14 days China discovery tour with Li River cruise

Start your six city tour with 4 fun full filled days in Beijing. This tour begins with you being warmly greeted as with our local guide as you arrive in Beijing. Get settled into your hotel and spend the rest of the day to relax and adjust on your arrival China. If feeling more adventurous go out for a short exploration around this capital city. Your guide will be pleased to give advise on where to go or what to do your first night in Beijing.

In the morning, head to Tiananmen Square, which is considered to be the biggest public square in the world. The square also has great culture significant to Chinese people as it was the site of several important events in Chinese history. 

Continue the visit to the Forbidden City, a royal palace complex served as the dwelling of 24 Ming and Qing emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese for almost 500 years. In 1987, it was declared a World Heritage Site and listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.

Another worthwhile destination in the morning is Jingshan Park, behind the Forbidden City. Climb to the top for a magnificent panorama view of this capital city and princely views over the russet roofing of Forbidden City.  

Then head to visit the Summer Palace, which was used to be a playground for the imperial court during the Qing Dynasty. Now it's one of the four classic gardens, as well as a World  Heritage Site. Surrounded by Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake, the Summer Palace presents a natural landscape which combines the hills and open water with artificial features such as pavilions, palaces, halls and bridges into a harmony ensemble.
In the evening you can choose to enjoy the famous Roasted Duck dinner at one of the top restaurants or watch the Kongfu show (fee is on your own). 

Today you are going to visit Mutianyu Great Wall in the morning and explore Beijing Hutong culture in the afternoon, both of them are regarded as the symbols of Beijing. After breakfast, take a 2.5 hours' drive to the Great Wall (Mutianyu section) which is located in northeast of Beijing. Have 2 to 3 hours to walk along the wall. The forest-coverage rate in Mutianyu is over 90 percent, so the surroundings here is breathtaking and magnificent. Cable car is also available if you don't like walking.

In the afternoon,  drive back to Beijing and continue exploring Beijing Hutong culture by visiting Beiluoguoxiang in the East City. While wandering around the ancient alleyways, your guide will tell you about the interesting history, rich culture and layout of Hutong in old Beijing.

Morning head to visit in the Temple of Heaven in the southeastern part of central Beijing. It's a complex of religious building which was visited by the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer to Heaven for good harvest. Now the magnificent triple-gabled circular temple has already been a great landmark of Beijing.

Then take a 4 hours' high speed train ride to Pingyao, a famous ancient county in China. The rest of today is freely explore Pingyao on your own.

In the morning, take a walk around Pingyao ancient city, which is possibly the best-preserved ancient walled city in China. The layout of the city still retains from Ming and Qing Dynasties, conforming to a typical Chinese Bagua pattern made up of 8 sides. More than 300 sites in or near the city have ancient ruins, and the streets and storefronts still largely retain their historical appearance. 

While wandering in Pingyao ancient city, take a visit to Rishengchang Exchange Shop, which was founded during the Qing Dynasty, this exchange shop is considered to be the first draft bank in China's history. Then take a walk along Ming-Qing Street to explore the Ming-Qing culture in Pingyao ancient city. The last but not least attraction in today's tour is Pingyao Ancient Government Office. Here you will see tax offices, a court, prison, an opera stage, and the imposing Confucian Temple.

After breakfast, drive to the Wang Family Compound, which is a masterpiece of Oriental domestic architecture complex built during Qing dynasty. After taking in the history and snapping several photos drive to Shuanglin Temple, an ancient temple contains rare Song and Yuan painted statues. The interiors of the Sakyamuni Hall and the surrounding buildings which are particularly exquisite.

In the afternoon, return to Pingyao to take the bullet train to Xi'an, a journey that will take about 3 hours. To be transferred to the hotel to check-in for rest.

After breakfast, drive about 20 minutes into the Xi'an countryside to visit the Terracotta Warriors and Horses. Internationally known as the eighth wonder in the world, this attraction is a must-see in China. So far, more than 10,000 clay warriors, horses and chariots have been excavated showing the grand funerary art buried with China's first emperor.

Afterward, drive back to Xi'an city and take a visit to Big Wild Goose Pagoda, which is considered to be the landmark of Xi'an city. The pagoda is 64 m. (210 ft.) tall and from the top it offers fantastic views over the entire city of Xi'an. Following you will go over to the Great Mosque to explore the Chinese Muslim culture in Xi'an. The temple is a charming blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture. It is also a great place to try local street snack food. 

