China: From Ancient to Modern

12 or 14 days

Beijing, Mutianyu, Xi’an, Guilin, Yangshuo, Shanghai, Suzhou, extension to Hong Kong

The modern capital Beijing—with its sprawling Summer Palace and the majestic Great Wall—is a worthy successor to the former capital Xi’an. That ancient city is home to the Terracotta Warriors and other monuments to ancient Chinese customs. In the south, Yangshuo’s natural formations are equally as eye opening—where dramatic mountain peaks and cliffs are highlighted by the enchanting Moon Hill. Image displaying map describing the itinerary of the China: From Ancient to Modern tour

Image displaying map describing the itinerary of the China: From Ancient to Modern tour

Day 1: Fly overnight to China

Day 2: Beijing

Meet your Tour Director at the airport

Day 3: Beijing

Take a guided tour of Beijing

With your expert local guide you will visit:

Tiananmen Square [tyahn-ahn-men]
Forbidden City
Summer Palace

Enjoy a dragon boat ride (Available April–October only)

Participate in a tai chi lesson

Enjoy a Peking duck dinner

Day 4: Beijing • Mutianyu

Take a day trip to Mutianyu

Visit one of the best preserved sections of the Great Wall of China that’s less traveled by tourists

Participate in a tea ceremony

Take a walking tour of a traditional Beijing neighborhood

Enjoy an authentic Chinese meal with a local family

Day 5: Beijing • Xi'an

Fly to Xi’an [shee-ahn]

Take a bike ride on Xi’an’s ancient city wall

Add this in-depth excursion:

The Great Qin Show

Celebrate the spirit of Qin culture in this immersive Xi’an show. Blending acrobatics, dance, and drama with cutting-edge stage design, it brings the Qin dynasty’s history of unification and conquest vividly to life. Terracotta warriors, sweeping battle scenes, and moving seating make it an experience you won’t forget.

Day 6: Xi'an

Tour Xi’an with an expert local guide

Visit the Terracotta Army archaeological dig site

Participate in a calligraphy class

Visit a street food market in the city’s Muslim Quarter

Day 7: Xi'an • Guilin • Yangshuo

Fly to Guilin

Travel to Yangshuo

Take a walking tour of West Street

Day 8: Yangshuo

Tour Yangshuo with an expert local guide

Climb Moon Hill

Take a bamboo raft cruise on the Yulong River

Add this in-depth excursion:

Yangshuo cooking class

Upon arrival, you’ll be divided into two groups. After a brief demonstration by a professional chef, groups will prepare several traditional Chinese dishes on their own. Afterwards, relax and enjoy your own personally cooked meal.

Day 9: Yangshuo • Guilin • Shanghai

Travel to Guilin

Fly to Shanghai

Visit the Shanghai Tower

Walk along the Bund, a colonial-era center for international banking and trade

Day 10: Shanghai

Take a guided tour of Shanghai

With your expert local guide you will visit: