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Why Travel with Discover Beijing Tours
Unique Experiences
Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.Well-Selected Local Guides
Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and attentive — your personal local guides will share interesting stories, insider information, and even create unexpected highlights!Your Booking is Risk-Free
Cancel up to 24 hours before the travel date in advance for a full refund
13 Days Hong Kong to Beijing Tour with Rice Terraces, Pandas, Terracotta & Great Wall
How about starting your first time trip from Hong Kong – the biggest south gateway to China? This 13 days China tour arranges 7 destinations in one trip, combined comprehensive iconic highlights with different awesome experiences from Hong Kong to Beijing.
Hong Kong, the Asia culinary capital with amazing cuisine and also a fascinating melting pot of Chinese and Western cultures, is a popular destination to make a great extension to Guilin by bullet train. Spend enough time exploring in and around Guilin by visiting terraced fields, picturesque Li River, idyllic Yangshuo countryside. You can either by hiking, cruising, cycling, or bamboo-rafting to release yourself among rivers and mountains. Take the classic exploration with trip to Chengdu, Xian and Beijing for giant pandas, mighty Terracotta Warriors, Imperial Forbidden City and the Great Wall.
All the arrangements can be tailor made based on your interests and likes. Feel free to tell us your ideas and we are here local based in China to fulfill your China dream!
- Make sure everyone bring passport with
- Full names and passport numbers are required to book tickets for attractions.
Itinerary Quick Look
Day 1 Arrival in Hong Kong | Airport Pick-up and Hotel Check-in
Hong Kong, often referred to as the Pearl of the Orient, is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends Chinese and Western influences. This unique fusion creates a shopping paradise where traditional markets sit alongside modern malls. Visitors are drawn to the bustling streets filled with a mix of cultures, languages, and cuisines, creating an exciting and diverse atmosphere for all to enjoy.Upon arrival in Hong Kong, your local tour guide and driver will be waiting to welcome you and take you to your hotel. After that, the day is yours to explore and enjoy at your own pace. This free time allows you to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, bustling streets, and delicious cuisine that Hong Kong has to offer. Make the most of it by visiting iconic landmarks, trying local delicacies, or simply taking in the sights and sounds of this dynamic city.
Visiting Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple and Nan Lian Garden this afternoon is an excellent idea for exploring Hong Kong’s cultural and natural beauty. The temple is known for its serene atmosphere and vibrant architecture, while the garden offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city. Taking the time to visit these attractions will provide a unique insight into Hong Kong’s rich history and traditions. And enjoy a memorable walk along the Avenue of Stars and admire the stunning views of Victoria Harbor and Hong Kong Island with its numerous skyscrapers.If time permits, watching “A Symphony of Lights” at 20:00 in Hong Kong can be a mesmerizing experience. This outdoor audio visual feast transforms the skyline into a captivating display of lights and sounds, creating a sensory spectacle for all to enjoy.
Day 2 Hong Kong to Guilin by Bullet Train | Train Station Transfer
After breakfast, you will have some free time until your guide and driver arrive at your hotel lobby. They will then take you to the train station for your high-speed train to Guilin, which will take approximately 3.5 hours.
Upon your arrival at the train station in Guilin, the tour guide and driver will be waiting to welcome you at the exit. They will then accompany you to a carefully chosen hotel in downtown Guilin. This hassle-free transfer ensures a smooth start to your picturesque adventure in this stunning paradise in China.
Day 3 Guilin-Longji Rice Terrace (L)
Longji Rice Terrace Scenic Spot
Meet your tour guide in the lobby of your Guilin hotel, hop on your private air-conditioned vehicle, heading directly to Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces which takes about 2 hours, sit back and enjoy the sceneries along the way.
Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces
The construction of incredible Longji Rice Terraces started in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) and lasted till the early Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). It is reputed as one of the most beautiful rice terraces in the world. Among them, two main and representative viewing areas are the Ping’an Zhuang Village Terraced Fields and the Jinkeng Terraced Fields where Zhuang and Yao Minority people have been living respectively for hundreds of years.
Huangluo
Your first stop is Huangluo Long Hair Village, and enjoy an amazing long hair show. Huangluo village in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region is home to descendants of the Yao ethnicity. The women here are characterized by their red embroidered dress and their long hair, which is long enough to have their home recognized as the “world’s longest hair village” by Guinness World Records. The long hair that women of the Yao ethnic group have kept for generations is a symbol of auspiciousness. You will have lunch in the local village.
