Tonight we join up in the capital city of Beijing and begin rolling in the excitement of having 12-days of Chinese explorations ahead of us. Get cozy in our hotel and perhaps do some DIY exploring before we get to know each other - no time like the present to begin getting cultured.
This captivating city will start revealing its depths today as ancient monuments are presented to us up close and personal. We will roam the world’s largest city square, visit the resting place of the founding father of the People's Republic of China, & tour the Forbidden City. The thriving Chinese artistic community of 798 Art Precinct will contrast the historical masterpieces with its modern galleries and trendy vibe.
With another day filled with historical delights and jaw-dropping sites still here in the heart of Beijing, we will start to understand just how much this vast country has to brag about. A trip to the Great Wall and Ming Tombs will fill our day, while local delicacies will colour our night.
Though we won't be spending another night in the capital, we've still got a few things to tick off our Bejing to-do list, not to mention some free time to do your own last bits of exploring. Roam the 1,700 stalls of the Silk Market (which offers way more than just silks), check out the Summer Palace, venture to the Temple of Heaven or just hang out at one of Beijing's many museums with a rickshaw ride in-between to really do it local. Tonight we 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. First, we'll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Terracotta Army & the TangBo Art Museum. Then our Local Guide will show us around the site of the Terracotta Army (where you'll see over 8,000 terracotta soldiers that were discovered by accident!). For dinner tonight, why not join us for a night market tour?
Rise, shine, and pack your bags for another incredible destination. 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 evening.
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, shop the late-night markets, and even have the chance to witness the epic spectacle of one of the world's biggest outdoor live shows. 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 some wandering around Yangshuo's lush, rocky hills. Plus, you've got the chance to 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. Our ultimate scene change awaits us in Shanghai, a city bursting with energy and lights. And we're getting its best view from the 118th floor of the Shanghai Tower! Cameras at the ready...
Wakey wakey travellers - it's our first full day in Shanghai and it promises to be an epic one. First up we're heading to Chenghuang Miao (City God Temple) where 3 temples, teahouses, shops and restaurants will keep us entertained. Shanghai's Silk Museum and riverside promenade of Bund are also ours to explore before the chance to spend the final night together reminiscing on your trip while overlooking the Shanghai skyline.
Okay Chinese revellers, 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.