Your China adventure begins today. You'll fly from Germany to Beijing in economy class – usually overnight, so you'll land in the Chinese capital the following day. If you'd like to travel to the departure airport comfortably and relaxed, you can add a Rail&Fly ticket from Deutsche Bahn when you book your trip. Use the hours above the clouds to get a feel for what awaits you in the next three weeks: imperial palaces and temples, the Great Wall in the evening light, journeys on Chinese high-speed trains, four days on the Yangtze River, rice terraces and karst mountains in the south – and finally, the Hong Kong skyline.

"Ni hao" and welcome to China! Beijing, with its more than 20 million inhabitants, will show you the sheer scale of this country right from day one. After landing, you'll be warmly greeted by your German-speaking tour guide. They'll help you get your bearings and purchase subway tickets – public transport is the quickest way to reach your accommodation, and you'll be immersed in the city's vibrant life from the very first minute. Of course, taxis are always readily available, and if you prefer ultimate comfort, you can book a private airport transfer through us. Depending on your arrival time, early check-in is recommended so you can access your room immediately (optional, from €70 per person in a double room and from €155 per person in a single room). Once the group is complete, we'll set off – avoiding traffic and allowing plenty of time for the real highlights. You'll travel to the hutongs in the heart of Beijing, the narrow alleyways of the historic old city that remain untouched by concrete buildings. Specifically, you'll explore the Dashilan hutong behind Tiananmen Square: small markets and shops selling everyday necessities, interspersed with modern cafes, a few shopping opportunities, and food stalls. The afternoon will be made even more special by a visit to a woman who lives in the hutong: over a cup of tea, she'll share stories of her daily life, giving you insights you wouldn't get from the street. Afterward, you'll have free time for a coffee, a snack, or simply to stroll around – your tour guide will be happy to offer suggestions. Take the subway back to your accommodation, and after a short break, a welcome dinner awaits you at a local restaurant within walking distance: classic Peking duck, accompanied by initial conversations with your fellow travelers about the coming days. 2 nights in Beijing. (A)

After breakfast, the major sights of the capital are on the agenda. You'll begin at Tiananmen Square, considered the largest public square in the world and of immense historical significance. The Gate of Heavenly Peace, where the People's Republic of China was proclaimed in 1949, forms the entrance to the Forbidden City (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The palace complex got its name because access was once forbidden to ordinary people. During the exterior tour, your guide will tell you how the complex was built, which emperors lived and ruled here until the Chinese Revolution, and what significance the site holds today. Next, head up Coal Hill in Jingshan Park. The hill was created from the excavated earth of the palace moat and rewards you with a magnificent panorama over the red roofs of the Forbidden City and the rooftops of the old city. During the bus journey, a snack will be provided – you can eat it right away or take it with you to the Great Wall of China (UNESCO World Heritage Site). This highlight comes in the late afternoon: you'll deliberately visit the wall in the evening, when most tour groups have already returned to their hotels. Watching the colossal structure stretch across the mountain ridges in the warm light of the sunset is one of those moments that will stay with you for a long time. (F/S) Distance traveled: approx. 165 km, travel time: approx. 4 hours.

The morning begins at the Summer Palace (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), which, in good weather, is also one of the most popular destinations for Beijingers themselves. The complex is situated on a hill, its temples and pavilions lining the banks of the artificial, flower-fringed Kunming Lake – a very relaxing start to the day. Next, we'll visit the Temple of Heaven (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The temple buildings are situated in a sprawling garden complex, and every detail reflects the symbolism of heaven and earth. The architectural interplay of colors, forms, and orientation makes the complex one of the most important religious buildings in China. In the afternoon, a transfer will take you to the train station, and then the adventure begins: You'll travel to the ancient imperial city of Luoyang on a modern high-speed train (2nd class). The journey itself is an experience – a good 800 kilometers in about four and a half hours, while cities, fields, and industrial landscapes glide by. Overnight in Luoyang. (B) Distance traveled: approx. 830 km, travel time: approx. 4.5 hours.

