Welcome to the Dragon’s Heart

Welcome to Beijing, China’s magnificent capital! Upon arrival at either Beijing Daxing International Airport or Beijing Capital International Airport, your dedicated driver will greet you at the arrivals hall and provide seamless transportation to your carefully selected downtown hotel. The remainder of your day is at leisure—perfect for recovering from your journey or beginning your exploration of this ancient yet dynamic metropolis.

Getting to Beijing: Beijing enjoys excellent connectivity through two world-class airports and an extensive high-speed rail network. Direct flights are available from major Chinese cities including Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xi’an, Guilin, and Hangzhou. High-speed rail connections offer scenic alternatives from Xi’an (4-5 hours), Shanghai (4.5-6 hours), and other major destinations.

Tiananmen Square • Forbidden City • Jingshan Park • Summer Palace 

(Breakfast & Lunch included)

Today unfolds as a magnificent journey through China’s imperial heritage, exploring legendary landmarks and architectural masterpieces.

Begin at Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square and China’s symbolic heart. This historic plaza has witnessed pivotal moments in Chinese history and offers iconic photography opportunities with the famous Tiananmen Gate.

Step through time into the Forbidden City, the world’s most extensive palace complex and former residence of 24 Chinese emperors. This UNESCO World Heritage site spans 500 years of history, serving as China’s political and ceremonial center throughout the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. With over 8,700 rooms, this “city within a city” rivals the Vatican in scale and significance. Your expert guide will bring to life the stories of emperors while you admire exquisite architecture and priceless artifacts along the central axis route.

Ascend Jingshan Park for breathtaking panoramic views encompassing both modern Beijing’s skyline and the Forbidden City’s distinctive vermillion rooftops—a photographer’s paradise.

Your afternoon journey continues to the Summer Palace, known as the “Museum of Royal Gardens.” This former imperial retreat showcases China’s finest landscape design through its harmonious blend of temples, pavilions, lakes, and bridges. Stroll through this pastoral masterpiece that captures the essence of traditional Chinese artistry.

Note: The Forbidden City closes on Mondays. Should your visit fall on this day, we’ll adjust the itinerary accordingly.

Mutianyu Great Wall • Olympic Venues Exterior

 (Breakfast & Lunch included)

Journey northwest (1.5-2 hours, 73km) to experience one of humanity’s greatest architectural achievements—the Great Wall at Mutianyu. This 2,000-year-old marvel stretches over 3,000 miles across northern China’s provinces.

Mutianyu offers the perfect Great Wall experience: the longest fully-restored section with fewer crowds, featuring 23 magnificent Ming-era watchtowers amid stunning natural scenery. Take the cable car to the 14th watchtower, then embark on an unforgettable walking adventure along the western route. Challenge yourself to reach the 20th watchtower while surrounded by verdant pines and cypresses—this is where Great Wall dreams come true.

Return to Beijing for exterior photography at the iconic Bird’s Nest (Beijing National Stadium) and Water Cube (Beijing National Aquatics Center), architectural marvels from the 2008 Olympics that also hosted the 2022 Winter Games.

High-Speed Rail Experience 

(Breakfast included)

Experience China’s remarkable high-speed rail system as you travel from Beijing to Xi’an (4.5-5.5 hours) in comfortable second-class seating. Upon arrival in Xi’an—the illustrious capital of 13 ancient Chinese dynasties—your driver will warmly welcome you and escort you to your centrally located hotel.

Terracotta Warriors • Ancient City Wall • Bell Tower

 (Breakfast & Lunch included)

Today reveals one of archaeology’s most spectacular discoveries. Journey to the Terracotta Army Museum (40km, 1 hour drive) to witness Emperor Qin Shihuang’s extraordinary underground army, created to protect him in the afterlife.

Marvel at approximately 8,000 life-sized terracotta figures—each uniquely crafted with individual facial features and expressions. Explore the largest pit containing over 6,000 figures, then discover the military formations including kneeling archers, standing warriors, and magnificent war chariots that demonstrate ancient Chinese military strategy and artistic mastery.

Return to Xi’an to explore the Ancient City Wall, one of China’s oldest, largest, and best-preserved fortifications. Walk along this Ming Dynasty marvel while enjoying panoramic city views from its watchtowers.