In the morning, take a visit to Shaanxi History Museum, one of the largest state museums in China. While viewing more than 300,000 exhibitions in the museum, you will be astonished by the glorious and abundant history of China. 

Afterwards, head to Xi'an City Wall, which is regarded as one of the largest and best preserved city walls in China. It is a pleasant experience to walk or cycle along the walls 14 km. (4.7 mi.) perimeter. Then walk though Shuyuan Men, an ancient street which captures the lifestyle during the Tang Dynasty. You can taste some local snacks or buy some souvenirs here.

In the afternoon, drive to the airport for the flight to Guilin.

Meet your guide after breakfast and depart for Longsheng, drive along country roads as you reach the home of Yao minority in Guangxi about 100 km. (62 mi.) north of Guilin. Longsheng is famous for its Dazhai Jinkeng Rice Terraces, compared with popular Dragon Rice Terraces this less visited spot is higher and our past clients express thy enjoy the view more.

The magnificent terraces are everywhere covering an area of 22 sq. km. (25 sq. mi.) and climb from the lowest at 300 m. (980 ft.) up to 1,100 m (6,600 ft.) above sea level. Making one of the most picturesque place in the world. Learn about the history, unique culture and lifestyle for one of China's 55 ethnic minorities. Late in the afternoon, drive back to Guilin to end this magical journey and prepare for the next day.

After breakfast, have a fascinating Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo. The whole cruise are divided into three sections and will take about 4 hours, the first part is from Guilin to Ox Gorge; the second part from Ox Gorge to Water-Dropping Village and the third part from Water-Dropping Village to Yangshuo. 

Many consider the middle section to be the best  and includes some top attractions including Yearning-for-Husband's-Return Rock, Half-Side Ferry, Mural Hill, Xingping Town and more. Mural Hill, is a rock formation of cliffs that appear in several different shades of colors. As a result of different water levels and changes over time the cliff's face now clearly presents a huge painting of nine galloping horses.

After enjoy lunch on the ship and arriving in Yangshuo, have a two to three hours bicycle ride into the countryside of Yangshuo, and experience the real local life of Chinese peasants. If you don't like riding a bicycle, we can prepare an alternative for you.

Morning your local guide will meet you at your hotel and take you to the 600 year old stone arch bridge - Dragon Bridge at the upper reaches of Yulong River, enjoy the beautiful peaceful countryside views of the surrounding. Then take a relaxing 1.5 hours bamboo raft ride on the Yulong River from Dragon Bridge to Jiuxian old village, enjoy the stunning views along Yulong River including the bamboo groves, rice paddies, fruit orchards, little villages and farmlands. Have lunch at Jiuxian Secret garden.
Afternoon drive about 40 minutes to visit Xianggong hill(Husband Mountain), it takes about 15 minutes walk up to the top of the hill where you will be amazed by the breathtaking view of Li River and the surrounded Karst mountain peaks. Then head to Guilin airport and fly to Shanghai. Upon arrival check in the hotel with the assistance of your local guide.

This morning, enjoy a sightseeing in Yu Garden, a peaceful and comfortable place in the center of bustling Shanghai. The garden was built during Ming Dynasty by a rich government officer, and the pavilions, ponds and cloisters all retain their historical appearance and have unique characteristics. Next to the garden there is a market, you can find many antiques and souvenirs for selling there. 

Afterwards, head to Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, a museum where you can learn about the scale plan of future Shanghai. Then head to Shanghai World Financial center and take a glimpse of the so-called one of the tallest building in world. After that, walk along Nanjing Road and witness the breathtaking scenery of the Bund. 

In the evening, optional tour to cruise along the Huangpu River to see the beautiful night scene of Shanghai or the Shanghai Acrobatics show (fee is on your own).

After breakfast, drive to visit Tongli water town, an ancient town which has over 1,000 years' history. The town is famous for a system of canals and featured by water, bridges and ancient architectures. Taking a cruise on the canals for witnessing the breathtaking scenery of Tongli will be arranged. Walking on the small alleys to discover the charms of this ancient town. Return to Shanghai in the afternoon, the rest of today is flexible for yours to free explore this city, go shopping or just walk around to get a better understanding of the city. 

We are sorry to see you go, but are certain the trip will be an amazing memory for years to come. We will help drive to the airport and be ready for your departure. Wish you have a pleasant journey home, and WindhorseTour is happily to assist you in extending your tour in China.