15 Days Tour to the Top Tourism Cities

Day 1

Arrival Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, the Capital city of China. Be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Free at leisure for the rest of the day.
Meals: No meals
Accommodation: In Beijing

Beijing, China's capital and one of the great travel destinations of the World, offers sights and cultural relics found no where else on Earth. The city has a character all its own; there are quadrangles, small alleys, tricycle, boiled mutton, roasted duck, arts and crafts, Peking Opera, The Great Wall, the 2008 Olympics venue and a vibrancy that is the distinctive flavor of Beijing.
 

Day 2

Beijing
Depart from your hotel in the morning to visit Tian'anmen Square, the World's largest urban square and the Forbidden City, the largest and most complete ancient imperial palace in the world. Then visit the Temple of Heaven in the afternoon. Peking Opera is available for your optional night entertainment.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Beijing

As the biggest city center square in the world, Tian’anmen Square covering 44 hectares in the heart of Beijing. It is the place where history-changing events and ceremonies occurred. A few steps away, come to visit the Forbidden City, which was the Imperial Palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing Dynasties and, it is one of the largest, and certainly the most completely restored, ancient architectural complex in the world. Walk in the footsteps of Emperors; come to the museum and see with your eyes, and feel with your hearts; you’ll begin understand what life in this richest of feudal realms was like for the Imperial Rulers, their concubines and their slaves.

After enjoying a delicious lunch, continue on to the Temple of Heaven. Departing from the Imperial vermilion and gold hues of the Forbidden City, The Temple of Heaven is decorated in blue, the color of the Heavens. The perfect harmony between the architectural environment and nature can be felt here; you might easily imagine the vivid spectacle of a great sacrifice to the Heavens for a good harvest. The magnificent Hall of Prayer of Good Harvest is one of the most important and impressive building in China.

In the evening, we offer you an opportunity to enjoy Peking Opera. Expert performers convey powerful emotions to the audience through song, dance, facial make-up, exquisite masks and costume, skilled use of body language and sympathetically integrated musical accompaniment.  
 

Day 3

Beijing
In the morning, take a driving for 75km to visit the Great Wall (Badaling Section) first, then Ming Tombs (Changling Tomb), the once lavish burial chambers of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty.  Peking Roasted Duck is available for your optional dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Beijing

Just 75km North-west of Beijing, along a smooth and comfortable highway is the Badaling Great Wall, which is one of the best-preserved and most accessible sections. The Great Wall is an internationally admired structure, symbolic of the cruelty of the ancient rulers, and the stoicism and determination of the Chinese people. The construction of the Great Wall began in the 5th century BC.

Then, you will have chance to visit the Ming Tombs which located in the northern suburbs of Beijing. Altogether there are thirteen tombs of Ming Dynasty Emperors from the period after the capital was moved from Nanjing to Beijing. You’ll visit the Changling Tomb, burial site of Emperor Yong Le, the biggest and first built at this historic site. The Lingsi Palace in Changling Tomb's second yard really deserves a visit. This is unique, a magnificent palace made of camphor wood. The ceiling is colorfully painted and supported by sixteen solid camphor posts. The floor is decorated with gold bricks. 

For today’s optional dinner, how about taste the famous Peking Roasted Duck, as it is the best-known dish in Beijing. It is very tender and unforgettably delicious. You’ll visit a local restaurant to enjoy a full meal and learn the proper way to experience Peking Roasted Duck. From the whole roasted duck to the soup of duck bones, you'll enjoy a banquet made from every part of the duck. Moreover, the chef will demonstrate his skill of cutting the skin of the duck for your entertainment. 
 

Day 4

Beijing    Xian
In the morning, take a Hutong Tour by rickshaw to visit the ancient lanes and alleyways of Beijing. After lunch, be transferred to the airport for the flight to Xian in the afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Xian

If exploring the Forbidden City has improved your understanding of the lifestyles of China’s ancient Imperial Court, then this relaxing Hutong Tour will give you an insight into the lives of ordinary Chinese people and reveal their social culture in today's Beijing City. The narrow streets of old Beijing are known as Hutongs. You’ll take a pedicab tour along the Hutongs and see the 100-year-old houses, courtyards and a vanishing way of life in today’s Beijing.

