Discover China (trip)

Discover China

  • Beijing Airport, China
  • Active & Adventure
China, Asia

from $8,880* per person10 DaysYear-round
Luxury accommodations Exertion level: 3
Operator: Artisans of Leisure 12 people max
China’s most popular destinations are the focus of this classic "highlights of China" tour. Begin with in-depth private touring of Beijing, China’s centuries-old capital. Tour imperial masterpieces such as the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace. Travel by rickshaw down the narrow hutongs (lanes) of a traditional residential neighborhood. See lesser-known temples, and venture to a little-visited hilltop for panoramic views over the rooftops of the Forbidden City. Dine on traditional specialties at favorite family-run restaurants, and enjoy reservations at private clubs and Beijing’s most acclaimed restaurants. Visit markets specializing in pearls, silk, food and furniture, and, if desired, explore new art gallery districts that showcase the city’s burgeoning contemporary art scene. One day, take an excursion to a stunning section of the Great Wall, with an optional stop for lunch at Commune by the Great Wall.

Fly to the ancient capital of Xian, a major stop on the Silk Road. See the famed Terracotta Warriors and the massive city walls. Explore a local night market and the lively streets of the Muslim Quarter. Dine on dumplings, a local specialty. Visit the important Big and Small Goose Pagodas. Tour the impressive Shaanxi Provincial History Museum and the Forest of Stelae, a fascinating library of tall stone tablets.

Next, fly to Guilin, home to some of China's most breathtaking scenery. Cruise the Li River to Yangshuo— China’s most beautiful river journey—passing through a storied landscape of limestone peaks and rice paddies. From Yangshuo, take a motorized rickshaw tour along the backroads of this picturesque region, exploring local villages with your private guide and driver.

Conclude in Shanghai and experience the unbridled energy of China’s most stylish and modern city. During private touring, learn about Shanghai’s history through the architecture of the Bund, the French Concession, Pudong and other districts. Tour some of China’s best museums, including the Shanghai Museum. Your guide will also take you to Shanghai’s old town to sample dumplings and sweets, and have tea at the city’s oldest teahouse. Also visit up-and-coming neighborhoods filled with art galleries, design shops and stylish new restaurants. One day, take an excursion to Suzhou or another nearby water town to cruise canals lined with Ming Dynasty homes, and tour private gardens that we’ve chosen as our favorites.

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Locations visited/nearby

China, Asia

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3 testimonials about the provider, Artisans of Leisure:

  • Reviewer: L.A located in Los Angeles CA
    My Spain trip was perfect. Where to begin? I loved it all. Everything totally exceeded my expectations (which were considerable!).
  • Reviewer: S.D located in New York NY
    Our honeymoon in South Africa and Mauritius was incredible! Thank you for putting together the trip of our dreams. We loved the lodges and hotels and the rooms you selected in each place. We were treated like royalty! The activities you planned were amazing and we really enjoyed being with each of the guides. We are telling everyone we know to travel with Artisans of Leisure! Thank you!
  • Reviewer: L.L. located in Toronto Canada
    Japan was wonderful! Everything ran smoothly and we adored our guide.

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Special information

  • This is a custom departure, meaning this trip is offered on dates that you arrange privately with the provider. Additionally, you need to form your own private group for this trip. The itinerary and price here is just a sample. Contact the provider for detailed pricing, minimum group size, and scheduling information. For most providers, the larger the group you are traveling with, the lower the per-person cost will be.

Itinerary

Day 1      Arrive Beijing
Arrival transfer to hotel
Day 2     Beijing
Full-day private Beijing tour
Day 3     Beijing & Great Wall
Private tour to remote, original section of the Great Wall
Day 4     Beijing
Full-day private Beijing tour
Day 5     Beijing - Xian
Morning transfer and flight to Xian. Visit Terracotta Warriors and other attractions in Xian
Day 6     Xian - Guilin
Morning private touring in Xian. Mid-day transfer and flight to Guilin
Day 7     Guilin & Yangshuo
Li River cruise to Yangshuo. Afternoon private tour of Yangshuo villages
Day 8     Guilin - Shanghai
Transfer and flight to Shanghai for two-night stay. Afternoon private Shanghai tour
Day 9     Shanghai
Private full-day touring in Shanghai, or optional excursion to Suzhou or Zhujiajiao
Day 10     Depart Shanghai
Airport transfer

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