19 Days China Essence Tour

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Shanghai

   Welcome to Shanghai, China's busiest metropolis! Upon arrival, your private driver will meet you at the airport and escort you to your downtown hotel. Shanghai has a great nightlife, which you can experience on your own, including strolling along the Bund and sampling authentic Shanghainese snacks.

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: in Shanghai

   

2. Day 2: Shanghai City Tour
   Explore Shanghai's Art, History, Skyline, and the Bund Views.

   Your China tour begins at the Shanghai Museum, a very large museum of ancient Chinese art. Here you will learn about the 6,000 years of brilliant development of ancient Chinese art. The museum has a collection of 120,000 precious artifacts, especially featuring ceramics, bronzes, calligraphy and paintings. Then, we head to Wukang Road, formerly known as Route Ferguson, named after American missionary John Ferguson. This road condenses Shanghai's modern century history. You can appreciate nearly 40 well-preserved historical buildings.

   After lunch, you will climb up to the Observation Hall (474 meters high) on the 100th floor of the Shanghai World Financial Center. It is the fourth tallest building in China and is shaped like a bottle opener. You will have a panoramic view of the spire of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Walking on the suspended sightseeing promenade, you can overlook the scenery of both sides of the Pu River through the transparent glass under your feet.

   

   Then, you will be transferred to Nanjing Road, the first commercial pedestrian street in China. Once the window of Shanghai's opening to the outside world, it is now a shopper's paradise. It is 5.5 kilometers long and is divided into two sections, east and west, bounded by Xizang Middle Road. East Nanjing Road is mainly an affordable commercial and tourist area; while West Nanjing Road is dominated by luxury goods and high-end consumption.

   The Bund, the last stop on today's Shanghai tour, is a must-see for visitors to the city. It is known as the "Wall Street of the East". The streetscape of the Bund, with its river, long embankment, green belt and beautiful buildings, is the most characteristic landscape of Shanghai. You can enjoy 52 classical buildings of different styles such as Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque.

   Optional Night Activity:

   You can enjoy a relaxing Huangpu River night cruise and watch the glamorous view of the dazzling city lights reflecting on the water.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Shanghai

   

3. Day 3: Shanghai to Suzhou Tour by Van
   Visit the Classical Garden, Old Street, & Learn about Pagoda Stories

   In the morning, you will take a 1.5-hour car ride to Suzhou. Your Suzhou tour in China begins at Lingering Garden, one of the four most famous gardens in China, sharing fame together with the Summer Palace in Beijing, Mountain Resort in Chengde, and Humble Administrator's Garden also in Suzhou.

   The garden was originally built in 1593 during the Ming Dynasty and was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997. In its over 400-year history, the garden was changed hands and was nearly deserted in the 1930s. Thanks to the efforts of the local government, the garden has been restored to its original splendor and we have a chance to appreciate its beauty.

   Then, go to Shantang Old Street. You will see ancient residential houses (most of them are from the Late Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China), elegant stone bridges spanning across the river, and shops selling handicrafts and local snacks.

   

   In the afternoon, your private guide will show you around Tiger Hill and tell you interesting stories about it. The hill got its name from a legend after King Helu of Wu Kingdom died in a war, his son Fuchai buried his remains on this hill, and a white tiger sat here for 3 days. One of the must-see sites is Tiger Hill Pagoda, the second leaning tower in the world.

   Today's last stop is Suzhou No.1 Silk Factory. The factory was founded in 1926 and has become one of the symbols of the 2500-year culture of Suzhou where you can see the process of silk making from silkworm to silk. It is truly an eye-opening experience. At the end of the tour, transfer to local hotel for check-in.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Suzhou

4. Day 4: Suzhou Tour Back to Shanghai
   Enjoy a Ancient Water Town Tour with Poetic Heritage, Ming-Qing Mansions

   Today's China tour takes you to visit Suzhou Museum. The museum was first established in 1960 based on the Mansion of King Zhong of Taiping Heavenly Kingdom. Its new building was designed by the internationally renowned architect I.M.Pei and opened to the public in 2006. You will follow your guide to appreciate the valuable collections including unearthed cultural relics, calligraphy, paintings, and crafts.

   Then, we go to visit Zhouzhuang Water Town, which enjoys the reputation of being "the first water town in China". In ancient China, many writers and poets have lived and composed poems here. More than 50% of the town's houses are of Ming and Qing styles, and there are nearly one hundred classical mansions in only 0.4 square kilometers of the area. The ancient town is built along the river and connected by bridges and streets. If you are interested, you can take a boat tour through the bridges, which is a leisurely experience (at your personal expense).

