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)

Today you take the high-speed train from Xi’an to Yichang. By bus, you then reach Maoping Pier, where your cruise begins on a comfortable river cruise ship that will be your home for the next few days (a cabin upgrade to an Executive Suite can be requested on board for a surcharge; approx. €370 per person in a double cabin or approx. €790 in a single cabin). 4 nights on the cruise ship. (B/D) (Travel time: approx. 6 hrs, of which approx. 3.5 hrs by train and approx. 2.5 hrs by bus)

Today you visit the gigantic Three Gorges Dam. Well over a million people had to be resettled for this controversial project. On a shore excursion including the exhibition hall, you form your own impression of one of the most important construction projects in China’s recent history. (B/L/D)

Today you switch to smaller boats to explore one of the Yangtze’s tributaries (the Shennong or Daning River) up close – getting in touch with the unique nature in the heart of China! Back on the cruise ship, you pass two more spectacular gorges of the Yangtze. The Wu Gorge, around 44 km long and the middle of the three gorges, is often called the “Witches’ Gorge”: the sun rarely reaches its depths, mist forms over the water, and the passage feels mysterious and adventurous. The Qutang Gorge is probably the most striking of the three: here the mighty Yangtze narrows in places to just a few dozen metres, and the cliffs on both sides rise steeply up to 350 m. Passing through the two gorges is a truly impressive experience. (B/L/D)

After breakfast, another excursion awaits: Xiao Guan Shan Folk Culture Park is known for relocating and rebuilding architectural and cultural relics affected by the rise in water level caused by the Three Gorges project. With historic houses, courtyards, temples, wood carvings and city gates, the park offers an insight into old Chinese life, along with performances such as Sichuan opera, acrobatics, folk music and puppetry – a great place to experience traditional Chinese culture and history. You enjoy lunch and dinner on board as the ship glides leisurely along the river. (B/L/D)

In the morning, you leave the ship in the business metropolis of Chongqing and continue by train to Guilin (approx. 5 hrs). You then continue to Yangshuo, a region very popular with Chinese and Western travellers alike for its unique karst landscape (UNESCO World Natural Heritage) (approx. 76 km; approx. 2 hrs). The camel-hump-shaped karst hills on both sides of the calm, shallow Li River offer a fascinating sight and great photo opportunities. At your guesthouse, you look forward to a tasty dinner of local dishes in the evening. 1 night in Yangshuo. (B/D) (Train: approx. 5 hrs; bus: approx. 2 hrs)

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 subsequent village visit gives you further insights into rural Chinese culture, including the local farmers’ market. You then drive through the magnificent landscape to Longsheng, home to Miao and Zhuang people among others. Longsheng is famous for its extensive rice terraces, said to have been created more than 700 years ago. You explore the landscape on foot and reach your accommodation in the hills. As the path climbs through the rice fields, luggage cannot be taken to the accommodation by car: you can leave luggage you don’t need safely at the foot of the hill and hike with a daypack. If the ascent is difficult for you, you can take a minibus to the accommodation (optional, bookable locally through the guide, approx. 60 RMB per person). After arriving at the guesthouse, you hike a little further to a viewpoint with a breathtaking panoramic view over the rice terraces (moderate, 4.5 km, approx. 2 hrs, +200/−100 m). At this magical spot you are treated to a refreshing drink and can enjoy the sunset at your leisure before returning to your accommodation for dinner. Depending on your fitness, you can shorten the hike or simply enjoy the view from the accommodation. 1 night in a simple guesthouse with a fantastic view of the rice terraces. (B/D) (Distance: approx. 200 km; driving time: approx. 4 hrs)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast Valley View Hotel is picturesquely located in the village of Ping’an amid the Longji rice terraces and has a warm, traditional atmosphere. The charming wooden building blends harmoniously into the terraced mountains, and many areas offer wide views over the famous rice fields. The restaurant, café and bar offer regional cuisine and relaxed moments; free Wi-Fi is available in public areas. The cosy rooms in warm wood design have a private bathroom with toiletries and air conditioning.

From your guesthouse, you have the perfect opportunity to watch a wonderful sunrise over the rice terraces. If you like, set your alarm a little earlier and take a short morning walk with your guide to a fantastic viewpoint. After a leisurely breakfast at the guesthouse, you take in the nature and tranquillity far from the cities once more on the way down. Along the way, you pass a Zhuang village and get an impression of rural, traditional life in China. You then return to Guilin and fly from there to Shanghai. 3 nights in Shanghai. (B) (Distance: approx. 150 km; driving time: approx. 4 hrs)

3 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.

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). In the evening, you meet one last time for a farewell dinner together, look back on the journey and enjoy the Chinese metropolis one last time. (B/D)

Today it’s time to say goodbye. Whether you depart from Shanghai Pudong (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) international airport, you make your own way to the airport by public transport or taxi, or book a private transfer through us. From there you fly back to Europe, arriving the same day. (B)