Beijing, Yangshuo & Shanghai: China in Contrast

Upon arrival in Beijing, meet your local guide and enjoy some leisure time before the welcome dinner • Savor a Peking duck dinner in one of Beijing’s oldest kaoya restaurants.

Explore the Forbidden City, where emperors ruled for five hundred years • Wander through Beijing’s hutongs and watch cricket fighting as a true Beijinger.

Drive to Jinshanling, the outskirts of Beijing, and take a short gondola ride up the mountain • Hike along the Great Wall at Jinshanling, one of the greatest man-made wonders of the world, and enjoy a private champagne picnic.

FlyHead to the airport for the next flight to Guilin to Guilin • Enjoy the scenic route during the 1.5 drive from Guilin to Yangshuo • Witness the epic Impression Liu Sanjie, a spectacular outdoor performance of ethnic song and dance directed by Zhang Yimo, set against a natural amphitheater.

Learn basic techniques of the meditative and martial art from a taiji master • Visit the Ruyi Mountain, a stunning showcase of the region’s world-famous karst landscape, named for its distinct shape that mirrors the traditional Chinese “ruyi” scepter, an ancient symbol of good fortune • Glide down the tranquil Yulong River on a bamboo raft, taking in the karst peaks and lush scenery.

Explore Yangshuo’s bustling city market, navigating through vendors selling fresh produce, meats, and prepared foods • Discover Yangshuo’s picturesque countryside on a relaxing sidecar ride, stopping at hidden viewpoints • In a traditional courtyard home, enjoy tea and learn to prepare traditional Yangshuo delicacies.

Head to the airport for the next flight to Shanghai • Stroll down the Bund, rising majestically across the river from Shanghai’s electric skyline.

Get to know Shanghai’s local life at Fuxing Park, once a private Ming Dynasty park • Discover the blend of old and new in Xintiandi, where restored facades hide international eateries, boutiques, and bars • Explore the elegant streets of the Former French Concession, steeped in colonial charm and once home to Shanghai’s elite • Soar to the top of Shanghai Tower, one of the world’s tallest buildings, and experience breathtaking panoramic views of the city • Witness awe-inspiring feats performed by the death-defying ERA2 acrobats.

Join a knowledgeable guide for a tour of Shanghai’s breakfast stalls and market • Explore the historic Jade Buddha Temple in Shanghai, home to two precious Buddhist statues dating back to 1882 • Get lost in a colorful maze of Ming Dynasty-era alleyways filled with souvenir shops, street snacks, and the irresistible aroma of freshly made xiao long bao • Discover the philosophy and artistry behind this classical Chinese garden on a guided walk with a horticulturalist, exploring moon gates, rockeries, and symbolic plants like pine, lotus, and ancient ginkgo.

Your local guide will help you check in for your departure flight.