China: Rediscovering an Ancient Empire ( 12 Days Tour)

Welcome to Beijing

You are greeted at the airport by our local guide upon arrival in Beijing, and taken directly to your hotel. Located in one of Beijing’s famed and fast-disappearing hutongs, traditional courtyard homes connected through a labyrinth of alleyways, our hotel is in an ideal location for an authentic Beijing experience. The afternoon is free to rest or independently explore the neighborhood. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner of traditional Chinese cuisine at the Red Capital Club.

Guxiang Hotel, Beijing

Exploring Beijing and the Great Wall

Walking – easy, 1-2 hours.

We begin the morning with a visit to the Temple of Heaven. Once used by emperors leaving offerings of grain, silk, and animals for a fruitful harvest, this vast complex of architectural masterpieces is now a lively gathering spot for Beijing residents, to practice Tai Chi, play music, and dance in the morning.

Later this morning, we depart for the famed Great Wall. Though the underlying architecture dates from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the original plan and some construction date back to the Qin Dynasty (221-207 BC). After lunch, we enjoy an easy walk around the area of Juyongguan pass, comprised of a combination of circular and straight walls, along with a castle that once defended the Guangou Valley. This intricate system took more than 200 years to complete, and at its peak had over 10,000 soldiers stationed here. We continue our exploration as the afternoon light grows long, making for fine photographic opportunities.

This evening, we make our home nearby in the uniquely named “Commune by the Great Wall.” A far cry from a traditional commune, this collection of 12 Asian-architect-designed homes is part of the luxury Kempinski hotel collection. Beautifully tucked in a secluded valley, its stylish modern architecture provides a fitting counterpoint to the nearby ancient wall.

Commune by the Great Wall, Shuiguan

The Terra Cotta Warriors and Xi’an

Optional cycling – easy, 1 hour, and walking – easy, 3-4 hours.

Later this morning, we explore the incredible excavations of the Terra Cotta Warriors, an army of thousands of clay figures who were buried with Emperor Qin Shi Huang Di after 210 B.C. One of the last century’s greatest archaeological finds, the warriors were accidentally discovered by farmers, and each of these life-sized figures are as individual in their appearance as their real-life counterparts – no two are alike. Standing inside the gigantic Quonset hut that protects the treasures from the elements, you get a sense for the enormity of the army and the amazing craftwork that went into producing each figure. Scholars estimate that it took 700,000 workers to create the warriors over a 38-year period. You will marvel at the sweeping views across the ranks of soldiers, and we’ll enjoy special access to the lower deck to get a closer look at these unique statues. Later today, we continue on to the Shaanxi History Museum, which houses murals, paintings, pottery, and coins, as well as numerous other bronze, gold, and silver treasures dating from the time when Xi’an was China’s ancient capital. As sunset approaches, there may be time to take a stroll along the Ming Dynasty city walls that still circle the old section of Xi’an.

This evening we are treated to a traditional dumpling banquet, for which Xi’an is famous, featuring numerous varieties of Chinese dumplings sculpted into artful shapes. Following supper, enjoy exploring the city streets and shops surrounding our hotel.

Tang Paradise Hotel, Xi’an

Exploring Longsheng rice terraces; Longsheng to Guilin

Optional hiking – moderate, 4-6 hours.

After breakfast, we set out on an all-day hike, traversing the mountain roads, terraced slopes, and bamboo forests that connect several Zhuang and Yao minority villages in the region. The solitude of the surrounding forests is profound, and at times we enjoy only the simple sounds of a babbling brook or chirping birds – an almost startling contrast to the hustle and bustle of Beijing, where we were just a few short days ago.

Yao women are skilled at embroidery, and as we pass through the villages you may notice the fine flower patterns on the edges of their garments. The Zhuang are the most populous of China’s minorities, and one of the best integrated with the Han, China’s main population. They are known for their festival singing and dancing. Traditional religions of the Yao include nature worship, ancestor worship, and Daoism, while Zhuang add Christianity and Buddhism to the list. As we explore the countryside on foot, soak in the poetic atmosphere, and the astonishing carved terraces that shimmer and swirl across the landscape for miles. Shrouds of hanging fog add an eerie beauty, accentuating the stacked earth.

Late in the afternoon we return to Guilin and enjoy some free time to explore on your own.

Sheraton Guilin Hotel, Guilin

Exploring Yangshuo

Optional biking and walking exploration – easy to moderate, 3-5 hours.

For those who yearn for more time on the unforgettably scenic rivers of this region, you have the option this morning of boarding a private bamboo raft on the Yulong River for a more traditional river experience.

In the afternoon, we have option to hop on bikes and head for Aishan via an old country road to the village of Yongcun, passing picturesque hamlets along the way, tucked among lush vegetation and bordered by rice fields. Moon Hill looms in the distance, an unusual limestone arch with a hole eroded in the center. The hole is believed to have been created by an ancient underground river long since disappeared. After lunch, you can reach the summit of Moon Hill by ascending 819 steps for a spectacular bird’s-eye-view of the surrounding hills. Then we get back on our bikes and continue our explorations of the surrounding country. Depending on the season, you may see farmers walking their water buffalo along the roads or working them in the fields. Traveling by bike allows us to stop to chat with rice farmers and learn about their ages-old lifestyle.

This evening a very special treat is in store: the famed Impression Liusanjie, a choreographed and beautifully lit river performance directed by Zhang Yimou, the internationally acclaimed Chinese filmmaker whose credits include Raise the Red Lantern, Red Sorghum, and House of Flying Daggers.

Dragon River Retreat, Yangshuo

Exploring Shanghai

Walking – easy, 3-5 hours.

Our final full day of exploring China begins at the Shanghai Museum, which houses a world-class collection of Chinese bronzes, jade, pottery, ceramics, paintings, and calligraphy. You’ll have ample time to explore all five floors with the aid of an excellent, self-guided audio system. Lunch at Shanghai Ren Jia offers a delicious selection of dumplings and noodle soups.

Later this afternoon, we explore the 16th-century Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden with more than thirty pavilions linked by a maze of corridors, courtyards, and bridges over ponds. Such gardens provide an idyllic and tranquil break from the city’s typical pace. The Shikumen Museum recreates a typical Shanghai home from the 1920s, and a stroll through provides a sense of the history of the place.

After a final celebratory dinner, we have a special evening in store: attending an acrobatics show, a 2,500-year-old Chinese tradition that originated during village harvest festivals. Using chi kung, a philosophy harnessing inner strength, acrobats focus the body and mind to work in harmony, performing amazing feats of balance, coordination, and dance.

Mansion Hotel, Shanghai