The suitcase is packed, the mailbox key is handed in to the neighbor, and now we're off. Today you're flying to the metropolis of Beijing. Hello vacation, or as it's now called: Nihao!

Upon landing, your tour guide will be waiting for you, eager to show you a truly personal side of China. You'll travel directly to the famous Summer Palace of Empress Dowager Cixi, an ideal place to immerse yourself in the Chinese experience. The palace exemplifies Chinese tradition and culture and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be captivated by the classical architecture, the intricately decorated temples, and Kunming Lake at the heart of the complex. In the evening, look forward to a culinary highlight: the renowned Peking duck. A typical Chinese dinner featuring Peking duck is included in the price. Here you will also learn how to eat with chopsticks in the traditional way. The journey covers approximately 70 km. If you don't have time to visit the Summer Palace today, your tour guide will include the visit on day 4. Mercure Beijing Downtown: The Mercure Beijing Downtown is located in the Central Business District, near the China World Trade Center and a short walk from a subway station. You'll stay in a modern and brightly furnished room where you can truly relax. The hotel features a fitness center, a sauna, and an indoor pool. Two restaurants offer Chinese cuisine at the Huateng restaurant and Western dishes at the international La Vie restaurant.

You'll explore the historically significant Tiananmen Square in the heart of Beijing. Afterward, you'll visit the Forbidden City, where the Chinese emperors lived and ruled until the 1911 revolution – access was forbidden to ordinary people. Now, the former imperial palace is a national treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll enter the Forbidden City through the Gate of Heavenly Peace and have ample time to stroll through the sprawling palace complex. The view from Coal Hill overlooking the curved rooftops is particularly beautiful. In the afternoon, you'll leave Beijing and travel north. You'll stop for a photo opportunity at the famous Bird's Nest, the Olympic Center, before continuing to the Great Wall of China, arguably the most famous structure in China and also the largest man-made structure in the world, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll have time to walk up and down a section of the wall and take in the breathtaking views. The included meals are breakfast and dinner. The journey covers approximately 150 km. Walking on the Great Wall of China involves an uphill climb, partly with steps. Your guide will inform you about the very steep and less steep sections of the ascent. You can decide for yourself how far you want to walk along the wall. You will stay in the same accommodation as the previous day.

Early in the morning, as locals begin their day with exercise, dancing, or even Tai Chi, you'll visit the Temple of Heaven, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through the gates of the temple complex and soak up the unique atmosphere of the early morning. Afterwards, you'll discover Beijing's hutongs, vast labyrinths of traditional alleyways with courtyards, small shops, and street food stalls. Here, the capital still retains its authentic character, and life unfolds on the streets. A visit to a local family's home will offer fascinating insights into traditional life in Beijing's old quarters. Later, you'll be transferred to the train station for your high-speed train journey to Xi'an. The included meals are breakfast and lunch. The daily bus journey covers approximately 45 km. Depending on the train connection, the high-speed train will take you the 1,200 km to Xi'an in approximately 4-6 hours. Chinese high-speed trains are comfortable, technologically advanced, and reach top speeds of around 350 km/h. Second-class carriages have 72 seats, each with a 220V power outlet under the seat. Please note that aerosol cans (e.g., deodorant, hairspray) larger than 120 ml and knives with blades longer than 6 cm are not permitted in either hand luggage or checked baggage on these trains. Further baggage regulations can be found in your travel information. Delta Hotels Xi'an: The modern Delta Hotels Xi'an is located just outside the old city walls in the Lianhu district. You'll stay in one of the spacious rooms, which are comfortably furnished in a contemporary design. A restaurant and a bar are available for your dining needs.

