Timeless China

6 Oct –
19 Oct 2025
Explore China’s breathtaking sites, from the Forbidden City and the world-famous Great Wall to the vibrant combination of history and modernity in Hong Kong.

What to expect

Itinerary

Day 1
Departure from Johannesburg

We meet one another at O.R. Tambo International Airport. Do take time to savour the endless points for what promises to be a tour of a lifetime.

Day 2
Arrival and relaxation

  • Arrive in Beijing, where you’ll be welcomed at the airport by your guide and transferred to your hotel.
  • After check-in, the rest of the day is yours to unwind or explore this vibrant city at your own pace.
  • End the day with a highlight—a delicious Peking Roast Dinner.

Highlights: Peking Roast Duck Dinner

Day 3
History, culture and tradition

  • Begin your day at Tian’anmen Square, the world’s largest city square and a symbol of China’s history.
  • Step into the iconic Forbidden City, a sprawling palace complex once home to 24 emperors, featuring an astonishing 9,999 rooms.
  • Experience the elegance of a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, where every gesture reflects centuries of culture and purpose.
  • Later, discover the secrets of traditional Chinese medicine, once reserved for the imperial family, and explore its time-honoured practices and principles.

Highlights: Tian’anmen Square, Forbidden City and the tea ceremony

Day 4
Great Wall and royal wonders

  • Travel to the awe-inspiring Great Wall at Juyongguan, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Its vastness and beauty promise an unforgettable experience.
  • Next, explore the Summer Palace, with its iconic Long Corridor adorned with painted galleries, Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill.
  • Don’t miss the stunning Seventeen Arch Bridge and the Marble Boat, followed by a peaceful boat ride on Kunming Lake (weather permitting).
  • In the evening, enjoy a thrilling acrobatic show, a popular performance that blends Chinese tradition with international influences.

Highlights: Great Wall, Summer Palace and acrobatic show

Day 5
Temples, silk and ancient streets

  • Start your day at the Temple of Heaven, the world’s largest temple dedicated to heavenly worship and a beloved spot for locals to gather for their morning exercise.
  • Next, visit a silk factory to delve into the rich history of silk, with a fascinating demonstration of the traditional craft.
  • Then, step back in time as we explore Beijing’s ancient hutongs—quaint alleyways that reveal the heart of the old city.
  • Experience these beautiful streets by rickshaw, uncovering the classic beauty of Beijing’s past.

Highlights: Temple of Heaven, silk factory, and Hutong Rickshaw Ride

Day 6
Ancient walls and Tang splendour

  • Board the high-speed train to Xi’an, a city steeped in history and grandeur, once rivalling Rome and Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) as the world’s greatest metropolis.
  • Upon arrival, meet your guide and step back in time as you explore the majestic Xi’an City Walls—the most well-preserved and imposing ancient defensive structure in China.
  • Your day culminates in a dazzling Tang Dynasty dinner and cultural show, where the opulence and artistry of China’s golden age come to life in a feast for the senses.

Highlights: Tang Dynasty palatial dinner and show

Day 7
Terracotta wonders and Karst beauty

  • This morning, prepare to be amazed as you uncover the legendary Terracotta Warriors, guarding the tomb of China’s First Emperor, a breathtaking testament to the craftsmanship of the Qin Dynasty.
  • Along the way, visit the Xi’an Art Ceramic & Terracotta Factory, where you’ll gain fascinating insights into the creation of these iconic figures.
  • After a delicious lunch, board your flight to Guilin, a region famed for its dreamy karst landscapes and timeless beauty.

Highlights: Terracotta Warriors and Xi’an Art Ceramic Factory

Day 8
Dragon’s Backbone and Rice Terraces

  • Enjoy a morning visit at Longji Rice Terraces, a breathtaking tapestry of terraced fields that winds its way from the base to the peak of Longji Mountain, known as the Dragon’s Backbone, creating a stunning natural masterpiece.

Highlights: Longji Rice Terraces

Day 9
River Cruise and Cultural Show

  • Li River Cruise to Yangshuo

Enjoy a scenic Li River cruise to Yangshuo, gliding past breathtaking karst hills and tranquil waters. Explore West Street, Yangshuo’s oldest street, where traditional beauty meets a lively mix of Eastern and Western influences.

  • Impression Sanjie Liu

In the evening, experience the stunning Impression Sanjie Liu, an open-air performance on the Li River. This unique show blends Guangxi’s culture with nature’s beauty, using the river and karst mountains as its magical stage.

