15 days Relaxation China tour from Beijing

Beijing is not just the capital of China, it is a tourist destination not to be missed. Your 15-day China tour will start in this city. Upon arrival in Beijing, be greeted and assisted to your hotel by a local guide. Choose to then take a rest or walk around in Beijing on your own in the rest of today. Your local expert will assist with where to go your first night in Beijing.

Your tour today will start by visiting Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world. This is a place for Chinese people to meet on important occasions or celebrations. At the north end of the square, you will visit the Forbidden City, an imperial palace complex which was first built by the third emperor in Ming Dynasty. It was home to 24 emperors during Ming and Qing Dynasty. 

In the afternoon, drive to visit the Summer Palace, one of the four classic gardens in China. This imperial garden, which is composed of remarkable palaces that surround Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake. Once a playground for the imperial court during the Qing Dynasty, today it is a masterpiece of Chinese landscape as declared by UNESCO.

In the evening, you may choose to enjoy a traditional Kong Fu show or Peking Opera (fee is on your own).

Today morning you will be arranged to visit the Temple of Heaven, a royal temple originally served as a vast stage for solemn rites performed by the emperor, who prayed here for good harvests. The Hall of Prayer is the dominant building of the whole complex, its triple-gabled circular appearance is regarded as the top feature of the Temple of Heaven. Morning time is considered as the best here as local elders come here for morning exercise. 

Afterward drive to visit Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, one of China's must-see sights. It takes about 2 hours' drive to reach the Great Wall. Once arrived enjoy 2 to 3 hours to explore and witness the breathtaking scenery of the wall winding its way across the mountains. You can ascend the wall either by walking or taking the cable cars. 

On the way returning to your hotel, stop at Olympic Green and have a glimpse of the iconic Bird's Nest and Water Cube.

Early morning you will visit Yonghegong Lama Temple, also known as the 'palace of Peace and Harmony Lama Temple', it is the largest and best preserved Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Beijing. The architecture and artworks of Yonghegong combine Han Chinese and Tibetan styles. Morning is a good time to see locals come here for worship. 

After head to visit the old part of Beijing - Shichahai area, here you will visit one of the old courtyards, and have a Hutong tour by a rickshaw, you will have plenty time to explore this area to get to Yandai Xiejie and Drum Tower. You can try to have lunch at one of the local's family-run restaurant at Hutong. 

In the afternoon, board the high-speed train to Xi'an. Enjoy the countryside landscapes along the railway. Upon arrival at Xi'an, train station picks up and transfer to hotel.

First, explore the world-famous Terracotta Soldiers and Horses. Here you will witness several collections of the terracotta army as found in their pits. Research shows they are funeral art buried with Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor in China; and their purpose was to protect the emperor's mausoleum and help him rule in the afterlife.

In the afternoon, drive back to downtown and take a walk along the ancient Xi'an city wall, which is the largest and best preserved of its kind in the world, explore the city wall you can choose to walk on foot or rent a bicycle. Then pay a visit Shuyuan Men, a restored ancient street where you can find all kinds of stationery of Chinese art and crafts.

Afterward, head to Muslim Quarters and the Great Mosque within to explore the Chinese Muslim culture in Xi'an. The Great Mosque is a fascinating blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture and your arrival will be fit around the afternoon call to prayer.

In the evening, You can choose to enjoy a Tang Dynasty Dinner Show (fee is on your own). 

After breakfast, head to one of the largest modern museum in China: The Shaanxi History Museum in Xi'an city center. The picturesque appearance which recalls the Tang Dynasty architectural style that impresses most and the exhibitions on display will definitely make you have a better understanding of ancient Xi'an and its role as an ancient capital city of China.

Afterwards, visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda. This pagoda was built in 652 AD as a place to house the Buddhist sutras brought back from India.

Then transfer to board the bullet train to Chengdu for about 3.5 hours. Upon you arrive in Chengdu, Chengdu airport pick up and transfer to hotel.  

The tour today will start by visiting the Chengdu Panda Base in the morning. Get close and connect with the panda, one of the rarest animals in China. Today the almost extinct giant panda only lives in a few mountain ranges in central China, mainly in Sichuan Province. Panda Base is the best place to see them.

In the afternoon, attend an interactive cooking class to learn how to prepare authentic Sichuan Cuisine, which is internationally known for its spicy flavor. In the evening, drive to the airport and take the flight to Lijiang.

Morning visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain or Yulong in Chinese is a 5,596 m. (18,359 ft.) glacier made up of 13 magnificent peaks. At just 15 km. (9 mi.) from the city is easily seen, but more impressive as you get closer, and this is how you will start the day! Ride a cable car up to a high grassland meadow, where the 13 peaks come alive overhead.

