China Culture & Nature in a Nutshell

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China Culture & Nature in a Nutshell

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Tour Code: ODY-CN-2561

Destination: Beijing, Xi’an, Guilin, Yangtze Cruise, Nanjing, Huangshan, Shanghai

Duration

20 Days

Tour Type

Private & Bespoke

Tour Style

Classic

About This Trip

Take the 20-day journey to discover China’s rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural wonders. From Beijing to Xi’an and Nanjing, explore imperial relics like the Forbidden City, Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, Xiaoling Tomb, and the ancient City Wall of the Ming Dynasty. Between Guilin and Chongqing, Yichang, and Huangshan, relish colorful natural landscapes of terraced rice paddies, the idyllic Li River, the majestic Yangtze, picturesque Yellow Mountain. Concluding in Shanghai, discover the country’s colonial past and outlook on its promising future.

Itinerary Summary

DAY	PLACE	HIGHLIGHTS
1 – 4	Beijing	Forbidden City, Great Wall, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Hutongs
5	Xi’an	Terracotta Warriors, Muslim Street
6 – 8	Guilin	Longji Rice Terraces, Li River Cruise, Reed Flute Cave
9 – 12	Chongqing – Yichang	Yangtze River Cruise, Three Gorges Dam
13 – 14	Nanjing	Sun Yat-Sen Mausoleum, Meiling Palace, Xiao Mausoleum, Xuanwu Lake, Qixia Temple, Zhonghua Gate of Nanjing City Wall, Laomendong, Qinhuai River Night Cruise
15 – 17	Huangshan	Mt. Huangshan, Hongcun Village
18 – 20	Shanghai	The Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai World Financial Center, Shanghai Museum

Itinerary

Welcome to Beijing, the vibrant capital of today’s China!

Upon your arrival, your local guide will greet you and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax and recover from jetlag.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Start your exploration of Beijing with a visit to Tiananmen Square, the nation’s political heart, followed by the splendid Forbidden City – a sprawling imperial palace complex serving as the feudal power seat between 1420AD-1911AD. Follow your knowledgeable guide to admire these grand architectures and immerse yourself in the fascinating stories behind them. Afterward, wander through some old hutongs – narrow alleys lined with Siheyuan (courtyard houses) -and peek into the traditional Beijing life.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

No visit to Beijing is complete without a tour of the Great Wall. Today, you will conquer the magnificent Mutianyu Great Wall, a well-preserved section known for its stunning scenery and sturdy watchtowers. Hiking atop the venerable ramparts, marvel at the sweeping landscapes and feel the echoes of history beneath your feet.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Begin a new day at the Temple of Heaven, where you encounter locals in morning exercises, like Tai Chi. Feel free to join them and experience a slice of Beijing’s daily life. Continue to the Summer Palace, a splendid imperial garden with serene lakes and charming pavilions. If time permits, take a boat ride on the Kunming Lake for beautiful views of the surroundings.

Later, be escorted to the airport for your flight to Xi’an. Upon arrival, be welcomed and transferred to your hotel.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

The highlight of your tour today is the Terracotta Warriors, boasting thousands of life-size statues buried to protect China’s first Emperor, Qin Shihuang, in the afterlife.
Witness the sheer scale and artistry of this underground army and gain insight into the powerful military of the Qin Dynasty (221BC-207BC). Nearby, visit Xi’an Art Ceramic Factory and learn how these remarkable statues were crafted using ancient techniques.

Late afternoon, return to the city and explore Muslim Street, a narrow bazaar filled with exotic local delicacies and souvenirs.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

After breakfast, fly to Guilin, which is celebrated as one of China’s most picturesque cities.
Upon arrival, meet your local guide and explore the Reed Flute Cave, known for various stalactites and stalagmites beautifully illuminated by vibrant lights, before heading to your hotel for relaxation.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Today’s journey will take you to Longsheng, a culturally rich minority area famous for its spectacular Terraced Rice Fields, cascading down mountain slopes like shimmering ribbons, with their hues shifting from lush green, golden yellow, or sparking silver, varying according to season.
Beyond the stunning views, you will also have the chance to visit the traditional village inhabited by Zhuang and Yao ethnic groups.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Today, enjoy a leisurely Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo. As the boat glides along the river leisurely, you will be mesmerized by dramatic limestone karst peaks, lush greenery, and quaint riverside villages – like drifting through a traditional Chinese landscape painting.
Upon arrival in Yangshuo, check into your hotel then start a bicycle tour (or a private car ride, if preferred) through idyllic countryside, mosaiced with emerald rice paddies, peaceful villages, winding trails, and majestic peaks.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

After breakfast, transfer to Guilin for your high-speed journey to Chongqing. Upon arrival, meet your guide and driver who will whisk you to the dock to board your ship and start your memorable Yangtze River Cruise.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

As the ship sails along the river, you can participate in various onboard activities, including a Tai Chi lesson to energize your morning. For those fascinated by Chinese folklore, an optional tour (pay on board) to Fengdu Ghost City offers a captivating glimpse into ancient beliefs about the afterlife.
During the compulsory shore excursion, you will visit Shibaozhai, an impressive 12-story wooden pagoda built into a steep cliff. This architectural marvel provides panoramic views of the river and surrounding landscapes.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Continue your cruise while enjoying the serene landscapes that unfold along the river bank. The shore excursion included for today is to Shennv Stream, a pristine tributary of the Yangtze River. Change a small boat to delve into the secret realm surrounded by dramatic cliffs, lush vegetation, and traditional villages.

