Engaging Discoveries… for our World Travelers- A cable car ride at the Great Wall promises unforgettable views and the perfect complement to your walking exploration atop this ancient defensive structure.
Ride a bike atop the ancient city walls of Xian for terrific views over the ancient capital. Then savor a local specialty at a festive Dumpling Dinner.
Bamboo rafting on an especially scenic tributary of the Li River transports you deep into the mystical mountain landscapes of Guilin.
6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites #WHS#

HOTEL INFORMATION:
Sofitel Wanda HotelHotel Class: Luxury
With a central location in the Beijing, Sofitel Wanda Beijing offers easy access to the Exhibition Center, Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. The hotel's striking design draws on Sino-French influences and accentuates the strong cultural links between France and China reflected in the overall theme and décor. The hotel features 417 luxurious rooms, 4 restaurants, a Grand Ballroom, Health Club and indulgent LeSpa. Guest accommodations include in-room safe, high-speed internet access, mini-bar and satellite television.
Sheraton HotelHotel Class: Deluxe
Located alongside the Li River lies the five-star Sheraton Guilin Hotel. Guilin has been an inspiration to Chinese poets and artists throughout the centuries. Today, our hotel sits in the heart of this enchanting city. This hotel boasts 430 well-appointed rooms, including 19 suites with breathtaking views of the Li River and hotel garden. All rooms feature individually-controlled heating and air-conditioning, IDD telephone, personal computer outlets and electronic door locks.
Hilton HotelHotel Class: Luxury
The 5-star Hilton Shanghai enjoys a prestigious city-center location in the historic French Concession, with some of the city’s best dining and shopping virtually at your doorstep.
Spacious guestrooms are luxuriously appointed with individual climate control, cable TV with premium channels like HBO, CNN and ESPN, a writing desk, mini-bar, two direct dial telephones with voice mail, trouser press, high speed Internet access, electronic safe, and hairdryer.
After a day of enriching sightseeing, guests can invigorate or unwind with a well-equipped fitness room, jogging track, swimming pool, hot tub, solarium, and sauna.
The hotel offers a wide range of dining options including light Mediterranean fare in Leonardo’s, fresh seafood prepared Ningbo-style in the uniquely aquatic-themed People on the Water, a classic Shanghai and Cantonese menu at Sui Yuan, and flavorful Sichuan cuisine with a view at the 39th floor Sichuan Court.
Shangri-La Golden Flower HotelHotel Class: Luxury
Xian itself was named the Land of Kings and Flowers, and was home to eleven of China’s great dynasties. The Shangri-La Golden Flower Hotel represents this history, and promises modern services to match past greatness. All of the guest rooms include amenities such as internet access, telephone, mini-bar, satellite TV, and air-conditioning. The hotel recreational facilities include a Mahjong Room, massage, sauna, steam room, fitness center, indoor swimming pool, and Jacuzzi. With its elegan mirror-glass exterior, this hotel is the premier address in the city.
Day 1 - Welcome to Beijing!Check in to the 5-star, city-center
Sofitel Hotel.
Day 2 - Explore Imperial BeijingToday’s in-depth sightseeing focuses on the Imperial monuments of the capital. Stand in Tiananmen Square, one of the largest and grandest public plazas in the world. Then explore the sprawling Forbidden City#WHS#, a grand complex of palaces, courtyards and pavilions. Marvel at the Temple of Heaven#WHS#, an extraordinary Ming Dynasty achievement of architecture, aesthetic and engineering and then tour the tranquil Summer Palace#WHS#, erstwhile seasonal retreat of China’s Emperors and Empresses. Meals B,L
Day 3 - Great Wall & Ming Tombs ExcursionJourney into the rugged hills outside of the capital to the Great Wall#WHS#. A cable car ride promises magnificent views of this ancient defensive structure and the surrounding mountain landscape. Then walk atop the Great Wall for an unforgettable experience. Stroll along the statue-lined Sacred Way to visit Changling Tomb, one of the greatest of the celebrated Ming Tombs#WHS#. Back in the city, you’ll see the iconic venues of the 2008 Summer Olympics. Meals B,L
Day 4 - Fly to XianThis morning, you’ll be escorted to the airport for your flight to Xian, the ancient capital of China for 13 dynasties. Upon arrival, visit the ancient City Walls and ride a bike atop this imposing fortification for terrific views over the historic heart of Xian. This evening’s festive Dumpling Dinner is a great opportunity to try this local favorite. Overnight at the 5-star
Shangri-La Golden Flower Hotel. Meals B,D
Day 5 - The Terra Cotta Warriors#WHS# and on to GuilinVisit the excavation site of China’s greatest archaeological discovery, where a terra cotta army – thousands strong – was buried 2,000 years ago to guard the tomb of an emperor. At the Terra Cotta Warriors Museum, you’ll gain deeper insight into this fascinating chapter of ancient China. Later in the afternoon, fly to Guilin where you’ll be met and escorted to the deluxe
Sheraton Hotel. Meals B,L
Day 6 - Cruise to YangshuoThe ethereal landscapes of Guilin have inspired Chinese artists and poets for centuries, and over the next two days we’ve planned special activities to immerse you more deeply in the breathtaking beauty and timeless traditions of the region. Your day begins at scenic Fubo Hill and continues past the aptly named Elephant Trunk Hill to the Tea Research Institute. After lunch, our specially arranged bamboo rafting excursion takes you down the Yulong River into the very heart of Guilin’s celebrated scenery. A scenic walk along rice paddies and fields cultivated for generations brings you to a farmer’s home for an engaging encounter with local life in the countryside. Later in the day, you’ll have free time explore the colorful Yangshuo Bazaar at your own pace. At the inviting
Green Lotus Hotel, we’ve reserved riverview rooms for your overnight accommodations. Meals B,L
Day 7 - On to ShanghaiA scenic morning drive brings you back to the Guilin airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted to the 5-star Hilton Hotel, perfectly located by the historic French Concession. Meals B
Day 8 - Shanghai sightseeingDelightful full-day sightseeing begins with a drive along the Bund, the city’s historic waterfront boulevard. Visit the Old City Bazaar and stroll with your guide in the tranquil Yu Yuan Garden, laid out centuries ago by a Ming Dynasty official as a calming retreat for his aging parents. Marvel at the iconic 21st century skyscrapers in the vibrant Pudong District and then explore the respected collection of the Shanghai Museum. This evening, you’ll enjoy a wonderful Farewell Dinner of regional specialties. Meals B,L,D
Day 9 - Farewell ShanghaiYour tour with us finishes today after breakfast. Meals B
World Traveler 2% Cash Discount
If you make payment by check, money order or electronic cash withdrawal and pay-in-full for your General Tours trip within 7 days of making your reservation, we'll discount the entire cost of your trip by 2%.
Your entire balance must be paid by personal check, travel agency check, money order or authorized electronic debit withdrawal (ACH) from a checking account to qualify; and your payment must be received by General Tours not later than seven (7) days from the date of your reservation to qualify. We recommend using a traceable overnight delivery method. If your check or electronic debit is returned from your bank for any reason, your reservation will no longer qualify for the 2% cash discount; a $25 processing fee will be added to your account balance; and all future payments will need to be made by credit card or certified funds.
Save More. Get Closer. Family and Friends
Explore the world with your family and friends for a more enriching travel experience… Save $50 each when 3 guests travel together, $100 each when 4 guests travel together, and $150 each when 5 or more guests travel together. Combine these savings with your AAA or AARP Member Benefit and save even more!