Unexplored Gems of China: Unique Two-Week Tour

When you land in Guilin, a private driver will be waiting to greet and transfer you to your accommodation in the heart of the city. Upon reaching your accommodation, you will have some time to settle in and relax after your long flight. When you are ready, your guide will lead you to the Longji Rice Terraces, where you can ascend to the top of the terraces. Guilin cuisine is the perfect blend of Cantonese and Hunanese cultures.

After breakfast this morning, your guide will lead you to The Jingjiang mansion, which was built for Prince Jingjiang during the Ming dynasty and surrounds the Solitary Beauty Peak. During your visit, you can traverse the grounds of the mansion and climb to the top of the peak for incredible views. Afterward, you will transfer to the town of Daxu for a private tour. This is a rural town, making it very unique when compared to the bustling cities of Shanghai and Beijing.

Guilin is known around China as being one of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. After breakfast, your guide will lead you on a sail down the Li River. The water buffalo will graze in the water, fishermen may balance on a raft, and school children may be sailing to classes. Eventually, you will reach the Silver Cave, which is the largest karst cave in Guilin. There are several scenic areas to explore in the cave, but the most fascinating area is the Flying Waterfall of Snow Mountain.

The city of Lijiang is favored with plenty of sunlight and clear spring water, creating a refreshing appearance from afar. You will have an early morning so that you can fly to Lijiang, and upon your arrival, a private transfer will be on hand to greet you and make sure that you get settled in to your accommodation. When you are ready, your guide will lead you to Tiger Leaping Gorge, where you will be able to hike the trails along the canyon. Eventually, your guide will lead you to a lookout point for some spectacular views.

After breakfast this morning, your guide will lead you to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, which has an altitude of 18,360 feet at its highest peak. The mountains are almost always covered in snow and fog, and it may appear like a silver dragon in the clouds. At the base of the mountain, you will have the option of riding to the top in a cable car or to hike the well-marked trails. Regardless of what you choose, you will transfer to the Old Town for Lijian for a relaxing tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Xi’an was once the ancient capital of 13 dynasties. Today, it is home to several famous archaeological and cultural sites. After breakfast, you will fly to Xi’an, where you will have the chance to explore. A private driver will greet and lead you through the logistics of checking in to your new accommodation. When you are ready, your guide will take you on a private helicopter flight of the Loess Plateau. After your tour, you will have the rest of the evening to spend at your leisure, and your guide can provide you with excellent dining recommendations.

After a leisurely morning today, your guide will direct you to the Lantian Jade Factory, where you will have the chance to watch a true artisan as they delicately carve jade. Jade has always been an important part of Chinese culture as a symbol of goodness, preciousness, and beauty. In Xi’an, Lantian jade carving is an important part of the culture. After your jade-carving demonstration, you will visit the Giant Buddha Temple, which is known for its massive Amitabha statue and remarkable grottoes.

Huaqing Palace is the epitome of a royal garden in the province of Shaanxi. After breakfast this morning, you will visit the palace with your guide. The palace has a long recorded history of almost three millennia, and it once functioned as the home to many dynastic rulers. The main garden of the palace is Furong Garden that fully embodies the style of the Tang dynasty. You will have the chance to tour the garden before dipping into the healing waters of a hot spring.

The city of Chongqing was built in the mountains and surrounded by the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers. Today, you will fly to Chongqing, where a private driver will make sure that you are greeted and have a seamless transition to your new accommodation. When you have settled in to your new surroundings, your guide will lead you on a tour to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Dazu Rock Carvings, which is a series of religious sculptures that date back to the 7th century. Afterward, you will visit Fengdu Ghost town before having the rest of the evening to spend at your leisure.

The ancient village of Ciqikou sits along the banks of the Jialing River and its history can be traced back over 1,700 years. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Ciqikou was known for its production of porcelain, and over 20 old kilns were discovered around the village. Many of the buildings that are still standing originated from the Ming and Qing dynasty eras. After breakfast, you will traverse this incredible site with a private guide. This will be the only thing planned for the day, and your guide can provide you with excellent dining recommendations as well.

Chengdu may be best known for its panda, but there are many other things to explore and experience. After breakfast, you will fly to Chengdu, where a guide will see that you are properly transitioned to your new accommodation. After settling in, your guide will escort you to Mt. Emei, which is the highest mountain in China. According to archaeological reports, people lived on Mt. Emei as early as 5,000 years ago. You will have the choice to summit the top via a cable car or via the well-groomed hiking trails.

Qingyang Palace is one of the most famous Taoist temples in China. Here, it was originally built during the Tang dynasty. As you traverse through the pavilion and palace with your guide, you will come upon several locals as they take drink tea. You will be able to sit and share a moment with them if you desire. You will then transfer to Mengding Mountain, which is famous for its five peaks. Here, you will learn more about Mengshan tea.

In the early morning, you will fly to Zhangjiajie, which is the home of the famous karst peaks of China. A private driver will see to it that your transition to your new accommodation goes smoothly. When you are ready, your guide will lead you to the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. In the canyon, you will explore the plunging waterfalls and incredible scenery. As you hike your way through the canyon, you will come across the longest and highest glass bridge in the world.

After breakfast this morning, your guide will escort you to the airport for your flight home.