After breakfast, you'll travel to the Longmen Grottoes (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), which stretch along the banks of the Yi River, carved into the limestone cliffs. For centuries, more than 100,000 Buddha figures and sculptures were hewn from the hard stone here, filling over a thousand grottoes, niches, and pagodas – from reliefs just a few centimeters in size to monumental figures. Although many sculptures have been destroyed over time, the site remains an artistic and cultural masterpiece and one of the most impressive places of Chinese Buddhism. Afterwards, you'll board one of China's high-speed trains and continue your journey to the ancient imperial city of Xi'an, the former starting point of the Silk Road. You'll stay here for two nights, allowing you time to settle in and explore the city thoroughly the following day. 2 nights in Xi'an. (B) Distance traveled: approx. 50 km, travel time: approx. 1.5 hours.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will begin your exploration of Xi'an – a city that is both modern and traditional, and one of the most historically significant places in China. You'll start with a stroll through the City Wall Park, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Here you can observe how the locals begin their day, perhaps practicing Tai Chi. Afterwards, you'll walk a section of the ancient city wall, which, at twelve kilometers long, is the longest remaining city wall in China and completely encircles the old town. Afterwards, you'll immerse yourself in the vibrant old town: the square with its bell and drum towers, the lively Muslim quarter with its Great Mosque, and a stop at the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. This landmark was completed around 652 and served to keep Buddhist scriptures safe from fire. After a break at the hotel, your tour guide will invite you on an evening food tour of the night market in the Muslim Quarter. Among the numerous food stalls, they will explain what's sizzling in the woks and steamers – and you and the group will sample the local specialties. Experience the smells, sounds, and tastes of Xi'an all at once: a culinary highlight of the trip. 2 nights in Xi'an. (B/L) Distance traveled: approx. 15 km, travel time: approx. 30 min.

Today, one of the world's most famous archaeological finds is on the agenda: the Terracotta Army (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). This enormous burial complex was created more than 2,000 years ago by imperial decree – over 6,000 clay soldiers were meant to protect the first emperor of China even after his death. Each figure is individually crafted, and their upright, focused gazes appear so lifelike that you almost believe the warriors are still standing guard today. That we can visit the complex at all is thanks to a stroke of luck: farmers unearthed the first figures while working in their fields. And so you, too, will witness the mausoleum of the first emperor of China. In the afternoon, you'll continue to the airport and fly to the metropolis of Shanghai, where you'll spend the next three nights. 3 nights in Shanghai. (B) Distance traveled: approx. 165 km, travel time: approx. 3.5 hours.

Shanghai is a metropolis where modernity meets tradition – and today you'll explore it authentically using public transport. After your trip to Beijing, you're already quite experienced with it, and with such a packed itinerary, the metro is simply the fastest way to get from A to B. First, you'll go high up: The Shanghai Tower is China's tallest skyscraper and an architectural marvel. From the observation deck, you can truly appreciate the sheer scale of this city – a sea of skyscrapers stretching to the horizon. Afterwards, you'll stroll through the historic French Concession, where the charm of bygone eras and modern influences coexist. Magnificent colonial-style buildings tell the story of the district's eventful past, interspersed with small boutiques, art galleries, and cafés. In the heart of the district, you and your group will stop at a stylish, modern teahouse: During an authentic tea ceremony, you'll sample truly high-quality tea and gain insight into the contemporary tea culture shaping modern China. Afterwards, the old town awaits with its traditional wooden houses, winding alleyways, and small shops brimming with handicrafts, calligraphy, and tea rooms. A must-see is the Yu Garden in the north of the old town – this private garden from the Ming Dynasty is over 400 years old and considered one of the most famous examples of Chinese garden art. To end the day, stroll along the Bund waterfront promenade on the Huangpu River in the evening, lined with historic buildings and offering views of Pudong's illuminated skyline. The perfect ending to the day is a sundowner at a trendy rooftop bar on the Bund – cocktail in hand, the city at your feet. (F) Travel time by public transport: approx. 2.5 hours.

