Beijing to Yunnan & Hong Kong

Arrive in Beijing today, where you’ll be met by your guide and driver and transferred to your hotel for check-in.

After settling in, enjoy leisure time exploring the city at your own pace. You can stroll through bustling Wangfujing Street for shopping and street food, visit a local tea house, or relax in a nearby park. Alternatively, unwind at the hotel to prepare for your exciting adventure ahead.

After breakfast today, meet your tour guide in the lobby of the hotel. Begin your day at Tiananmen Square, one of the world’s largest public squares, rich in historical and cultural significance. Admire the iconic portrait of Mao Zedong displayed above the Tiananmen Gate, and consider visiting Mao's mausoleum at the square's far end.

Next, stroll to the Forbidden City (closed on Mondays), the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Explore its 800 buildings and 9,000 chambers, where emperors ruled, empresses wandered in lush gardens, and imperial life flourished for over five centuries behind towering red walls.

Later, you will visit the Temple of Heaven, a stunning royal complex where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties once worshipped and prayed for prosperous harvests. Admire the architectural masterpiece of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, an iconic symbol of Beijing and a testament to China's imperial heritage. You will be returned to the hotel after your tour, and the rest of the day is at leisure.

Beijing - Great wall - Beijing. Today, you will be transferred to the Huanghuacheng section of the Great Wall, one of the most scenic stretches of this iconic landmark. It offers a fantastic spot for a moderate hike. The Great Wall here offers stunning views, especially from its elevated position overlooking two lakes created by dams built in the 1970s and ‘90s. Later, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a pearl store, where you can explore exquisite local craftsmanship. Then it's back to our hotel in Beijing.

Beijing - Xi'an. After breakfast, you will be transferred to Beijing West Railway Station for your high-speed train journey to Xi’an. Known as “Chang’an” before the Ming Dynasty, Xi’an boasts a deep historical legacy, reflecting its pivotal role in past Chinese dynasties. You will travel unescorted on the train.

Upon arrival, your guide and driver will meet you, then take you to the Muslim Quarter of Xi'an. Here, you can enjoy the fragrant smells from numerous food stalls, and can try local specialties such as Halal skewers, roast mutton, and persimmon cakes (at your own cost). Xi'an is home to one of the oldest Muslim communities in the world, founded over 1,300 years ago by Persian and Arab traders who settled during the Tang Dynasty after travelling the Silk Road. After exploring the Muslim Quarter, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Today, you will head to the UNESCO-listed Terracotta Warriors site, where a professional guide will help you uncover the secrets of this ancient army. Marvel at the life-sized warriors, horses, and chariots, all built to guard Emperor Qin Shihuang’s tomb. The site, discovered in the suburbs of Xi’an, houses over 8,000 soldiers and is one of the most important archaeological finds in history.

Next, visit a jade carving factory, where skilled artisans will demonstrate the delicate craftsmanship that goes into shaping jade into intricate works of art. Following this, you’ll drive to the ancient Xi'an City Wall. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely walk along this well-preserved structure, one of the largest military defensive systems in the world. You can also opt to rent a bike or electric bike to cycle along the top of the wall, exploring as much of it as you like. You are spending another night at your hotel in Xi'an.

Xi'an - Kunming. Today, you’ll take your included flight to Kunming, where you will be transferred to visit the Western Hill and Dragon Gate. Located on the western outskirts of Kunming, this park offers picturesque views over Dian Lake. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings, filled with lush greenery and vibrant flowers. As you explore, you'll come across the Dragon Gate Grotto, which is beautifully carved into the cliffside, adding a touch of elegance to this scenic location. After, you will transfer to the hotel in Kunming for your check-in.

Kunming - Dali. Today, you will visit the Black Stone Forest, where towering limestone pillars have been shaped by time and nature into a stunning and otherworldly landscape. Wander through the labyrinth of stone formations and marvel at the unique natural sculptures.

Afterwards, you’ll be transferred to the train station for your high-speed train journey to Dali (unescorted). On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a scenic boat ride on Erhai Lake, which lies between Mt. Cangshan and Dali City. On clear days, the sparkling waters and snow-capped mountains create a picturesque view.

