12-Day Essence of China: From Hong Kong to Beijing

Take your time to enjoy a relaxed morning before heading to the railway station for a high-speed train ride to Guilin.

After a journey of 3.5 hours, you'll be greeted by your new guide who will accompany you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax, settle into your accommodation, and soak in the beautiful scenery.

Today, immerse yourself in a captivating Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, where you'll encounter stunning landscapes of clear waters, picturesque karst hills, green rice fields, and charming rural villages. Upon reaching Yangshuo, typically around 1:30 pm to 2 pm (depending on water conditions), take a leisurely stroll along the lively West Street. Later, you'll be privately transferred to your hotel in Yangshuo, where you can spend the rest of the day at your own pace.

Today, you'll get a taste of local life and the peaceful countryside of Yangshuo. Begin with a fun cooking class where you'll learn to make traditional dishes using fresh ingredients. Then, enjoy the meal you've prepared for lunch.

Afterwards, take in the beautiful scenery of the countryside. Explore wide-open farmlands, visit the quaint Jiuxian Ancient Village, and take a walk along the scenic Yulong River.

After breakfast, you will go back to Guilin and visit the Reed Flute Cave. Inside, you will see amazing limestone formations lit up by colorful lights, showing off the unique Karst landscape. Then, head to Guilin airport for our flight to Xi'an.

When you arrive, your guide will meet you at the airport and take you to the historic city center of Xi'an. You will check into your hotel and have the rest of the day free to relax and explore on our own.

Today, get ready to discover the famous Terracotta Army, a fascinating collection of life-sized clay soldiers dating back 2,000 years. Learn about their history and the story of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China. Afterward, explore the vibrant Muslim Quarter in the city center and treat yourself to a variety of delicious Muslim street foods.

After breakfast, journey to Gao's Grand Courtyard, a beautifully preserved mansion showcasing the lifestyle of Chinese aristocrats from centuries past. Have a captivating calligraphy lesson, where you'll learn the art of brushwork and create your own pieces.

Then, it's off to Beijing on a high-speed train. Once you arrive, your guide will be there to take you to your hotel.

Begin your journey through Beijing at Tiananmen Square, a significant site in Chinese history. Then, visit the Forbidden City, a vast palace complex where Chinese emperors once resided. Explore its grandeur and learn about its rich history. Finally, climb Jingshan Hill for a panoramic view of Beijing's past and present.

After breakfast, we'll drive for about 2 hours to Mutianyu, a less crowded but equally beautiful part of the Great Wall. You'll ride a cable car up and then walk along the ancient wall, soaking in the amazing views.

On our way back to the city, we'll make a stop at Changling Tomb, one of the largest and most well-preserved tombs from the Ming Dynasty.

Today, we'll start our journey at the Temple of Heaven, an ancient site where emperors prayed for good harvests. You'll see locals practicing Tai Chi and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Then, we'll explore the historic Hutong district, visit a traditional courtyard home, and share a homemade lunch with a local family.

In the afternoon, we'll take a relaxing boat cruise on Kunming Lake, surrounded by the beautiful Summer Palace. This serene retreat is filled with lush gardens, grand temples, and elegant palaces, offering a peaceful break.

Prepare for your journey home. A private transfer will take you to the airport. If you're departing from Daxing International Airport, take a moment to appreciate its unique design, adding an extra layer of interest to your trip.