Classic China
SG03: 14 Days Small Group Tour of Beijing - Xi'an - Guilin - Chongqing - Yangtze River Cruise - Yichang - Shanghai
Tour Type: Small Group of 1-18 travelers, guaranteed departures
Guide & Driver: English-speaking guide, experienced driver with an air-conditioned coach
Accommodation: 10 nights at good 5-star hotels, 3 nights on Yangtze River cruise
Meals: 13 western buffet breakfasts, 8 lunches with some being a la carte style, 3 dinners
Tour Highlights:
- Must-see sights in China - Mutianyu Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Army
- Fantastic cruise tour on the Li River from Guilin to rural Yangshuo
- Unwind with a Yangtze River cruise tour & see the Three Gorges
- Enjoy a la carte meals, Kung Fu Show, Tang Dynasty Music and Dance performance
From $2469 per person Free Inquiry
From US$2469 per person
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Day 1 Arrival in Beijing
When you arrive in Beijing today, your two weeks China group tour officially begins. Once you have claimed your luggage and cleared customs, you will find our guide waiting for you in the airport arrivals area, holding a welcome sign bearing your name. The driver will drive you to the hotel and help you register for three nights. The rest of the day is free time for your own use.
Accommodation: The Great Wall Hotel Beijing
- the former Sheraton
Accommodation: The Great Wall Hotel Beijing
- the former SheratonDay 2 Beijing
To start your China group tour, our guide will host a short pre-trip meeting in your hotel lobby this morning after breakfast. This includes a final briefing and preparations for your trip. The group travel guidelines and tips will also be shared. After the pre-trip meeting, your tour will begin with a visit to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, the home of the Chinese emperors in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Nowadays, it houses the palace museum with numerous imperial treasures. Every detail of the palace tells its visitors a story of ancient royal life.
A welcome lunch will be served at a celebrated restaurant with an a la carte menu (valued at CNY150.00 per person and included in our price). Enjoy authentic Chinese food and the ever popular Peking Roast Duck.
In the afternoon, you will visit the Temple of Heaven, which used to be the altar where emperors worshiped heaven and prayed for a good harvest. Later, the highlight of the evening will be a thrilling Chinese Kung Fu Show performed at the Red Theatre.
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast, A la carte welcome lunch
A welcome lunch will be served at a celebrated restaurant with an a la carte menu (valued at CNY150.00 per person and included in our price). Enjoy authentic Chinese food and the ever popular Peking Roast Duck.
In the afternoon, you will visit the Temple of Heaven, which used to be the altar where emperors worshiped heaven and prayed for a good harvest. Later, the highlight of the evening will be a thrilling Chinese Kung Fu Show performed at the Red Theatre.
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast, A la carte welcome lunch
Explore the Forbidden City
Our guests at the Temple of Heaven
Day 3 Beijing
Mutianyu Great Wall with a round-trip cable car, A toast with red wine on the wall. (B)
We suggest you have a hearty breakfast this morning, as we will drive from downtown Beijing to visit the wondrous Great Wall at Mutianyu. A round-trip cable car will be arranged at the Wall. Restaurants in the mountain area are of low quality and do not meet our serving standard, so we suggest you have some snacks for lunch. Our guide will offer suggestions.
Then we will drive back to downtown Beijing. You will have a chance to explore a popular local market and have time to relax.
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast
Then we will drive back to downtown Beijing. You will have a chance to explore a popular local market and have time to relax.
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast
Have a great time hiking on the Great Wall
Day 4 Beijing to Xi'an by Flight
Summer Palace, Olympic Bird's Nest, A la carte lunch, Hutong Rickshaw Tour, Experience Chinese Paper Cutting, Fly to Xi'an, Airport-hotel transfer. (B+L)
This will be an exciting morning as you visit the scenic Summer Palace, which includes Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake. Its design embodies the solemnity and grace of a royal garden that incorporates the joy of nature and is a monument to classical Chinese architecture. Then we will have a stopover at the Olympic National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, so that you can appreciate the unique design and take some nice photos.
Afterwards, you will have an a la carte lunch (valued at CNY150.00 per person and included in our price) at a nice local restaurant.
The afternoon trip will take you to visit the old Hutongs. You will explore the traditional Hutong alleys by rickshaw and attend a Chinese folk art activity to make paper cuttings. Riding on the rickshaw, you will pass the old lanes and courtyard houses. It is a special area for you to peek into real local life.
Later, you will be off to the next destination of your two-week China tour - Xi'an. Our local guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for a three-night stay.
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast, A la carte lunch
Accommodation: Sheraton Hotel
Afterwards, you will have an a la carte lunch (valued at CNY150.00 per person and included in our price) at a nice local restaurant.