   

   You will enjoy lunch in Zhouzhuang. Your driver will then escort you back to your hotel in Shanghai.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Shanghai

5. Day 5: Shanghai to Guilin Tour by Flight
   A Journey Through Spirituality and Creativity

   After breakfast, you will be guided to visit the Jade Buddha Temple and Tianzifang. Jade Buddha Temple is named after the Jade Buddha that is mainly enshrined in the temple. As one of the top ten attractions for Shanghai tours, it is described as a piece of pure land in the busy downtown. We mainly visit the Main Hall and the Jade Buddha Building. Next, head to Tianzifang, a creative industry park converted from a Shikumen complex, where studios, galleries and cafes of artists and designers are gathered. Strolling through the alleys of Tianzifang, you can enjoy various art exhibitions, handicrafts and creative decorations.

   

   After lunch, your driver will escort you to the airport for your flight to Guilin, which boasting some of the most beautiful landscapes in China. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a local guide and transferred to your hotel to check in and relax.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Guilin

6. Day 6: Guilin Li River Cruise to Yangshuo
   Cruise the Serene Li River, Wander Through a Vibrant Town

   Your China tour to Guilin begins with a Li River cruise. Li River Scenic Area is the world's largest and most scenic karst landscape excursion area. Along the way you will see clear mountains, beautiful water, strange caves, deep pools and flying waterfalls. In about 4 hours, you will arrive at Yangshuo. After checking in at your local hotel, you can either rest up for the evening's exploration or choose to ride along the Yulong River or experience bamboo rafting (extra charge) and enjoy the "Hundred Mile Gallery".

   

   As the sun sets, your guide will take you to explore West Street, which is located in the center of Yangshuo County. The street is famous for its rich exotic atmosphere. 517 meters long, West Street is lined with ancient houses and buildings. The small stores on both sides of the street offer a variety of tourist souvenirs and snacks and are well worth a visit.

   In the evening, you can enjoy the performance of Impression Liu Sanjie, a grand open-air show featuring local folk songs and stunning visual effects (optional).

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Yangshuo

7. Day 7: Longji Rice Terraces Tour
   Explorations of Guilin Rice Terraces and Ethnic Villages

   Today, you will enjoy a Guilin day trip to rice terraces. After 4-hour car ride to the foot of the mountain, you will walk about 35 minutes or so to the Ping'an Village. The village is home to the nationally renowned, 650-year-old Longji Rice Terraces. Your eyes will be treated to a spectacular view of the terraced fields, just like a cascading sea of green or yellow.

   

   Pay a visit to Huangluo Yao Village, which has beautiful scenery and Jinjiang River running through the village. Here resides the Yao ethnic group, the women of this ethnic group's long hair, singing and dancing, and clothing are beautiful folkloric scenery. After that, take a guided hike to the viewing platform of Nine Dragons and Five Tigers for more breathtaking views. During this time, you will learn about the other unique ethnic minority culture of the region.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Longji

8. Day 8: Longji to Guilin Tour
   Sunrise Over Terraces, a City Landmark, and a Natural Wonder

   In the early, you will capture the beautiful sunrise view over the spectacular terraced fields. After that, drive back to Guilin City for a city tour of Elephant Trunk Hill. It resembles a giant elephant drinking water from the Li River. This site has been a famous tourist destination since the Tang and Song dynasties, boasting a history of over 1,000 years.

   

   Then, transfer you to Reed Flute Cave, which is acclaimed as the "Palace of Natural Arts". Here you'll witness intricate and translucent stalactites, stalagmites, stone columns, and stone flowers. The entire cave is just like a grand and magnificent underground palace crafted from gems, coral, and jade.

   After the tour, drive to your hotel for the night.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Guilin

9. Day 9: Guilin to Chengdu Tour by Flight

   Enjoy your leisurely morning at your hotel until your private driver escorts you to the airport for your flight to Chengdu, the hometown of China Panda. Upon arrival in Chengdu, local driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in downtown area. Have a good rest. In the evening you can explore Chengdu's nightlife on your own.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Chengdu

10. Day 10: Chengdu Highlights Tour
    Get Up Close with Giant Pandas and Red Pandas at Their Breeding Base

    Your Chengdu tour of China takes you to visit Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, which provides an opportunity to allow visitors to get up close and personal with the adorable giant pandas and red pandas. The base is located in the northern suburbs of Chengdu, about 10 kilometers from the city, and fully simulates the wild living environment of giant pandas, with lakes, streams, bamboo forests and lawns. Your tour guide will tell you about their daily activities and living habits.

    

    Continue your Chengdu tour to Wenshu Temple which was built in the Sui Dynasty (581-618) with a long history. The temple is still operating and frequented by local people who come to pray and relax themselves. It is a good place to learn Buddhism. You can have a nice stroll around the pleasant garden and take photos of the wonderful ancient architecture.

