China: Big Cities & Iconic Culture

Welcome to China! Arrive at anytime. Then join your CEO and group in the evening for a Welcome Meeting and an Orientation Walk of Beijing. Tonight's your First Night Out so get to know your group under the bright Beijing lights.

ACTIVITY: 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.

ACTIVITY: Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.

ACTIVITY: 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.

Hop on local transportation and visit some of Beijing's top tourist spots. Take a CEO led tour of the symbolic centre of Chinese power, Tiananmen Square. See the Forbidden City from a birds eye view at Jinshan Park and wander through the picturesque Hutong alleyways.

ACTIVITY: Only a moat separates you from Jinshan Park. This royal garden offers the perfect birds eye view of the Forbidden City.

ACTIVITY: 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.

ACTIVITY: Take a walking tour through some of Beijing's traditional alleyways and backstreets (known as hutongs) and get a taste of this magnificent metropolis.

ACTIVITY: Climb to the top of the Drum Tower for an unforgettable aerial view of the city. Back in the Han Dynasty the towers were used to echo the time to the city with bells in the morning and drums in the evening. Today the 63-ton bell still stands in one tower and drum performances happen daily in the morning and afternoon.

ACTIVITY: In the centre of Old Beijing, the narrow alley of Nanluoguxiang offers a unique experience in the city. This kilometer long street is lined with cute cafes, bars and traditional craft stores. Try a local snack or do some souvenir shopping.

This morning, travel to the legendary Great Wall of China. Together we'll hike about 5 kilometers of this 6000 km masterpiece. Opt to ride the cable car, chairlift or even ride the toboggan down. After a full day at the Wall, we'll return to Beijing where we'll board an overnight train to Xi'an.

Lunch will be on your own at the Great Wall. There are options at the foot of the wall, but you can also bring your own lunch if you wish to spend more time on the wall.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your shared bus transportation from Beijing to Mutianyu.

ACTIVITY: Climb the rolling hills of Huairou County at Mutianyu, one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall. Enjoy scenic views as the wall winds along mountain ridges, and take brag-worthy photos of the wall from any of the 22 towers. 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. The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is located about 80km away from the Veijing City Center. The walk is approximately 5 kilometres and will take 2 to 3 hours depending on your level of fitness.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your shared bus transportation from Mutianyu to Beijing.

TRANSPORT: Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.

Wake up this morning as you pull into the historical city of Xi'An, the entrance to the Silk Road. After an orientation walk (and maybe some breakfast?), hop on a public bus with your CEO to take a tour of the mysterious Terracotta Warriors. In the evening. return to the city for an evening stroll through the Muslim Quarter.

ACTIVITY: 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.

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride from Xi'an to the Terracotta Warriors Museum.

ACTIVITY: Take a guided tour of the Terracotta Warriors where more than 8,000 clay soldiers and hundreds of replica horses and chariots stand in three pits. Learn why the Emperor Qin Shihuang commissioned the statues to serve as his army in the afterlife and how they were discovered. Spend a half-day exploring this archaeological wonder.

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride from the Terracotta Warriors Museum back to Xi'an.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy a walk around Xi'an’s Muslim Quarter with our CEO, and be introduced to favourite streets, artists, chefs or food stalls in the quarter. Each CEO offers a unique perspective. Get a better feel for the district and have plenty of time to roam around on your own, shopping and eating along the way.

This morning, enjoy some free time in the city of Xi'an before heading to our next destination. Opt to visit the ancient City Wall or take a cycling tour on top of it. Then head to train station to take the bullet train to Chengdu. Join your CEO for an orientation walk of the city before heading out for your Big Night Out! Grab a beer, on us, and enjoy under the bright lights of Chengdu.

FREE TIME: Enjoy some free time in Xi'an this morning.

TRANSPORT: Catch a high speed train to our next stop.

ACTIVITY: 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.

ACTIVITY: First round on us! Have a beer and a fun night out on the town with your group!

After your Big Night Out, opt to take this morning slow or get ready to see all that Chengdu has to offer. Opt to visit the Giant Panda Breeding Center and learn about these amazing, but endangered species. In the afternoon, with your group and CEO, visit Chengdu's more popular spots, like Tianfu Square, People's Park and Kuanzhaixiang.

FREE TIME: A free morning in Chengdu? How about a trip to the Panda Breeding Center!

ACTIVITY: Visit the People's Park built in 1911, it was the first public park in Chengdu. It's the largest green area in downtown. The park features an artificial lake, gardens, teahouses, and a popular place for locals to enjoy the outdoors. Walk to Tianfu Square in the centre of the city and surrounded by museums.