Experience Xi'an's impressive city wall, stretching over twelve kilometers, which encircles the entire old city with its massive stone blocks and watchtowers. Stroll along a section of the wall, enjoying the panoramic views over the rooftops. Afterward, take a short break at a coffee house at the foot of the wall before visiting the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a Buddhist shrine. Passing by, you'll see the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower, which once signaled the opening and closing of the mighty city gates during the imperial era. Continue to the Great Mosque complex, where you'll wander through the expansive Chinese garden with its pavilions. Then, wander through the vibrant old city, past street food stalls, small markets, and the vendors of Xi'an's Hui Muslim minority. Pleasantly satisfied, experience the city at night, a sea of lights. Stroll past monuments illuminated with colorful lights. Breakfast and dinner are included in the price. The latter takes place in a small, typical Chinese street food stall. The route is approximately 15 km long. In case of rain, the walk along the street of lights cannot take place. Your tour guide will decide on an alternative program on site, depending on the situation. You will stay in the same accommodation as the previous day.

Today, a highlight of your trip awaits: the legendary Terracotta Army, around 150 life-size terracotta figures from the time of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China. Dating back to 210 BC, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will visit the impressive Terracotta Army, lined up in perfect formation. The unique bronze chariot with horses, crafted in the adjacent museum, is also on display. The entire complex is as impressive as it is vast. Afterwards, you will make a brief visit to the Temple of the Sleeping Dragon, the Buddhist Wolong Temple, before taking part in a calligraphy workshop where you'll learn the art of beautiful writing with brushes and ink sticks. In the evening, you will conclude this eventful day with a traditional dumpling dinner. The included meals today are breakfast and dinner. The journey covers approximately 100 km. You will stay in the same accommodation as the previous day.

The train journey to Wuhan is comfortable, and from there you continue directly to Yichang, where your Yangtze River cruise begins. The Yangtze, whose name translates to "long river," truly lives up to its name. At 6,380 kilometers, it is the third-longest river in the world. It flows from Tibet almost the entire length of China from west to east, bringing water to the south of the country and enabling agriculture. After arriving in Yichang, you'll go for dinner. Then it's time to settle into your cabin and enjoy the rest of the day on board your ship in Yichang's port. The included meals are breakfast and dinner. The journey covers approximately 70 km. Depending on your departure date in Yichang, you'll travel on either the Victoria Sabrina or the Victoria Isabella. Both ships offer a high level of comfort and are comparable to a Central European river cruise ship. Most of your fellow passengers will be Chinese, so the onboard entertainment and meals are tailored to Chinese tastes. A Yangtze River cruise is undoubtedly a highlight of your trip to China. You'll also have the opportunity to authentically interact with locals and spend time together. The onboard program may be adjusted locally depending on weather, water levels, or seasonal conditions. River cruise ship Victoria Sabrina: Launched in 2020, the Victoria Sabrina is one of the best and most modern Yangtze River cruise ships. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Yangtze River from the sun deck. For entertainment, there's a theater and a Mahjong room. Spread across seven decks, you'll also find three restaurants, a fitness center, a massage parlor, and a souvenir shop. You'll stay in modern, air-conditioned cabins with private balconies.

Today you'll experience the harmony and contrasts of nature and culture. One example is the Three Gorges Dam in the middle of the Xiling Gorge, a remarkable structure of gigantic dimensions and one of the most important, yet also most controversial, construction projects in recent Chinese history. During your excursion today to a museum and the adjacent park, you'll have a fantastic view of this very dam. Afterward, it's time to cast off and your journey through the fascinating landscape of the famous Three Gorges begins. Enjoy a spectacular panorama of shapes and colors, carved into the rock by the river over millions of years. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in the price. All meals are served on board the ship. If you'd like to experience even more, we have the following recommendation for you: Visit the Three Gorges tribe in the hinterland of the Xiing Gorge. Time seems to have stood still in this idyllic and mysterious village. Experience the Ba and Chu cultures and witness, amidst the bamboo groves, what it means to enter a seemingly ancient community where young women sing and dance while fishermen haul in their nets in the distance – feel as if you're in a paradisiacal garden. The price for the excursion is 290 RMB per person. You will stay overnight in the same accommodation as the previous night.

