11 Days China Harmony

Arrive in Hong Kong and be ready for adventure when you are greeted at the international airport by your local guide. Enjoy the drive to the hotel, as your driver navigates the traffic and you learn a little about the history and allure of Hong Kong. Once checked in, spend the rest of the day exploring this incredible city. Take advantage of the myriad of food options available to you, including traditional street food, upmarket restaurants, or local foodie haunts. Simply ask your guide for advice.

Meals included: None

Enjoy the excitement of the city after you’re collected from the hotel and taken to Victoria Peak. As the highest point in Hong Kong, the visibility from Victoria Peak is outstanding – you will literally feel you’re high amongst it and looking directly out over Hong Kong’s incredible cityscape. No stop at the Peak is complete without a ride on the Peak Tram and a wander along the Sky Terrace (both included). Journey on to Repulse Bay, a typical Hong Kong beach that is now famous for its eye-wateringly priced real estate – reputed to be the most expensive in Hong Kong. After soaking in the vibe of the bay, you’ll be transported to Stanley Market, the quintessential Hong Kong street market. Known for its collection of typically Chinese curios, collectibles and souvenirs, you’ll have the opportunity to make a purchase or two without the hassle of haggling. Dive into Hong Kong history with a visit to the water-based Aberdeen Fishing Village, an enduring example of Hong Kong’s traditional fishing culture. It’s a great place to try fresh, delicious seafood dishes too, so be sure to ‘save yourself’ for a memorable meal here. Top off the day’s adventure with a Sampan ride on the water. Cruise past the impressive yachts and smaller boats moored on the water while taking in busy harbour life.

Note: Today’s activities are a half day and will be conducted in the morning, however an afternoon Hongkong Island half day tour is also available on request allowing you to adjust to local time. Your local guide can provide advice on lunch, and afternoon and evening activities, including a street or local cuisine food tour and night view of Victoria Harbour. Just ask us!

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy vibrant Hong Kong in the morning, perhaps sharing a morning coffee among locals or visiting one of the many famous street markets in proximity to your hotel. With help from your local guide, you’ll be escorted to Kowloon Station to board the high speed train to Guilin. Sit back and relax as the train travels the nearly 600 kilometers at speeds up to 300 kilometers per hour. Catch your breath in Guilin where you’ll be welcomed by the local guide. Appreciate their sharing of knowledge and history associated with the beautifully eerie Reed Flute Cave, famous for its ancient stalactite formations and modern clever lighting used to profile the unusual shapes. From there you will be taken to your hotel where you can relax into the evening or ask your guide for tips on the best local food.

Meals included: Breakfast

Guilin is a distinctive destination in China, not least because of its natural beauty. It is ideally located in proximity to the stunning Longji Rice Terraces and its here you’ll spend your day, commencing with collection from the hotel by your guide and driver.  The Longji Rice Terraces in Longsheng are both impressive and humbling in the size and ingenuity and you will feel this the moment you arrive. Marvel at the centuries of rice farmers who built the paddies to make best use of scarce arable and water resources in this beautiful mountainous area. Climbing up the rice terraces takes you to breathtaking  views that seem to go on without end. Delve deeper into the community with a visit to the minority culture of the Zhuang and Yao ethnic groups, who work the rice terraces. A stark constrast to the pace and energy of China’s big cities, today is a special opportunity to connect directly with a local minority group. A firsthand experience of the distinctive colourful clothing, architecture, customs and festivities make this a travel memory to savor. At the end of the day you will be transferred back to your hotel in Guilin where you can relax and reflect on the day’s events.

Meals included: Breakfast

Today enjoy more of Guilin’s natural appeal with a leisurely cruise on the Li River after checking out from your hotel. Leave with your guide from Mopanshan Pier and wind back time as you float past the magical Guilin landscape of karst mountains until you reach Yangshuo. On arrival, appreciate the slower pace and rustic feel of this smaller rural town (by China’s standards). Enjoy a free night and dine with the locals on West Street.

Meals included: Breakfast and lunch

Note: Although lunch is included in the Li River cruise ticket, your local guide can help you arrange an alternative before boarding the boat if you’d prefer.

There is ample time this morning to explore more of Yangshuo, either by bike or boat. Make the most of the available time by hiring a bike to traverse local countryside or even visit the morning market for a firsthand window into local life. If you’re a foodie, we can even arrange an optional cooking class. Leave Yangshuo with lovely memories as you return to Guilin by road for your flight to Xi’an. Expect a warm welcome from your local guide who’ll ensure you settle into your hotel. Relax or explore on your first night in China’s most lively city.

Meals included: Breakfast

Note: Optional tours are available and incur additional charges. Enjoy a cooking class tour, bike tour along in the country, or a bamboo raft along the Yulong River.

