Eastern China is home to some of the world’s most significant historical and architectural treasures, but few people explore off the main trail and discover the real China. You visit famous sights like the 6000 life-sized Terracotta Warriors in Xian, but it’s the exotic Muslim Quarter in this city, with its narrow alleyways, colourful spice stalls and antiquated mosques, that provide an insight into lesser-known aspects of China. Time away from the cities allows for a relaxing contrast to the hustle and bustle. Suzhou and Tongli are delightful, with ornate gardens, quaint alleyways and picturesque canals. Yangshuo, a small and charming village near Guilin, is surrounded by hundreds of limestone towers rising sheer from deep green rice fields. Finally, Hong Kong provides an exhilarating last stop to your tour.
Itinerary
| Day 1 |
(Sat) Arrive in Beijing and transfer to hotel. |
| Day 2 |
Tour of Beijing, visiting Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square. |
| Day 3 |
Day trip to the Great Wall at Simatai. Optional Peking Opera. |
| Day 4 |
Visit Summer Palace. Overnight train to Xian. |
| Days 5-6 |
Walking tour (Muslim Quarter/South Gate). Visit Terracotta Warriors. |
| Days 7-8 |
Fly to Shanghai. Walk along the Bund. Optional Shanghai Acrobat performance. |
| Days 9-10 |
Train to Suzhou. Bicycle tour to famous Chinese gardens. Visit historic ‘water town’ of Tongli. |
| Day 11 |
Return to Shanghai, fly to Guilin and travel to Yangshuo. |
| Day 12 |
Explore countryside by bike, with lunch at local village house. Optional boat ride on Li River. |
| Days 13-14 |
Return to Guilin. Overnight train to Guangzhou and boat to Hong Kong. |
| Day 15 |
Trip ends in Hong Kong this morning (Sat). |