About this Tour
This 10-day journey begins in Beijing, where imperial landmarks, old hutong neighborhoods, and the city’s central axis offer a gentle introduction to China’s historical depth. From there, the route slows down at Gubei Water Town, a Great Wall-side resort with traditional-style lanes, cultural workshops, evening lights, and a relaxed overnight stay beneath the Simatai Great Wall.
The second half of the trip opens into the wide landscapes of Inner Mongolia: grasslands, volcanic terrain, desert scenery, and local culture around Hohhot. Instead of rushing through disconnected sights, the journey gradually expands from palace courtyards and ancient walls to open grassland, “Mars-like” volcanic scenery, and the desert resort area of Resonant Sand Bay. It works well for couples, friends, families, and first-time China visitors looking for both culture and nature in one balanced itinerary.
About China
China is a vast and diverse country known for its rich history, ancient wonders, and vibrant traditions that span thousands of years. From the Great Wall to the Terracotta Warriors, China offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Tour Highlights
- Discover Beijing’s imperial heritage at Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City, and Jingshan Park.
- Explore old Beijing around the Drum Tower, Shichahai, and Nanluogu Lane.
- Stay overnight at Gubei Water Town, a Great Wall-side resort with traditional-style architecture, cultural workshops, evening views, and a complimentary hot spring experience.
- Visit the Simatai Great Wall by round-trip cable car, with a short and relaxed walking experience suitable for most guests.
- Travel by high-speed rail from Beijing to Hohhot, moving from the Great Wall region into Inner Mongolia.
- Experience the Huitengxile Grassland, including horseback riding, local welcome customs, a Mongolian-style banquet dinner, and an overnight stay in a grassland-style Mongolian yurt.
- Explore the volcanic landscapes of Ulan Hada Volcano Geopark, with family-friendly geology elements and themed photo opportunities.
- Stay overnight on Liansha Resort Island in Resonant Sand Bay, with VIP access and access to Xiansha Island and Yuesha Island. Desert resort activities are subject to daily scenic-area operation and weather conditions.
Moments from this Tour
What’s Included
- Transportation: High-speed trains or optional domestic flights, and luxury coach
- Lodging: 4-5 Star Hotels and Cultural boutique inns with daily breakfast (twin-sharing basis).
- Meals: As per itinerary with complimentary daily drinking water.
- Activities and Tickets: All listed entrance fees and guided experiences as specified in the itinerary.
- Tour Guide: English-speaking tour guide.
What’s Excluded
- International flights and airport taxes
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Tour guide gratuities (recommended 10% gratuity)
- Personal expenses, optional activities, and any items or attraction tickets not mentioned in the Inclusions section
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Single supplement
- Visa fees (if applicable)
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, China's historic capital, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, visit the Temple of Heaven, an elegant imperial ceremonial site once used by emperors to pray for good harvests. If your flight or train arrives later in the day, the schedule will remain relaxed, with time to check in and rest after the journey.
Day 2: Iconic Beijing
Today introduces Beijing's imperial and local character. Begin at Tian'anmen Square before continuing into the Forbidden City, the vast former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Later, visit Jingshan Park for a classic view over the palace rooftops and Beijing's central axis.
The day continues through the Drum Tower, Shichahai, and Nanluogu Lane, where old hutongs, lakeside streets, cafés, and small shops show a softer side of the capital.
Day 3: Gubei Water Town
Travel out of Beijing to Gubei Water Town, located at the foot of the Simatai Great Wall. The setting feels very different from central Beijing: stone lanes, bridges, courtyards, waterways, traditional-style buildings, and views toward the Wall above the town. After check-in, enjoy time to explore at a slower pace.
In the evening, enjoy the illuminated town, with music water shows or Great Wall light shows depending on the scenic-area schedule.
Day 4: Simatai Great Wall and High-Speed Rail to Hohhot
After breakfast, visit the Simatai Great Wall, a dramatic section known for its steep ridgelines, dense watchtowers, and varied architectural forms. To keep the experience comfortable and suitable for most guests, the visit is arranged primarily with a round-trip cable car. After reaching the Wall, guests may enjoy a short and relaxed walk near the accessible section for photos and views, without a long hiking route.
