Accommodation

All accommodations in double and twin share rooms with private facilities. Hotel (18 nights) Beijing Chongwenmen hotel, a 3-star hotel (2 nights) An overnight train from Beijing to Xi’an, a Soft Sleeper train (1 night) Xi’an Forest City Hotel, a 3-star hotel (2 nights) Ibis Chengdu Temple of Marquis, a 3-Star Hotel (2 nights) Lijiang James Joyce Coffetel, a 3-Star Hotel (2 nights) Dali Shiguang Boutique Hotel, a 3-Star Hotel (2 nights) Kunming Longteng Hotel, a 3-Star Hotel (1 night) Yangshuo New Century Hotel, a 4-Star Hotel (3 nights) Pingan Longying Hotel, a 3-Star Hotel (2 nights) Hong Kong Metropark Hotel Kowloon, a 4-Star Hotel (1 night) Travelling with Truly China Travel is a little bit different. We endeavour to provide travellers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to keep accommodation as unique and traditional as possible. When travelling with us in China you may find yourself staying in a: Overnight Sleeper Train Your overnight journey will give you plenty of time to finally learn how to play mah-jong, mingle with the locals or simply relax and watch the scenery whiz by. Monastery Enjoy the simpler things in life, waking up to the sound of monks chanting amongst peaceful mountain scenery. Staying in a monastery is truly an unforgettable experience. Special Information A Single Supplement for Adult, Senior and Youth/Student to have your own room is bookable on this trip, with the exception of the overnight train, subject to availability. If you wish to arrive a few days early in Beijing, we’ll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Guide

English speaking tour guides in each destination, except on the trains; All Truly China group trips are accompanied by one of our tour guides. The aim of the tour guide is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Your guide will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. You can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. At Truly China Travel we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you were interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your guide can recommend a scenic spot guide service in most of the main scenic spot of your trip.

Flights

Domestic Flight (Chengdu-Lijiang, Kunming-Guilin), including tax.

Others

Private bus and entrance tickets for the excursions: Mutianyu Great Wall in Beijing; Beijing - Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City walking Tour; Xi’an - Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Muslim Quarter and City Wall walking tour; Private bus and entrance tickets for excursions to Terracotta Army in Xian; Panda Breeding Center in Chengdu; Cycling tour in Lijiang; Three Pagodas in Dali; Stone Forest in Kunming; Yangshuo - countryside cycling tour; Yangshuo - West street and river bank walking tour; Hiking tour on the top of Longji Rice Terraces; Hong Kong - Victoria Harbour walking tour.

Transport

All transportation during the tour is included; High Speed Train (Xi’an - Chengdu, Guilin - Hong Kong), 2nd class; Overnight Train (Beijing-Xi’an), Soft Sleeper. Truly China Travel believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Truly China Travel uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun. Depending on which trip you’re on while in China, you may find yourself travelling by: Bicycle Cycling through China is a great way to see the country from ground level. Whether you’re pedalling through the hutongs or the countryside, you’ll see the sights and get to meet locals along the way. Bullet train Speed across China in a super fast bullet train. It’s one of the most effective ways to cover long distances in a short time.

Meals

18 breakfasts are included, and normally they are Chinese and Western buffet. VEGETARIANS & VEGANS: Vegetarians in China certainly won’t go hungry as there are always plenty of meat free options on menus including vegetable, tofu and egg dishes. Your tour guide can advise on some local favourites. Dairy is uncommon in Chinese cooking, although in some regions like Tibet, Xinjiang and Yunnan you will find milk products as part of the local cuisine. Vegans should also have few problems finding tasty meals in most locations. Nearly all cities will have vegetarian restaurants, often near to temples or monasteries that specialise in Buddhist cuisine. DIETARY NEEDS: Wherever possible we will cater for dietary needs for included meals, but there may be times when those with special requirements may wish to supplement inclusions with their own supplies from markets or supermarkets. Please note that some dietary requirements, such as Gluten Free, will be uncommon in China and you may need to explain to your tour guide what you can and can’t eat as well as research common dishes before you travel. ALLERGIES: For those suffering from particular food allergies, your tour guide will endeavor to disclose to their fullest knowledge the main ingredients in dishes being consumed. It is, however, your personal responsibility to ensure that you do not ingest any foods to which you are allergic and research suitable local foods before travelling.

