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14 Days Best of China Tour with Yunnan Ancient Villages

Shanghai / Kunming / Lijiang / Shangri la / Xian / Beijing

  • The Bund: Famous
  • The Fudol Couple - Summer Palace
    of
  • The Bund: Famous "Exhibition of the World's Architecture"
  • The Fudol Couple - Summer Palace
Tour Type:
Private Tour
questions
Experience:
Departure:
Any day you want
Group size:
You, your family, friends or group
Tour Code:
CD-VT-14
Features:
Start your Best of China tour from Shanghai. A seamless blend of tradition and modern, as well as East and West is waiting for you. The travel to Yunnan Ancient villages will let you know how 26 ethnic minority groups live together harmoniously.The essence of Chinese culture, landscapes and people all in one!

Price from Request

Trip at a Glance

  • Day 1-3: Shanghai
  • Urban Planning Exhinbition Center
    Yu Garden & Bazaar, the Bund
    Jinmao Tower, Jade Buddha Temple

  • Day 4-5: Lijiang
  • Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
    Tiger Leaping Gorge

  • Day 6: Shangri La
  • Songzanlin Lamasery, Bitahai Lake

  • Day 7-8: Kunming
  • West Hill, Stone Forest

  • Day 9-11: Xian
  • Terracotta Warriors
    Ancient City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda

  • Day 12-14: Beijing
  • Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven
    Great Wall, Summer Palace

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Full Itinerary Day by Day

Day 1 Shanghai Arrival

Ni Hao! Welcome to Shanghai, the biggest metropolis in China!

Upon arrival, you will be met by a local tour guide at the arrival hall of the airport/train station/port and escorted to check in your hotel in downtown by a private comfortable vehicle. The rest of today is on your own to relax. If you want to explore nearby, feel free to get some practical suggestions from your tour guide.

Optional Activity - Attend an entertaining Acrobatic Show, including breathtaking “balls of death” acts, chair balancing, hula hoops, juggling of benches, walking in the air, and other breathtaking performances (usually performed during 19:30~21:00).

Arrival Ideas: At present, there are many international and many domestic flights to and from Shanghai. Also, you can arrive in Shanghai city by taking a high speed train from Beijing (5-6hrs), Xian (6-7hrs), Hangzhou (1hrs), Suzhou (30mins), Huangshan (4hrs), and so on.

Day 2 Shanghai ( B, L )

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel to start your Shanghai exploration. Your first stop is Shanghai Museum, one of the Best Four Museums in China. This modern museum has collected many international-standard exhibits of bronzes, paintings, calligraphy, sculpture, ceramics, jade from more than 5,000 years ago to the Qing dynasty. To help you learn about the history and facts about the relics in the museum easily, an Audio Explanation Device will be prepared for you. Next, you will take an interesting visit to Yu Garden, a shining star among all the ancient Chinese gardens in Jiangnan. This garden fully embodies the traditional design of Chinese architecture with jagged pavilions with elegant decorations, glittering pools with roving fish, and pine trees sprouting to the sky, all designed to refresh your mood and spirit. Adjacent to the garden is the Yuyuan Bazaar where you can savor tasteful local snacks and explore elaborate traditional Chinese handicrafts and art works. Next, you will drive several kilometers to enjoy a panoramic view of the modern face of Shanghai from the 100th floor (474m) of “the Eye of Shanghai” Shanghai World Financial Center.

You will then be transferred to another popular landmark of Shanghai, Nanjing Road, a shopping paradise as well as a great place to take a wonderful walk to experience the modern atmosphere of the City. Lastly, you will stop at the Bund, originally a simple towpath for transporting goods but now transformed into a feverish trading district. You will stroll along the Bund, seeing and feeling the perfect fusion of Chinese and Western cultures while at the same time taking in the stunning Shanghai skyline with your own eyes!

Optional Activity - Take a relaxing Huangpu River night cruise to see the city’s most significant edifices and streets sparkling under the atmospheric cover of darkness (about 50 minutes).

Antal's family enjoyed the scenery of Shanghai skyscrapers in March 2024Da Ke Ding in Shanghai MuseumOur Guests visited Yu Garden and Bazaar in 2017
Day 3 Shanghai & Flight to Yunnan ( B, L )

After breakfast, head to the famous Bund to witness Shanghai’s skyline, and stroll along China's No.1 shopping street, Nanjing Road.

Then ascend the Jinmao Tower to get an amazing bird’s eye view of this metropolis. Then continue to Jade Buddha Temple to admire the largest jade Buddha in the world and exquisite religious artifacts.

Being free until transferred to the airport and take a flight to Lijiang ancient town, to witness the exotic ethnic cultures in China's remote southwest. Upon your arrival in Lijiang, be met and transferred to your hotel.

