10 Days Dream China Discovery Tour

Destination:Beijing, Guilin, Shanghai, Xi'an, Yangshuo

Tour Code: CTT09

Tour Duration: 10 Days

Tour overview:
Dream Discovery is the perfect name for this China train tour. You will discover some of the most exciting historic and natural sites in China on this tour. You will see The Forbidden City in Beijing, the Terracotta Warriors in Xian, the natural beauty of Guilin and Yangshuo, and the cosmopolitan metropolis of Shanghai.

Free Inquiry From $1346

Day by Day Itinerary

Tour Summary

Reviews

B=Breakfast,L=Lunch,D=Dinner

Day 1

Beijing Arrival

Transfer via: Flight on your own arrangement

Upon your arrival, our local guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel. Then you will spend the rest of the day exploring the nearby streets, or resting and catching up on your jet lag.

Day 2

Beijing (B, L)

Beijing (B, L)

Sightseeing: Temple of Heaven, Beijing-Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City

This morning our tour will begin with a visit of the Temple of Heaven, which was completed in 1420, and expanded over the years by two Qing Dynasty Emperors. It was the place where the Emperor came every winter solstice to worship heaven and to solemnly pray for a good harvest. With the three blue-tiled cone-shaped roofs, a unique wooden and blue-tiled structure built without a nail, it has become a worldwide symbol of Beijing. In the park nearby local people practice Tai Chi or sing and dance relaxingly. They will invite you to join in with these activities which will become a very worthwhile and unforgettable experience.

After lunch, we will go on our city tour to visit Tiananmen Square, the symbolic heart of China and gathering place for the masses. It is the biggest public square in the world, which can hold one million people.

From here we will walk across the Golden River Bridge to visit the Forbidden City and experience the ancient Emperor's daily life. For 5 centuries Chinese emperors carried out their administration here. With almost 10,000 rooms, it was the centre of the Ming and Qing dynasties, a massive complex of palaces, pavilions, courtyards and gardens where 24 emperors used to live. (Also Bertolucci's film "The Last Emperor" was produced here). Forbidden City was the largest palace in the world, and in the past it was indeed a forbidden place for commoners. Your tour here will include private access to the Emperor's palace.

Day 3

Beijing (B, L)

Beijing (B, L)

Sightseeing: Badaling Great Wall, Ming Tombs, Sacred Way

After experiencing the royal lifestyle, today we will be transferred to the surrounding countryside of Beijing and visit the Badaling Great Wall, the pride of China and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Whereas Genghis Khan contemplated it as a military obstacle, Richard Nixon described it as one of humankind's greatest achievements. You will be able to climb and walk one of the best preserved sections of the 2,000 years old ancient wall, admiring the splendid mountain views. Bring a jacket and layer- although it is breezy, the climbing is tough. So be in a good shape!

In the afternoon we will visit the legendary Ming Tombs, which are situated at the foot of Heavenly Longevity Mountain, Changping, northwest of Beijing. Since there are 13 Ming emperors buried there, this place was called the 13 Ming Tombs.

You will walk along the Sacred Way, a road guarded by stone statues on both sides, as the ancient emperors did to hold a memorial ceremony for their ancestors. Finally, you will encounter the marble tombs of the Ming Dynasty emperors and visit one of the spectacular tombs, indeed an underground palace.

Day 4

Beijing to Xi'an (B, L)

Beijing to Xi'an (B, L)

Transfer via: High speed train-arranged by us
Sightseeing: Hutong Rickshaw Tour, Xiushui Street, Summer Palace

We will experience a unique Hutong tour by taking a men-driven rickshaw this morning. Hutongs are a kind of ancient city alley or lane and are very typical for Beijing. Most of them can be found close to the Forbidden City, and were built during the three dynasties of Yuan, Ming and Qing. Today, the Hutong is a living museum of Beijing history showing the traditional lifestyle of Beijing people. We will make stops to visit a local family and experience how the people of Beijing live.

