Why Travel with Discover Beijing Tours
Unique Experiences
Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.
Well-Selected Local Guides
Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and attentive — your personal local guides will share interesting stories, insider information, and even create unexpected highlights!
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Why Travel with Discover Beijing Tours
Unique Experiences
Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.Well-Selected Local Guides
Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and attentive — your personal local guides will share interesting stories, insider information, and even create unexpected highlights!Your Booking is Risk-Free
Cancel up to 24 hours before the travel date in advance for a full refund
23-day China Loop
Embark on a 23-day China odyssey spanning coastal metropolises, ancient heritage sites, and stunning natural wonders—from Hong Kong’s skyline to the Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, and Fujian’s iconic tulou.
Itinerary Quick Look
Day 1: Welcome to Hong Kong!
Your China journey kicks off in bustling Hong Kong. Your itinerary adjusts based on your arrival time. If you have extra hours, head straight to Victoria Peak. Catch the sunset paint the iconic skyline in golden hues. Then make your way to Tsim Sha Tsui. Watch the dazzling Symphony of Light show from the Avenue of Stars. Your guide will point you to the best spots for a delicious late dinner. Choose from classic dim sum to trendy local bites.
Day 2: Hong Kong → Guilin
Head to the train station. Take the bullet train to Guilin on your own. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Explore Guilin’s city highlights. Our team will tweak the plans to match your arrival time. You won’t miss the city’s charming vibe.
Day 3: Guilin Customized City Highlights
Meet your tour guide in your Guilin hotel lobby. Hop on a private air-conditioned vehicle. Enjoy a customized tour tailored to your interests. Discuss must-see spots and historical highlights with your guide. Then set off to explore.
1. Elephant Trunk Hill (Xiangbishan)
Start with Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin’s landmark and a famous tourism destination since the Tang Dynasty (618–907). Its shape resembles a giant elephant drinking water from the river. Snap photos of this whimsical natural formation. Soak in the Li River views at its base.
2. Xiangbi Mountain Puxian Tower
Take a brisk walk to the hilltop. Visit Puxian Tower, a Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) structure built to worship Samantabahdra. Learn its history from your guide. Enjoy panoramic views of Guilin, the Li River, and surrounding karst peaks.
3. Yunfeng Temple
Continue to Yunfeng Temple, one of Guilin’s famous ancient temples. It was once the dwelling place of eminent Tang Dynasty monk Jianzhen, who crossed to Japan six times to spread Buddhist doctrines and regulate monastic rules. Stroll the temple grounds. Explore the exhibition gallery on the second floor for deeper insights.
4. Fubo Hill
Next up is Fubo Hill, standing beside the Li River. It’s famed for both natural beauty and historic art. Explore Song and Tang Dynasty (618–1279) Buddha etchings in Thousand-Buddha Cave and Pearl-Returning Cave. Hear legendary stories behind the iconic Sword-Testing Rock.
5. Reed Flute Cave (Ludi Yan)
Make your way to Reed Flute Cave. Millions of years of dripping water have carved a magical world of stalactites, stone pillars, and rock formations. Don’t miss highlights like Tower-shaped Pine and Crystal Palace. 77 Tang Dynasty (618–907) travelogues and poems are preserved on the cave walls. Enjoy a local lunch after your cave exploration.
6. Seven Star Park (Qixing Gongyuan)
In the afternoon, wander Seven Star Park. It’s a scenic gem beloved since the Sui (581–618) and Tang (618–907) Dynasties. It boasts elegant mountains, clear waters, and cultural relics. Cross the Song Dynasty (960–1279) Flower Bridge, Guilin’s oldest bridge.
7. Putuo Mountain
Explore Putuo Mountain, a sacred spot dedicated to Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. It has numerous caves, pavilions, and valuable stone tablets. Top attractions include Putuo Stone Forest, Xuanwu Pavilion, and Zhaixing Pavilion. Choose how far to hike based on your energy level. After the tour, head back to your hotel.
Day 4: Guilin → Longji Rice Terraces → Guilin
Meet your guide in the hotel lobby. Hop on a private vehicle for the 2-hour drive to Longji Rice Terraces. Its construction started in the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) and lasted until the early Qing Dynasty (1644–1911). Zhuang and Yao ethnic groups have lived here for hundreds of years.
