Oriental Discovery - Small Group Tour 2020 - 11 Days

Stand in the heart of modern China at the world’s largest public square, a site of profound historical significance and grand architectural scale. Walk into or drive through (sedan/minivan) Tian'anmen Square to marvel at its iconic surroundings, including the Monument to the People's Heroes and the Great Hall of the People.
Constructed from 1406 at the very centre of Beijing, the Palace Museum is more widely known as the Forbidden City. Previously home to 24 different emperors, it is the largest palace complex in the world at approximately 720,000 square metres. Note: Closed on Mondays. In case of closure or ticket unavailability, the itinerary adjusts to Jingshan Park for a premier panoramic view overlooking the entire Forbidden City.
Completed in 1420, the Temple of Heaven is the largest complex of sacrificial buildings in China that still stands to this day. The temple was visited by Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1636-1912) emperors on an annual basis to pray to the heavens for a good harvest. The subtle employment of acoustic principles used in the construction of the Echo Wall, Triple Sound Stone and Dialogue Stone reflects the advanced architectural technology in use in ancient China.
Enjoy a fascinating Chinese Kung Fu Show, which celebrates the philosophy and skill of traditional martial arts.

The Great Wall is the largest ancient defensive project ever undertaken in China and even the world. Built continuously over 2,000 years starting in the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046-771 BC), the Great Wall now snakes its way across vast areas of northern and central China and has a total length of more than 20,000 km. The wall is a physical illustration of the Chinese philosophy of defending and tolerating rather than expanding and invading.
Take an outside tour to the Olympic Stadium, nicknamed Bird's Nest, and the National Swimming Centre, also known as the Water Cube.

This Qing Dynasty (1636-1912) imperial palace and garden (1636-1912) is the largest and best-preserved imperial garden in China. Modelled on the West Lake in Hangzhou and borrowing design techniques and artistic ideas from the gardens of Jiangnan south of the Yangtze River, this landscaped park offers the perfect summer retreat.
Dive into the heart of old Beijing with a visit to the Hutongs—a maze of historic, narrow alleys lined with traditional courtyard houses. To experience this vibrant neighborhood like a local, you will take a traditional rickshaw tour. Sit back and relax as your driver wheels you through the lively lanes, passing by local markets, ancient doorways, and hidden gardens. It is a wonderful, nostalgic journey that offers an intimate look at the city's traditional lifestyle away from the modern skyscrapers.

Unearth the secrets of the world’s most significant archaeological discovery. Face the silent ranks of over 6,000 life-sized warriors, archers, and bronze chariots that have guarded the tomb of China’s First Emperor for over 2,200 years.
Small Wild Goose Pagodawas was built between 707–709 during the Tang dynasty to store the Buddhist scriptures brought from India.
Enjoy a tasteful Dumpling Banquet followed by an exquisite traditional Tang Dynasty Show.

Tips: Since the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show will be closed in Jan, Feb, Mar and Dec, we do not calculate the price of the show and dumpling dinner for tours starting during this period. Clients will enjoy a free night by themselves.

Located in the centre of Xi'an, the Xi'an City Wall was built in the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) over the previously existing palace walls of the Tang Dynasty. It is the best-preserved and largest city wall in China and extends a total of 13.74 kilometres. The wall has a moat, draw bridges, watchtowers, corner towers and other military defences.
The Shaanxi History Museum, a national comprehensive museum in Xi’an, highlights the development of Chinese civilization more than 5,000 years.
The Great Mosque, which blends Islamic mosque styles and traditional Chinese architectural elements, acts as one of the oldest and best-preserved Islamic mosques in China
The Muslim Snack Street is full of mouth-watering delicacies and snacks.

The Reed Flute Cave is a fascinating gallery of natural sculptures. Enjoy the radiating lights that illuminate the natural rock formation and stone pillars along the zigzag pathway in the cave.
The Elephant Trunk Hill is the landmark of Guilin's spectacular limestone karst hills. The shape of the hill is just like a huge elephant drinking water from the river with its trunk.

In the morning, meet your guide at the hotel and transfer to embark on a memorable Li River Cruise. Through this 3-hour journey of China's best known natural scenery, you can appreciate unique karst landscapes as well as verdant hills and lovely waters. Then, arrive at Yangshuo at about 13:00 and visit the nearby countryside around Yangshuo to see beautiful sceneries. The landscape of rice fields, fishponds and villages will not fail to impress you. Afterwards, drive back to Guilin.
West Street is the oldest street in Yangshuo, which started to develop 1,400 years ago. The street is called the biggest 'foreign language center' in China as it fused western and eastern culture. More than 100,000 foreigners come here each year. You can explore the uniqueness of the street by having a stroll.

Hong Kong airport-hotel transfer on your own arrangement.

Free day at leisure.