The afternoon trip will take you to visit the old Hutongs. You will explore the traditional Hutong alleys by rickshaw and attend a Chinese folk art activity to make paper cuttings. Riding on the rickshaw, you will pass the old lanes and courtyard houses. It is a special area for you to peek into real local life.
Later, you will be off to the next destination of your two-week China tour - Xi'an. Our local guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for a three-night stay.
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast, A la carte lunch
Accommodation: Sheraton Hotel
Enjoy the beautiful scenery in the Summer Palace
Day 5 Xi'an
Terracotta Army, A local family visit and an authentic home-cooked lunch, Small Wild Goose Pagoda, Tang Dynasty Show with dumpling dinner. (B+L+D)
The morning escorted tour begins with a visit to the well-known Terracotta Army. It might be difficult for you to imagine the surprising moment when you see the great army of strong life-sized terracotta warriors assembled in their thousands to protect the tomb of the first Emperor, Qin. Then we will transfer you back to the city and have an a la carte lunch (valued at CNY120.00 per person and included in our price) cooked by the host at a local family's home.
The afternoon will be spent visiting the Small Wild Goose Pagoda and the Xi'an Museum. A splendid evening is also in store. You will be entertained by the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show while enjoying a famous Chinese dumpling dinner.
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast, Home-cooked a la carte lunch, Dumpling dinner
Friendly Tips
· Since the theater is usually not open in Jan, Feb, Mar and Dec, we will not arrange the show and dumpling dinner for tours starting during the periods. Clients will enjoy free time to relax.
· Small Wild Goose Pagoda cannot be visited before March 31, 2021 due to maintenance. If you happen to be traveling at the period, your travel consultant will make alternate arrangements for you. Thank you.
The afternoon will be spent visiting the Small Wild Goose Pagoda and the Xi'an Museum. A splendid evening is also in store. You will be entertained by the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show while enjoying a famous Chinese dumpling dinner.
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast, Home-cooked a la carte lunch, Dumpling dinner
Friendly Tips· Since the theater is usually not open in Jan, Feb, Mar and Dec, we will not arrange the show and dumpling dinner for tours starting during the periods. Clients will enjoy free time to relax.
· Small Wild Goose Pagoda cannot be visited before March 31, 2021 due to maintenance. If you happen to be traveling at the period, your travel consultant will make alternate arrangements for you. Thank you.
Visit the Terracotta Warriors and Horses
Day 6 Xi'an
Observe local life in the park, Tai Chi practice, Xi'an City Wall, A la carte lunch, Provincial History Museum, Great Mosque, Muslim Quarter. (B+L)
Traveling is not just for sightseeing. It is also a journey to experience life and explore different cultures. Today's tour will begin with a leisurely walk in the City Wall Park, which encircles the center of Xi’an. It is a park where many local people like to do morning exercises, enjoy themselves in various ways or just spend their leisure time chatting. If you are interested, you may join them for fun. Still in the park, we will invite a Tai Chi Master to teach you some basic skills of practicing Tai Chi, a traditional form of physical exercise and a unique Chinese cultural symbol. Afterwards, you will ascend the well-preserved ancient City Wall. You may wish to take a cycle ride on the wall. The bike rental fee is at your expense.
After an a la carte lunch (valued at CNY120.00 per person and included in our price), continue to visit the Provincial History Museum and the Great Mosque in the afternoon. Around the mosque is a large Muslim community and bazaar, where you will see Islamic customs, intertwining alleyways, and countless Muslim snack shops. Finally, we transfer you back to your hotel.
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast, A la carte lunch
After an a la carte lunch (valued at CNY120.00 per person and included in our price), continue to visit the Provincial History Museum and the Great Mosque in the afternoon. Around the mosque is a large Muslim community and bazaar, where you will see Islamic customs, intertwining alleyways, and countless Muslim snack shops. Finally, we transfer you back to your hotel.
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast, A la carte lunch
Practice Tai Chi at the City Wall Park
Taste authentic local food at Muslim Quarter
Day 7 Xi'an to Guilin by Flight
Fly to Guilin, Airport-hotel transfer, Reed Flute Cave, Elephant Trunk Hill. (B)
Today, you will board a flight to Guilin. Upon your arrival, our local guide will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for a two-night stay. Then you will visit the Reed Flute Cave and Elephant Trunk Hill.