Then we will visit the Xiushui Street, which is a market located nearby the embassy area where you can find a number of duplicates of clothing in traditional Chinese style. Here you will mingle with Beijing people, overseas and local art dealers as well as farmers who import goods from the countryside. Therefore you may find some interesting things and enjoy your bargaining with shopkeepers.

After having lunch at a local restaurant, you can spend the whole afternoon to visit the famous royal garden-Summer Palace. In 1888, the notorious Empress Cixi used the money intended for the Chinese Navy to build this opulent summer retreat for herself. Have a lakeside cruise on the lovely Kunming Lake and enjoy the magical views of the temples, pavilions and covered corridors around. Late in the afternoon you will be transferred to the railway station for your high speed train to Xi'an. 

Day 5

Xi'an (L)

Xi'an (L)

Sightseeing: Ancient City Wall, Bell Tower, Big Wild Goose Pagoda

This morning you will arrive in Xian, one of the most important cities in China's history. Being the first stop on the Silk Road, Xi’an was the first Chinese city which opened up its doors to the Ancient world since Tang dynasty. You will be met at the railway station and then visit the Ancient City Wall. You will experience a half-hour's hike along the Ancient City Wall. It is the largest and best preserved present city wall in ancient China and is probably the best military battlement in the world. If you want to, you can rent a bicycle for a ride on top of the spectacular city wall. The wall was built in the Tang dynasty (618 -907) and enlarged in the Ming dynasty (1368-1644).

Then we will go on to visit the Bell Tower, which is the best-preserved and best-known one among many. The Bell Tower was built in 1384. In early mornings of ancient times it had the mission of ringing the bell and giving the correct time to the whole city, hence called "The Bell Tower". With magnificent carved beams and painted rafters, this classical building is truly elegant.

Our last stop today will be the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Situated in the south of Xian city, it is one of the main constructions in the famous Buddhist temple-Da-Ci-En Temple. There, the well-known Buddhist Master Xuanzang (Monk Tripitaka) stored his collection of classic Buddhist artifacts brought from India in Tang Dynasty. Now it is the Landmark of Xian.

Afterwards you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Day 6

Xi'an to Guilin (B, L)

Xi'an to Guilin (B, L)

Transfer via: Flight arranged by us  
Sightseeing: Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses, Huaqing Hot Springs

Today you will experience the highlights of Xian. After breakfast you will depart from your hotel and visit the amazing 2000-year-old Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses. Regarded as the "8 th Wonder of the World", the Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses are the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century. Over 2,200 years ago, the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, ordered the construction of a vast army of Terra-cotta warriors in search of immortality. After his early death they were buried with him to protect his empire. More than 7000 vivid figures in full battle array are formed for battle in several large pits.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we will visit Huaqing Hot Springs. The Tang Emperor Xuanzong used to spend his wintertime in company of his favorite concubine Yang Guifei here. Entering the West Gate of Huaqing Hot Springs, you will see the delightful gardens of Nine-Dragon Pool, the Lotus Flower Pool and the Frost Drifting Hall with Tang style.

In the evening you will be transferred to the airport and take the flight to Guilin. After your arrival in Guilin, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, to enjoy some leisure time for the rest of the day.

Day 7

Guilin to Yangshuo to Guilin (B, L)

Guilin to Yangshuo to Guilin (B, L)

Transfer via: Boat-arranged by us      
Sightseeing: Li River Cruise to Yangshuo, West Street 

Guilin is famous for its picturesque scenery, and the best way to see it is from the deck of Li River Cruise ships. In the morning you will depart from your hotel and be transferred to the Zhujiang Pier (about 1 hour drive) for a 4.5 hours wonderful cruise. You will enjoy the unique mountains, peaceful green fields, farms and villages with water buffalos, cows wondering around on both sides of the river bank.

In the afternoon you will disembark at the old town Yangshuo. Having a history of more than 1,400 years, West Street is the oldest street in Yangshuo. You will have some time to explore the old town's lovely attractions and will be transferred back to Guilin city in the evening.