The Bund: Famous
Day 4 Lijiang ( B, L )

After breakfast, go to conquer the amazing Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery and pristine glaciers.

Then you’ll admire the exquisite Baisha Mural Painting, which embody a kind of life of Naxi people. Go to the Museum of Naxi Dongba Culture to appreciate more about the attractive folklore & culture of Naxi people, followed by a visit to the scenic Black Dragon Pool Park.

Day 5 Lijiang ( B, L )

Today you’ll be driven to the old town of Shigu (Stone Drum) to see the Iron Chain Bridge which the Red Army used to cross the river during the Long March in 1930s. Then head to marvel at the stunning First Bend of the Yangtze River and have a little challenging trek to the famous Tiger Leaping Gorge.

Later, you’ll drive to Shangri La, about 100km. You’ll enjoy the enchanting natural scenes and various kinds of wildlife on the way.

Day 6 Shangri La ( B, L )

Today is a full day to explore the on-earth paradise described in the famous novel Lost Horizon by James Hilton.

You’ll visit the Songzanlin Lamasery to be touched about how the simple Tibetan keeps their pure and religious belief in this temporal world. Later take a leisurely walk beside the beautiful Bitahai and Shudu Lakes, feel marvel for the nature’s masterpiece.

In the evening, pay a visit to a local Tibetan family and experience the highly-praised hospitality of Tibetan people.

Songzanlin Monastery in Spring, Picture Shared by Our Guest Marchin from USA
Day 7 Flight to Kunming ( B, L )

Free until being escorted to the airport for your flight to Kunming. Upon arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel in Kunming. After a short rest, head to the Flower Market, Kunming is a city of ‘flower’.

Then go to visit the West Hill, looking like a beautiful young lady lying beside Dianchi Lake. Stop by to see the magic Dragon Gate.

Dragon Gate at Western Hills photoed by our customer Adrian
Day 8 Kunming ( B, L )

Today your first stop is the renowned Stone Forest, the ‘First Wonder of the World’. You’ll marvel at its natural stone masterpieces and be bewitched by the intricate formations. You feel like come into a “stone world’.

Afterwards, visit a minority village of Hani People, to admire their colorful minority costumes and exotic tradition cultures. You’ll have a nice chance to listen to the touching love story of Ashima told by local old people.

The Most Famous Rock of Ashima in Stone Forest
Day 9 Flight to Xian from Kunming ( B )

Free until being escorted to the airport for your flight to Xian. Upon arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel in Xian.
The rest of today is free at your leisure to explore the ancient heart of China.

Day 10 Xian ( B, L )

Today your first stop is to join the ranks of the incredible Terracotta Warriors, the forbidding sentinels of a death defying emperor, starting out through the silent millennia of history.

In the afternoon, visit the Ancient City Walls, the largest and best-kept city walls on earth. Strolling and cycling on the Walls is quite an enjoyable experience. Today’s tour ends to visit the Bell Tower, a famous landmark of Xian ancient city.

Amazing Terracotta Warriors with 2000 Years History
Day 11 Xian ( B, L )

After breakfast, start today's tour with an educational visit to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda and Xi’an Museum to learn a lot about the history and culture about the ancient city of Xi’an. They are together located in a clean and beautiful park. The Small Wild Goose Pagoda is rather smaller and 55 years younger than its “sister” - the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. Built during 707 to 709 AD, the pagoda is 43.4 meters tall with 13 tiers (originally 15 tiers), looking like a very tall rectangular pyramid. An interesting fact about the Small Wild Goose Pagoda is that the pagoda has survived nearly 70 earthquakes, and now still standing firm and sturdy. You can walk around to appreciate the beautiful design and take photos of the pagoda. Then you will go to visit Xi’an Museum which is only several minutes’ walking from the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. This museum has more than 130,000 pieces of jade relics, seals, paintings, porcelains, Buddhist statues, stone carvings and many other precious relics.

Later, go to spend a leisure time on the Ancient City Wall, the largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China. Just like the merchants and envoys on the Silk Road thousands of years ago, you will enter the interior of the city walls through the Hanguang Gate. There you will visit a mini museum to see the real Tang Dynasty city wall ruins from over 1400 years ago, including gateways, cross-sections of the wall, and the remains of water channels. After the museum visit, get up to the city wall to enjoy a leisure stroll and pleasant panoramic views of modern Xian. Rent a bike (extra cost: 45RMB) to enjoy a relaxing cycling on the Wall is strongly recommended. The cycling routes and duration are flexible. Feel free to discuss with your tour guide. Leave the City Wall, then go to wander leisurely around the bustling and lively Muslim Quarter, a place where you can try different local snacks and explore Muslim culture.

The rest of today is free for you until get escorted to catch a high speed train to Beijing (about 5hrs), the iconic city and capital of China! You will be met by local tour guide at the Beijing West Railway Station and escorted to check in your hotel in downtown by a private comfortable vehicle. The rest of today is on your own to relax.

