Travel dates of June 3, 2025-June 19, 2025. Price per person is $4,800 double occupancy and $5,600 single occupancy. Arrival date of June 1 in Beijing, China and Departure date of June 16 from Shanghai, China. All meals included in price beginning on June 5 except for one lunch on June 8 where we will be on a train, where meals will be available for purchase. Prices include all in country flights, accommodations, transport, admissions to sites and listed activities. Not included in the price are the flights to Beijing and return home flights from Shanghai, and tips for drivers and guides, trip insurance, and a Chinese Visa. You will need a Chinese Visa to enter China—applications can be accessed HERE.
*this trip includes moderate amounts of physical activity and is not recommended for anyone that may have health issues that interfere with walking, hiking, climbing, biking, balance, breathing or exercise.
Forbidden China Itinerary personalized tour made for Forbidden Adventure by China Highlights
Day 1 June 4 Arrive in Beijing
Transport: Flight (Your arrangements)
Accommodation: Novotel Peace Beijing **** (four stars)
Today's Activities: Airport to Hotel Transfer (Beijing)
Day 2 Jun. 5, 2025, Beijing
Accommodation: Novotel Peace Beijing ****
Today's Activities: Hutong Walking Tour in Dongcheng District, The Mutianyu Great Wall (with round trip cable car)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner included.
The Mutianyu Great Wall:
The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is ranked top on TripAdvisor among all the Great Wall sections, for its picturesque scenery and beautifully-restored architecture. About 1.5 hour drive from downtown Beijing, this 2½-kilometer section was fully restored in 1986.
Utilizing a cable car we will access a section know as “the most beautiful and interesting part of the Great Wall”—between the 14th and 23rd watch towers—called “the golden route". It normally takes about 2 hours to complete the hike.
Tips: Walking sticks may be helpful.
Hutong Walking Tour in Dongcheng District: Hutongs are a maze of historic alleyways with traditional single-story courtyard houses, which are quickly disappearing. They are a remnant of old Beijing. You will walk through narrow alleys, as well as visit a local family to witness traditional lifestyle. You can also ascend the Bell Tower to have a bird’s-eye view of the Hutong area. The total walking distance is about 1 mile.
You will have a hands on experience in Chinese Calligraphy.
Popular local restaurants: Welcome dinner this night will be at Quanjude roast duck restaurant. Famous for its Peking/Beijing duck cooked over open flames in a brick oven (see video).
Day 3 Jun. 6, 2025, Beijing
Accommodation: Novotel Peace Beijing ****
Today's Activities: The Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, Lama Temple, Tai Chi Experience at the Temple of Heaven, Evening Beijing Opera performance.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.
The Forbidden City: The Forbidden City, in the very heart of Beijing, was home to 24 emperors during the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties. It is the largest and best preserved ancient imperial architectural complex in the world. It features a great square, intricate halls, manicured gardens, courtyards and living quarters. The exhibitions, both permanent and temporary, are important treasures of ancient China.
Temple of Heaven: Built in 1420 during the Ming dynasty, the Temple of Heaven is a complex of Taoist buildings where annual harvest ceremonies were performed. The surrounding park is full of life. In the morning local people meet to sing, exercise, and do Tai Chi. The park covers an area of 273 hectares in the south of Central Beijing.
Lama Temple: The colorful Yonghe Lamasery is the largest and most famous Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet. It's still very active, and the beautiful halls and courtyards are thronged with devotees who come to worship or seek good fortune. Here you’ll see the world's largest wooden statue (the Matreiya Buddha) and Tibetan exhibits.
Tiananmen Square: The largest city square in the centre of Beijing, named after the Tiananmen (literally, Gate of Heavenly Peace) which sits to its north, separating it from the Forbidden City. It has great cultural significance as it was the site of several key events in Chinese history. As the world's largest city square and enduring symbol of China's national pride, it is surrounded by many imposing buildings including the Heavenly Gate (entry to the Forbidden City), Museums, government buildings and Chairman Mao's Mausoleum.