Few sights in China can match the magnitude and awe of the the world-renowned Terracotta Army. This first day of touring is the opportunity to take it all in. Considered by historians worldwide to be the largest underground military base in the world, the Terracotta Army defies belief with the thousands of unique life-sized figures, including soldiers, horses, carts and weapons. On return to Xi’an, enjoy a change of pace as you explore the ancient City Wall, currently the largest and best-preserved wall of its type in China. Enclosing China’s former capital city and almost 14 kilometres long, do a full circuit on a bike (tandems available!) or simply explore on foot, taking time to peak out through the wall as guards did in the past and gain a birdseye view of the city. Spend the afternoon in contemplation at Xi’an’s Great Mosque. Beautiful gardens and a stunning complex of buildings built mid seventh century, the Great Mosque is the oldest and largest Islamic mosque in China. After just a short time here, you’ll feel you’ve stepped back in time. Follow your nose to Muslim Quarter, which is bustling with authentic eateries and souvenirs. Time to stock up on travel mementos. Ask your guide for their favouriate foodie recommendations before the final destination of the day, the famous Bell Tower and Drum Tower Square. You will be returned to your hotel to relax and reflect on the day’s activities. Step out for your evening meal or dine in at the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast and check out from your hotel, it’s time to explore the Shaanxi History Museum. Discover – and perhaps feel a little mesmerized – at the 370,000 plus relics which chronicle China’s ancient history. Explore Big Wild Goose Pagoda, one of two iconic Buddhist pagodas in Xi’an. Depending on timing, the may be an opportunity to enter the top of the pagoda and cast your gaze out over Xi’an’s 1,400 years of history. Follow the view with a meditative walk through the temple and gardens. As the afternoon commences, you’ll be driven to the railway station to board the bullet train to Beijing. Upon arrival in Beijing your local guide will meet and transfer you to your hotel, providing a brief history introduction to Beijing on the way.

Meals included: Breakfast

The heart of Beijing awaits today as your day’s adventure starts promptly following breakfast when your guide collects you from the hotel. Kick off exploration when you arrive at the world’s largest city square, Tiananmen Square. Seriously large, even by China’s standards, Tiananmen Square is auspicious, as China’s political heart, flanked by the Great Hall of the People, the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, and the National Museum of China. Your guide will lead you across the road the to the awe-inspiring Forbidden City. A culturally historic landmark in Beijing, the Forbidden City seems to go on and on. The detailed planning, careful construction, and symbolic representation of every part of this former residence of Chinese royalty is to be admired. Be prepared to walk in wonder. From the Forbidden City, your guide will lead you to the Summer Palace, highlighting the uniqueness of its elaborate design, beautiful gardens, and the man-made Kunming Lake. It will be easy to imagine Empress Dowager Cixi spending her summers here, overseeing the intrigue and plots that were characteristic of imperial life. Reflect on China’s opening up to the world when you explore the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube – the stadium and pool constructed for the 2008 Summer Olympics. After a full day of exploring, you’ll be taken back to your hotel. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant or the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast

Note: Your tour guide may adjust your itinerary due to closure of the Forbidden City each Monday.

China is home to many iconic historical structures and monuments, however few are as remarkable as the Great Wall. Today is your chance to climb the wall at the Mutianyu section and understand a little of its impressive history. A quick stop at the famous local food market Sanyuanli on the way means you can stock up on fruit and snacks for today’s trip. Every section of the Great Wall attracts interest, however the Mutianyu Great Wall is one which is less frequented. Located about 90 minutes drive from Beijing, you can sit back and enjoy being driven, while having the opportunity to ask your guide questions about points of interest along the way. The wall is accessible by cable car and a short trip up provides wonderful views of the surrounding country. It also makes you reflect on this incredible feat of construction, which involved over 800,000 soldiers and civilians. Make like a guard and walk the wall to take in the Ming dynasty guard towers and sensational views. There will be plenty to talk about on the return trip to Beijing. Your afternoon is spent visiting the Confucius Temple, first built in 1302 to honor Confucius and the philosophers who studied Confucianism over centuries. You’ll visit the Imperial College Museum too and it’s here you’ll learn of its importance to scholars past and present who studied and took exams there to advance their careers. Finish the day’s itinerary by wandering through Wudaoying Hutong. This is a chance to visit Beijing’s most expensive real estate and make like a local as you visit the curious shops, cafes, and witness the lifestyle of a unique Beijing community.

Meals included: Breakfast

A final day on any tour can prompt even the most resistant shopper to relent and acquire one or two special travel memories. The good news is we’re here to help. You’re welcome to explore on your own, or if you’re after insider tips, we can arrange for additional time with your guide, who can steer you in the right direction. With bags in hand, you’ll be driven to the airport for your departure flight.

Meals included: Breakfast

Travel note: We love helping our customers make the most of their available travel time. Need assistance planning your next destination? We can help with that too. Our travel network spans across every corner of China and South East Asia. With connections like that we can take care of every detail. Kindly note, that a surcharge will apply.