Beijing, Chengdu, Lijiang & Dali

Welcome to China! Arrive in Beijing before 11:00 a.m., where you'll be greeted at the airport by your local guide.

Kick off your exploration with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, a stunning example of religious architecture where emperors historically prayed for bountiful harvests. Nearby, immerse yourself in the lively marriage market, a fascinating social hub where parents search for suitable matches for their children.

After lunch at a local restaurant, transfer to your hotel for check-in and spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll set out to visit the Badaling section of the Great Wall. This was the first part of the Wall to be restored for tourism in 1957. Renowned for its accessibility and relatively easy walking conditions, it is the most visited and well-preserved section of the Great Wall, featuring broad, well-maintained paths and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Next, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a jade factory, where you can learn about and purchase exquisite jade jewelry.

After lunch, spend a leisurely time exploring the Summer Palace, where you can admire the blooming gardens grand pagodas. The Summer Palace is an impressive example of man-made beauty centered around Kunming Lake, an artificial body of water that was created by a labor force of over 10,000 workers. The rest of the evening will be spent at leisure.

Beijing - Xi'an. You’ll start your day by visiting Tiananmen Square, a site of profound historical importance where the People's Republic of China was founded and which has been the backdrop for numerous significant events in China’s history. Take a moment to admire the iconic portrait of Mao Zedong that hangs over the Tiananmen gates.

Next, you’ll proceed to the Forbidden City, the grand palace complex that served as the imperial residence for emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. This vast palace boasts over 800 opulent buildings and 9,000 chambers. Please note that the Forbidden City is closed on Mondays. If your visit coincides with a Monday or if tickets are sold out, you will have the option to visit the Lama Temple or Confucius Temple as alternatives.

Break for lunch, before transferring to Beijing West Railway Station. Here, you’ll board a high-speed train to Xi’an. Upon arrival in Xi’an, you’ll meet your local guide at the railway station and be transferred to your hotel for check-in.

Dive into history at the Terracotta Warrior Museum, where you can marvel at the collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. These life-sized figures were meticulously modeled after actual soldiers of the Qin Army, and the site includes approximately 8,000 soldiers, 100 chariots, and 600 horses - none of which are identical. This impressive army was created to guard the remains of Emperor Qin Shihuang, which are housed in a vast mausoleum complex.

Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local Chinese restaurant before continuing your exploration at Xi'an's ancient City Wall, one of the oldest and best-preserved city walls in China. You can walk or bike along the top of the wall, experiencing the stunning panoramic views of the city.

Then explore the Grand Mosque, the largest and one of the most significant Islamic places of worship in the country. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Muslim Quarter, where you can discover a wide array of food stalls offering local delicacies.

Xi'an - Chengdu. After breakfast at the hotel, start your day with a visit to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, one of China's most iconic Buddhist pagodas. Constructed during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), this pagoda is renowned for housing sacred scriptures brought from India by the monk Xuanzang.

Following your visit, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before transferring to the railway station for your high-speed train journey to Chengdu, approx. 3-4 hours.

Upon arrival in Chengdu, you will be greeted by your local guide at the railway station and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the evening is at your leisure.

Chengdu – Dujiangyan – Chengdu. Today you'll visit the Giant Panda Base in Dujiangyan, where you can observe these beloved creatures in their natural habitat. This conservation facility is renowned for its efforts in panda research and breeding, providing an unforgettable experience for animal lovers.

Following your panda adventure, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before spending a leisurely afternoon at People's Park, the largest green space in downtown Chengdu. With its lake, gardens, teahouses, and monuments, it's an ideal place to observe local life. Stroll along the lake, watch people sing and dance, or paint water calligraphy. You can also relax in a teahouse, where you can learn to play Mahjong or Chinese chess.

Next, visit the Narrow and Wide Alley, a historic area part of Chengdu’s Cultural Protection Project. This area features traditional courtyards (Siheyuan) and old alleys where notable figures once lived. The rest of the evening will be spent at leisure.

Chengdu - Lijiang. Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for your flight to Lijiang, with a flight time of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by your local guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Use the rest of the day to explore Lijiang at your own pace.

After breakfast at your hotel, embark on a visit to the historic Shuhe and Baisha old villages. Shuhe, known as 'Shaowu' in the Naxi language, translates to "village at the foot of the high mountain" and was recognised as a key part of Lijiang Ancient Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Baisha Village, the birthplace of Naxi culture and the ancient capital of the Naxi Kingdom, features the Baisha Mural, an important cultural treasure.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading to the Black Dragon Pool, a prominent landmark of Lijiang. Surrounded by lush greenery and willow trees, the pool offers a picturesque reflection of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

The evening is free for you to explore or relax, with dinner on your own.

Lijiang - Dali. This morning, drive to Dali with a private driver, and meet your local guide in Xizhou after approximately 3.5 hours. En route, explore Xizhou, where the Bai minority group's well-preserved old houses and streets provide a fascinating glimpse into the area's history.

Experience the Three Courses Tea performance, a traditional ceremony showcasing the artistry and cultural significance of tea in Bai culture. Enjoy lunch locally before transferring to your hotel upon arrival in Dali. The evening is free for you to explore Dali at your own pace.

Time to explore the wonderous Dali! Start your day with breakfast before heading to the Three Pagodas. Located at the eastern foot of Mt. Cangshan and facing Erhai Lake, the Three Pagodas are an iconic symbol of Dali, consisting of three independent pagodas arranged in a symmetrical triangle. Constructed of brick and coated with white mud, these pagodas are celebrated for their elegant and balanced design.

Next, transfer to the pier for a boat ride on Erhai Lake. Spanning 1.5 hours, this scenic cruise offers stunning views of the crescent-shaped lake nestled between Mt. Cangshan and Dali City.

After disembarking, opt to enjoy a 15km bike ride along the lake road, taking in the natural beauty of the surroundings. Afterwards, you'll be transferred back to your hotel, where you can spend the evening exploring the charming ancient town of Dali at your own pace.

Dali - Kunming. This morning, get ready to take a train to your next destination - Kunming. The train journey will take approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. Upon arrival, you'll be met by your local guide.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the Bamboo Temple. Established during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), this temple is the first dedicated to Zen Buddhism in Yunnan and is renowned for its collection of 500 unique arhat statues, each depicting a different range of emotions. Following your visit, transfer to your hotel with the night at leisure.

Explore Kunming's wonderous scenery as you head to the Black Stone Forest. This remarkable karst landscape features towering limestone formations, shaped by millions of years of erosion into an otherworldly maze of stone pillars and spires. These natural sculptures have even inspired local folklore and legends. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Black Stone Forest stands out for its geological significance and stunning natural beauty.

After exploring, return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Kunming - Hong Kong. After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the train station for your journey to Hong Kong, approximately 7.5 hours. Upon arrival in Hong Kong, make your own way to the hotel, with the rest of the evening at leisure to explore this stunning metropolis.

Your tour ends after breakfast. Make your own way to the airport for your departure flight, or contact us to book a departure transfer. We hope you enjoyed your journey through China and Hong Kong. Safe travels!