Our history in China goes back to the early days, but we've found many new areas, and many new approaches to old areas, and we're struck by the unending discoveries that China offers. This Private Departure full of classics re-discovered and masterpieces re-explored is the result of our constant search for ways to sidestep the teeming paths and hunt out the most serene spots in both cities and countryside.

Essence of China begins with Beijing's signature monuments (the Great Wall, Tian'nanmen Square, the Forbidden City) as well as the stunning, catapulting city itself. Leaving the modern-ness of the city behind, we'll head west to Pingyao, a World Heritage Site famed for its well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty cityscapes. Onward to Xi’an, we inspect the haunting Terracotta Warriors, who appear ready to stream out of their cavernous home should a trumpet suddenly sound. Next we'll fly south to Guilin for a river cruise down the Li River through its stupendous limestone karst canyons. After overnighting in the bustling little town of Yangshuo, it's on to Longsheng and the Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces before ending with city escapades in madly unslumbering Shanghai.

Note that our scheduled departure A Journey Into China offers a very similar itinerary but with additional special opportunities. Please call us at (800) 777-8183 for more information.

Day 1: arrive in Beijing • Day 2: Tian'anmen Square and the Forbidden City • Day 3: the Great Wall • Day 4: Beijing to Taiyuan • Day 5: Taiyuan to Pingyao • Day 6: on to Xi'an • Day 7: Xi'an and the Terracotta Warriors • Day 8: Xi'an and Guilin • Day 9: Li River cruise • Day 10: Yangshuo to Longsheng • Day 11: Longsheng and Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces • Day 12: to Shanghai via Guilin • Days 13 & 14: Shanghai • Day 15: depart Shanghai.

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