21-Day Classic Chinese History and Natural Wonders Tour

Your private guide will be ready to meet and greet you at the arrival hall in Shanghai. A comfortable private car with an experienced driver will transfer you directly to your hotel. Your guide will help you to check-in.

Nestled in the heart of Shanghai's historic Old Quarter, Yuyuan Garden is a captivating time capsule. Constructed in 1559 during the Ming Dynasty, it boasts quintessential Chinese architecture, featuring exquisite pavilions, serene ponds, and meandering corridors.

Under the guidance of our knowledgeable guide, venture through Shanghai's architectural marvels and hidden alleyways. Unravel the city's rich history as they share captivating tales behind each landmark. Along the way, indulge in a delightful culinary experience at a Michelin-starred snack bar.

Suzhou is often called the "Venice of the East", which is only one-hour drive from Shanghai. Step back in time at the Humble Administrator's Garden, the largest and most renowned Chinese classical garden from the Ming Dynasty. Admire the serene central pond surrounded by elegant pavilions, terraces, and towers. Don't miss the Garden Museum for a deeper understanding of its history.

Next, embark on a tranquil boat ride through Tongli Ancient Town. Glide past charming stone bridges, and witness the serene daily life of the locals along the picturesque waterways.

Today, we'll board a high-speed train for a scenic three-hour journey to Huangshan, the iconic Yellow Mountains. Upon arrival, we'll venture into the enchanting world of Hongcun Village.

Nestled amidst the mist-shrouded peaks of the Yellow Mountains, Hongcun is an 800-year-old gem. Surrounded by a picturesque moat and boasting a crescent-shaped pond at its heart, this captivating village has earned the well-deserved title of "Chinese town in the pictures."

Begin at the south gate of the Yellow Mountains, where a 20-minute shuttle bus ride takes you to the Yungu Cable Car. Within 10 minutes, you'll be at the mountain's peak. Your expert guide, well-versed in mountain exploration, will cater to your preferences. There are two options:

For Energetic Hikers: Descend from the cable car and enjoy a 30-minute downhill hike to the hotel. Along the way, you'll see landmarks like the Umbrella Pine and Black Tiger Pine. After a buffet lunch, explore the West Sea Grand Canyon for a thrilling three-hour adventure. It covers the 1st ring, 2nd ring, and canyon base. For those with extra energy, continue to the Flying-over Rock and catch the sunset at Bright Top. The return to the hotel takes 40 minutes.

For Beginners, Families, and Seniors: Opt for a leisurely 30-minute walk to the hotel after exiting the cable car. En route, admire the Black Tiger Pine and Dream Flower Pine. Then, explore the West Sea Grand Canyon at your pace. You can choose the two-hour journey to the 1st ring or extend it to 2.5 hours for the 2nd ring. If you stay overnight, don't miss the sunset at Cloud-dispelling Pavilion, with a 30-minute return to the hotel.

Start your day early with a sunrise photo opportunity at Refreshing Terrace, a highly recommended experience by previous travelers. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then set off for Lion Peak, where you'll discover the Dawn Pavilion, Stone Monkey Watching the Sea, and unique pine formations in the North Sea area. For an added thrill, hike to Shixin Peak to overlook the Mushroom Pavilion. Your Yellow Mountains exploration concludes with a scenic descent via the Yungu Cable Car.

Delve into the rich history of Lingyin Temple, one of China's most significant Buddhist temples. Feilai Feng (Flying Peak) stands in front, adorned with countless Buddha images.

Immerse yourself in the origins of China's finest tea – West Lake Dragon Well tea – at Meijiawu Tea Village. A local tea farmer will guide you through the tea-picking process, from selecting the right leaves to stir-frying for that vibrant green color. Afterward, savor tea cuisine at a local restaurant nestled amidst the tea plantations.

Immerse yourself in the rich history of West Lake, a captivating destination for over 1,200 years. Glide past lush hills, graceful bridges, and ancient pagodas, embodying the essence of Chinese landscape art. Experience the tranquility and charm of West Lake's picturesque surroundings. Embark on a cruise and listen to captivating tales about the landmarks.

