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Classic China & Yunnan Express
17 days, Beijing to Kunming
Itinerary
Day 1Beijing
Arrive at any time.
Is Beijing top of your must-see list? Booking pre-trip accommodations will let you do Beijing your way before meeting up with the group.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2Beijing
Take the Beijing metro to visit the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.
Metro
Get around underground via public transit.
Tiananmen Square
Explore one of the world's largest public squares and the symbolic centre of Chinese power. Framed by the Gate of Heavenly Peace with its Mao portrait, Mao's Mausoleum, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum, and with elaborate flag raising and lowering ceremonies at dawn and dusk, it's a place of pilgrimage for the Chinese tourists who consider it the heart of their nation.
Forbidden City Tour
Our CEO will steer around crowds and help make the most of a visit to the Forbidden City.
Free Time
Free time in Beijing lets you create your own unique experiences to add to your adventure. Hungry? Sample the delicacies from the food stalls or head to a local restaurant to try Peking duck. If there's a temple you're dying to see ask some of your new friends to tag along or go explore solo.
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Drum and Bell Tower Visit
30CNY per personVisit the striking Drum Tower for some incredible photo ops. Back in the Han Dynasty the towers were used to echo the time to the city with bells in the morning and drums in the evening. Today the 63-ton bell still stands in one tower and drum performances happen daily in the morning and afternoon.
Hutong Trishaw Cycle Tour
80-180CNY per personPedal through the hutongs of Beijing, the ancient alleyways created by rows of courtyard-style houses. Exploring the hutongs on a bike will let you cruise through the narrow streets and get up close with locals. This half-day tour includes a driver and rickshaw.
The Pearl Market
FreeShoppers get ready. The Pearl Market is great place to get souvenirs for friends and family! This market is well know for the verity of pearls but, make sure to also check out the other vendors selling goods like crafts, clothing, and silk.
Factory 798 Art & Galleries
Explore the modern art district of Beijing! Named after 798 factory which was built in 1950's, now an exhibition centre of Chinese culture and art, also the world - famous culture and creative industries centralized area. This is a place to not miss while in Beijing!
Beijing Kung Fu Show
Follow the tale of a young boy on his journey to becoming a kung fu master through six gripping scenes told through traditional Chinese art and live modern dance. (Don’t worry; there are subtitles above the stage). Developed by some of China’s top stage directors and designers, the performance showcases the skills of its talented cast, most of whom are just 17 years old.
Day 3Beijing/Xi'an
Enjoy an included visit to the Great Wall. Take an evening flight to Xi'an.
Head out of town to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. After time spent wandering around, taking photos, and picking up souvenirs, head to the airport for an evening flight to Xi'an.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Mutianyu Great Wall Visit
Climb the rolling hills of Huairou County at Mutianyu, one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall. Enjoy scenic views as the wall winds along mountain ridges, and take brag-worthy photos of the wall from any of the 22 towers. The Great wall is an incredible piece of engineering stretching 6000 km west from the mountain ridges north of Beijing. It was originally constructed to protect Chinese empires from nomadic northern tribes, and even though it failed in this purpose, it's still one of the country's most remarkable achievements and an iconic destination. The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is located about 80km away from the Beijing City Center. The walk is approximately 5 kilometres and will take 2 to 3 hours depending on your level of fitness.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Big Goose Pagoda Visit
50CNY per personHead to the outskirts of the city to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a beautiful, brick Buddhist temple.
The Great Mosque
25CNY per personDiscover this hidden oasis behind the markets of the Muslim Quarter. Learn about the Great Mosque's centuries-old history, and explore the temples and gardens to see how Chinese and Islamic architecture came together in this place of worship.
Day 4Xi'an/Suzhou
Visit one of China’s greatest archaeological treasures—the Terracotta Warriors—and enjoy a local lunch at a farmhouse. Opt to cycle the ancient city walls before an overnight train to Suzhou.
Terracotta Warriors Guided Tour
Take a guided tour of the Terracotta Warriors where more than 8,000 clay soldiers and hundreds of replica horses and chariots stand in three pits. Learn why the Emperor Qin Shihuang commissioned the statues to serve as his army in the afterlife and how they were discovered. Spend a half-day exploring this archaeological wonder.
Basic Overnight Train (beds)
Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Cycling Xi'an City Walls
45-45CNY per personRent a bike and cycle the Xi’an city walls. The walls – built for protection in the Tang Dynasty and expanded in the Ming dynasty –are a great way to absorb local history. Hop off where you like and admire the views as you pedal along the 12m (39 ft) wide wall, which takes about 2 hrs to cycle along.