Day 8

Guilin to Shanghai (B, L)

Guilin to Shanghai (B, L)

Transfer via: Flight-arranged by us      
Sightseeing: Reed Flute Cave, Elephant Trunk Hill, Fubo Hill, Nanjing Road, The Bund

This morning we will start off with visiting the Reed Flute Cave, which is a vast and very impressive cave system. Known as "the Palace of Natural Arts" where you can see beautiful stalactites & stalagmites, it is one of the most famous attractions of Guilin.

Later we'll head for Fubo Hill. There, you can see lots of rock stone carvings & Buddha statues from Tang Dynasty. If you climb to the summit, you will have a wonderful bird's-eye view on Guilin city.

We will continue our tour and visit Elephant Trunk Hill. Located at the conjunction of the Li River & the Peach Blossom River, the hill looks very much like a giant elephant with a long trunk drinking out of the river; it is the symbol of Guilin city.

Afterwards you will take the flight for Shanghai. Arriving in Shanghai, you will be met and transferred to hotel by our local guide. Together, you will take a walk to the famous Nanjing Road and the Bund. It is one of the most recognizable architectural symbols of Shanghai and therefore a must-see when visiting Shanghai.

Day 9

Shanghai (B, L)

Shanghai (B, L)

Sightseeing: Shanghai Museum, Jade Buddha Temple, Oriental Pearl Tower, Yuyuan Garden

In the morning we'll depart from your hotel and begin today's activities with a visit of the Shanghai Museum. As the biggest museum of ancient Chinese art in China, Shanghai Museum is especially famous for its treasures of bronzes, ceramics, paintings and calligraphy, ancient Sculpture, ancient Jade, coins, Ming and Qing furniture and seals.

Follow us to the Jade Buddha Temple. It is famous for its two rare statues of Buddha carved out of a single piece of white jade. One is a 1,000kg, 1.9 meter-high figure carved from Burmese jade brought to China in 1882, and the other is a sleeping Buddha; The temple receives thousands of visitors and worshipers every day. If you're lucky, you can watch the monks serving a ceremony in a side room.

After lunch, we will visit the Oriental Pearl Tower, the highest TV Tower in Asia, creating a picture of 'twin dragons playing with pearls'. The entire scene is a photographic jewel that excites the imagination and attracts thousands of visitors year-round.

Then we take a relaxing walk through lovely Yuyuan Garden, the most beautiful garden in the south of the Yangtze River. There, you will find pavilions, corridors, streams, courtyards as well as many other natural features.

Day 10

Shanghai Departure (B)

Transfer via: Flight on your own arrangement

Until our guide escorts you to the airport for your next destination you will have a free day.

B=Breakfast,L=Lunch,D=Dinner

Tour Dates Destinations Services Provided Meals Included
Day 1
Beijing

Arrive at Beijing, the capital of China. Our local guide will meet you at airport and transfer you to your hotel. Free at leisure for the rest of the day.

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Crowne Plaza Hotel Beijing Wangfujing Sunworld Hotel Beijing Redwall Hotel
B L D
Day 2
Beijing

Depart from your hotel in the morning to have city tours to visit Tiananmen Square ,Walking across the Golden River Bridge, enter the Forbidden City ,After your lunch the tour goes on with a visit of the The Temple of Heaven .

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Crowne Plaza Hotel Beijing Wangfujing Sunworld Hotel Beijing Redwall Hotel
B L D
Day 3
Beijing

In the morning, depart from your hotel after breakfast. Spending about 1.5 hours to be transferred outside the city to the surrounding countryside to visit the Badaling Great Wall ,After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the fabled Ming Tombs The Sacred Way

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Crowne Plaza Hotel Beijing Wangfujing Sunworld Hotel Beijing Redwall Hotel
B L D
Day 4
Beijing/Xi'an

Have a unique Hutong Tours in Rickshaw in the morning. Then visit the Xiushui Street .After having lunch at a local restaurant, spend your whole afternoon to visit the famous royal garden Summer Palace .Then be transferred to the railway stationto take the high speed train to Xi'an.

