21 Days Trip Through China

Nihao and welcome to China! Airport Pickup: We will meet you at the arrival hall of the airport and escort you to your hotel for check-in. 6:00 PM – Briefing Session: A short meeting to introduce the trip itinerary and important reminders. Welcome Dinner: Enjoy a delicious Beijing Roast Duck dinner to start your journey!

The world's largest imperial palace complex, home to 24 emperors (1420-1912) Famous for its grand halls, golden roofs, and ancient Chinese architecture

A UNESCO site where emperors prayed for good harvests Known for its iconic circular Altar of Heaven and excellent acoustics

Spend an unforgettable day exploring the magnificent Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, one of the best-preserved and less crowded parts of this ancient wonder. Located about 90km northeast of Beijing, Mutianyu features 22 original watchtowers along its 2.5km stretch, offering breathtaking views of rolling mountains and lush forests. Built during the Northern Qi Dynasty (550-577) and rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty, this section is renowned for its unique architectural features like the rare three-way watchtowers.

Bid farewell to Beijing as you board the modern high-speed train for a scenic 4.5-hour journey to Xi'an, where China's ancient civilization comes alive. Glide past the changing landscapes of northern China as you travel southwest at 300km/h in comfort. Upon arrival in this former imperial capital that served 13 dynasties, you'll have the afternoon at leisure to begin discovering its timeless charm. Consider wandering through the atmospheric Muslim Quarter where the scent of sizzling lamb skewers and freshly-baked naan bread fills narrow alleyways, or perhaps walk atop the magnificent Ming Dynasty city walls that still encircle the historic center.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through time as you visit the legendary Terracotta Warriors, one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Marvel at the life-sized clay soldiers, chariots and horses that have stood guard over Emperor Qin Shi Huang's tomb for over 2,200 years. Your expert guide will reveal fascinating details about how each warrior's unique facial features and the army's strategic formation.

Depart Xi'an in the morning as you journey west to Lanzhou, the provincial capital of Gansu where the Yellow River carves its way through rugged landscapes. A scenic 3-hour high-speed rail ride through the Loess Plateau's dramatic terrain. Upon arrival in this vital Silk Road hub, notice how the air carries distinct aromas of cumin and beef broth - hints of Lanzhou's famous hand-pulled noodles awaiting your discovery. Enjoy a leisurely evening settling into the rhythm of this riverside city. Stroll along the Yellow River Mother Sculpture Park at sunset when the waters glow golden, or ascend White Pagoda Mountain for panoramic views of the serpentine river embracing the urban landscape.

Depart Lanzhou in the morning for the scenic 3-hour drive to Xiahe, gateway to Tibetan culture in Gansu province. En route, stop at the mesmerizing Bingling Caves, a hidden gem of Buddhist art carved into cliffs along the Yellow River. Marvel at the 1,600-year-old statues and frescoes, including the 27-meter-tall Maitreya Buddha, where Silk Road history whispers through the canyon.

feel the spiritual energy of Labrang Monastery, one of Tibetan Buddhism's six great monasteries. Wander through its golden-roofed temples and prayer wheel-lined paths as crimson-robed monks chant sutras. As dusk falls, soak in the panoramic valley views with the monastery's white stupas glowing against mountain shadows.

Depart Xiahe after breakfast for a scenic 4-hour drive through the Ganjia Grasslands, where Tibetan nomads tend their yak herds under vast open skies. Witness the dramatic landscape transition from golden valleys to pine-clad mountains as we approach the high-altitude frontier town of Langmusi (3,300m). Arrive in time for lunch at a local Tibetan restaurant, then visit the legendary Langmusi Monastery - actually twin monasteries straddling the provincial border: Sertri Gompa (Gansu side): Admire its golden-roofed assembly halls where monks engage in lively philosophical debates Kirti Gompa (Sichuan side): Explore serene cloisters with thousand-year-old Buddha statues and rotating scripture halls

After witnessing monks' morning rituals in Langmusi's mist-wrapped temples, we embark on a breathtaking 5-hour journey through Ruoergai Grassland - China's largest alpine meadow at 3,500m altitude. This "Northern Tibet of Sichuan" unfolds like an emerald carpet dotted with: Nomadic black tents billowing smoke from yak-dung fires Herds of Tibetan sheep moving like clouds across the plains Crystal-clear meandering streams reflecting the sapphire sky