            Highlights: Li River Cruise and Impression Sanjie Liu Show

Day 10
City lights and street flavours

  • Upon arrival in Hong Kong, meet our welcoming guide and transfer to your hotel.
  • The rest of the day is yours to explore the vibrant city centre at your own pace—perhaps indulge in some delicious street food and soak up the energy of this dynamic metropolis.

Highlights: Vibrant city exploration and street food

 

Day 11
Peaks, shores and markets

  • Today, we visit Victoria Peak, where cool sea breezes, shaded woodland paths, sweeping views of the city skyline, a bustling harbour, and outlying islands create an unforgettable Hong Kong experience.
  • We continue to Repulse Bay, a scenic coastal area famously featured in ‘Love is a Many-Splendored Thing’ starring William Holden.
  • Next, we stop at Aberdeen Harbour, home to traditional Chinese junks and the iconic sampan boats, offering a glimpse into Hong Kong’s maritime heritage.
  • Our final stop is Stanley Market, a lively maze of stalls where you can test your bargaining skills. Browse an eclectic mix of clothing, beachwear, silk, jade, trinkets, and even furniture—perfect for unique finds and souvenirs.

Highlights: Victoria Peak, Repulse Bay and Stanley Market

Day 12
Explore and farewell feast

  • Enjoy a full day at your leisure to explore the city or indulge in some shopping.
  • In the evening, savour a farewell dinner at the hotel.

Highlights: Leisure day and farewell dinner

Day 13
Gardens and escalators

  • Explore the serene Nan Lian Garden, Chi Lin Nunnery, Bird Garden, and Flower Market during our Nine Dragon Tour. Ride the world’s longest covered outdoor escalator before transferring to Hong Kong Airport for your departure.

Highlights: Nine Dragon Tour and covered escalator

Day 14
Arrival in Johannesburg

Hello, South Africa!

We meet one another at O.R. Tambo International Airport. Do take time to savour the endless points for what promises to be a tour of a lifetime.

  • Arrive in Beijing, where you’ll be welcomed at the airport by your guide and transferred to your hotel.
  • After check-in, the rest of the day is yours to unwind or explore this vibrant city at your own pace.
  • End the day with a highlight—a delicious Peking Roast Dinner.

Highlights: Peking Roast Duck Dinner

  • Begin your day at Tian’anmen Square, the world’s largest city square and a symbol of China’s history.
  • Step into the iconic Forbidden City, a sprawling palace complex once home to 24 emperors, featuring an astonishing 9,999 rooms.
  • Experience the elegance of a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, where every gesture reflects centuries of culture and purpose.
  • Later, discover the secrets of traditional Chinese medicine, once reserved for the imperial family, and explore its time-honoured practices and principles.

Highlights: Tian’anmen Square, Forbidden City and the tea ceremony

  • Travel to the awe-inspiring Great Wall at Juyongguan, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Its vastness and beauty promise an unforgettable experience.
  • Next, explore the Summer Palace, with its iconic Long Corridor adorned with painted galleries, Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill.
  • Don’t miss the stunning Seventeen Arch Bridge and the Marble Boat, followed by a peaceful boat ride on Kunming Lake (weather permitting).
  • In the evening, enjoy a thrilling acrobatic show, a popular performance that blends Chinese tradition with international influences.

Highlights: Great Wall, Summer Palace and acrobatic show

  • Start your day at the Temple of Heaven, the world’s largest temple dedicated to heavenly worship and a beloved spot for locals to gather for their morning exercise.
  • Next, visit a silk factory to delve into the rich history of silk, with a fascinating demonstration of the traditional craft.
  • Then, step back in time as we explore Beijing’s ancient hutongs—quaint alleyways that reveal the heart of the old city.
  • Experience these beautiful streets by rickshaw, uncovering the classic beauty of Beijing’s past.

Highlights: Temple of Heaven, silk factory, and Hutong Rickshaw Ride

  • Board the high-speed train to Xi’an, a city steeped in history and grandeur, once rivalling Rome and Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) as the world’s greatest metropolis.
  • Upon arrival, meet your guide and step back in time as you explore the majestic Xi’an City Walls—the most well-preserved and imposing ancient defensive structure in China.
  • Your day culminates in a dazzling Tang Dynasty dinner and cultural show, where the opulence and artistry of China’s golden age come to life in a feast for the senses.