1. Huangluo Long Hair Village
First stop: Huangluo Village, a Yao ethnic hamlet. It’s recognized by Guinness World Records as the “world’s longest hair village.” Watch an amazing long hair show. Learn that Yao women’s long locks are a symbol of auspiciousness. Enjoy a home-style lunch in the village.
2. Dazhai (Jinkeng) Rice Terrace
After lunch, discuss your preferences with your guide. Choose your adventure. Option one: Head to Jinkeng/Dazhai Rice Terrace. It has three popular viewpoints—Music from Paradise, Thousand Layers to the Heavens, and Golden Buddha Peak. Drive 40 minutes to the site. Take a 20-minute cable car ride to Golden Buddha Peak. Enjoy sweeping views of the No.3 sightseeing zone. Wander on foot to snap photos from unique angles at your own pace. Descend by cable car afterward. Choose to end your tour in Longsheng or return to Guilin.
3. Ping’an Village Rice Terrace
Option two: Visit Ping’an Rice Terrace after lunch. Drive 30 minutes to Ping’an Village. Hike the trails with your guide. Though smaller than Dazhai, it still boasts undulating “dragon’s spine” scenery. Two famous viewing platforms are West Hill Music (No.1) and Large-scale Thousand-Layer Terraces (No.2). After the tour, return to your Guilin hotel.
Day 5: Guilin → Yangshuo (Li River Cruise)
Your private English-speaking guide and driver will pick you up at 8:00 am. Transfer you to Zhujiang Pier. Embark on a Li River Cruise—the highlight of any Guilin visit. The journey takes 3.5–4 hours down the river. Enjoy breathtaking karst peaks, crystal-clear waters, and pastoral countryside views. Your guide will share mystical fairy and love stories behind the named attractions.
1. Xingping Fishing Village
The Li River takes a stunning turn at Xingping Fishing Village. It’s a poetic spot reproduced in countless Chinese landscape paintings. It’s featured on the back of the 20 RMB note. Every viewpoint yields impressive, stunning shots. Enjoy a simple lunch on the boat here.
2. Yangshuo West Street
Arrive in Yangshuo at 1:30 pm. Stroll West Street with your guide. Explore shops selling crafts, paintings, and backpacks. Relax in cozy cafes. Your guide will help you negotiate prices if you want to buy souvenirs.
3. Ten-Mile Gallery
In the afternoon, explore Ten-Mile Gallery. It’s a fairyland-like country road stretching from Yangshuo to Moon Hill. It’s lined with rolling hills, idyllic villages, and clear rivers. You’ll feel like you’re walking through a painting.
4. Butterfly Spring Park
Stop at Butterfly Spring Park along the way. It has peculiar peaks, grotesque rocks, magnificent waterfalls, and bubbling springs. Take a winding path to the sightseeing terrace. Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Ten-Mile Gallery.
5. Big Banyan Tree
Next, visit the Big Banyan Tree, a 1,400-year-old giant. It has a famous love story about Liu Sanjie tied to its roots. New lovers often come to make wishes for their future. Stroll around and soak in its ancient charm with your guide.
6. Moon Hill
End the day at Moon Hill. Let your guide know if you want to stop for photos. After the tour, head to your Yangshuo hotel.
Day 6: Yangshuo → Chengdu
Take the bullet train to Chengdu on your own (about 7 hours). Our driver will pick you up from the train station. Drop you off at your hotel.
Day 7: Chengdu – Pandas & Culture
Start your day with an unforgettable visit to the Giant Panda Breeding and Research Center. Observe pandas up close. Learn about the center’s mission of breeding and reintroducing these beloved creatures into the wild.
Afterward, join a fun Mandarin lesson with your guide. Learn essential phrases for navigating China. In the evening, opt for a traditional Sichuan opera show (at your own cost). Immerse yourself in the region’s vibrant artistic heritage.
Day 8: Chengdu – Leshan Giant Buddha & Huanglongxi Ancient Town
Meet your guide in the hotel lobby. Take a 2.5-hour drive to the Leshan Giant Buddha. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Construction began in 713 during the Tang Dynasty and took over 90 years to complete. It’s the largest carved stone Buddha in the world.
