Tonight we join up during our kickstart meeting at 6pm in the capital city of Beijing and begin rolling in the excitement of having 12-days of epic sights & scenery ahead of us. Get cozy in our hotel and perhaps do some DIY exploring before we get to know each other (and get cultured!)
With historical delights and jaw-dropping sites to discover in Beijing, we'll quickly understand just how much this vast country has to brag about. On the agenda today is a trip to the Great Wall, the Ming Tombs, and a local Jade factory too. And tonight you're free to explore however you like.
This captivating city will reveal its depths today as we get up close & personal with it's ancient monuments. Today, we'll roam China's largest city square, see the resting place (from the outside) of the founding father of the People's Republic of China, & even tour the Forbidden City. Plus, we'll check out the thriving Chinese artistic community of 798 Art Precinct for its modern galleries and trendy vibes. (Please note that daily restrictions apply to tickets for the Forbidden City. The Temple of Heaven will be offered as an alternative if tickets are not available)
We’ve got one last hit of the capital before we roll out —and yep, you’ve got a free morning to do your thing. Maybe visit the Temple of Heaven before we dive into the real-deal Beijing life with a Hutong rickshaw ride and lunch with a local family. After that: a tea factory visit for sips and stories before wrapping up with the Summer Palace. Tonight, we'll kick on to Xi'an. When in China, ride the overnight train - that's our go local motto. Sleep soundly knowing tomorrow a new city will be ours to uncover.
This morning we'll roll into Xi'an ready for a full day of epic history and heavenly food. We’ve got an incredible day lined up today. First, we'll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Terracotta Army, where our Local Guide will show us around the site - home to over 8,000 terracotta soldiers that were discovered by accident! After that, you'll master the art of calligraphy with a locally guided class. And for dinner tonight, why not join us for a night market tour?
Rise, shine, and pack your bags for another incredible destination - but not before bike tour of the Xi'an City Walls. After a speedy train journey, we’ll arrive in Chengdu, where we can settle into our hotel before heading out to explore this teahouse dotted city.
Get ready for cuteness overload... we've got half a day to spend away at a Panda Sanctuary! And if hanging out with these gorgeous creatures hasn’t completely worn you out, you can sign up for a Sichuan Cooking Class in the afternoon.
This morning we say goodbye to panda land and get ready to board a flight to Guilin. This city will be the gateway to our time in the countryside – it’s time to get a little bit traditional. After a drive out of Guilin, we’ll arrive in Yangshuo, where we’ll sip Tsingtao and shop the late-night markets. With the quaint setting of this village & surrounding limestone karsts, we may never want to leave this endlessly scenic region.
With all the city time we've had of late, today's the perfect chance to soak up some of mother nature's beauty by roaming the nearby hills. And what better way to do it than by wandering around Yangshuo's lush, rocky hills. Plus, you've got the chance to witness the epic spectacle of one of the world's biggest outdoor live shows or even try your hand at rock climbing! (Adrenaline-rushes are pretty much guaranteed...)
On an included flight we’ll hop from Yangshuo to Shanghai, waving to the charming countryside setting on take off. The ultimate scene change awaits us in Shanghai, a city bursting with energy and lights. This afternoon, we'll get the best view from the 118th floor of the Shanghai Tower (cameras at the ready...)!
Wakey wakey. It’s our first full day in Shanghai and we’re diving straight in. Kick off at the Silk Museum, then hit Shanghai Old Town (cue the soup dumplings and your best souvenir shopping). Next we'll stroll along the Bund (if we didn’t already smash it last night), then you’ve got the option to catch an unforgettable acrobatic show. It's the final night out with the crew �� so, make it count.
And just like that, our trip has come to a close. Though we knew this sad day was inevitable, it doesn't make saying goodbye any easier. Hug it out and go back to your corners of the world armed with a wealth of new knowledge, a stack of new pals and endless life-lasting memories.