Meals included:
LunchDay 5Suzhou
Visit Suzhou, the "Venice of the East." Explore the Master of the Nets Garden, one of China's most exquisite gardens.
Master of the Nets Garden Tour
Tour through the serene classical garden and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 6Suzhou/Shanghai
Travel to Shanghai and take an orientation walk along the Bund.
Arrive in the afternoon to Shanghai. After an orientation walk along Shanghai's famous Bund, you are free to explore the delights this modern Chinese city has to offer.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Orientation Walk
Take a stroll along the Bund, a main road that follows the Huangpu River, with your CEO. This is a great opportunity to get a layout of the city and figure out what you want to explore next.
Day 7Shanghai
Enjoy free time in this bustling city before watching a spectacular Chinese acrobat show in the evening.
Shanghai Acrobatic Performance
Enjoy a Chinese acrobatic show with tumbling, balancing and plate-spinning and amazing contortionists— truly not to be missed!
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Shanghai, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like visiting the Shanghai Museum, wandering around the Yuyuan Gardens, and taking in a traditional Chinese acrobats show. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
Yuyuan Garden
40CNY per personExplore this tranquil, 400-year-old, five-acre garden. Climb to the top of the Rockery to see the greenery from above. Check out the Jade Rock and watch the swarms of goldfish swim around in the ponds. With multiple pavilions and halls there’s plenty to see. Depending on when you visit there may be flower shows or tea ceremonies in the area. Opt to visit the bustling market located outside the gardens and hone your bargaining skills.
Day 8Shanghai/Kunming
Fly to Kunming and start exploring beautiful Yunnan.
Fly from Shanghai to Kunming to start exploring Yunnan. Opt to visit Green Lake Park where you can see singing, dancing, and locals doing tai chi or going further afield to the Stone Forest.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow
Green Lake Park Trip
Check out the brightly coloured pavillions, tree-lined walkways, and locals doing tai chi in centuries-old Green Lake Park (Cui Hu Park). Traverse the bridges that connect the park’s four small lakes, or relax with a visit to the many restaurants, shops, and tea houses lining the park's edge.
Stone Forest Visit
175CNY per personVisit this impressive attraction that is a very popular with foreigners and locals alike. Head out to walk the paths through the massive stone structures and learn more about the region.
Day 9Kunming/Dali
Enjoy a walk around the Bird and Flower Market in Kunming before boarding an express bus to Dali. With free time, opt to visit the old town, take a boat around Lake Erhai, or ride a bike to Xizhou.
Enjoy free time in Dali with optional activities like visiting the old town, taking a boat around Lake Erhai, and riding a bike to Xizhou. Choose to spend some time wandering the local markets.
Bird and Flower Market Visit
Enjoy the exotic scents and vibrant colours of of this lively flower market. You'll find several locals shopping for house pets; birds are among the most popular items but you can buy crickets, too!
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Free Time
Get out and explore.
Optional Activities - Day 9 HideShow
Bike to Xizhou
50-80CNY per personHop on a bike and peddle out to Xizhou to explore.
Lake Erhai Boat Tour
140CNY per personEnjoy a visit to the many islands in stunning Lake Erhai has several islands to visit. Relax on the water, enjoy the beautiful surroundings, and learn more about the region.
Dali Old Town Visit
Visit the Old town of Dali and enjoy its traditional architecture. It's a great opportunity to learn more about the minority cultures (mostly Bai but also with many Yi and Hui) and relax in this unique place.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 10Dali
Enjoy a free day to continuing exploring this scenic town.
Free Time
Get out and make the most of your time in beautiful Dali.
Optional Activities - Day 10 HideShow
Lake Erhai Boat Tour
140CNY per personEnjoy a visit to the many islands in stunning Lake Erhai has several islands to visit. Relax on the water, enjoy the beautiful surroundings, and learn more about the region.
Bike to Xizhou
50-80CNY per personHop on a bike and peddle out to Xizhou to explore.
Dali Old Town Visit
Visit the Old town of Dali and enjoy its traditional architecture. It's a great opportunity to learn more about the minority cultures (mostly Bai but also with many Yi and Hui) and relax in this unique place.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 11Dali/Shaxi
Travel by bus to Shaxi with free time to explore. Enjoy an included walk around the quiet cobblestoned streets, viewing the fabulous ancient architecture of this hidden traditional village.
