Day 1 – Welcome to China
Welcome to Beijing, where a driver will take you to your centrally located, stylish hotel in around 40 minutes, setting you up comfortably for the start of your journey through China. If you feel like heading out straight away, the nearby hutongs offer a wonderful first glimpse of the city’s old-world charm, with narrow lanes, hidden courtyards and plenty of small local spots serving authentic Chinese cuisine – and if you’d like to begin your trip in style, we can even arrange the famous Peking duck experience for you.
Day 2 – Explore Beijing with a guide
Take the morning at a gentle pace as you get to know Beijing’s most famous sights without any rush. Your guide will meet you at the hotel around 8:30am and you’ll head out together to the serene Lama Temple and the elegant Temple of Heaven, soaking up their atmosphere and history as you go. The morning then rounds off at Tiananmen Square, where your guided tour comes to an end around midday. From there, you’re free to pause for lunch and continue at your own rhythm with a visit to the Forbidden City (closed on Mondays). Your tickets will already be arranged, and if you wish, you can collect an audio guide on arrival to explore at your own pace.
Day 3 – Visit the Great Wall of China
Early this morning you will be picked up from your hotel and driven out to Jinshanling a quieter and more scenic section of the Great Wall of China where you will enjoy an unforgettable walk of around 8km along its rolling ridgeline away from the main crowds taking in sweeping views and a real sense of history along the way a truly special experience that often becomes a highlight of any China journey though if you prefer something more relaxed you can opt for Mutianyu instead where a cable car takes you up and a fun toboggan ride brings you back down.
Day 4 – Bullet train to Xi’an
Later in the day you will be collected from your hotel and driven in comfort to Beijing Railway Station, where your onward journey to Xi’an begins. Throughout your round trip, all train travel is arranged in first class, so you can relax and enjoy the journey as you travel through the Middle Kingdom. On arrival in Xi’an, a driver will be waiting for you at the station exit and will take you to your modern, comfortable hotel, ideally located within the old city walls. Depending on your arrival time and how you are feeling, you may wish to head out for a first stroll, with the Muslim Quarter being particularly worthwhile, offering a lively atmosphere, bustling alleyways and the striking Great Mosque, where Chinese and Islamic architectural styles meet in a fascinating way, alongside plenty of local food stalls where you can sample regional specialities such as cold noodles in a fragrant sesame sauce.
Day 5 – Visit the famous Terracotta Army
Today you will explore the extraordinary Terracotta Army, one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in the world, originally built to guard the tomb of China’s first Emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Discovered in 1974, the site contains thousands of life sized clay warriors, each individually detailed with unique facial features, hairstyles and armour, along with horses and chariots arranged in battle formation. It offers a remarkable insight into the power, ambition and craftsmanship of the Qin Dynasty. After your visit return to the city for a relaxed stroll around the historic Bell Tower in the centre of Xi’an. As a modern city shaped by its ancient imperial heritage, Xi’an offers a fascinating blend of old and new, giving you a genuine insight into both traditional Chinese culture and contemporary city life. Steeped in history and filled with remarkable places to discover, it is a real highlight of any journey through China.
Day 6 – On to the Avatar Mountains of Zhangjiajie
Now you are on your way to one of the true highlights of your journey the spectacular Avatar Mountains of Zhangjiajie a breath-taking region known for its dramatic karst landscape with towering rock pillars steep cliffs and the famous glass bridge which famously inspired the floating mountains in the film Avatar It is a paradise for nature lovers and walkers offering unforgettable views and peaceful moments throughout You will travel by high speed train from Xi’an to Zhangjiajie city where a driver will be waiting to take you to your accommodation in around an hour Your hotel is a beautifully designed retreat close to nature near the western entrance of the national park offering a calm and authentic stay with stylish rooms wonderful views relaxing pools and thoughtful details that create a truly special experience.