Wonderful time always passes so quickly, in the afternoon, you have to take a flight to Xian, the city that steeped in history and still giving up secrets, is your gateway to ancient Chinese civilization. In its 3,100 recorded years of evolution, it has been home to 13 dynasties. Xian was also the end of civilization for those setting out on the famous Silk Road. Today's Xian is a vibrant, modern city, but surrounded by history, even underfoot! So there can be no underground railways due to the obligation to preserve the wealth of ancient treasure still awaiting discovery. 
 

Day 5

Xian
Enjoy your full day visit to the Qin Terracotta Army, one of the world's most important archaeological finds, with troops, horses and carriages in battle formation and the massive City Wall. After that, you can take a nice walk in the North Square to view the time-honored Big Wild Goose Pagoda. There is also the option to attend fantastic Tang Dynasty Show (dinner included).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Xian

As an ancient capital city to 13 dynasties, Xian has a rich recorded history, frequently enhanced by the evidence of new discoveries, like the 1974 unearthing of the fabulous Qin Terracotta Army, the long forgotten army created to guard Emperor Qin Shihuang's tomb. In accordance with ancient beliefs, this grand project was mounted at enormous cost by the cruel and tyrannical Emperor, only to be attacked, plundered, burnt and buried after his funeral by the peasants who’d labored under the whip to build it.  Then, over two thousand years later, this “Eighth Wonder of the World” was rediscovered by farmers digging a well. The fine troops, horses and carriages in battle formation are a National ancient art treasure. Three excavation pits are now opened to the public and a fourth is nearing completion.  You can, like US President Clinton, now gaze in wonder upon this historic site, listed by UNESCO in 1987 as a world cultural heritage.

The first landmark visitors will encounter in Xian is the ancient City Wall, which stretches round the old city. Xi'an was always a walled city, and today’s wall represents one of the oldest and best preserved Chinese city walls, as well being one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world.  The first city wall of Chang'an was begun in 194 BCE.  The existing wall was started during the Ming Dynasty in 1370; it is massive, measuring 13.7 km in circumference, 12 m in height, and 15–18 m in thickness at the base. The South Gate and North Gate are the two main entrances to the inner city. The city itself is neatly arranged along the city wall.  This impressive structure is just a precursor to the remarkable discoveries awaiting visitors to Xian. 

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda was built in 652 during the Tang Dynasty and originally had five stories, although the structure was rebuilt in 704 during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian and its exterior brick facade renovated during the Ming Dynasty. One of the pagoda's many functions was to hold sutras and figurines of the Buddha that were brought to China from India by the Buddhist translator and travelers Xuanzang. Now this well-preserved holy place for Buddhist has been the symbol of Xian. 

Tang Dynasty Show with Dinner that was created for “emperors only” in ancient China. You'll enjoy the sumptuous dinner while watching a fabulous dancing and singing performance of the Tang Dynasty. This is not only a performance of Chinese traditional dancing and singing, but a re-enactment of Chinese ancient ceremony and culture.
 

Day 6

Xian    Lhasa
Enjoy your own free time and get ready for your Lhasa tour. You will be then transferred to the airport to board a short flight to Lhasa, capital of the Tibetan Autonomous Region.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Lhasa

Lhasa is the capital of Tibet. Located at the foot of Mt. Gephel, Lhasa’s altitude is 3,490 m and the air contains only 68% of oxygen compared to sea level. Traditionally, Lhasa is the seat of the Dalai Lama, and the location of the Potala Palace and Norbulingka Palace. In Tibetan Buddhism the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa is regarded as the holiest centre in Tibet.
 

