Compare Real China by Intrepid Travel vs China, the Yangtze River & Hong Kong 2023 by Tauck

Day 1 Beijing

Nimen Hao! Welcome to China. Your adventure begins in Beijing with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, get acquainted with Beijing on your own and maybe walk around Silk Market and pick up some souvenirs or explore the Forbidden City. After your meeting, maybe head out for an optional welcome dinner and order your first Peking duck.

Day 2 Great Wall / Beijing

This morning, it’s time to visit the Great Wall – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – at Mutianyu, which is one of the best-preserved and easily accessed sections from Beijing. Take in the surrounding views (hopefully it’s a clear day!) and take plenty of pics – this is one to remember. A truly epic piece of engineering, the wall stretches 6000 km westwards from the mountain ridges north of Beijing. It was originally constructed to protect Chinese empires from invaders in the north, and even though it failed in this purpose, it's still without a doubt one of the country's most amazing achievements. There’s an opportunity to take a thrilling toboggan ride to the base of the Great Wall, which is a unique way to rest your legs after all the ups and downs.

Day 3 Beijing / Overnight Train

Spend the morning exploring Tiananmen Square and follow your leader through the zigzag lanes known as the Hutong area. This is one of the most notable areas in Beijing because these lanes and courtyard houses are the root of old Beijing city and now, offering a peek into local life. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore at your own pace, maybe visiting the Forbidden City if you haven’t already. Perhaps jump on a bike and ride through the hutongs, hang out in the Temple of Heaven Park or visit the Lama Temple. Tonight, you’ll board an overnight train from Beijing to Xi'an in a six-berth, air-conditioned cabin.

Day 4 Xi'an

This morning, you’ll arrive in Xi'an – the imperial centre of China for 2000 years and now a vibrant, modern city dotted with interesting historical sites. Head out on a leader-led walking tour of the Muslim Quarter – famous for its food, this neighbourhood’s almost 1300 years old! Along the way, your leader will buy some dishes for you to sample. Some local specialties include persimmon cake, lamb skewers and sticky rice cakes, though it’ll depend on the season. Enjoy a free afternoon, where you can maybe hire a bike and ride to the top of Xi'an City Wall – the only intact ancient city wall in China. Tonight, your leader will take you to the lively square near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Seeing the 600-year-old temple ablaze with lights is pretty amazing, and it’s a great place to mingle with locals.

Day 5 Xi'an

This morning, you’ll visit Xi'an's most famous site – the Terracotta Warriors. Take a public bus and spend a few hours exploring the fascinating location. Hear all about this incredible archaeological find (it was discovered by farmers digging a well in 1976 after being buried for thousands of years). These clay statues of soldiers, horses and chariots all standing in battle formation were commissioned by the emperor of the Qin dynasty as part of his mausoleum, and now, several pits are on view to the public. The rest of your afternoon and evening is free – you might want to grab some local specialities for dinner, such as pao mo (lamb broth that you break flat bread into), hand-pulled noodles, hot pot or barbecued meat skewers. Later, maybe head out to karaoke with your group and sing the night away.

Day 6 Chengdu

Hop on a high-speed train from Xi'an to Chengdu this morning. Chengdu has a very casual vibe and the locals tend to value pleasure more than work, so mahjong and tea are two of the most crucial parts of life here. Go on a walking tour with your leader to downtown Tianfu Square, where a giant statue of Chairman Mao stands. Continue to the lively People's Park and sit down in a tea house to sip a brew and take advantage of the other services on offer (like ear cleaning and massages). Make the most of your time here and immerse yourself in local life by joining a group dance or martial arts practice or maybe just find a table and brush up on your mahjong skills.

