China-Delights

3 days, one unfolding journey.

1. Day 1 · Beijing

   Arrival in Beijing

   Hassle-free Arrival: No matter which of Beijing’s airports you land at, or what time your flight arrives, your guide and driver will be there to greet you and escort you to your hotel in the city center. Free-time Inspiration: If you arrive early, after settling in, you can head independently to the CBD, a 15‑ to 20-minute taxi ride (approx. USD 7) from both of our 4- and 5-star hotels. This cluster of skyscrapers showcases Beijing’s most modern face. The most eye‑catching is the CITIC Tower, Beijing’s tallest skyscraper, which resembles an ancient Chinese ritual vessel. Because the tower houses the headquarters of many prestigious companies, job seekers often make wishes toward it, hoping to receive their ideal career offers. When night falls, the glowing lights of the towers create a skyline comparable to New York’s.

2. Day 2 · Beijing

   Day 2 Beijing

   After breakfast, your guide and driver will wait for you at your hotel lobby, and then let’s set off for the first stop, Tiananmen Square. It is to China what the National Mall is to America. Many national ceremonies, such as military parades and festival celebrations, are held here. Passing an array of iconic buildings, including the National Museum and Monument to the People’s Heroes, we’ll reach the splendid Tiananmen Tower, the prelude to the Forbidden City. As one of the world’s largest imperial palace complexes, the Forbidden City never fails to leave a deep impression on its visitors. First built during the early Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644 AD), it once served as the office and residence of 24 emperors. The majesty of its towering red walls and golden roofs will take your breath away. As your guide explains, you’ll be surprised to learn that the palace has survived over 200 earthquakes in 600 years and still stands firm today. Take a closer look at the palace roofs, where the secret to its resilience lies: a network of flexible joints and interlocking wooden brackets that absorb earthquake energy to counteract the impact. At the Hall of Supreme Harmony, you can see tens of thousands of such wooden brackets. Aside from architecture, priceless artifacts, including exquisite gold and silver vessels, copper sculptures, and the imperial throne, offer a vivid glimpse into the lavish court life of the past. After lunching on local flavors, let’s continue to the Temple of Heaven. Beneath its triple‑eaved Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, you’ll learn about ancient Chinese sacrificial culture. ★ Award-Winning Traditional Acrobatic Show Next, head to the Red Theater to experience the charm of Chinese acrobatics. Prepare to be amazed by thrilling performances like contortion, bowl balancing, high‑chair stacking, and stunt motorcycle riding. If you’ve seen the movie ‘The Greatest Showman’, you know how P. T. Barnum’s circus makes every show into a light‑hearted, festive carnival. Chinese acrobatics, by contrast, focus on pushing pure physical limits. Performers execute a series of extremely difficult movements that will leave you breathless, followed by an explosion of thunderous applause. ★ Gourmet A La Carte Welcome Dinner with Peking Duck The day concludes with an included a la carte dinner at our handpicked restaurant, valued at twice the local average. This is your chance to taste Beijing’s most famous dish: Peking Roast Duck. Wrap crispy slices of duck together with cucumber and scallions in a paper‑thin pancake spread with a special sauce. Each bite is a feast for the palate. You’ll also savor other signature dishes such as Noodles with Soybean Paste and Sautéed Pork Shreds in Soybean Paste. After dinner, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel. Meals: Western buffet breakfast, lunch, a la carte welcome dinner with Peking Duck

3. Day 3 · Beijing

   Day 3 Beijing

   This morning, we’ll head to the Mutianyu Great Wall, known as the most scenic and best‑preserved section of the Great Wall of China. Climbing it can be physically demanding, so we’ve considerately included a round-trip cable car for you. If you’re looking for a more exciting experience, you can take the chairlift up and toboggan down. As one of China’s most iconic landmarks, Mutianyu Great Wall has hosted many foreign heads of state, including Obama, Clinton, and Nixon. First Lady Melania Trump once wrote in the guestbook after her visit: “Amazing to experience one of the world’s greatest wonders.” Once you step onto it, you’ll see that those words were no exaggeration. During your 2.5‑hour hike, you’ll follow the ridges as they rise and fall, and feel as if you’re walking along the back of a giant Chinese dragon while gazing at the surrounding mountain scenery. ★ Toast with Red Wine: Completing the hike, your guide will offer red wine and glasses. Raise a glass to celebrate successfully conquering one of China’s greatest engineering feats. After a buffet lunch at the foot of the mountain, we’ll return to downtown Beijing and make a brief stop at the Olympic Park to take photos with the iconic sports venues of Water Cube and Bird’s Nest. ★ Hutong Rickshaw Tour and Local Family Visit Upon arriving in the historic Hutong area in the city center, we’ll switch to a traditional rickshaw to venture deep into the old alleys and seek the most authentic Beijing flavor. These Hutong alleys form a living museum of folk culture. The most vivid exhibits are the traditional courtyards lining the paths. Stop in front of a courtyard, and you may notice distinct stone blocks on either side of the entrance and a set of horizontal beams above the door. These are not just functional fixtures, but also signal the owner’s rank, social standing, and family fortune. In ancient times, such visual cues helped people evaluate whether two families were well‑matched for marriage. This mindset persists in China today, and many Chinese still seek partners from similar socioeconomic backgrounds. You’ll then step inside a courtyard with your guide to chat with the host, uncovering the fascinating cultural codes hidden behind these traditional dwellings. Finally, your guide and driver will offer you a smooth ride back to your hotel. Meals: Western buffet breakfast, buffet lunch