20 Days Beijing Pingyao Xian Chengdu Guilin Yangtze Shanghai Tour

Do you long for an extra-special vacation of a lifetime with your love? Here we have great ideas for you by crafting this 20 days comprehensive tour itinerary of China. Travel from the magnificent Great Wall to the massive Terra-cotta Army, experience the good old days in thousand years-old historical towns, meet and enjoy a close contact with giant pandas, sail on luxurious cruise on the mighty Yangtze River and surreal Li River… Call us right now, and we’re here to make your romantic dream of China come true!

Trip Highlights

  • Delight in the unique exotic vibe of Pingyao Old Town
  • Join a panda keeper program
  • Cruise for 3 nights 4 days on Yangtze River
  • Sit on a vintage motorcycle sidecar zigging through Shanghai
  • Fun cultural activities included

Customizable Tour Itinerary

Fly into Beijing. Be greeted by your private guide and chauffeur of China Culture Tour at Beijing Capital International Airport. Transfer to your hotel in downtown Beijing, nearby famous shopping streets, restaurants and attractions. Spend the rest of the day resting at hotel.

  • Hotels: Beijing Aman Summer Palace, Beijing Double Happiness Courtyard Hotel, Beijing Fairmont Hotel
Great WallGreat Wall

A unique historic vibe envelops Beijing. Pay homage to ancient Chinese religious architecture, visiting Temple of Heaven. From its façade and interior design, you can tell that it was a mysterious sacred site. Right here, meet your Taiji teacher to practice Chinese martial art. The soft moves and Taoism spirit cultivation make you feel refreshed.   

Come to the center of China, both politically and culturally. Walk the large Tiananmen Square to see the historical monuments. Go through the red-painted wooden door to get in Forbidden City or now better known as the Palace Museum. Everything here, from the colored glazed tiles, stone lions, chambers, gardens to the hundreds of thousands of precious treasures, is a symbol of royal dignity and witnesses China’s chequered history.

Want to experience more today? How about inviting your hubby /wifey to watch a Peking Opera night show? (optional).

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,
Forbidden CityForbidden City

One of the absolutely most outstanding man-made wonders in the world, the Great Wall of China is fruit of Chinese civilization and a significant carrier of history. Take cable car to get in Mutianyu Great Wall. Learn from your expert guide all about this ancient military fortification and take beautifully romantic photos with him/her.   

The Beijing-style lanes are called hutongs, which crisscross and encircle the old part of Beijing. It is a perfect place to glimpse into the local traditional way of living, discover centuries-old residents, local delicacies and folk arts. Here, you learn the fascinating Chinese calligraphy – writing Chinese characters in an artistic way with brush pen and ink stick. How about writing down the Chinese version of “I Love You”?

Enjoy a tasty local specialty dinner with Beijing Roasted Duck (optional).

Looking for more wonderful ideas to celebrate your anniversary? We suggest you enjoy a sunset on the Great Wall, or even take a helicopter tour to view the Great Wall from air. Alternatively, take anniversary photos with him/her in traditional Chinese wedding costumes.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,
Hutong rickshawHutong rickshaw

Enjoy a relaxing morning touring Summer Palace, a grand royal garden and the best of traditional Chinese gardens. Discover both its architecture beauty of palaces, bridges, corridors and pavilions and landscape beauty of rivers and hills. We arrange you a leisurely dragon boat cruise on the Kunming Lake.

Board a bullet train from Beijing to Pingyao Ancient Town. Escape from the hassles of world and travel with him/her through time to visit the 2700-year-old Pingyao City.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,
  • Hotels: Pingyao Hongshanyi Hotel, Pingyao Yide Hotel, Pingyao Yunjincheng Hotel
Summer Palace with Dragon Boat CruiseSummer Palace with Dragon Boat Cruise

Previously an official’s residence, Wang’s Family Compound has been known as the best of China’s traditional dwelling house, covering 250,000 square meters, including one main street, five alleys and six castles symbolizing dragon, phoenix, tiger, turtle and unicorn. Also appreciate its tasteful brick carvings, wood carvings and stone carvings.

Zhangbi Ancient Castle was an ancient defense project, built to make full use of its environmental advantage of steep hillside, with a 3-floor ancient tunnel and other historical sites such as ancient tombs and traditional theatrical stages.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,
Wang Family CourtyardWang Family Courtyard

One of the undoubtedly best-preserved old towns in China, Pingyao is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk leisurely along the Ming Qing Street to discover the beautiful North China dwellings, traditional shops and county yamen (country government), and learn about the Shanxi Merchants’ legendary stories at Rishengchang Draft Bank. Get in the city wall of Pingyao Old Town to see its watchtowers and view the entire town.