Day 7 Chengdu

This morning, you’ll get the heartwarming opportunity to get up close with the adorable pandas at the Panda Breeding Centre in Chengdu. Learn about the conservation efforts being made to repopulate this ancient species and watch them being fed, playing and sleeping (or just being plain cute in their playgrounds). Enjoy some more downtime in the afternoon to research pandas or check out the hip Kuanzhai Lane. You could also go searching for some spicy Chengdu snacks on Jinli Street.

Day 8 Yangshuo

Embrace a full day of travelling on the bullet train this morning, headed for Yangshuo – surrounded by limestone karsts, this city is super popular with both international and domestic tourists (which isn't a bad thing if you're into cafes and bars). It's one of the best places in the country to get a feel for local culture and traditions while having plenty of fun at the same time. Take a walk through the town with your leader when you arrive and then head down to the Li River to get a feel for a landscape immortalised in Chinese paintings.

Day 9-10 Yangshuo

Hop on a bike and follow your leader on a cycling tour through the picturesque countryside of Yangshuo. Cycle past karst hills that rise from rice paddies and tiny villages, watching locals working the fields with water buffalo for company. Visiting this stunning region is a trip highlight for many travellers (so don’t forget your camera over these next two days), and every turn in the road brings you to another postcard-perfect spot. Stop for lunch in a local family’s house and be treated to some homecooked local delicacies, like chicken and vegetables. Then, ride to Moon Hill and take a short hike to the famous archway for panoramic views of the area. Tonight and tomorrow are free in Yangshuo – maybe head out on a river cruise on the Li River and ask your leader for the best local eats.

Day 11 Hong Kong

Leave Yangshuo and continue your journey to Hong Kong. You'll be transferred to Guilin, then you’ll hop on the high-speed train to Shenzhen. From there, cross the border into Hong Kong before heading to your hotel. Tonight, you’ll go on a walking tour with your leader, checking out the Temple Street night market or the light show at Victoria Harbour. Take the chance to celebrate your final night with the group in this incredible city and hit the nightlife – as always, your leader will know some great spots.

Day 12 Hong Kong

With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end this morning. If you’d like to extend your time in Hong Kong, just speak to your booking agent.

Day 1 Arrive in Beijing

Tour begins: 5:00 PM at the The Peninsula Beijing. A transfer is included upon your arrival from Beijing Capital International Airport or Beijing Daxing International Airport to The Peninsula Beijing in the heart of the city. Meet your traveling companions at our welcome reception and dinner in your hotel.

MEALS : D

LODGING : The Peninsula Beijing

PORTOFCALL : Beijing, China

Day 2 The Great Wall & Beijing's Hutongs

Besides being the only man-made structure visible from space, the Great Wall of China tops most travelers' lists of the Earth's must-visit places. Take a walk atop the highest point of its Badaling section, then walk down to the bottom along an ancient stone path where you'll travel a short distance for lunch at the Commune by the Great Wall – enjoy the views of this architectural wonder surrounding you. This afternoon, gain some insights on the city's centuries-old hutongs – unique traditional neighborhoods threatened by ongoing urban development – when you take a private tour of a hutong – ride a rickshaw and visit a local family in their home. Enjoy dinner as you please tonight in Beijing.

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : The Peninsula Beijing

PORTOFCALL : Beijing, China

Day 3 Temple of Heaven to Tiananmen Square

This morning, visit Tiananmen Square, a witness to much of modern Chinese history and home to Mao Zedong's mausoleum; view his portrait hanging above the "Gate of Heavenly Peace." Following this, you'll explore the legendary Forbidden City itself, where Imperial China's emperors dwelt for centuries; tour the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Middle Harmony, the Hall of Preserved Harmony, the Hall of Mental Cultivation, the Imperial Garden and more. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit a grand example of traditional Chinese architecture – Beijing's Temple of Heaven, a round, three-tiered wood structure intricately decorated with gold leaf and colorful designs; try to imagine a long-ago time when the emperor and his entourage would travel here in secret processions from the Forbidden City to hold solemn ceremonies asking the gods for a bountiful harvest. Learn the moves from the locals as you take part in a Tai Chi lesson in one of the Temple's beautiful parks. Dine at your choice of fine restaurants at the hotel this evening.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : The Peninsula Beijing