After breakfast in ancient Songpan, we embark on a spectacular 1-hour mountain drive along the Minshan Range, climbing through clouds to reach the "Earth's Palette" - Huanglong Scenic Area (3,500m). This UNESCO site reveals nature's artistry through: Golden Sand Basin: Over 3,000 travertine pools cascading like liquid topaz down a 3.6km valley Five-Color Ponds: Mineral-rich waters that shift from turquoise to emerald under sunlight

Discover one of China's most stunning natural wonders, where turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, and colorful forests create a breathtaking landscape. Highlights include the mesmerizing Five-Flower Lake, the dramatic Nuorilang Falls, and serene Long Lake. Walk along wooden boardwalks through pristine valleys, learning about the region's unique ecology and Tibetan culture.

Bid farewell to Jiuzhaigou's mountain vistas as you board the high-speed train for a comfortable 4-hour journey through the dramatic Min River Valley back to Chengdu. Watch the landscape transform from snow-capped peaks to fertile Sichuan plains through your window. Spend your afternoon rediscovering Chengdu's vibrant urban energy. Stroll through the historic Kuanzhai Alley complex, where Qing Dynasty courtyards now house artisan tea shops and calligraphy studios, or explore the cutting-edge galleries and designer boutiques around Taikoo Li. As evening falls, immerse yourself in Sichuan's cultural heritage with an optional face-changing opera performance - a mesmerizing display of colorful masks and fiery theatrics perfected over 300 years.

Depart Chengdu in the morning for the 2.5-hour journey to Leshan, where the world’s largest stone Buddha statue (71m tall) has been watching over the confluence of the Min and Dadu rivers since the 8th century. Carved into a cliff face during the Tang Dynasty, this UNESCO-listed marvel reveals exquisite details when viewed from different perspectives: From Above: Peer over the statue’s towering shoulders at the river traffic below At Foot Level: Stand beside its 8.3-meter-long toes to grasp the scale Boat View (optional): See the Buddha’s serene expression framed by lush greenery

Begin your day with a magical morning at Chengdu's Panda Base, watching the endangered giants feast on bamboo in their misty forest habitat. These charismatic creatures, from fuzzy cubs to 100kg adults, showcase China's most successful conservation story. After a final Sichuan lunch of fiery mapo tofu, fly south to Guilin where an entirely different landscape awaits.

Embrace the morning mist as you board your classic Li River cruise, gliding through a living Chinese ink painting where nature has composed its masterpiece over millennia. Over the next 4 hours, the emerald waters will carry you past: Iconic Karst Peaks like Nine Horses Fresco Hill and Yellow Cloth Shoal, their reflections rippling in the calm currents Water Buffaloes wallowing in shallows while cormorant fishermen demonstrate ancient techniques Bamboo-Raft Villages where the rhythms of rural Guangxi life unfold along the banks

Discover Yangshuo's breathtaking karst landscape by bike or electric cart, winding through rice paddies and past towering limestone peaks. Glide along the peaceful Yulong River on a traditional bamboo raft (optional), floating under ancient stone bridges and through picturesque valleys. As evening falls, explore vibrant West Street or relax at a riverside tea house as the setting sun paints the peaks golden.

Leave Yangshuo’s karst peaks behind as you journey north into Guangxi’s mountainous heart (3-4 hour drive). Arrive at Longji Terraces by afternoon, where Zhuang and Yao minorities have sculpted the slopes into liquid gold for 700 years.

Spend the day hiking through these breathtaking 700-year-old terraces, carved like dragon scales into the mountains by Zhuang and Yao minorities. Walk stone paths past wooden villages where Yao women weave with silver hair coiled high. Capture stunning views from "Seven Stars with Moon" and "Nine Dragons" viewpoints as sunlight dances across the watery staircases.

After breakfast, transfer to Guilin station for the 4-hour high-speed rail journey to Hong Kong. Watch the scenery transition from Guangxi's karst peaks to Guangdong's lush Pearl River Delta through your panoramic window. Upon arrival at West Kowloon Station, step into Hong Kong's vibrant rhythm with free time to explore: Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade for iconic skyline views Temple Street Night Market's neon-lit stalls Star Ferry rides across Victoria Harbour at dusk

Your journey through China's diverse landscapes and cultures concludes in Hong Kong.