Chinese Treasures Beijing Xi'an Shanghai

Name: Chinese Treasures Beijing Xi'an Shanghai
Brand: WanderEastern
Price: 500.0 USD
Availability: InStock

$500.00 USD

Sale Sold out

Quantity

About this Journey

China is a treasure chest waiting to be delved into. Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai are the sparkling jewels that you see when you first open the box, but the traditional lifestyles of ethnic minorities in Yunnan province are equally impressive gems hidden underneath. This trip introduces you to both the classic and hidden images of China: weave your way through Beijing’s interwoven hutong alleys which are still lived in today, stand on top of Xi’an’s ancient city wall, immerse in ethnic traditions and customs of southwestern China, and explore old and new Shanghai. Discover China’s wealth of treasures.

Where you're going

Itinerary

Days 1 - 2 Beijing

Arrive in Beijing, rest up, and spend the evening at your leisure • In the morning, explore the imposing Forbidden City, where emperors ruled for 500 years • Hike up Jingshan and take in a commanding view over the Forbidden City • Stroll through Beijing’s hutong alleys to get a feel for the ancient neighborhoods that make up the city • Stop by the homes of the city’s more traditional residents • Tuck into a welcome dinner of signature Beijing dish, Peking Duck as you get to know your fellow travelers

Day 3 Beijing

Hike along the Great Wall at Mutianyu, one of the greatest man-made wonders of the world, two hours outside of Beijing • Stroll through the Panjiayuan ‘Antiques’ Flea Market, and navigate through thousands of stalls and shops selling souvenirs and antique replicas • Drive back into town and spend the evening at your leisure

Day 4 Beijing - Xi'an

Learn the calming art of taichi in a private lesson at the Temple of Heaven • Drive past the Olympic Park, the site of the 2008 Summer Olympics • Explore the former imperial grounds of the Summer Palace, meandering through the regal pathways and pavilions and imagining life in royal splendor • Enjoy a leisure boat ride across the Summer Palace’s Kunming Lake • Transfer to the airport for your flight to Xi’an • Upon arriving, spend the evening at your leisure

Day 5 Xi'an

Spend the morning face-to-face with the 8,000 solders of the Terracotta Warriors Army, less than an hour outside the city • Head back into town to savor a mouthwatering lunch at one of the food stalls at Xi’an Muslim Quarter • Learn about Xi’an’s 1,300-year-old Muslim community by visiting the Great Mosque • Enjoy a commanding view of the ancient city center as you walk along the 12 meters (39 feet) high Ancient City Wall enclosing the historical heart of the city • Experience Xi’an with more than just your eyes by sampling some of Xi’an’s famous dumplings and getting a chance to learn how to make your own

Day 6 Xian - Dali

Get an exclusive tour from a natural science and panda expert around the Louguantai Giant Panda Breeding Center, normally closed to the public • Get up close with giant pandas • Visit the Big and Small Wild Goose Pagodas, oldest structures in Xi’an located beyond the city walls, built in the 8th century to house Buddhist sutras • Transfer to the airport for your flight to Dali • Check in to the hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure

Day 7 Dali

Immerse yourself in the traditional Bai architecture of Xizhou, characterized by ornate gateways and honeycomb patterns • Learn the secrets of making rushan, a local cheese • Discover the local tradition of tie-dyeing indigo textiles • Stroll along the shores of Erhai lake before returning to town • Enjoy the evening at your leisure

Day 8 Dali - Liajiang via Shaxi

Take a two-and-a-half-hour drive to Lijiang, the city in the shadow of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain • Along the way, pause in Shaxi, a preserved market town offering glimpses of its vibrant past through Buddhist grottoes and lively markets • Arrive in Lijiang, check into your hotel and unwind before exploring the city’s charms at your own pace

Day 9 Lijiang

Discover Baisha, a quaint Naxi village north of Lijiang • Experience its timeless charm and rural life, unchanged for centuries • Learn the ancient Dongba script from a knowledgeable Dongba priest, delving into its meanings and history through calligraphy • Explore the quieter lanes of Lijiang Old Town for an intimate encounter with Naxi culture, respecting their reserved nature • Savor Pu’er tea at a local workshop, tasting and crafting your own Pu’er tea cake while learning about its significance Experience Naxi cuisine in a local home, learn cooking techniques to craft a Naxi lunch using regional ingredients • Enjoy your home-made lunch before retiring for the day

Day 10 Lijiang

Experience the rustic beauty of Yuhu Village at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain • Step out on a scenic hike through Wenhai Valley • Marvel at the breathtaking biodiversity and lush fields as you stroll amidst blooming flowers and spot wildlife like yak and miniature horses • Engage in a fascinating discussion with a Yi village Shaman, gaining insight into their traditional way of life and animist faith • Return to Lijiang for a relaxing evening at your leisure

Day 11 Lijiang - Shanghai

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai • Upon arriving in Shanghai, check in to your hotel, take a minute to freshen up before going for a stroll along Shanghai’s iconic Bund • Optional: Enjoy a death-defying ERA Acrobatics Show

Day 12 Shanghai

Experience a morning snapshot of local life in Fuxing Park, a meeting spot for fitness dancers and tai chi enthusiasts • Visit the chic area of Xintiandi • Experience the tranquility of Yuyuan Garden, a Ming Dynasty oasis amidst the bustling city • Travel back to Shanghai’s stylish 1930s as you stroll through the tree-lined avenues of the former French Concession

Day 13 Shanghai - Tongli

Take a break from Shanghai’s hustle and bustle to spend a day in Tongli water town • Explore this “Venice of the East”, as you traverse along the narrow alleys and long canals

Day 14 Shanghai

Depart from modern Shanghai in style, as you take a ride to the airport on the fastest train in the world: the Maglev, journeying at one-third the speed of sound • Your WanderEastern guide will escort you to the airport and help you check in for your flight home.

Your Accommodation

THE PENINSULA BEIJING Luxury Boutique

The sole all-suite hotel in the capital, with spacious suites that blend modern decor with traditional Chinese elements. Known for their exceptional service, the Peninsula Beijing is situated conveniently close to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and Wangfujing shopping street.

CANOPY BY HILTON XI'AN QUJIANG 5-Star

Nestled amidst historic Tang Dynasty sites, Canopy by Hilton provides an exquisite retreat within a two-kilometer radius of museums, parks, and cultural attractions.

SKY VALLEY HERITAGE, DALI Boutique

Enjoy the best of traditional style and modern comforts in this beautifully refurbished courtyard home.

INTERCONTINENTAL LIJIANG ANCIENT TOWN RESORT Luxury Boutique

Blending modern luxury with traditional Naxi architecture, the InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort is a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the old town.

THE PENINSULA SHANGHAI 5 star

The Peninsula has a strong art deco influence reminiscent of 1930s Shanghai with luxurious rooms, restaurants and a rooftop bar overlooking the Bund.

DETAILS

What’s Included

Services of an English-speaking WanderEastern guide
Private chauffeur service to and from airport at start and end of your trip
All overland transfers with private chauffeur and in-transport refreshments
All admission fees and activity expenses, as noted in the itinerary
Meals as noted in the itinerary with complimentary drinking water
Ground transportation, including airport transfers
Domestic flights (economy class) and domestic trains (1st class), as noted in the itinerary

What’s Excluded

International flights
Chinese tourist visa, which is required for most foreign passport holders
Travel and medical insurance
Meals, apart from those included in the itinerary, and alcohol
Expenses of a personal nature
Excursions and activities not included in the itinerary
Discretionary gratuities for guides and drivers

Trip Costs

$5980 per person (double occupancy)
Single Supplement: $1949

(VAT is already included in the prices above)

Next Steps

How do I secure my spot on this tour?

We will continue to work with you until your trip is perfect.

For international bookings: Once you are ready to book, a USD$500 planning fee, per booking, is required to begin reserving your arrangements. This will go towards your trip costs and will be taken off your final balance amount.

For bookings made in China: Once you are ready to book, a RMB1,000 deposit, per person, is required. This will go towards your trip costs and will be taken off your final balance amount.

What is the payment schedule?

1. Deposit:
A deposit is required to secure your reservation. Once your deposit has been received, we will send your confirmation along with a detailed itinerary and all the information you’ll need to prepare for your journey.

2. Full payment:
Full trip payment should be made 30 days prior to departure. If you’re booking within 30 days of your departure, you may be asked to pay make the full payment straight away.

Payments can be made via Paypal, credit card, bank transfer, WeChat or Alipay

Is this trip guaranteed to run?

This trip will be scheduled to run once we receive bookings from 2 passengers. Should the journey be cancelled due to lack of sign-ups or government restrictions, WanderEastern will fully refund any deposits or fees paid.

What is your cancelation policy?

See our full terms and conditions for more information.

Why WanderEastern

We’re on the ground with you

Our team of advisors will design every detail of the trip with you through close consultation, then orchestrate your entire journey while on the ground. We’re in the same time zone as you, so we can fulfill requests and handle issues without a hitch. With over 40 staff in Beijing and an expansive network of operational partners across the country, we have the manpower to ensure your journey is safe, reliable and comfortable from beginning to end.

Your trip, your way

Flexibility is our highest-ranking compliment. We pull off journeys for pioneers with a 6-hour layover to Hollywood’s elite, and everywhere in between. Our team regularly pulls off unprecedented logistical feats; nearly any time frame or budget is within our realm. No matter how you wish to experience China, we are here to bring that dream to life.

We embody passion

WanderEastern guides are carefully handpicked for their knowledge and charisma, then meticulously trained to maintain our exceptional service standards. They are expert storytellers and passionate natives of the regions where they guide, having the perfect combination of local insights and service know-how to bring you seamless once-in-a- lifetime moments all across China.

The little things, the big picture

Supporting inspired local economies allows you to experience the soul of the destination, while also protecting and cultivating China’s artisanal culture. From watching artisans hand make shoes in Yunnan, to picking organic vegetables for dinner on a local farm in Fujian, our tours are designed to showcase and protect China’s heritage, both natural and human.