8 Days Beijing-Lijiang-Beijing Ancient City Experience Tour
Tour Code: CWT18
Tour Duration: 8 Days
- Tour overview:
- Beijing, which was the royal city of many dynasties in ancient china and is now still P.R. China's capital city, impresses people with its invaluable cultural heritage and imposing architectures of dignified royal power, it shines as a world-known ancient imperial city in North China. In contrast, Lijiang, which used to be the kingdom of the Naxi (one of the 55 Chinese ethnic minorities) in Southwest China, keeps attracting people with its unique charm as a mini but very charming ancient town. Throw yourself into these two ancient places and enjoy Beijing's majesty and Lijiang's peach as much as you like!
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 you will be greeted by our local guide and then transferred to your hotel by a private air-conditioned car. For the rest of the day you will enjoy some leisure time.
Day 2
Beijing (B, L)
Sightseeing: Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace
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.
After lunch, we will go on our city tour to visit Tiananmen Square, the symbolical 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. 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.
Finally, if time permitted we will visit the Summer Palace. Equally famous as the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace is called 'Yiheyuan' (Garden of Nurtured Harmony) in Chinese. Until nowadays, it is the best preserved and the largest imperial garden in China.
Day 3
Beijing (B, L)
Sightseeing: Badaling Great Wall, Ming Tombs, Sacred Way, Hutongs
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. In addition, you will encounter the marble tombs of the Ming Dynasty emperors.
We will experience a unique Hutong tour by taking a rickshaw then. 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 many 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.
Day 4
Beijing to Lijiang (B, L)
Transfer via: Flight on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Lijiang Ancient Town
This morning, you will be transferred to airport to take morning flight to Lijiang. Upon your arrival in Lijiang, your local guide will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. For the rest of the day you will have a visit to the Lijiang Ancient Town. It is also known as Dayan Town in Lijiangba and was included in the UNESCO world heritage list in 1997. It was first built in the Southern Song Dynasty and in 1253 and became larger during Ming and Qing dynasties.
Day 5
Lijiang (B, L)
Sightseeing: Yulong Snow Mountain, Dongba Village
Today we will depart to Yulong Snow Mountain. It is the southernmost marine glacier in the temperate zone of the northern hemisphere. Altogether there are 13 peaks along the range, stretching for over 35km from south to north. The summit, Shanzidou, is 5596 meters above sea level. Viewed from afar, the snow-capped range resembles a silver dragon with snow curling up its middle. Rich forest, herb and animal resources thrive on the mountain.
On our way we will stop at Dongba Village in Yushui Stockade, which is built completely according to the traditional life style of Naxi Minority. You can feel the traditional atmosphere of national culture from the layout of its yard, building facilities, tools and details of life.
Day 6
Lijiang (B, L)
Sightseeing: Tiger Leaping Gorge, First Bend of the Yangtze River
In the morning you will fist visit Tiger Leaping Gorge. Being one of Yunnan's most famous spots, the gorge itself is tucked neatly between the Yulong Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain, which surround its two sides.
Secondly, we will see the First Bend of the Yangtze River. It lies in Shigu Town, Lijiang. Rushing down from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, "the roof of the world", the Yangtze surges into Yunnan from its northwest, where it meets Lancang River and Nu River. Then, they go together through the high mountains and deep gorges of Hengduan Mountains. You will be impressed by this natural power.
Day 7
Lijiang to Beijing (B, L)
Transfer via: Flight on our arrangement
Today will be free for your own purposes until our guide will escort you to the airport for your flight to Beijing. Arrive in Beijing, be met and transferred to your hotel.
Day 8
Beijing Departure (B)
Transfer via: Flight on your own arrangement
Free at leisure until your guide pick you up from your hotel and then be transferred to airport for your flight leave Beijing.
B=Breakfast,L=Lunch,D=Dinner
Tour Dates | Destinations | Services Provided | Meals Included | ||||||||||||||
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Day 1 |
Beijing
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Arrive in Beijing, be met and transferred to hotel, free at the rest of the day.
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Day 2 |
Beijing
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Full day visit Tiananmen Square , Forbidden City , The Temple of Heaven , Hutong Tours in Rickshaw .
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Day 3 |
Beijing
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Full day visit Badaling Great Wall , Ming Tombs , The Sacred Way , Summer Palace .
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Day 4 |
Beijing/Lijiang
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Take morning flight to Lijiang. Arrive in Lijiang, be met and transferred to hotel, then visit Lijiang Ancient Town .
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Day 5 |
Lijiang
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Full day visit Yulong Snow Mountain (take the cable car to Spruce Plateau and overlook the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain), Dongba Culture Museum .
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Day 6 |
Lijiang
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Full day visit First Bend of the Yangtze River , Tiger Leaping Gorge .
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Day 7 |
Lijiang/Beijing
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Free at leisure till be transferred to airport for your flight to Beijing. Arrive in Beijing, be met and transferred to your hotel.
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Day 8 |
Beijing
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Free at leisure until be met and transferred to airport for your flight departure. |
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-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.