Board a bullet train from Pingyao to Xian. The romantic time travel through the past of China continues.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,
  • Hotels: Sofitel Legend Peoples Grand Hotel Xian
Rishengchang Draft Bank in Pingyao Ancient TownRishengchang Draft Bank in Pingyao Ancient Town

The celebrated capital of ancient China, Xian was known to the world due to the thriving of Silk Road. And today it is one of the top destinations in China mainly because of Terracotta Army. This amazing archeological find dates back to the 3rd century BC, when Emperor Qinshihuang, who just unified China, decided to build or actually craft this army by clay as burial objects after he died.

Come to the ancient city wall of Xian, from where the merchant travelers used to depart their hometown and travel along the Silk Road to West Asia and even Europe. On China’s best-kept ancient city wall, experience the unique atmosphere that blends history and modernization.

Then take an interesting foodie trip to the Muslim Quarter - the most popular food street in Xian. See various gastronomic scenes – people hand-pulling noodles, making Chinese hamburger, frying tofu…

Enjoy classical Tang Dynasty Music and Dance at a dumpling banquet tonight (optional).

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,
Terracotta Warriors MuseumTerracotta Warriors Museum

Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Xian’s iconic structure, to admire one of China’s first Buddhist pagodas and get to know most about the history of Silk Road – how Buddhism was introduced into China from India.

After enjoy a dumpling banquet last night, today, you visit a local family and learn from the hosts to make dumplings (noodle making experience is also available). Is it great to make for him/her a dumpling lunch?

Move to Chengdu from Xian by another bullet train. The relaxing life, and more importantly giant pandas are waiting for you.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,
  • Hotels: Chengde Imperial Mountain Resort, Fairmont Chengdu, Grand Hyatt Chengdu
Dumpling Making ExperienceDumpling Making Experience

After more than over one week touring in China, you probably need a free day to relax and some quiet time between just you and him/her. We are happy to advise you some great restaurants and shopping malls in Chengdu.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,
ChengduChengdu

Dujiangyan Base offers the best panda volunteer program in China that can fulfill your dream of being in close contact with giant pandas. You can take care of this world’s most adorable creature as your baby. Work with the scientists to know origin of giant panda and research panda’s current living environment. Like the daddy and mommy, feed them with yummy food. And even hold one of the pandas for minutes and take a family photo.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,
Panda volunteer programPanda volunteer program

Experience Chengdu’s slow-paced lifestyle like locals at the People’s Park, where people (especially the elderly people) drink tea, play mahjong, dance… – all enjoying a happy life. Then your guide will lead you to a quaint tea house, gracefully designed and decorated. Relax, enjoy tea, and learn about the unique tea culture of Chengdu and the city’s history and interesting traditions.

Later ramble in two of Chengdu’s most cultural and romantic streets – Wide and Narrow Alley and Jinli Old Street, enjoying the bustling and happy atmosphere and see Chengdu’s traditional dwellings. And enjoy peace in Wenshu Monastery, an ancient holy Buddhist site housing many Buddhist relics, classics and statues. See people praying and lighting incense sticks in the temple.

Fly to Guilin, a heaven on earth for couples who love nature.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,
  • Hotels: Guilin Shangri La Hotel, Jolie Vue Boutique Hotel Guilin, Sheraton Guilin
Heming tea house in ChengduHeming tea house in Chengdu

Escape to the Longji Rice Terraces to breathe the fresh air and take in the immensity of terraced fields, which will be irrigated with water in spring, green in early summer, and of golden color in autumn. Also see the local villages working at the farms, transplanting rice seedlings, ploughing, harvesting… Life here is busy yet beautiful.

Experience the traditional way of living of Chinese mountain tribes by visiting the families of Longji Ancient Zhuang Village. The wooden stilted houses are built on the hallway of mountain surrounded by terraced fields. The people are friendly and retain their own language, dressing, dining etiquette and customs.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,
Longji rice terracesLongji rice terraces

A four-hour cruise on Li River is comfortable, relaxing and romantic. Besides, it is a great opportunity to discover the amazingly dramatic karst landscape of South China – the peculiar-shaped limestone peaks are perfectly reflected on the calm water. Look afar, you can see bamboo troves, islets, villages, smoke from kitchen chimneys…

Arrive in Yangshuo. Walk through the stone-paved West Street, a busy shopping street and more over a “tiny global village” that mixes Western and Eastern culture.

Drive away from the tourist crowds and go through Yangshuo’s pastoral countryside. The country roads lead to orchards, rural farmlands, rivers, karst peaks and tranquil villages. You can stop anywhere and take interesting or kissing photos. If you prefer, knock on a local’s door and visit the house.