Not included:

Others

International flight and departure tax; Arrival transfer on Day1 and departure transfer on Day19; Lunches and dinners; Other optional excursions and entrance tickets; Tips to drivers and tour guides; Other personal expenses; Travel insurance; Visa to China.

Insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. When travelling on a trip, you won’t be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company’s 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact number rather than the bank’s name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Arrive In Beijing & Group Meeting
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Arrive In Beijing & Group Meeting

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.

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
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Beijing

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). It’s a good idea to pack a picnic lunch with you to enjoy atop the wall during a rest break. Being perched on this incredible engineering feat and surveying the spectacular surrounding countryside is an unforgettable experience. Return to Beijing by private bus, and then enjoy a free evening to either relax or explore further.
Day 3 Beijing To Xi’An
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Beijing To Xi’An

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. This evening you will catch an over night train to Xi’an.

Special Information

Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City are the number one attractions in the whole country for local travelers and as such can get very crowded with tour groups. Be ready!
Day 4 Xi’An
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Xi’An

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. Perhaps visit the night markets and try many of the tantalising local specialties such as Pao mo (lamb broth that you break flat bread into), hand pulled noodles, hot pot and barbecue.
Day 5 Xi’An
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Xi’An

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
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Xi’An To Chengdu

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 Chengdu
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Chengdu

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 Lijiang
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Chengdu To Lijiang

This morning you’ll fly from Chengdu to Lijiang, after arrival at Lijiang airport, then transfer to the hotel in Lijiang. This World Heritage-listed town is home to the Naxi people, a matrilineal society descended from Tibetan nomads. Enjoy some free time, maybe visit the Wangu Pagoda, situated at Lion Hill in a small park and has amazing views over Lijiang. Or visit he picturesque Heilongtan Park and wander the cobbled streets in the old town and take the chance to do some shopping. In recent years, Lijiang has become very popular with domestic tourists, so don’t be surprised if you see the streets full of tourists from home and abroad.
Day 9 Lijiang
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Lijiang

Today you are going to discovery the peaceful and pretty ancient town by bicycle with your tour leader. Lijiang is home to the Naxi people, descendants of Tibetan nomads, recognizable by their traditional blue clothing. Explore the maze of stone streets in this World Heritage-listed town. Stay in the town’s atmospheric old quarter and perhaps catch a traditional music performance.
Day 10 Lijiang To Dali
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Lijiang To Dali

Travel by private bus to your next destination, Dali (approximately 3–4 hours). For many years this spot has been a favourite destination for foreign travelers and backpackers, thanks to its laidback atmosphere and spectacular surroundings. There are snow-capped mountains on one side and the vast Erhai Lake on the other, making for an impressive sight. This afternoon you will take a guided walk around Dali’s ancient town with your leader. Present-day Dali is a city that combines history with modern convenience. It is divided into two areas: the Ancient City and the New District (widely known as Xiaguan). After your tour, enjoy a free evening in this picturesque town. Perhaps circle back to Foreigner Street in the Ancient City, where handicrafts and local culinary delights rightly attract many visitors.
Day 11 Dali
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Dali

Take a private bus to Xizhou, around 23 kilometres north of Dali on a day trip today. Xizhou is famous for its Butterfly Spring and Bai architecture. Enjoy a guided tour of the town and the local markets – a great chance to learn more about Bai architecture. Interact with some local families living in the traditional courtyards to get a feel for local life. Be sure to try some tasty local snacks such as baba (fried rice cake) or the local cheese. Enjoy some more free time upon your return to Dali - perhaps take the cable car up Cangshan Mountain or stop in at the Three Pagodas.
Day 12 Dali To Kunming
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Dali To Kunming

