Private Tour Highlights
- Enjoy Beijing's famous crispy, yet moist, Peking Duck!
- Explore the most beautiful Chinese Imperial Palace with its 999 rooms
- Retrace Chinese history from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty
- Take a walk through the Hutongs, the small lanes and former courtyard houses of Old Beijing
- With a local family, learn kite-making and other handicrafts
- Learn the techniques behind well-known Chinese dishes
- Ponder the mysteries of the world famous Terracotta Warriors
- Feast on a dumpling banquet, and taste dumplings of many different shapes, sizes and flavors
- Enjoy the stunning views and colors of Jiuzhaigou National Park
- While hiking throughout the park, enjoy a small workshop on landscape photography
- Trek Tiger Leaping Gorge for a view of the Yangtze river and the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Tour Overview
Don’t simply visit China, experience it with Yampu’s Active China Experience! With our experiential journey through this magnificent country, Yampu Travelers will have the chance to enjoy top attractions as well as escape the beaten path while traversing through the lush countryside. Learn about the local dishes and take part in prepping one’s own dinner with an entertaining cooking class. After taking care of one’s own hunger, assist with feeding China’s most beloved creature, the giant panda, while visiting Chengdu’s Panda Breeding Center. Continue with more wildlife while trekking through the rugged “Tiger Leaping Gorge” as well as acres of un-spoiled alpine forest, and bright aqua-blue lakes in Jiuzhaigou. Escape from the traditional tourist destinations and become a part of China, one on one, while learning about its landscapes, history, folklore, people, and more.
Inclusions
Exclusions
International airfare (unless specifically included), airport departure taxes that must be paid on-site, gratuities, meals not mentioned, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages with meals, early / late check-out, room service, visa fees/services and other personal items or services not mentioned.
Package Price: From £$ 6859
Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.
Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.
Trip Type:
All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!
Tour Itinerary
Arrive in Beijing
Start read more...
Start off on the right foot with a Welcome dinner to enjoy Beijing's famous Peking Duck! Named after the city of Beijing, previously known as Peking, Peking duck is a famous dish that has been prepared since the imperial era and is now one of China's national foods. Ducks are bred especially for the dish, which consists mostly of the thick, crisp skin with a moderate amount of meat that is all carved in front of the guests by the cook. The duck is generally eaten together with thin pancake wraps, spring onions and hoisin sauce. ...read less
Beijing City Tour with Local Families and Private Cooking Class
Today's read more...
Today's China exploration starts with the most beautiful Chinese Imperial Palace with a history of almost six hundred years, The Forbidden City. With 999.5 rooms, it is said to be the world's largest existing palace complex. When walking inside, retrace Chinese history from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. From here, visit the Hutongs, the small lanes and former courtyard houses of Old Beijing, and Houhai Lake. Take a pedicab ride and visit local families. With one particular local family, visitors will have a chance to learn kite-making and other handicrafts!
Private Cooking Class & Dinner: In the evening, Yampu Travelers will have the chance to learn the techniques behind well-known Chinese dishes. The chef promises to explain each step and show how Chinese dishes can be easy to learn!
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Hiking the Great Wall
Today, read more...
Today, visit the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. This section was built and restored in the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), on the remnants of a wall originally built in the Northern Qi Dynasty (550-577) and has been restored and renovated so the road is now mainly steps. Hike up the wall and continue on to what one's heart desires, then return by cable car. After lunch, en route back to Beijing, visit the Summer Palace, a masterpiece of Chinese garden design. After dinner, transfer to the train station to take the overnight train to Xian. ...read less
Xian, Warriors and Cycling the City Wall
Arrive read more...
Arrive in the morning, transfer to hotel, freshen up and have some breakfast before a visit to the world famous Terracotta Warriors. This collection of terracotta sculptures depicts the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. The human sized figures were modeled after actual soldiers of the Qin Army in detail! Next up, visit the City Wall - the fortification showcases the seamless protection and construction of the ancient capital. The wall measures 13.7 km in circumference, 12 m in height, and 15 to 18 m in thickness at the base. Take in the views while biking along part of the City Wall -- from the top there will be a great view over the city.
Next up, take a walk through the lively Muslim Quarter to visit the Grand Mosque. The 60,000 strong Muslim community that lives and works today in Xian traces its history back to Arab and Persian merchants who, after traveling the Silk Road, became permanent residents here for 13 dynasties. This evening, feast on a dumpling banquet, and taste dumplings of many different shapes, sizes and flavors.
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Xian to Chengdu
Chengdu, read more...
Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province. Chengdu is well-known for two things: its relaxed lifestyle and adorable pandas. The city itself is awash with colorful characters that should make for some interesting subject matter, especially when viewed down the lens of a camera. Today is the day of being a Chengdu local!