1. Lingyun Temple
First, visit Lingyun Temple, located behind the Buddha’s head. Marvel at the Buddha’s 1,020 twisted hair buns. Admire intricate temple sculptures and wall designs. Enjoy panoramic views of three converging rivers below. Walk 30 minutes down to the Buddha’s base. Gaze at its 71-meter height and take fantastic photos.
2. Wuyou Temple
Next, explore Wuyou Temple on the Buddha’s right side. It’s home to abundant terra-cotta sculptures and calligraphic paintings. If the line is too long, take a river cruise instead. Enjoy a panoramic view of the Giant Buddha.
3. Huanglongxi Ancient Town
Drive 50 minutes to Huanglongxi Ancient Town. It’s a 1,700-year-old gem that retains its rustic charm and ancient folklore. It was once a key stop on the Ancient Tea Horse Road. It’s now a national film and television photography base nicknamed “Chinese Hollywood.” Enjoy a homemade lunch at a local farmhouse.
Stroll the town’s Qing Dynasty-style layout: 7 streets, 9 alleys, and 76 Western Sichuan-style houses. Visit three temples on Main Street. Admire 1,000-year-old banyan trees. Join optional activities (at your own cost) like dressing in traditional costumes. Tasting snacks (one-strand noodle, sesame pudding, crisp pork legs). Or shopping for souvenirs—your guide will share bargaining tips. After the tour, return to your Chengdu hotel.
Day 9: Chengdu → Xi’an
Take the 3.5-hour bullet train to Xi’an in the morning. In the afternoon, explore the city’s highlights.
After lunch, visit the Xi’an City Wall. It’s a 600-year-old structure about 14 kilometers long. It’s the best-preserved, longest city wall in China. Climb to the top for sweeping views of the city below. Then head to the Muslim Quarter, the hub of Xi’an’s Muslim community. Stroll the bustling food and souvenir market with your guide. Afterward, transfer to your hotel.
Day 10: Xi’an – Terracotta Warriors & Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Meet your guide in the hotel lobby. Take a private vehicle to the Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses. It’s known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Its original site was discovered by four local farmers drilling a well in 1974. It now stands as Xi’an’s top attraction. Explore the three main pits with your guide. Hear rich historical stories along the way.
Enjoy a local lunch. Drive back to Xi’an to visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. It’s a well-preserved Tang Dynasty (618–907) structure built in 652. It collects Buddhist materials brought from India by hierarch Xuanzang. Xuanzang traveled the Silk Road for 17 years across 100 countries. Wander the pagoda grounds, including Da Ci’en Temple, halls, squares, and gardens. Learn about the ancient Silk Road and Buddhism in China. Return to your hotel afterward.
Day 11: Xi’an → Luoyang → Shaolin Temple
Your driver will take you to Xi’an Railway Station. Take the 1.5-hour bullet train to Luoyang. A local guide will greet you at the station with a name sign. Discuss your interests to customize the day’s plans.
1. Longmen Grottoes
First, visit the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO Site. It comprises over 2,300 caves and niches carved into limestone cliffs over 1 kilometer. It’s the largest collection of late Northern Wei and Tang Dynasty (316–907) Chinese art in the world.
2. Shaolin Temple
After lunch, drive 1.5 hours to the world-famous Shaolin Temple. It’s a UNESCO Site first constructed in 495 AD. Northern Wei Emperor Xiaowen built it to accommodate Indian master Batuo. It’s recognized as the origin of Chan Buddhism and the cradle of Chinese Kungfu. Watch a thrilling Kungfu performance by Shaolin monks. Explore the temple with your guide. Learn its cultural and historical stories.
3. Pagoda Forest of Shaolin Temple
Finish with the Pagoda Forest, the largest in China. It has over 240 tomb pagodas of various sizes from the Tang to Qing dynasties (618–1911). It’s the final resting place of the temple’s eminent monks and abbots.
Day 12: Shaolin → Yellow River Scenic Area → Beijing
In the morning, drive 1.5 hours to the Yellow River Scenic Area. Known as China’s “Mother River,” the 5,464-kilometer Yellow River is the cradle of Chinese civilization. It’s the country’s second-longest river. Walk the park with your guide. Hear its historical stories and spiritual significance.
After lunch, take the bullet train to Beijing. Our driver will pick you up from the station. Drop you off at your hotel.
Day 13: Beijing – Tian’anmen Square, Forbidden City & Lama Temple
Meet your guide in the hotel lobby. Start with Tian’anmen Square, one of the world’s largest public areas. Use the travel agency’s fast track to enter. Pass through the south gate to the Forbidden City. Explore its grand halls and courtyards with your guide. Learn the stories behind this massive imperial palace.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Visit the Lama Temple in the afternoon. It’s one of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the world. In the evening, opt for a Chinese show (acrobatic, Kungfu, or Peking opera, at your own cost). Return to your hotel afterward.
Day 14: Beijing – Mutianyu Great Wall & Hutong Adventure
Your driver and guide will meet you at 8:30 am. Travel to the Mutianyu Great Wall, a more rugged, less crowded section than Badaling. Over 96% of the area is covered with lush trees and orchards.
After a local lunch, head to the Drum Tower. Watch a drum performance. Take a rickshaw ride (at your own cost) through local Hutong alleyways. Make a photo stop at the Beijing National Stadium. Return to your hotel afterward.
Day 15: Beijing – Temple of Heaven, Pandas & Summer Palace
Meet your guide at 8:30 am. Start with the Temple of Heaven, where Ming and Qing emperors held annual prayer ceremonies for good harvests. Next, visit Beijing Zoo to see pandas. Hear interesting stories about these cute creatures.
Enjoy a delicious Peking duck dinner at a local restaurant. Explore the Summer Palace, a well-preserved royal garden. It’s renowned for its beautiful landscapes and spectacular architecture. It’s considered one of China’s most classical gardens. Return to your hotel afterward.
Day 16: Beijing → Hangzhou
Our driver will pick you up from the hotel. Take the 5-hour bullet train to Hangzhou. Upon arrival, our driver will transfer you to your hotel.
Day 17: Hangzhou – West Lake & Cultural Highlights
Meet your guide in the hotel lobby or at Hangzhou Railway Station. Hop on a private vehicle and start your adventure. Feel free to adjust the itinerary to your interests.
First, visit West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Hangzhou’s iconic symbol. It’s celebrated in countless poems and paintings. Enjoy a 30-minute boat ride. Relax amid its enchanting scenery of historic pagodas and arched bridges.
Continue to Lingyin Temple and Feilai Peak. Lingyin is China’s largest and oldest temple. It’s a leading center for Chinese Buddhist culture research. Explore its palaces, pavilions, and halls with your guide. Gain deep historical insights. Walk along a cobblestone pathway to Amanfayun Village. It’s a tranquil hamlet dotted with traditional dwellings and surrounded by tea fields.
After a local lunch, your guide will design the afternoon based on your interests. Or follow the sample itinerary: Stroll Hefang Street, whose origins trace back to the Southern Song Dynasty (1127–1279). Hangzhou was China’s capital then and a vibrant commerce hub. Enjoy street food, arts, handicrafts, and souvenir shopping with your guide’s assistance. Or visit Meijiawu Tea Village in the West Lake foothills. Learn about Xihu Longjing tea production. Sip fragrant green tea in the scenic setting.
Day 18: Hangzhou → Suzhou – Classical Gardens & Old Town
Meet your guide in the Suzhou hotel lobby or at Suzhou Railway Station. Hop on a private vehicle and start your adventure. Customize the itinerary to your liking.
Choose to visit one or two UNESCO-listed Suzhou classical gardens:
- Humble Administrator’s Garden: Suzhou’s largest and most prestigious garden. It features magnificent halls, delicate pavilions, lush flowers, zigzagging bridges, bamboo groves, and lotus ponds.
- Lingering Garden: One of China’s four famous gardens with a 400-year history. It was refined by successive owners and praised for its elegant design.
- Master of the Nets Garden: A representative of Suzhou’s “Mountain and Water” gardens. It boasts compact yet exquisite scenery.
