China’s Imperial Cities, Mountains & River Landscapes

Beijing

Arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport and you’ll have VIP assistance at the airport. A private driver will take you to a luxury hotel where you’ll stay for 3 nights. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed in the hotel lobby, where staff will assist with your luggage and check-in, ensuring a smooth and comfortable start to your stay. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore nearby. Take a walk around the hotel or try your first Beijing experience. This first evening is for you to settle in, rest and get ready for the days ahead. Whether you explore or unwind, it’s a gentle start to a trip full of cultural highlights and amazing sights.

Beijing

Today you’ll enjoy a walking tour of Beijing’s most famous historical and cultural sites with your private guide. Start with the Forbidden City, which served as the imperial palace for the Ming and Qing emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties, and was once the home of Chinese emperors. Next, visit the peaceful Temple of Heaven, a place where important ceremonies used to take place—here, you can observe or even join a tai chi session in the park. Later, walk through the beautiful gardens of the Summer Palace, which reflect the grandeur and historical significance of the Ming and Qing dynasties. In the afternoon, discover old Beijing in the hutong lanes, including a visit to the iconic bell tower as part of your exploration. End the day at a local market where you’ll find colourful stalls, local snacks and lively street life. For dinner, try the famous Peking duck at a local restaurant. It’s a day full of history, beauty and real Beijing.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Beijing

Today you’ll visit the Beijing Great Wall. Your private guide will take you to a less crowded part of the wall. Some travelers choose to reach the wall using public transport, which offers a unique perspective and fewer crowds. Enjoy a hiking tour as you walk along the ancient stones, taking in the physical challenge and scenic views of the hills and valleys. The peaceful atmosphere makes it easy to imagine the wall’s long history. With time to take photos and enjoy the scenery, this is one of the highlights of your trip. It’s not just a walk, but a chance to feel the scale and story of one of the world’s wonders.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Beijing

Huangshan

Enjoy a slow morning in Beijing. You can visit a local gallery, do some shopping or just have a slow breakfast. Later, a private transfer will take you to the airport for your domestic flight (internal flight) to Huangshan, which is a convenient way to travel between regions in China. Alternatively, some travelers choose to take the high speed train or depart from the train station for a different travel experience. When you arrive, the mountain scenery welcomes you. You’ll stay for 3 nights in this peaceful area known for its natural beauty and clean air. Check in to your hotel and have a quiet evening surrounded by hills and forests. It’s the perfect place to unwind and get ready for tomorrow’s adventures.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Huangshan

Take a cable car up Mount Huangshan today and discover one of China’s most famous landscapes. Walk among ancient pine trees, strange rock shapes and cliffs often covered in mist. The mountain’s breathtaking scenery has been admired since ancient times, inspiring Chinese paintings and poetry for centuries. Visit an observation deck or viewpoint to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. As you walk along the mountain paths, you’ll understand why this area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fresh air and calm surroundings make it a refreshing and unforgettable experience. After a day in nature, back to your hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Huangshan

Today is about culture and tradition. Visit the ancient villages of Hongcun and Xidi, both UNESCO listed, which date back to the Ming dynasty. Their white-walled houses and narrow streets are outstanding examples of traditional Chinese architecture, showing what life was like in old China. Walk through the quiet lanes and admire the old buildings, many hundreds of years old, where ancient traditions are still preserved in daily life and local customs. After lunch, head to Tunxi Ancient Street, a lively place with local shops and traditional crafts. You can find souvenirs, enjoy snacks or just enjoy the atmosphere. It’s a day that connects you to China’s rich cultural roots.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Huangshan

Guilin & Yangshuo

Say goodbye to Huangshan and travel to Yangshuo via Guilin, famous for its unique limestone hills. Along the way, you’ll pass through rural landscapes dotted with minority villages and ethnic minority villages, where unique customs and traditional lifestyles are preserved. The region is also close to the renowned Longji rice terraces, a highlight for those interested in ancient agricultural landscapes and the culture of local communities. After a scenic journey, arrive in peaceful Yangshuo where you’ll stay for 2 nights. Your hotel is surrounded by nature, with beautiful views and a relaxed atmosphere. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy. You can explore the nearby countryside, take a short walk or just rest. This quiet area is perfect for nature lovers and a great contrast to China’s busy cities.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Guilin & Yangshuo

Start the day with a bamboo raft ride along the calm Li River. As you float along, you’ll see green hills, small villages and farmers working in the rice fields. It’s a peaceful and beautiful way to see the countryside. In the afternoon, hop on a bicycle for a ride through rural Yangshuo led by a local guide or local guides. Cycle past old homes, water buffalo, and winding paths through the fields. If the weather is clear, you might catch a glimpse of a famous mountain in the distance. During your ride, consider stopping at a local restaurant for an authentic meal. It’s a great way to see local life up close and enjoy the area’s natural charm.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Guilin & Yangshuo

Today you’ll visit Longsheng, home to the famous rice terraces. Originally constructed during the Yuan dynasty, these fields climb the hills in beautiful patterns, showing centuries of clever farming. Take a walk along the terraces and enjoy the wide views. Visit local villages and meet people from China’s minority groups who still follow old traditions. For a deeper cultural experience, consider sharing a meal with a local family to experience authentic hospitality and local customs. After the visit, travel to Guilin for the night. This ancient city is surrounded by some of the most scenic landscapes in China and offers a peaceful end to the day.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Guilin & Yangshuo

Hong Kong Island

Fly from Guilin to Hong Kong, one of Asia's most vibrant cities. A private transfer takes you to your hotel where you'll stay for 3 nights. The rest of the day is free. Walk the streets, try local food or shop. With its mix of Chinese and Western, old and new, Hong Kong is full of surprises. Tonight is a good time to start discovering what makes this city so unique.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Hong Kong Island

Explore Hong Kong with a full day private tour. Visit modern landmarks and older areas with character. Take a traditional sampan boat in Aberdeen Harbour to see the fishing community. Then take the tram to Victoria Peak and visit the observation deck for panoramic views of the city's skyline. Later walk through Soho with its art, shops and food from around the world. This tour gives you a feel for the contrasts and charm that make Hong Kong so special.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Hong Kong Island

Choose how you want to spend your last day. Nature lovers might want to hike the Dragon's Back trail or take a boat to nearby islands for a quiet escape. You can also visit the New Territories to see traditional villages and countryside. Whatever you pick, you'll find Hong Kong is more than a city – it's a place of beaches, hills and natural beauty. This flexible day lets you do your own thing and end your trip with a bang.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Hong Kong Island

Hong Kong - Departure

Your trip ends today with a private transfer to the airport. You've seen modern cities and ancient villages, quiet countryside and bustling markets. This trip has been full of variety and given you a true taste of China's culture, history and natural wonders. We wish you return home with new memories and a deeper understanding of this incredible country.

Meals Included: Breakfast