Upon arrival, visit a local park to see a typical weekend here. Join some local dance, sip some tea, play Chinese chess and learn to play Mahjong, a traditional Chinese game using little cubes instead of playing cards. Mahjong is an essential part of the locals' daily life, being played in people's houses, teahouses and even on the footpath if the weather is conducive. Later in the day, watch a Sichuan Opera - the art of Bian-Lian or face-changing. Hotpot is tonight's dinner highlight. Be ready for spice! ...read less
Panda Breeding Center
Visit the Panda Breeding Center, help out by preparing the pandas food, collecting behavioral data, and tidying-up panda areas and enclosures. In the afternoon, drive to Leshan (Happy) Mountain. The area is known for the largest stone-carved Buddha in the world - the Leshan Giant Buddha - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, enjoy a walk around the historic Jinli Street with a special night photography seminar.
Visit the Panda Breeding Center, help out by preparing the pandas food, collecting behavioral data, and tidying-up panda areas and enclosures. In the afternoon, drive to Leshan (Happy) Mountain. The area is known for the largest stone-carved Buddha in the world - the Leshan Giant Buddha - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the evening, enjoy a walk around the historic Jinli Street with a special night photography seminar.
Leshan Tour and Minjiang Cruise
Morning excursion to Leshan, a southern city of Chengdu. Take a cruise on the Minjiang River. Then transfer to the airport.
Domestic flight from Chengdu to Lijiang.
Morning excursion to Leshan, a southern city of Chengdu. Take a cruise on the Minjiang River. Then transfer to the airport.
Domestic flight from Chengdu to Lijiang.
Tiger Leaping Gorge trekking
Drive read more...
Drive to Tiger Leaping Gorge, the famous canyon on the Yangtze River, for the start of this big trek! The legend behind this deep canyon says that a tiger made the 25-meter wide leap across the gorge to escape from a hunter! The trek will be a total of 8.5 hours over two days, spending the night at a rustic guesthouse in the mountains. The trekking in the morning is relatively easy with attractive views of the forest and farmland. The challenging part comes after lunch with 28 bends to the highest point, for a distant view of the gushing river deep below and of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain beyond. ...read less
Tiger Leaping Gorge to Lijiang
In the morning complete the hike of Tiger Leaping Gorge, locally known as Golden Sands River, before returning to Lijiang to enjoy free time as one so pleases.
In the morning complete the hike of Tiger Leaping Gorge, locally known as Golden Sands River, before returning to Lijiang to enjoy free time as one so pleases.
Lijiang - Dali
Enjoy a relaxing morning before transferring from Lijiang to Dali.
Enjoy a relaxing morning before transferring from Lijiang to Dali.
Dali Village and Lakeside Biking
Explore two villages nearby: Zhoucheng, famous for its hand-made tie dye traditions, and Xizhou, an ancient Bai village, well-known for its delicate Bai style architecture with thousands of years of history. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore the area by bike as an optional tour (payable locally) before a farewell dinner!
Explore two villages nearby: Zhoucheng, famous for its hand-made tie dye traditions, and Xizhou, an ancient Bai village, well-known for its delicate Bai style architecture with thousands of years of history. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore the area by bike as an optional tour (payable locally) before a farewell dinner!
Flight Home
Departure from Dali. Fly to Beijing or Shanghai for connecting flight back home.
Departure from Dali. Fly to Beijing or Shanghai for connecting flight back home.
Beijing, China
Xian, Shaanxi, China
Chengdu, Sichuan, China
Lijiang, Yunnan, China
Tiger Leaping Gorge Shanquan Coffee, Deqen, Yunnan, China
Dali, Yunnan, China
Places You'll See
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Beijing
Located in Northern China, Beijing is the capital of the People’s Republic of China. Throughout the Country’s long history the ancient city of Beijing has been the center for trade and politics, and is home to many culturally significant landmarks. Walk through the Famous Tiananmen Square, located at the center of Beijing City, and witness the immense historical wealth that the Forbidden City has to offer. Of course, no visit to china is complete without a visit to The Great Wall to admire the massive military defense system of ancient China.
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Xi’an
Located near Central China, Xi’an is another historical city of great importance to the development of this culturally rich country. Once the eastern terminal of the Silk Road and home to the famous Terracotta Warriors of the Qin Dynasty, the city of Xi’an has been a part of more than 3,000 years of history. Over 1,100 years Xi’an was the capital city of ancient dynasties, gracing the city with an amazing historical heritage.
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Chengdu
Home to China’s famous Giant Panda is Chengdu, the capital of China’s southwest Sichuan Province. Benefiting from Dujiangyan Irrigation Project, constructed in 256 B.C., Sichuan Province is reputed as the Heavenly State with its natural resources.
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Hotel Options
4 Star Properties
Beijing : Holiday Inn Central Plaza
Holiday Inn Central Plaza
Beijing , CHINA
A 15-minute walk from a metro station providing service to downtown Beijing, this sleek, modern hotel is 8 km from the Forbidden City. Polished rooms feature free Wi-Fi, TVs, minifridges and desks. Upgraded rooms have rainfall showers, along with access to an executive lounge offering free breakfast, snacks and drinks. Suites add living rooms and dining areas. Room service is available. Amenities include a bright, modern restaurant, a cozy lobby bar, and a spa area with a sauna and massage treatments. There’s also a fitness center and an indoor pool, as well as a grand ballroom.
