Classical China: Imperial Cities to the Li River

Day 1: Beijing

Upon arrival in Beijing, a city where ancient history and modern development coalesce, you’ll be greeted and escorted to your hotel. Your journey begins with a visit to the iconic “Bird’s Nest” Olympic Stadium, a marvel of modern architecture and a symbol of China’s ascent on the world stage.

Explore the historic hutongs near Houhai Lake, revealing the intimate alleys that offer a glimpse into Beijing’s traditional life. Experience the ancient timekeeping tradition at the Drum and Bell Towers and immerse yourself in local pastimes like mahjong in these vibrant neighborhoods. The day concludes with a stroll through the bustling Wangfujing area, showcasing China’s rapid modernization.

Day 2: Beijing

Start with a serene morning at the Temple of Heaven, observing traditional exercises and the spiritual rituals that define local life. Discover the temple’s architectural simplicity and deep-rooted symbolism. Visit the White Cloud Temple, delving into Taoist practices, and enjoy a vegetarian feast mimicking traditional dishes.

The afternoon brings you to the Yonghe Temple for insights into Tibetan Buddhism and concludes with the Confucius Temple, exploring the philosophies that shaped China. Optional: Enhance your evening with a mesmerizing Kung Fu show at the Red Theater.

Day 3: Beijing

Even though people like to falsely claim that it is visible from the moon, the Great Wall is one of the most important symbols of the country and must be visited. Bright and early in the morning, you will depart from your hotel to visit the Mutianyu section of the Wall. Once you are there, you can benefit from the early morning sunrise in your photographs.

If the hiking seems too long after a while, you and your companions can ride the toboggan (optional) down the wall or have a picnic on the Great Wall. You will want to take some time to admire the wonderful rugged scenery. Soon after, you will return to Beijing and visit the Summer Palace. Otherwise a simple Imperial garden, the site was completely renovated by Emperor Qianlong during the 18th century to become one the most important sites of the capital.

Afterwards, you will return to the capital, Beijing.

Day 4: Beijing to Xian

In the morning you’ll head over to the Forbidden City. During this visit to an unforgettable destination, you spend time in the more serene surrounding courtyards and rooms. Climbing the artificial coal hill just behind the Forbidden City provides a spectacular view of the entire site and lets you get a grasp of the layout of the whole of Beijing.

Later in the day you’ll travel to the train station for a night train in a soft sleeper cabin to Xi’an. In China, the train is the meeting place of the Chinese. People board the train, eat containers of instant noodles with water from their thermos in hand, gulp down unbelievable quantities of sunflower seeds, play cards, and clink glasses of beer or baijiu, the country’s rice liquor.

There exist many types of trains today. The most noticeable is the arrival of the ultra modern TGV, but the night trains provide a memorable experience. For anyone who has adventured in the different class cabins, this may be an unforgettable experience. There are: hard seat, soft seat, hard sleeper and soft sleeper train cabins. You’ll sleep overnight on the train.

Day 5: Xian

When you arrive in Xi’an, your local guide will welcome you and provide transportation to the hotel. You will then visit the infamous Terracotta Warriors. In 1974, a few farmers stumbled upon the warriors by accident. It’s believed that aristocrats buried their slaves alive and then put them in their future tombs or coffins so that they might serve their masters beyond the living realm.

Afterwards, you will take a bike tour for an hour to discover and glide through Xi’an without traffic jams and crowds. You can even test out a tandem bike for something with a little more jazz. At dinner, you will appreciate the unique ambience of a night market as you dine on the neighbourhood’s specialities of spiced lamb kebabs, flatbread and mutton soup with noodles. Overnight in Xi’an.

Day 6: Xian to Guilin

The day begins with your journey to the airport and a visit along the way to the tomb of Emperor Jing located nearby. The importance of the contrast between the two excavation sites near Xi’an makes this visit essential. Next, you will fly to Guilin where your guide will meet you.

This region is best known for its numerous minorities and its fantastic countryside of rocky peaks bordering the Li River, uncountable caves, the Longsheng terrace paddy fields and the Detain waterfalls. This part of your trip will see you take in spectacular nature and scenery.

You will discover the Reed Flute Clave which gets its name from the numerous reeds growing at the entrance of the cave. Local tradesmen use these reeds for the fabrication of flutes. When you enter the cave, you will have the opportunity to explore the cave’s stalactites and stalagmites that create a game of light across the cave’s walls with the use of a flashlight.

You will end your day with a walk around Shan Lake known for its two superb Sun and Moon pagodas.

Day 7: Guilin to Yangshuo

Your guide will transport you to the pier to begin the cruise on the Li River. Eighty-three kilometers separate Guilin, the capital of the province, from Yangshuo, a small market town. The town’s buildings follow the famous Li River where they are overshadowed by picturesque hills with fantastic names: the Elephant Trunk Hill and Folded Brocade Hill. These superb natural formations have inspired poets, painters and photographers, and are seen today as one of the most capturing visits in the country.

Even though the majority of voyagers stop in Yangshuo to spend time on the commercial West Road, we suggest that you pursue your own trek on a bike to explore the countryside environment with its rice paddies, water buffalo and small villages. For the night’s stay, you will have the choice to stay in Yangshuo itself or outside the town so you can be closer to nature.

Day 8: Yangshuo to Shanghai

Arrive in Shanghai and immediately immerse yourself in the city’s futuristic ambiance with a ride on the Maglev, symbolizing China’s leap into modernity.

Your journey takes you to Lujiazui, the financial heartbeat, where you stand among giants like the Shanghai World Financial Center, marveling at the city from its sky-high observatory. Navigate through the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel, emerging onto the historic Bund. Here, the architectural grandeur of colonial buildings juxtaposes the city’s skyscrapers, offering a narrative of Shanghai’s evolution.

Conclude your day wandering the vibrant Nanjing Road, where the energy of Shanghai’s commerce and culture pulses brightly, offering a lively end to a day of exploration.

Day 9: Shanghai

Today, you can visit three museums of very different styles. We will start with the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Centre, and more precisely the model layout of Shanghai which covers a large part of the 3rd floor. This model city will let you get your head around the layout of Shanghai, and understand its size.

From here you will head to one of the most famous and prestigious museums in the country, and in Asia: The Shanghai Museum. The collection of bronze statues on the first floor is unrivaled, and is complemented by several jade pieces of artwork, as well as Qing Dynasty furniture, Buddhist sculptures, and other pieces of Chinese artwork.

For those interested in art, the day will end with a visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA).

Day 10: Shanghai

Start your exploration in the serene Fuxing Park, where the morning air is filled with the energy of locals practicing tai chi, dancing, and enjoying the communal spirit of Shanghai. Stroll through the leafy avenues of the French Concession, a district that captures the essence of Shanghai’s historical charm with its preserved European architecture and buzzing street life.

Venture into Xintiandi and Tianzifang, where the city’s old lanes have transformed into vibrant centers of art, cuisine, and fashion, reflecting the dynamic fusion of tradition and modernity.

The day softly ends with a traditional Chinese massage, allowing you to unwind and reflect on the intricate layers of Shanghai’s history, culture, and its continuous march toward the future, encapsulating the spirit of this ever-evolving metropolis.