    Later, enjoy some relaxing tea time in Renmin Park. Here you can enjoy a cup of tea in a nice tea house and watch local people doing various activities like playing cards, practicing Tai Chi, playing mahjong, and napping. Last, you will explore the bustling Jinli Pedestrian Street, a must-see place in Chengdu. You can see that the buildings here are built in Qing Dynasty style, and meandering through the street gives people the feeling of traveling back in time. Enjoy shopping and tasting some yummy food that you never saw before.

    Optional activities in the evening: you might consider watching the Sichuan Opera Face Changing Show, which is a quick face-changing performance that is truly unique to the area.

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: in Chengdu

    

11. Day 11: Chengdu to Lhasa Tour by Flight

    After a leisurely morning in Chengdu, your private driver will escort you to the airport for your flight to Lhasa. Lhasa, the holy land of Tibetan Buddhism, also known as the City of Light, is a gathering place for devotees. Upon arrival in Lhasa, a local driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your downtown hotel. Along the way you can enjoy the Himalayan landscape and unique Tibetan architecture.

    Warm Tips:

    To reduce or avoid symptoms of altitude sickness, you are advised to avoid strenuous exercise on your first day in Lhasa. Do not take a shower to avoid catching a cold. Avoid drinking alcohol. Drink plenty of water and get enough rest.

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: in Lhasa

12. Day 12: Lhasa City Tour
    Explore Tibet's Most Famous Palace, Temple, and Street

    The first stop on your Tibet tour is the magnificent Potala Palace, built in the 7th century AD. It is the highest palace in the world and the largest and most complete ancient palace complex in Tibet. The entire palace has a distinctive Tibetan style, built on the mountain, by the White Palace and Red Palace and its ancillary buildings. Potala Palace also collects countless treasures, which can be called a temple of art.

    

    After lunch, we will visit the Jokhang Temple, a blend of Tibetan, Tang, Nepalese and Indian architectural styles. With a history of more than 1,300 years, the Monastery is the most splendid existing building in Tibet from the Tubo period (633-842) and the earliest adobe structure in Tibet. The 12-year-old statue of Sakyamuni enshrined in the temple is the treasure, which is one of the must-see attractions for tourists and pilgrims. Last, take a leisurely stroll through Barkhor Street. Barkhor Street is the famous pilgrim route and the busiest commercial street in Lhasa, which preserves the traditional appearance and living style of the ancient city more completely.

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: in Lhasa

13. Day 13: Lhasa Tour
    Discover Art Treasures in Drepung & Sutra Debates in Sera

    Today's Lhasa tour takes you first to tour Norbulingka Park, located in the western suburbs of Lhasa. It is the summer palace of successive Dalai Lamas and is the largest and most monumental of the man-made gardens in Tibet. Next you are transferred to Drepung Monastery. The monastery complex is magnificent, with white houses and red halls lining the mountainside. Drepung Monastery is surrounded by mountains on three sides, facing the Lhasa River and the flat river, like a white mountain city. Entering the interior of the temple you will appreciate the exquisite carvings, solemn statues of Buddha, and a large number of Thangka paintings, embroidery, murals and other valuable art treasures.

    

    Sera Monastery is the last stop on your Tibet tour. Together with Drepung Monastery and Ganden Monastery, this temple is known as the three major monasteries in Lhasa and is the latest of the three to be built. Here you will witness one of the most famous sutra debates in Tibet. Sera Monastery is also home to many ancient murals and tens of thousands of Vajra statues, both locally made and a few brought from India.

    In the evening, you are recommended to capture the night view of the Potala Palace.

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: in Lhasa

14. Day 14: Lhasa to Xian Tour by Flight

    Spend a leisurely morning at your hotel, with a relaxing breakfast. Then your driver will escort you to the airport for your flight to Xian, the Ancient Capital of Thirteen Dynasties. Upon arrival, the local drivers will be waiting to greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Take some time to rest and the evening is yours to explore the city at your own pace.

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: in Xi'an

15. Day 15: Xian Tour
    Explore the Life-size Underground Army of Clay Warriors Dating Back Over 2000 Years

    This morning you will take an inspiring tour of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses. The Terracotta Warriors, known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World", have been visited by more than 200 foreign heads of state and government. You will be guided through Pits 1, 2 and 3 of the Terracotta Army, where you will see life-sized warriors, and many horses and chariots. There is no doubt that the Terracotta Warriors and Horses is a golden calling card of China's glorious ancient civilization.

