Journeys: Iconic China
- Trip code: 480X035
- Dauer: 16
- Stil: National Geographic Journeys
Set off on an immersive adventure through the many faces of China — from ancient marvels and jaw-dropping landscapes to futuristic cities pulsing with energy. Wander through the bright lights of Shanghai and Beijing, then step back in time to witness the mysterious Terracotta Warriors and raise a toast on the Great Wall. Try your hand at Tai Chi and take part in a traditional tea ceremony. Come face-to-face with China’s beloved panda at a national conservation centre. With epic food, big cities, wild nature, and culture everywhere you turn, this is the China journey you’ve been waiting for.
Übersicht
Accommodation
Hotel (15 nts)
Checklist
Cold Weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
• Warm waterproof jacket
Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)
Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear
Group Leader
English-speaking Chinese CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout
Group Size Notes
16
Highlights
Hike Zhangjiajie National Park and float on a bamboo raft through the landscapes of Yangshuo, Taste regional flavours from Peking duck in Beijing to xiao long bao in Shanghai and hotpot in Chengdu, Dive into the megacities of Beijing-Shanghai and Hong Kong with expert local insight, Come face to face with China’s iconic panda at a national conservation and research centre, Experience the peaceful rhythm of a traditional tea ceremony and a Tai Chi lesson
Introduction
Set off on an immersive adventure through the many faces of China — from ancient marvels and jaw-dropping landscapes to futuristic cities pulsing with energy. Wander through the bright lights of Shanghai and Beijing, then step back in time to witness the mysterious Terracotta Warriors and raise a toast on the Great Wall. Try your hand at Tai Chi and take part in a traditional tea ceremony. Come face-to-face with China’s beloved panda at a national conservation centre. With epic food, big cities, wild nature, and culture everywhere you turn, this is the China journey you’ve been waiting for
Meals Included
15 Frühstück, 4 Mittagessen, 3 Abendessen
Meal Budget
Plane USD470-615 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein
Optional Activities
Keine optionale Aktivitäten
Start / Finish
Beijing nach Hong Kong
Transport
Private Vehicle, Plane, Cable Car, Shuttle Bus, Walking, Bullet Train, Bamboo Boat, Ferry, Boat, Metro
What's Included
Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Tai-Chi beim Himmelstempel, Beijing
Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Enjoy a Drink on the Great Wall, Jinshanling
Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Giant Panda Conservation and Research Centre, Chengdu
Dein Journeys-Highlight-Moment: Qixianfeng Tea Plantation, Yangshuo
Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Jia Community Restaurant, Yangshuo
Dein Welcome-Moment: Anreise und Begrüßungstreffen
Dein Foodie-Moment: Pecking Duck Lunch, Beijing
Dein Foodie-Moment: Chengdu Hotpot-Abendessen, Chengdu
Dein Local-Living-Moment: Li River Bamboo Raft, Yangshuo. 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. Visit the Bund. Orientation walk of Zhangjiajie. Zhangjiajie National Park Visit. Wulingyuan National Forest Park. Bailong Elevator. Tianmen Shan Mountain National Park Visit. Heavenly Gate Glass Bridge. Tianmen Shan Cable Car. People's Park Visit. Chengdu Hot Pot Dinner. Giant Panda Conservation and Research Centre. Free time in Chengdu. Yangshuo Orientation Walk. Li River Bamboo Raft. Jia Community Restaurant Lunch. Qixianfeng Tea Plantation tour and tea ceremony. The Symphony of Lights at the Victoria Harbour. Dim Sum Dinner. Internal flights. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Internationale Flüge
Check-in-Zeiten und Freigepäck/Einschränkungen können je nach Fluggesellschaft variieren und sich jederzeit ändern. Für die aktuellsten Informationen zu deinem Flug wende dich bitte an deine Fluggesellschaft. Wir empfehlen Online-Check-in, um mögliche Verzögerungen am Flughafen zu vermeiden
Minimum Age
Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre
Itinerary
Day 1 BEIJING
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included
Day 2 BEIJING
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
Day 3 BEIJING/ GREAT WALL OF CHINA
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
Day 4 GREAT WALL OF CHINA/ XI’AN
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
Day 5 XI’AN
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
Day 6 XI’AN/ SHANGHAI
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
Day 7 SHANGHAI
Immerse yourself in the allure of Shanghai this morning on a walking tour. From quiet tree-lined streets to bustling "long-tang" 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