Day 7

Lhasa
Taking a visit to Lhasa, a trip to Potala Palace is a must. It’s the largest monastery of its type in the world and official home to Dalai Lama, and, is the highest elevation palace of the world, which the altitude is up to 3700 meters. Then move to Jokang Monastery, where monks receive their official training and education. The surrounding Jokang Monastery of is Barkhor Street. Walk along this street of eight corners which will afford us a window into Tibetan culture and an opportunity to buy colorful ethnic handicrafts rarely seen outside of Tibet.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Lhasa

Tips: When you enter into a temple or monastery in Tibet, please take off your hats at the entrance to show your respects and follow the clockwise direction for visiting. No smoking, do not touch the Buddha statues, turn the Buddhism scriptures or toll the bell.

The awe-inspiring Potala Palace, perched high above much of Lhasa, is the landmark of the city. The palace which consists of the Red Palace, the White Palace and some attached buildings was a complex of political and religious function. Now it is a huge treasure house for materials and articles of Tibetan history, religion, culture and arts.

Located at the center of the old Lhasa, Jokhang Temple is the spiritual center of Tibet. Built in 647 by Songtsen Gampo, it has a history of more than 1,300 years. The temple is the fine product of Han, Tibetan and Nepalese architecture techniques. Visitors will be treated to the sight of various exotic and sacred sculptures. Jokhang Temple also houses many invaluable cultural relics. Every year, the Great Prayer Festival is held here. 

Then explore Barkhor Street. It is a famous commercial and commodity-distributing center in Lhasa, consisting of more than 120 handicrafts shops and more than 200 stalls. It is a good choice that should never be missed by tourists coming to Lhasa, for you can buy anything Tibet-related, from sacks of incense, chunks of yak butter to monk outfits. Barkhor is the road that pilgrims tramped out around Jokhang Temple through centuries. When walking along Barkhor Street, you should move in the clockwise direction. 
 

Day 8

Lhasa
Today, you will start your one day city tour with a visit to Tibet Museum, then be introduced to a Tibetan Family and enjoy the traditional local lunch with the members. In the afternoon, continue your tour to Sera Monastery.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Lhasa
 
The Tibet Museum houses a rich collection of prehistoric cultural relics including Buddha statues in different postures, imperial jade seals, gold albums, gifts granted by emperors, colourful tangkas, and various printed Sanskrit and Tibetan scriptures. Visitors can also see variety of folk art such as unique Tibetan handicrafts, costumes, jewellery, and adornments made of gold, silver, and jade, as well as fine Chinese pottery.

In the afternoon, the Sera Monastery will be a good choice as well. It is the last of the three principal Yellow Sect monasteries built in Lhasa. The setting itself is very beautiful with cobbled alleyways, temples and colleges. The highlight of visiting Sera Monastery will be watching monks debating inside the shady courtyard behind the main temple. Every day, hundreds of red-robed monks assemble in small groups and practice their debating skills.

Tips:
During the family visiting, if you will take a seat, please cross your legs, do not stretch your legs forward and face your sole to others.
When you are offered a cup of wine by the host, please use your ring finger to dip a little of it. Then flick it in the air to express respects to the heaven, the earth and the ancestors before sipping the wine. The host will fill the cup, and you take a sip of the wine again. After the host fills your cup for the forth time, you have to bottom it up.
 

Day 9

Lhasa    Shanghai
Enjoy your free time in the morning then be transferred to the airport for your flight heading to Shanghai.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: In Shanghai

Shanghai is a city unlike any other in China. It is the bustling economic heartbeat of China that enjoys all of the comforts and amenities of a fully modern metropolis. Shanghai today looks to regain its former position at the turn of 20th of being one of the largest financial centers in the world behind New York and London. It is a city that seamlessly blends East and West.
 