ACTIVITY: Wander through Kuan Zhai alley, translating to wide (kuan) and narrow (zhai) lanes. Dip into a charming teahouse, walk through the ancient architecture or try some delicious Sichuan food.

We'll ditch the big city this morning and head to the mountains today. A late morning bullet train brings us to the city of Yangshuo. After we arrive, we'll take an orientation walk of this picturesque, riverside city.

TRANSPORT: Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: This backpacker town is full of things to do and see. An orientation walk will get you situated and help you make the most of your time in this idyllic location.

Today we'll hop on a bike and explore the countryside of Yangshuo. Ride along the river, travel through a local village and stop for lunch at a local restaurant, all while taking in the incredible mountains surrounding the area. In the afternoon, head back to the city and enjoy a free evening.

ACTIVITY: Follow the guide and cycle over the flat(ish) landscape past rice paddies, local farmers, and water buffalo. Marvel at the limestone karsts and hear the legends of how they came to be. Stop for lunch at the house of a local family for a tasty meal made from freshly grown produce.

Enjoy a free day in Yangshuo! While this city may not be as big as some of China's other top destinations, there is no shortage of things to do here. Opt to visit the Xianggongshan & Tea Farm or go to the Impression Liu Sanjie light show. How about a Tai Chi or Kung Fu class? Even a cooking class!

FREE TIME: FULL DAY Spend a free day exploring Yangshuo how you'd like.

We'll arrive to the train station this morning to take a bullet train to one of the most important cities in China, Guangzhou. After arriving and a short rest, we'll hit the town and take a tour to see what Guangzhou has to offer. Visit Yuexiu Park, Chen Clan Academy and the Shamian Island. Then in the evening, opt to take the Pearl River boat cruise under the Guangzhou city lights.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

TRANSPORT: Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.

ACTIVITY: Go on a tour of the city of Guangzhou led by your CEO. Visit Yuexiu Park, the largest park in Guangzhou, Five Ram Stone Statue, the symbol of Guangzhou, Ancient Ming-Dynasty city wall, Sun-Yat Sun Monument, Chen Clan Academy and Shamian Island.

The next two nights are a special opportunity to stay in the extremely unique homes of the Hakka People. We'll stay in Hakka Tulou, ancient fortified buildings. Some can be 5 stories tall and some can be dated back to the 12th century. Travel back to the past as we explore this super off the beaten path part of China.

Today's travel brings you quite a distance so charge up those devices and get your playlists ready to roll.

TRANSPORT: Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

ACTIVITY: Spend two nights in an authentic Hakka tulou for a once-in-a-lifetime cultural immersion experience. These rural Chinese dwellings, also known as earthen houses, are circular or rectangular fortified structures up to five stories high with an open-air centre. Settle in and make yourself at home.

Wake up in one of the most unique places you'll ever stay. Then join your group and take an orientation walk of the Hakka Cultural Village. This afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to explore this impressive fortress how you'd like. Learn from the locals and hear their stories about how their families have been living in these homes for hundreds of years.

ACTIVITY: Starting from your Hakka guest house, go an orientation walk of the village and plan how you'll spend your day in this incredible place.

FREE TIME: FULL DAY Enjoy a free day to continue visiting the village and have local interactions.

Say goodbye to the community at the Hakka Houses before we head off on our journey to Shanghai. This is a long travel day, but the big city beckons! Shanghai is known to be distinct from the rest of China as one of the most internationally influenced cities in the country. It's an awesome spot to end our trip!

TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

TRANSPORT: Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.

Start today with an orientation walk in Shanghai. Then join your CEO to head to some of the cities most popular spots. Start in the historical, waterfront district of the Bund Area and then pay a visit to Shanghai Old Town. This afternoon, tick off whatever is left on your Shanghai to do list with some free time. Opt to visit the Yuyuan Garden, shop and stroll through Nanjing Road or ask your CEO from some local restaurant recs. The options are endless in Shanghai! In the evening, join your crew for a Big Night Out and a drink on us!

ACTIVITY: Take a stroll along the Bund, a main road that follows the Huangpu River, with your CEO. This is a great opportunity to get a layout of the city and figure out what you want to explore next.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy a walk in the picturesque Old Town of Shanghai, which lies inside the ancient walled city of Shanghai. There are many wonderful sites to explore here, including the Yuyuan Garden and many temples.

FREE TIME: Enjoy a free afternoon in Shanghai.

ACTIVITY: Join us for a drink on our tab then head out for night out on the town in Shanghai!

Depart at any time.