Welcome to China! Upon arrival, receive a warm greeting from your local guide and driver. Transfer to the hotel and then release from the jet lag after long-time flight.

Shanghai arrival

Day 1

Today firstly visit Yuyuan Garden, and then walk in the Former French Concession. Go through Nanjing Pedestrian, coming to Shanghai’s landmark, the Bund. It mainly includes Oriental Pearl TV Tower and 52 distinctive mansions in different styles. Enjoy a panoramic view of Shanghai from the 100th floor at “the Eye of Shanghai” - Shanghai World Financial Center. 

Shanghai tour

Day 2

Start your trip to Suzhou, an ancient city famous for its delicate gardens. Visit Master-of-Nets Garden, an outstanding representative of oriental classic gardens. Then explore the most historical site Tiger Hill, whose pagoda inside is the landmark of Suzhou. Later ride a boat on the Great Canal to enjoy the waterway of Suzhou, also named the East Venice. The world-famous canal, starting in Beijing and ending in Hangzhou, is the longest and earliest artificial river by digging. 

Shanghai to Suzhou, Suzhou tour

Day 3

After breakfast, drive to Wuzhen Water Town, which owns a history of more than 1,300 years. The reflection of old housing in rivers are like black and white ink paintings. Walking on the old streets, you will feel the extraordinary charm of ancient Chinese culture and the integration of modern life. There are some traditional stores such as Indigo Fabric Workshop, Wine Distillery Workshop and Water Market are well preserved that worth a go.  

Suzhou to Wuzhen, Wuzhen tour

Day 4

Relax yourselves in Wuzhen and then drive to Hangzhou, named "Heaven City" by Marco Polo. Go sightseeing to the West Lake,  walking on its path surrounding it and then step on Leifeng Pagoda to enjoy its panoramic view. Full of oriental implication, West Lake has always been written in Chinese poems. Hike to visit Lingyin Temple, where you will take a cable car down the hill and have a bird's view of the tea plantation on the slopes. Later take the bullet train to Huangshan.

Wuzhen to Hangzhou, Hangzhou tour, Hangzhou to Huangshan

Day 5

Drive to the foot of Mount Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), one of the most beautiful mountains in China. Take shuttle bus to Yungu Temple, exchange to cable car to upper mountain. You will visit North Sea with marvelous precipitous peaks and giant pine trees. Trek to Begin-to-Believe Peak, and then hike to Dispelling Cloud Pavilion to have a sight over West Sea Grand Canyon. Enjoy the sunset on Bright Summit, admire the incredible Flying-over Rock, then check into hotel.

Huangshan tour

Day 6

Get up early to view the magnificent sunrise of Huangshan at Refreshing Terrance. Today you will visit the well-known Dawn Pavilion, Stone Monkey Watching the Sea on the Lion Peak. After that, trek along the wooden path to the cable station. Descend the mountain and then go for a relaxing stroll on the 900-year-old Tunxi Ancient Street. Appreciate how Chinese people produced inkstick at ancient times in Hu Kaiwen Inkstick Factory. 

Huangshan tour

Day 7

After breakfast, you will going to see authentic old Huizhou-style architectures in two remarkable ancient villages, Xidi and Hongcun. Built by successful officials or merchants returning hometown from other places, Xidi and Hongcun are much more exquisite and grandiose in their layout, decoration and construction techniques. Especially Hongcun, praised as the most beautiful village in China, is like a Chinese ink and wash painting. Later take the flight to Guilin, check into hotel.

Huangshan tour, Huangshan to Guilin

Day 8

In the morning, drive to the delightful Longji Rice Terrace Field. Longji, which means Dragon’s Backbone, is not only the globally top rice terrace field cluster, but also the culmination of both profound wisdom and strenuous labor. Make a visit to the Zhuang and Yao Villages. The hanging-feet cottage and coiled layers from the foot to the top of the mountain form a spectacular picture. Return to Guilin and explore this lovely city on own.

Guilin tour

Day 9

Take the Li River Cruise in the morning. The 83km waterway from Guilin City to Yangshuo County, like a meandering jade belt wrapped in green peaks, making Li River the world’s largest and most beautiful Karst landscape area. With fresh breath, everything is so poetic! Walk freely on West Street, or you can choose to ride a bicycle in local villages, or go rafting on Yulong River, which is said to be the essence of Li River. 

Guilin tour

Day 10

Catch a morning flight from Guilin to Lijiang. On arrival, receive a warm greeting from your escorted tour guide and driver. Transfer to Lijiang Ancient City, its buildings, after countless dynasty baptism, have survived and gathered each nation's culture and blossom. You will visit Black Dragon Pool Park and Mu's Residence, hike on Lion Hill to have a whole view of the ancient city.