    

    After lunch, return to the city to visit the Bell and Drum Tower Square, which is located at the intersection of four main streets, East, West, South and North. On the east side of the square stands the Bell Tower, which is more than 600 years old, and on the west side stands the largest Drum Tower in the country. The Bell Tower is the landmark of Xi'an, and you will learn the story behind it from your knowledgeable guide. Then walk for ten minutes to visit the Great Mosque. With its majestic architecture, tranquil environment and grand scale, it is one of the best-preserved Islamic temples in China. After that, wander around Muslim Quarter to find some of the most authentic local snacks in Xi'an, such as Biangbiang noodles, Mutton and Bread Pieces in Soup, Ice Peak, Roujiamo and so on.

    

    Last, go to the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever-bright City, which is adjacent to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. It is like a time travel when you stroll among the many Tang Dynasty style buildings.

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: in Xi'an

16. Day 16: Xian to Beijing Tour by High-speed Train
    Dig into Profound Historic Heritages of the Ancient City

    After breakfast, you will go on a historical exploration tour of Xi'an. First we visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, another city landmark of Xi'an. This pagoda is about 65 meters high and was built in 652 A.D. (Tang Dynasty) to store Buddhist scriptures brought back from India by Xuanzang. You can choose to climb the pagoda (additional charge) to enjoy the panoramic view of Xi'an.

    After that, transfer you to Shaanxi History Museum, one of the top museums in China. The collection of artifacts ranges from simple stone tools used by ancient mankind to various types of artifacts used in social life before 1840, spanning over a million years. All kinds of exhibits will amaze you.

    

    After lunch, your guide will take you up the Ancient City Wall of Xi'an, the largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China. Here, you can choose to ride a bicycle (extra charge). Later in the afternoon, you will be escorted on the high-speed train to Beijing, which takes about 5.5 hours. Upon arrival in Beijing, a local driver will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: in Beijing

17. Day 17: Beijing Tour
    Admire the Magnificent Imperial Buildings from Hundreds of Years Ago

    This is the last city of your 19-day private China tour. After breakfast, start your Beijing tour at Tian'anmen Square, the heart and symbol of Beijing and the largest city square in the world. The spacious square has been used for many public celebrations, ceremonies, and demonstrations for over a hundred years. Next, you will be guided to walk to the Forbidden City, one of the largest and most completely preserved palace complexes built of wood. It functioned as the imperial palace in the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1912). 24 emperors of the two dynasties once lived here.

    

    In the afternoon, you will visit the Summer Palace, China's royal garden during the Qing Dynasty. Based on Kunming Lake and Wanshou Hill (Longevity Hill), and modeled after the scenery of West Lake in Hangzhou, the Summer Palace is one of the best-preserved imperial gardens, and is known as the Royal Garden Museum. Immerse yourself in the harmonious blend of nature and architecture.

    In the evening, you have the option of watching a Chinese Kung Fu Show where skilled performers demonstrate martial arts techniques and acrobatics (extra charge).

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: in Beijing

18. Day 18: Beijing Great Wall Tour
    Enjoy a Great Wall Hiking Tour on Mutianyu

    Today, you will be transferred to enjoy a Great Wall hiking tour on Mutianyu Section. Built in the early Ming Dynasty in 1368 and stretching for 5,400 meters, it is the most scenic part of the Chinese Great Wall. 90 percent of the Mutianyu is covered by vegetation. So in each season, this part of the Great Wall will treat visitors with its unique scenery.

    If pure hiking is too much for you, there are also options for cable car and toboggan to see the spectacular scenery from different angles (optional).

    

    After lunch, transfer to the Ming Tomb. On the way to the Ming Tomb, you will pass through the Sacred Way. The Ming Tomb is the place where 13 emperors of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) were buried. On the way back to the downtown center, we will visit the Bird's Nest and Water Cube which were built for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Walk around the outside of the building to appreciate the unique design and take some pictures.

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: in Beijing

19. Day 19: Departure from Beijing
    Embrace Beijing's Imperial Past and Traditional Living Spaces

    After breakfast, you will be taken to visit the Temple of Heaven, the special altar for the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties to offer sacrifices to the heavens, ask for rain and pray for a good year. The entire Temple of Heaven is divided into two parts, the Inner Altar and the Outer Altar. Our tour will mainly focus on the Inner Altar, where you will visit the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest and the Echo Wall building.

    After that, we head to Beijing Hutong. Enjoying the rickshaw riding through narrow alleys will be your memorable experience. You can learn about the daily life of Beijing people by visiting a local family.

    

    Say goodbye to Beijing and this is the end of your 19-day China tour. Your tour guide will then escort you to catch your flight or train to your next destination or home. So many thanks to you for choosing your China trip with us. Safe travels!

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: N/A