Day 10

Shanghai
Today, enjoy your full day city tour that start with the visit to the Jade Buddha Temple, then move to Yuyuan Garden, a Chinese classic garden in city downtown, and the nearby old street. Next have a bird-eye view of the city after ascending Shanghai’s new landmark- Shanghai World Financial Center in the new and fast-developing Lujiazui. In the evening, have a nice walk along the Bund, Shanghai’s famed waterfront promenade and Nanjing Road, China's No. 1 commercial street for souvenir shopping. Today if you are interested you can take an Acrobatics show as the optional activity. 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Shanghai
 
Today you'll find a Buddhism shrine - Jade Buddha Temple, which is located in a crowd of Shanghai City. It was first built in 1882 in Jiangwan on the southern outskirts of Shanghai. In order to make it convenient for the adherents to visit, it was bodily moved to Shanghai City at the present sire in 1918. It is named for its two bejeweled white jade Buddha. It receives thousands of visitors and worshipers everyday while keeps its sanctity and charming. Carved from a whole piece of white jade, the sitting jade Buddha statue is translucent with a solemn expression, displaying the excellent skill and extraordinary art of Chinese people.

Yuyuan Garden has a lot of stories for it was severely damaged in the 19th century and was restored in 1961. This garden was first built in the 16th century by provincial governor, Pan Yunduan, in honor of his father who was the then government minister. It has many scenic courtyards decorated with baroque rockery, pools, and flora that are all connected by corridors and passageways. The delicate design and exquisite layout of the whole garden reveals a strong impression of 'garden in the garden, whole in the part.

Shanghai World Financial Center is a super tall skyscraper in Pudong New Area, Shanghai. It is a mixed use skyscraper which consists of offices, hotels, conference rooms, observation decks, and shopping malls on the ground floors. On 14 September 2007 the skyscraper was topped out at 492.0 meters (1,614.2 feet) and became the second tallest building in the world; as well as the tallest structure on mainland China, including Hong Kong.

Then it comes to the Bund, the showcase with the old buildings of colonial-era leftover along Huangpu River. The renowned waterfront district is the city's most famous landmark. The word BUND is of Anglo-India origin meaning embankment on the waterfront. It is also the popular site to enjoy the night view of the city.

Shanghai offers colorful recreations with rich contents and creative form. Your night may be filled with an interactive old form of art known as the Acrobatics. Those professional performers have been trained of as early as age six or seven so that they can play so well and excellent. It definitely will be an unforgettable night in your memory.
 

Day 11

Shanghai    Guilin
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Guilin. On arrival, your local guide will meet you at the airport. Before you heading to the hotel for check-in, you can take a short stop at brilliant Reed Flute Cave for a visit.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Guilin

Guilin is world-famous for its serene landscape, Karst limestone formations, mist-covered hills and bamboo groves. It is home to more than ten ethnic groups, including Han, Zhuang, Miao, Yao, Hui and Dong. On the way from the airport to your hotel, you will see dozens of pretty hills everywhere in the city of Guilin. It is a city of hills and green trees and boasts one of the most photographed areas of China.

Reed Flute Cave is named for the special reeds, used for making flute instruments that grow near the cave entrance. The caves are a feast for the eyes. The natural beauty of a profusion of stalactites and stalagmites, stele, stone pillars, stone curtains and stone flowers creating an infinite variety of extraordinary scenes, creatively illuminated, is bound to evoke gasps of admiration. It is fitting then, that Reed Flute Cave is commonly praised as Nature’s Grand Art Palace.
 

Day 12

Guilin    Yangshuo
The highlight of today's sightseeing is a leisurely cruise down the Li River to Yangshuo. Meandering through valleys, bamboo groves and mysterious Karst rock formations, the cruise will affords you a glimpse of a life far removed from the concrete jungle. Stay overnight in Yangshuo. In the evening, if you are interested, you can enjoy the night show called Impression of Liu San Jie as an optional activity.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Yangshuo

In the morning, be driven to Pier for your Li River Cruise. A double-decker river boat is waiting for you. The landscape from Guilin to Yangshuo is truly a masterpiece of nature. The crystal waters, straight-out-of-a-painting mountains, peaceful farm fields, hard-working-but- ever-smiling fishermen and wandering water buffaloes inspire poetic musings of Guilin’s charming life. Under the blue sky, your river boat transports you in an unending daydream.

