover a dynamic city where Chinese heritage, history and modernity come together, offering a fascinating contrast to mainland China.
Day 1: ARRIVAL BEIJING
Arrival in Beijing. You will be met by your driver and transferred by private car (without guide) from the airport to your hotel. Check-in time is after 12:00 noon. Meals at leisure. Your hotel is located very close to Xiushui Market (Silk Market), approximately a 5-minute walk away; so you may visit the market if time permits.
Overnight in Beijing.
Day 2: BEIJING
Breakfast at your hotel. Meet your guide in the hotel lobby at around 08:30. Take public transport (metro or bus) to the Temple of Heaven. The Temple of Heaven is one of Beijing’s most visited monuments. Its magnificent triple-roofed structure with blue glazed tiles symbolizes the relationship between the human and divine worlds. In addition to the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, visit the Circular Mound Altar and the Echo Wall. In the temple park, local residents enjoy leisure activities every day, including singing, dancing, chess and ground calligraphy. Do not miss the “love corner,” where elderly parents exchange information about their unmarried children in the hope of finding them partners. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the city center by public transport (metro and public bus). First take the metro to Tian’anmen Square and the Forbidden City, a consummate example of the architectural classicism of the Ming Dynasty. Enjoy a view of the imperial palace from the summit of Jingshan Park (Coal Hill). Return to your hotel.
Overnight in Beijing.
Day 3: BEIJING
Breakfast at your hotel. Meet your guide at the hotel at around 08:30, then transfer for a morning excursion to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, located 80 km north of the city and less visited than other sections. Walk up and down (cable car available at an additional cost, payable locally). Lunch at a local restaurant on site. Return to the city and visit the Summer Palace, the last imperial garden of the Qing Dynasty. Finish the day with a panoramic view of Beijing’s Olympic landmarks, the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube.
Overnight in Beijing.
Day 4: BEIJING – XI’AN (6 hrs by high-speed train; included)
Breakfast at your hotel. Morning at leisure. Meet your guide at the hotel around noon (your guide will confirm the meeting time one day in advance according to the train schedule), then transfer to the railway station and take a high-speed train to Xi’an (journey approximately 4.5 to 6 hours depending on the train). On arrival in Xi’an in the late afternoon or early evening, you will be met by your local guide. Transfer to your hotel for check-in.
Overnight in Xi’an.
Day 5: XI’AN
Breakfast at your hotel. Day at leisure. Optional sightseeing of the Xi’an City Wall, the former residence of the Gao family and the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, including lunch and dinner is available (payable locally).
Overnight in Xi’an.
Day 6: XI’AN
Breakfast at a local restaurant. Meet your guide at the hotel at 08:30. Transfer to the Terracotta Army, consisting of 6,000 cavalrymen and infantrymen. In the site’s three pits, you can admire thousands of life-size statues seemingly frozen in time, guarding the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Exhibition halls also display a fine collection of precious objects, including a remarkable bronze chariot. Lunch featuring Xi’an specialties: noodles and roujiamo. Return to Xi’an city and visit a jade workshop. Stroll through the Muslim Quarter and visit the Great Mosque, whose architecture is in Chinese style and set within a beautiful square courtyard.
Overnight in Xi’an.
Day 7: XI’AN – SHANGHAI (7 hrs by high-speed train; included)
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the railway station and take a high-speed train to Shanghai (approximately 6–7 hours, depending on the train). Comfortable seating and a smooth journey; China’s high-speed trains can reach 350 km/h. China’s high-speed rail is also an important showcase of the country’s high technology. Lunch at your own expense on board. Arrival in Shanghai in the afternoon and meeting with your French-speaking guide. In-depth visit to the Bund, followed by a walk along Nanjing Road. Transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in Shanghai.
Day 8: SHANGHAI
Breakfast at your hotel. Visit the Yu Garden, a treasure of artistic refinement, followed by a walk through the old city. Lunch of xiaolongbao, a local specialty. Visit a silk workshop. In the afternoon, visit the Jade Buddha Temple, founded in 1882 and home to two jade Buddha statues brought to Shanghai from Myanmar by sea: a seated Buddha (1.95 metres high, 3 tonnes) and a smaller reclining Buddha representing the Buddha’s death. Then take a walk through the former French Concession, passing through Fuxing Park. This district remains lively and popular, combining modernity and history, with upscale shops and restaurants.
Overnight in Shanghai.
Day 9: SHANGHAI – GUILIN (2.5hrs by flight; included)
Breakfast box. Transfer to the airport and morning flight to Guilin. On arrival, meet your French-speaking guide. Check in at your hotel. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Elephant Trunk Hill; the Folded Brocade Hill is a beautiful place to admire views over Guilin. Visit a tea plantation, including a tea-making demonstration followed by tea tasting.
Overnight in Guilin.
Day 10: GUILIN – YANGSHUO – GUILIN
Breakfast at your hotel. Morning transfer to the pier for a 4-hour cruise on the Li River through landscapes of sugar-loaf peaks and rice paddies, offering an insight into rural life in southern China. Lunch on board (simple menu) and arrival in Yangshuo in the early afternoon. Walk through the Yangshuo countryside, among rice fields and small villages. Return to Guilin for the night.
Overnight in Guilin.
Day 11: GUILIN – HONG KONG (3.5 hrs by high-speed train; included)
Breakfast at your hotel. Transfer to the railway station and take the high-speed train to Hong Kong. On arrival, meet your French-speaking guide and transfer to your hotel. Meals at leisure and free time.
Overnight in Hong Kong.
Day 12: HONG KONG
Breakfast at your hotel. Free day at leisure.
Overnight in Hong Kong.
Day 13: HONG KONG DEPARTURE
Breakfast at your hotel. At the agreed time transfer to the airport for your return flight.
Comfortable and light clothing is best suited to travel in the warm months and warm clothing in the colder months in China. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or sparse clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses and a hat can be very useful during your stay.
