Journeys: Wonders of China
Itinerary
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.
- Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
- Orientation Walk: Set out on an orientation walk near the hotel with your CEO to get your bearings. They will show you restaurants, points of interest, supermarkets, ATMs, etc.
This morning, head out to the UNESCO World Heritage Site–Temple of Heaven. This peaceful place is where we meet your Tai Chi master for a private lesson of this ancient martial art, followed by time to explore the Temple. Lunch features Beijing’s specialty with a delicious serving of peking duck.
Continue the exploration of Beijing with an afternoon tour of Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public spaces in the world with an infamous political history followed by the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once literally forbidden to those not part of the imperial power structure. Wander through the royal halls and beautiful courtyards-once home to emperors that shaped China’s imperial past.
- Temple of Heaven Tai Chi: Start the day early practicing the ancient tradition of tai chi, led by a local expert at the historic and impressive Temple of Heaven. You won’t be alone in your efforts. City residents flock here every morning to worship and practice their morning exercise routine. Learn the basic moves of this calming combination of yoga and meditation, which is practiced by millions daily throughout China and around the world. Discover firsthand why tai chi is revered for such health benefits as stress relief, improved balance and circulation, and overall well-being.
- Temple of Heaven: Explore the stunning Temple of Heaven, which was built during the rule of the Ming dynasty. Learn more about the history and significance of this place, often referred to as the symbol of Beijing.
- Pecking Duck Lunch: Enjoy a lunch of one of Beijing's most iconic dishes, pecking duck! Known for its crispy skin and tender meat roasted with fruitwood, it will be served with thin pancakes, sweet bean sauce, scallions, cucumber, and more!
- Tiananmen Square: Explore one of the world's largest public squares and the symbolic centre of Chinese power. Framed by the Gate of Heavenly Peace with its Mao portrait, Mao's Mausoleum, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum, and with elaborate flag raising and lowering ceremonies at dawn and dusk, it's a place of pilgrimage for the Chinese tourists who consider it the heart of their nation.
- Forbidden City Visit: Check out the iconic Forbidden City in the heart of Beijing. For 500 years the palace was only accessible to the emperors’ attendants and officials by invitation only. Visit sights like the Clock Exhibition Hall, wander through the Three Great Halls or stand in the shade of the cypress trees in the Imperial Garden.
Venture out of the city to one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall of China, as featured in the National Geographic article “Discover China's History Along the Great Wall”. A local expert who brings the history of this world wonder to life will meet us upon arrival for an easy hike along the wall surrounded by incredible mountain views and original, unrestored sections of this masterpiece.
Then, have a seat at the Beacon Tower for a special drink and local snack and take it all in, a timeless China. Throughout the hike, the expert guide will bring stories of the Great Wall to life, sharing knowledge of emperors and wars as you sip your drink seated upon the ancient stone.
- Great Wall of China Jinshanling Section: Along a Jinshanling Section of the Great Wall of China, the watchtowers get closer together, and the Wall is in its best state of repair. These watchtowers were used to store weapons and to keep an eye out for invading enemy forces, as this was getting closer to the middle of the Chinese empire. Enjoy scenic views as the wall winds along mountain ridges, and take brag-worthy photos of the wall from the "original" unrestored sections. The Great wall is an incredible piece of engineering stretching 6000 km west from the mountain ridges north of Beijing. It was originally constructed to protect Chinese empires from nomadic northern tribes, and even though it failed in this purpose, it's still one of the country's most remarkable achievements and an iconic destination. Join a local expert for a short walk along the wall and learn first hand of its history.
- Enjoy a Drink on the Great Wall: Have a seat under the Beacon Tower and grab a glass. It's time to join the local expert for a special drink and snack on the wall. Sip and snack as you learn more about the beautiful and legendary Great Wall of China as you sit on the ancient stone and hear stories from an expert.
Head back to Beijing and catch the bullet train to the ancient capital city of Xi’an, once the gateway to the Silk Road. This dynamic city has towering skyscrapers but also boasts a century-old centre known as the Muslim Quarter. Upon arrival, take an orientation walk around the lively neighbourhood to get your footing in this spectacular city.
- Bullet Train: Sit back and relax on your speedy journey from Beijing to Xi'an.
- Orientation Walk: Enjoy a CEO-led orientation walk close to the Xi'an hotel to help you get the lay of the land. Learn where you can find local services (like ATMs and laundromats) and, perhaps, see some city highlights. Every CEO does something slightly different for their orientation walk to show visitors what they like best about the city.