Dazhai
During lunch, discuss with your tour guide about the routine interests you most, then set off and explore. Typically you will start with the Jinkeng/Dazhai Rice Terrace. There are three popular viewpoints at Dazhai: Music from Paradise, Thousand Layers to the Heavens, and Golden Buddha Peak. You will drive 40 minutes to Dazhai(Hongyao Jinkeng)Rice Terrace. Take the convenient cable car about 20 minutes directly to Golden Buddha Peak.During the cable car ride, you will enjoy amazing view of No 3 sightseeing zone. Upon arrival, follow your tour guide and take an easy walk around to snap photos from different location which will give you an unexpected shot. You will take your time when visit the locations where you may explore and create fantastic photographs. After the tour, you will descend by cable car. After the tour, you can choose to end your tour in Longsheng or return Guilin.
Ping’an Village
Second option for this tour is to visit Ping’an Rice Terrace after lunch. You will drive 30 minutes to Ping’an village. Follow your tour guide to hike and explore. Compared with Dazhai Rice Terrace, Ping’an village are smaller in scale, they are still considered very beautiful and offer the undulating and intricate scenery that lives up to the name of “dragon’s spine.” You will explore two famous scenic spots – West Hill Music or No.1 viewing platform, and Large-scale Thousand-Layer Terraces or No.2 viewing platform. After the tour finished, you will be transferred to your hotel in Guilin.
Day 4 Guilin-Yangshuo (B, L)
Li River
Your private English-speaking guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel’s lobby at 8:00am and you will be transferred to Zhujiang Pier, where you will embark and start the boat cruise down the Li River to Yangshuo County. The Li River Cruise is considered as the highlight of any visit to Guilin.
Gui Lin Zhujiang pier
Along the river, enjoy breathtaking views of peaks and pinnacles, crystal-clear water and picturesque pastoral countryside scenery. The river generally has three sections. Various attractions like peaks and villages along the river have interesting descriptive names, which calls for much of your imagination to see what it is like. Listening to tour guide’s legendary stories about the attractions is a delightful experience when you are appreciating the landscapes. Most are mystical fairy and love stories. The cruise usually takes around 3.5 to 4 hours, depends on water condition.
West Street
Arrive Yangshuo at 1:30 pm, stroll around West Street with your tour guide, explore various shops, craft-works shops, painting and calligraphy stores, backpack shops, cafes, your tour guide will help you to negotiate price if you want to purchase any souvenir.
Shili hualang
In the afternoon, you will explore the Ten-Mile Gallery in Yangshuo. Sauntering down a country road makes you feel like you are travelling in a painting. This is true of the Ten-Mile Gallery in Yangshuo County, a fairyland on earth. As the name implies, Ten-Mile Gallery is a picturesque road stretching from the Yangshuo town area to Moon Hill, endowed with rolling hills, endless fields, idyllic villages and clear rivers on both sides.
Butterfly Spring Park
Along Ten-Mile Gallery, there are few famous sites you should no miss, such as Butterfly Spring Park. In the park, peculiar peaks, grotesque rocks, magnificent waterfalls, and bubbling springs can be found everywhere. A winding path meanders to the sightseeing terrace where you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of Ten-Mile Gallery.
Moon Hill
Your last stop is Moon Hill, let your tour guide know if you want to stop to take photos. After the tour, you can choose to end your tour in Guilin.
Day 5 Guilin to Chengdu by Flight | Elephant Trunk Hill
After breakfast, transfer back to Guilin for further exploration. Begin your visit to the Symbol of Guilin – Elephant Trunk Hill. This iconic landmark resembles an elephant drinking water from the Li River, offering a picturesque setting for sightseeing and photography.The Reed Flute Cave is a classic example of karst landform. The stunning stalactites and stalagmites inside resemble various animals and plants, creating a mesmerizing natural wonder. A visit to this cave offers a unique opportunity to witness the beauty of nature’s artistry, as the formations have been shaped over centuries into intricate and fascinating shapes. Once the tour concludes, you will be guided to the airport to catch your flight to Chengdu, a journey that will take approximately 2 hours.
Upon your arrival in Chengdu, a guide will greet you at the airport exit and accompany you to your hotel in downtown Chengdu. This service ensures a smooth transition from your journey to your accommodation, allowing you to relax and settle in without the stress of navigating the city on your own. This personalized touch adds a welcoming touch to your experience in Chengdu, setting the tone for an enjoyable stay in the panda hometown.
