12-day Tour: Real China Highlights

Day 1: Arrive in Beijing & group meeting

1. Temple of Heaven
   1 day · Admission ticket not included
   Ni Hao! Welcome to Beijing, capital of the most populous country on earth. With plenty of places that give an insight into the China's ancient history, as well as newer sights that showcase contemporary culture. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you'll meet your tour leader and fellow travelers. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. We will collect/check your passport, insurance and next of kin information at the group meeting, please have these on hand. After the meeting maybe head out to explore the Beijing streets - with your hotel located centrally, a walk in any direction will unveil all sorts of wonderful surprises. Perhaps kick off your China adventure with a taste of an iconic dish - Peking duck.
   There are no meals included on this day.
   Special Information
   If you wish to arrive a few days early in Beijing, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Day 2: Beijing Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City tour

1. The Palace Museum
   1 day · Admission ticket included
   Today you’ll explore two of the most popular sights in Beijing on foot and using public transport. While this can be crowded, it's the best way to immerse yourself in the local culture. Make your way to the centre of the city – Tiananmen Square, the symbolic centre of Chinese power. Framed by the Gate of Heavenly Peace with its Mao portrait, Mao's Mausoleum, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum, and with elaborate flag raising and lowering ceremonies at dawn and dusk, it's a place of pilgrimage for the Chinese tourists who consider it the heart of their nation. From here you will enter the enormous Forbidden City. Built more than 500 years ago and off limits to commoners for almost all that time, the Forbidden City looks much like it always has. As you explore the great halls and courtyards you’ll be able appreciate the might and grandeur of the Imperial Chinese court during the height of its power in the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Day 3: Beijing Mutianyu Great Wall & overnight train to Xi'an

1. Mutianyu Great Wall
   1 day · Admission ticket included
   This morning you’ll take a private bus to visit Mutianyu Great Wall (around 2 hours) and spend some time exploring, taking photos and learning the history of this mighty site. An incredible piece of engineering, the wall stretches 6000 km west from the mountain ridges north of Beijing. It was originally constructed to protect Chinese empires from nomadic northern tribes, and even though it failed in this purpose it's still one of the country's most remarkable achievements and an iconic destination. The walk is generally on the restored section of the wall, but this still means walking on steep, uneven terrain with multiple steps, so reasonable fitness and comfortable shoes are needed. The walk is approximately 5 kilometres and will take 2 to 3 hours depending on your level of fitness. You can choose how you access the wall, with options including cable car, chairlift or even toboggan to come down (at your own expense). This evening you will catch an over night train to Xi’an.

Day 4: Xi'an Muslim Quarter & ancient City Wall walking tour

1. Muslim Quarter
   1 day · Admission ticket included
   You will arrive at Xi’an train station around 9am, private transfer to hotel.
   Today join your leader on a short walking tour to uncover what was once the start of the ancient trading route of the Silk Road. The city has a wonderful Muslim Quarter, and you’ll wander the narrow streets past shops, lively markets, and groups of white-bearded men in skull caps sipping tea in cafes. See the City Walls and Gates, the most complete in China, running over 13 kilometers (8 miles) around the city. Xi’an’s Silk Road history means it has an exciting mixture of cultures, exemplified by its food options, which range from delicious Muslim fare to great little dumplings in Chinese restaurants. Maybe choose to visit the Bell and Drum Towers, the former built (according to legend) to restrain the dragons that were causing earthquakes, the latter is (unsurprisingly) full of drums, once used to mark time and warn in emergencies.

Day 5: Exploring the Terracotta Warriors of Xi'an

1. The Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses
   1 day · Admission ticket included
   Today we will travel by privater transport (around 2 hours) to visit what is undoubtedly one of the man-made wonders of the world - the Terracotta Warriors. You’ll learn all about this incredible archaeological find, rediscovered in 1976 by farmers digging a well after being buried for 2000 years. These clay statues of soldiers, horses and chariots (originally all painted) were commissioned by the emperor Qin Shi Huangdi as part of his mausoleum after he ascended to the throne in 264 BC. Three main pits are open for you to view, where just under 2000 of the warriors - each individually sculpted from clay and with a different costume, height, and even facial expressions - stand in battle formation. The scale is incredibly impressive.
   Enjoy a free evening to explore Xi’an.

