15 days China impression tour to Hong Kong

Welcome to Beijing, the capital city of China and the start of your 8 city tour. Beijing is well respected as an ancient city that is rich with key historical events, contributed significantly to the cultural and economic growth of China along with countless scenic spots. Upon arrival in Beijing, your local guide will greet you at the airport and help you settle in at the hotel. The rest of today is yours to take a break or just walk around the city. 

Please read through this and our other tours and know that this and any tour can be tailor-made to suit your needs and budget.

Today focus on the long and meaning history of imperial China and the last emperor that ever occupied the Forbidden City. Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world, over 100 years ago it was the home to 1,000's of concubines, advisors, and servants to the Chinese royal family. 

Proceed north as dignitaries would and cross 1 of the 7 bridges into the magnificent Forbidden City, as your Beijing guide will explain each bridge and gate had a unique audience they were built for. Don't think you get the center gate. This imperial palace complex was home to 24 Chinese emperors who lived during Ming and Qing Dynasties. As a result of the being the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures, the Forbidden City was declared a UNESCO site in 1987. Pay attention to all the small details within this masterpiece, none of them are by coincidence. 

In the afternoon, visiting Summer Palace, located about 20 km. (12 mi.) northwest of Beijing City and is mixed in now with the massive capital. It is one of the four classic gardens, as well as a World Heritage Site of China. The main features of the Summer Palace include Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, both massive features created by human hands. The Summer Palace like most palaces in China is divided into three parts that include: Living quarters for the royal family and staff, Grand meeting rooms for political affairs, and religious buildings.

In the evening you may choose to have a Roasted Duck dinner at one of good restaurants in Beijing or enjoy a Kongfu show (fee is on your own).

Today you will go to the unparalleled Great Wall, there truly is nothing else like it in the world. As a Chinese saying goes, "He who has not climbed the Great Wall is not a true man", and the Great Wall is a sight not to be missed.

After breakfast, take a 2.5 hours' drive to the Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall, whereupon walking up or riding the cable car you will enjoy 2 to 3 hours to wander along the wall. No matter if a clear summer day, leaves or autumn or snow of winter witnessing the breathtaking scenery of the wall as it winds across the terrain is an amazing emotional experience.

In the afternoon, as driving back to Beijing stop at the Ming Tombs, the final resting place of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty. You will be intoxicated by the fascinating designs, detailed constructions and careful selection of building materials. You will visit Changling, which is regarded as the largest and best preserved of all 13 tombs. 

Then on your way back to Beijing, You may also have a stop at the iconic Olympic Green and take a glimpse of the Bird's Nest and Water Cube. 

Start tour today by heading to the Temple of Heaven and take a visit in the holy imperial temple where emperors once prayed for a good harvest and offer sacrifices to the God of Heaven every winter solstice. Temple of Heaven is well known for its unique and magnificent triple-gabled circular temples. 

After lunch, head to Shichahai Area of West City to explore the Hutong culture of old Beijing. While riding around the alleyways of Shichahai in a rickshaw your guide will tell you the interesting culture and history of old Beijing. Then drives to the train station and take the high-speed train to Xi'an.

The Terracotta Warriors and Horses is another must-see attraction in China, it is also considered to be the eighth wonder in the world. After breakfast, take a short 30 minutes to drive to the Terracotta Warriors which is located in the northeast of Xi'an. It's a form of funerary art buried with Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor in China. Take a glimpse of the three pits with more than 10,000 lively clay warriors and horses, which was used to protect the emperor's mausoleum and help him rule in the afterlife. 

Afternoon head back to Xi'an downtown and take a walk along the Xi'an City Wall, which is the largest and best-preserved city wall in China. The existing part of the city wall was built in 1370 during the Ming Dynasty, which is 12 m. (40 ft.) high, up to 18 m. (60 ft.) thick at the base. Now that is a wall!  The wall forms a perimeter over 14 km. (9 mi.) in length. You can choose to explore the wall on foot or rent a bicycle. Afterwards pay a visit to Shuyuan Men cultural street, where you will find a lot Chinese traditional arts and crafts. 

Last stop of today will be Muslim Quarter and Great Mosque where is the center of Chinese Muslim culture in Xi'an. It is also a great place to try some local streets snacks. 

Today you will start a visit to the largest state museum in China, the Shaanxi History Museum, which houses over 300,000 items, including murals, paintings, pottery, coins, bronze, gold, well you get the idea. Don't expect to see it all but we will certainly show you the best. In addition, be impressed by the museums' architecture built in traditional Tang Dynasty style.

After lunch, drive back to Xi'an and take a visit to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, which was built to hold the Buddhist sutras brought back from Indian during Tang Dynasty. The pagoda currently stands at a height of 64 m. (210 ft.) tall and from the top it offers panoramic views over modern day Xi'an.

