Odyssey in China: Beijing, Chengdu & Hong Kong 2021

Day 1 Arrive in Beijing

Tour begins: 5:30 PM, Waldorf Astoria Beijing. A transfer is included upon your arrival from Beijing Capital International Airport to the Waldorf Astoria Beijing in the heart of the city, where a taste of local specialties awaits at tonight's welcome reception followed by dinner.

MEALS : D

LODGING : Waldorf Astoria Beijing

PORTOFCALL : Beijing, China

Day 2 The Great Wall & Beijing's Hutongs

Besides being the only man-made structure visible from space, the Great Wall of China tops most travelers' lists of the Earth's must-visit places. Take a walk atop the highest point of its Badaling section, then walk down to the bottom along an ancient stone path where you'll travel a short distance for lunch at the Commune by the Great Wall – enjoy the views of this architectural wonder surrounding you. This afternoon, gain some insights on the city's centuries-old hutongs – unique traditional neighborhoods threatened by ongoing urban development – when you take a private tour of a hutong – ride a rickshaw and visit a local family in their home. Enjoy dinner as you please tonight in Beijing.

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : Waldorf Astoria Beijing

PORTOFCALL : Beijing, China

Day 3 Temple of Heaven to Tiananmen Square

In bygone days, the emperor and his retinue would process from the Forbidden City to the Temple of Heaven to pray for a bountiful harvest; today you’ll make your own way to the gilded temple, where you might see the locals playing chess, dancing, and exercising. A private Tai Chi demonstration and lesson in one of the temple's parks gets you moving! After lunch at a local restaurant, discover the legendary Forbidden City itself, where China's emperors lived for centuries; tour the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Middle Harmony, the Hall of Preserved Harmony, the Hall of Mental Cultivation, and the Imperial Garden. Not far from the Forbidden City, step forward into modern Chinese history at Tiananmen Square, home to Mao Zedong's mausoleum; his portrait hangs above the Gate of Heavenly Peace. Have dinner at your choice of fine restaurants in your hotel.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Waldorf Astoria Beijing

PORTOFCALL : Beijing, China

Day 4 Xi’an on the Silk Road

A morning flight takes you to the city of Xi’an at one end of the ancient Silk Road, the conduit along which for centuries the Chinese exported luxury goods including teas, salt, sugar, porcelain, spices, and, of course, silk. In Xi’an visit the Han Yang Ling Underground Mausoleum, an excavation site where the cultural relics will give you a sense of life during the Western Han Dynasty. Enjoy dinner at your hotel this evening.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Hyatt Regency Xi'an

PORTOFCALL : Xi'an, China

Day 5 Terra Cotta Warriors & Islamic culture in Xi'an

Eight thousand life-size terra cotta warrior statues stood guard at the tomb of China’s first emperor for more than 2,000 years. Your visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site today includes a Tauck Exclusive insider talk by a museum conservationist and a tour; you’ll see that each warrior has his own distinctive expression and features. After a dumpling lunch at a local restaurant, explore the history of Islamic culture in China with a visit to a Muslim street and an ancient mosque in Xi'an. Dine this evening in your hotel.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Hyatt Regency Xi'an

PORTOFCALL : Xi'an, China

Day 6 Chengdu’s Traditions

Take a high-speed train in First Class this morning from Xi’an to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. After lunch at your hotel in Chengdu, visit the ancient Buddhist Wenshu Temple to see its revered artworks, examples of calligraphy, and gardens.  The temple is home to some 300 Buddha statues! Stroll down narrow Jinli Street, lined with tea houses and artisan shops, to get the feel of traditional provincial life.  Dinner is served this evening at your hotel.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : The St. Regis Chengdu

PORTOFCALL : Chengdu, China

Day 7 Pandas of Chengdu

Today enjoy a special experience learning about China’s iconic Giant Pandas – and observing them in a natural setting. During a visit to the Chengdu Panda Base, discover them living their lives in a quiet outdoor sanctuary, hear about the breeding and conservation issues of this vulnerable species, and perhaps have an opportunity to feed a panda. Their home is a park-like landscape that simulates their natural environment – with wild bamboo, green lawns, rivers, lakes, rocky outcroppings, caves, and dens. Keep your eyes open for swans, peacocks, and butterflies as well. A hot pot lunch at a local restaurant is followed by tea tasting at People’s Park. This evening discover one of China’s oldest and most popular art forms, Sichuan Opera. The highlight of the performance is a magical skill called “face changing” that will have you on the edge of your seat.

