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Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Chinese Shadow Puppetry, Xi’an Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Tai Chi Class, Yangshuo Your G for Good Moment: Jia Community Restaurant, Yangshuo Your Foodie Moment: Central Chinese Cooking Class - Yangshuo, Yangshuo Your Discover Moment: Shanghai. Arrival transfer. Visit Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven. Visit Beijing’s traditional hutongs. Excursion to the Great Wall. Xi’an Muslim quarter orientation walk and Gao’s Grand Courtyard. Cycle along the Xi’an city walls. Terracotta warriors tour. Lunch in a local village. Li River boat ride. Walk through the countryside with village visits. Shanghai orientation walk. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Transport

Private bus, plane, boat, train, bicycle, walking.

Guide

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.

Meals

11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners

Accommodation

Hotels (10 nts), Soft-sleeper train (1 nt)

Hygieneprotocol

As of October 1, 2021 G Adventures’ Vaccinated Tours Policy applies:  All travelers must meet the G Adventures requirements for joining their tours. The majority of tours require travelers to be fully vaccinated and the full/final COVID-19 vaccination must be at least 14 days before the first day of the tour. There are some tours and departures that are only ‘Travel-Ready’ which means all travelers must be fully vaccinated or have a negative COVID-19 test within 96 hours before the first day of the tour. Please, double check with the G Adventures Support Team about the requirements of your tour and departure date.

Not included:

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Insurance

Insurance not included

Flights

Internal flights included International flights not included

Others

Mutianyu - Toboggan at Great Wall (100-120CNY per person) - Cable Car at Great Wall (100-120CNY per person) Beijing - Beijing Kung Fu Show Xi’an - Defachang Dumpling Banquet (105CNY per person) Yangshuo - Impression Liu Sanjie Culture Show Shanghai - Shanghai Museum (Free) - Shanghai Acrobatic Performance - Yuyuan Gardens (45CNY per person) - Oriental Pearl Tower (220CNY per person)

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Beijing (1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Beijing (1D)

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included. Enjoy Beijing’s famed Peking duck at our welcome dinner tonight.

Meals Included:
- Dinner

Transport:
- Private Vehicle: Beijing

Included Activities:
- Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting
Day 2 Day 2: Beijing (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Beijing (1B)

Today, we discover one of the most iconic wonders of the world—the Great Wall of China. This impressive series of fortifications was built between the 3rd century BC and the 17th century AD along China’s northern border, and spans more than 20,000 kilometers. We’ll explore the less-visited Mutianyu section, taking in sweeping views of the countryside from the ancient watchtowers. Opt to ascend a section of the wall by cable car; then hike up to Mutianyu’s highest point and choose to slide back down to the entrance in a toboggan.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Private Vehicle: Beijing

Included Activities:
- Great Wall Mutianyu Visit
Day 3 Day 3: Beijing (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Beijing (1B)

Delve into the fascinating history of Beijing on a full-day tour. Visit the palaces and elegant galleries of the Forbidden City—seat of the Ming and Qing dynasties for more than five centuries—and walk across vast Tiananmen Square, where some of China’s most significant political events have taken place. Venture to the elegant Temple of Heaven, where the emperor would come to pray and perform sacrificial rites, and watch locals practice tai chi in the surrounding gardens. Later, we’ll take a walk through the hutongs or hidden alleyways of Beijing’s old neighbourhoods.
Hear tales of emperors and their concubines, a long crafted culture and rich tradition. Witness how ancient Chinese customs are still valued today, while also blended with modern technology and western influences.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Private Vehicle: Beijing

Included Activities:
- Tiananmen Square
- Forbidden City Tour
- Temple of Heaven
- Hutong Walk

Additional Notes: Please note that the timing of included activities can change and will be spread out over the course of days 2-4.
Day 4 Day 4: Beijing/Xi’An (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Beijing/Xi’An (1B)

Continue to explore Beijing today and enjoy some free time on your own. In the evening, catch an overnight train to Xi’an, one of China’s four ancient capitals and the eastern terminus of the Silk Road.
Accommodation this evening will be in Soft Sleeper train cars which have 8-9 compartments per cabin. Each compartment includes 4 beds (two upper and two lower beds) and a sliding door which can be locked. Beds include a quilt, pillow, sheet, and reading lamp with space for luggage in each compartment.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Basic Overnight Train (beds) 12:00 - 15:00 Hr(s)
Day 5 Day 5: Xi’An (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Xi’An (1B)