Tai Chi Experience at the Temple of Heaven : Tai Chi is a martial art system which places emphasis on the development and control of Chi (energy) within the body. At the largest park in Beijing—the Temple of Heaven—you will join in morning practice under the guidance of a Tai Chi Master. There is also an optional Tai Chi Experience on the Great Wall.
Evening at the Beijing Opera (VIP seats!): Chinese opera is a popular and traditional form of drama and musical theatre with roots stretching back to antiquity. Immerse yourself in a lavish cultural spectacle where vivid storytelling, captivating music, and opulent costumes come together for a truly unforgettable experience.
Popular local restaurants: Some typical Beijing dishes include shredded pork in Beijing sauce, noodles with soybean paste, Mongolian hot pot, Beijing roast duck, and donkey burger.
Day 4 Jun. 7, 2025, Beijing to Datong
Transport: Train to Datong (First Class)
Accommodation: Garden Hotel Datong ****
Today's Activities: Hanging Monastery, Yungang Grottoes
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.
Yungang Grottoes: A World Heritage Site, these grottoes were carved out of sandstone cliffs on Wuzhou Mountain during the 5th century. It stretches some 1000 meters continuously from east to west and it is one of the four famous grotto complexes throughout China. Of the 53 original grottoes, only 45 remain intact which contain some 250 niches and 51,000 Buddhist statues and murals. They are masterpieces of ancient Chinese art. Visitors will learn about Buddhist practices and local folklore.
Hanging Monastery: A World Heritage Site which which clings to a vertical rock face 50 meters above the ground. The monastery is the only one in China that honors Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism in one place.
Day 5 Jun. 8, 2025, Datong to Xian
Transport: First Class train to Xian
Accommodation: Somerset Xindicheng Xian ****
Today's Activities: A relaxing scenic train ride to Xian. Arrive in time for Dinner and evening free time.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner included. Lunch available for purchase on train.
Day 6 Jun. 9, 2025, Xian
Accommodation: Somerset Xindicheng Xian ****
Today's Activities: Cable car and hiking on Huashan Mountain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner included
Huashan Mountain: About 2½ hour drive from Huayin city in the Shaanxi Province, this peak is one of the Five Sacred Mountains of China, and in ancient times used to be called the West Mountain. There are five summits: the South peak, 2160.5m above sea level, the East Morning Sun peak, the West Lotus Flower peak, the North peak, and the Middle peak.
Cable Car on Mt. Huashan(round way) (30 minutes) : You can enjoy the scenery along the way to Mt. Huashan by cable car.
Hiking on Mount Hua : Take a cable car strait up the North Peak of Mount Hua with about 15 minutes. You can also hike to the other peaks. It will take around 2 hours to the East Peak which is famous for its sunrise. Remember to prepare some snacks for the hiking. There are a few shops on the mount Hua.
Popular Local Restaurant: Some typical Xi'an dishes include Chinese Hamburger, Xian cold noodle, Biángbiáng noodles, Hot and sour soup dumpling, Flatbread in mutton soup
Day 7 Jun 10, 2025, Xian to Guilin
Transport: Flight to Guilin
Accommodation: Guilin Lijiang Waterfall Hotel ****
Today's Activities: The Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Wolong temple (chanting sutras), Hotel to airport Transfer (Xian), Airport to Hotel Transfer (Guilin)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.
The Terracotta Warriors: Discovered accidentally in 1974, this incredible army of over 7000 soldiers, archers, horses and chariots in full battle array has guarded Emperor Qin's tomb since 210BC. Each figure is unique, and the painstaking repair and excavation continues in 3 pits which are protected inside huge hangars.
Wolong Temple (chanting sutras) : Wolong Temple in Xi'an is a historical Buddhist temple with deep cultural roots that dates back to the Tang Dynasty. This serene temple is renowned for its ancient architecture, tranquil atmosphere, and significant religious history. Visitors can explore the peaceful surroundings, immerse themselves in the spiritual ambiance, and learn about the rich Buddhist heritage that Wolong Temple has to offer. By special arrangement, our group will personally participate in guided chanting along side buddhist monks. They will discuss their worship practices, recite their scriptures, and lead us in reciting the Heart Sutra.