Day 7 – Explore Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Today you will enjoy a guided excursion to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park where your guide will take care of all arrangements including the best route and all logistics while also sharing fascinating local legends and explaining the unique geology of this remarkable landscape At around 8am you will be collected from your hotel and driven comfortably to the park entrance before continuing by shuttle bus into the heart of the park You will then have the option to take the famous Bailong Elevator a glass lift that rises 326 metres up the sheer karst cliffs and offers spectacular views on the ascent Once at the top you can continue into the Yuanjiajie area home to the iconic floating Avatar style rock formations and a viewing platform with truly breath-taking panoramic scenery
Day 8 – Time to explore independently
We have set aside an extra day for your stay so you can explore the region in a way that suits your pace and interests. If you feel like getting out into nature again, another visit to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is highly recommended, perhaps discovering the quieter Huangshi Zhai area in the west of the park which is often much less busy and offers a more relaxed hiking experience. If you are after something a little more adventurous, the nearby Grand Canyon is a great option where you can walk across the impressive glass bridge and take in the dramatic scenery below. Of course, if you would prefer to take it easy, you can simply unwind at your hotel, enjoy the pool and soak up the incredible views in complete relaxation.
Day 9 – Zhangjiajie to Yangshuo
Today your journey continues by express train to Guilin. On arrival a driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall and will take you on to Yangshuo in around one hour. Here you will spend the night in comfortable accommodation just outside the lively centre of Yangshuo, offering a peaceful setting away from the busier tourist areas. The rooms are tastefully decorated and the hotel also features a beautiful garden and a refreshing pool, making it an ideal place to relax and unwind. The hotel serves excellent food, and if you prefer to head out in the evening, the centre of Yangshuo with its bars and Western style restaurants is just a 20 minute taxi ride away.
Day 10 – Biking and bamboo rafting
Today you will enjoy a relaxed cycling and bamboo rafting experience with a local guide, exploring the stunning countryside around Yangshuo where dramatic karst mountains rise above peaceful rivers and bright green rice paddies stretch into the distance. You will cycle at an easy pace from the hotel, beginning on quiet roads before moving onto rural tracks that lead you through farmland and beautiful open landscapes. From there you will step onto a traditional bamboo raft and drift gently downstream, taking in the scenery as you float along in the sunshine and enjoy the calm rhythm of the water. After the journey on the river you will return to your hotel where you can unwind on the terrace with a cold drink and watch the sun set behind the karst peaks, ending the day in complete relaxation.
Day 11 – Time to explore independently
We have planned an additional day for you in Yangshuo, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace and enjoy the surrounding landscapes in a way that suits you best. A visit to the Yulong River is highly recommended, as it is even more tranquil and scenic than the better known Li River, offering a peaceful atmosphere where you can truly take in the natural beauty around you. You can rent bicycles or a scooter locally and set off along quiet country lanes that wind through striking karst scenery, rice fields and traditional villages, with plenty of opportunities to stop along the way at small tea houses or local eateries. For something a little more active, you might choose to kayak along the river or enjoy a longer hike through the countryside for different perspectives of this remarkable region. In the evening, you also have the option to attend Yangshuo’s impressive outdoor light show, and we would be happy to arrange tickets for you in advance if you would like to go.
Day 12 – Onward journey to Hong Kong
After breakfast it is time to say goodbye to Yangshuo as a driver will take you back to Guilin where you will board the bullet train for the final time on your journey. After around three hours you will arrive in Hong Kong where a driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel. In the coming days you will find the city’s public transport system easy to navigate, with an efficient, modern and clearly signposted network that makes getting around simple and convenient. Your hotel is a luxurious property with stunning views over Kowloon Bay and Victoria Harbour, providing a stylish base for your stay. In the evening you may wish to unwind with a martini in the hotel bar before heading out to explore the nearby shopping and dining scene. After your time in nature, Hong Kong offers a striking contrast, a dynamic city where soaring skyscrapers and modern shopping malls sit alongside neon lit streets, lively food stalls and a spectacular harbour skyline, creating an exciting atmosphere that immediately draws you in.
Day 13 – Exploring Hong Kong
Today enjoy discovering Hong Kong at your own pace, giving yourself time to take in the city’s many highlights in a relaxed and flexible way. A wonderful way to start is by taking the ferry from Kowloon across to Hong Kong Island, a short but iconic journey that offers fantastic views of Victoria Harbour and the impressive skyline as you cross the water. From there you can continue your journey on the famous Peak Tram, which climbs steeply up to Victoria Peak, one of the city’s most famous viewpoints. Once at the top, and weather permitting, you will be rewarded with truly spectacular panoramic views over Hong Kong’s skyline, the harbour and the surrounding islands, making it the perfect introduction to this vibrant and dynamic city.
Day 14 – Time to head home
After two memorable weeks, your China tour comes to an end. We will arrange your transfer to the airport and from there you will begin your journey home, taking with you many memories from your time in China, from its culture and landscapes to its cities and sights.
Accommodation