You'll travel through the Wu and Qutang Gorges, part of the famous Three Gorges. Along the way, you'll transfer to another boat and explore one of the emerald-green tributaries of the Yangtze River with its steep, tropically vegetated walls. Afterward, you'll make your way to the summit of the Three Gorges. High above, a panorama unfolds that truly lives up to its name. The famous gorges lie at your feet, the Yangtze River winds its way through the landscape, and you'll gain a sense of just how immense this natural scenery truly is. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in the price. All meals are served on board the ship. You will stay in the same accommodation as the previous day.

Start your day with a morning Tai Chi session on the sun deck – a qualified instructor will provide you with professional guidance in this Chinese martial art. After enjoying the ship's diverse offerings once more this morning, this afternoon's program includes a visit to Xiao Guan Shan Park, a showcase of ancient folk culture. Located on a hilltop, the park offers a glimpse into the past. Strolling through the park, you'll discover classic courtyards dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Admire the courtyards, gateways, and intricate wood carvings. A temple is also part of the park, providing a tranquil atmosphere that offers a welcome contrast to the bustling world outside. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in the price. All meals are served on board the ship. You will stay in the same accommodation as the previous day.

In the morning, your ship docks in Chongqing, the Yangtze metropolis and largest city in the world. Skyscrapers and people everywhere you look. What a city! Afterwards, you'll travel by high-speed train to Yangshuo. In southern China, amidst picturesque landscapes with fairytale-like karst cones and mountains, life moves at a much more tranquil pace. The contrast couldn't be greater: emerging from a skyscraper landscape, you'll now be confronted by the countless peaks of a mysterious rocky landscape. You'll travel to your accommodation, where you can relax together in the evening and enjoy a delicious dinner. Savor the nature, the peace and quiet, the fresh air, and the slowly rising mist. The included meals today are breakfast and dinner. The bus journey covers approximately 120 km. The high-speed train will take you the 900 km to Yangshuo in 5 hours. Snow Lion Riverside Resort: The Snow Lion Riverside Resort is located directly on the Li River, amidst a karst landscape south of Yangshuo. From the terrace and the small garden, you have a fantastic view of the surrounding mountains and cliffs. Each of the 30 comfortable rooms has a private balcony overlooking the karst peaks, the garden, or vegetable and rice fields.

The day begins with a leisurely bike ride through the stunning surroundings. Passing rice paddies and wildflower meadows, you'll get a glimpse of rural China. Farmers harvesting rice or drying it by the roadside are typical sights during this relaxed tour. Afterwards, you'll drift for about an hour to an hour and a half on a bamboo raft, enjoying a traditional and tranquil experience on the Yulong River through a unique landscape, past Guilin's bizarre karst mountains. The included meals today are breakfast and lunch. If you don't wish to participate in the bicycle tour, an English-speaking member of staff from the accommodation will be happy to take you on a short hike through the karst landscape. The bamboo rafts are designed for two people and a maximum weight of 150 kg. For safety reasons, the bamboo rafts on the Yulong River are only permitted for people up to 69 years of age. If you are older, we will organize a raft trip for you on a larger raft on the Li River. Alternatively, you can take a walk along the Yulong River. If you'd like to experience even more, we have the following recommendation for you: In the evening, attend the Liu Sanjie Impressions Show. This is a captivating and impressive performance featuring hundreds of farmers from local ethnic groups. Against the spectacular backdrop of Yangshuo's karst mountains, you'll be treated to a charming Chinese folktale through music, lights, and a breathtaking performance. The price is 350 RMB per person, based on a minimum of two participants. You will stay overnight in the same accommodation as the previous night.