Day 6: Xi’an to Chengdu & city walking tour

1. Tianfu Square
   1 day · Admission ticket not included
   In the morning, you will catch a high-speed train from Xi’an to Chengdu (approximately. 3 hours), after arrival settle into your hotel and then discovery Chengdu. Chengdu has a very casual vibe. Here is where locals value life more than work (that's how it should be, right?), so mahjong and tea are two of the most crucial elements in their life. Go on a walking tour with your leader to downtown Tianfu Square where a giant statue of Chairman Mao overlooks his people. Continue to the lively People's Park and sit down in a tea house for a sip of tea, taking advantage of the other services on offer like ear cleaning and massages. Chengdu was listed in 2010 as a gourmet capital by UNESCO, so why not give the local delicacies a go?

Day 7: Close encounter with giant pandas in Chengdu

1. Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
   1 day · Admission ticket included
   Prepare for the fuzzies this morning as you get up close with the adorable pandas at the Panda Breeding Centre in Chengdu. Learn about the conservation efforts being made to repopulate this ancient species. And of course you'll see them being fed, playing, sleeping or just being plain cute in their playgrounds. Enjoy some more downtime in the afternoon, maybe checking out the hip Kuanzhai Lane or searching for some spicy Chengdu snacks on Jinli Street.

Day 8: Chengdu to Yangshuo & West Street walking tour

1. West Street
   1 day · Admission ticket not included
   This morning you’ll catch a High-speed train from Chengdu to Yangshuo, after arrival at Yangshuo station, then transfer to the hotel in Yangshuo. Surrounded by limestone karsts, Yangshuo is super popular with both international and domestic tourists, which isn't a bad thing if you're into your cafes and bars. It's one of the best places in the country to get a feel for local culture and traditions while having plenty of fun at the same time. Take a walk through the town with your leader on arrival and head down to the Li River to get a feel for a landscape immortalised in plenty of Chinese paintings.

Day 9: Yangshuo countryside cycling tour

1. Moon Hill
   1 day · Admission ticket included
   The dramatic countryside surrounding Yangshuo is best seen on an optional cruise down the Li River. Float past limestone monoliths, rice paddies, and water buffaloes drinking at the river's edge. For those feeling active, why not jump on a bike and explore the splendid green surrounds and nearby villages or perhaps participate in a peaceful Taichi session. Enjoy a guided walk through a local market before visiting a converted country house to learn to cook local specialties.

Day 10: Continue to discover the beauty of Yangshuo

1. Xianggong Mountain
   1 day · Admission ticket not included
   A great optional activity for the day what is Pick tea leaves, tea making, drink tea and listen to the rhyme leisurely at the Seven Fairies Peak tea plantation; Mountaineering Xianggong hill and viewing Li River meandering, enjoy sunlight & shadow、clouds sea、sunrise、the sunset、the rosy clouds; Discovery the mystery of the Ancient Stone Village. You are highly recommended.

Day 11: Yangshuo to Hong Kong

1. Victoria Harbour
   1 day · Admission ticket not included
   Leave Yangshuo and continue your journey to the final stop, Hong Kong. You'll be transferred to Guilin and then hop on the High-speed train (approximately three and half hours) to Hong Kong West Kowloon High Speed Railway Station, from there head to your centrally located hotel. Go on a walking tour with your leader, then maybe check out the Temple Street night market or the light show at Victoria Harbour. Take the chance to celebrate your final night with the group in this awesome city.

Day 12: Hong Kong (Departure Day)

1. Hong Kong Park
   1 day · Admission ticket not included
   Your China tour comes to an end this morning. There are no activities on the final day and you are free to leave your accommodation at any time.
   Kindly Reminder: the check out time normally is 12:00. If you have booked an airport transfer through Truly China Travel, please confirm the pick up time with your tour leader in advance.
   If you wish to leave a few days later in Hong Kong, we'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Pickup details

Our tour guides or staff will wait for your arrival at the exit of the airport and high-speed railway station. Your name and our company's name and LOGO are on the pick up board.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels