16-Day Chinese Culture and Minority Tour

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.

Explore the largest city square in Beijing, known for its cultural significance and surrounded by impressive buildings, including the Forbidden City and Chairman Mao's Mausoleum.

Visit the historic Temple of Heaven, built in the Ming Dynasty, where emperors prayed for good harvests. Experience the lively park atmosphere, filled with locals practicing Tai Chi and enjoying the surroundings.

Uncover the secrets of the world's largest imperial palace, home to 24 emperors. With our Emperor's Tour, explore carefully-selected sites and learn about the fascinating Ming and Qing dynasties. Enjoy a comfortable 2-kilometer walk within the palace.

Experience the traditional Beijing Hutongs on a rickshaw ride, immersing yourself in the historic alleyways. Visit a local family and discover the unique courtyards.

Located in the northwest of Beijing, the Summer Palace is a captivating royal park and the largest of its kind in China. Immerse yourself in the stunning natural landscapes and cultural significance of this well-preserved site, often referred to as 'The Museum of Royal Gardens.' Explore the expansive park, covering approximately 2 kilometers, and enjoy the beauty it has to offer.

Experience the awe-inspiring Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, lauded for its picturesque scenery and beautifully-restored architecture. This family-friendly section offers various ways to explore. To save time, we arrange a round-trip cable car ride instead of climbing steps for approximately 40 minutes. Once on the Wall, you'll have free time to walk around, with your guide providing informative introductions.

Explore Pingyao Ancient Town, one of China's best-preserved ancient towns and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside the intact city walls from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, discover well-preserved buildings and immerse yourself in traditional Chinese arts and crafts. In the evening, enjoy the town's picturesque beauty with its red lanterns and unwind in one of the local bars.

Visit the magnificent Wang's Family Compound, a vast courtyard complex with stunning views. Covering 250,000 square meters, this architectural masterpiece features 123 courtyards and 1,118 rooms. Experience the rich history and intricate carvings that reflect the hierarchy and stories of the past.

Bund Culture Discovery: Stroll along Shanghai's iconic Bund and experience the luxury and elegance of its 1920s golden age. Explore hidden gems inside old buildings, uncovering original bricks and captivating stories.

A Short Visit to Shanghai Old Alleys: Discover the authentic life of Shanghainese locals by enjoying tea and conversation in their homes. Immerse yourself in the traditional culture of Shanghai's old alleys.

Former French Concession Precinct: Take a walking tour through the former French Concession, admiring historical buildings, including former residences, parks, and French colonial-style architecture. Experience the romantic ambiance under Chenar trees and indulge in the delights of cafes, bars, and restaurants.

Shikumen: Explore the unique Shikumen housing style and witness its transformation into vibrant centers with bars, tea houses, and entertainment. Get a glimpse of the past at Wu Li Xiang, an exhibition showcasing the furnishings of old Shanghainese homes.

Explore the breathtaking Humble Administrators Garden, a renowned Chinese classical garden with pavilions, terraces, and a central pond. As one of the largest and most famous gardens, it offers an unforgettable experience. Wear comfortable shoes for walking.

Embark on a motor boat cruise along the Grand Canal, an impressive man-made waterway. Witness local life and admire the picturesque lakes and canals of Suzhou. This historic trade route offers unique views and cultural insights.

Experience the charm of Tongli, an ancient town with a history of over a thousand years. Explore beautiful gardens, temples, and historic bridges that connect the town's seven islands.

Enjoy a leisurely boat ride in Tongli Ancient Water Town, immersing yourself in the local atmosphere while cruising along the enchanting canals.

Discover the breathtaking beauty of China's "loveliest mountain" in the south of Anhui Province. Marvel at granite peaks, unique rock formations, ancient trees, hot springs, waterfalls, and panoramic views. With over 1,500 plant species, the Yellow Mountains offer stunning scenery year-round.

During your private tour, our guide and driver will pick you up and take you to the South Gate of Huangshan Scenic Area. Please note that some areas may be closed from December to March due to snowy weather. Our guide will adjust the itinerary accordingly to maximize your experience.

Visit the picturesque Hongcun Village, an over 800-year-old village surrounded by the mist of the Yellow Mountains. Its natural beauty resembles a painting and was featured in the film "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." Explore the charming streets, bridges, and traditional houses. Don't miss the open halls, dwellings, and the old school, all recognized by UNESCO for their beauty.

Discover Xidi Village, a World Cultural Heritage site at the base of Mount Huangshan. Built 900 years ago, it boasts well-preserved traditional architecture. Marvel at the historic buildings, street patterns, and don't forget to see the impressive memorial archway.

Explore Nanping Village, a town with a thousand-year history and 300 preserved ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Highlights include the magnificent "Kuiguang Hall" and "Xuzhi Hall," as well as the serene "Shensi Hall" and "Bingling Hall." Enjoy a scenic drive through fertile river valleys, tea plantations, and rural villages, offering stunning views. The return drive takes you to other delightful old villages.

Discover the "Town of Arches," Shexian, featuring impressive residential architecture and memorial arches from the Ming and Qing dynasties. These arches, called "Paifang" in Chinese, offer insight into China's feudal society. Adjacent to the Tangyue Memorial Arch Group, explore the Bao Family Garden, a renowned private garden showcasing exquisite Bonsai trees from different schools of this art form. Spend a few fascinating hours immersing yourself in this cultural experience.

Visit the breathtaking Longji Rice Terraces near Guilin, resembling dragon's ribs from the mountaintop. These manmade wonders were built 600 years ago by local minority groups and cover 66 square kilometers. Explore Ping'an Zhuang Village, home to over 50 families, and enjoy panoramic views after a moderate walk or arrange for alternative transportation. Experience the local culture by learning how to make Bamboo Stuffed Rice from a welcoming family. Immerse yourself in the beauty and traditions of these remarkable rice terraces.

Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo (4 hours): Enjoy an unforgettable 4-hour cruise along the Li River, from Guilin to Yangshuo, on a comfortable 4-star boat. Sail past stunning limestone peaks, bamboo groves, rice paddies, and local fishermen on bamboo rafts. Delight in the scenic beauty and keep an eye out for the famous fishing cormorants. Experience the best of the Li River on this medium-sized boat that can accommodate up to 80 passengers. Indulge in a buffet or semi-buffet lunch while on board.

Explore Yangshuo's picturesque countryside, with its majestic karst peaks, rice fields, clear waters, and bamboo groves. Visit a local village with a knowledgeable guide to learn about rural life and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area. Choose to cycle, take an electromobile, or a private car to cover a distance of 10-12 km, depending on your preference.

Discover the captivating underground world of limestone formations through an immersive water cave exploration. Unlike typical tourist caves in China with colorful lighting and concrete steps, the Water Cave offers a more natural and adventurous experience. Equipped with a helmet, headlamp, and non-slip shoes, you'll board a small boat and venture into the cave. Accompanied by a knowledgeable English-speaking guide from our trusted outdoor education center, you'll gain insights into the fascinating karst cave formations.

Experience a warm welcome as you enter Qingman Miao Village, where you'll be greeted with block-way wine. Explore the village and visit a local family to see their traditional wooden stilt house. Witness the traditional art of fabric dyeing using indigo, gaining insight into the rich cultural heritage of the Miao people.

Be part of a special welcome ceremony in Qingman Miao Village. Local villagers dressed in traditional Miao attire form a line on both sides at the village entrance. One of the highlights is the toast made by a girl during the ceremony, where guests are encouraged to finish three cups of rice wine. This symbolizes the warm hospitality extended to friends from afar. Failing to finish the wine may result in restricted access to the village.

Experience the enchanting Sister's Meal Festival, which is celebrated by the Miao people and considered the Oriental Valentine's Day. This festival revolves around the tradition of eating lover's rice, where rice is dyed in vibrant colors. It provides a unique opportunity for young people to find potential marriage partners. Spend a full day exploring various festival activities, including bull fighting, dragon-boat races, wooden-drum dances, and a bustling local market. Marvel at the exquisite silver ornaments worn by the locals, leaving a lasting impression of their vibrant culture.

Our guide will help you transfer from your hotel to Guiyang Airport for departure with independentcar/van and guide.