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12-Nights Best of China & Hong Kong from $6,748
Goway Travel
OFFER ID 1722385
Epic Scenery, Iconic Landmarks, Rural Charm A private-guided journey through China blending imperial legacies, silk road echoes, karst landscapes and harbour energy, with space for culture & cuisine
Trip Overview:
This journey through China weaves together imperial history, living landscapes, and the energy of one of Asia’s great cities. It begins in Beijing, where broad ceremonial avenues and hidden hutongs reveal the rhythm of daily life shaped by centuries of dynastic power. Walk the vast courtyards of the Forbidden City, stand beneath the curved roofs of the Temple of Heaven, and travel beyond the city to the Great Wall at Mutianyu, rising and falling across forested hills. A classic Peking duck dinner offers a taste of local tradition.
High-speed rail carries you to Xi’an, once the eastern terminus of the Silk Road. Here, the terracotta warriors stand in silent formation, an unforgettable encounter with ancient China, followed by an evening inspired by Tang Dynasty culture.
The scenery softens in Guilin and Yangshuo, where limestone karst peaks frame rivers, villages, and rice paddies. Cruise the Li River, learn regional flavours through a hands-on culinary experience, and watch the landscape come alive after dark during the Impression Liu Sanjie show. In nearby Longsheng, the dragon’s backbone rice terraces curve elegantly across the mountains.
The journey ends in Hong Kong, a city of striking contrasts. Ride the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour, take in peak views over the skyline, and visit Lantau Island’s Big Buddha. This thoughtfully paced itinerary offers a rich introduction to China’s past and present, balancing iconic sights with moments of calm and discovery.
Highlights:
- Explore China’s most iconic landmarks, including Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Great Wall at Mutianyu, and the Terracotta Warriors.
- Cruise along the scenic Li River amid dramatic karst mountains, a landscape reminiscent of a timeless Chinese painting.
- Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces from your boutique lodge in Longsheng.
- Enjoy the grand Tang Dynasty Show, the epic outdoor Impression Liu Sanjie performance, and a hands-on cooking experience
- Discover Hong Kong’s renowned skyline and rich cultural heritage across Kowloon, Hong Kong Island, and Lantau Island.
Included Services:
- Private arrival and departure airport transfers with meet, greet and guide assistance
- Private train station transfers with guide assitance to/from the train station platforms in Beijing, Xi'an and Guilin
- Private train station transfer in Hong Kong with guide assistance after you exit the security area
- 3 nights first-class accommodations in Beijing
- 2 nights first-class accommodations in Xi'an
- 1 night in first-class acommodation in Guilin
- 2 nights first-class accommodations in Yangshuo
- 1 night in moderate acommodation in Longsheng
- 3 nights first-class accommodations in Hong Kong
- Private-guided sightseeing by private vehicle as per itinerary
- Private-guided Kowloon Evening tour by foot and public transportation
- Cable car tickets to access the Great Wall at Mutianyu
- Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo (shared with other passengers)
- Tickets to the Tang Dynasty Show & Impression Liu Sanjie Show (with return private transfers to your hotel)
- High-speed train tickets in 1st class from Beijing > Xi'an // Guilin > Hong Kong
- Luggage porter service at the train stations in Beijing, Xi'an and Guilin
- Breakfast daily (excluding day 1), 9 Lunches, 3 Dinners (including a special Peking Duck dinner)
Excluded Services:
- Travel insurance
- International, domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
- Gratuities
- Optional excursions
- Items of a personal nature
- Passport & Visa fees, if applicable
12 nights from $6,748 per person
Day 1: Arrive in Beijing
Transfer: Beijing Capital Airportto Beijing - City Centre
Hotel: Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing (4 Star Rating)
The Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing is a modern oasis, right in the heart of Beijing's bustling cultural, commercial, business and entertainment center. With its superb location, spacious facilities and personalized service, the Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing is the ideal choice for both business and leisure guests.
Fashioned by world-renowned interior designers and equipped with state-of-the-art technology, each of the 216 rooms at the Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing is stylish, intimate and comfortable. From the friendly welcome to our 24-hour room service, they are dedicated to making their guests feel the comforts at home!
The Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing is centrally located in the rapidly developing areas of Beijing. The hotel is within walking distance to the city's bustling commercial and shopping area of Wangfujing as well as some of the world's most popular tourist attractions, including the Forbidden City and Tian'anmen Square.
Day 2: Beijing’s Imperial Legacy & Hutong Life
Begin your city tour at Tian'anmen Square, the historic heart of China and the largest public plaza in the world, known for its role in major national events. Continue to the magnificent Forbidden City (Palace Museum) (closed on Mondays), the iconic imperial palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Built by over 200,000 craftsmen, this vast complex once housed 24 emperors and features 9,999 rooms of ceremonial, administrative, and private spaces.
In the afternoon, explore the scenic Houhai District, with its lakes, traditional courtyard homes, and narrow hutong alleyways. Enjoy a pedicab ride through these historic lanes and visit a local family's home. Continue to the impressive Bell and Drum Towers, nationally protected cultural landmarks that once served as the official timekeepers of Beijing during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties.
Day 3: The Great Wall at Mutianyu & Classic Peking Duck Dinner
Meet your guide and driver at your hotel and transfer to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, a rugged and less crowded stretch that offers spectacular views as it winds over the surrounding hills. The drive from Beijing takes approximately 2 hours. Upon arrival, take a short cable car ride up to the Wall, where you can explore its ancient watchtowers, walk along the winding stone paths, and enjoy sweeping vistas of the hills and forests. After soaking in the breathtaking scenery, return by cable car to meet your driver, and then stop at a restaurant for a relaxing lunch before heading back to Beijing.Pick up from hotel, enjoy a famous Peking Duck banquet for dinner. When we travel to a city, we often search what is the best to eat in the city. This is no doubt that Beijing Roast Duck is the world-famous dish in Beijing. Therefore, an optional Beijing Roast Duck meal is recommended to you after a whole day sightseeing in Beijing. After that, transfer back to hotel.
Day 4: Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and High-Speed Train to Xi'an
Begin your day at the Temple of Heaven, where locals gather to practice traditional morning exercises such as Tai Chi, creating a peaceful and lively atmosphere. A masterpiece of Ming Dynasty architecture, the temple embodies ancient Chinese beliefs in the harmony between heaven and earth, demonstrated through its refined geometry and engineering. Once a sacred site where emperors prayed for good harvests, it remains one of Beijing's most important cultural landmarks.
Continue to the Summer Palace, Beijing's best-preserved imperial garden. Located along the tranquil shores of Kunming Lake, this expansive retreat features graceful pavilions, temples, and covered corridors set amid beautifully landscaped grounds. Designed as a summer escape for the imperial family, the palace offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and classical Chinese garden design.
Transfer: Beijing - City Centreto Beijing Capital Airport
Transfer: Xi'an Train Station to Xi'an - City Centre
Hotel: Holiday Inn Xian Big Goose Pagoda (4 Star Rating)
Holiday Inn Xi’an Big Goose Pagoda offers a modern and comfortable base just steps from the iconic Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and the vibrant cultural district surrounding it. Travelers enjoy easy access to ancient temples, colorful night markets, and the nearby
Shaanxi History Museum. With spacious rooms, welcoming service, and great dining options, it’s an ideal stay for exploring Xi’an’s rich heritage.
Day 5: Xi'an Ancient Wonders: Terracotta Warriors & Evening Tang Dynasty Show
Begin your day with a visit to the Terracotta Warriors, one of the most extraordinary archaeological discoveries in the world. These 2,300-year-old life-sized figures were crafted to protect the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qinshihuang, in the afterlife. The site was accidentally uncovered by local farmers in 1974, and today, the warriors remain in their original positions, giving visitors a remarkable glimpse into ancient Chinese military organization, artistry, and funerary practices. You’ll see rows of soldiers, chariots, and horses, each uniquely detailed, reflecting the skill and dedication of the craftsmen who created them over two millennia ago.
After lunch, continue to the Ancient City Wall, one of the most well-preserved city walls in China and among the largest ancient military defense systems in the world. Take a 1-hour bike ride atop the wall, experiencing panoramic views of Xi’an and gaining a sense of its historic scale and grandeur.Pick up from hotel, enjoy the The Tang Dynasty Show with Dinner in early evening. It's a performance of Changan music and dance originated in China's Tang Dynasty over a thousand years ago. It has been recreated in accordance with various historical records as well as ancient art and relics discovered in Xian, the capital of the empire during the Tang Dynasty. After that, transfer back to hotel.
Day 6: Fly to Guilin, and Guilin Scenic Highlights
Transfer: Xi'an - City Centreto Xi an Xianyang Apt
Transfer: Guilin Airportto Guilin - City Centre
Hotel: Guilin Bravo Hotel (4 Star Rating)
The Guilin Bravo Hotel is located in city centre, and surrounded by some of the most popular shopping areas. The Guilin Bravo Hotel is one of the quintessential hotels in Guilin that is ideal for both business and leisure travellers. The city centre and night market are both within a 10 minute walk. There are 480 tastefully decorated guest rooms, lake view rooms and suites.
Day 7: Journey Along the Li River to Yangshuo
In the morning, transfer to the pier for your Li River Cruise aboard a comfortable double-decker boat. The journey from Guilin to Yangshuo offers a landscape that is nothing short of a natural masterpiece-crystal-clear waters, dramatic limestone peaks, serene farmland, smiling fishermen, and wandering water buffaloes create a scene straight out of a painting.
Relax under the blue sky as your boat glides through this enchanting scenery, a truly unforgettable experience. After approximately four and a half hours, the thousand-year-old town of Yangshuo comes into view. This charming town blends traditional Chinese culture with Western influences. Have some time to wander through the famous West Street, explore the variety of shops and restaurants, and then transfer to your hotel in Yangshuo.