Day 6 Chengdu Classic Tour | Chengdu Panda Base, Jinli Old Street
After breakfast, embark on a 17-kilometer drive to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. The journey promises an exciting opportunity to witness these majestic creatures up close and personal. With its lush greenery and dedicated conservation efforts, the base offers a unique and enriching experience for panda enthusiasts. Get ready to immerse yourself in the world of these adorable creatures and create unforgettable memories at this renowned panda sanctuary.The Chengdu Panda Base, also known as the base with the largest captive giant panda population globally, houses over 100 pandas. This significant number provides researchers and conservationists with invaluable opportunities to study and protect these iconic animals. The base’s dedication to the well-being and preservation of pandas is evident through its extensive efforts in breeding, research, and public education.Explore the Panda Museum to unveil the secrets of these fascinating creatures. Delve into their history, behaviors, and conservation efforts. Get a closer look at the unique characteristics that make pandas so beloved worldwide. The Panda Museum is a gateway to a deeper understanding and appreciation of these iconic animals.
After exploring the bustling city of Chengdu, a visit to the Wenshu Monastery offers a serene escape. The tranquil ambiance of the monastery provides a peaceful retreat, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rich Buddhist culture and history. The well-preserved architecture and serene gardens create a calming environment that encourages reflection and mindfulness. This experience offers a unique opportunity to connect with spirituality and find inner peace amidst the city’s hustle and bustle.Visiting Renmin Park in Chengdu offers a glimpse into the leisurely lifestyle of the local people. You can observe them partaking in activities like tai chi, playing traditional instruments, and engaging in leisurely conversations. The serene atmosphere and slow-paced way of life in the park provide a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city, allowing visitors to truly immerse themselves in the local culture and witness firsthand how the residents of Chengdu enjoy their daily routines.After exploring the historical treasures of Ancient Shu Kingdom, a relaxing stroll at Jinli Old Street in downtown Chengdu offers a charming glimpse into over 1,800 years of history. This bustling street showcases the deep cultural roots of the region, providing visitors with a unique experience of traditional crafts, local delicacies, and vibrant atmosphere. Strolling through Jinli Old Street is a wonderful way to immerse oneself in the rich heritage and vibrant spirit of Chengdu, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a taste of the city’s ancient allure.
Walking down a traditional stone-paved street offers a sensory delight of local snacks, delicate artifacts, and captivating folk shows. The charming ambiance of such streets immerses visitors in the rich culture and history of the area. Sampling the delicious local snacks and admiring the intricate artifacts adds a unique flavor to the experience. The vibrant folk shows provide entertainment and a glimpse into traditional customs, making the walk truly memorable.
Day 7 Chengdu to Xian by High Speed Train
After breakfast, you are free to explore on your own until you are escorted to the train station for a high-speed train to Xian. The journey takes about 3.5-4 hours. Once you arrive in Xian, you will be welcomed to a city rich in history and culture.
Day 8 Xian City Tour | Terracotta Warriors, Ancient Wall, Muslim Quarter
The Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses
Meet up at the lobby of your Xi’an Downtown hotel in the morning, greeting by your knowledgeable and friendly personal guide then transferred by an air-conditioned vehicle to the world-famous Terracotta warriors museum. Terracotta warriors, known as “the Eighth Wonders of the World”. Your tour guide will explain the related histories and stories on the way, feel free to ask questions if you have. The museum divided into three sections: No.1 Pit, No.2 Pit, and No. 3 Pit. The original site was found by four local farmers while drilling a well in 1974 and now it has turned into the most important attraction in Xi’an. Stroll around the museum and get rich information from your tour guide.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayanta)
Enjoy a delicious lunch in a local restaurant, then drive to Xi’an city and visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. As the symbol of the old-line Xi’an, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is a well-preserved ancient building and a holy place for Buddhists. Originally built in 652 of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), Big Wild Goose Pagoda functioned to collect Buddhist materials that were taken from India by the hierarch Xuanzang, who travelled along the Silk Road for 17 years and traversing 100 countries, finally arriving in India. He obtained Buddha figures, 657 kinds of sutras, and several Buddha relics. Stroll around the area with your tour guide, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the Da Ci’en Temple, and different halls, squares and gardens. Get rich information about the ancient Silk Road, Buddhism in China, histories and stories about this UNESCO attraction. Feel free to ask questions if you have.
Muslim Quarter
Afterwards, heading to Muslim Quarter, It is the hub of the Muslim community in Xi’an City, Follow your tour guide to stroll around the Muslim food and souvenir market. Try delicious local snacks if you want at your own cost. After the tour finished, you will be transferred to your hotel in Xi’an.