After breakfast, visit the impressive, life-sized soldiers that stand in silent formation at the Terracotta Warrior Museum. With over 8000 warriors, almost 1000 horses and chariots, this 2000-year-old tomb tells one of China’s greatest stories of historic military power. After a tour, lunch will be served just outside of the museum at a local family’s restaurant-a morning of cultural exploration paired perfectly with traditional Chinese noodles.
Return to Xi’an city centre for an afternoon exploration through the famed Muslim Quarter. Walk through centuries-old alleyways lined with fragrant food stalls, neon signs and historic mosques–you’ll quickly see how incredible Xi’an’s confluence of imperial history blends perfectly with modern-day culture.
- Terracotta Warriors Visit: Visit the site of the Terracotta Warriors, an archaeological treasure where approximately 8,000 soldiers and hundreds of horses stand on guard in three excavated pits in an on-site museum. Learn how the underground warriors were discovered (by accident) in 1974, and why Emperor Qin Shihuang commissioned the statues to serve as his army in the afterlife.
- Muslim Quarter Visit: Explore the lively Muslim Quarter and its serene Great Mosque, making time to indulge in the offerings of exotic local street food stalls. At night, head out for some of the best street food in China – the spicy beef and lamb kebabs are always a favorite.
- Xi'An Ancient City Wall: Walk on the ancient City Wall of Xi'An. Learn of its interesting history as part of the Silk Road and admire amazing views of the city.
Catch the bullet train to Shanghai–a city where charming colonial architecture meets world class futurism. Arrive in the afternoon and take an orientation walk to get acquainted with the city, and stroll along the lively streets. Tonight, board an evening cruise along the Huangpu River for a different view of Shanghai’s iconic landmarks between the colonial-era Bund, Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower-a spectacular introduction to the city.
- Bullet Train: Sit back and relax on your speedy journey from Xi'an to Shanghai.
- Shanghai Orientation Walk: Enjoy your first taste of Shanghai on an orientation walk of the city.
- Huangpu Night Cruise: Taking a night cruise is one of the best way to see the view of the lively city, seeing the old bund and the new Pudong area with spectacular modern architectures.
Immerse yourself in the allure of Shanghai this morning on a walking tour. From quiet tree-lined streets to bustling nong alleys, traditional Shikumen buildings to French colonial architecture, and from tea shops to modern boutiques we will experience all sides of Shanghai. Then, sit down to a lunch of Shanghainese dumplings.
Try the local favorite xiao long bao (soup dumplings) and other buns that are handmade and bursting with flavor. The rest of the afternoon is free to see Shanghai on your terms–head out for a cup of tea in a beautiful garden or browse a contemporary art gallery. Tonight, we wander the famous Bund, an iconic waterfront promenade listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Shanghai Walking Tour: See the highlights of Shanghai on foot. Explore Wukang Road, a historic tree-lined avenue famous for its preserved 1920's villas and Shikumen architecture. Wander through the "long-tang" alleys and experience local life first hand.
- Free Time: Enjoy a free afternoon in Shanghai.
- The Bund Visit: Take a stroll along the Bund, a waterfront area in the central part of Shanghai, and enjoy its spectacular array of Art Deco style buildings. Shanghai has one of the best collections of Art Deco architecture in the world, so enjoy this magnificent sight.
Depart at any time.
Trip Inclusions
- Hike the quieter Jinshanling section of the Great Wall surrounded by sweeping views.
- Come face to face with the Terracotta Warriors and wander Xi’an’s buzzing Muslim Quarter.
- Explore the energy of Beijing and the futuristic skyline of Shanghai with expert guides.
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Temple of Heaven Tai Chi, Beijing
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group
- Your Foodie Moment: Peking Duck Lunch, Beijing
- Arrival Transfer
- Orientation walk of Beijing
- Tai Chi lesson in the Temple of Heaven
- Explore the Temple of Heaven
- Pecking Duck Lunch
- Tiananmen Square Visit
- Forbidden City Visit
- Great Wall of China Jinshanling Hike and Conversation with Local Expert
- Special Drink and snack on the Great Wall
- Orientation walk of Xi'An
- Terracotta Warriors Museum Visit
- Explore the Xi'An Muslim Quarter
- Shanghai Orientation Walk
- Huangpu Night Cruise
- Shanghai Walking Tour
- Free time in Shanghai
- Shanghainese Xiao Long Bao lunch
- Visit the Bund
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Private Vehicle, Walking, Bullet Train, Boat, Metro
- National Geographic Expedition Leader
- Hotel (7 Nights)
- 7 breakfasts, 3 lunches
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
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Dates & Pricing
The Great Adventurers Club
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A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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