One day in Shanghai simply isn't enough – that's why today is all yours. You can explore the metropolis further at your own pace and spend more time on the places you particularly enjoyed yesterday. Your tour guide will be happy to help you find your way around and offer tips, but you're in charge. Would you like to stroll leisurely through the picturesque streets of the French Concession one more time? Browse the galleries and small boutiques in the nearby Tianzifang art district? If you're interested in art, the M50 art district is highly recommended. The Xintiandi district is also worth a visit, where tradition and modernity meet, and there are countless shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Or you could simply spend the afternoon on the Bund and watch everyday Chinese life unfold before you. Those who prefer to escape the hustle and bustle of the city can optionally take a day trip to the canal city of Suzhou and the nearby water village of Luzhi (optional, bookable locally). Whether in a group or on your own – today, all doors are open to you. (F)

After breakfast, it's time to say goodbye to Shanghai. You'll take the modern high-speed train to Yichang – a journey of about seven and a half hours, during which you can sit back and watch the landscape change from the densely populated east towards central China. In Yichang, a bus will take you to Maoping Pier. Your 5-star river cruise ship (local rating) awaits you on the banks of the mighty Yangtze. Welcome aboard! You'll settle into your outside cabin and spend the next four nights cruising China's largest river – without the hassle of packing and unpacking, enjoying ever-changing views, and experiencing a completely different pace of travel than in the major cities. A cabin upgrade to an Executive Suite can be requested on board (approx. €370 per person in a double cabin, approx. €790 per person in a single cabin). 4 nights on the cruise ship. (B) Distance (transfer): approx. 90 km, travel time: approx. 2 hours.

Your first full day on board will take you to a structure that continues to spark debate: the gigantic Three Gorges Dam. Around 1.31 million people had to be resettled for this controversial project – yet at the same time, the dam is the world's largest hydroelectric power plant and one of the most important construction projects in recent Chinese history. During a shore excursion, you'll visit the exhibition hall and get a firsthand impression of the scale, technology, and consequences of this project. Back on board, you'll have time to observe life on the river, enjoy the passing scenery from the deck, and relax with lunch and dinner on board. (B/L/D)

Today will be particularly scenic. In the morning, you'll explore a tributary of the Yangtze – depending on the route, either the Shennong or the Daning River. Because the large cruise ship can't navigate these waterways, you'll transfer to smaller boats, bringing you closer to nature in the heart of China: steep slopes, lush green vegetation, and a tranquility that feels almost unreal after the bustling metropolises. Back on board, the ship navigates the other two of the three famous gorges. The Wu Gorge, approximately 44 kilometers long, is the middle one and is also known as the "Witch's Gorge": the sun rarely reaches the water, mist often hangs over the river, and the passage feels mysterious and adventurous. The Qutang Gorge is the most striking of the three – here, the mighty Yangtze is compressed to just a few dozen meters in some places, while the rock walls rise steeply up to 350 meters. Experiencing both passages from the deck is among the most memorable moments of the cruise. (F/M/A)

After breakfast, another exciting excursion awaits: the Xiao Guan Shan Folk Culture Park. The park is renowned for having collected and reconstructed architectural and cultural relics that would have been lost due to rising water levels caused by the Three Gorges Project. Among historic residences, courtyards, temples, intricate wood carvings, and ancient city gates, you'll gain a vivid impression of traditional Chinese life. There are often additional performances to see – from Sichuan opera to acrobatics and folk music to puppet shows. It's a great place not only to observe Chinese culture and history, but also to experience it firsthand. You'll enjoy lunch and dinner on board as the ship glides leisurely along the river towards Chongqing. (B/L/D)

In the morning, your ship reaches the metropolis of Chongqing on the Yangtze River – this is where your river cruise ends. After checking out on board and saying goodbye to the crew, you'll head to the train station. You'll continue your journey by high-speed train towards Guilin (travel time approx. 5 hours). The journey also marks the transition to a completely different part of China: instead of megacities and wide rivers, you'll now encounter the striking karst mountains, green fields, and small villages of the south. You'll spend the following night in Guilin. (B) Distance (transfer): approx. 40 km, travel time: approx. 1.5 hours.

