China: Cultural Treasures & Country Routes

The wonders of ancient China have amazed explorers through the ages. Today’s adventurous travelers are inspired anew by such achievements as the Great Wall, the grand palaces of bygone emperors, and well-preserved artifacts of an astoundingly advanced culture. Your tour of this vast land ventures to China’s vital urban hubs and ancient capitals—Beijing, Xi’an, and Guilin—and opens avenues for walking in the scenic rural countryside. Everywhere you wander, locals welcome you to experience daily life as they live it. Tour Old Beijing and its narrow cobblestone streets called hutongs. Stroll market streets lined with shops purveying traditional crafts. Meander through serene public parks where people seek respite in gentle exercise and contemplation. Mingle with farmers and villagers in a region of terraced hillside rice paddies. Your journey is anchored by unforgettable encounters with China’s most astounding accomplishments. Walking the Great Wall hearkens to the days of the Ming Dynasty. In Xi’an, one of history’s greatest archaeological finds—thousands of life-size terracotta warriors dating back two millennia—showcases the glory of the first Qin dynasty. An exploration of the tranquil Li River leads through a landscape worthy of rendering in the finest art—as it has been for centuries.
    Accommodations offer comfort and excellent amenities in ideal settings—a courtyard-style hotel in Old Beijing, a set of contemporary villas near the Great Wall, modern downtown hotels, and charming countryside retreats. Meals draw on time-honored culinary traditions and feature such signature Chinese dishes as Peking Duck, noodles prepared in the traditional Xi’an fashion, and steamed dumplings—all complemented by ever-present tea.