Today your journey to China begins: you fly to Beijing.

“Ni hao” and welcome to China! That China is one of the most populous countries on earth becomes clear today in Beijing, a metropolis of more than 20 million people. On arrival, your guide gives you a warm welcome and helps you get your bearings and buy your metro ticket. You then travel to your hotel by public transport – simply the quickest way, so you can dive straight into your China adventure. Alternatively, a taxi is never far away, or you can book a private airport transfer through us. Depending on your arrival time, an early check-in is a good idea so that you can move straight into your room (optional, bookable in advance). As soon as the group is complete, you continue by public transport – today’s motto is not to waste time in traffic jams but to have more time for the real highlights. With your guide at your side, you will soon be moving through the urban jungle like a pro and reach the hutongs in the heart of Beijing. On a walk through these narrow lanes, which form the historic old town, you immerse yourself in old, traditional Beijing. Specifically, you visit Dashilan hutong behind Tiananmen Square with its colourful mix of small markets, everyday shops, modern cafés and food stalls. A visit to a woman who lives here rounds off the experience: over a cup of tea, you gain a deeper insight into life in the hutongs. Afterwards you have some free time to have a coffee, grab a bite to eat or simply stroll through the hutong – your guide will be happy to give you tips. You then return together to your hotel by public transport. After a short break, look forward to a classic dinner in a local restaurant close to the hotel, where you try traditional Peking duck and chat with your fellow travellers about the days ahead. 2 nights in Beijing. (D) Please note: the order of the programme on this day may vary; the services included remain the same.

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast Sunworld Hotel is located in central Beijing in Dongcheng District on Dengshikou Street, just minutes from Wangfujing shopping street, Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City – an easy base for exploring both historic and modern Beijing. The hotel has a restaurant serving local specialities and international cuisine, a bar and a wellness area with spa treatments and traditional Chinese massages. There is also a 24-hour reception, luggage storage, room service and free Wi-Fi. The rooms have a double bed or two single beds as well as a private bathroom, air conditioning, TV, fridge, safe and tea and coffee making facilities.

Straight after breakfast, you visit Tiananmen Square, considered one of the largest public squares in the world and of great historical importance. The Gate of Heavenly Peace, where the People’s Republic of China was proclaimed in 1949, forms the entrance to the “Forbidden City” (UNESCO World Cultural Heritage). The imperial palace got its name because ordinary people were once denied access. Marvel at this architectural masterpiece, where the emperors lived and ruled until the end of the imperial era. During the exterior visit, your guide explains its origins, history and present-day significance. Next, you visit Coal Hill in Jingshan Park. The hill was created from the earth excavated for the palace moat and offers a spectacular panoramic view of the red roofs of the Forbidden City. On the onward journey by bus, a snack is handed out that you can eat straight away or take with you onto the Great Wall of China (UNESCO World Cultural Heritage) – because this very special highlight, one of the most visited sights in the world, is next on the programme. You experience the impressive structure in the early evening at sunset, when most visitors have already returned to their hotels. (B/S) (Distance: approx. 165 km; driving time: approx. 4 hrs) Please note: the order of the programme on this day may vary; the services included remain the same.

3 nights · Double room · With breakfast Jinling Purple Mountain Hotel is located right next to the historic city wall in Lianhu District and combines modernity with the cultural atmosphere of the old imperial city. A stylish lobby, a teahouse and a bar invite you to linger, and the generous breakfast offers Chinese, Western and local dishes. There is also a gym and free Wi-Fi. The rooms have air conditioning, minibar and private bathroom; high-quality bedding and a calm design make them a pleasant retreat after a day in Xi’an’s lively old town.

Your day begins with a visit to the Summer Palace (UNESCO World Cultural Heritage), one of the most popular excursion destinations for Beijingers in good weather. It lies on a hillside, and its temples and pavilions border the artificial, flower-lined Kunming Lake. You then continue to the Temple of Heaven (UNESCO World Cultural Heritage). Its temples stand in extensive gardens and reflect the symbolism of heaven and earth in every detail – let this architectural masterpiece and important religious symbol impress you. In the afternoon, you take the high-speed train in 2nd class to Xi’an. On arrival, you are taken to your hotel. 3 nights in Xi’an. (B) (Train distance: approx. 1,190 km; journey time: approx. 5.5 hrs) Please note: the order of the programme on this day may vary; the services included remain the same.

After breakfast, you stroll through the City Wall Park, popular with locals and visitors alike, and watch people practising tai chi, for example. You then walk a stretch of the ancient city wall which, as the longest surviving city wall in China, measures around twelve kilometres and encircles the entire old town. Afterwards, you take a closer look at the lively old town – the square with the Bell and Drum Towers and the bustling Muslim Quarter with its Great Mosque – and stop at the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. This Tang dynasty landmark was built in the early 8th century and served to store Buddhist scriptures safely. In the evening, your guide invites you to explore the smells and flavours of Xi’an on a food tour of the night market in the Muslim Quarter. At the many food stalls, your guide shows and explains local delicacies, so you can try and share lots of small dishes. (B/S) (Distance: approx. 15 km; driving time: approx. 30 min)

You start the day with a stroll through a local market, watching people go about their daily routine. Your guide will point out the many local products that may seem unusual to you. Afterwards, you explore the vast mausoleum of the first Chinese emperor, Qin Shihuangdi, with its Terracotta Army (UNESCO World Cultural Heritage). For more than 2,000 years, thousands of warriors, horse handlers and archers stood guard over the emperor’s soul in battle formation – each figure individually designed. The view into the excavation pits is truly impressive. Back in Xi’an, you enjoy the local speciality Biang Biang noodles in a local restaurant – a simple yet refined noodle dish – and then have time to explore the city on your own. (B/L) (Distance: approx. 90 km; driving time: approx. 3 hrs)

You reach Shanghai by plane in the morning. A transfer takes you into the city, where you start sightseeing straight away. In the old town, traditional wooden houses and winding lanes, small shops full of crafts and calligraphy and tea rooms await you. A must for every visitor to Shanghai 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. In between you have some free time before meeting the group in the evening for a walk along the Bund. The promenade on the Huangpu River is lined with historic buildings and offers great photo opportunities. The crowning finale is a visit to a modern rooftop bar on the Bund, where you enjoy a well-earned sundowner above the rooftops of the city. 2 nights in Shanghai. (B) (Distance: approx. 90 km; driving time: approx. 3 hrs)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast In the lively area around the historic Jing’an Temple, Holiday Inn Shanghai Jing’an awaits you. The hotel is very centrally located near well-known shopping centres, restaurants and venues; Jing’an Temple is within walking distance. Besides its lively surroundings, it impresses with modern facilities and architecture, and the breakfast buffet offers Chinese and international specialities. The 118 stylish, modern rooms each have a private bathroom with a large shower, air conditioning, TV and free Wi-Fi.

By bus, you travel to the Shanghai Tower, China’s tallest skyscraper. Only from the observation deck at more than 500 metres do you truly grasp the size of this city of millions – on a clear day, the view over the bustling metropolis is breathtaking. By metro you continue to the Jade Buddha Temple, one of Shanghai’s best-known temples. Let the tranquillity and special charm of the complex sink in. You then discover historic Shanghai on a walk through the French Concession, which still exudes the charm of bygone times while embracing modern influences. Magnificent colonial-style buildings line the streets, interspersed with small boutiques, galleries and cafés full of the creative energy of young China. In a stylish, modern teahouse in the heart of the French Concession, you take a tea break and discover the world of tea in a refreshingly contemporary way – with an authentic tea ceremony and high-quality tea. This also gives you an insight into the modern tea culture of young China. The afternoon is at your disposal – to relax at the hotel or explore on your own. Your guide will be happy to help you find your way and suggest more places worth seeing. Would you like to wander through the lanes of the old town again or browse galleries and small boutiques in the Tianzifang artists’ quarter? Art lovers should visit the M50 art district, and the Xintiandi district with its many places to shop, eat and go out is also worth a visit. Or would you rather spend more time on the Bund and soak up everyday Chinese life? Agree on plans as a group or set off on your own. (B) (Travel time by public transport: approx. 2.5 hrs)