PORTOFCALL : Beijing, China

Day 4 Fly to Xi'an and Visit an Underground Museum

Begin today with a morning flight from Beijing to the ancient city of Xi'an; set at the eastern end of the Silk Road, it's one of the country's oldest cities and served as the capital during the Han, Qin, Tang and other early dynasties. Upon arrival you'll visit an amazing place – the Han Yang Ling Underground Mausoleum. Known locally as "the most underrated tomb in Xi'an," it was undisturbed for about 2,100 years before opening to the public in the last decade. You'll find an amazing collection of cultural relics in this unique underground "museum" that depict life as it was during the Western Han Dynasty. Dine at your leisure at the hotel this evening.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Hyatt Regency Xi'an Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Xi'an, China

Day 5 Terra Cotta Warriors & Muslim culture in Xi'an

Get the inside story of Xi'an's amazing Terra Cotta Warriors – 8,000 individualized, life-size terra cotta statues of soldiers who stood guard at the underground tomb of Qin Shi Huangdi, China's first emperor, for more than 2,000 years – as you visit the site today with Tauck. They were discovered by farmers digging a well in 1974, and are now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site! View the incredible statues, tour the site's museum, and get the scoop on future plans for their preservation during a talk with one of the museum's leading staff members. After a local lunch, explore the history of Islamic culture in China with a visit to a Muslim street and an ancient mosque in Xi'an.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Hyatt Regency Xi'an Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Xi'an, China

Day 6 On to Guilin & a Li River cruise

Fly to Guilin, among China's most picturesque places, whose landscapes have inspired poets and artists for centuries. Shortly after your arrival, spend the afternoon on a private Tauck cruise along the storied Li River; feast your eyes and your soul on tranquil groves, fishermen on bamboo rafts, breathtaking limestone peaks and views of traditional village life that seem to be lifted from an ancient Chinese scroll painting! Check in at your mountain resort and enjoy the evening as you please, dining at leisure at your choice of restaurants at the hotel. 

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Banyan Tree Yangshuo Resort

PORTOFCALL : Guilin, China

Day 7 Yangshou, Fuli village & a cooking lesson

Morning activities in Yangshuo County include a stop in the ancient, artistic village of Fuli on the Li River, to explore its market and attend a Chinese fan making demonstration; a look at a "new socialism" village; and a visit to Yangshuo Town. Next, you can choose between lunch at your hotel, or a cooking lesson on regional cuisine at a nearby cooking school, where you'll eat what you helped make for lunch! Enjoy some free time as you wish; have dinner tonight at a choice of restaurants at your Banyan Tree resort near Guilin. 

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Banyan Tree Yangshuo Resort

PORTOFCALL : Guilin, China

Day 8 Chongqing / Embark Your Yangtze Cruise

Following a morning's travel from Guilin to Chongqing (by either air or high-speed rail, depending on schedules and availability), visit the Chongqing Zoo to see their celebrated giant pandas. Then board the newly renovated Yangzi Explorer for a memorable three-night cruise through the Three Gorges of the mighty Yangtze River. Dine aboard ship this evening before setting sail on your cruise.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Yangzi Explorer

PORTOFCALL : Guilin, China

Day 9 Yangzi Explorer & shore excursion choices

Visions of knobby, mist-shrouded mountains steeped in the mystique of old China travel with you as you experience the Yangtze from dawn to dusk aboard the recently renovated Yangzi Explorer, one of the finest and roomiest ships on the river. Enjoy a range of activities aboard ship today, including Tai Chi exercises and an introduction to Chinese healing practices. Arrive in Fuling, where you will visit the 816 Underground Project, an underground nuclear installation that is one of the world's largest artificial military caves. Return to the ship midday for an afternoon cruising the Yangtze. This evening, meet the Captain at a welcome reception, followed by dinner and a choice of The Three Kingdoms Open Air Show or a cultural performance by the ship's crew.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Yangzi Explorer

Day 10 Cruising the Three Gorges

While cruising the Yangtze, view centuries-old pagodas and temples built against steep-sided cliffs, ancient roads and terraced fields along the river's edge. Today you'll navigate through Qutang and Wu Gorges, explore Shennong Stream on a private Tauck shore excursion via sampan, and enjoy shipboard activities including a calligraphy lesson as Yangzi Explorer cruises through Xiling Gorge, largest of the Three Gorges, this afternoon and evening.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Yangzi Explorer

Day 11 Three Gorges Dam & On to Shanghai

Sail into Yichang through a series of locks adjacent to the site of the Three Gorges Dam, one of the world's largest construction projects. Disembark and fly to Shanghai this morning, one of the country's most cosmopolitan cities, where you'll spend three nights at the Fairmont Peace Hotel. Following lunch at a local restaurant, join your local guide this afternoon for a walking tour of Shanghai's historic waterfront, the Bund, followed by some free time. Dine tonight at your choice of restaurants at your hotel.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Fairmont Peace Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Shanghai, China

Day 12 In Shanghai, the Bund and Acrobats

Today you'll further explore Shanghai's famous waterfront Bund. First up, visit the historic and harmonious Yu Gardens, whose original grounds and temple date back to the 1550s; the word yu translates to "peace and health." Pathways wind through rock gardens and bamboo stands, and stone bridges cross pools filled with bright carp. Have lunch today at the charming "M on the Bund" – and then after a free afternoon, watch from premium seating tonight as the daring acrobatic performers of Shanghai's acclaimed ERA show entertain you. A day to remember... an experience to savor.

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : Fairmont Peace Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Shanghai, China

Day 13 The Past Meets the Future in Shanghai

You'll get a fine introduction to Shanghai at the Shanghai Urban Planning Center, a dramatic five-story glass building showcasing the city's future urban development through detailed models and multimedia displays. Explore the center's exhibits on this historic port city's past, present and future, including a mock-up of 1930s Shanghai; a huge model of what the city might look like in 2020; a 360-degree, 3-D film and more. Then tour the Shanghai Museum, displaying 120,000 works of art and artifacts. After lunch as you please in the Xintiandi neighborhood, you'll have time to explore the area – and on a guided walk, learn about its vanishing traditional stone-gated shikumen homes. This evening, a special experience – dinner at the wonderful restaurant Jean Georges Shanghai, known for its cuisine and views.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Fairmont Peace Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Shanghai, China

Day 14 Welcome to Hong Kong

A morning flight takes you to legendary Hong Kong. Spend the rest of the day and evening exploring the city as you please from your brand-new luxury hotel – Rosewood Hong Kong, situated in the former New World Centre complex on Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour.

MEALS : B

LODGING : Rosewood Hong Kong

PORTOFCALL : Hong Kong, China

Day 15 Hong Kong from Many Viewpoints

You'll experience this fascinating city from different perspectives today – by ferry, by double-decker bus, and on a funicular tram ride up Victoria Peak, then have lunch at a local restaurant. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city as you please, or join our local guide for a visit to the Hong Kong Museum. Hong Kong abounds with street stalls selling everything from sneakers to silk, tropical birds to exotic fish; your hotel is close to the heart of this shopper's paradise. We invite you to join us and celebrate an incredible China travel experience at our farewell reception and dinner tonight.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Rosewood Hong Kong

PORTOFCALL : Hong Kong, China

Day 16 Journey Home

Tour ends: Hong Kong. Catch your return flight home. A transfer is included from Rosewood Hong Kong to Hong Kong International Airport; you should allow a minimum of 3 hours for flight check-in.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Hong Kong, China