Today you take an overnight flight to the vibrant metropolis of 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, your programme begins with 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. 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.

Your day begins with a walk through the hutongs in the heart of Beijing, the narrow lanes of the historic old town. In these completely preserved quarters without concrete buildings, 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. 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. After this eventful morning and a short lunch break, you head to the station and travel by high-speed train in 2nd class to Shanghai. Enjoy the comfortable, roughly six-hour journey through varied scenery and chat with your fellow travellers. In Shanghai, you are taken to your hotel and can enjoy a relaxed evening. 3 nights in Shanghai. (B) (Distance: approx. 35 km; driving time: approx. 1.5 hrs; high-speed train: approx. 6 hrs)

3 nights · Double room · With breakfast Holiday Inn Shanghai Huaxia is located in Xuhui District on Caobao Road, right next to the Everbright Convention and Exhibition Center and close to metro lines 1 and 12 – ideal for exploring Shanghai easily. The hotel has a fitness centre, the HUA restaurant serving Chinese specialities and a lobby lounge; Wi-Fi is available throughout. The 20–30 m² rooms have a king-size bed or two single beds and a desk.

Today you explore Shanghai, a metropolis between modernity and tradition, authentically by public transport – by far the best way to get from A to B quickly, and you’re already practised from Beijing. Your first destination takes you high up: the Shanghai Tower is China’s tallest skyscraper and an architectural marvel. From the observation deck, you enjoy an impressive view of the city’s enormous size. 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. Afterwards, Shanghai’s old town awaits with traditional wooden houses and winding lanes, small shops full of crafts and calligraphy, and tea rooms. 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. An evening stroll along the Bund promenade on the Huangpu River, lined with historic buildings and offering great photo opportunities, rounds off the eventful day. 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. (B) (Distance: approx. 56 km; driving time: approx. 1.5 hrs)

One day in Shanghai is simply not enough! Today you have time for your own activities to get to know the metropolis better and revisit places you particularly liked the day before. Your guide will be happy to help you find your way and suggest more places worth seeing – but you are in charge of the programme. Would you like to stroll through the old town again at your leisure or browse galleries and small boutiques in the Tianzifang artists’ quarter? Art lovers should also visit the M50 art district. The Xintiandi district, which combines tradition and modernity and offers countless places to shop, eat and go out, is also well 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 – just as you like. If you would rather explore the quieter surroundings than the bustle of the city, you can join an optional day trip to Suzhou and the nearby water village of Luzhi (bookable locally). (B)

After a hearty breakfast, you head to the station and around midday take the high-speed train (2nd class) to Zhangjiajie – a scenic journey of about 9 hours. Sit back and watch China’s varied landscapes pass by. As you only arrive in the evening, you can have dinner in the on-board bistro if you wish. In Zhangjiajie you are warmly welcomed and taken to your hotel. Look forward to the beauty of this region, which inspired the floating mountains in the film “Avatar”. 2 nights in Zhangjiajie. (B) (Distance: approx. 50 km; driving time: approx. 1.5 hrs; train: approx. 9 hrs)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast Zhangjiajie Renjoy Hotel welcomes you with an elegant, nature-inspired design that combines traditional Chinese elements with modern style. It is located in Wulingyuan District, just minutes from the entrance to Zhangjiajie National Park. Facilities include a Chinese and a buffet restaurant, a bar, a gym and an outdoor pool; Wi-Fi is free. The modern rooms have a private bathroom, air conditioning and minibar.

Today an unforgettable excursion to Zhangjiajie National Park (UNESCO World Natural Heritage) awaits you. In the morning, you first go with your guide to a nearby supermarket to stock up on a few local snacks for the day. The excursion then begins with a spectacular panoramic cable car ride up the Tianzi Mountains – with fascinating views of the pointed peaks and lush vegetation. Be sure to have your camera ready! After the cable car ride, a lovely, easy hike leads through the famous “Avatar” area of Yuanjiajie: the striking stone pillars that inspired the film “Avatar” create an almost surreal landscape. You stop again and again to enjoy the view, and at a beautiful spot you settle down on a picnic blanket to try the treats you bought in the morning. As a crowning finale, you descend in a glass elevator and enjoy the breathtaking view of the valley before returning to the hotel. You meet for dinner together near the hotel. (B/S/D) (Distance: approx. 30 km; driving time: approx. 1 hr)

The day begins with an exciting walk across the spectacular glass bridge in the Zhangjiajie canyon. High above the ground, surrounded by rock formations and dense forest, it offers a unique perspective on the dramatic landscape – thrills and panorama included. You then take the high-speed train (2nd class) to Fenghuang in just one hour. After a short lunch break, you walk into Fenghuang’s picturesque old town, which impresses with well-preserved architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties. From the city wall, you look down on the old houses along the Tuo Jiang River and see the old town from above. Narrow lanes, old bridges and the riverside location create a special atmosphere. You visit an old ancestral temple or a residential house and learn from your guide what everyday life is like here as you stroll over cobblestones and small bridges, watching life in small shops, teahouses and restaurants. You then see the town from a different perspective on a boat trip of about 20 minutes. For dinner, you head together to a local restaurant. If you like, you can enjoy the evening atmosphere in the old town afterwards – when the lights reflect in the water, Fenghuang reveals its full magic. 1 night in Fenghuang. (B/D) (Distance: approx. 36 km; driving time: approx. 1.5 hrs)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast Wingate by Wyndham Xiangxi Fenghuang is just minutes from Fenghuang’s historic old town, in a landscape with access to the Tuo Jiang River and traditional Miao and Tujia villages. The hotel has an outdoor pool, a fitness area, a garden and a courtyard; breakfast is a buffet with Chinese and Western dishes. The rooms have a flat-screen TV, desk and minibar.

