In the afternoon, you will be picked up at the airport in 4:00PM and transferred to your hotel. (This service is on a private basis.)

Kunming

Kunming enjoys all the benefits of a modern Chinese city, without the pressure of living up to the standards set by Hong Kong, Beijing or Shanghai. This is laid back Chinese living, and a few days in Kunming is really worth one's time. Americans and Europeans who want to live in China are beginning to choose Kunming over other Chinese cities for this more familiar lifestyle. Other than the city life, there are some beautiful Karst landscapes in the mountains surrounding the city, and a few days can be lost exploring the temples that dot the city itself.

Yuantong Temple & Stone Forest Tour

Today you will be met at your hotel to embark on a tour of the Yuantong Temple and the Stone Forest. Enjoy lunch at the Stone Forest Hotel.

Yuantong temple, with a history spanning 1200 years, is the largest temple in Kunming. In 1956, the grand ceremony of greeting and consecrating the Buddha's tooth was held here - making it a greatly important landmark.

A fantastic natural phenomena, the Stone Forest, is located 90 km southeast of Kunming. The various shapes of karst landscape was formed due to millions of years' movement of Earth. The Stone Forest area is the home of the Sani people, their folk customs has become one spectacular scene, the colorful embroidery and minority dances combine with the natural sceneries, which will surely leave you a deep impression. (This service is on a private basis.)

In the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel in 4:00PM and transferred to the airport in good time to board your domestic flight to 4:00PM. Upon arrival in 4:00PM, you will be greeted at the airport by your driver and transferred to your hotel. (This service is on a private basis.)

Dali

With so many international travelers spreading across every Chinese nook and cranny, it's difficult to find a city that hasn't completely succumbed to the tourism hype. Sandwiched between a pair of popular Yunnan province destinations, Dali remains relatively unexploited. An authentic Chinese lifestyle can be found here, centered around the best parts of travel: eats, drinks, and fun. Most souvenir-hawking is confined to the appropriately named "Foreigner Street" in the Ancient City, while the rest of the city maintains a proud and modern attitude toward its history.

Lake Erhai Cruise & Xizhou Town Tour

The ancient city of Dali is 13 kilometers away from Xiaguan, at the foot of Cangshan Mountain. It was built in the year Hongwu 15 of the Ming Dynasty, or 1382 AD. It ranks first on the list of famous historic and cultural cities of China. Here, clear springs, traditional houses, and local people growing flowers and living simply, you get a true glimpse of quotidian life in the countryside.

Afterwards it’s on to your next tour. The Houses of Bai people in Xizhou are located in the Xizhou Town which is 16 kilometers away from the Ancient City of Dali. Xizhou is not only a famous historic city, but also a typical commercial town of Bai people. It is one of the cradles of National capitalism of Bai people, and a famous hometown to overseas Chinese in Yunnan. You will see typical Bai traditions and dresses there. Some buildings are old and typical ancient architectures, which are the real local house. On the outside walls of each house, there are numerous exquisite paintings showing the art atmosphere.

The area around Lake Erhai is blessed with a mild climate and fertile land with forests containing valuable stocks of timber, medicinal herbs and rare animals. A horse-drawn carriage ride on the shores of the lake is an excellent way to discover this beautiful area.

After you will be transferred to your hotel in Dali. (This service is on a private basis.)

In the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel in 4:00PM and transferred to your accommodations in 4:00PM. (This service is on a private basis.)

Lijiang

Lijiang is famous for its winding maze of cobblestone streets that let one wander, and get lost, in its twisting turns. "Famous" is certainly the right word, as the large volume of tourists fill up the narrow streets pretty quickly in the morning. Though there are plenty of opportunities to leave the Old City district, we encourage our travelers to settle in and take part in the frantic shuffle. This is a rare opportunity to experience an ancient city that still functions at full capacity every day. One can really feel the energy left here by millions of people over centuries of activity.

Ancient Town & Black Dragon Pool Tour

Lijiang is situated in the middle area of the county, which is more than 2400 meters high above sea level. It enjoys beautiful scenes, an indeed famous city with long history and splendid culture. It is very rare in China that such well-preserved minority ancient cities still exist. The old town is quite busy in the afternoon and evening with an active atmosphere of the lights and crowd. An early morning visit will be less crowded.

Then visit Black Dragon pool, a famous pond in the scenic Jade Spring Park. Featuring several small temples and pavilions such as the Longshen Temple and Moon Pavilion, soak up the gorgeous views.

You will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant today. (This service is on a private basis.)