Afterwards airport drop and take the flight to Shanghai. 

Today you will visit several iconic attractions in Shanghai. First in the morning, head to Yu Garden, a famous and ancient garden which was founded during the Ming Dynasty by a rich government officer. Next door to Yu Garden is a lively market where you can see many antiques and souvenirs for sale. 

Your next sightseeing stop is the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, a museum where you will learn about the scale plan of future Shanghai. Then head to Shanghai World Financial center and take a glimpse of the third tallest building in the world. Afterward, take a walk along Nanjing Road and witness the breathtaking scenery of the Bund. 

In the evening, enjoy an optional Shanghai acrobatic show, and then return to your hotel.

In the morning, drive to Suzhou, a city which was declared as one of the most beautiful in China by Marco Polo. Your first attraction in Suzhou is the Humble Administrator's Garden. It is considered to be the largest and most impressive of all gardens in Southern China. There's also a small museum that explains Chinese landscape gardening concepts.

Afterward, take a cruise on the Grand Canal, the longest artificial river in the world. Then visit your second classical garden of Suzhou with at the Lingering Garden located about 3 km. (2 mi.) west of the city. Along with the Humble Administrator's Garden, this ancient garden was also recorded by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. If time is allowed, pay a visit to Silk factory for some good silk products. 

After breakfast, head to another garden in Suzhou, Garden of the Master of Nets. It probably is the smallest garden in Suzhou, however, the layout of the garden is quite fascinating and metaphysical. The garden demonstrates Chinese garden designers' adept skills for synthesizing art, nature, and architecture.

Afterward, drive to 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 this ancient town. Late afternoon, drive back to Suzhou for the high-speed train to Hangzhou. 

Start your day tour in Hangzhou by visiting Linyin temple and experience its 1,600 years' background. In the quiet and peaceful atmosphere, you will easily relax and forget all your worries. Along the way, you may feel the urge to try some of Hangzhou's local cuisine, and we encourage you too!
Arrive at Hangzhou's top attraction West Lake after a short 10 minutes drive. This elegant and enchanting attraction, was best described by a Song Dynasty poet Su Shi. He compared Hangzhou's West Lake to the most beautiful women in China, so please do not get lost in the  intoxicating scenery.
Nearby West Lake is the famous Six Harmonies Pagoda. First built in the hopes of calming the Qiangtang River, after failing to meet that objective it has stood the test of time as a masterpiece of Chinese architecture. Upon reaching the top of the tower, you can watch the awe-inspiring Qiantang River.
Fly to Guilin in the late afternoon. 

In the morning, drive to the dock in Guilin and enjoy a pleasant cruise along Li River to Yangshuo. This section of the river was chosen for its' natural beauty and appearance as a Chinese classical ink painting with lush green hills, crystal clear water and vibrant bamboo forests. All reflected in the river as you slowly float down the river. 

As the 4-hour trip passes you buy to keep your camera in hand along with your eyes and ears open. Learn about the stunning Karst landscape and the legends behind each and every peak. The blue sky and peaceful environment will make you wish the cruise would never end. 

Upon arrival at Yangshuo, enjoy a 2 to 3 hours bicycle ride into the countryside of Yangshuo. Including a visit to a local farmer's house to see the local life of Chinese peasants. If you prefer not to ride a bicycle, just let us know and 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 hiking about 1-2 hours along the Yulong River to enjoy the nice countryside views. Finally return to Yangshuo your hotel for rest.

Morning hotel pick up and drive about 40 minutes to visit Xianggong hill(Husband Mountain), it takes about 15 minutes 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 drive to Guilin train station for the high-speed train to Hongkong. Once arrived in Hong Kong be picked up and drive to hotel. Have the rest of the day to explore. You will have your selection of which island you stay at and a WindhorseTour Travel Advisor will assist in the selection. You can easily ask your local guide for suggestions on where to go and what to see.

After breakfast, head to the Victoria Peak, the highest mountain on Hong Kong Island, to enjoy a panoramic view of the city below. Then drive to Repulse Bay on the south coast of Hong Kong island, a picturesque residential area.

Next venture to lively Stanley Market, which is a traditional old open-air market in Hong Kong, jammed with many little shops selling Chinese souvenirs, clothing, toys, paintings almost anything you want. Last stop of the morning and a great place to have lunch is Aberdeen Fish Village.

In the afternoon, have half a day free to explore Hong Kong, go shopping or just walk around the city.

Drive to the airport ready for your departure, the Hong Kong airport is one of the largest airport hubs in Asia and can easily help you reach any destination. Wish you have a pleasant journey home.