After the transfer to Tongren station, you board the comfortable high-speed train (2nd class), which takes you through varied landscapes to Kunming in about 5 hours. On arrival, you are taken to the hotel, and in the evening you meet for dinner together in a local restaurant – a good introduction to the lively capital of Yunnan province. 2 nights in Kunming. (B/D) (Distance: approx. 90 km; driving time: approx. 2 hrs; train: approx. 5 hrs)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast Holiday Inn Kunming City Centre is located in the heart of Kunming on East Dongfeng Road next to Plaza 66, surrounded by shops and restaurants; Dongfeng Square metro station is within walking distance. The hotel has an indoor pool, a fitness area, a sky garden with a Chinese courtyard, two restaurants and a lobby lounge. The rooms have a king-size bed or two single beds, air conditioning, TV and safe.

Today you take a trip to the Stone Forest, one of China’s most spectacular natural attractions. The bizarre landscape of limestone formations millions of years old delights with its almost surreal beauty. Back in Kunming, a relaxed walk through the old town with its interesting architecture and lively atmosphere awaits. Finally, you visit the Jinma Biji archways (“Golden Horse and Jade Rooster”), a historic city landmark whose significance your guide will explain. (B) (Distance: approx. 160 km; driving time: approx. 3 hrs)

Your day begins with a high-speed train ride of just under 2.5 hours (2nd class) to Dali through picturesque scenery. In Dali you are taken to the hotel. On a leisurely walk through the old town, you stroll through charming streets and lanes, admire the traditional architecture and soak up the lively atmosphere. Together with your guide, you visit a Catholic church with remarkable architecture – take a moment to rest, and perhaps you will get talking with members of the congregation; your guide will help if there are language barriers. 1 night in Dali. (B) (Distance: approx. 20 km; driving time: approx. 45 min)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast Landscape Hotel is located in Dali’s historic old town at the foot of the Cangshan Mountains, facing towards Erhai Lake; the old town’s pedestrian street is very close. Designed in the style of traditional Bai courtyards, the hotel has a restaurant serving Chinese and Bai dishes, a bar, a tea room and a gym. The 20–30 m² rooms have a private bathroom, air conditioning, TV and free Wi-Fi.

Your first stop today is Chongsheng Temple with the famous Three Pagodas, a masterpiece of Buddhist architecture and a symbol of the region. Immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere and admire the pagodas that have shaped the townscape for centuries. You then visit the lively market in a Bai village, where you experience their traditional culture, regional crafts and local specialities. Try the freshly prepared local rice noodles – and perhaps you will get talking with the traders; your guide is happy to translate. A relaxed walk along picturesque Erhai Lake, framed by gentle hills, rounds off the morning. In the afternoon, you continue to Lijiang and gather first impressions of its charming old town (UNESCO World Cultural Heritage) on your own. 2 nights in Lijiang. (B/L) (Distance: approx. 160 km; driving time: approx. 3 hrs)

You start the day in Lijiang’s old town (UNESCO World Cultural Heritage), known for its well-preserved traditional houses, narrow lanes and lively markets. Here you meet people of the Naxi minority – your guide will tell you more about their history. From the Wangu Pagoda on Lion Hill, you enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the old town and its surroundings. Next is the picturesque Black Dragon Pool with a view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the background. At the Dongba Museum, you delve deeper into Naxi culture and admire artefacts and works of art that bear witness to their rich history. After a lunch break, your last stop is Baisha Temple, an important religious site with special architecture and a calm, awe-inspiring atmosphere. (B/L)

After the transfer to the airport, you fly to Chengdu, the vibrant capital of Sichuan province, in about 1.5 hours. First, you visit Wenshu Temple, an impressive example of Buddhist architecture and an important place of worship. In a local teahouse, where locals also like to linger, you enjoy a cup of locally grown tea and learn more about the tradition of tea drinking. You then explore the reconstructed old town of Kuanzhai Xiangzi with its historic buildings and narrow lanes and stroll along lively Jinli market street with traditional architecture, souvenirs and local snacks. The day ends with a farewell hotpot dinner, where you can enjoy spicy Sichuan cuisine to the full. 1 night in Chengdu. (B/D) (Distance: approx. 100 km; driving time: approx. 2 hrs)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast Dorsett Chengdu is located in the historic area around Luoma Market in central Chengdu, right on metro lines 1 and 4; Tianfu Square, the Kuanzhai alleys and Wenshu Monastery are easy to reach. Yue Rong Café and the Chinese restaurant Fu Xue Xuan, serving Cantonese and Sichuan dishes, take care of your culinary needs, along with a bar, a gym and a billiards room. The queen-bed rooms measure about 26 m².

At the appropriate time, you travel to the airport by public transport and start your journey home; a transfer can be booked if required. Depending on your flight time, you arrive home the same day or the following day. (B)