Explore the gardens with your guide. Immerse yourself in their ancient charm. Listen to fascinating commentary. Then wander Pingjiang Road, a 2-kilometer flagstone street dating back to the Song Dynasty (960–1279). It’s lined with well-preserved traditional architecture, shops, teahouses, and local homes. It exudes authentic old Suzhou vibes.
After lunch, your guide will plan the afternoon based on your interests. Visit sites like Tiger Hill, Panmen Gate, Hanshan Temple, Beisi Pagoda. Or visit a silk factory to learn about silk production and shop for souvenirs.
Day 19: Suzhou → Water Town → Shanghai
Visit one of two iconic ancient water towns: Tongli or Zhouzhuang.
- Tongli: Dubbed “Oriental Venice,” this 1,000-year-old town has 7 islands connected by 49 bridges over 12 canals. It showcases beautiful traditional architecture and tranquil scenery. Take a sculling boat (at your own cost) to glide through its waterways.
- Zhouzhuang: China’s most popular water town, crisscrossed by canals and ancient stone bridges (14 built over 150 years ago). It offers quaint scenery, boat rides, and craft shops.
Whichever town you choose, you’ll be amazed by its ancient charm. Learn about its culture from your guide. In the late afternoon, take a short bullet train to Shanghai.
Day 20: Shanghai – Free Exploration Day
Enjoy a free day to explore Shanghai at your own pace. Choose from top spots like Shanghai Disneyland, Shanghai Museum, Moganshan Art Street, or Zhujiajiao Watertown. Create your own adventure in this dynamic mix of history and modernity.
Day 21: Shanghai – Customized City Tour
Meet your guide in the hotel lobby. Hop on a private vehicle for a customized tour. Discuss your favorite highlights with your guide to tailor the day. Typically, start with the Jade Buddha Temple. It’s home to white jade Buddhas brought from Burma in the 19th century. Stroll its halls and courtyards with your guide. Learn about the temple’s history, Buddhism in China, and local worship customs.
Enjoy a local lunch. Explore Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai’s largest ancient garden with Ming and Qing-style architecture. Your guide will explain how its design achieves perfect harmony between nature and man-made structures. Visit the nearby Old City God Temple, surrounded by snack shops and bustling streets.
Continue to the Bund. Admire the stunning skyline featuring the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and colonial buildings along the Huangpu River. Take a walk and snap photos at every turn.
Next, explore the Former French Concession, a leisure hotspot with narrow alleyways, cozy cafes, art galleries, and photographic studios. Dine or browse at your own cost. Head to the top of Jinmao Tower. Brave the Skywalk or simply enjoy panoramic city views. In the evening, take a night cruise down the Huangpu River. See Shanghai’s bright city lights sparkle on the water.
Day 22: Shanghai → Longyan (Fujian)
Take the bullet train to Longyan (about 6 hours). Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Day 23: Fujian – Tulou Adventure & Tour End
Meet your guide at the hotel. Take a 2-hour private drive to Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster in Nanjing County. Enjoy the countryside scenery along the way. Your guide will share the history of the Hakka people and their traditional lifestyle.
Tulou are unique communal fortified earth homes of the Hakka people in Fujian and Guangdong. Their history dates back over 1,000 years to the 11th century. Explore the UNESCO-listed Tianluokeng Village first. Stroll around the ancient Tulou complexes. Admire their genius fortified design. Learn how the Hakka people have lived in these communal homes for centuries. Climb to the highest viewpoint for a bird’s-eye view of the five-Tulou cluster amid hill terraces. Learn about its traditional “Fengshui” design based on five ancient Chinese elements.
Enjoy a local lunch at a home-cooked restaurant with peaceful countryside views. In the afternoon, visit Yuchang Tulou, one of Fujian’s oldest Tulou. It was built in the 13th-century Ming Dynasty. It has leaned 15 degrees for over 700 years and earned the title “China No.1 Tower.” Explore this round-shaped residence once home to five families (Liu, Luo, Zhang, Tang, Fan). Marvel at its unique architecture.
After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel in Xiamen. Your grand China adventure ends here!
Discount available at low season, please send inquiries!
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IncludedBottled waterBreakfast, Lunch (Breakfast=B, Lunch=L)Professional guidePrivate tourTransport by private vehicleEntrance fee
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