Essence of China with Hong Kong Stopover - 12 Days

The Tian’anmen Square is the world’s largest and renowned public square where many historical events once took place.
The Forbidden City (UNESCO) is the imperial place where the emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties ruled for nearly 500 years (1420-1911). Experience the architectural splendor of the palaces, ceremonial courtyards, and private quarters.
The Temple of Heaven (UNESCO), where ancient Chinese emperors made sacrifices to Heaven and prayed for bountiful harvests, demonstrates the supreme achievement of traditional Chinese architecture.

Good to know: Usually the guide service for a full day tour is about from 9:00 to 17:00, and the evening time is on your own. If needed, your guide is happy to offer some tips or help you buy tickets for evening entertainment.

Ideas for leisure time: If you are interested in Chinese Kung Fu, the Legend of Kung Fu is a good choice for tonight. It is stunning Kung Fu show with a great story line and martial arts skills.

The Great Wall is one of the most spectacular structures ever built by humans and is the only one visible from space.
The Summer Palace (UNESCO) is the largest imperial garden in the world. Emperors of successive dynasties created a summer retreat of Chinese gardens and pavilions, around the tranquil waters of Kunming Lake.

Ideas for leisure time:

1. Enjoy the Peking Duck dinner at time-honored restaurant - Quanjude or Bianyifang. The duck is characteristic with its crispy skin, tender meat and the fragrance from the fruit-wood.

2. Watch a breathtaking acrobatic show at Chaoyang Theater or Tiandi Theater.

The Museum of Terracotta Warriors and Horses (UNESCO) is one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world. More than 6000 life-sized terra cotta warriors, archers, infantrymen, horses, and bronze chariots have silently guarded the tomb of China's First Emperor for over 2,200 years.
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a Tang Dynasty landmark, is a seven-story pagoda initially constructed in 652 AD. One of the pagoda's many functions is to hold sutras and figurines of the Buddha that were brought to China from India by the Buddhist translator and traveler - Xuanzang.

Ideas for leisure time: Enjoy a tasteful Dumpling Banquet followed by an exquisite traditional Tang Dynasty Show.

Good to know: If you have an extra day in Xi’an, you could explore the Mount Hua and get impressed of its unique natural beauty. Or to take a day trip to Luoyang by bullet train and visit the Longmen Grottoes, one of the Three Most Famous Buddhist Grottoes in China.

The Ancient City Wall is one of the oldest city walls in China and still encompasses the center of Xi'an today.

Owing to its ingenious design in Ming and Qing dynasties, the Yu Garden becomes a real museum of Chinese ancient architecture.
The Jade Buddha Temple is famous for its two precious jade Buddha statues brought from Burma, which are not only rare cultural relics but also exquisite artworks.
The Shanghai Museum has a collection of 120,000 pieces of Chinese ancient treasures.
The Bund,featured outstanding European colonial architectures, is full of new skyscrapers and historical buildings in the center of Shanghai.

Ideas for leisure time:

1. Acrobatic Shows in Shanghai are known as the best in China. You can never imagine how exciting the show is.

2. Or you could take a Huangpu River Night Cruise which is the perfect way to enjoy the gorgeous night view of Shanghai.

The Fubo Hill is a perfect spot to explore the limestone karst landscape in Guilin.

In the morning, meet your guide at the hotel and transfer to embark on a memorable Li River Cruise. Through this 3-hour journey of China's best known natural scenery, you can appreciate unique karst landscapes as well as verdant hills and lovely waters. Then, arrive at Yangshuo at about 13:00 and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Ideas for leisure time in Yangshuo (optional tours): 1. Take a bamboo rafting on the Yulong River. Sitting in a chair on the raft and floating down the Yulong River, you will be impressed by the amazing natural beauty in the countryside. 2.Yangshuo County is dotted with rolling hills, bamboo forests and local villages. Taking an walking tour with your guide and explore this scenic countryside is not a bad choice. 3.Or you could join in a 3-hour Chinese Cuisine Cookery Class. It is a great chance to learn a course of Chinese dish from local people. Your friends and family will be amazed when you make them Chinese dishes at the party.

Today starts with a half-day tour of Hong Kong Island. Visit the Victoria Peak (include One-way peak tram ride), the summit of the Hong Kong Island and get a bird-eye view of the magnificent skyline of the Victoria Harbor. Then, visit the Stanley Market and drive by the Repulse Bay. Later, explore the Historic Fishing Village at Aberdeen with sampan ride. Their traditional lifestyle is in sharp contrast to the modern life style of those living in the high-rise communities. Afterwards, return to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.