Later, wander through Dali's ancient town, then visit the Three Pagodas, which stand at the foot of Mt. Cangshan, facing Erhai Lake. These symmetrical pagodas, built of brick and white mud, are an iconic part of Dali's history and are a national treasure, offering a glimpse into China's ancient Buddhist architecture.

Dali - Lijiang. In the morning, you will visit Xizhou, an ancient town located north of Dali City. Situated between Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, Xizhou was once a thriving commercial and industrial hub, and still showcases many traditional Bai minority buildings, giving you insight into the region’s cultural heritage.

Afterwards, you’ll be transferred by road to Lijiang, a journey of approximately 2.5 hours. Once there, you’ll meet your local guide and explore Lijiang Old Town, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in China, steeped in Naxi culture.

Your day will conclude with a visit to Black Dragon Pool, where you can capture stunning photographs of the reflection of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Today, you will visit the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Snow Mountain), the most southerly snow-capped mountain in the Northern Hemisphere, known for its stunning views. It’s called "Heavenly Mountain" in the Naxi language and is renowned for its chain of 13 snow-covered peaks, resembling a giant flying dragon.

Next, you will explore the Baisha Murals in Baisha Village, the original settlement of the Naxi people. Here, you’ll find these priceless murals, displayed in ancient temples.

Later, you will also take a walk through Shuhe Old Town, an important stop on the Ancient Tea Horse Route and the earliest habitation of the Naxi ancestors. You'll spend a second night in Lijiang.

Lijiang - Shangri-La. Today, after breakfast, you will drive to Tiger Leaping Gorge (approximately 1.5 to 2 hours), one of the deepest gorges in the world, offering stunning views of the Golden Sands River and the surrounding mountains.

In the afternoon, you will continue your drive to Shangri-La (approx. 2 hours). Upon arrival, you will visit Dukezong Old Town, one of the oldest parts of the region, originally built in the 7th century as a key stop on the ancient Tea Horse Road.

Shangri-La - Kunming. Today, after breakfast, you will visit Songzanglin Monastery, also known as Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple complex in Yunnan Province.

Next, you will explore Pudacuo Forest Park, China’s first national park approved by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The park is renowned for its pristine landscapes, including scenic hills, meadows, and lakes. Resident wildlife here includes bears, leopards, and golden cats. Also, keep an eye out for numerous bird species and the elusive Yunnan snub-nosed monkey.

In the afternoon, you will take an included flight back to Kunming (approximately 1-1.5 hours). Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Kunming - Guilin. Today, you will be transferred to Kunming’s train station to board a high-speed train to Guilin (unescorted). Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. You may choose to wander through the picturesque city, take a relaxing boat ride along the Li River, or visit the local markets. Alternatively, enjoy the serene atmosphere by relaxing in one of the city’s parks or tea houses, soaking in the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Guilin - Yangshuo - Guilin. Today, you will transfer to the pier to embark on a Li River Cruise. As you journey along this renowned river, admire the stunning landscapes of rolling hills, bamboo forests, and crystal-clear waters, with traditional fishing boats and cormorants dotting the scene.

Upon reaching Yangshuo, you will enjoy an afternoon wandering through the town. You will explore Yangshuo Market, where you can discover local produce, and take a leisurely stroll down West Street, known for its vibrant shops and unique souvenirs. After an afternoon of exploration, you will transfer back to Guilin for the night.

Guilin - Hong Kong. This morning is free for you to enjoy at your leisure in Guilin. You may wish to explore the local parks, enjoy a peaceful walk by the Li River, or simply relax and soak in the natural beauty of the area. There are plenty of charming spots to unwind, from local cafés to scenic viewpoints. Take your time to immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere before continuing your journey.

Later, you will be transferred to the train station to board the high-speed train to Hong Kong (approx. 3hr 15min). You will travel unescorted on the train. Once you have arrived in Hong Kong, you can make your own way to your hotel to check in and settle in for the evening.

Your tour comes to an end after breakfast and hotel check out. There is no included transfer, so make your own way to the airport for your onward flight.