CHINA CULTURAL
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Touring Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City on foot
- Ascending the Great Wall at its best
- Unique opportunities to view the army of the Terra Cotta Warriors
- The museums, pagodas, cultural quarters, and strong walls of historic Xi'an
- Hiking through the ancient terraces of Longsheng
CHINA CULTURAL
TOUR DETAILS
- 12-day trip begins in Beijing and ends in Shanghai, China
- 11 nights in first-class and authentic hotels
- All meals included
TOUR RATING
Daily walking tours, 2-4 hours per day; three optional moderate day hikes, 3-5 hours per day; optional biking.
One of the oldest continuous civilizations on Earth, the region now known as China has a rich and colorful history. During the expansionist decades of the 19th century, Westerners were long fascinated by China’s enigmatic culture and customs, often difficult to penetrate or understand. Following the country’s self-imposed isolation during the first half of the 20th century, the veil was lifted, revealing a people eager to embrace the transformative elements sweeping the rest of the world. Today, China is on the verge of another cultural revolution, this one, however, pulsates with a free-market optimism never before seen. Yet, scratch the surface, and you still find traditional ways of life among the tranquil countryside, people who have been living with the rhythm of the land for millennia.
Join us as we step back in time to the opulent era of Chinese dynasties, exploring Beijing’s imperial legacies, including The Temple of Heaven and the Forbidden City, the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world. Walk along a portion of the Great Wall, as it slithers across jagged mountains, and board a pedicab to explore the maze of Beijing’s traditional courtyard neighborhoods, which are fast disappearing under the wrecking ball. In the ancient capital city of Xi’an, the 2,000-year-old Terra Cotta Warriors stand in rank, ready for battle, while the stunning countryside of Guilin will transport us to a quieter lifestyle, among shimmering rice paddies, peaceful pagodas and ethereal limestone mountains. We wrap up our journey in Shanghai, China’s most vibrant city, where the old blends artfully with the up-and-coming commercial and financial district on the banks of the Huangpu River.
China Cultural Tour Overview
Days 1-3: Meet in Beijing and explore the beautiful Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, and the Forbidden City. Explore the hutong alleyways of old Beijing aboard pedi-cabs, experience Chinese agricultural life in the village of Sancha, and conquer the Great Wall at Matianyu.
Days 4-5: Fly to Xi’an and experience the archaeological perfection of the Terra Cotta Warriors. Stroll along the city’s Ming Dynasty walls, and visit the famed Big Goose Pagoda. Explore The Great Mosque,The Muslim Quarter, and the Shaanxi History Museum.
Days 6-9: Fly to Guilin for journeys through its rice fields and walks into the serenity of its bamboo forests. Enjoy a river cruise on the Li, tour an old noodle factory and be welcomed into historic Fuli to experience traditional artwork and fishing practices. Hike through the ancient terraces of Longsheng. Optional biking exploration among the villages of Aishan and Yongcun, surrounded by gorgeous regional flora and the faces of local farmers.
Days 10-12: Fly to Shanghai and explore the “Queen of the Orient.” Discover old-world charm and a colonial past in the backstreets of Shanghai. Farewell dinner and flights home.
Step Away from the Ordinary ~ China Cultural Tour
Traveling and discovering the many hidden corners in China is a lifetime pursuit. It can often be demanding and unpredictable, but from the big cities to the remotest of villages, Boundless Journeys ensures your journey in China is safe, reliable and comfortable.
To bring out the best this marvelous country has to offer, we have harnessed the expertise and knowledge of a wide network of leading experts, seasoned guides, professional associates and regional partners.
More Information
2009 Dates
- April 8-19
October 21-November 1
2010 Dates
- April 19-30
- April 8-19
Land Cost
- $4895 per person
- Single Supplement $1075
- Internal Airfare: $595