Jade Dragon Mountain & Baisha Village Tour

Today after breakfast you will enjoy a tourist cable ride up Jade Dragon Mountain and visit the Baisha Murals at Baisha Village.

Noted as the highest tourist cable in China, the Large Cable way goes up to Shanzidou (Shanzi Peak) the main peak of the snow mountain, with the an entire length of 2,914m, a top altitude of 4,506 km, and a perpendicular ascent of 1,150m. The cable car will take you into the clouds, where you will be far away from the worldly hurly-burly, and find yourself in a real paradise. Many visit Ganhanzi, Baishuihe (White Water River), and Glacier Park from this cableway.

Painted over a thousand years ago, the murals of Baisha Village, combine the cultures of Han, Tibetan and Naxi people displaying the life stories of the Tibet Buddhism, Confucian and Taoism. Drop by Dr. Ho's clinic, an experienced traditional Chinese medicine doctor in Lijiang. Visitors will see how Dr. Ho and his apprentices diagnose and treat patients, and get to know about the local clinic and herb culture. (This service is on a private basis.)

In the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel in 4:00PM and transferred to your accommodations in 4:00PM. (This service is on a private basis.)

Shangri-La

Traveling north to south, Shangri-La is the first city where one really feels the Tibetan influence on Chinese culture, or the Chinese influence on Tibetan culture. The Tibetan monastery is why many people come here, and many more come here to begin the journey across Tibet. Locals are both used to foreign travelers and thankful for them. Expect a warmer-than-average welcome to the city. Shangri-La serves as the legendary jumping-off point into the Himalayas. Speaking of Himalayas, make sure to take your time here. At 10,500 feet above sea level, you may have to stop for a breath or two while climbing the steps of this city.

Stone Drum Town & Tiger Leaping Gorge

View the first bend of the Yangtze River at The Stone Drum Town. Stone Drum Town stands at the base of the mountain flanking First Bay on the Yangtze River. This town derives its name from a white marble carved monument in the shape of a drum. It has a diameter of 15 m and is 0.7 m tall. This historically relevant stone monument was erected during one of the earliest periods of history of the Lijiang area.

Then see Tiger Leaping Gorge. As one of the deepest and most marvelous gorges, Tiger Leaping Gorges are located in Hutiaoxia Town, 105 kilometers away from Zhongdian/Shangri-La County. Spring is the best time to visit, as melting snow flowing down from mountains makes the river turbulence at its peak. (This service is on a private basis.)

Songzanlin Lamasery & Pudacuo National Park

Today's adventure in Shangri La entails a visit to the Songzanlin Lamasery and the Pudacuo National Park. You can look forward to enjoying lunch along the way at Arro Khampa.

Songzanlin Lamasery is the largest Tibetan Buddhist lamasery in the entire Yunnan Province. Occupying an area of 33.3 hectares, it was built in the style of Potala Palace in Lhasa and represents the Tibetan culture. On property, it houses many buddhist statues and several precious cultural treasures.

Located near Shangri-La in China's Yunnan Province in southwest China, the Pudacuo National Park covers a total area of nearly 2,000 square kilometers. This park has an average altitude of 3,500 meters and retains a well-preserved ecosystem within the virgin forests. The must-see scenery in this park includes Lake Bita and Lake Shudu. "Bita", means "a place with a dense oak forest", in the Tibetan language and "Bitahai", means "a quiet lake". The Bitahai Lake is surrounded by mountains covered with ancient pines, oaks and rhododendrons, and therefore appears like an emerald in the heart of the mountain. Shudu Lake is located in the northeast of Shangri-la and it is one of the largest fresh water lakes on the Diqing plateau. The lake is surrounded entirely by a forest of fir, spruce and silver birch, and is home to many wild animals such as bears, golden cats, deer and pheasants.

After your park tour, you'll have the opportunity to meet a Tibetan family and ask them questions about their way of life. (This service is on a private basis.)

In the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel in 4:00PM and transferred to the airport in good time to board your domestic flight to 4:00PM. Upon arrival in 4:00PM, you will be greeted at the airport by your driver and transferred to your hotel. (This service is on a private basis.)

Guilin

As China opened its doors to the international community in the second half of the 20th century, Guilin was the crown jewel. The epic landscapes, combined with the charming historic town, created a picturesque vision of rural China - and does so to this day. Guilin serves as a central base for travel in the region around it. International hotels, restaurants, and shops line the streets of the historic center to accommodate the tourism economy. One is sure to meet international travelers who will inevitably share stories of their adventures around town. Guilin is the perfect place for new travel stories to be born.

Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave & Daxu Ancient Town

Alongside your guide today, you will embark on visits to the Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave and Daxu Ancient Town. Enjoy lunch at McFound Restaurant during the excursion.

Elephant Trunk Hill is located at the junction of Li River and Peach Blossom River. It is the symbol of Guilin with 55 meters high and got its name because its shape resembles an elephant with its trunk drinking from the Li River. The hill is pierced with many caves and topped with a small pagoda.

Located 5 kilometers northwest of Guilin city, the Reed Flute Cave gets the name from the reeds used for making flutes and pipes that grow at its entrance. The cave is regarded as the largest and most impressive cave in Guilin. It is 240 meters long, and the length of the tour is about 550 meters offering a magic land of stalactites, stalagmites, stone pillars, stone curtains, birds, plants and animals in fantastic shapes and colors. The visit lasts for 40 minutes and there are a lot of steps. Watch your step as the lights are dim. Your guide will show you by electric torch.

Daxu Ancient Town is in the township of Linchuan, 15km away from the city proper of Guilin.It is one of Guangxi’s four ancient towns. The old street runs about 2km along the Li River. The narrow street is paved stone blocks, and the houses on both sides are well preserved. (This service is on a private basis.)

Longsheng Day Trip

Today, you will make a day trip to Longsheng with your private guide and driver to enjoy visits to a minority village and the incredible terraced fields. Lunch will be served at Ping'an Restaurant along the way.

The Longji Terraces are built into the steep mountain range named "The Dragon's Backbone", about 2.5 hours from Guilin. The terraces look like ribbons, as they wind from the foot, all the way up to the top of the mountain. This ingenious construction makes the best use of the scarce arable land and water resources in the mountainous area. There are about 66 square kilometers of terraced fields in the district. The Terraces were first built in the Yuan dynasty and completed in the Qing dynasty by the Zhuang people.

Zhuang and Yao minority villages dot the area and feature traditional unique architecture, where no nails are used in construction. The different minority customs and dressing styles are especially interesting. Sedan chairs are available from the parking lot, up to the top of the mountain, for if you would like to admire the vast aerial views, without having to climb to the top on your own. The ride on the chairs is not included in your tour, but can be purchased for about CNY 350 per person for the round trip. (This service is on a private basis.)

Li River Cruise to Yangshuo

Today, you will embark on a scenic Li River cruise from Guilin to Yanghuo. A cruise along the Li River between Guilin and Yangshuo is an unforgettable experience. As you take in the picturesque views that surround you, you can spot something interesting to admire at almost every bend in the river. Between spectacular limestone peaks, you will see graceful bamboo groves, farmers tending rice paddies, and lumbering water buffaloes pulling carts or cooling off in the river. You might even witness fishermen gliding along on their narrow bamboo rafts, and if you're very lucky, one of the famous fishing cormorants. The medium sized river cruise boats depart from various wharves, according to the height of the river at different times of the year.

After your sail along the Li River, you will continue your tour with a leisurely cycle along the countryside. Experience Yangshuo's idyllic scenery and immerse yourself in the rural lifestyle, as you pedal your bike. You can also choose to ride an electric golf cart (6 passengers maximum), if you want to be able to truly focus on the views. Your tour guide will lead the way and explain the various activities and sights that you will see along the way. You will even drop by a local farmer's house, where you can learn more about their secluded life on the countryside. The whole cycling trip takes around 2 hours for a length of 15 kilometers. (This service is on a group basis.)

Yangshuo

Travelers don't visit Yangshuo for the city, they visit for the countryside that's just a short drive away. The karst rock formations that make up the surrounding landscapes are almost out of a dream. Hiking, biking and river boating one's way through the maze of mountains is really all the reason you need to visit this place. Yangshuo itself is friendly towards visitors, with plenty of English speakers and international restaurants throughout.

In the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel in 4:00PM and transferred to the airport in good time to board your domestic flight to 4:00PM. Upon arrival in 4:00PM, you will be greeted at the airport by your driver and transferred to your hotel. (This service is on a private basis.)

Shanghai

One can see Shanghai's stories in its architecture. From art deco buildings that were all the craze in the 20's and 30's, to silver skyscrapers that baffle the mind, to tight streets leading through local hoods, it's plain to see. Shanghai has been growing strong, and it does not show signs of slowing down any time soon. As one of China's economic motors, Shanghai shows off a dramatic blend of businesses and business people, and everyone is pursuing the Chinese dream of prosperity that the city reflects so well.

