Essential China

From$2999USD
21 days,Beijing to Hong Kong
Trip Code: ACEC

Bargaining in bustling markets, hiking the Great Wall and exploring the Forbidden City, Standing face-to-face with a Terracotta Warrior, visiting a panda sanctuary, seeing the giant Buddha of Leshan, exploring the holy Buddhist peak of Emei Shan, cruising the Yangtze and biking through Yangshuo's karst landscape.

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Offer valid for new bookings only with international air travel originating in North America added to a land booking. Not valid with any other discount, offer or promotion. Subject to availability. Must book by May 31, 2013, for travel by February 1, 2014. Subject to airline regulations and restrictions.

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Encounter the essence of China in all its wonderful diversity—climb the Great Wall and stare down the Terracotta Warriors before heading down south on this 3-week tour of China's cultural and natural highlights. Rest your gaze on the giant Buddha of Leshan, ancient mountainside monasteries at Emei Shan then float down the world-famous Three Gorges of the Yangtze River before stepping out to experience the vibrant rural life and stunning scenery of Yangshuo. With your accommodation and transport arranged by our expert CEOs, this adventure offers up a great combination of must-see highlights and free time to explore on your own.

What's Included

  • Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City guided tour, Entrance to the Great Wall, Shanghai Museum, Terracotta Warriors tour, Panda Sanctuary excursion, Mount Emei admission, Entrance to the Leshan Giant Buddha, Overnight in a monastery, Three Gorges boat trip, Three Gorges tributary excursion, Full day Yangshuo guided bike ride.
  • 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner. (Allow USD300-420 for meals not included.)
  • Hotels (12 nts), basic monastery (2 nt), sleeper trains (4 nts), Yangtze boat (2 nts).
  • Train, local bus, air-con bus, boat, walking, bicycle, plane.
  • English-speaking Chinese Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.
  • Small group experience; Max 16, Avg 10
Map of the route for Essential China
Places Visited
  • China
  • Hong Kong
Day 1 Beijing

Arrive at any time.

Day 2-4 Beijing

Included visit to the Great Wall and tour of the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.

Day 5-7 Shanghai

Visit to the world-famous Shanghai Museum. Option to take in a breathtaking Chinese acrobat performance.

Day 8-9 Xi'an

Orientation walk through Xi'an's Muslim Quarter then visit one of China’s greatest archaeological treasures—the Terracotta Warriors. Option to cycle the ancient city walls.

Day 10 Chengdu

Fly to Chengdu. Explore the teahouses and the streets of Chengdu, get a massage and perhaps sample some of the local culinary classics.

Day 11-12 Panda Breeding Center and Emei Shan

See the famous giant pandas up close at the Panda Breeding Center and explore Emei Shan, one of the four sacred Buddhist mountains of China. Overnight in a monastery with breathtaking views.

Day 13 Leshan/Chongqing (1D)

Stop en route at Leshan, home of the largest stone carved Buddha in the world before arriving to Chongqing, birthplace of the delicious Sichuan hot pot. Sample this regional speciality at a local restaurant with your CEO.

Days 14-16 Yangtze River/Three Gorges

Embark on our Chinese-style boat to cruise down the mighty Yangtze through the Three Gorges. Enjoy the views from the deck and embark on riverside excursions up stunning tributaries and to historic sites. Overnight train from Wuhan to Guilin on Day 16.

Days 17-19 Yangshuo (1L)

Guided cycle ride through the countryside of Yangshuo with included local lunch. Options to experience a local cooking school, practice tai chi or see the Light and Sound show produced by Zhang Yimou. On Day 19 travel by bus and overnight train to Hong Kong.

Day 20 Hong Kong

Cross into Hong Kong and enjoy free time to explore this vibrant and exotic city.

Day 21 Hong Kong

Depart at any time.

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