China Minority and Natural Getaways

Day 1 Beijing

Upon your flight landing Beijing airport, our private English-speaking guide and skilled driver greet and transfer you to the Beijing hotel to shake off jet lag.

Day 2 Beijing

With the guide's escort, you can make a morning stroll in Temple of Heaven, a former ancient emperor worshipping site and the present playground for local exercisers doing Taichi, color-silk dancing, rope-whipping, etc. Through the history-hidden Tiananmen Square, we arrive at imperial Forbidden City which has serves as the power and life center of about 24 emperors of Ming and Qing Dynasty. The dark approach is also the time to start a colorful night by your preferred sedate-style traditional art--Beijing opera or more active version--Kungfu show.

Day 3 Beijing

Today make our way to the wisdom-and-labor-based Mutianyu Wall section by round-trip cable car. Stop by a small rural village nearby to view the unrestored winding wall. Tour the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games inheritance--Bird's Nest and Water Cube. Then try the Beijing culinary highlight--Peking Duck in the evening banquet.

Day 4 Beijing - Xi'an

Today make our way in the former emperor garden--Summer Palace where is scattered with ornate temples, exquisite pavilions, and winding corridors. Contrast with the poetic expanses of imperial life, we can have close contact with the original common Beijingers' life during the Hutong rickshaw ride and Hutong private museum fulfilled with series of old stuff collections. Transfer to airport for Xi'an flight and farewell to your Beijing guide. On arrival in Xi'an, the local guide greets and transfers you to hotel for a good rest.

Day 5 Xi'an

Gain more insight into the China ancient history via the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors that was built by the ancient Qingshi emperor to resume his reign in his afterlife. Ascend the Xi'an great landmark--Great Goose Pagoda and leaf through China ancient history in Shaanxi History Museum. Pamper your eyes and ears in the previous imperial entertainment--Tang Dynasty Show.

Day 6 Xi'an - Kunming

Guided cycle on the broad ancient City Wall at your pace. Visit the Great Mosque in the mixed style of Chinese and Islamic touch. Satisfy your food craving in a profusion of snacks in the Muslim Quarter. Visit the residence of an ancient officer--Gao's Courtyard that has recorded 400-year history. The last stop in Xi'an is Emperor Liu Qi Tomb where houses an impressive exhibit of the figurines quietly narrating the ancient daily life. Fly to Kunming and transfer to hotel.

Day 7 Kunming - Lijiang

Visit Stone Forest to see how the rainwater and wind could amazingly shape such a stunning karst rock cluster. Fly to Lijiang and transfer to hotel.

Day 8 Lijiang

Get your camera ready for the view-filled Black Dragon Pool Park. You can visit the Dongba Research Institute to learn about the Naxi civilization--the living pictograph script in the wealthy collection of cultural relics. Take the cable car up the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain for the breathtaking glacier view. Search the Naxi root in the rural Baisha village. Visit the most-admired man in the Baisha--Dr. Ho in his herb medicine clinic and know more about the magic medical use of pure plant roots or leaves. Read the life stories of different religions in the Baisha mural paintings. Give your ears a great treat in the Naxi Orchestra for Xuan Ke Taoist temple music, an old music performance displayed by a group of old musicians.

Day 9 Lijiang

Marvel at the First Bend of Yangtze River and awestruck Tiger Leaping Gorge following the ancient Stone Drum Village.

Day 10 Lijiang - Kunming - Guilin

Bye bye to Lijiang and fly to Guilin via Kunming. Meet your Guilin guide in the airport and get escorted to your Guilin hotel.

Day 11 Guilin

Visit the Solitary Beauty Peak that hides at the ancient Prince Jingjiang's Mansion of the city center. Pose in front of the Guilin city emblem--Elephant Trunk Hill and tour the impressive grotto--Reed Flute Cave.

Day 12 Guilin - Yangshuo

Take in the picturesque Li River stretch on the cruise and prepare for a lot of camera snaps in the illuminating cruise scene section between Xingping and Yangdi. The rest time is left free after the cruise embarks. West Street lined with the cafes, bars, souvenir shops won't dull your night stay.

Day 13 Yangshuo - Shanghai

Cycle with your guide around the Yangshuo countryside to see: farmhouses, the buffalo hard ploughing at its master's cry, the thirsty-for-knowledge pupils in the primary school, Moon Hill, Banyan Tree, etc. Yulong River raft is nice choice to get some cool touch. Old Yulong Bridge, nestled villages, wavering bamboo bush, hills are well dotted along the rafting trip. Then it is time to switch to immerse in the hustle and bustle ambience in Shanghai metropolis. Fly to Shanghai and transfer to Shanghai hotel.

Day 14 Shanghai

Look beyond the impressive collection for the hidden Chinese history in Shanghai Museum of People's Square. Enjoy a sweeping view on the 100th dazzling observant deck of the new-height landmark, namely Shanghai World Financial Center. Stop by the lavishly decorated Jade Buddha Temple and taste the meat-flavor vegetarian meal. Visit the Yuyuan Garden that is fulfilled with exquisite architecture details and the bustling bazaar in the Old Town district. Discover the artistry of Chinese acrobats in the awe-inspiring performance of Shanghai Acrobatic Show.

Day 15 Shanghai

Lane building residents and their daily life are included in the half day Shanghai family visit such as visiting the local grocery market, cooking Shanghai dishes and partaking in the residents' entertainment activities. The remainder of the day is left for you to carry out your own pastime: cycle or walk the stylishly-and-traditionally-mixed French Concession, enjoy a lazy afternoon in Xintiandi--the business, entertainment and cultural complex area, etc.

Day 16 Depart Shanghai

Board the maglev train to head for your homebound flight at a lightening speed.