Hotel: Yangshuo Mountain Retreat (4 Star Rating)
Yangshuo Mountain Retreat offers a serene hideaway beside the Yulong River, nestled among lush karst peaks - a perfect haven for slowing down and soaking in natural beauty. Its cozy rooms, many with balconies or terraces overlooking water or mountains, provide a restful base after a day of exploration. Guests can enjoy free bike rides and a peaceful riverside walking trail, savor fresh farm-style meals, and experience a warm, home-like atmosphere that captures the charm of rural China.
Day 8: Yangshuo Culinary Experience & Evening Impression Liu Sanjie Show
Begin your experience by exploring the bustling local market in Yangshuo, a true reflection of rural Guangxi cuisine and culture. Browse fresh produce such as Chinese cabbage, bamboo shoots, and seasonal fruits, along with spices, snacks, and meats. Learn how to select the freshest, highest-quality ingredients.
Next, join a hands-on cooking class guided by a professional chef, where you'll prepare a delicious meal. You will typically create four dishes: Egg Dumplings, Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad, Chow Mein (stir-fried noodles), and Kung Pao Chicken. Finally, enjoy the dishes you've made while gaining insight into local culinary traditions and customs.Enjoy the spectacular Impression Liu Sanjie show in Yangshuo, directed by renowned filmmaker Zhang Yimou and created in collaboration with more than 60 distinguished artists from China and abroad. Performed on the waters of the Li River with 12 karst hills as its natural backdrop, the production transforms the landscape itself into the world's largest "virtual" open-air theater. Because the performance blends seamlessly with nature, each show feels unique - shifting with the seasons, weather, and light to create an ever-changing visual experience. After the performance, you'll be transferred back to your hotel.
Day 9: Drive to Longsheng: the Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces
Pick up from your hotel in Yangshuo and enjoy a private transfer to Longsheng (approximately 2--2.5 hours). Upon arrival, explore the breathtaking Longsheng Rice Terraces, nestled among rolling hills. These terraces, with a history of over 700 years, are still actively used by the Yao and Zhuang villagers for rice cultivation. Carved into the hillsides, the terraces resemble giant steps winding around the mountains, an ingenious design that maximizes the use of limited arable land and water resources in this mountainous region. Enjoy lunch or dinner and then drop off at your hotel.
Hotel: Longsheng Lian Lodge (3 Star Rating)
Longsheng Lian Lodge is a charming retreat perched above Ping’an Village, offering stunning views of the famous Longji Rice Terraces. Its thoughtfully designed rooms, crafted using traditional Chinese wooden architecture, open onto balconies or windows that frame the cascading terraces below. Guests can enjoy fresh local cuisine, relax in the tranquil village atmosphere, and explore the surrounding terraces and rural paths at a leisurely pace.
Day 10: High-Speed Train from Guilin to Hong Kong & Kowloon by Night
Transfer: Longsheng - City Centre to Guilin Train Station
Transfer: Hong Kong West Kowloon Train Station to Kowloon - Tsim Sha Tsui
Hotel: Park Hotel Hong Kong (4 Star Rating)
Ideally located in the heart of Kowloon's entertainment and business district, Park Hotel Hong Kong provides unlimited shopping opportunities and easy access for business or leisure meetings. The Park Hotel Hong Kong is within 5 minutes walking distance of The MTR (Subway) and only 10 minutes' driving distance from the Kowloon Station (Airport Express Trains). The Star Ferry Pier to Hong Kong Island and the China Ferry Terminal to major coastal ports is just a short walk away.
Day 11: Iconic Hong Kong: Star Ferry & Peak Views
Start with a ride on the iconic Star Ferry as you cross Victoria Harbor between Kowloon to Hong Kong Island. Enjoy views of the skyscrapers and the hustle and bustle of other boats on the harbor. Arrive on Hong Kong Island and transfer to the Peak Tram, the world's steepest funicular railway. Looking down The Peak you'll be amazed by the spectacular skyline views. Next, visit Aberdeen, a charming fishing village and then pass through Repulse Bay on your way to Stanley market.
Day 12: The Big Buddha & Lantau Highlights
Begin your tour with a fast ferry ride across the busy harbor to Lantau Island where you will transfer to a smaller boat to have a short exploration of Tai O fishing village. See the stilted homes and venture out into the bay to try your luck at spotting the pink dolphins that live in the area. Then, continue your tour to Po Lin Monastery, the principle center of Buddhism in Hong Kong and where you will see the imposing statue of Buddha, the world's largest outdoor bronze Buddha. Enjoy a Chinese vegetarian lunch at the monastery and then have some free time to walk around and explore Ngong Ping Village before taking the scenic Ngong Ping Cable Car back to Tung Chung.
Day 13: Depart from Hong Kong
Transfer: Kowloon - Tsim Sha Tsui to Hong Kong International Apt
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Fine dining, on-site bars or lounges and room service with extended hours are characteristic of deluxe establishments. Guest services usually include valet parking, concierge services, baggage assistance and laundry services. Other on-site facilities often include shops and boutiques, full service spas, full fitness facilities with pools and tennis courts. Business amenities may include available up-to-date technology and support staffs available for services. Attention to detail is apparent in the guestrooms which typically have stylish furnishings, quality bedding and bath products and often provide an evening turn down service.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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