As you descend Jade Dragon Snow Mountain you will continue to Baisha Village, an early settlement of Naxi culture and visual pleasure of local architecture. The cobbled stone streets rickety old wooden buildings and canals will warm any traveler's heart.

The village is also famous for the Baisha Mural painted during the Ming Dynasty, fusing together the artistic styles of the Naxi, Tibetan and Bai minorities into one masterpiece. Another highlight of the day is a local family visit, spending time with your guide as a translator to discuss with a local Naxi family to learn about their ancient culture still in practice today. Then head back to visit Black Dragon Pool, this beautiful park not only offers an outstanding view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain but al contains many traditional stone buildings and bridges. Making it one of the most visited places in China to take photos.

Today freely explore Lijiang ancient town on your own, you can rent a bicycle or stroll through the small alleys of the town. 

In the late afternoon, transfer to board the bullet train to Kunming. Kunming train picks up and transfers to the hotel. 

Kunming is the capital of Yunnan Province, is known as 'Spring City' due to the mild climate. Today firstly you will enjoy a visit to Jinxing Street's Bird and Flower Market in the heart of Kunming. This local market is filled not only with flowers and birds but fist and other small animals that many residents take as pets. It is also one place to buy local handicrafts like a 'water pipe', your guide will help ensure you get the best quality and a fair price.

Afterward, drive to the Stone Forest in Lunan, about 120 km. (75 mi.) southeast of Kunming. This stone forest is believed to be over 270 million years old. A natural masterpiece that appears as petrified trees sticking out of the earth but when you get closer you will clearly see they are many tall rocks. They stick out of the ground as a stalagmite hangs in a cave. The scenery here is magnificent and has often appeared on Chinese postage stamps. In the evening, say farewell to your guide as you are boarding a flight to Guilin. 

After breakfast, drive to the dock in Guilin and take a cruise along Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo. The cruise will take 3 to 4 hours, spend this time to witness the breathtaking scenery with beautiful water and majestic mountains and learn about local folklore and cultures. Lunch will be provided on board.

Upon arrival at Yangshuo, have a two to three hours bicycle ride into the countryside of Yangshuo, and experience the real local life of Chinese peasants. If you prefer not to ride a bicycle, just let us know and we will prepare an alternative for you. Return to Guilin in the evening. 

Morning your local guide will meet you at your hotel and take you to the 600 year old stone arch bridge - Dragon Bridge at the upper reaches of Yulong River, enjoy the beautiful peaceful countryside views of the surrounding. Then take a relaxing 1.5 hours bamboo raft ride on the Yulong River from Dragon Bridge to Jiuxian old village, enjoy the stunning views along Yulong River including the bamboo groves, rice paddies, fruit orchards, little villages and farmlands. Afterwards hiking along the Yulong River to enjoy the nice countryside views. Afternoon drive about 40 minutes to visit Xianggong hill(Husband Mountain), it takes about 15 minutes to the top of the hill where you will be amazed by the breathtaking view of Li River and the surrounded Karst mountain peaks. Then continue the driving to Guilin airport for the flight to Shanghai. 

Start the tour today in Shanghai by enjoying a visit at Yu Garden, built during the Ming Dynasty by a rich government officer. It is an impressive sight the includes shaded alcoves, ponds filled with goldfish, and whispering bamboo. Next to the Yu Garden is the Yuyuan Market, where you can find lots of antiques and souvenirs for sale. 

Afterward, head to the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall to see a gigantic model of Shanghai city, along with photographs of old Shanghai during the years. Follow along then to the Shanghai World Financial Center where you will ride to the observation deck of the city's tallest building.

Continue next to the Bund is a famous attraction that leads directly to Nanjing Road. Both filled with modern city scenery, culture, and shopping. In the evening, have a pleasant cruise along Huangpu River to see the night scene of Shanghai. Then return to your hotel and prepare for the next day.

In the morning, take the private car to Suzhou for a day tour. The Humble Administrator's Garden will be your first spot. It is considered to be the largest and most impressive of all gardens in southern China. Zigzagging bridges, pavilions, bamboo groves and fragrant lotus ponds to fill are your senses to the brim. There's also a small museum that explains Chinese landscape gardening concepts.

After that, take a cruise on the Grand Canal, which is the longest artificial river in the world, used daily to connect the north and south China. Then head to the Lingering Garden located about 3 km. (2 mi.) west of the city. Along with the Humble Administrator's Garden, this ancient garden was also recorded by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Pick up from your hotel and drive to the airport or train station for departure. Wish you have a pleasant journey home, and WindhoreseTour is ready to help adjust this tour in any way to better suit your personal travel needs.