CHINA YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW (16 DAYS)
Beijing often serves as the perfect starting point for any trip to China. As the national capital for 800 years, Beijing is not only a forward-looking metropolis shaping China’s rapid development but also a guide to its rich history. Beijing is home to many iconic and fascinating historical sites, including the Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City and The Great Wall.
Xi'an, which means "Eternal Peace ", is a city brimming with valuable historical and cultural heritage, where the past meets the present in the most captivating way.
The most famous discovery in Xi’an, the legendary Terracotta Amry of Emperor Qin, remains a timeless wonder. Stroll through the Tang Dynasty Culture Street and experience the ancient glory of China’s imperial capital, just as it was thousands of years ago.
Guilin owes its fame to its stunning landscapes and unique natural beauty. With its towering hills, crystal-clear rivers and breathtaking karst caves, Guilin is one of the most famous cities in China.
The Li River, well-known for its fantastic natural scenery like green mountains, crystal-clear waters, caves and unique rock formations, symbolizes the very essence of Guilin.
Hangzhou, located on the edge of the Yangtze Delta in Zhejiang province, is a popular tourist destination for both Chinese and international tourists. The city boasts lush, green parks, a pleasant climate, a rich cultural heritage as the former capital of the Song Dynasty. Hangzhou is most famous for the West Lake, also called Xi Hu, in the heart of a lush landscape surrounded by mountains, where beauty meets tranquility.
Located in the southern part of Anhui Province.Huangshan, literally meaning “Yellow Mountain is one of China’s most famous scenic spots as well as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Huangshan is well known for its majestic granite peaks, the iconic ancient Huangshan pine trees, and stunning views of sunsets, cloud seas, and winter snow. It has long been a source of inspiration for both traditional and modern Chinese art and literature, making it a must-see destination for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts.
Charming Suzhou, a vibrant city with over 2 million inhabitants, is often called the “Venice of the East”, for its network of canals, with nearly half the city covered with water. Stroll through its cobblestone streets and flower-lined avenues, and you will feel its rich history and culture. As the birthplace of the Wu civilization, Suzhou is a city steeped in tradition. Known for its beauty and famous silk industry, Suzhou preserves the charm of its historic neighborhoods amidst rapid urban development. Its exquisite gardens, dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, are famous across China and gaining global recognition.
Shanghai, the largest and the most modern city in China, will showcase the incredible development and transformations of the nation.
Day 01 - Canada Hometown – Beijing （China Airline/Air China/Air Canada）
Depart for Beijing on an international flight. Overnight on board.
Day 02 - Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, the imperial capital of China with a history over 3000 years. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a dedicated airport transfer service and then check in at the hotel.
Hotel: Beijing Longcheng Wyndham Hotel Changping (5-star) or equivalent.
Day 03 - Beijing (Breakfast, Lunch)
After breakfast, begin your exploration of Beijing, the heart of China. Visit Tian'anmen Square, followed by a tour of the magnificent Forbidden City, the imperial palace with its iconic royal red walls. For centuries, this grand building was reserved exclusively for the royal family, barring access to ordinary citizens. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After the tour, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a visit to another UNESCO World Heritage Site - the Temple of Heaven, where emperors prayed for good harvests.
Hotel: Beijing Longcheng Wyndham Hotel Changping (5-star) or equivalent
Day 04 - Beijing (Breakfast, Lunch)
Visit one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, the Great Wall of China. This sandstone and earthen engineering marvel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built between the 3rd century BCE and the 15th century CE, spanning approximately 4,000 miles. We explore its winding paths and admire the majestic panorama of the ramparts. Afterwards, return to Beijing to visit the National Stadium (Bird's Nest) built for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games (exterior view for photos).
Hotel: Beijing Longcheng Wyndham Hotel Changping (5-star) or equivalent
Day 05 - Beijing -Xian (Breakfast)
After breakfast, visit the ancient district of Beijing.
Optional activity + lunch (at your own expense US$50 /person): Take a pedicab ride through the hutongs, visiting the families who still live in this historic community and discovering the preserved courtyards. We will have lunch at a local family home.
Next, we take a high-speed train to Xi'an, one of China’s oldest cities and the starting point of the Silk Road. With a history of over 3,100 years, this city has played a central role in one of China's most brilliant cultural periods.
