Highlights of China

Immerse yourself in China's vast and beautiful diversity on this 15-day tour of its cultural and natural highlights. Climb the Great Wall and stare down the Terracotta Warriors, then head south into landscapes brimming with history. Rest your gaze on the giant Buddha of Leshan and explore ancient mountainside monasteries at Emei Shan before stepping out to experience the vibrant rural life and stunning scenery of Yangshuo. From Beijing to Shanghai and everything in between, discover all the highlights and still have time to explore on your own and with your CEO.

Day 1 Beijing
Arrive at any time. Attend a welcome meeting in the evening followed by an orientation walk with your CEO in the area of Beijing near the joining hotel. There will be an optional group dinner afterwards at a local restaurant.

Day 2 Beijing
Explore bustling Beijing including the famous Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City.

Day 3 Beijing
Head out to discover the wonders of the Great Wall of China.

Day 4 Beijing/Xi'an
In the morning catch a bullet train from Beijing to vibrant Xi'an. After settling in at your hotel go on an orientation walk with your CEO and visit points of interest around the city like the bustling Muslim Quarter. Known as one of Xi'an's most fascinating areas, you will pass the lovely and unusual Great Mosque and wander by food stalls with some of the best street eats in China.

Day 5 Xi'an
Visit one of China’s greatest archaeological treasures—the Terracotta Warriors. This evening, opt for a dumpling banquet with your CEO and group.

Day 6 Xi'an/Chengdu
In the morning board a bullet train to Chengdu and after getting settled at the hotel join an orientation walk around the city. In the evening sit down for a Hotpot dinner with the group.

Day 7 Chengdu
Enjoy a morning visit to see pandas at the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. Witness the conservation efforts being made to save this endearing species. Afterwards, take time for lunch on your own before your CEO will take the group to People's Park by metro for an orientation walk. End the walk in Tianfu Square, located in the city centre of Chengdu. Take the metro back to the hotel before an optional group dinner in the evening.

Day 8 Chengdu to Mt. E'Mei
Travel from Chengdu to Leshan this morning on a bullet train. Upon arrival the group will have time to grab lunch on their own before the included visit to the Giant Buddha. The building of the monument began in the year 713 and finished in the year 803 taking more than 90 years to carve. Thousands of workers expended their efforts on the project. Then, drive to the foot of Mt. E'mei, located southwest of Sichuan Basin. Continue to the monastery, home for the next 2 nights.

Day 9 Mt. E'Mei
Take the shuttle bus to Wannian Monastery Parking lot for the start of today's hike. Walk to Qingyin Ge, Guangfo Monastery, Fu hu Monastery, Shengshui Ge, Chun Yang Dian, Lei Yin Monastery. Finish at the WuXianGang Parking lot where the group can take the shuttle back to Baoguo Monastery, or choose to keep hiking to Fuhu Nunnery, then walking back to Baoguo Monastery. There will be free time before an optional group dinner in the evening.

Day 10 Emei Shan/Yangshuo
Travel by private vehicle to Leshan train station and hop on a bullet train to Yangshuo. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel, get settled, and then go on a CEO-led orientation walk before an optional group dinner.

Day 11 Yangshuo
Drive to Xingping pier and navigate the stunning Li River on a bamboo raft. Afterwards, take the local ferry across the river to get to the Dabeicun Village. Set off on a short walking tour led by your CEO. End the walk at the Jia Community Restaurant where the group will have lunch.

Day 12 Yangshuo
Enjoy free time for more activities and to explore this beautiful area. Opt to join a cycling tour through the countryside which includes lunch with a local family.

Day 13 Yangshuo/Shanghai
Catch a flight to Shanghai today and arrive in the late afternoon. Take an orientation walk down one of the city’s most famous streets, Nanjing Road and The Bund, a famous waterfront on the west bank of Huangpu River with a great view of the city's skyline.

Day 14 Shanghai
Temples, markets, gardens and colonial enclaves are around every corner. Spend some time immersed in Shanghai today. Start with a visit to the Shanghai Museum, one of the best in the country. Then, take the metro to Yuyuan Gardens for an optional visit and walk around the grounds. The remainder of the afternoon is free for optional activities in the area. There will be an optional group dinner in the evening.

Day 15 Shanghai
Depart at any time.