Those history buffs may opt for a visit to the White Emperor City (available at an additional cost), a historical site celebrated for its ancient temples, poetic legends, and stunning views of the Qutang Gorge.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

The final shore excursion brings you to the Three Gorges Dam Site, the world’s largest hydroelectric project. Get on the viewing platforms to appreciate the impressive scale of this colossal structure.
After that, disembark the ship at around 11:00 am and then be escorted to the railway station for a bullet train to Nanjing. Upon your arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Start the tour today by marveling at the Mausoleum of Sun Yat-sen, the terminator of China’s feudal dynasty and the pioneer of modern China. Nearby, visit Meiling Palace, a stately villa built as the residence of Chiang Kai-shek and his wife, Soong Mei-ling.

Then, explore the Xiao Mausoleum, where the founder of the Great Ming Dynasty rests. Stroll through its tree-lined Scary Way, pass by stone animals, ministers, and general warriors having guarded the tomb for over 600 years, and listen to the stories of this emperor who came from a poor peasant family.

For the rest of the day, take a relaxing walk around Xuanwu Lake, the largest royal garden lake in Chinese history, and skim over scenic temples, pagodas, pavilions, and bridges.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Qixia Temple, first built in 489 AD, is a well-known Buddhist holy place. Nestle along the Qixia Mountain, cloaked in towering ginkgo trees and maple leaves, with quaint pagodas, Buddhist caves, and status dotted here and there, it’s also a famous place to enjoy colorful autumn foliage or forest hiking.

After two to three hours here, return and discover the old part of downtown Nanjing. Visit Zhonghua Gate, part of the ancient city wall, and delve into its ingenious design as a fortification to defend the power seat of the Ming Dynasty. East to the ancient gate, wander the narrow lanes of Laomendong to browse old buildings, antique shops, and internet celebrity snacks. When night falls, get on a wooden boat to take in the night charm of the Qinhuai River.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

After breakfast, be transferred to the railway station for a bullet train to Huangshan. On arrival, meet your local guide and driver for an impressive tour to Hongcun – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that seems like a charming Chinese landscape painting. Strolling through this antique village, you may get a deep understanding of their customs and cultures.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

This morning, an hour’s drive will take you to the foot of the Yellow Mountain (Mt. Huangshan) for a cable car up to the mountain top. After getting off the cable car, you need to walk around 40 minutes to 1.5 hours to your hotel. Along the way, you will see all manners of pines and peaks. If lucky enough, you may meet up with the sea of clouds. Finally, enjoy the fascinating sunset at Cloud Dispelling Pavilion.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Get up early this morning to watch the breathtaking landscape of sunrise and then get back to the hotel for breakfast. Afterward, continue to explore the picturesque West Sea Scenic Area and then take a cable car down and head to the railway station for a high-speed train to Shanghai. On arrival, be transferred to your hotel for check-in.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Discover the dynamic blend of tradition and modernity that defines Shanghai. Start from the Shanghai Museum, hosting exceptional collections of historic and artistic treasures, from jade carvings and ceramics to traditional paintings and calligraphy.

Next, stroll into the Yu Garden, a secluded oasis hidden in the hustle and bustle of Shanghai and showcasing beautiful rockeries, koi-filled ponds, intricately designed pavilions and bridges. Outside the garden, explore the Yuyuan Market before continuing with a leisurely walk along the Bund, a charming waterfront promenade offering panoramic views of the city’s dazzling skyline. For a spectacular finale, ascend the 118^th floor of the Shanghai Tower for a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the cityscape.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Have a free day to explore more in Shanghai at your own pace. Indulge in high-end shopping or exquisite fine dining, or delve deeper into the city’s modern and innovative façade. Alternatively, consider an optional tour to the nearby Suzhou, famed for its classical gardens, silk heritage, and charming water towns.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Your unforgettable journey through China concludes today. At the appointed time, your guide will escort you to the airport for your homebound flight.

Safe travels and farewell!

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

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Why Choose Inner Mongolia Jiuhong Travel Service Co., Ltd.

12-Year TripAdvisor Award

Travellers’ Choice winner every year since 2013

No Commission Shopping

Zero shopping stops, zero pressure, zero hidden agendas

100% Private

Every tour is exclusively yours — no strangers, no shared buses

Expert Local Guides

Licensed, English-speaking guides with deep local knowledge

Real reviews from real travellers

u003cemu003eu003cemu003eI highly recommend Inner Mongolia Jiuhong Travel Service Co., Ltd. The team is very easy to work with, has excellent ideas and the guides are knowledgeable and easy to be with. Very solid itineraries and execution — flexible, high quality, and great value for money.u003c/emu003eu003c/emu003e
James T.
Verified · TripAdvisor
u003cemu003eu003cemu003eWe visited both Xi’an and Shanghai under Jiuhong’s arrangement and received the same first-class service in both cities. The guides were knowledgeable, flexible, and happy to discuss all aspects of modern China — giving insights difficult to obtain elsewhere. Strongly recommended.u003c/emu003eu003c/emu003e
Greenfly
Couples · Verified · TripAdvisor
u003cemu003eu003cemu003eWe had a wonderful action-packed day. Fei Fei was amazing — her knowledge was very impressive and she was a real pleasure to be with. This was certainly the highlight of our stay in this beautiful city. Thanks so much.u003c/emu003eu003c/emu003e
Ludovic V.
Couples · London, UK · Verified · TripAdvisor

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China Culture & Nature in a Nutshell

About This Trip

Itinerary Summary

Itinerary

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