Dear Lisa, I hope this message finds you well. On behalf of myself and the entire group, I want to extend our deepest gratitude for the exceptional organization and support you provided throughout our journey in China. This was not just a well-executed tour – it was a masterpiece of coordination and care, and it left our clients truly impressed. Every detail was flawlessly managed, and your dedication was evident from start to finish.The hotels were all beautiful, spacious, and perfectly located – our clients were genuinely impressed and comfortable throughout.The local guides were excellent – knowledgeable, kind, and attentive to every need of the group.The buses were always clean, comfortable, and punctual, and the drivers were professional and drove with care and safety.The experience of traveling on the high-speed trains was a highlight in itself – smooth, exciting, and perfectly arranged.Even the flight arrangements were smooth and efficient, allowing our clients to travel without stress.Beyond the logistics, I want to especially thank you for the way you handled the unexpected challenges that arose with such grace, speed, and professionalism:When our group expressed dissatisfaction with one of the guides, you acted immediately and managed the change with such tact that it restored full satisfaction and harmony in the group.When two ladies in the group had a disagreement and asked to be separated, you found new room arrangements right away, at a good price, and ensured they were both comfortable and happy. It made a real difference in the atmosphere of the group.Your constant availability, prompt responses, and genuine care throughout the entire tour were invaluable to me personally as the group leader. I felt supported every step of the way, and that peace of mind translated directly into a smooth, joyful experience for everyone. Everything you provided – from planning to real-time assistance – was simply outstanding. Please do...
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- Tour Starting Date:Monday, 19 May 2025
- Client's information:Jan, Romania
I have just returned from a very enjoyable 3 week trip to China. I had previously travelled with VISIT OUR CHINA to Xiamen n Shantou in 2024. The wonderful experience then led me to book again with VOC n I was given the most exceptional service by Leo. Throughout the months of planning n customising my itinerary to my family's varied needs n interests, Leo was extremely patient, responsive (even through weekends) n always efficient. Throughout our tour of Shenzhen, Changsha, Guangzhou, Zhangjiajie, Furong, Fenghuang n Guilin, Leo checked in on us at each of the destinations making sure that we were OK. I have travelled widely n dealt with many travel agents but none have thus far, fared so well as VOC. Leo's personal attention n excellent English make communication so easy n painless. I have recommended VOC to friends n will continue to do so because they are truly worthy. I know that for all my future trips to China, VOC will always be my go-to. Thank u Leo for making our holiday so memorable.
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- Tour Starting Date:Saturday, 12 April 2025
- Client's information:Sok Kiang, Singapore
I engaged Lisa for a 8D7N trip to chengdu and chongqing flying from KL, Malaysia. I've been with many tour companies but I find Lisa to be very helpful and very prompt to the problem I face during the tour. The food was fabulous, every meal is like 12 to 15 dishes, we had a great time! Thanks Lisa!
- Booking Code:VOC-20250310
- Tour Starting Date:Monday, 10 March 2025
- Client's information:Ryan, Malaysia
Had an amazing experience with visitourchina during my recent tour to Zhangjiajie. Lisa was very helpful and catered to all my requests for the tour. We wished we had more days to see more of Zhangjiajie. As we are travelling with my elderly parents, we requested for more elderly-friendly itinerary in Zhangjiajie. Even though the trip is still a bit tough for my mum as she has knee problems, my family still enjoyed the tour. Special thank you to Lisa and Max, our guide.
- Booking Code:VOC-20241116
- Tour Starting Date:Saturday, 16 November 2024
- Client's information:Vanessa,Singapore

The services rendered from the travel agency is prompt. Very responsive and cater my tour according to my requests. The tour guides assigned to us were also caring and helpful. I continue to seek inquiries after our tour ended and they continued to response promptly. This is my second trip with this company and will continue to engage them when I next return to China.
- Booking Code:VOC-20241103
- Tour Starting Date:Sunday, 3 November 2024
- Client's information:Wendy, Singapore

How to navigate China for the second time after 45 years for a couple over 70 years old? We spent part of our honeymoon in China in 1978 together with a Spanish speaking tour group when China just opened its door to the outside world. It was the era of "Friendship stores" and "food ration coupons". Tourists could only shop at government designated stores and the ordinary local people lived on rationed food, notwithstanding, tourists were treated with the highest honor and the best of everything including food. By then, the main transportation tool in cities were bicycles. From balconies of hotels, we saw never ending long queue of people on bicycles heading to work every morning. Since then, China has developed into a super modern and industrialized country. Shopping is a bliss nowadays. Motorized vehicles and lots of EV has replaced a huge part of the fleet of human-driven bicycles since. Infrastructure-wise China is the pioneer nowadays. Over the years, the only retained memories are the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and the Pandas. There was an incident which I could not forget either. We went to a theater at night for an opera and I lost my wallet with all my documents and some money ( a small fortune for the Chinese people by then). I was very nervous and didn't know what to do. When we got back to the hotel, my wallet was waiting for me at the reception. Somebody found it at the theatre and sent it to the hotel where we were lodged. Everything was back, nothing missing. Again, it was 1978! Impressed! So, we wanted to visit China again to revive the lost sweet memories and hoping to gain more of them. Being seniors, we don't have the energy to follow a vigorous group tour anymore. Could we plan and schedule our own tour in this wonderland like the modern China? The answer is simple, No! I don't know the language well enough and have no knowledge of the city areas for choices like accommodations and transportations. In order to travel safely, efficient...
- Booking Code:VOC-20241016B
- Tour Starting Date:Wednesday, 16 October 2024
- Client's information:Cheng, Canada
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