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast
Accommodation: Guilin Grand Bravo Hotel
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast
Accommodation: Guilin Grand Bravo Hotel
Day 8 Guilin - Yangshuo - Guilin
Li River cruise to Yangshuo, West Street, Countryside tour, Drive back to Guilin. (B+L)
Today will be one of the memorable experiences of your 2 week trip to China as you cruise down the beautiful Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo. The river, with its calm sparkling water, is the essence of the city's landscape and known as the "Hundred Mile Gallery". Docking at Yangshuo after cruising about 4.5 hours, you will walk through the well-known West Street. Then you will enjoy amazing rural scenery as we drive along the surrounding country roads of Yangshuo. En route, you will be invited to visit a villager's home. Afterwards, we will transfer you back to Guilin.
Tip: The cruise company offers a box lunch on the ship, but it may fail to meet with your approval. We are aware of the shortcomings and suggest you prepare for the cruise with a generous breakfast at the hotel.
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch
Tip: The cruise company offers a box lunch on the ship, but it may fail to meet with your approval. We are aware of the shortcomings and suggest you prepare for the cruise with a generous breakfast at the hotel.
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch
Appreciate the stunning landscape of Li River
Day 9 Guilin to Chongqing by High Speed Train
A 5-hour high speed train to Chongqing, Jiefangbei CBD, Ci Qi Kou Ancient Village, Board a Yangtze River cruise ship for a 3-night stay. (B)
Take a morning high speed train for around 5 hours to Chongqing. Upon your arrival, our local guide will meet you at Chongqing West Railway Station and take you to explore Jiefangbei CBD (central business district) and Ci Qi Kou Ancient Village. Afterwards, you will be escorted to board the President cruise ship for a three-night stay. It sets sail at 22:00. Your relaxing Yangtze cruise journey is about to begin!
Chongqing is a gourmet's paradise. We suggest you have lunch and dinner on your own to try different foods. The guide will offer recommendations.
About the high speed train: Due to the rapid development of China's high speed train system, you can reach Chongqing from Guilin in five hours. The train has a dining carriage where meals are sold at certain times. Also snacks, soft drinks and bottled water can be bought from a cart on the train.
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast
Cruises: President No. 8 with balcony
Chongqing is a gourmet's paradise. We suggest you have lunch and dinner on your own to try different foods. The guide will offer recommendations.
About the high speed train: Due to the rapid development of China's high speed train system, you can reach Chongqing from Guilin in five hours. The train has a dining carriage where meals are sold at certain times. Also snacks, soft drinks and bottled water can be bought from a cart on the train.
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast
Cruises: President No. 8 with balcony
The President Cruises
Standard cabin with balcony
Day 10 Yangtze River Cruise
Yangtze Cruise orientation, An onshore excursion to Shuangguishan National Forest Park, Captain's Welcome Party. (B+L+D)
You will learn about the cruise ship and its scheduled activities both on shore and on board through the river guide's morning presentation. In the early afternoon, an onshore excursion is arranged when the ship anchors at Shuangguishan National Forest Park. Facing the Yangtze River, Mount Shuanggui is a renowned site that integrates both natural and cultural landscapes. It is covered by more than 500,000 species of trees and flowers, and is known as the back garden of the town of Fengdu. The poems and inscriptions left by ancient Chinese poets can be seen everywhere. In the evening, you will be invited to attend the welcome party hosted by the ship's captain.
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 Yangtze River Cruise
Yangtze Three Gorges, An exciting excursion to Shennong Stream. (B+L+D)
Today the ship will sail through the most splendid part of the Three Gorges. The first is the Qutang Gorge, which is only eight kilometers long but encompasses the most dangerous part of the gorges. Then the ship will sail into a deep and attractive area, Wu Gorge. An excursion between three and four hours long along the Shennong Stream by sampan is arranged for you today. Afterwards, the ship will continue to sail into heavily-shoaled Xiling Gorge.
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Three Gorges Sightseeing
Sampan adventure along the Shennong Stream
Day 12 Yichang to Shanghai by High Speed Train
Disembark the cruise ship, Three Gorges Dam, A 7.5-hour high speed train to Shanghai, Train station to hotel transfer. (B)
This morning, the onshore excursion will take you to visit the stunning Three Gorges Dam site, which plays an important role in flood control. Before that, please pack your luggage and check out. After finishing the excursion, the cruise ship company will drive you to the Three Gorges Tourist Center in Yichang city. Our local guide will meet you there and escort you to the railway station for a 7.5-hour high speed train ride to Shanghai, the last stop of your two-week trip to China. It is a long train journey, so you might need to prepare some snacks and fruits with the guide's assistance. Also you might spend time reading a book on the train. Upon your arrival, our guide in Shanghai will greet you and transfer you to your hotel.