A morning flight from Hangzhou to Guilin takes about 2.5 hours. After having lunch in a local restaurant, we will visit Guilin's most magnificent natural wonder at Reed Flute Cave.

Named after the reeds used to make musical instruments found near its entrance, this impressive cave stretches 240 meters long. Explore a magical world of stalactites, stone pillars, curtains, and even stone formations resembling birds, plants, and animals. Your guide will illuminate the path with a flashlight, ensuring you don't miss any of the breathtaking sights.

Witness one of China's most remarkable manmade wonders, the Longji Rice Terraces, aptly named "Dragon's Backbone" for its dragon-rib-like appearance. These terraces were crafted by local minority communities 600 years ago. Prepare for a moderate walk with scenic views, rewarded with panoramic rice terrace vistas.

In Ping'an Zhuang Village, delve into the local culture by learning to make Bamboo Stuffed Rice, a renowned dish infused with the flavor of fresh bamboo. You'll connect with a welcoming local family and explore their traditional wooden house, leaving with cherished memories of both natural beauty and cultural richness.

Embark on a memorable 4-hour cruise along the enchanting Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo. Marvel at the breathtaking scenery around every bend – limestone peaks, bamboo groves, rice paddies, and water buffalo. Keep an eye out for fishermen and the famous cormorant birds.

In Yangshuo's idyllic countryside, encounter striking karst peaks, lush rice fields, and charming bamboo forests. Explore a local village with your guide, gaining insights into rural life. The 1.5-hour excursion covers 10-12 km by bike, or you can opt for an electromobile or private car at no extra cost.

A high-speed train is the most efficient way to journey from Guilin to Zhangjiajie, with a travel time of around 7 hours. The railway journey offers stunning views of Karst mountains, rice terraces, and rural villages. While the train doesn't stop at specific tourist attractions along the way, you can still enjoy breathtaking scenery from the windows.

In Zhangjiajie, you'll be enchanted by the iconic pillar-like formations, sculpted over centuries by nature's artistry through erosion.

Embark on an adventure aboard the Bailong Sightseeing Elevator, the world's highest and fastest sightseeing elevator, offering unparalleled views of the Sandstone Peak Forest. Soaring to a height of 335 meters, this engineering marvel whisks up to 3,000 people per hour in its four transparent elevators, reaching the mountain's summit in a mere 2 minutes.

Mount Tianzishan, known for its "Four Natural Spectacles," offers an awe-inspiring experience. Marvel at misty clouds encircling the peaks, breathtaking sunrise vistas, moonlit nights, and snow-capped winter landscapes.

Venture to Yuanjiajie, nestled in the northern corner of Zhangjiajie National Park. Explore top attractions like the Ecstasy Spot, Backyard, and First Bridge, with a particular highlight being the famed Hallelujah Mountain, an homage to the floating rocks of "Avatar" fame.

Embark on a journey to Tianmen Mountain, often referred to as the "soul" of Zhangjiajie. This towering peak is the highest in the region and offers a mesmerizing tapestry of ancient trees, karst formations, and winding cliffside roads.

For those seeking thrilling heights, don't miss the Tianmen Mountain Glass Walkway, a heart-pounding adventure located within the Tianmen Mountain National Park. Suspended 1,430 meters above the ground, this 1.6-meter-wide, 60-meter-long glass walkway extends dramatically from a sheer cliff, providing brave explorers with breathtaking views of the mountains below.

Enjoy a quick and convenient flight to Xi'an, reaching your destination in just 1.5 hours.

Prepare to be awestruck by one of China's most remarkable archaeological finds – the Terracotta Warriors. Discovered by chance in 1974, this astonishing army of over 7,000 life-sized soldiers, archers, horses, and chariots, dating back to 210 BC, has vigilantly guarded Emperor Qin's tomb. Each figure is a unique masterpiece, and ongoing restoration and excavation efforts can be witnessed in three immense pits housed within protective hangars.

Venture into the countryside for a unique cultural experience at a cave dwelling family workshop. Here, you'll learn the intricate art of crafting Terracotta Warriors from a skilled local artisan. Delve into the detailed process of crafting these historical masterpieces and engage in delightful interactions with the local artisans, enriching your journey with both knowledge and hands-on experiences.