Guilin to Lijiang, Lijiang tour

Day 11

In the morning, take a short driving to visit Jade Dragon Sown Mountain. Its 13 snow peaks are constant that like a dancing dragon in the sky which makes an unforgettable view. Since Lijiang is in the subtropical zone, it is amazing that this mountain which is 5596 meters above the sea level, can stand proudly there. Later visit Baisha Wall Painting in Baisha Village, learning more about the history and culture of Naxi ethnic group. Fly to Chengdu, be met and sent to hotel.

Lijiang tour

Day 12

Drive to Shangri-la. Along the way you will have a stop at the Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest and most spectacular river canyons in the world. Arrive in Shangri-la at noon time.On arrival, visit Ganden Sungtseling, or Songzanlin Monastery, which is referred as the Little Potala Palace. Drive to Yila Grassland and circle Napa Lake. In the rest of the day free on own to explore Dukezong Ancient Town, also named Moonlight Old Town.

Lijiang to Shangri-la, Shangri-la tour

Day 13

According to flight time, the tour guide and driver will pick you up at the hotel and then transfer to the airport. Take the flight to Lhasa. You will be warmly welcome to Tibet by saying Tashi Delek. Be sent to the hotel and then have a good rest to acclimatize the high altitude in the rest of the day. 

Shangri-la to Lhasa, Lhasa arrival

Day 14

Today enjoy a whole-day Lhasa City tour including the grandest of this myriad chapels Potala Palace,  Jorkhang Temple, the holiest temple in Tibet, and Barkhor Street, which is the most famous Kora in Tibet. As the ultimate pilgrimage destination for Tibetan Buddhism pilgrims, Jorkhang Temple is an irreplaceable sanctuary of peace and power. Many people call Barkhor Street “the window of Tibet” as it exhibits typical Tibetan life. 

Lhasa tour

Day 15

Today, you will visit two important monasteries in Lhasa. Drepung Monastery used to be the imperial palace of Dalai Lamas for short stays away from capital before the reconstruction of Potala Palace. Next, transfer to visit Sera Monastery. If you are very lucky, you may come across Sera Monastery’s monks debating which is held in the courtyard at around 15:00-17:30. In the evening, enjoy a Tibetan style farewell dinner with dancing and singing. 

Lhasa tour

Day 16

Wave goodbye to marvelous Tibet! Fly to Chengdu, the city of gastronomy and the "land of abundance". Be greeted at the airport, transfer to People's Park, visit the traditional old tea house. There are many old people doing morning exercises group by group. Some of them are practicing sword, some are playing Tai Chi. Kuanzhai Alley, the so-called Narrow and Wide Alley, shows what old Chengdu was like.

Lhasa to Chengdu, Chengdu tour

Day 17

As the hometown of Giant Panda, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding should not be missed when you come to Chengdu. Strolling through the bamboo groves, you will find lovely pandas eating bamboo, playing or sleeping. After a nice time in the park-like panda base, take the bullet train to Chongqing. Be picked up at Chongqing railway station and then dropped off at Chongqing wharf. Get on board the Yangtze River Cruise which sails out in the evening. 

Chengdu tour, Chengdu to Chongqing, board Yangtze River Cruise

Day 18

Enjoy the wonderful landscape of  Yangtze. Have a short visit to Shibaozhai, which is an exquisite pavilion with a walkway to the top of a solo hill in the river. You can have the chance to  have a look at the spectacular views of Three Gorges. There is an optional tour to Fengdu Ghost City if you are interested. A welcome banquet and party will be held on the cruise for you to have fun.

Yangtze River Cruise

Day 19

The cruise today passes through Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge, which are two of the three gorges with magnificent views. The amazing nature show all of people its miraculous side. In the afternoon you will visit Shennong Stream,  where there is an ancient plank path connecting to coffins on a cliff. The crew on cruise will give a performance for entertainment in the evening.

Yangtze River Cruise

Day 20

Make a visit to the top of  Three Gorges Dam. You will learn about the world's biggest hydroelectric project seeing the vast ship locks. Arrive in Yichang at noon time, be picked up at wharf and then you will be taken to the downtown Yichang. Pay a visit to Yichang Museum, touch with more aspects of Three Gorges Project. In the late afternoon, transfer to railway station for the night train to Xi'an. 

Three Gorges Dam, Yichang arrival, board the night train to Xi'an

Day 21

In the morning, arrive in Xi'an, the ancient capital city for 13 dynasties. Transfer to visit the Terracotta Army, which is now the Terracotta Warriors Museum. Even 2000 years has passed, the wood protects of the warriors are still clear to see. Return to downtown Xi'an, learning China's long history in Shaanxi History Museum and then have a leisure walk on the Ancient City Wall. Enjoy yourselves at Muslim Quarter by bargaining with the strollers, or tasting some local snacks. 