Yuyuan, The Bund & Jade Buddha

Today, you will go on a full day and comprehensive tour of Shanghai, beginning at Yuyuan Garden located in the center of the city's old quarter. This was a private garden built in 1559 during the Ming Dynasty, with typical Chinese classic architecture and style. The garden is surrounded by a busy market place selling everything from local snacks, to handicrafts and antiques.

Next you will visit the Bund. This 1.5-kilometer-long embankment runs along the western bank of Huangpu River. On its west side it is the "architecture gallery" with 52 well-preserved old European style buildings. Once the major trading and commercial center of old Shanghai, the Bund has now taken on new vitality, with futuristic developments, chic restaurants, top end shops and bars offer plenty to see and do-and by night it's magic!

Following the Bund, you will head to Jade Buddha Temple. Built in 1918, Jade Buddha Temple is a very popular Buddhist temple among local people. The main treasures are two statues of Buddha imported from Burma by sea. They were carved from rare single blocks of white jade adorned with precious stones. The temple is a hive of activities with monks, worshippers and visitors.

You will also visit the Shanghai World Financial Center, reaching a height of 1,615 feet, the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall and the Jiangnan Silk Shop. (This service is on a private basis.)

Zhujiajiao & Shikumen

Today, after breakfast, you’ll enjoy a tour of Zhujiajiao Ancient Town.

Shaped like a fan, Zhujiajiao Water Town has hundreds of years of history. Thousands of examples of Ming Dynasty and Qing Dynasty architecture lie on the sides of the lakes and the 36 stone bridges retain their ancient style. The tour includes four attractions: Tongtianhe (an ancient pharmacy), the historic Post Office, Yuanjin Temple and Kezhi Garden. You will also have an opportunity to take a 20 minutes cruise on the river through the ancient town.

Today you will also visit Shikumen, where 80% of Shanghainese were born and raised before the 90's. Now with the economy developing, Shikumen has changed a lot, turns into a gathering place with bars, tea houses and entertainment centers. However, you still could take a glance at Wu Li Xiang, which is a small exhibition of the old Shanghainese’ home furnishings. (This service is on a private basis.)

In the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel in 4:00PM and transferred to the airport in good time to board your domestic flight to 4:00PM. Upon arrival in 4:00PM, you will be greeted at the airport by your driver and transferred to your hotel. (This service is on a private basis.)

Xian

As the Eastern tip of the Silk Road, the caravans from the west brought their culture and customs, and the result is Xian, a unique city in China with deep history. Make no mistake, Xian is a modern city, but Ming Dynasty-era city walls are still intact, and the Muslim Quarter remains as a hub of merchant activity as it has for centuries. The Terracotta Warriors, outside the city, have been the main draw for tourism to Xian. Many people fly in and out to observe their ancient faces, but history enthusiasts can find a reason to stay much longer.

Terracotta Warriors & Ancient City Wall

This morning, you will first visit the Terracotta Warriors & Horses site. Discovered accidentally in 1974, this incredible army of over 7000 soldiers, archers, horses and chariots in full battle array has guarded Emperor Qin's tomb since 210BC. Each figure is unique, and the painstaking repair and excavation continues in 3 pits, which are protected inside huge hangars.

Afterwards, continue on to the Ancient City Wall - one of the oldest and most complete city defense systems still in existence. Built in the 13th century on the foundations of the original Tang Forbidden City, it surrounds the city center. Next, head to the Muslim quarter to take a stroll down the avenue. Paved with bluestones and dotted with unique stalls, souvenir shops, cafes and bars special to this area.

(This service is on a private basis.)

Big Goose Pagoda & Shaanxi History Museum

Today's excursion will lead you to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. A major Buddhist site, this simple, elegant brick Pagoda stands in the grounds of the attractive Da Ci'en Temple. The Pagoda was built in the 7th century to house the Buddhist materials that Xuanzang (Tripitaka) brought back from his epic journey to India. The Temple complex has several large halls with some great Buddhist statues and murals. Lunch will be served today at the Wa Shan Zhai Restaurant.

Visit Shaanxi History Museum. The history of Shaanxi is said to be the history of China, and this museum is quite simply one of the nation's best. Four major galleries in large, Tang-style buildings house a vast and impressive collection, beautifully displayed. Most of the item labels are in English, although some other information on the exhibitions is not, but your guide can help here. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

After your day of exploration, enjoy a traditional Chinese dumpling feast at a local restaurant (This service is on a private basis.)