Popular Local Restaurant: Some typical Xi'an dishes include Chinese Hamburger, Xian cold noodle, Biángbiáng noodles, Hot and sour soup dumpling, Flatbread in mutton soup
Day 8 Jun. 11, 2025, Guilin to Longsheng
Accommodation: Guilin Lijiang Waterfall Hotel ****
Today's Activities: Our guide and driver will escort us from Guilin to Longsheng, where we will learn how to make bamboo-tube rice from a local family, and explore the minority village and Longsheng terraced rice fields.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.
Minority Village and Longsheng Rice Terraced Field:
The rice terraces are a sight not to be missed when traveling around Guilin—the southeast corner of China, not far from Vietnam—they are one of the most impressive manmade wonders in China. Viewed from the top of the mountains, they look like a dragon’s ribs protruding from the steep mountainsides; hence the name ‘Dragon's Backbone’ (Longji). The terraces cover an area of 25 square miles and were built 600 years ago by local minority people.
Today we head to Ping’an Zhuang Village, accommodating more than 50 families with over 200 people. The village fields range between 300 meters to 1,100 meters above sea level. Moderate walking is involved and a good level of fitness is required.
Learn how to make bamboo-tube rice from a local family: Bamboo-tube rice is a famous local food in Longji. It is delicious and has a fresh bamboo flavor. Chat with the family and walk around their traditional wooden house, and learn about mountain life.
Popular local restaurants with authentic Longsheng food: Popular local restaurants include Meiyou restaurant, Ping’an restaurant, and Shuiyunge restaurant. Some typical dishes include Bamboo-tube cooked rice, sautéed bamboo shoots with pork or bacon, sautéed green bamboo shoots with eggs (this is seasonal springtime food).
Day 9 Jun. 12, 2025, Guilin to Yangshuo
Accommodation: Guilin Lijiang Waterfall Hotel ****
Today's Activities: Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo (by 4 star boat), Yangshuo Countryside Visit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner included.
Yangshuo Countryside Visit: Yangshuo's countryside is known for its idyllic scenery, and distinctive hills. The scenery is spectacular as we ride between the karst peaks, clear streams, rice paddies and bamboo fields. This trip is approximately a 6 mile bike ride.
Tips: 1. No bike helmet is available for the biking tour. 2. The street vendors wait at certain spots on the country roads and follow the tourist to sell souvenirs; if you are not interested, do not stop as they take this as a sign that you want something. 3. The roads can be bumpy and pass through villages. It is wise to ride slowly when passing though populated areas.
Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo: A cruise along the Li River is an unforgettable experience. As you take in the stunning scenery, there's something interesting to see at almost every bend in the river. Between stunning limestone peaks you'll see graceful bamboo groves, farmers tending rice paddies, and lumbering water buffaloes pulling carts or cooling off in the river. You may see fishermen gliding along on their narrow bamboo rafts, and if you're very lucky you might see one of the famous fishing cormorants. Boats depart from various wharves, according to the height of the river at different times of the year. The Li river cruise is by a medium- size boat which can accommodate about 80 passengers.We have selected the newly commissioned 4-star boat serving a buffet lunch.
Day 10 Jun. 13, 2025, Guilin to Hangzhou
Transport: Flight to Hangzhou.
Accommodation: HangZhou ZhongWei Sunny Hotel ****
Today's Activities: Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave, Hotel to airport Transfer (Guilin)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner included.
Reed Flute Cave (1 hour) : Located 5 kilometers northwest of Guilin city, the Reed Flute Cave gets the name from the reeds used for making flutes and pipes that grow at its entrance—it is regarded as the largest and most impressive cave in Guilin. Passing through stalactites, stalagmites, stone pillars, and stone curtains—you’ll see birds, plants and animals in fantastic shapes and colors.