Travel by local bus to Shaxi, a valley that whispers of times past, nestled away in the foothills of the Himalayas.
If time allows, visit the Shibaoshan rock carvings, which are over 1300-years-old and evidence of the spread of Mahayana Buddhism into Yunnan from Tibet.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Shaxi Walking Tour
Take a walking tour of the city, hitting the main highlights. Each route will be different, but you can expect to see the best this city has to offer.
Free Time
Don't waste a minute, get out and explore.
Optional Activities - Day 11 HideShow
Shibaoshan Rock Carving Visit
50CNY per personEnjoy a visit to this stunning and serene nature reserve featuring grottoes with cave drawings. The carvings are over 1300-years-old and provide historical evidence of Mahayana Buddhism in the area coming from Tibet. Shibaoshan literally means Stone Treasure Mountain, and you'll see why as you explore it.
Xingjiao Temple Visit
30CNY per personEnjoy a visit to one of the most fascinating and best preserved temples in China. Constructed as a Buddhist shrine in 1415, the courtyard buildings were used as local government headquarters during the Cultural Revolution, which saved the temple from destruction.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 12Shaxi
Enjoy a free day in Shaxi to continue exploring.
Free Time
Get out and see more of this charming village.
Optional Activities - Day 12 HideShow
Xingjiao Temple Visit
30CNY per personEnjoy a visit to one of the most fascinating and best preserved temples in China. Constructed as a Buddhist shrine in 1415, the courtyard buildings were used as local government headquarters during the Cultural Revolution, which saved the temple from destruction.
Shibaoshan Rock Carving Visit
50CNY per personEnjoy a visit to this stunning and serene nature reserve featuring grottoes with cave drawings. The carvings are over 1300-years-old and provide historical evidence of Mahayana Buddhism in the area coming from Tibet. Shibaoshan literally means Stone Treasure Mountain, and you'll see why as you explore it.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 13Shaxi/Lijiang
Travel to Lijiang and explore the UNESCO Heritage-listed Old Town. Opt to visit the Black Dragon Pool Park.
Make the most of time in Lijiang before heading out for the famous hike along Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Lijiang Old Town Visit
Walk through the charming old town of Lijiang, a World Heritage Site and home to the Naxi minority. Observe scenes from another era, with old men smoking pipes and women in their traditional costumes. Get lost in the small pedestrian lanes that meander throughout the town -- every twist and turn reveals picturesque old buildings, local arts and crafts, fast flowing canals, and beautiful arched bridges. You can also spend an afternoon resting in a pavilion in the Black Dragon Pool Park, gazing at the reflection of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and listening to the local Naxi music.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Optional Activities - Day 13 HideShow
Black Dragon Pool Park
Explore the gorgeous Black Dragon Pool, a pond in Jade Spring Park, which is a short walk from the Old Town of Lijiang. Take in a spectacular view of the region’s tallest mountain, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Visit the many temples and pavilions in the park, including the Deyue Lou (Moon Embracing Pavillion), the Longshen Temple, and the Wufeng Tower. Tour the Dongba Culture Research Institute and the Dongba Culture Museum, which help to preserve local culture.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 14Lijiang/Hetaoyuan
Take a bus to Tiger Leaping Gorge and start on the famous hike. The route follows the stunning scenery of the Yangtze as it cuts through the gorge.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Tiger Leaping Gorge Trek Day 1
Enjoy a first day of hard walking on a combination of a new dirt road and smaller farmers' trails. Ascend the '28 bends', where the path twists and turns, climbing steeply, until you come out at the top of the path (not the top of the gorge – that is still several hundred metres above you!). Enjoy the stunning, hard-earned views from the top! You can also see where a tiger reputedly jumped across the gorge, a mythical occurrence from which the gorge derives its name.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 15Hetaoyuan/Lijiang
Hike in the morning before taking a bus back to Lijiang.
The hike ends in the morning, followed by an express bus back to Lijiang. Relax and enjoy your accomplishment.
Tiger Leaping Gorge Trek Day 2
Continue on for the second day of the hike – it's easy walking today. Enjoy breathtaking views of Jade Dragon mountain and waterfalls along the way.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Explore more of this city or just just relax and recover.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 16Lijiang/Kunming
Enjoy a free day in Lijiang before flying back to Kunming.
Finish up any sightseeing still on your list and fly back to Kunming. Enjoy an optional final meal with the group.
Free Time
Cross a few more things off your list in this charming village.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 17Kunming
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.