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast
Accommodation: Sheraton Shanghai Hongkou Hotel
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast
Accommodation: Sheraton Shanghai Hongkou Hotel
Day 13 Shanghai
Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden and its traditional bazaar, A la carte farewell lunch, Former French Concession, the Bund and Huangpu River cruise. (B+L)
Today we will show you around the most important commercial and financial hub in China. The first destination is the Shanghai Museum. There are all kinds of collections, and some rarities even command world-wide attention. Next let's turn to Yu Garden, a bright pearl of the South China classical garden style. The pavilions, terraces, towers, ponds and rockeries inside the garden are delicately laid out. They show ingenuity in providing wide views in a small confined space. Surrounding the garden is a lively local bazaar. You may wish to enjoy some free time there.
The farewell a la carte lunch (valued at CNY120.00 per person and included in our price) will be served at a well-reputed restaurant featuring delicate Shanghai cuisine.
After lunch, we come to explore the Former French Concession, which was the most prosperous area in old Shanghai. Then we travel to the Bund, where you will have a one-hour cruise tour on the Huangpu River. With the completion of the trip, our guide and driver will transfer you back to the hotel and bid you farewell in the lobby.
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast, A la carte farewell lunch
The farewell a la carte lunch (valued at CNY120.00 per person and included in our price) will be served at a well-reputed restaurant featuring delicate Shanghai cuisine.
After lunch, we come to explore the Former French Concession, which was the most prosperous area in old Shanghai. Then we travel to the Bund, where you will have a one-hour cruise tour on the Huangpu River. With the completion of the trip, our guide and driver will transfer you back to the hotel and bid you farewell in the lobby.
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast, A la carte farewell lunch
View the landmark buildings on the Bund
Day 14 Departure from Shanghai
Please check out before 12:00. We recommend the most efficient and money-saving way - taking a taxi by yourself from hotel to the airport, A pleasant trip home! (B)
Your 2 weeks guided tour of China draws to a close today. You need to head to the airport for your homeward flight by yourself as your trip does not include this transfer service. We suggest you book a taxi or the airport shuttle bus at the hotel concierge desk the day before your departure. We wish you a happy flight back home and hope we can serve you again in the future.
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast
Meals included: Western buffet breakfast
B-- Breakfast L-- Lunch D-- Dinner
2021 Prices
Prices are per person in US Dollars; departures are guaranteed even with one person!
Earlier Booking, Bigger Savings
10% off - book 60 days before, 5% off - book 30 days before
| Arrival Date | Departure Date | Double Occupancy | Single Room Supplement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 01(Thu) | Apr 14(Wed) | $2629 $2366 | $879 |  |
| Apr 08(Thu) | Apr 21(Wed) | $2629 $2366 | $879 | |
| Apr 15(Thu) | Apr 28(Wed) | $2629 $2366 | $879 | |
| Apr 22(Thu) | May 05(Wed) | $2689 $2420 | $929 | |
| May 06(Thu) | May 19(Wed) | $2689 $2420 | $929 | |
| May 13(Thu) | May 26(Wed) | $2689 $2420 | $929 | |
| May 20(Thu) | Jun 02(Wed) | $2679 $2411 | $919 | |
| May 27(Thu) | Jun 09(Wed) | $2599 $2339 | $839 | |
| Jun 03(Thu) | Jun 16(Wed) | $2589 $2330 | $839 | |
| Jun 10(Thu) | Jun 23(Wed) | $2589 $2330 | $839 | |
| Jun 17(Thu) | Jun 30(Wed) | $2589 $2330 | $839 | |
| Jun 24(Thu) | Jul 07(Wed) | $2589 $2330 | $839 | |
| Jul 01(Thu) | Jul 14(Wed) | $2629 $2366 | $839 | |
| Jul 08(Thu) | Jul 21(Wed) | $2629 $2366 | $839 | |
| Jul 15(Thu) | Jul 28(Wed) | $2629 $2366 | $839 | |
| Jul 22(Thu) | Aug 04(Wed) | $2629 $2366 | $839 | |
| Jul 29(Thu) | Aug 11(Wed) | $2629 $2366 | $839 | |
| Aug 05(Thu) | Aug 18(Wed) | $2629 $2366 | $839 | |
| Aug 12(Thu) | Aug 25(Wed) | $2629 $2366 | $839 | |
| Aug 19(Thu) | Sep 01(Wed) | $2629 $2366 | $839 | |
| Aug 26(Thu) | Sep 08(Wed) | $2709 $2438 | $919 | |
| Sep 02(Thu) | Sep 15(Wed) | $2699 $2429 | $949 | |
| Sep 09(Thu) | Sep 22(Wed) | $2699 $2429 | $949 | |
| Sep 16(Thu) | Sep 29(Wed) | $2699 $2429 | $949 | |
| Sep 23(Thu) | Oct 06(Wed) | $2699 $2429 | $949 | |
| Oct 07(Thu) | Oct 20(Wed) | $2699 $2429 | $949 | |
| Oct 14(Thu) | Oct 27(Wed) | $2699 $2429 | $949 | |
| Oct 21(Thu) | Nov 03(Wed) | $2699 $2429 | $949 | |
| Oct 28(Thu) | Nov 10(Wed) | $2489 $2240 | $889 | |
| Nov 04(Thu) | Nov 17(Wed) | $2489 $2240 | $889 | |
| Nov 11(Thu) | Nov 24(Wed) | $2469 $2222 | $869 | |
Remark: The prices in red reflect the current discount.