Off we go to the Longsheng Rice Terraces. Along the way, you'll buy fresh and delicious fruit at a local farmers' market – fruit you wouldn't easily find at home. Then it's time for tea. During a visit to a tea plantation, you'll learn how tea is properly harvested. Afterward, you'll be introduced to the Chinese art of ceremonial tea preparation and, of course, get to taste it. Onward we go! You'll reach Longsheng, where you'll transfer to another bus. A shuttle bus will take you and other travelers to the main entrance of the rice terraces. From here, you'll walk a short distance along the steep road and then climb about 100 steps to your accommodation. After a short break, depending on the weather and your arrival time, you'll hike for about an hour and a half along narrow paths to viewpoints offering panoramic views across the terraces. The second part of the hike takes you directly through the rice terraces. Back at the hotel, you can recover a little from the hike before ending the eventful day with a culinary adventure. The included meals are breakfast and dinner. You cannot take your main luggage on the excursion to the rice terraces. It will remain guarded in the valley. We recommend bringing a daypack so you can easily carry your small overnight luggage. Sturdy footwear is required for the hike in the rice terraces. If you are unable to join the hike to the guesthouse, we can arrange a minibus to take you to the end of the road, from where you will need to climb approximately 100 steps to reach the accommodation. We would be happy to provide you with a customized quote. Longji Ridge Inn Guesthouse The simple Longji Ridge Inn guesthouse is located in Longsheng, near the beautiful rice terraces. The guesthouse features a comfortable communal lounge and a terrace. Ten spacious, tastefully furnished rooms await you.

Don't miss the breathtaking sunrise over the Longsheng rice terraces. Back in Longsheng, you'll travel to Guilin Airport and fly to Shanghai in the late afternoon. From there, you'll take the Maglev train to the heart of the metropolis. The included meals today are breakfast and dinner. UrCove by Hyatt Shanghai Jing'an: The UrCove welcomes you to the bustling center of Shanghai. You'll stay in spacious and modernly furnished rooms. You can also enjoy culinary delights in the hotel's restaurant.

Today you'll experience Shanghai in all its facets. A stroll through the old town will lead you through winding streets and past old wooden houses to the Yu Garden. This oasis in the heart of the metropolis is a magnificent example of Chinese garden design. You'll get an interesting glimpse into Shanghai's cuisine on the food street near the Yu Garden. Water snake from the wok is certainly only for the adventurous, but there are many other local delicacies to try. Next, you'll head to the Bund, China's most famous waterfront promenade. Lined with colonial buildings on one side and skyscrapers on the opposite bank of the Huangpu River, history and modernity meet here in a striking way. Afterward, you'll take the subway to the Jinmao Tower in Pudong, Shanghai's financial district. Until recently, this skyscraper was the tallest building in China. The view from the observation deck over the sea of buildings in this sprawling metropolis is breathtaking. You end the day in a relaxed atmosphere with a cocktail in a bar on the Bund, overlooking the skyline and lights of Pudong: a wow moment and a drink are guaranteed. The included meals today are breakfast and lunch. You will stay in the same accommodation as the previous day.

Experience a luminous Shanghai on an evening light tour. The price is 220 RMB per person, minimum 10 participants. Or an impressive acrobatic show. The price is 280 RMB per person, minimum 6 participants.

Old and new. In the morning, you'll take an excursion to the charming water village of Zhujiajiao, whose history stretches back 500 years. With its numerous bridges dating from the Ming and Qing dynasties, the village is also known as the Venice of Shanghai. In the afternoon, you'll experience modern Shanghai on a stroll through the former French protectorate with its countless small shops, galleries, bars, and restaurants. After dinner at a lovely local restaurant, you'll transfer to Pudong Airport for your flight home. Your luggage will contain memories of a bygone era. The included meals are breakfast and a farewell dinner in the evening. For your last day in Shanghai, we've arranged a late check-out so you can freshen up before your evening flight. Your room will be available until 6 pm.

Perhaps feeling a little wistful, but certainly also full of anticipation for your home, you land and continue your journey to your hometown.