After cruising for about four and a half hours, the one-thousand-year-old Yangshuo Town comes into sight. Yangshuo is a small oriental but Western-influenced town with a history of 1000 years. The West Street in the town earns its name since almost every one in West Street can speak fluent English and every restaurant or bar offers menus in several languages. You’ll feel no borders or distance here and will soon fall under the spell of this charismatic, welcoming small-town atmosphere. Moreover, West Street is flanked by fascinating little shops and vendor stands selling a broad variety of superior quality souvenirs, perfect gifts for friends and relatives.

Some guests may also hear about the night show- Impressions of Liu Sanjie performance. The site is only one mile from West Street in the world’s largest natural theatre which utilizes the waters of the Li River as its stage, flanked by twelve mist shrouded hills and the heavens as its backdrop. Mist, rain, moonlight, the hills and their inverted reflections in the river all become the ever-changing natural background, so you will enjoy a unique experience each time you attend.
 

Day 13

Yangshuo    Guilin    Hong Kong
In the morning, you can take a biking or take bus driving around to enjoy the countryside view including the Moon Hill and the Big Banyan Tree. Be transferred back to Guilin airport after lunch then board your short flight to Hong Kong.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Hong Kong

From Yangshuo, take a short, pleasant drive to the Moon Hill, a great limestone peak with a naturally created moon-shaped cavern passing through just below its summit. If you are interested, you can make a steep climb to the upper section of Moon Hill. The landscape is stunning viewed from Moon Hill; the skyline is lined with peaks of almost equal height – resembling a jumble of giant rock traffic-cones pointing skywards.

The Big Banyan Tree is located on the west bank of Jinbao River approximately 7.5km south of Yangshuo. It is said to have a history of nearly 1,400 years and has survived centuries of wind and rain. The Big Banyan Tree is now 17 meters high, 7.1 meters around the main trunk, and spans an area of 1000 square meters. As a major tourist attraction, the enormous Banyan is famous for its age and towering beauty. It is also noted because the Chinese film ‘The legend of Liu Sanjie’ was partly shot here. The beautiful love story adds to the magic of this centuries-old tree.

Hong Kong is a bustling and vibrant destination boasting a rich blend of Chinese and European traditions. Visitors to this “Pearl of the Orient” will experience breathtaking views from Victoria Peak, the uniqueness of Aberdeen’s Floating Community, and the offerings at Stanley Market. It would be hard to find a more exiting city than Hong Kong. Set among beautiful natural surroundings it has all the benefits of a thriving and vibrant commercial center home to shopping like no place
 

Day 14

Hong Kong
In the morning, you will get start and take a city highlight tour to Victoria Peak, Aberdeen and Repulse Bay. Afterwards, you can enjoy your own exploration in this “Oriental Shopping Paradise”.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: In Hong Kong

Victoria Peak is Hong Kong’s premier visitor attraction, providing magnificent harbor and city views. You will experience the dazzling panorama of Hong Kong Island, the Victoria Harbor, the Kowloon Peninsula and hills beyond. By night, you are thrilled to the neon-light skyline. What’s more, the Peak offers visitors a multitude of fantastic entertainment, dining and shopping options.

Aberdeen is also located on the southern side of Hong Kong Island. It is home to hundreds of people living on fishing junks. The traditional lifestyle is dramatically juxtaposed against a modern high-rise community that spreads up the nearby hillsides. To get a close-up look at the Aberdeen way of life, many visitors take a sampan ride. In the evenings, any others prefer to take in the view from the floating seafood restaurant anchored there.

The wide and wave-lapped beach - Repulse Bay is popular with locals and visitors alike and great for sandy strolls early morning or at sunset when all is at peace. As well as sun, sea and sand, there are plenty of diversions nearby. The former colonial style Repulse Bay Hotel and the ornate Life Guard Club built in traditional Chinese style is all there for you to explore.
 

Day 15

Departure Hong Kong
Be transferred to the airport for the return flight or the flight to your next stop.
Meals: Breakfast

End Service