CHINA YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW 13 DAYS
Beijing often serves as the perfect starting point for any trip to China. As the national capital for 800 years, Beijing is not only a forward-looking metropolis shaping China's rapid development but also a guide to its rich history. Beijing is home to many iconic and fascinating historical sites, including the Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City and The Great Wall.
Xi'an, which means "Eternal Peace ", is a city brimming with valuable historical and cultural heritage, where the past meets the present in the most captivating way.
The most famous discovery in Xi'an, the legendary Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin, remains a timeless wonder. Stroll through the Tang Dynasty Culture Street and experience the ancient glory of China's imperial capital, just as it was thousands of years ago.
Guilin owes its fame to its stunning landscapes and its unique natural beauty. With its towering hills, crystal-clear rivers and breathtaking karst caves, Guilin is one of the most famous cities in China.
The Li River, well-known for its fantastic natural scenery, like green mountains, crystal-clear waters, caves and unique rock formations, symbolizes the very essence of Guilin.
Hangzhou, located on the edge of the Yangtze Delta in Zhejiang province, is a popular tourist destination for both Chinese and international tourists. The city boasts lush, green parks, a pleasant climate, a rich cultural heritage as the former capital of the Song Dynasty. Hangzhou is most famous for the West Lake, also called Xi Hu, in the heart of a lush landscape surrounded by mountains, where beauty meets tranquility.
Charming Suzhou, a vibrant city with over 2 million inhabitants, is often called the "Venice of the East", for its stunning network of canals, with nearly half the city embraced by water. Stroll through its cobblestone streets and flower-lined avenues, and you will feel its rich history and culture. As the birthplace of the Wu civilization, Suzhou is a city steeped in tradition. Known for its beauty and famous silk industry, Suzhou preserves the charm of its historic neighborhoods amidst rapid urban development. Its exquisite gardens, dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, are famous across China and gaining global recognition
Shanghai, the largest and the most modern city in China, will reveal to you the incredible development and transformations of the nation.
Day 01 - Canada Hometown - Beijing (Air China /Air Canada/ United Airlines, if departing from Vancouver, China Airine may be an option）
Depart for Beijing on an international flight: Overnight on board.
Day 02 - Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, the imperial capital of China with a history over 3,000 years. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a dedicated airport transfer service and then check in at the hotel.
Hotel: Beijing Longcheng Wyndham Hotel Changping (five-star) or equivalent.
Day 03 - Beijing (Breakfast, Lunch)
After breakfast, begin the exploration in Beijing, the heart of China. we visit Tian'anmen Square, followed by a tour of the magnificent Forbidden City, the imperial palace with its iconic royal red walls. For centuries, this grand building was reserved exclusively for the royal family, barring access to ordinary citizens. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After the tour, we enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a visit to another UNESCO World Heritage Site - the Temple of Heaven, where emperors prayed for good harvests.
Hotel: Beijing Longcheng Wyndham Hotel Changping (five-star) or equivalent
Day 04 - Beijing (Breakfast, Lunch)
We visit one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, the Great Wall of China. This sandstone and earthen engineering marvel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built between the 3rd century BCE and the 15th century CE, spanning approximately 4,000 miles. We explore its winding paths and admire the majestic panorama of the ramparts. Afterwards, we return to Beijing to visit the National Stadium (Bird's Nest) built for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games (exterior view for photos).
Hotel: Beijing Longcheng Wyndham Hotel Changping (five-star) or equivalent
Day 05 - Beijing -Xi'an (Breakfast)
After breakfast, we visit the ancient district of Beijing.
Optional activity + lunch (at your expense US$50 /person): Take a pedicab ride through the hutongs, visiting the families who still live in this historic community and discovering the preserved courtyards. We will have lunch at a local family home.
Then we take the high-speed train to Xi'an, one of China's oldest cities and the starting point of the Silk Road. With a history of over 3,100 years, this city has played a central role in one of China's most brilliant cultural periods.
Accommodation: Five-star DoubleTree by Hilton or equivalent
Day 06 - Xi'an (Breakfast, Lunch)
We visit the magnificent Terracotta Army, also called the "Eighth Wonder of the World". Buried more than 2,000 years ago in the tomb of the First Emperor of Qin, this vast collection of 8,000 life-sized soldiers, archers and infantrymen was designed to accompany him into the afterlife. Each figure is unique in its detail. The site was discovered in 1974 by local farmers and is now an incredible archaeological marvel.
In the afternoon, we will visit the Great Wild Goose Pagoda Square.
Optional activity (at your own expense, US$70/person): Dumpling dinner and Tang Dynasty dance performance:
Accommodation: Five-star Double Tree by Hilton or equivalent
Day 7 – Xi’an – Guilin (Breakfast, Dinner)
Take a flight to Guilin, known as the "forest of osmanthus". Upon arrival, you will be picked up and begin a tour of Guilin's scenic spots.
Accommodation: Five-star Grand Link Guilin Hotel or equivalent.
Day 8: Guilin - Yangshuo (Breakfast, Lunch)
Take a bus to Yangshuo, where you will board a small boat to visit the beautiful Li River, and stroll along the ancient West Street in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Jasper International YangshuoHotel or equivalent
Day 9: Yangshuo - Guilin (Breakfast, Lunch)
Return to Guilin, visit Elephant Trunk Hill, then explore a tea garden plantation. You will have free time in the beautiful city of Guilin in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Five-star Grand Link Guilin Hotel or equivalent
Day 10: Guilin - Hangzhou (Breakfast, Dinner)
Take a flight to Hangzhou, well-known for the saying, "There is heaven above, and Suzhou and Hangzhou below." This beautiful historical city is famous for its West Lake. Enjoy a boat trip on the lake and visit Longjing Tea Garden, where the best green tea in China is produced.
Accommodation: Five-star Fubang Lijia International Hotel or equivalent
Day 11: Hangzhou-Suzhou-Shanghai (Breakfast, Lunch)
Take a bus to Suzhou, the "Venice of the East" and the birthplace of silk in China. Suzhou is home to some of the most famous gardens in China.
Visit the LIU Garden and Silk Factory, then head to Shanghai, China's largest and most modern city.
Accommodation: Five-star Pullman Shanghai Qingpu Excellence Hotel or equivalent
Day 12 – Shanghai (Breakfast, Lunch)
After breakfast, we will stroll along the Bund, visit Yu Garden in Shanghai Old Town and explore one of Shanghai's main shopping streets, the Nanjing Road, one of the busiest pedestrian streets in the world.
Accommodation: Five-star Pullman Shanghai Qingpu Excellence Hotel or equivalent
Day 13 – Shanghai -Canada (Breakfast)（China Airline /Air China /Air Canada ）
After breakfast, enjoy some free time before we transfer you to Shanghai Pudong International Airport to conclude your trip.
Workshops included in the package:
Chinese Tea Garden in Guilin or Hangzhou
Natural Silk Workshop in Suzhou or Shanghai
Jade Workshop in Xi'an
Pearl Workshop in Beijing
Voyages Polaris