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Hotel Sofitel Xian on Renmin Square Mercure on Renmin Square Xian Ibis Xian
B L D
Day 5
Xi'an

Arrive at the ancient city-Xian, and then visit the Ancient City Wall and Bell Tower ,Finally have a tour to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Hotel Sofitel Xian on Renmin Square Mercure on Renmin Square Xian Ibis Xian
B L D
Day 6
Xi'an/Guilin

Today will be your highlights in Xian. Depart from your hotel after breakfast. To be transferred outside city to visit the The Terracotta Army and Horses ,After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Huaqing Palace ,Then be transferred to airport and take flight to Guilin. Arrive at Guilin, be met and transferred to your hotel, free at the rest of the day.

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Sheraton Guilin Hotel Guilin Bravo Hotel GuiLin Eva Inn Hotel
B L D
Day 7
Guilin

Depart from your hotel in the morning. Full day tour for Li River .Have a short exploration of the old town before being transferred back to Guilin.

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Sheraton Guilin Hotel Guilin Bravo Hotel GuiLin Eva Inn Hotel
B L D
Day 8
Guilin/Shanghai

In the morning, have a city tour beginning at Elephant Trunk Hill Fubo (wave-subduing) Hill , Reed Flute Cave .After the tours, be transferred to airport and take flight to Shanghai. Arrive in Shanghai, to be met & transferred to your hotel. Then depart from your hotel to visit Nanjing Road The Bund

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Jin Jiang Hotel Shanghai Holiday Inn Downtown Shanghai Jin jiang New Asia hotel Shanghai
B L D
Day 9
Shanghai

You will departure from your hotel in the morning and begin the day tour with a visit of the Yuyuan Garden Jade Buddha Temple After the lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Shanghai Museum ,Then you will visit the highest TV Tower in Asia, Oriental Pearl TV Tower

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Jin Jiang Hotel Shanghai Holiday Inn Downtown Shanghai Jin jiang New Asia hotel Shanghai
B L D
Day 10
Shanghai

Free at leisure until to be transferred to the airport for next destination.

B L D

Price

Season Tour Class Group Size Single Room
Supplement
1pax 2-5pax 6-9pax
Peak Season 3*(Tourist Class) $2232 $1551 $1346 $291
4*(Deluxe Class) $2584 $1727 $1522 $467
5*(First Class) $2980 $1925 $1720 $665

-NOTE:

1. Normally hotels allow a maximum of 3 adults per room with an extra bed, at extra charge. Some hotels will allow three adults and a small child.

2. Tour price is indicative only, please enquire for a detailed quotation.

3. More people more discounts. Please enquire for more details.

Price Includes

A. Entrance fees：To scenic spots as listed above in the itinerary.
B. Meals: All meals as specified in the itinerary.
C. Private Transfers: Among airports, hotels and scenic spots while sightseeing in the above cities by the private air conditioned vehicle.
D. Guide and Driver: As outlined in the itinerary, a well selected English-speaking guide and driver will accompany you throughout the entire tour in that city. They do not fly with you from one city to another.
E. Hotels: Hotel Based on two persons sharing one room with twin beds. All hotels as listed in the above itinerary serve daily western or Chinese breakfast. All rooms are air-conditioned with private facilities unless specified.
F. Luggage Transfers: Between airports and hotels.
G. Service Charge & Government Taxes.
H. Travel insurance in mainland China during the above travel period.
I. Arrangements: The tour cost includes planning, handling, operational and communication charges.

Quick Questions

Our team is waiting for your questions. Please feel free to ask us any questions you might have about our China package tours, Chinese culture, or the sites available. We will gladly help you with any special needs you might have and all questions, like our trip designing is completely free of charge.