Great Wall Marathon

18 May 2024

Made in China

History comes alive at the Terracotta Army museum in Xi'an, while rural China is showcased at its best in the rice fields of Longsheng and the mystical landscape around Yangshou. This tour captures what China is made of.
18-24 Sep | 7 days | 1 850 USD
  • 18 Sep: Beijing to Xi'an

    We begin our journey from Beijing to Xi'an on the famous Bullet Train, a sleek and long airplane-shaped high-speed train, which travels up to 300 km per hour.

    The inside of the train offers wide windows, comfortable seats and attendants. 5-seat rows are available in the train. Upon arrival, we will check in to the Grand Dynasty Hotel, located right at the edge of the distinctive Muslim Quarter, a haven for snack lovers.

    After we have settled in we will go for a guided tour on the City wall, a National Historical and Cultural site, created by the Ming Dynasty to fortify Xi'an, and which has impressive moats, watchtowers, corner towers and covers a total of 14km.

    For those who still have energy left the tour leader will lead the way on an evening stroll through the Muslim Quarter, known for its peculiar architecture with structures designed in the styles of both the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The area has been inhabited by Muslims for many generations, providing a rich combination of cultures to this area and the sight of over ten mosques. In its market, run by the locals, you will find all sorts of dried fruits, breads and cakes, many restaurants, and stalls of exotic food and snacks.

    Meals: Breakfast

  • 19 Sep: Terracotta army and Tang Dynasty Show

    We will start our day with a visit to one of the largest burial monuments in the world: The terracotta army. 2,200 years ago, the Emperor Qin Shi Huang Di commissioned the creation of an estimated 8000 clay warriors, an army that would protect him in the afterlife. These clay statues, together with terracotta acrobats and bronze figures of swans and other birds, are unlike anything discovered before. During our visit to this location we will learn about the intricate process of restoration, involving unprecedented modern medical technologies.

    In the evening, we visit the Tang Dynasty dancing show, one of the main attractions of Xi'an and a proud representative of Chinese entertainment; a vibrant and colorful performance which is accompanied by great Cantonese delicacies.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Tang Dynasty dancing show.

  • 20 Sep: Xian to Longsheng

    After breakfast we check out and go to Xi'an airport from where we fly to Guilin in the Southern part of China. From Guilin we drive north along picturesque and twisty roads to Longsheng – an area with an excessively large number of rice terraced fields and numerous good hiking trails. Located on the top of the rice terraces we find our base for the following two nights - the PingAn Hotel. The rooms and hotel facilities are very basic, but with beautiful views of the rice terraces from every room, this hotel offers a true local atmosphere.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • 21 Sep: Hiking in Longsheng

    Not far from our hotel lies the village of Longji, which literally means “Dragon’s backbone”. When the rice terraces are covered in water during the irrigation season it is said to resemble the scales on the back of a dragon. Water or not, the rice terraces are an astonishing view all year round and today we will go hiking in the area to see the best of it. There are hiking trails for all levels at the dragon’s backbone and we will use the moderate ones.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • 22 Sep: Biking in Yangshou

    We have an early breakfast and head south to reach the city of Yangshou in the afternoon. A popular destination among both Chinese and international tourists, Yangshou offers spellbinding scenery in the midst of green-topped limestone peaks and the winding Li river.

    We will stay at the New Century Hotel on the edge of Yangshou Park, and after a quick check in our tour leader will guide us on a bicycle tour to the countryside where the karst mountains, rice fields and small villages can truly be admired.

    Meals: Breakfast and lunch

  • 23 Sep: Yangshou

    We have a full day to relax in the tranquil town of Yangshou. It is possible to pre-book a boat trip on the river, but one can also rent bikes again or just take a stroll through the cozy town center.

    Meals: Breakfast

  • 24 Sep: To Beijing

    We will go to Guilin and from there fly back to Beijing where the tour ends. Arrival expected in Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) just before noon. If you are flying out of China from PEK we recommend that you do not book an earlier flight than after 16:00. If your homebound flight is departing from the Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX) you should not book a flight earlier then 19:00 to leave time for the drive between the two airports.

    Meals: Breakfast

  • Price information

    Shared double room: 1850 USD
    Single room supplement: 375 USD

    River boat tour: 55 USD

  • Inclusions

    Second class ticket with bullet train Beijing-Xi'an one-way
    6 nights’ accommodation according to itinerary
    Sightseeing according to itinerary incl. entrance fees
    Transportation according to itinerary
    Meals according to itinerary
    Albatros Tour Leader

  • Exclusions

    Beverages
    Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
    Boat trip in Yangshou
    Personal expenses
    Travel and health insurance
    Anything not mentioned under “Inclusions”