Explore Xi’an like a local this morning, hopping on a bike to ride along the city’s well-preserved 14th-century walls. Later, hit the streets of the vibrant Muslim Quarter, known for its mouthwatering street food, and enjoy a visit to Gao’s Grand Courtyard. This beautifully restored mansion belonged to a Ming-era official, and offers an insight into traditional Chinese family life. Round off your visit with a performance of shadow puppetry, an ancient Chinese folk art.
In the evening, explore the multicultural feel of the Muslim Quarter with shopping lanes and street-side food stalls selling naan, kebabs, and a fine array of sweets. Opt to try some of the best street food in China – the spicy beef and lamb kebabs are always a favourite.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Included Activities:
- Muslim Quarter Orientation Walk
- Chinese Shadow Puppetry
- Cycling Xi’an City Walls
Day 6 Day 6: Xi’An (1B, 1L)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Xi’An (1B, 1L)

Visit the famed terra-cotta army, fashioned more than 2,000 years ago to protect the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor. We’ll spend half a day learning about this archaeological treasure and admiring the artistic detail of the thousands of life-size sculptures. Afterward, enjoy lunch in a nearby village, where local farmers first discovered the terra-cotta warriors in 1974. Opt for a dumpling banquet this evening, getting a chance to taste traditional northern Chinese cuisine.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch

Transport:
- Private Vehicle

Included Activities:
- Terracotta Warriors Guided Tour
- Village visit and lunch
Day 7 Day 7: Yangshuo Countryside (1B, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Yangshuo Countryside (1B, 1D)

Fly to Yangshuo in China’s lush southwestern region, situated at the meeting point of the Li and Yulong Rivers and ringed by dramatic limestone peaks. Float down the Li River on a traditional vessel, winding around karst towers and gliding past terraced rice fields and local fishermen on bamboo boats. Tonight, we’ll enjoy dinner at a G Adventures–supported restaurant, which provides rural women with opportunities to become self-reliant.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner

Transport:
- Plane: Xi’an to Guilin 01:45 - 02:00 Hr(s)
- Private Vehicle 01:30 - 02:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Li River Boat Tour
- Jia Community Restaurant
Day 8 Day 8: Yangshuo Countryside (1B, 1D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Yangshuo Countryside (1B, 1D)

Venture further into the scenic countryside this morning, trekking through peaceful rural villages, fruit orchards, and rice paddies. Later, delve into the region’s cuisine on a visit to a Yangshuo market, where we’ll learn about the ingredients used to prepare typical dishes. Then try your hand at whipping up some of these local specialities at a cooking class, and enjoy your creations for dinner.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner

Transport:
- Private Vehicle

Included Activities:
- Countryside Walk
- Central Chinese Cooking Class - Yangshuo
Day 9 Day 9: Yangshuo (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Yangshuo (1B)

Rise early for a private tai chi class with a local expert and learn about the health benefits of this ancient Chinese exercise, practiced by millions around the world. Later, travel to the town of Yangshuo and wander through its quaint, café-lined streets. Spend the afternoon at leisure, and opt to enjoy a stunning theatrical performance over the Li River.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Included Activities:
- Tai Chi Class
Day 10 Day 10: Yangshuo/Shanghai (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Yangshuo/Shanghai (1B)

Fly to Shanghai, one of China’s most bustling metropolises. Set off on a stroll of the Bund, the downtown riverfront district, and take in Shanghai’s colonial architecture and futuristic skyline—a mesmerizing mix of old and new. Explore the city on your own time this evening.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Transport:
- Plane 02:00 Hr(s)

Included Activities:
- Orientation Walk of the Bund
Day 11 Day 11: Shanghai (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Shanghai (1B)

Spend the day soaking up vibrant Shanghai on your own. Opt to visit the Shanghai Museum, home to a world-class collection of ancient Chinese art; roam the beautiful Yuyuan Garden, a classical Chinese garden dating to the Ming era; enjoy a spectacular acrobatic show; ascend to the top of the iconic Oriental Pearl, one of the tallest TV towers in the world; and much more.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Day 12 Day 12: Shanghai (1B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Shanghai (1B)

Depart at any time.

Meals Included:
- Breakfast

Included Activities:
- Departure Day

12 days tour

Best Of China National Geographic Journeys

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Best Of China National Geographic Journeys

Day 1: Beijing (1D)

Day 2: Beijing (1B)

Day 3: Beijing (1B)

Day 4: Beijing/Xi’An (1B)

Day 5: Xi’An (1B)

Day 6: Xi’An (1B, 1L)

Day 7: Yangshuo Countryside (1B, 1D)

Day 8: Yangshuo Countryside (1B, 1D)

Day 9: Yangshuo (1B)

Day 10: Yangshuo/Shanghai (1B)

Day 11: Shanghai (1B)

Day 12: Shanghai (1B)

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