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : The St. Regis Chengdu

PORTOFCALL : Chengdu, China

Day 8 Leshan & the Giant Buddha or Chengdu

You have a choice of sightseeing this morning. You can journey to Leshan by train to see what’s likely to be the largest buddha you’ve ever encountered, or stay in Chengdu for more discoveries. If you choose the excursion, take a train to Leshan, then a brief boat ride along a river to the foot of the 8th-century Giant Buddha – an inspiring approach to a truly monumental sacred sculpture. The buddha is surprisingly detailed; there are more than 1,000 buns in its coiled hair! Then return to Chengdu for lunch at a local restaurant. If you choose to stay in Chengdu, you'll visit the Chengdu Museum, explore the town's "Wide and Narrow Street," and browse a local market. The rest of the afternoon and evening are yours to spend as you please in Chengdu.

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : The St. Regis Chengdu

PORTOFCALL : Chengdu, China

Day 9 On to Guilin & a Li River cruise

Fly to Guilin, among China's most picturesque places, whose landscapes have inspired poets and artists for centuries. Shortly after your arrival, spend the afternoon on a private Tauck cruise along the storied Li River; feast your eyes and your soul on tranquil groves, fishermen on bamboo rafts, breathtaking limestone peaks and views of traditional village life that seem to be lifted from an ancient Chinese scroll painting! Check in at your mountain resort and enjoy the evening as you please, dining at leisure at your choice of restaurants at the hotel. 

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Banyan Tree Yangshuo Resort

PORTOFCALL : Guilin, China

Day 10 Yangshuo, Fuli village & a cooking lesson

Morning activities in Yangshuo County include a stop in the ancient, artistic village of Fuli on the Li River, to explore its market and attend a Chinese fan making demonstration; a look at a "new socialism" village; and a visit to Yangshuo Town. Next, you can choose between lunch at your hotel, or a cooking lesson on regional cuisine at a nearby cooking school, where you'll eat what you helped make for lunch! Enjoy some free time as you wish; have dinner tonight at a choice of restaurants at your Banyan Tree resort near Guilin. 

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Banyan Tree Yangshuo Resort

PORTOFCALL : Guilin, China

Day 11 Discovering Old Shanghai

Fly to Shanghai this morning, where you’ll have some free time this afternoon to discover the fashionable Xintiandi area. This sought-after historic neighborhood is ideal for walking and has been preserved intact with its characteristic 19th-century shikumen – traditional, middle-class stone-gated homes set along narrow lanes, few of which have survived elsewhere in Shanghai. Dine at your hotel this evening.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Fairmont Peace Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Shanghai, China

Day 12 In Shanghai, the Bund and Acrobats

The Bund on the waterfront in Shanghai is famous for its stretch of historic buildings in international architectural styles, built as the headquarters of the western banks, hotels, clubs, businesses, and other organizations that thrived here before World War II and the Communist revolution that followed it. A guided visit along the Bund shows you Shanghai both past and present. Step further back in history, to the 16th century, in Yu Gardens, where pathways wind through rock gardens and bamboo stands, and stone bridges cross pools filled with carp; yu means "peace and health." Have lunch at a local restaurant on the Bund.  This evening, enjoy premium seating at an acrobatic performance by Shanghai's acclaimed ERA troupe.

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : Fairmont Peace Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Shanghai, China

Day 13 Shanghai past, present, and future

At the Shanghai Urban Planning Center, housed in a dramatic glass building, learn about the future development of the city through detailed models and multimedia displays. Explore the center's exhibits about this historic port city's past, present and future, including a mock-up of 1930s Shanghai; a huge model of what the city might look like in 2020; a 360-degree, 3-D film, and more. Then you’re off to the Shanghai Museum, filled with ancient Chinese art, for a guided tour. Your afternoon is free, followed by a special dinner at the restaurant Jean Georges Shanghai, known for its cuisine and views.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Fairmont Peace Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Shanghai, China

Day 14 Welcome to Hong Kong

A morning flight brings you from Shanghai to Hong Kong, where you’ll have some time today to explore the city as you please from your world-class hotel overlooking Victoria Harbour. From your hotel, the views of the city are stunning.

MEALS : B

LODGING : Rosewood Hong Kong

PORTOFCALL : Hong Kong, China

Day 15 Hong Kong from Many Viewpoints

Discover the city with a local guide today by ferry and double-decker bus. A funicular tram ride takes you up the mountain known as Victoria Peak, where the views are as impressive as the high-end residential properties! Have lunch at a local dim sum restaurant and, if you wish, visit the Hong Kong Museum, or enjoy time at leisure. Your hotel is within easy reach of cultural sites and shopping of all kinds, from luxury stores to little shops selling everything from sneakers to silk.  Join us at our farewell reception and dinner this evening in your hotel, overlooking Victoria Harbour and Kowloon Peak.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Rosewood Hong Kong

PORTOFCALL : Hong Kong, China

Day 16 Journey Home

 Tour ends: Hong Kong. Fly home anytime. A transfer to Hong Kong International Airport from Rosewood Hong Kong is included. You should allow three hours for flight check-in.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Hong Kong, China