A Private Tour of Beijing, Xian & GUILIN 

This program features an incredible journey to three of China’s signature tourist destinations. This tour is designed for travelers who wish to journey across the most spectacular treasures of China. Your expedition to China will include explorations to two of China’s greatest ancient capitals, followed by an expedition to Guilin, home of the nation’s most breath-taking natural beauties.

Your introduction to China begins with Beijing, where you will visit some of China’s legendary landmarks known to the world’s most distinguished travelers. During your three nights in Beijing, you will tour the must-see attractions of the region including visits to the Forbidden City, Ming Tombs, The Summer Palace, Tian’anmen Square, Temple of Heaven, and of course, the magnificent Great Wall of China.

Next, you will spend two memorable nights in Xian, the largest metropolis in northwestern China, a beautiful ancient capital for over 1,060 years of 13 dynasties. During your visit, you will enjoy momentous journeys to the Tomb of Emperor Qin Shihuang, home of the life-sized terra-cotta warriors and horses; the Greater Wild Goose Pagoda of the Tang Dynasty; and The impregnable Xian City Wall.

Finally, destination Guilin. There will be nothing short of disbelief as you look out the window during your flight’s “final approach” to Guilin. The region’s picturesque scenery has inspired many Chinese poets and artists for centuries. During your stay, you will enjoy sightseeing of breathtaking sceneries in around this beautiful city; as well as embarking on a riverboat journey along the Li River, “the river of poems and paintings”, to Yangshuo’s stunning countryside where you can enjoy a cable car up Ruyi Peak for panoramic views of the region, or explore local villages and rural farm-life on two wheels. 

TOUR INCLUDES:

• First/Business* Class High-speed train tickets between Beijing & Xian
• Economy Class Airfare between Xian & Guilin
• 3 nights at The Regent Beijing OR New World Beijing (Deluxe) | The Waldorf Astoria (Premium)
• 2 nights at Westin Xian OR Hyatt Regency Xian (Deluxe) | Sofitel Legend Xian (Premium) 
• 2 nights at Shangri-la Guilin (Deluxe | Premium)
• Hotel Breakfasts Daily
• Lunches and dinners per itinerary
• Private Tour: Sightseeing & Transfers by private car, driver and Professional English-speaking guides

*Premium package features Business Class Seat on High Speed Train, Horizon River View Room at Shangri-la Guilin with Club Privileges 

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1. Beijing:
Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for your next 3 nights’ accommodations. 

Day 2 Beijing (The Great Wall at Mutianyu)
This morning, journey northwest bound by road to the less crowded and best preserved section of the Great Wall at Mutianyu. Here, enjoy a cable car ride, followed by a trek on the wall comprised of 22 watch towers stretching over two kilometers. After lunch at a local restaurant, return to the city and enjoy a rickshaw tour of Beijing’s Old Quarters (Hutongs), visiting the Bell & Drum Tower and a stroll through the vibrant walking street lined with shops, tea houses and local culinary delights. This evening, enjoy one of Beijing’s specialties – Peking Duck at one of the city’s famed restaurants. (B,L,D)

Day 3 Beijing
Enjoy a full day tour of the ancient capital’s most revered sites. Visits include the Forbidden City (closed Mondays*), the imperial palace for the Ming and Qing dynasties built in 1420; the Summer Palace, a grand imperial palace and a royal garden of the Qing Dynasty built in the sixteenth century; Tiananmen Square, the largest city square in the world and a symbol of New China; and Temple of Heaven (closed Mondays*), the largest temple compound and one of the most strictly protected and preserved cultural heritages of China. Lunch is served at a local restaurant. (B,L)

*Note: City tour will be switched to the day prior in case this day lands on a Monday due to venue closures. 

Day 4 Beijing / Xian
This morning, board a super-fast high speed Train, with speeds up to 300km/hour, for an exhilarating 4.5 hour ride for Xian. Upon arrival, commence sightseeing of Yangling Tombs, the mausoleum of the Han Dynasty Emperor Liu Qi and his Empress, dating back to 153 A.D. Its intricate relics of miniature figures and burial objects offer revelations to the strict hierarchical social structure during this period. Afterwards, visit the City Wall, one of the oldest and best preserved city walls of China, as well as one of the most comprehensive ancient defensive systems in the world. Check in to your hotel for brief rest before heading out for dinner and show at the Tang Dynasty Theatre. (B,D)

Day 5 Xian
Today’s highlight takes you to the awe-inspiring Terracotta Museum, the excavated tomb of Qin Shi Huang Di, China’s first Emperor. Discovered in 1974 by a group of farmers, this massive burial site is comprised of 7,000+ life-sized Terracotta Warriors and Horses depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, constructed to protect the emperor in his afterlife. Return to the city for lunch followed by a visit of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. This evening, enjoy a stroll through Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City (a.k.a. The Great Tang All Day Mall), a 1.5km pedestrian street lined with buildings featuring Tang Dynasty (618 – 907) architecture, street performances, and array of of food stands and shops. (B,L) 

Day 6 Xian / Guilin
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Guilin. Upon arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel for your next 2 nights’ accommodations. Time permitting, enjoy a tour of Guilin City visiting Elephant Trunk Hill and Flute Reed Cave. Check-in to your hotel where an international buffet dinner will be served. (B,D)

Day 7 Guilin (Li River Cruise & Yangshuo)
Today’s unforgettable journey takes you on a cruise down the majestic Li River to the charming artisan village of Yangshuo. Lunch will be served on board. Upon disembarkation, take a stroll through the vibrant West Street followed by an afternoon enjoying the great outdoors to explore the region’s spectacular landscape.  Choose your adventure from the following:

Option 1: Bicycle ride through local rice fields and rural villages and/or trek up Moon Hill, which boasts a bird’s eye view of Yangshuo’s picturesque countryside. 

Option 2: Scenic excursion of Ruyi Peak with cable car ride that boasts breathtaking panoramic views of karst mountains, lush valleys, and winding rivers. Enjoy a light hike/walk (approx. 2km) around this spectacular park that features paved walkways, suspension bridges and glass bottom walkways. This visit will absolutely light up your Instagram! 

Return to your hotel in Guilin in the afternoon. (B,L)

Day 8. Depart Guilin
Transfer to the airport or train station for your departure flight onward. (B)