Tips: The tour lasts for 40 minutes and there is a lot of climbing of steps. Watch your step as it is dark inside.
Elephant Trunk Hill: Located at the junction of Li River and Peach Blossom River, it is the symbol of Guilin, standing 55 meters high and resembles an elephant drinking from the Li River. The hill is pierced with many caves and topped with a small pagoda.
Popular local restaurants with authentic Guilin food : Guilin food is different from the food of some other areas in its natural, fresh and healthy ingredients. Many Guilin ingredients are from the surrounding forests, mountains, and rice paddies, not from factories or green houses. Some typical Guilin dishes include Guilin rice noodles, steamed Li River fish, stewed gingko-nut soup with duck, fried pork with crispy skin (Guilin-style bacon), and fried pumpkin with salty egg yolk.
Day 11 Jun. 14, 2025, Hangzhou to Huangshan
Accommodation: Parkview International Hotel ***** (5 star hotel)
Today's Activities: The West Lake(including the Island on the lake), Six Harmonies Pagoda, and Lingyin Temple.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner included.
The West Lake(including the Island on the lake): West Lake is a cultural treasure that has influenced poets and painters throughout the ages for its natural beauty and historical relics. In the Summer, you may see the green lotus bloom. On Fairy Island we will have one of the best views on the lake—Three Pools Mirroring the Moon—expressing the fusion between humans and nature. It has also been among the most important sources of inspiration for Chinese garden designers via the numerous temples, pagodas, gardens, and artificial islands on the lake.
Lingyin Temple: As one of the most important and wealthiest Buddhist temples in China, Lingyin Temple boasts numerous pagodas and Buddhist grottoes. A monk from India brought Buddhism to this area and founded this temple. It is a great storehouse of information with a large collection of Buddhist literature. You will see a splendid collection of architectural and cultural relics in the palaces, pavilions, and halls located in front of the temple proper. Feilai Feng (Flying Peak) is an outstanding grotto with many carved Buddhas. Legend has it that the peak was originally from India, and flew to Hangzhou overnight as a demonstration of the omnipotence of Buddhist law. Other attractions such as the Hall of the Heavenly Kings, Grand Hall of the Great Sage, Hall of the Medicine Buddha, Sutra Library, and Hall of the Five Hundred Arhats are also here.
Six Harmonies Pagoda: The famous Liuhe Pagoda is located on the north bank of the Qiantang River. This ancient structure compliments the peaceful landscape of Hangzhou. The name "Six Harmonies" comes from the six Buddhist directions—heaven, earth, east, west, south and north. You can climb to the top and have a bird's view of the Qian River.
Popular local restaurant: Some typical Hangzhou dishes include Longjing shrimp, Dongpo pork and West Lake sweet-and-sour fish.
Day 12 Jun. 15, 2025, Huangshan
Accommodation: Xihai Hotel (in the mountains) ***** (Five Star Hotel)
Today's Activities: Yungu Cable Car (up) and West Sea Grand Canyon, West Grand Canyon (including Cable Car), The Yellow Mountains
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.
The Yellow Mountains : Located in the south of Anhui Province, with an area of about 1,200 square kilometers and known as "the loveliest mountain in China", the Yellow Mountains are famous for their beauty whatever the season—granite peaks piercing the clouds, jutting rocks and gnarled trees, hot springs, waterfalls, wonderful outlooks, and over 1500 plant species. During your private tour, your guide will escort you to the South Gate at Huangshan Scenic area.
Tips: 1. For overnight stays in the Yellow Mountains, you just need a small backpack to bring what you need for your overnight stay and hiking. Our guide will assist you with the safe deposit of the rest of your luggage at the foot of the mountains.
Yungu Cable Car and West Grand Canyon: Arrive at the south gate of The Yellow Mountains. It is a 10 minute cable car ride to get onto the mountain. Your guide, who spends over 200 days on the mountains every year, will customize the route for you. After buffet lunch at the hotel, explore the many trails that traverse the canyon. If time and strength permit, you can further explore the ‘Flying-Over Rock’ landmark, and watch the sunset at Bright Top.
