Board your international flight to Beijing, China’s vibrant capital where centuries of imperial history meet modern ambition. Sit back, relax, and prepare for the unforgettable journey ahead.

Arrive in Beijing, China’s historic and cultural capital. Meet your local guide upon arrival and transfer to your centrally located five-star hotel. Make the most of your 3 night Beijing stay with our optional upgrade to a Club Room with benefits.

*Airport transfers are not included for land-only travelers.

Today, we begin our exploration of Beijing with a journey through 3,000 years of imperial grandeur. Visit Tiananmen Square, once the main gate to the Imperial Palace, now stands as a symbol of modern China's political history. Step into the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former imperial palace that housed 24 emperors over five centuries. Enjoy a traditional Chinese lunch along the way. Take a stroll along Qianmen Street, a historic avenue once linking the Imperial Palace with the outer city. Restored for the 2008 Olympics, it now captures the charm of early 20th-century Beijing. Photo stops at the city’s Olympic landmarks — the Bird’s Nest (National Stadium) and the Water Cube (National Aquatics Center). Enjoy the evening at leisure or join our optional Peking Roast Duck dinner, featuring Beijing’s signature dish roasted over fruitwood and served with classic condiments and delicate pancakes—a flavorful finale to your day in the capital.

*Please bring your passport for the Forbidden City & Tiananmen Square tour. Entry is only permitted if it matches the reservation information on file, and tickets are nonrefundable if entry is denied. Please note: the schedule is subject to change. Morning and afternoon activities may be adjusted depending on the reservation timings.

After breakfast at the hotel, travel to must-see Great Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This massive defensive barrier was built to protect the Chinese heartland from northern invasions. Stretching an astonishing 5,000 miles across nine provinces, the Great Wall is a feat of ancient engineering. Construction began under Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor, around 200 B.C., and was completed during the Ming Dynasty in 1640. Afterwards, visit the Sacred Way —a peaceful, tree-lined avenue guarded by grand stone statues that once marked the imperial path to the Ming Tombs. Enjoy lunch along the way, featuring local Chinese cuisine. 

*Cable car rides at the Great Wall are not included.

After breakfast, depart for the airport to board our flight to Shanghai, China’s largest city. Located where the Yangtze River empties into the East China Sea, and sometimes referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, this exciting city mixes 21st-century skyscrapers with elegant 1930s architecture, old world tea houses and traditional pagodas and pavilions. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy the evening free at leisure.  Enhance your stay with our optional luxurious upgrade to the award-winning 5-star Portman Ritz Carlton Shanghai - where unparalleled service and elegant accommodations await you in the heart of the city.

Spend the morning discovering Shanghai’s unique mix of tradition and modernity. Stroll along The Bund, known for its colonial architecture and stunning views of the city’s futuristic skyline. Explore Nanjing Road, one of the world’s busiest shopping streets, lined with luxury boutiques, malls, and local shops. Continue to the City God Temple Area, a vibrant neighborhood filled with traditional architecture, bustling markets, and authentic street food. Visit Xintiandi, a trendy pedestrian zone blending historic Shikumen buildings with modern cafés, shops, and restaurants. In the evening, enjoy free time or enhance your experience with the optional tour featuring the Oriental Pearl Tower for panoramic city views, followed by a Huangpu River Cruise to see the skyline sparkle at night. End the evening with a delicious Shanghai-style dinner, a perfect finale to your day.

Spend the day at leisure or join an optional excursion to the charming water town of Suzhou, often referred to as the “Venice of the Orient.” Located in the heart of the Yangtze Delta in southern Jiangsu Province, Suzhou is famed for its picturesque canals, classical gardens, and ancient charm. Beautiful stone bridges, graceful pagodas, and traditional architecture line the waterways that cover nearly 42% of the city. Visit the elegant Master of the Nets Garden, one of Suzhou’s finest classical gardens. Enjoy a peaceful canal boat ride through the city’s waterways, and explore the charming ancient water town streets lined with traditional shops and architecture. Enjoy lunch featuring local cuisine along the way. A day filled with the perfect blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and authentic local flavor.

Today, transfer to Shanghai airport for your short flight to Hong Kong. Our voyage through China ends as we board our international flight back to the US.

*Airport transfers are not included for land-only travelers.
*For travelers extending their stay in Beijing and/or Shanghai beyond the 240-hour visa exemption, the Shanghai - Hong Kong flight will not apply, and your itinerary will be adjusted accordingly.