China Ethnic Discovery Tour - 14 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.
Step into the majestic imperial palace where 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties ruled for five centuries. Explore the ceremonial courtyards and the exquisite private quarters of the royal family. 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.
Discover the Temple of Heaven, a timeless masterpiece of traditional Chinese imperial architecture. For centuries, ancient emperors held grand solemn rituals here to worship heaven and pray for favorable weather and abundant harvests. Admire its exquisite layout, profound cultural connotations and classic imperial architectural charm that embody ancient Chinese cosmology and ritual traditions

 

Dinner Suggestions: Iconic Peking Duck

Indulge in a signature feast at a renowned, time-honored restaurant. Savor the legendary roast duck, celebrated for its signature crispy skin, tender meat, and the subtle aroma of fruit-wood roasting.

Traverse one of the most extraordinary architectural wonders of the ancient world. This monumental landmark stands as a timeless testament to human ingenuity, ancient engineering prowess and China’s profound historical heritage.
Wander through the world’s largest and best-preserved imperial garden. Originally designed as a royal summer retreat, it features an exquisite collection of classical pavilions and bridges centered around the tranquil Kunming Lake.

The Hutongs are the historic arteries of Beijing, a network of narrow alleys that have defined the city’s soul since the Yuan Dynasty (1271 AD). More than just passages, they represent the pinnacle of China’s traditional neighborhood life and vernacular architectural art. From a bird’s-eye view, the seamless integration of these winding lanes and classic Siheyuan (courtyards) resembles an intricate, orderly chessboard, hiding a world of delicate gardens, scholarly rockeries, and ancient relics that whisper stories of a bygone era.

The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a famous for a magnificent view of the glacieris. The snow-covered mountain resembles a jade dragon lying in the clouds, hence the name.
The Baisha Village is one of the oldest towns in Lijiang as well as one of the earliest communities of the Naxi ethnic group. The 44 pieces of ancient murals there were carved in the early Ming Dynasty.
The Old Town of Lijiang (UNESCO) is one of the best-preserved ancient towns in China and is famous for its distinctive Naxi culture and ancient buildings.

Located 60 kilometres north of Lijiang City, the Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest and most spectacular river canyons in the world. Following an ancient trek, you will enjoy a magnificent close-up view of sharp cliffs and roaring water.

The Ganden Songzanlin Monastery is the largest Xizang Buddhism monastery in Yunnan province. Built in the 17th century, during the reign of the Fifth Dalai Lama, it is often called ' the Little Potala Palace'.
The Pudacuo National Park is notable as the first national park in China to meet International Union for Conservation of Nature standards. It incorporates the Bita Lake and the Duhu Scenic Area, and holds the stunning view of three parallel rivers and dense deciduous forests.

The Stone Forest (UNESCO) is a typical Karst landscape formed some 270 million years ago. This geological wonder consists of limestone cliffs and peaks that have weathered into various shapes since their formation beneath the sea.

The Fubo Hill is a perfect spot to explore the limestone karst landscape in Guilin.

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 enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Ideas for leisure time in Yangshuo (optional tours): 1. Take a bamboo rafting on the Yulong River. Sitting in a chair on the raft and floating down the Yulong River, you will be impressed by the amazing natural beauty in the countryside. 2.Yangshuo County is dotted with rolling hills, bamboo forests and local villages. Taking an walking tour with your guide and explore this scenic countryside is not a bad choice. 3.Or you could join in a 3-hour Chinese Cuisine Cookery Class. It is a great chance to learn a course of Chinese dish from local people. Your friends and family will be amazed when you make them Chinese dishes at the party.

Today, take a 3-hour car ride to Longsheng. Longsheng is well known for its spectacular Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces. It is a beautiful place where the Zhuang and Yao ethnic people have lived for over the centuries. In the spring, when the terraces are full of water, they resemble irregular silver ladders; and in autumn, when the rice ripens, the mountains turn into golden waves.

Ideas for leisure time:

If time permits, you should not miss a boat tour of Two Rivers and the Four Lakes. The boat is available for whole day, but the best time to go is definitely during the evening. Smooth surface of quiet water reflects the lights of the Solar and Lunar Towers.

Owing to its ingenious design in Ming and Qing dynasties, the Yu Garden becomes a real museum of Chinese ancient architecture.
The Bund,featured outstanding European colonial architectures, is full of new skyscrapers and historical buildings in the center of Shanghai.
Step back in time and experience the historical heart of the city at Shanghai Old Town, where classic Jiangnan-style architecture and bustling street markets offer a fascinating contrast to the city's futuristic skyscrapers. Anchored by the 16th-century Yu Garden and the lively bazaar surrounding the City God Temple, this vibrant district allows you to wander through labyrinthine alleys lined with traditional gray-brick buildings, cross the iconic Nine-Turn Bridge, and sample world-famous local delicacies like Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) at historic eateries.

 

Leisure Time & Optional Experiences

Huangpu River Cruise: See Shanghai’s iconic skyline from the water on a Huangpu River Cruise. Sail past the Bund’s 52 historic colonial buildings and the futuristic skyscrapers of Lujiazui, including the Shanghai Tower and Oriental Pearl Tower. Choose a day cruise for clear architectural details or a night cruise (highly recommended) to see the city illuminated in a dazzling light show.

Shanghai Tower Skywalk Experience: Soar to new heights at the Shanghai Tower, China’s tallest building at 632 meters. Ride the world’s fastest elevator (18m/s) to the 118th-floor Top of Shanghai Observatory. Enjoy 360°panoramic views of the city, including the Bund’s colonial architecture, the Oriental Pearl Tower, and the winding Huangpu River.