Hotel Kapok
Beijing , CHINA
Hotel Kapok Beijing is a uniquely designed boutique hotel located in the heart of this ancient Chinese city. A modern looking boutique hotel crafted with a touch of Chinese influence, next to the Forbidden City in Beijing. The lantern, a traditional icon in China, is used as a concept of exterior design, which breaks the boundaries between inner space and outdoor environment. An unconventional layout presents a spacious area; the ample use of glass enhances the natural light and the bamboo courtyard in the lobby slows the pace of urban life. Hotel Kapok delivers personalized services while providing conveniences such as restaurants, bars, meeting rooms, business and fitness center.
Zuoyouke
Xi'an , CHINA
Covering 5 Acres, the refurbished and redesigned historic brick building of Zuoyouke is a place of both vintage and modern design, adhering to the most artistic, characteristic, cultural, and the lowest carbon creative ideas. The design follows the “anti-urbanization, de-industrialization, anti-modern” concept through its simplistic architecture, and handmade furniture to convey a return to natural green Deposit aesthetics. Enjoy a nostalgic trip and low-carbon journey with a stay at the Zuoyouke Hotel.
Xinliang
Chengdu , CHINA
The Chengdu Xinliang Hotel (Xinliang Dajiudian) is located in the downtown area, near Tianfu Square and 15 minutes by car from Shuangliu International Airport. All of the hotel’s 274 guestrooms and suites feature international and domestic direct-dial telephone, individual climate-control systems, satellite television, mini-bar and 24-hour room service. The hotel boasts two Chinese restaurants, including the enormous Flowers Banquet Hall, that serve Sichuan and Cantonese dishes. There is also a lobby bar and tea house. For business travelers, the hotel has six conference rooms and a comprehensive business center that provides secretarial, photocopying, typing, ticket reservations, postal delivery, email and fax services. Recreational and leisure facilities include a sauna and massage center, bowling alley, gym and beauty salon.
Jinhong Villa
Lijiang , CHINA
5 Star Properties
St.Regis
Beijing , CHINA
At The St. Regis Beijing we are proud to offer the renowned St. Regis Butler Service–unparalleled, round-the-clock personal attention for every guest. We are also delighted to offer access to the exclusive St. Regis Spa & Club, the first luxury city spa in Beijing with natural hot spring water and over 40 western & Chinese treatments. For additional exhilaration, discover an impressive array of spa, swimming, leisure, sports and entertainment facilities on four floors of the Club Wing.
Chengdu : Sheraton Chengdu Lido Hotel
Sheraton Chengdu Lido Hotel
Chengdu , CHINA
The Sheraton Chengdu Lido Hotel provides outstanding recreational facilities, including a sauna, Jacuzzi, steam room, Sheraton Fitness, massage parlor, hair salon, and indoor swimming pool. Our experienced crew will help re-energize you with a variety of treatments. Guests can stroll or relax in our outdoor garden on the fifth floor to enjoy the views of the Chengdu Stadium, which is adjacent to the hotel.
Feel free to surf the web on our computer workstations or bring your laptop for wireless High Speed Internet Access in the lobby. Business travelers will appreciate the comprehensive business center. Located on the second floor, it includes a gift shop, a modern meeting room for up to 10 guests, and two computer rooms with High Speed Internet Access. It also provides such secretarial services as typing, photocopying, laminating, printing, and faxing.
We also offer limousine service. Guests will be able to travel to and from their destinations in total comfort, able to concentrate on their business while enjoying all the superlative services available.
Luxury Properties
Beijing : Regent Beijing Hotel
Regent Beijing Hotel
Beijing , CHINA
Located a heartbeat from the legendary Forbidden City, Regent Beijing invites travelers to immerse in more than 3,000 years of history from the sanctuary of one of the world’s finest hotels. Ideally situated to explore the capital’s most iconic historical and cultural landmarks, and its modern urban attractions, Regent Beijing’s rooms and suites combine classic style with elements of oriental elegance and 21st century amenities for unequivocal comfort.
Xi'an : Sofitel on Renming Square
Sofitel on Renming Square
Xi'an , CHINA
The heritage of Xian and the classic French hospitality of Sofitel combine to create a stunning 5-star hotel welcoming business and leisure travelers to the heart of the city. Sofitel Xian on Renming Square is located centrally within the Xian city walls near many historical sites including the Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Great Mosque, and Forest of Steles. The airport and Terracotta Warriors are both a 45-minute drive.
Testimonials
Jim, Travel Agent
Traveled July, 2016
An incredible time……
WOW!!!…..
Just had Evelyn on the phone for over an hour and they had an incredible time……
“Very impressed with China and learned a lot! We loved our experience in Tibet. The people are lovely and scenery magnificent. We had very accommodating and thoughtful guides. Very helpful.”
Flights in China were great and no delays, hotels were awesome, guides were wonderful, tours were perfect and even the train worked out. The 8th person on the train was a young Tibetan woman and they felt safe with her in the compartment.
Once again, a total success and very happy clients….
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