Enjoy the pleasant of tranquil night or go watch a fabulous open-air show – Impressive Liu Sanjia (optional).

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,
Li River cruiseLi River cruise

Formed 1 million years ago, Reed Flute Cave is one of the most incredible and most beautiful caves in China. Stalactites and stalactitums in this cave come in various amazing shapes and sizes, being illuminated by colored lights. You will be marveled again by the charm of nature.

Fly from Guilin to Chongqing, and embark your luxurious cruise sailing on the Yangtze.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,
Reed Flute CaveReed Flute Cave

Wake in fresh air and soft morning sunlight. Participate in the onboard Taiji practice. Feel connected with your body and spiritual again. The rest of the morning free at leisure or you may take some cultural activities onboard.

In the afternoon, join the other passengers for a shore excursion to Shibaozhai Pagoda, which is a beautiful black-and-red wooden structure built surprisingly on a hill cliff, thus praised as one of the most outstanding architecture marvels in the world.

At tonight’s welcome party, meet the captain and crew, and enjoy your hubby’s/wifey’s company at the ball.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,
Shibaozhai PagodaShibaozhai Pagoda

Today, sail through the Three Gorges of Yangtze River to witness the distinguished peaks and cliff scenery of Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge while relaxing on the deck. Get on a small boat to Shennv Stream of steep topography, glimpsing firsthand into the way of life in this remote location seldom visited by outsiders.

Enjoy the wonderful performances, exciting night life and gourmet food at the farewell party.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,
Shennv StreamShennv Stream

Before the cruise trip finally ends, visit Three Gorges Dam – by far world's largest hydropower project. This magnificent structure spans over the Yangtze and plays an important role in flood control, power generation and shipping.

Meet your private guide and transfer to visit Sanyou Cave, which is a famous cultural site in Yichang, with ancient pavilions and military fort. Many ancient literati and poets came here successively and left hundreds of cliff inscriptions and poems.

Fly from Yichang to Shanghai.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,
  • Hotels: Four Seasons Hotel Pudong Shanghai, Grand Central Hotel Shanghai, Grand Hyatt Shanghai
Three Gorges DamThree Gorges Dam

Discover the cultural and culinary delights of Shanghai, rambling in the Yuyuan Market, where there are various food stalls and traditional architectures. Right close to the bazaar, Yu Garden is a fine representative of ancient Chinese gardens, elegantly designed and sophisticated constructed. 

Then get on a vintage motorcycle sidecar twisting through the old town of Shanghai. You will see the elder Shanghainese living in traditional Shikumen dwellings lining nongtang streets, and also discover the beautiful classic architectures in former French Concession.

Later walk down the Bund hand in hand, seeing century-old European-colonial hotels, banks and trade buildings. Cross the Huangpu River and ascend one of world’s highest buildings – Shanghai Tower to view the astounding and cheerful newness of this metropolis.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,
Yu GardenYu Garden

Have you ever seen a water wedding before? Here in Nanxun Water Town, you can witness and even participate in a traditional Chinese wedding ceremony held on water. The bride is dressed in traditional clothes and takes a boat to arrive the groom’s home. Bow to Heaven and Earth and giving wedding candies are also part of the wedding ceremony.

Besides, you will take a hand-controlled boat to visit some former residents of local celebrities, and also discover the tranquil and authentic 100 Houses Complex (Baijianlou) and East Avenue.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,
Nanxun Water TownNanxun Water Town

End of your 20 days China tour and return home. Take your time to record your precious and romantic memories in China by creating a photo album.

  • Meals: Breakfast,
Shanghai Pudong areaShanghai Pudong area

Price Includes

  • In-country transportationas noted in the itinerary.
  • Admission fees and activity expenses as noted in the itinerary.
  • Luxury or boutique hotels centrally located.
  • Meals in local restaurants as noted in the itinerary with complimentary drinking water.
  • Your own English-speaking guide service.
  • Your own chauffeur and vehicle service.

Price Excludes

  • International transportation.
  • Chinese tourist visa. (which enquired for most foreign passport holders)
  • Travel and medical insurance.
  • Meals, snacks, alcohol, etc. apart from those included in the itinerary.
  • Excess baggage charges.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Sights, excursions and activities not included in the itinerary.
  • Gratuities to guide and driver.

ANY QUESTIONS?

This tour is tailor-made and we can tailor to meet your reqeusts. Your personal travel consultant will contact you within 24 working hours!

FABULOUS TOUR COMPANY

CHINA OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2019 We researched several companies and studied reviews on Trip Adviser before contacting who did a very China Culture Tour with an initial query. Right from the outset Grace who owns the company was excellent. She emailed detailed with pictures information and a suggested…read more details

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