China for Families: Heritage Cities, Landscapes & Beach

Discover the iconic landmarks of China on this all-day excursion out of Beijing. After an early breakfast at your hotel, drive out to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China in the company of your local, English speaking guide. Enjoy a cable car ride, or stroll up to the top of the wall if you wish, picking up interesting bits of history along the way. Internalize the legends and folklores born of this historic Great Wall, as you take in the majestic sweep of the land stretched out before you. Don’t forget those magical photo ops of the Wall in the early morning light. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch at the site, if you wish, before driving back to Beijing to visit the spectacular Summer Palace. Originally built as the royal gardens, the Emperor Qianlong had it redesigned. Stroll among the pretty lakes, pagodas and pavilions, visiting all the popular palace sights. After a day of exploring the architectural heritage of the Beijing region, return to your hotel. (Full Day; Time: 0800 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness level: Easy; Please wear comfortable walking shoes).

Spend the evening watching a fascinating Sichuan opera performance unique to the region. Tracing its origins to the 18th century, this operatic style is distinguished by its face-changing moves and flashy stunts. Head backstage to see the actors put on make-up as they get into character. Get a look at the different patterns in various colors that the actors use to portray the characteristics of each persona. Watch mesmerized as dancers, fire-eaters, acrobats, and other artists put up a riveting 90-minute show. Soak in the rich cultural ambiance created by the ornate set designs and the dazzling costumes of the performers. Lose yourself in the tales adapted from the classics, folklore, and legends that are depicted by the artists with the help of visual aids and special effects. (Half Day; Private Activity; Fitness Level: Easy).

Spend a fun-filled day in the countryside around Yangshuo enjoying a rock climbing session. After an early breakfast in your hotel, head to the climbing school for your warm-up session with English speaking instructors. Get into your climbing gear and wait to be assigned a climbing wall as per your abilities and level of expertise. Drive out into the beautiful countryside with your instructors, and expect to enjoy a fun day climbing the region’s natural rock faces. You could be assigned the Swiss Cheese Wall for beginners, which is a pleasure to climb, with a lovely shaded bamboo grove at its foot. The Egg is a slightly more challenging climb for advanced veterans, while the White Mountain is the ultimate adventure site for extreme sports seekers. Once at the top, stop to catch your breath and admire the peaceful landscape surrounding you. Return to town at the end of your rock climbing session. (Half Day; Times: 0830/1330 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Moderate; Please note that helmets, climbing shoes, harnesses and other gear will be provided).

Experience the timeless beauty of Chinese countryside from a new perspective – the river. Drive to the pretty village of Yangdi where you will board a traditional bamboo raft and set off on a leisurely afternoon cruise down the River Li. Watch lush paddy fields pass by, their emerald green enhancing the sugar white of the limestone mountains. Find out from your friendly boat “pilot” about the quaint names given to these carsts like ‘Elephant Trunk Hill’, ‘Nine Horses Wall’ and ‘Folded Brocade Hill’. Arrive at the picturesque village of Xingping and explore its mesmerizing landscape, dotted with heritage houses going as far back as the Ming and Qing periods. Marvel at the spectacular beauty of Sugarloaf Mountains, or limestone outcroppings in striking shapes because of which they bear fantastic names like ‘Five-Finger Hill’ and ‘Camel Hill’. If you have time, check out the local poultry market bustling with chickens and geese on sale. Finally it is time to drive back to your hotel, with memories of an amazing day spent in the scenic Chinese countryside. (Haf Day; Time: 1300 hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Please pack light and wear sunscreen).

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the city in this discovery tour that will take you right up to the highest point on the island. Make use of the efficient public transportation network to head to the famous Tsim Sha Tsui promenade. Savor stunning views of Victoria Harbor and the iconic Kowloon railway clock tower as you walk to the pier. Step on board the Star Ferry and settle into a comfortable boat for a scenic ride across the picturesque bay. Soak in beautiful views of the gleaming skyscrapers of Kowloon making for a striking contrast against the soaring mountains. After the boat docks, step ashore and saunter over to the 120-year-old Tramway Museum with its fascinating displays that give you a glimpse of the city’s colonial heritage. Afterward, hop into the Peak Tram for the ride up to the summit of Victoria Peak situated at a height of 1,811 feet (552 m). Enjoy sweeping views of the city and the bay as the tram travels up the steep gradient. At the Peak, head to the Sky Terrace for panoramic views of the city. On a clear day, you will be able to see the tip of Kowloon as well as neighboring islands! After enjoying the fabulous views to your heart’s content, you have the option of relishing dinner at one of the popular restaurants within the Peak Tower. Take your pick of cuisines including local flavors before returning to the hotel. (Half Day; Time: 1300 hrs; Private Activity & Shared Transfers (Public Transport); Fitness Level: Easy. The sequence of the itinerary may change depending on arrival time.)