The Grand China Loop
Hong Kong · Guilin · Zhangjiajie · Yangtze · Chongqing · Xi'an · Beijing · 17 days
Seventeen days from the southern coast to the capital.
Seventeen days right across the country. The start is Hong Kong, followed by the karst peaks around Yangshuo, the rice terraces of Longsheng, the old town of Fenghuang and the sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie. In the middle lie four nights on the Yangtze, then Chongqing, Xi'an with the Terracotta Army and finally Beijing. Accommodation mainly in hotels of local 4 and 5-star category; in Pingan and Fenghuang in local guesthouses without official category. Minimum number of participants: 2. Group size maximum 15.
from 3.530 € per person in double room
Single supplement from 1.000 € · Dates on request
International flights are not included and must be booked separately.
Dates & Conditions for this trip
Departures 2026: 16 Oct | 06 Nov. Prices for 2026 departures differ, please enquire.
For the ascent to the accommodation in Pingan please take hand luggage only. The rest of your luggage is stored for you at the park entrance.
The accommodation in Pingan and Fenghuang consists of local guesthouses without an official category.
Shore excursions during the cruise may change depending on weather and navigation conditions.
Price varies by departure date. Non-binding indication per person in a double room, as of 08/2026, subject to change. The binding tour price is confirmed in your individual offer.
International flights are not included. On request we will quote flights at the current fare.
Minimum number of participants: 2. If this number is not reached, we may withdraw from the contract up to 20 days before departure. Group size maximum 15.
The specific hotels are named in your individual offer. Changes within the stated local category remain reserved.
Day by Day.
Arrival in Hong Kong
Even from the air you get a sense of what the city holds. After landing your guide meets you and takes you to the hotel. The afternoon is free for a first impression.
Hong Kong
After breakfast an extended tour by coach through the former British colony, threading between the high-rises, with a German-speaking guide. The rest of the day is free; if the choice is overwhelming, your guide will gladly help.
By train to Yangshuo
By rail to Guilin and straight on to Yangshuo, a small town among the finest karst formations in China. If time remains after arrival, the lively main street is worth a walk.
Moon Hill and the rice terraces of Longsheng
After a walk along the Yulong River the day goes uphill: the Moon Cave in Moon Hill offers a wide panorama over the surrounding landscape. Afterwards you drift down the river on a bamboo raft. In the afternoon on to Longsheng and up through the rice terraces to your accommodation in Pingan.
Sunrise over the terraces and on to Fenghuang
Getting up early pays off when the sun runs across the rice terraces. Then back to Guilin and by high-speed train to Fenghuang. After check-in a shared dinner at a restaurant in town.
Fenghuang and journey to Zhangjiajie
The day starts unhurried with a walk through town, past the pagoda, the Miao museum, the Yang family ancestral hall and the city wall. Then a tea ceremony and a stretch on wooden boats. In the afternoon on by high-speed train to Zhangjiajie.
Zhangjiajie National Park
The sandstone pillars of the national park are familiar to many from Avatar. A cable car takes you up Tianzi Mountain with a wide view over the area. Anyone with a head for heights can also walk the 430-metre glass bridge over the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. In the evening a traditional meal in Wulingyuan.
Tianmen Mountain and embarkation
The morning is free. Then Tianmen Mountain, known for its rock formations. Afterwards on to Yichang at the exit of the Three Gorges and to the pier at Maoping, where you board. Dinner on board.
Through the Three Gorges
Three days on the Yangtze. The gorges differ markedly, from narrow and steep passages to gently rising banks with fields and orchards. Planned excursions include the Three Gorges Dam, a boat trip on a tributary and the Snow Jade Cave at Fengdu or the Xiao Guan Shan Folk Culture Park.
Chongqing and on to Xi'an
The Chongqing conurbation is home to around 35 million people. You visit the old quarter of Ciqikou, walk a circuit of Eling Park and make a stop at the Jiefangbei pedestrian zone. Then to the station; about five hours by express train to Xi'an.
Terracotta Army and city wall
The Terracotta Army of the first emperor is remarkably well preserved after more than two thousand years. Lunch brings traditional dumplings. Afterwards the 14-kilometre Ming dynasty city wall, the largest and best preserved of its kind. In the evening the night market in the Muslim quarter and a food market.
To Beijing and the Summer Palace
About five hours by express train to today's capital. In Beijing you begin at the Summer Palace, another UNESCO site on this trip, with the Marble Boat on Kunming Lake and the 700-metre corridor. Then transfer to the hotel; the evening is free.
Temple of Heaven and Great Wall
In the morning the Temple of Heaven, where emperors prayed for good harvests. In the afternoon the Great Wall at Mutianyu north of the city, the less touristy section, with ample time to walk. Back by cable car; in clear weather you can see the Beijing skyline on the horizon. In the evening Peking duck.
Tian'anmen, Forbidden City and Lama Temple
The day begins on Tian'anmen Square, where the People's Republic was proclaimed in 1949. At the northern end stands the Gate of Heavenly Peace and behind it the Forbidden City, enclosed by its red wall, which you walk at leisure. Your last evening is spent at the Lama Temple and the Confucius Temple, followed for those still willing by a walk through the hutong.
Departure
Depending on your flight time, transfer to the airport for your return or individual onward journey.
Sample program, subject to change. Minimum number of participants: 2.
What is included.
Included services
- Accommodation in a double room with bath or shower and WC, breakfast daily, full board during the cruise
- Four nights on board in an outside cabin
- Local German-speaking guides in Hong Kong, Yangshuo, Pingan, Xi'an and Beijing
- Local English-speaking guide in Zhangjiajie and English-speaking guide on board the cruise ship
- Transfers, admissions and sightseeing as per programme
- Rail journeys as per programme, high-speed train, 2nd class
- Air-conditioned vehicles of local standard
Not included
- International flights, arrival in Hong Kong and departure from Beijing
- Visa, where required for your nationality. We advise on current entry and visa requirements with the offer
- Personal expenses
- Meals and drinks not listed in the programme
- Tips for guides, drivers and porters
- Glass bridge in Zhangjiajie and other optional activities
Send an inquiry
Tell us your wishes regarding date, route, and group size. We will get back to you personally with a suitable proposal.
Mon–Fri 9:00–18:00 · Response usually on the next working day