Big Wild Goose Pagoda, an elegant brick pagoda, has stood since the 7th century. Its purpose? To safeguard the Buddhist scriptures brought back from India by Xuanzang (also known as Tripitaka) following his epic journey. Within the temple complex, you'll discover grand halls adorned with magnificent Buddhist statues and captivating murals.

A true testament to early brick pagoda architecture, the Small Wild Goose Pagoda stands proudly within the grounds of Jianfu Temple, a historical gem dating back to the Tang Dynasty.

Adjacent to the pagoda complex lies the expansive Xi'an Museum. This comprehensive museum provides a captivating journey through Xi'an's rich history. The museum seamlessly integrates with the surrounding environment, incorporating the Small Wild Goose Pagoda as a national treasure, the ancient Jianfu Temple structures, and a modern exhibition hall showcasing cultural relics.

Step into the enchanting realm of Xi'an's Muslim Quarter, a bustling cultural hub in downtown Xi'an. Along this avenue, you'll encounter a delightful array of unique stalls, souvenir shops, cozy cafes, and inviting bars, predominantly operated by the local Muslim community. Don't hesitate to taste some local food, such as biang biang noodles, Chinese hamburger, and pita bread soaked in lamb soup.

If you're interested in history, culture, and stunning landscapes, Datong is a must-visit destination. Today, you will take a 6-hour high speed train from Xi'an to Datong.

Unveil ancient Chinese artistry at Huayan Temple, this well-preserved temple is a living museum of Liao Dynasty art, featuring exquisite buildings, statues, and vivid frescoes. Explore the temple's hallowed halls, home to 31 meticulously crafted Liao Dynasty statues, and admire 21 vibrant Qing Dynasty frescoes.

Discover the mesmerizing Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site carved into Wuzhou Mountain's sandstone cliffs. Over 40 years (CE 453-493), artisans created 45 out of the original 53 grottoes, housing 51,000 Buddhist statues and murals in 250 niches. These exquisite carvings are a testament to ancient Chinese artistry. Explore the Yungang Exhibition Hall, showcasing relics from the Northern Wei Dynasty, and enjoy captivating presentations on the era's worship practices and folklore.

Witness the awe-inspiring Hanging Monastery that defies gravity as it clings to a near-vertical rock face 50 meters above the ground. This unique monastery blends Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.

Your adventure concludes in Beijing. A quick 2-hour high-speed train journey awaits in the morning.

After arrival, step into the captivating world of Tibetan Buddhism at the Yonghe Lamasery, China's largest and most celebrated Tibetan Buddhist temple. This active sanctuary bustles with worshippers seeking blessings and good fortune amidst its beautiful halls and courtyards. Marvel at the world's largest wooden statue, the Matreiya Buddha, and delve into intriguing Tibetan exhibitions.

Set off a memorable journey to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, rated as the top Great Wall experience on TripAdvisor. This child-friendly section boasts breathtaking scenery and meticulously restored architecture. Ascend and descend the Wall effortlessly with a round-trip cable car ride, saving time for exploration.

Delve into the heart of Beijing's history with a Hutong tour in the Dongcheng District. Traverse the historic maze of alleyways, where old courtyard houses reveal fascinating stories. Visit a local family to discover the unique courtyards that define this cultural enclave. Enjoy a free 40-minute calligraphy or paper-cutting lesson with a local expert.

Step back in time to the Ming dynasty with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, a complex of Taoist buildings where emperors conducted annual ceremonies to ensure bountiful harvests. As you stroll through the vibrant park surrounding the temple, you'll encounter local elders engaged in singing, exercise, and tai chi.

Unveil the grandeur of the world's largest imperial palace, the Forbidden City, which housed 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. This architectural marvel, constructed in 1420, predates Columbus's discovery of America and Shakespeare's birth. Dive deep into history with your knowledgeable guide, who will lead you to 12 carefully selected sites within the Forbidden City.

We'll provide a private car with a guide to take you from your hotel to Beijing Capital Airport for your departure. May your memories of China last a lifetime.