Travel by high-speed train to your next destination, Stone Forest. Stop at the geological wonder of the Stone Forest on the way. The Forest covers an area of 400 square kilometres (96,000 acres) and includes both large and small clusters of towering limestone pillars, as well as many other scenic spots. An old local saying says that ’If you have visited Kunming without seeing the Stone Forest, you have wasted your time’. Truly, the site is one of the most important attractions of Yunnan. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore the large, yet laidback city. Kunming is filled with bridges and waterways, it is a lovely place to explore on foot. If the thought of walking anymore doesn’t appeal, perhaps reward yourself for all those hikes with a foot massage! Meet up in the evening for an optional final dinner out on the town with the group, your last chance to enjoy Yunnanese cuisine.
Day 13 Kunming To Yangshuo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Kunming To Yangshuo

This morning you’ll fly from Kunming to Guilin, after arrival at Guilin airport, 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 14 Yangshuo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Yangshuo

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 15 Continue To Explore And Discover The Beauty Of Yangshuo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Continue To Explore And Discover The Beauty Of Yangshuo

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 16 Yangshuo To Longji Rice Terraces
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Yangshuo To Longji Rice Terraces

Travel by private bus to your next destination, Longji Rice Terraces.The Longji region has some of the most extensive rice terraces around. These terraces change with the seasons: filled with water from the mountains before planting, becoming green during the growing season and then golden when the rice is ready for harvest. This evening you’ll overnight in the village of Dazhai, which is home to the Yao minorities. The Yao still preserve some of their traditional lifestyle and unique customs. You’ll notice women only cut their hair at 16 years old, symbolising their entrance into adulthood. The hair isn’t thrown away, but is kept by the grandmother. When the woman marries, the hair is made into an ornamental headdress and brought to the husband’s home as a souvenir!

Special Information

We will leave our big luggage at the entrance of the scenic zone in Longji and carry only our overnight pack with us to the guesthouse. Please prepare an overnight pack suitable for 2 nights stay at the local village guesthouses and you’ll need to be able to carry it by yourself during trekking too.
Day 17 Dazhai To Pingan Village
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Dazhai To Pingan Village

Today you’ll hike through the Longji Valley and its rice terraces, constructed over 500 years ago (called the Dragon’s Backbone because the rice terraces resemble a dragon’s scales, while the mountain summit looks like the backbone of the dragon). Walk through stunning scenery, with its unique terraces for growing rice, alongside bamboo trees and chestnut forests. Despite some challenging hills, much of the hike is spent walking around over the stones, passing waterfalls and fields. After a day spent admiring the endless vistas, you’ll overnight in the picturesque village of Ping’an.

Special Information

Expect to carry your own overnight pack and walk for up to five hours as your next accommodation may be in a different village. The hike can be tough going for some, with many uphill stretches and some very slippery paths. However, more experienced hikers will have no problems and there are many more optional walks available, uncovering great photo opportunities around every corner.
Day 18 Longji Rice Terraces To Hong Kong
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Longji Rice Terraces To Hong Kong

Leave Pingan village 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 19 Hong Kong (Departure)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Hong Kong (Departure)

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).

+16

19 days tour

Best China Attractions

This tour includes:

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Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Best China Attractions

Arrive In Beijing & Group Meeting

Beijing

Beijing To Xi’An

Xi’An

Xi’An

Xi’An To Chengdu

Chengdu

Chengdu To Lijiang

Lijiang

Lijiang To Dali

Dali

Dali To Kunming

Kunming To Yangshuo

Yangshuo

Continue To Explore And Discover The Beauty Of Yangshuo

Yangshuo To Longji Rice Terraces

Dazhai To Pingan Village

Longji Rice Terraces To Hong Kong

Hong Kong (Departure)

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