In the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel in 4:00PM and transferred to the airport in good time to board your domestic flight to 4:00PM. Upon arrival in 4:00PM, you will be greeted at the airport by your driver and transferred to your hotel. (This service is on a private basis.)

Beijing

This is it. All of China's industry, culture, people, and history come together here, and the result is Beijing. The beating heart of the great machine is thriving, and as China evolves so does Beijing. One can see this in the food. It's quickly becoming more international and modern while still retaining its Chinese roots, and the world's best chefs are flocking to open restaurants in the city. One can see this in the locals, who are eating out more than ever before, and doing so wearing post-modern fashions and talking on the market's latest cell phones. The Olympic stadiums in all their modern glory are a short drive away from the ancient Great Wall, and the Forbidden City looks out over new skyscraper constructions. If you want to experience the new China and can only visit one city, Beijing is your destination.

Hutong Tour & Lama Temple

Before your overnight train to Xian this evening you will enjoy some more sightseeing in Beijing. Begin with a visit to the Summer Palace.

Located in the northwest area of Beijing, the Summer Palace is the largest and best-preserved royal park in China. Exemplifying Chinese horticulture and landscaping, this place has long been recognized as "The Museum of Royal Gardens". Walk for about 2 hours to soak in the sights and views.

Next visit the Lama Temple. The colorful Yonghe Lamasery is the largest and most famous Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet. It's still very active, and the beautiful halls and courtyards are thronged with devotees come to worship or seek good luck. You can see the world's largest wooden statue (the Matreiya Buddha) and Tibetan exhibitions.

Hutong is a maze of historic alleyways with old single storey traditional courtyard houses, which are now fast disappearing. In this one hour tour, you can hop on a rickshaw to ride through the narrow alleys as well as visit a local family then walk on the Silver Ingot Bridge (Yinding Bridge) and find out about the different thresholds of the courtyards.

Enjoy lunch at the Courtyard 7 Restaurant. (This service is on a private basis.)

The Great Wall & Olympic Stadiums

Today you will visit two of China's most impressive engineering feats, one old and one new! After breakfast, your guide will accompany you to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. This less-crowded section of the Great Wall is about a 2.5 hours' drive from downtown Beijing. A cable car takes you to a good section (avoiding a very steep climb), where you can walk along the wall, through the watch towers and enjoy superb views as it snakes across the hills and mountains. You can return by cable car, walk down or walk along the wall for about an hour to descend by chairlift.

You will also visit the Temple of Heaven today. Built in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty, Temple of Heaven is a complex of Taoist buildings where emperors of Ming and Qing dynasties visited for annual ceremonies of pray for good harvests. Located in the south of Central Beijing, it covers an area of 273 hectares. Temple of Heaven was enrolled as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1998.

You will then visit the Beijing Olympic Stadiums. Located at the north end of the central axis of Beijing City, with a large area of 1215 hectares, this complex includes the national museum, exhibition area, Olympic Village and Olympic competition avenues. Approximately 31 venues were used in the Beijing Olympics, including the National Stadium, the Bird's Nest and National Aquatics Center. You will explore the park, but today's tour won't include going inside the Bird's Nest and Water Cube. (This service is on a private basis.)

Forbidden City & Tiananmen Square

Your guide will meet you at your hotel this morning after breakfast, and take you on a full day tour of the city, including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Jingshan Park and more.

The Forbidden City was home to 24 emperors between 1368 and 1911. This "city within a city" is a World Heritage Site, and is the largest and the best preserved ancient imperial architecture complex in the world, with great square, halls and gates contrast with intricate halls, gardens, courtyards and quarters.

Tiananmen Square is the largest city square in the center of Beijing, named after the Tiananmen (literally, Gate of Heavenly Peace) which sits to its north, separating it from the Forbidden City. It has great cultural significance as it was the site of several key events in Chinese history. As the world's largest city square and enduring symbol of China's national pride, it is surrounded by many imposing buildings including the Heavenly Gate (entry to the Forbidden City), Museums, government buildings and Chairman Mao's Mausoleum.

Next you'll visit the Temple of Heaven. Built in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty, this complex of Taoist buildings was a place where emperors visited for annual ceremonies to pray for good harvests.

Jingshan Park was a part of the Forbidden City until the early 1900's when the walls were pulled down and a road cut through it destroying several gates and buildings between the park and the rear entrance of the palace. The hill in Jingshan Park was made with the earth removed to create the palace moat. It is well worth the climb on a clear day for spectacular views of the Forbidden City and Beijing. (This service is on a private basis.)

Today, you will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight. (This service is on a private basis.)