Xi'an arrival, Xi'an tour

Day 22

In the morning, take flight to Xining. Be warmly greeted by local tour guide and driver. Make a visit to Ta'er Monastery, whose three treasures are mural, bar bola and butter sculptures. Later transfer back to downtown Xining, you will go to Dongguan Grand Mosque, the highest learning institution of Islam. It boasts a history of more than 600 years and is famous for its magnificent architecture style. 

Xi'an to Xining, Xining tour

Day 23

Drive to Qinghai Lake after breakfast, you will stop at Riyue Mountains, which also known as “Sun and Moon Mountain” part of the splendid Qilian Mountain Range. In the afternoon, visit Bird Island of Qinghai Lake, known for the hundreds of thousands of migrant birds there. It is exactly a wonderful sight to see the flying birds with the pure lake water extending into the sky. After the visit, drive to Chaka Town for overnight.

Xining to Chaka Town, Qinghai Lake tour

Day 24

Get up early to admire the sunrise of Chaka Salt Lake. The Lake is as beautiful as a fairyland, it is also named "the mirror of the sky" by reflecting shadows on the lake face. After sightseeing, transfer back to Xining. On the way, visit Jinyintan Prairie, a typical pastoral area, where there are over 300,000 cattle and sheep hanging out. Arrive in Xining downtown in the late afternoon, check into hotel and have rest. 

Chaka Salt Lake tour, Chaka Town back to Xining

Day 25

In the morning, be sent to railway station for the high-speed train to Zhangye. Pay a visit to the Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park known for the unusual colors of the rocks, which are smooth, sharp and several hundred meters tall. This landform, considered as the most beautiful one in China, is a result of sandstone and other minerals that occurred more than 24 million years ago. Transfer to hotel and check in.

Xining to Zhangye, Zhangye tour

Day 26

In the morning, drive from Zhangye to Jiayuguan, en route have a great view of deserts landscape. Be marvel at the Overhanging Great Wall, which was built in 1539AD, with stones and rammed dirt. After that, visit Jiayuguan Fort. You will ascend Jiayuguan Gates and walk along the ancient city wall, learning more about the smartly-designed military defense system. Continue driving to Dunhuang, be sent to the hotel and check in. 

Zhangye to Jiayuguan, Jiayuguan tour, Jiayuguan to Dunhuang

Day 27

Today go sightseeing to Dunhuang's highlights including Mogao Caves (Mogao Grottoes), Crescent Lake and Echo Sand Mountain. Here you’ll have a chance to ride camels on the sand. To stay until sunset is highly recommended while you can enjoy the colorful view of sand dunes. After sightseeing, be transferred to Liuyuan railway station for and board the night train to Turpan. 

Dunhuang tour, board to the night train to Turpan

Day 28

Arrive in Turpan in the morning. Then start your tour in Turpan with a visit to ancient city of Idikut (Gaochang). Continue visiting to Bizeklik Thousand Buddha Caves and Astana Tombs. The well-preserved mummy shows you the usual burial way of local people in the old times. Admire the Flaming Mountain, which has been claimed to be the hottest and driest area on the Silk Road that “flying birds even a thousand miles away dare not to come”. 

Turpan arrival, Turpan tour

Day 29

Today leave the magnificent western land of China. According to flight time, your escorted tour guide and driver will pick you up at hotel, transfer to the airport. Take the flight to Beijing, the capital of People's Republic of China. On arrival, receive a warm greeting from local tour guide, and then be sent to hotel. The rest of the day you are free on own to explore Beijing. 

Turpan to Beijing

Day 30

Today firstly visit the Temple of Heaven, where the emperors sacrificed the heaven. Continue sightseeing to Tian’anmen Square, the largest central square in the world. And then enter the Forbidden City. For almost 500 years, it serves as the ceremonial and political center of central court. Looking at the yellow roof, glazed tile and red wall, just imagine what emperors’ daily life would be. Have a whole view of this magnificent palace from Jingshan Park.

Beijing tour

Day 31

In the morning, pay a visit to the Great Wall, its grey stones, lofty watchtowers and winding routes all tell a story of soul-stirring history. Later move steps to the Ming Tombs, the biggest imperial mausoleum complex in China. You will visit Dingling, the tomb of Wanli, which is the only excavated one of the Ming Dynasty Tombs. Enjoy a wonderful farewell dinner Peking Roast Duck that absolutely comfort your spirit and stomach after a whole-day sightseeing.

Beijing tour

Day 32

You will be dropped off at the airport for flight back sweet home. Recollect wonderful pieces happening these days. China, Zai Jian(Goodbye)!

Beijing departure

Day 33