Day 8 SHANGHAI / ZHANGJIAJIE
Catch a morning flight to Zhangjiajie–an otherworldly landscape, where 1,000-meter quartzite pillars rise above misty valleys. We’ll spend the next 3 nights in this dreamlike region exploring some of China’s most incredible natural phenomena
Day 9 ZHANGJIAJIE
Spend the day at the UNESCO World Heritage Site–listed Zhangjiajie National Forest. We’ll soar beside the misty peaks on the Tianzi Mountain cable car and stop to admire an amazing view at Yuanjiajie, known as the Hallelujah Mountains, which inspired the Disney film Avatar. Then, drive and do some hiking to see the various lookout points before descending the cliffside in the Bailong elevator–the world’s tallest outdoor elevator
Day 10 ZHANGJIAJIE
Head to Tianmen Shan National Park, home of one of the longest cable cars in the world. Take the cable car up Tianmen Shan Mountain to the Heavenly Gate. Gaze through the natural rock arch carving to see the sun shine through and learn of its legendary folklore. For those with an adventurous side, step onto the glass skywalk, a clear bridge that hugs the edge of the cliff to make an amazing view even better. As we head back down to the bottom, the adventure continues with a series of escalators and cable cars for one last chance to marvel at the beautiful landscape
Day 11 ZHANGJIAJIE / CHENGDU
This morning, take a high speed train to Chengdu, the capital of the Sichuan Province. Later, explore People’s Park, the first public park in the city where local life is on full display. Walk through the beautiful green space to see teahouses and lotus ponds while people play mahjong, drink tea and practice calligraphy. Surrounded by koi ponds and bonsai gardens, relish the chance to immerse yourself in Chengdu’s laid-back lifestyle. Tonight, the culture-filled day in Chengdu continues with its world-renowned cuisine as the focus. Hot pot is on the menu–a delicious, family-style bubbling broth that cooks meat and veggies for a personalized and incredible soup experience. You’ll quickly learn why Sichuan is one of China’s most celebrated culinary regions
Day 12 CHENGDU
Drive out of the city to the Dujiangyan Panda Base, a national conservation and research centre dedicated to supporting the panda population from extinction. You’ll have the opportunity to meet with a local conservationist who will share insight into the centre’s efforts as well as introduce the pandas. Learn about their habits, diet and behaviour as they play and munch bamboo. Our local expert will share how programs like this research center have improved the population numbers of wild pandas as discussed in the National Geographic article “Giant Pandas 101,”. We’ll leave with a newfound inspiration to your own role in wildlife conservation around the world as we return to Chengdu for a free afternoon to explore or rest
Day 13 CHENGDU / YANGSHUO
After breakfast, take the train out of the city to the beautiful town of Yangshuo. Nestled between sky-scraping limestone pillars and green rice paddies, enjoy the slower lifestyle where tradition and custom thrive. Life along the Li River is one of the most enchanting and inspiring places in the world, as recognised in the National Geographic book “The 10 Best of Everything: Top 10 Watery Wonders.” Arrive in the evening and enjoy the remainder of the day to rest
Day 14 YANGSHUO
Float down the Li River on a bamboo raft past the towering karst mountains and lush fields for an exciting and tranquil morning. This beautiful place will have you feeling inspired and moved as did poets and painters who have journeyed here before us looking for inspiration. Lunch will be served at Jia Community Restaurant, a G Adventures-supported initiative where local female farmers curate meals full of traditional flavors blended with international cuisine and locally sourced ingredients. After, visit the Qixianfeng Tea Plantation learning about each step of the ancient Chinese art of tea. From picking the leaves, to the traditional techniques of hand-frying passed down through generations, then finishing with a tea ceremony. Today, you’ll explore the historic heritage and natural wonder that makes Yangshuo so special
Day 15 YANGSHUO / HONG KONG
Board a bullet train for Hong Kong, a city steeped in history, opulence and a unique blend of international influence. Tonight, sit together for a dinner of dim sum (small savoury and sweet dumplings) and yum cha (tea). These flavorful, steamed favorites, a mix of tradition and culinary artistry, are often filled with shrimp, pork, crab roe, pork and more. After dark, make our way to Victoria Harbor for the famous light show–the Symphony of Lights. This dazzling show will light up the already impressive Hong Kong skyline. Then, walk along the harbor and enjoy your last night together
Day 16 HONG KONG
Depart at any time