Price Includes
- Domestic airfares & train fares
- Hotel accommodation with breakfasts
- A la carte lunches as itinerary specifies
- Professional English-speaking guides
- Drivers & air-conditioned vehicles
- Entrance fees to tourist sites
- Yangtze River cruise with full board
- Tips or gratuities for hotel porters
Price Excludes
- International airfares
- Entry Visa fees
- Personal expenses
- Tips or gratuities for guides and drivers
Why Travel With Us
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I felt the meals were quite lavish, and food was always plentiful. I noticed that others preferred non-chinese food, after our second day on tour, but I enjoyed the meals throughout the tour. I enjoyed trying each region's cuisine from the Beijing KaoYa in the pancake, to the dumpling dinner in Xian. Unfortunately, we didn't fire our tongues with Chongqing Hot Pot which I've heard is fantastic!
Our tour guides were very helpful and knowledgeable about the history and current events of the places we visited. Our Beijing tour guide was conscientious about keeping us altogether. Our Xian tour guide was very informative about China's history. More importantly, I enjoyed asking our guides how China's current economic growth has impacted their lives. Their candid responses were fascinating and helped me understand the value of open communication and dialogue among people from different cultures. Thank you!
The drivers were excellent, and conscientious about cleanliness and safety. After leaving wallet and camera in the bus, the guide suggested I return to the bus to retrieve those valuable items. She phoned the driver from atop the Wall, while I ran down to get my things. The driver remotely opened the door, allowed me to get my bag, then closed the door behind me. I felt my belongings were safe in the bus, but I appreciate the effort the guide and driver went through to accommodate me. In my own country, thieves can break into tour buses and take personal belongings.It's a poor example for other tourists wanting to come to Hawaii. I really appreciate the safer environment in China.
Finally, I appreciated the “lecture” with the guide in Xian. Her explanation was informative and factual, and she did not try to paint a rosy picture of China's history. Her experiences in China and the US made her facinating to listen to and observe. I would have enjoyed spending more time with her, It provided all of us with a better understanding of China's people, its history and values and hopes for the future. ... More
1. Just before we started the Yangtze River cruise, I developed a head cold with a blocked, runny nose. Of all the common medicines we brought for all the simple problems travelers might encounter, we forgot something for common cold! Vivian in Chongqing, Oscar in Yichang, and Sunny in Shanghai all took me to a pharmacy to find something that would relieve my cold. In that respect, they were very helpful. We could only find herbal remedies, which I found did not work for me. I was surprised I was not able to find even the most common western medicines that are sold everywhere in the U.S., without prescriptions. At the Shanghai pharmacy, we did discover that the pharmacies have a huge book that cross references the common chemical name of drugs, in English, with the Mandarin equivalent. We tried an antibiotic for which we could remember the chemical name, and the pharmacy could find the Chinese equivalent. So we might have been able to find a needed cold remedy if we knew the chemical name, and not just the brand name used in the U.S.
2. We found the English language skills of all the guides to be good to excellent. Congratulations to anyone who undertakes learning English as a second language. It is a complicated language with many rules about pronunciation and spelling. But there are so many exceptions to these rules, they are almost useless. We asked most of the guides how they learned English, and I believe the one common thing was that none of them had trained with a native English speaker. So, most of them had certain common problems with the choice of words and pronunciation that can probably only be remedied with a native speaker. By our last two days in Shanghai, our guide (Sunny) seemed relaxed and comfortable enough with us, that she did ask what the exact right word or phrase in English would be used to describe certain things. We certainly did not feel she imposed, and were very happy to explain what words a native English speaker would use.
3. By the end of the tour, we thought how nice it would be if there were the time and place we could spend with each of our guides to discuss (over many cups of tea) some of the language problems we noticed, and how native speakers would use the language.
Thanks for a wonderful time! ... More