Conclude at the magnificent Bell Tower, a 600-year-old Ming Dynasty landmark that beautifully illuminates the evening sky. Experience Xi’an’s vibrant nightlife at Bell & Drum Tower Square, where you might witness enchanting musical fountains and traditional square dancing—a delightful glimpse into local culture.

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda • Muslim Quarter

 (Breakfast included)

Begin with the iconic Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi’an’s most recognizable symbol of Tang Dynasty magnificence. This seven-story architectural gem, housed within the serene Da Ci’en Temple, was built in AD 652 to preserve Buddhist sutras brought from India by the legendary monk Xuanzang—whose epic journey inspired the classic “Journey to the West.”

Explore the vibrant Muslim Quarter, a historic neighborhood behind the Drum Tower that has thrived for over 1,000 years. This cultural melting pot offers authentic culinary experiences and traditional crafts.

Fly to Guilin (2.5 hours) where your driver will provide airport transfer to your downtown hotel.

Li River Cruise • Yangshuo Countryside • West Street

 (Breakfast & Lunch included)

“East or west, Guilin’s landscape is best”—discover why today as you embark on the legendary Li River Cruise. National Geographic acclaimed this as one of the “world’s top 10 watery wonders.”

Your 4.5-hour scenic cruise covers 84 kilometers of breathtaking landscapes: winding rivers threading through towering limestone karst peaks, water buffalo grazing peacefully, farmers tending fertile fields, and picturesque villages nestled beneath dramatic hills. This living Chinese painting unfolds before your eyes.

In Yangshuo, cycle through the enchanting countryside where postcard-perfect karst formations rise from emerald rice paddies. This pastoral paradise offers the quintessential Chinese landscape experience. (Electric scooter rentals available for additional comfort)

Evening brings West Street’s cosmopolitan charm—a unique fusion of Eastern and Western cultures. This pedestrian thoroughfare buzzes with international restaurants, cozy bars, and artisan shops, creating the perfect atmosphere for your Yangshuo evening.

Elephant Trunk Hill • Reed Flute Cave 

(Breakfast included)

Begin with Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin’s beloved symbol situated where the Li and Peach Blossom Rivers converge. This natural sculpture resembles a giant elephant gracefully drinking from the river.

Explore the mesmerizing Reed Flute Cave, nature’s underground art gallery. Spectacular stalactites and stalagmites create fantastical formations resembling animals and plants. When illuminated by colorful lights, this “Crystal Palace” transforms into a magical wonderland.

Fly to Shanghai, China’s most international and dynamic metropolis. Your driver will ensure smooth airport transfer to your downtown hotel.

Shanghai Tower • Shanghai Museum • Yu Garden • Nanjing Road • The Bund

 (Breakfast & Lunch included)

Experience Shanghai’s extraordinary blend of tradition and modernity—truly the “Paris of the East.”

Ascend Shanghai Tower, China’s tallest building and the world’s second-tallest at 632 meters. Take the world’s fastest elevators (64 km/h) to the 118th-floor observatory, 546 meters above ground, for unparalleled 360-degree city views.

Discover treasures at the Shanghai Museum, housed in a building designed like an ancient bronze vessel symbolizing “round sky, square earth.” With 120,000 cultural relics spanning 5,000 years, including the magnificent Da Ke Ding bronze vessel and ancient musical instruments, this world-class collection showcases China’s artistic heritage.

Find tranquility in Yu Garden, Shanghai’s most celebrated classical Chinese garden, featuring exquisite architecture and masterful landscaping. The adjacent Yuyuan Bazaar offers delightful local delicacies and traditional crafts.

Conclude along Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street and The Bund—Shanghai’s most iconic promenade. This “Exhibition of International Architecture” features 52 historic buildings representing various architectural styles, while offering spectacular views of Pudong’s futuristic skyline.

Note: Museum visits may be adjusted based on closure schedules, with alternative venues including the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center or French Concession district.

Departure (Breakfast included)

Your extraordinary journey through China concludes with final moments of leisure in Shanghai. Enjoy last-minute exploration before your comfortable transfer to the airport or railway station.

Extension Opportunities: Ready to discover more of Asia? We’re delighted to arrange seamless extensions to other captivating destinations.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your cultural odyssey. We look forward to welcoming you back for future adventures across China and Asia.