Meals

10 breakfasts and 1 local lunch 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.

Guide

English speaking tour guides in each destination, except on the trains and the last departure day; 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.

Accommodation

All accommodations in double and twin share rooms with private facilities. Hotel (10 nights), Overnight train (1 night) Beijing Houhai Drum Tower Courtyard Manxin Mansion, a 4-star hotel (2 nights) Xi’an Bell Tower Hotel, a 4-star hotel (2 nights) Chengdu Dorsett Hotel, a 5-star hotel (2 nights) Yangshuo Elite Garden Hotel, a 4-star hotel (3 nights) Hong Kong Metropark Hotel Kowloon, a 4-star hotel (1 nights) Overnight Soft Sleeper train from Beijing to Xi’an (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: If you wish to arrive a few days early in Beijing, we’ll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). Enjoy the comfort and privacy of your own room, 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.

Transport

All transportation during the tour is included. High-speed train (Xi’an-Chengdu, Chengdu-Yangshuo, 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. You can also book an extra arrival transfer on the first day and extra departure transfer on the last day through us.

Others

Beijing - Tiananmen Square Walking Tour; Beijing - Forbidden City; Beijing - Private bus and entrance tickets for excursions to Mutianyu Great Wall; Xi’an - Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Muslim Quarter and City Wall Walking tour; Xi’an - Terracotta Warriors; Chengdu - Tianfu Square, People’s Park Walking tour； Chengdu - Panda Breeding Center; Yangshuo - Countryside Cycling Tour； Hong Kong - Kowloon Park, Victoria Harbour Walking tour.

Not included:

Others

International flight and departure tax; Arrival transfer on Day1 and departure transfer on Day12; Lunches and dinners; Other optional excursions and entrance tickets; Tips to drivers and tour guides; Other personal expenses; 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.

Hotel Information:

Hotel Name: Beijing Houhai Gulou courtyard MANXIN Hotel

酒店名称：北京后海鼓楼四合院漫心府

Hotel Address: No. 2 Xitao Hutong, Old Gulou Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, China

酒店地址：北京西城区旧鼓楼大街西绦胡同2号

Hotel Tel/酒店电话：+86 (010) 84038088

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 Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Beijing Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City Tour

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.

Enjoy a free evening to either relax or explore further.

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 3 Beijing Mutianyu Great Wall & Overnight Train To Xi’An
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Beijing Mutianyu Great Wall & Overnight Train To Xi’An

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. This evening you will catch an over night train to Xi’an.
Day 4 Xi’An Muslim Quarter & Ancient City Wall Walking Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Xi’An Muslim Quarter & Ancient City Wall Walking Tour

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 Exploring The Terracotta Warriors Of Xi’An
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Exploring The Terracotta Warriors Of 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 & City Walking Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Xi’An To Chengdu & City Walking Tour

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 Close Encounter With Giant Pandas In Chengdu
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Close Encounter With Giant Pandas In 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 Yangshuo & West Street Walking Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Chengdu To Yangshuo & West Street Walking Tour

This morning you’ll catch a fast train from Chengdu to Yangshuo, after arrival at Yangshuo station, 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 9 Countryside Cycling & Rafting On Yulong River
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Countryside Cycling & Rafting On Yulong River

The dramatic countryside surrounding Yangshuo is best seen on a bike, today you’ll jump on a bike and explore the splendid green landscape surrounds and nearby villages, bamboo rafting on the Yulong River enjoy the idyllic scenery on both sides of the river, which is pleasing to the eye. Stop for lunch at the house of our local farmer friends for a tasty meal made from locally grown produce.

This evening is free time for you, there is a spectacular outdoor cultural show staged by Zhang Yimou, director of the Beijing Olympic’s opening ceremony, is a definite highlight and highly recommended (optional).
Day 10 Continue To Discover The Beauty Of Yangshuo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Continue To Discover The Beauty Of Yangshuo

A great optional activity for you to head out, what is one of the largest tea plantations in Yangshuo, in the plantation you’ll try on a Chinese reed hat to feel the atmosphere of a tea plantation, pick your own tea leaves and wander through the rows of tea and return to the lodge to experience the traditional tea service and learn the customs, climb up to the Xianggong hill to experience the spectacular panorama over the Li River Valley, from here you’ll see sunlight & shadow, clouds sea & the rosy clouds, If you’re lucky, you can also see a beautiful rainbow.

It’s the last night in Yangshuo, enjoy an optional final dinner to sample some of the best Yangshuo dishes, and wander up the busy West shopping street, then enjoy some time to browse the stores or relax in a cafe.
Day 11 Yangshuo To Hong Kong
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Yangshuo To Hong Kong

Leave Yangshuo 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, 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 12 Hong Kong （Departure）
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Hong Kong （Departure）

Your China tour comes to an end this morning, and there are no activities on the final day and you are free to leave your accommodation at any time before 12:00 noon.

Kindly Reminder: 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).

12 days tour

Real China Highlights

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Real China Highlights

Arrive In Beijing & Group Meeting

Beijing Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City Tour

Beijing Mutianyu Great Wall & Overnight Train To Xi’An

Xi’An Muslim Quarter & Ancient City Wall Walking Tour

Exploring The Terracotta Warriors Of Xi’An

Xi’An To Chengdu & City Walking Tour

Close Encounter With Giant Pandas In Chengdu

Chengdu To Yangshuo & West Street Walking Tour

Countryside Cycling & Rafting On Yulong River

Continue To Discover The Beauty Of Yangshuo

Yangshuo To Hong Kong

Hong Kong （Departure）

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