10-Day China Tour to Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Hongkong

Day 1 Arrive in Beijing

You'll be met on arrival in Beijing. On the way to the hotel, your guide will explain tomorrow's arrangements. Spend the rest of the day exploring the nearby streets, or resting and catching up on your jetlag. Beijing is a city of amazing contrasts-an ancient capital with some incredible historical sites, and a bustling modern metropolis getting ready to host the 2008 Olympics.

Day 2 Beijing

After breakfast head out for Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest public square, which is closely linked to the Forbidden City, from which the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties governed for over 500 years. Later you'll visit the Temple of Heaven, where the Emperors prayed for good harvests and rain, or gave thanks for the harvest. Today's itinerary includes a visit to the old Beijing handicraft workshop. Enjoy a spectacular Chinese kung fu performance this evening(B,L).

Day 3 Beijing

Leave town in the morning for the drive (a bit under two hours) to the Badaling Section of The Great Wall, which stretches for over 6000 km, and was originally built to protect China from the barbarians. You can walk and climb at your own pace, or enjoy spectacular views from the cable car. Before returning to the city you'll enjoy visiting the Changling (one of the Ming Tombs), and the attractive tree-lined Sacred Way, bordered by stone statues, along which the Emperors once trod to conduct their sacred ceremonies. During the day a visit to Jade Caving Factory or Cloisonne (enamelware) workshop is included. Dinner tonight is at Quanjude Restaurant, where you'll eat some of the best 'Peking Duck' in Beijing(B,L).

Day 4 Beijing to Xi'an

Your last stop in Beijing is a trip through the Hutong by rickshaw. This maze of narrow alleyways winding around the Forbidden City is fast disappearing, and you'll get a precious glimpse into their distinctive culture as you zigzag through them, drop into a primary school and a flea market, and have lunch with a local family featuring delicious Chinese dumplings. Those who are interested can learn how to make this traditional Chinese food. Later you will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight to Xi'an, then a half-hour's hike along the Ancient City Wall. (Bikes can be rented for around 20 yuan/hour)(B).

Day 5 Xi'an

Spend today visiting some marvelous historical sites in and around this most ancient city, which was the national capital for over 1,000 years, and the starting point of the Silk Road. Despite a lot of modern development Xi'an remains a charming city, and you'll enjoy visiting the Bell Tower, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Then out to see the incredible Terracotta Warriors and Horses(B,L).

Day 6 Xian to Guilin

Spend the morning at one of the best museums in China, the Shaanxi Historical Museum. Among the 400,000 items on display are treasures from many Dynasties, including some magnificent bronzes and porcelain, many of which have never been on permanent display before(B).

Day 7 Guilin

Guilin is famous for its stunning scenery, and the best way to see it is from the deck of a Li River Cruise boat. The boats leave from various wharves, according to river height at different times of the year, and you'll be transferred to the appropriate pier for an unforgettable trip downriver to the lovely old town of Yangshuo. You can spend the afternoon exploring the little town, or take an optional excursion to the local villages(B,L).

Day 8 Guilin to Hong Kong

Elephant Trunk Hill (which really does look like an elephant drinking from the river) and Reed Flute Cave, which is a vast and very impressive cave system, are two of the best attractions in the city. You fly on to Hong Kong in the afternoon. Air fare is included but airport to hotel transfer in Hong Kong in on your own. End of service. Following itinerary is on your own(B).

Day 9 Hong Kong

Free time on your own. Suggestion itinerary: Hong Kong is a fascinating combination of East and West but it has its own unique and distinctive culture. Your half day tour will take in Victoria Peak, Hong Kong's number one tourist destination. It features the 112 year old Peak Tram and Hong Kong's most unusual building, The Peak Tower. Next stop is Aberdeen Harbor which is home to hundreds of people living on fishing junks. If you would like close up look at this unusual way of life, you can take a sampan ride (US$10-12). Repulse Bay is the last stop today; it is one of Hong Kong's most exclusive residential areas(B).

Day 10 Depart from Hongkong

Free time on your own (suggestion: departure ).