Highlights: Tang Dynasty palatial dinner and show

  • This morning, prepare to be amazed as you uncover the legendary Terracotta Warriors, guarding the tomb of China’s First Emperor, a breathtaking testament to the craftsmanship of the Qin Dynasty.
  • Along the way, visit the Xi’an Art Ceramic & Terracotta Factory, where you’ll gain fascinating insights into the creation of these iconic figures.
  • After a delicious lunch, board your flight to Guilin, a region famed for its dreamy karst landscapes and timeless beauty.

Highlights: Terracotta Warriors and Xi’an Art Ceramic Factory

  • Enjoy a morning visit at Longji Rice Terraces, a breathtaking tapestry of terraced fields that winds its way from the base to the peak of Longji Mountain, known as the Dragon’s Backbone, creating a stunning natural masterpiece.

Highlights: Longji Rice Terraces

  • Li River Cruise to Yangshuo

Enjoy a scenic Li River cruise to Yangshuo, gliding past breathtaking karst hills and tranquil waters. Explore West Street, Yangshuo’s oldest street, where traditional beauty meets a lively mix of Eastern and Western influences.

  • Impression Sanjie Liu

In the evening, experience the stunning Impression Sanjie Liu, an open-air performance on the Li River. This unique show blends Guangxi’s culture with nature’s beauty, using the river and karst mountains as its magical stage.

            Highlights: Li River Cruise and Impression Sanjie Liu Show

  • Upon arrival in Hong Kong, meet our welcoming guide and transfer to your hotel.
  • The rest of the day is yours to explore the vibrant city centre at your own pace—perhaps indulge in some delicious street food and soak up the energy of this dynamic metropolis.

Highlights: Vibrant city exploration and street food

 

  • Today, we visit Victoria Peak, where cool sea breezes, shaded woodland paths, sweeping views of the city skyline, a bustling harbour, and outlying islands create an unforgettable Hong Kong experience.
  • We continue to Repulse Bay, a scenic coastal area famously featured in ‘Love is a Many-Splendored Thing’ starring William Holden.
  • Next, we stop at Aberdeen Harbour, home to traditional Chinese junks and the iconic sampan boats, offering a glimpse into Hong Kong’s maritime heritage.
  • Our final stop is Stanley Market, a lively maze of stalls where you can test your bargaining skills. Browse an eclectic mix of clothing, beachwear, silk, jade, trinkets, and even furniture—perfect for unique finds and souvenirs.

Highlights: Victoria Peak, Repulse Bay and Stanley Market

  • Enjoy a full day at your leisure to explore the city or indulge in some shopping.
  • In the evening, savour a farewell dinner at the hotel.

Highlights: Leisure day and farewell dinner

  • Explore the serene Nan Lian Garden, Chi Lin Nunnery, Bird Garden, and Flower Market during our Nine Dragon Tour. Ride the world’s longest covered outdoor escalator before transferring to Hong Kong Airport for your departure.

Highlights: Nine Dragon Tour and covered escalator

Hello, South Africa!

Experience the vibrance of Timeless China

Embark on an incredible adventure around China’s most famous sights. Wander through the fabled corridors of Beijing’s Forbidden City and stand in amazement before the spectacular Great Wall. Visit Xi’an to see the timeless marvel of the Terracotta Warriors, each with its own ancient story. Your journey ends in the sparkling cityscape of Hong Kong, where a lively fusion of heritage and innovation awaits.

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FAQs

We are here to help

The tour leader collects a set amount from each member of a tour. This kitty is then used to tip the local tour guide and city guides, bus drivers, any other assistants, and restaurant staff. We believe in tipping for good service as a token of appreciation, especially as many workers in tourism rely on tips to supplement their income.

Although we cannot apply on your behalf, we are more than willing to give guidance and assistance with completing forms. We do this for many clients on a near-daily basis. It does, however, remain the responsibility of the client to ensure that they get the correct visa on time.

Remember that we limit the number of guests on our tours. This means more time at stops and sites. We definitely do not do groups of 30 pax, where guests are rushed from one site to the other. There is enough time to explore on your own.

We always suggest USD/Euro 50 to USD/Euro 100 per person per day. As we mostly include two meals per day on our tours, this will be enough for lunch/dinner, some snacks, and memento shopping. Should you want to buy larger items, we suggest taking along your credit card. Remember to advise the bank that you will be travelling.

You can contact us at info@seagulltours.co.za or +27 42 296 0475