Day 13 Jun. 16, 2025, Huangshan to Suzhou
Transport: Train to Suzhou
Accommodation: Artyzen Habitat Suzhou ****
Today's Activities: North Sea and Yungu Cable Car (down), Train to Suzhou
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.
North Sea and Yungu Cable Car (down) : It is highly recommended that you don’t miss the incredible sunrise at Refreshing Terrace overlooking the sea of clouds. After breakfast at the hotel we will walk to Lion Peak to see the Dawn Pavilion, the Stone Monkey Watching the Sea, and unique pines along the trail. You can also climb to Beginning-to-Believe Peak and overlook the Mushroom Pavilion.
Day 14 Jun. 17, 2025, Suzhou to Shanghai
Transport: First Class train to Shanghai
Accommodation: Sunrise On The Bund ****
Today's Activities: Rickshaw Ride in Suzhou, Pingjiang Road, Humble Administrators Garden, and Panmen Gate.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included.
Panmen Gate: This ancient city gate has both land and water entrances, once quite typical in ancient China, it was a vital part of Suzhou's defenses. The city walls, towers, and gates form a beautiful tableau. The view from the top across the town's rooftops and distant pagodas is particularly picturesque.
Humble Administrators Garden: This garden is the best representative of Chinese classical gardens. Constructed in the Ming dynasty, with a focus on a central pond with pavilions, terraces, chambers, and towers located nearby, the garden is divided into three parts—eastern, middle and western. Don't miss the Garden Museum.
Rickshaw Ride in Suzhou: Rickshaw rides are a popular activity for showcasing ancient culture along the banks of the canals and the traditions of local people.
Pingjiang Road: This is a historical street located in the northeastern Suzhou city and has been used since the Song Dynasty, 800 years ago. It's a lively place with stores galore, and local food at every turn.
Day 15 Jun. 18, 2025, Shanghai
Accommodation: Sunrise On The Bund ****
Today's Activities: Shanghai Tower, Former French Concession Precinct, Yuyuan Garden, and The Bund
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included
Yuyuan Garden: Yuyuan Garden is located in the center of Shanghai old quarters. It was a private garden built in 1559 during the Ming Dynasty with typical Chinese classical architecture. The complex covers an area of 2 hectares, with rockeries, pavilions, ponds and corridors. The garden is surrounding by a busy market place where visitors can find everything from popular local snacks, handicrafts, antiques and souvenirs to some famous time-honored restaurants.
Tips:
1. There are many venders at the entrance of Yuyuan Market. If you don't want to buy anything, the most effective way to deal with them is to simply ignore them.
The Bund: This 1.5-kilometer-long embankment runs along the Huangpu River. On its west side is the "architecture gallery" with 52 well-preserved old European style buildings. Once the major trading and commercial center of old Shanghai, the Bund has now taken on new vitality; with modern developments, chic restaurants, and high-end shops, there is plenty to see and do.
Tips: Mornings in the Bund are foggy. The best time to visit is in the afternoon or evening. Lights will be turned off at 10pm.
Former French Concession Precinct: This walking tour will visit important historical buildings, such as the Huaihai Roand, Jinjiang Hotel and countless French colonial style buildings. On clear, warm days the shadows of the Chenar trees adds a romantic feeling. At night, aromatic cafés, glowing bars, and warm restaurants invite the curious traveler.
Shanghai Tower : The world's second-tallest building, with 128 stories at 2,073 feet tall, it is a premier tourist highlight. This $2.4 billion skyscraper features the world's highest observation deck, the world's 2nd highest hotel, and the world's fastest elevators.
Popular Local Restaurant : Some typical Shanghai dishes include xiaolongbao (steamed buns—our favorite!), braised pork in brown sauce and duck stuffed with the eight treasures.
Day 16 Jun. 19, 2025, Depart Shanghai
Transport: Flight home
Today's Activities: Hotel to airport Transfer (Shanghai)
Meals: Breakfast included