Visit bustly Muslim Quarter in day timeXian Museum and Small Wild Goose PagodaOur guests enjoyed riding on the Ancient City Wall, XianGreat Mosque, a fusion of Chinese culture and Islamic culture
Day 12 Beijing ( B, L )

After breakfast, you will start a journey through Beijing's storied past with a brief visit to Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public plaza. This iconic site is where Chairman Mao proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China from the imposing Tiananmen Gate.

Step through Tiananmen Gate and into the heart of imperial China - Forbidden City. This vast palace complex of nearly 10,000 rooms, once home to 24 emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties, stands as a marvel of architectural brilliance and historical grandeur. Admire the intricate details, from the dazzling yellow-glazed tile roofs to the refined white marble bases. As you explore the myriad rooms and courtyards, envision the lives of emperors, empresses, and their courtiers.

After leaving the Forbidden City, take a short walk to Jingshan Park, where you can ascend to its summit for a panoramic view. From here, marvel at the sweeping vistas of the Forbidden City to the south and the serene landscapes of Beihai Park, Shichahai Lake, and the iconic Drum Tower to the north. For unforgettable photos, make your way to one of the palace's corner towers, a favorite spot among photography enthusiasts.

Following lunch, drive to the outskirts of Beijing to experience the enchanting Summer Palace. Once the exclusive summer retreat of the imperial family, this site is renowned as China's largest and most well-preserved royal garden. Discover a stunning array of ancient pavilions, grand mansions, serene temples, and elegant bridges. The Long Corridor, stretching along the peaceful shores of Kunming Lake, is adorned with thousands of vibrant paintings that tell captivating stories of history and mythology.

Lastly, be escorted back to your hotel.

Optional Night Activities:
1) Watch a wonderful acrobatic performance at the Chaoyang Theater;
2) Or enjoy the classic Chinese art performance of Beijing Opera at Liyuan Theater.

Mazurek's Group from Poland viewed Forbidden City from Jingshan Park in 2024.The Inner Jinshui River Winding through the Heart of the Forbidden CitySummer Palace Shot by Our Guest Nguyen
Day 13 Beijing ( B, L )

This morning, you'll drive approximately 70 km (about 1.5 hours) to the iconic Mutianyu Great Wall, a less-crowded yet beautiful section of this World Wonder. Begin your adventure by ascending the wall via an enclosed cable car, reaching No. 14 Watchtower, your starting point for an unforgettable experience. Hike westward along the wall, passing through towering watchtowers and capturing breathtaking panoramic views. The trail is moderate, suitable for most fitness levels, including families with children. For the more adventurous, challenge yourself by climbing the Great Man Slope to No. 20 Watchtower, the highest point, offering an even more spectacular vista. After exploring the wonderful sightseeing, hike back to No. 14 Watchtower and descend by the enclosed cable car.

Optional Toboggan Experience: For an extra thrill at Mutianyu, consider taking the toboggan ride or the chairlift cable car to descend the Great Wall, both available at No. 6 Watchtower. Note that there might be a queue, especially during peak seasons like Chinese holidays.

Continue your trip to Sacred Way, a 7-kilometer-long passage leading to the Imperial Tombs of the 13 Emperors of the Ming Dynasty. The Emperor, known as the Son of Heaven, would travel from Heaven to his country through the Sacred Way and return to Heaven through this road. Take a walk through the largest archway in China and the Great Palace Gate, and you'll see the magnificent stone guard statues of 12 sets of mythical animals and 12 officials. Then, drive back to Beijing and take a short stop at the Beijing Olympic Village to view its famous Bird’s Nest and Water Cube from the outside.

Lastly, be escorted back to your hotel.

Optional Night Activity: After the day's tour, treat yourself to a great dinner and taste the famous Peking Roasted Duck, a world-renowned dish with crisp skin and juicy meat.

Our customers visited Bird's Nest in 2019Our Guest at the Sacred Way Our customer Heidy visited Mutianyu Great Wall
Day 14 Beijing Departure ( B, L )

After breakfast, drive to the outskirts of Beijing to experience the enchanting Summer Palace. Once the exclusive summer retreat of the imperial family, this site is renowned as China's largest and most well-preserved royal garden. Discover a stunning array of ancient pavilions, grand mansions, serene temples, and elegant bridges. The Long Corridor, stretching along the peaceful shores of Kunming Lake, is adorned with thousands of vibrant paintings that tell captivating stories of history and mythology.

Drive back to the city center. The rest day is free for you until your tour guide escort you to catch your flight (or train) to next destination. Our service ends.

The Fudol Couple visited Summer Palace with China DiscoverySummer Palace Shot by Our Guest Nguyen

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