Day 9 Xian to Beijing by High Speed Train
Upon arrival in Beijing, having a guide meet you at the train station and accompany you to your hotel ensures a smooth transition into the city. This personal touch can alleviate any travel fatigue and provide a sense of security in an unfamiliar place. Enjoy a good night’s rest, knowing that you are in good hands for the duration of your stay.
Day 10 Beijing City Tour | Tian’anmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace
Today you will spend the whole day exploring the ancient citadel Beijing through China’s famous landmarks, epic imperial grandeur and royal gardens.
After breakfast, your guide will pick you up at your hotel and then head to Tian’anmen Square, which is the world’s largest public square and also the symbol of China. It has witnessed many big events in China over the past decades and from here you can take good pictures of Tiananmen Gate showing on CCTV News every day.
Walk across the square and you will visit the might and splendor of the awe-inspiring Forbidden City, the world’s largest palace complex and one-time home to 24 emperors of China. Listed as a world heritage site, Forbidden City has about 500 years’ history, and served as the political and ritual center of China during the Ming (1368-1644) and the Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. With over 8,728 rooms, the Forbidden City is not only China’s largest and best-preserved collection of ancient buildings, but also a city within the city, like the Vatican in Rome. Enter through Meridian Gate and visit along the central axis to ensure you won’t miss any highlighted palaces. You can admire its brilliant architecture and numerous ancient art treasures while listening to your guide and learning more about the emperors’ stories hidden inside the Imperial Palace. Later, take another 15-minute walk up to Jingshan Park, where you can have a magnificent panorama of modern Beijing and princely views over the russet roofs of the Forbidden City.
In this afternoon, drive to the “Museum of Royal Garden” – Summer Palace, which used to be the resort for royal families to flee summer heat. The grounds, temples, gardens, pavilions, lakes, bridges, gate-towers, and corridors are a marvel of landscaping. Enjoy the leisure walk and take your time to appreciate the imperial architectures, hilltop views, and beautiful lakes, which offer a pastoral escape into the landscapes of traditional Chinese painting.
Recommended Optional Activity: You can try the famous Peking Roasted Duck at Quanjude this evening.
Day 11 Beijing Great Wall Tour | Mutianyu Great Wall, Bird’s Nest & Water Cube
In this morning, you will head northwest of Beijing (about 1.5-2 hours’ drive, 73km) to the Great Wall at Mutianyu. The Great Wall boasts a history over 2,000 years and stretches more than 3,000 miles across several provinces of northern China, making it one of the most impressive ancient masterpieces on the planet. Mutianyu Great Wall is connected with the Jiankou Great Wall in the west and the Gubeikou Great Wall in the east. Mutianyu is the longest and best fully-restored Great Wall with fewer tourists and is also famed for its 23 Ming-era watchtowers and stunning views. Take the cable car up to the 14th watchtower and then enjoy the memorable hiking time on the wall while visiting its western route. With the green pines and cypresses covering the surrounding area, and the winding wall standing majestically on the vast land, you will capture the most stunning natural scenery in this section. Challenge yourselves while climbing up to the 20th watchtower where you could fulfill your Great Wall dream. Cherish the chance and take photos as many as you like!
After the once-in-lifetime experience, head back to downtown Beijing and have the chance to take photos with the exterior of the Bird’s Nest (Beijing National Stadium) and Water Cube (Beijing National Aquatics Center). They were both designed for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and used for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games. After that, transfer back to your hotel and have a good rest tonight.
Day 12 Departure from Beijing | Temple of Heaven, Hutongs, Hotel Check-out and Airport See-off
This morning you will head to Temple of Heaven. Located in Beijing’s Tiantan Park, the Temple of Heaven is much bigger than the Forbidden City and smaller than the Summer Palace. As a World Heritage, the Temple of Heaven (Taoist temple) is also known for its rigorous symbolic layout, peculiar structure, and magnificent decoration. The Temple of Heaven used to be a place to offer sacrifice to Heaven by 22 Chinese emperors twice a year for good harvests. You can learn more about the grand praying ceremony there, as well as observe the amazing designs such as the Echo Wall and the Triple Sound Stones. Nowadays, it is also a park for local people to do morning exercise and you are welcome to join them.
If there is more time, you can also enjoy the relaxing time exploring the ordinary local life through the old Hutongs. Take a rickshaw tour to travel through the narrow alleys with many featured shops standing on both sides.
Discount available at low season, please send inquiries!
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