In the morning, you'll take a short walk along the lake before continuing on to Longsheng. En route, you'll visit a village and the local farmers' market – a vibrant glimpse into rural Chinese culture, with vegetables, spices, herbs, and everything else the region has to offer. The Longsheng Autonomous Region is home to the Miao and Zhuang ethnic minorities. However, the area is best known for its extensive rice terraces, which are believed to have been created more than 700 years ago. You'll explore this cultural landscape on foot, hiking up to your accommodation for the night, nestled amidst the rolling fields. Because luggage can't be transported by car due to the ascent, you'll leave your suitcase safely at the foot of the mountain and only take a daypack. If the climb proves too strenuous, you can pre-book a minibus through your local guide (optional, cost approximately 60 RMB per person). After arriving at the guesthouse, you'll hike a little further to a viewpoint offering breathtaking panoramic views of the terraces (moderate, approx. 4.5 km, walking time approx. 2 hours, +200 / -100 meters elevation gain/loss). At this magical spot, we'll treat you to a refreshing drink, and you can peacefully enjoy the sunset before returning to the accommodation for dinner. Depending on your fitness level, you can shorten the hike or simply enjoy the view from the guesthouse. 1 night in a simple guesthouse with fantastic views of the rice terraces. (B/D) Distance traveled: approx. 110 km, travel time: approx. 3 hours.

From your guesthouse, you have the perfect opportunity to experience a magnificent sunrise over the panoramic rice terraces. Those who wish can set their alarm a little earlier today and join the guide for a short morning hike to a fantastic viewpoint. Afterwards, enjoy a leisurely breakfast back at the guesthouse before descending to savor the tranquility far from China's urban centers. Next, you'll travel to Yangshuo, nestled amidst the breathtaking karst hills (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) of the Li Delta. The countless hills and rocks tell a story spanning millennia: Erosion of limestone has created bizarrely shaped natural works of art. On the Yulong River, you'll take a bamboo raft trip (depending on the group, on a 2- or 4-person raft with varying routes; weather dependent – in case of high water, you'll visit the Yin Zi Yan cave or take a trip to a mountain with a magnificent view of the karst landscape). Passing by steep, verdant karst mountains, water buffalo on the banks, and fishermen casting their nets, you'll experience one of the most beautiful landscapes of the trip. Afterward, you'll change perspective and enjoy the surroundings once more on a walk. Overnight stay in a riverside guesthouse. (B) Distance traveled: approx. 175 km, travel time: approx. 1 hour.

In the morning, there's still time to enjoy the scenery along the river before it's time to say goodbye: Around midday, you'll bid farewell to your tour guide from mainland China. You'll travel back to Guilin and board the high-speed train to Hong Kong – the journey takes about three and a half to four hours and takes you from rural southern China to one of Asia's most exciting metropolises. In Hong Kong, you will be met by your local, German-speaking tour guide and escorted to your hotel. If you wish, you can use the evening to get a first glimpse of the illuminated skyline. 1 night in Hong Kong. (B) Distance traveled: approx. 100 km, travel time: approx. 2 hours (plus train journey)

Your last day of the program will bring another highlight: the metropolis of Hong Kong. You'll ascend the city's "local mountain," the approximately 373-meter-high Victoria Peak. From the top, you'll have a breathtaking view of the world-famous Victoria Harbour and the skyscraper canyons of Kowloon – one of the most iconic vistas in Asia. The contrasts continue: A drive along the southern bays takes you to Repulse Bay, where instead of the hustle and bustle of a big city, you'll find gentle, long beaches. Afterwards, you'll visit the floating village of Aberdeen, where fishing families have lived on their houseboats for generations. You have the rest of the day free to explore the city at your own pace – you can find any last-minute souvenirs at one of the many markets, for example. Depending on your flight time, you can return to the hotel, freshen up, and check out. You can then make your own way to the airport by public transport or taxi; alternatively, you can book a private transfer through us. Your flight home departs in the evening. (F)

In the morning you'll land back in Germany – with a wealth of impressions from 19 days in China: imperial palaces and temples, the sunset over the Great Wall, the Terracotta Army, the vibrant pace of Shanghai, four days on the Yangtze River, the Longsheng rice terraces, the karst mountains along the Yulong River, and finally, the Hong Kong skyline. We'd love to hear about your trip – and we're happy to advise you on your next destination.