11 Days Beauty of China

On arrival into Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), you’ll be greeted by your local guide. Together you’ll drive directly to your hotel, on the way taking the opportunity to learn a little about this city, which is rich in Chinese history, politics, and culture. After check in, you’re free to rest, relax, or explore. Be sure to check with your guide for their insider local dining options.

Meals included: None

Your Beijing adventure starts this morning with a visit to the world’s largest city square, Tiananmen Square. Seriously large, even by China’s standards, Tiananmen Square is auspicious, as China’s political heart, flanked by the Great Hall of the People, the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, and the National Museum of China. Your guide will lead you across the road the to the awe-inspiring Forbidden City. A culturally historic landmark in Beijing, the Forbidden City seems to go on and on. The detailed planning, careful construction, and symbolic representation of every part of this former residence of Chinese royalty is to be admired. Be prepared to walk in wonder. From the Forbidden City, your guide will lead you to the Summer Palace, highlighting the uniqueness of its elaborate design, beautiful gardens, and the man-made Kunming Lake. It will be easy to imagine Empress Dowager Cixi spending her summers here, overseeing the intrigue and plots that were characteristic of imperial life. Reflect on China’s opening up to the world when you take a stopover to explore the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube – the stadium and pool constructed for the 2008 Summer Olympics. After a full day of exploring, you’ll be taken back to your hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast

Note: Your tour guide may adjust your itinerary due to closure of the Forbidden City each Monday.

China is home to many iconic historical structures and monuments, however few are as remarkable as the Great Wall. Today is your chance to climb the wall at the Mutianyu section and understand a little of its impressive history. A quick stop at the famous local food market Sanyuanli on the way means you can stock up on fruit and snacks for today’s trip. Every section of the Great Wall attracts interest, however the Mutianyu Great Wall is one which is less frequented. Located about 90 minutes drive from Beijing, you can sit back and enjoy being driven, while having the opportunity to ask your guide questions about points of interest along the way. The wall is accessible by cable car and a short trip up provides wonderful views of the surrounding country. It also makes you reflect on this incredible feat of construction, which involved over 800,000 soldiers and civilians. Make like a guard and walk the wall to take in the Ming dynasty guard towers and sensational views. There will be plenty to talk about on the return trip to Beijing. Your afternoon is spent visiting the Confucius Temple, first built in 1302 to honor Confucius and the philosophers who studied Confucianism over centuries. You’ll also visit the Imperial College Museum too and it’s here you’ll learn of its importance to scholars past and present who studied and took exams there to advance their careers. Finish the day’s itinerary by wandering through Wudaoying Hutong. This is a chance to visit Beijing’s most creative and artistic hutong and make like a local as you visit the curious shops, cafes, and witness the lifestyle of a unique Beijing community.

Meals included: Breakfast

One day in Pingyao and you’ll understand why China’s evolution as an economic power is no mistake. Pingyao’s fame resides in its history as an economic hub and the astute architectural and regional planning evident in the streets and buildings. Your day starts when your guide picks you up from the hotel and takes you to Rishengchang Draft Bank, belived to have been established in 1823 during the Qing Dynasty. Aptly named Rishengchang – literally meaning “Sunrise Prosperity” – Rishengchang Draft Bank is considered the forerunner to China’s modern bank. Even today it remains true to its original style, providing a window into banking operations from previous eras. With a slower pace you’ll find in Beijing, you can wander leisurely along Ming and Qing Street where you can sample street food snacks, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy the unique traditional architecture of the Ming and Qing dynasties that is so beautifully preserved here. Consistent with the financial theme of the day, you’ll visit the Tongxinggong Escort Agency. It seems armored financial guards are not a recent phenomena. You’ll discover how the armed escort service provided by Tongxinggong Escort Agency operated in ancient Chinese dynasties and supported the Pingyao County Government for over 600 years. With a bit of luck, there may be an opportunity to be a bystander to an old Court Trial re-enactment. The day’s itinerary concludes with a climb up the Ancient City Wall. Incredibly, this wall dates back to 1370 and its not hard to see why. The locals must have wanted to enjoy the fabulous views of the ancient town that you’ll discover once there.

Meals included: Breakfast

Today’s tour highlight is the world-renowned Terracotta Army. Recognized as the largest underground military base in the world, take in this extraordinary archeological discovery, which houses thousands of unique life-sized figures. Return to the city and explore Xian’s ancient City Wall, currently the largest and best-preserved wall of its type in China. Enclosing China’s former capital city and almost 14 kilometres long, enjoy your free time by exploring on foot or bicycle. For a change of pace, take in the quiet of Xian’s Great Mosque, located in the middle of the city’s old block. Built mid seventh century, the Great Mosque is the oldest and largest Islamic mosque in China. Mix with locals and find food of every flavor in Muslim Street, which is bustling with authentic eateries and travel souvenirs. Today’s final destination is Xian’s famous Bell Tower and Drum Tower Square. Return to your hotel for a relaxed evening or book a dinner, show, or both for an evening of entertainment.

Meals included: Breakfast

There is something special about this corner of China which has much of its history steeped in the merchant families who made good. Today’s exploration is a prime example. After a one hour drive you’ll be taken to the Wang Family Mansion, a grand Qing-dynasty residential compound which took over half a century to complete. The Wang family story is a quintessential rags to riches one, with its ancestors starting out as farmers. Morphing their way into business, construction, and politics, the family eventually built the impressive Wang Family Mansion. Here you can explore the seemingly endless courtyards and marvel at the elaborate and unique architectural design. Ascend to the very top of the wall where the view provides the true perspective of the mansion’s size. Moving to the more ethereal, you will visit the 1400-year-old Shuanglin Temple. It’s here you can travel the journey of Buddha’s enlightenment while you explore the exquisite collection of more than 2000 colored sculptures and wall paintings. Your time in Pingyao concludes today when the local guide takes you to the Pingyao railway station for travel to your next destination.

Meals included: Breakfast

Note: Like to spend more time in Pingyao? No problem! We can make arrangements for additional time and sightseeing in Pingyao. You only need ask. Our specialist travel team can help with every arrangement, including the train ticket departing from Pingyao. All additional arrangements do incur a surcharge.