See for yourself the ancient and modern aspects of this fascinating and flourishing country. To stand on the Great Wall of China is a dream shared by many. Accomplish this, and include a cruise on the magical Li River, on our very affordable tour.
China Essentials plus Guilin 13 days
- Group Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive Beijing
Arrive Beijing and transfer to your hotel.
Stay three nights at the Qianmen Jianguo Hotel in Beijing.
Day 2 – Great Wall excursion
Travel north from the city to the Great Wall of China where you can walk on top of the wall and appreciate the scale of this remarkable structure as it snakes down valleys and along ridge lines as far as the eye can see. On the way back to Beijing stop at the Ming Tombs and stroll along the Sacred Way lined with animal statues. This evening be entertained by a Kong Fu Show. (B,L,D)
Day 3 – Beijing
Today you will visit the famous sights of Beijing including the majestic Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and the Olympic Green to see the “Bird’s Nest” and “Water Cube”. In the evening enjoy a Peking Duck Dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 4 – Depart Beijing
In the morning tour the Hutongs, Beijing’s ancient, narrow streets. Stop at one of the courtyard homes for lunch. See the panda house at Beijing Zoo, then visit the Summer Palace, the summer retreat of the imperial court set in beautiful gardens with lakes and pavilions. Transfer to the rail station to board the overnight train to Xian. (B,L)
Day 5 – Arrive Xian
Arrive Xian early this morning and transfer to your hotel for breakfast. Visit the Shaanxi Provincial Museum, one of the best museums in China, the Muslim Quarter, the Great Mosque, and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, built to house Buddhist scriptures.
Stay two nights in Xian the Grand Dynasty Culture Hotel. (B,L)
Day 6 – Xian
Today you will see another amazing sight; the Terracotta Warriors and Horses still standing in battle formation as placed 2000 years ago. Visit the large exhibition halls where excavation and restoration work is on-going. Later walk along the top of 500 year old City Wall. This evening try a Dumpling Banquet and see the colourful Tang Dance Show. (B,L,D)
Day 7 – Xian to Guilin
Take a morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Guilin. On arrival, you will be met at Guilin airport and transferred to your hotel. Visit the colourfully lit Reed Flute Caves and see landmark Elephant Trunk Hill this afternoon.
Stay one night at the Bravo Hotel. (B,L)
Day 8 – Li River Cruise to Yangshuo
Spend the morning on a boat cruise on the tranquil Li River. You will surely be inspired by the breathtaking views of peaks and pinnacles, and serene pastoral scenes of rice paddies, bamboo groves and water buffaloes. After lunch onboard, disembark at the market town of Yangshuo. After checking in at your hotel the remainder of the day is at leisure to explore the town.
Stay two nights at the Yangshuo New Century Hotel. (B,L)
Day 9 – Yangshuo
This morning take a cycle tour of the surrounding picturesque countryside to such sights as the Yulong River, Moon Hill and the Big Banyan Tree. Lunch will be arranged at a local farm. Leisure time in the afternoon. (B,L)
Day 10 – Yangshuo to Suzhou
Drive back to Guilin airport for a flight to Shanghai then travel by road to Suzhou, visiting the ancient canal town of Tongli enroute.
Stay two nights at the Suzhou Holiday Inn Express Hotel. (B,L)
Day 11 – Suzhou
Suzhou is a city famous for its exquisite gardens and traditional canal living. Cruise on the Grand Canal, learn about silk production and see highly skilled textile work at a silk factory. Visit the classical Lingering Garden. (B,L)
Day 12 – Suzhou to Shanghai
Travel back to Shanghai. Take a guided stroll along the Bund, enjoy a panoramic view over the city from the sightseeing floor in the 2nd Sphere of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, and see the thriving waterfront on a Huangpo River cruise.
Stay one night at the Bund Riverside Hotel in Shanghai. (B,L)
Day 13 – Depart Shanghai
Time at leisure until transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B) - Make a Booking
- Group departure dates and prices
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Prices are per person, in Australian dollars. Please confirm prices when booking.
- Price Includes:
- 11 nights in quality, well located 4 star hotels.
- 1 night on overnight train, soft class, four-share sleeping compartments.
- 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 3 dinners, plus a glass of local beer, tea or bottled water with lunch and dinner
- All transfers, sightseeing, entrance fees, evening entertainment
- Flights Xian-Guilin-Shanghai, airport and airline taxes and fuel surcharges
Price Excludes:- Visa fees
- Gratuities
Tour prices and inclusions based on a minimum of 2 passengers. Hotel surcharges may apply during local holidays and events.
Surcharge for two berth compartment on the overnight train Beijing-Xian: $132 pp
Photo Gallery
Highlights
- Visit Forbidden City, the Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors
- You’ll never forget the scenery on the Li River cruise
- Suzhou’s gardens, canals and silk crafts
- See Shanghai’s skyline from the river and the TV Tower