Today you take the high-speed train in 2nd class to Hangzhou. Far from the hustle and bustle of the big city, an almost fairytale landscape around West Lake (UNESCO World Cultural Heritage) awaits you. Bridges and islands lovingly laid out in Chinese style invite you for a walk along the lake. At the southern end, you visit Huagang Park, whose name translates as “Viewing Fish at Flower Harbour” – your guide will explain the story behind the name. You also visit a tea plantation and taste the quality of Chinese tea for yourself. A walk through Hangzhou’s old town rounds off the programme. 1 night in Hangzhou. (B) (Distance: approx. 200 km; driving time: approx. 2.5 hrs)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast Wuyang International Hotel is centrally located in Hangzhou’s bustling business district; the city centre and main railway station are only about two kilometres away. Modern rooms ensure a comfortable stay.

After breakfast, you continue by train to Guilin (approx. 8 hrs). From there you drive to Yangshuo, where picturesque scenery along the Yulong River awaits with green mountains, charming rock formations and interesting karst caves. In Yangshuo you spend two nights in an unspoilt, beautifully situated resort. (B) (Distance: approx. 105 km; driving time: approx. 2 hrs)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast Snow Lion Riverside Resort lies in natural surroundings near the Li River, surrounded by fascinating mountains and fields. The resort has a pool, restaurant and bar; the rooms have air conditioning, a balcony and TV.

Today you set off on a bamboo raft trip on the Yulong River (depending on the group on 2- or 4-person rafts with different routes; the trip depends on the weather – in case of high water, you visit the Yin Zi Yan stalactite cave or a viewpoint mountain overlooking the karst landscape instead). Past steep green karst peaks, water buffalo grazing on the banks and fishermen casting their nets, you experience one of the scenic highlights of the tour far from the big cities. A fitting end to the day is a visit to Moon Hill, around 380 m high, which owes its name to a crescent-shaped hole in its summit. (B) (Distance: approx. 50 km; driving time: approx. 1 hr)

By bus, you return to Guilin, where you say goodbye to your mainland guide and continue by modern high-speed train to Hong Kong (approx. 3.5–4 hrs). In Hong Kong, your local guide is already waiting for you. You can spend the rest of the day as you wish – how about a stroll through a night market where all kinds of food and everyday items are sold and exotic delicacies sizzle at steaming food stalls (optional, bookable locally; the price depends on the number of participants, approx. USD 130 per person for 4 people)? 1 night in Hong Kong. (B) (Distance: approx. 80 km; driving time: approx. 1.5 hrs)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast The modern Dorsett Kwun Tong is located in Kowloon East and offers a lovely view of the city. Highlights are the fitness centre and the pleasant outdoor area with pool and loungers. International dishes are served in the restaurant and at a snack bar; the bright, state-of-the-art rooms invite you to relax after an eventful day.

Today Hong Kong, a city full of contrasts between modernity and tradition, will thrill you. You go up Victoria Peak, Hong Kong’s “local mountain”, which offers a breathtaking view of world-famous Victoria Harbour and Kowloon. Driving along the southern bays and Repulse Bay, the city of millions shows a completely different side: here, long, gentle beaches dominate the scene. In contrast, you then visit the floating village of Aberdeen, where fishing families have lived on houseboats for generations. On a ride of around 20 minutes in a sampan, the region’s typical wooden boat, you explore the settlement and gain fascinating insights into the everyday life of its residents. Depending on your flight time, you can return to the hotel to freshen up before checking out and starting your journey home. You make your own way to the airport by public transport or taxi, or book a private transfer through us. (B) Day 14: Welcome back home – you land in your home country in the morning.