Accommodation: Five-star DoubleTree by Hilton or equivalent
Day 06 – Xi’an (Breakfast, Lunch)
Visit the magnificent Terracotta Army, also called the “Eighth Wonder of the World”. Buried more than 2,000 years ago in the tomb of the First Emperor of Qin, this vast collection of 8,000 life-sized soldiers, archers and infantrymen is designed to accompany him into the afterlife. Each figure is unique in its detail. The site was discovered in 1974 by local farmers and it is now an incredible archaeological marvel.
In the afternoon, we will visit the Great Wild Goose Pagoda Square.
Optional activity (at your own expense, US$70/person): Enjoy a traditional dumpling dinner and Tang dynasty dance performance.
Accommodation: Five-star Double Tree by Hilton or equivalent
Day 7 – Xi’an – Guilin (Breakfast, Dinner)
Take a flight to Guilin, known as “the forest of Osmanthus”. Upon arrival, you will be picked up and begin a tour of Guilin’s scenic spots.
Accommodation: Five-star Grand Link Guilin Hotel or equivalent.
Day 8 - Guilin - Yangshuo (Breakfast, Lunch)
Take a bus to Yangshuo, where you will board a small boat to visit the beautiful Li River, and in the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the ancient West Street.
Accommodation: Jasper International Yangshuo Hotel or equivalent
Day 9 - Yangshuo - Guilin (Breakfast, Lunch)
Return to Guilin and visit Elephant Trunk Hill. Then explore a tea garden plantation. Yo u will have free time to relax and enjoy the beautiful city of Guilin in the afternoon
Accommodation: Five-star Grand Link Guilin Hotel or equivalent
Day 10 - Guilin - Hangzhou (Breakfast, Dinner)
Take a flight to Hangzhou, well-known for the saying, “There is heaven above, and Suzhou and Hangzhou below.” This beautiful historical city is famous for its West Lake. Enjoy a boat trip on the lake and visit Longjing Tea Garden, where the best green tea in China is produced.
Accommodation: Five-star Fubang Lijia International Hotel or equivalent
Day 11 - Hangzhou- Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) (Breakfast, Lunch)
After breakfast, take a comfortable 3-hour bus ride to Huangshan, one of China’s most famous scenic spots and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Upon arrival, visit the Ancient Village of Tunxi and Nanping Village, where you’ll have the chance to explore the traditional Huizhou culture and admire well-preserved historic architecture.
Accommodation: Five-star Huangshan International Hotel or equivalent
Day 12 - Huangshan (Breakfast, Lunch)
After breakfast, take the cable car (round trip) to explore the stunning Huangshan Mountain. Enjoy a scenic ride, where you’ll have the opportunity to take in the breathtaking views. Afterwards, enjoy lunch on the mountain, surrounded by nature’s beauty. In the afternoon, spend some free time in the old streets after descending the mountain.
Accommodation: Five-star Huangshan International Hotel or equivalent
Day 13 - Huangshan-Suzhou (Breakfast, Lunch)
After breakfast, take the bus to Suzhou, known as the "Venice of the East" and the birthplace of silk in China. Suzhou is famous for its classical gardens. Upon arrival, visit the LIU Garden, one of the most renowned gardens in Suzhou. Afterwards, explore a Silk Factory, a key part of Suzhou’s heritage.
Accommodation: Suzhou Renaissance hotel (five-star) or equivalent
Day 14 - Suzhou– Shanghai (Breakfast, Lunch)
After breakfast, Take the bus to Shanghai, China’s bustling metropolis. We will stroll along the Bund, a historic waterfront area offering stunning view. Next, we will visit Yu Garden in Shanghai’s Old Town, a classic example of traditional Chinese garden design. Afterwards, we will explore one of Shanghai's main shopping streets, the Nanjing Road, one of the busiest pedestrian streets in the world.
Accommodation: Five-star Pullman Shanghai Qingpu Excellence Hotel or equivalent
Day 15 - Shanghai (Breakfast)
After breakfast, visit Shanghai Museum, famous for its impressive collection of Chinese art and cultural relics. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore the city at your own pace.
Optional activity (at your own expense, US$45/person): Huangpu River Cruise tour + lunch
Accommodation: Five-star Pullman Shanghai Qingpu Excellence Hotel or equivalent
Day 16 – Shanghai -Canada (Breakfast)（China Airline /Air China /Air Canada ）
After breakfast, enjoy some free time before we transfer you to Shanghai Pudong International Airport to conclude your trip.
Workshops included in the package:
Chinese Tea Garden in Guilin or Hangzhou
Natural Silk Workshop in Suzhou
Jade Workshop in Xi'an
Pearl Workshop in Beijing
Voyages Polaris