After lunch, leave Gubei Water Town around 2:00–2:30 pm and transfer to Qinghe Railway Station or Beijing North Railway Station. Board an evening high-speed train to Hohhot, arriving in around 2.5 hours, then transfer to the hotel for rest.
Day 5: Huitengxile Grassland
Leave Hohhot this morning and travel to the Huitengxile Grassland. Upon arrival, receive a traditional Mongolian-style welcome before enjoying a guided horseback riding experience, arranged for approximately 20–30 minutes with local handlers and safety equipment. Continue with a visit to a local herder family and an ovoo blessing experience.
Later, explore Huanghuagou Scenic Area, where grassland, valleys, hills, and seasonal flowers create a refreshing summer landscape. Depending on local operations, sightseeing transport such as cableways, small trains, or scenic vehicles may be used. In the evening, stay overnight in a grassland-style Mongolian yurt.
Day 6: Ulan Hada Volcano
Wake early if you would like to enjoy the grassland morning before breakfast. Then continue to Ulan Hada Volcano Geopark, one of the most distinctive landscapes in Inner Mongolia. The visit may include several volcanic cones, each with different shapes, colors, and textures.
A themed astronaut-style photo experience may be arranged in the volcanic landscape, creating a fun family moment. The visit also includes time to observe volcanic rocks and learn about the area's geological features in a light, accessible way. Later, join a wool-felt pyrography workshop before returning to Hohhot, where dinner may feature local shaomai, one of the city's representative specialties.
Day 7: Resonant Sand Bay and Lotus Hotel
After breakfast, travel to Yinken Resonant Sand Bay, a national 5A scenic area known for its “singing sand” phenomenon. The landscape changes again today, from grassland and volcanic terrain to wide golden dunes. Upon arrival, continue to Lotus Hotel, the signature desert hotel in the Resonant Sand Bay resort area.
Guests will enjoy VIP access for convenient entry to the resort area, along with access to both Xiansha Island and Yuesha Island. Time is included to enjoy the desert resort atmosphere, the dedicated viewing area for sunset, and family-friendly activities arranged within the scenic area. Specific activities on Xiansha Island and Yuesha Island are subject to the scenic area's daily operation and weather conditions. In the evening, enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the desert resort under the open sky.
Day 8: Resonant Sand Bay Desert Experience
Spend the day enjoying the desert resort area at a relaxed pace. The experience is centered around Xiansha Island and Yuesha Island, where activities may include desert trains, camel riding, sand-based entertainment, family workshops, cultural performances, water-themed activities, and scenic shows, depending on the season and daily operation.
This day is designed to feel lighter and more playful after the grassland and volcano sections, giving families time to enjoy the desert without rushing. Later, return to Hohhot and check in at the hotel.
Day 9: Hohhot Cultural Walk and Return to Beijing
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed cultural finish in Hohhot. Visit Dazhao Temple, one of the city's important Tibetan Buddhist temples, then continue to nearby Saishang Old Street, a historic-style street with local snacks, folk craft shops, small markets, and a lively neighborhood atmosphere. These two sites are close to each other, making the morning smooth and easy before the return journey.
After lunch or in the afternoon, transfer to the railway station or airport for the journey back to Beijing. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Day 10: Beijing Departure
After breakfast, your journey concludes in Beijing. Depending on your international flight schedule, there may be time at leisure before transferring to the airport for departure.
Itinerary Note: To ensure the best possible travel experience, the order of visits and daily arrangements may be adjusted by the guide based on local conditions, travel time, visitor traffic, weather, and operational considerations. All key included experiences will be arranged as appropriately as possible throughout the journey.
Hotel Rating System
Although some hotels on this itinerary may appear to have a lower star rating on international booking websites, they are officially classified by the China National Tourism Administration. This government-regulated system evaluates hotels based on a strict set of standards for quality, facilities, and service. Some differences in rating systems and cultural expectations may account for the variation in online ratings. In order to ensure quality, we rate hotels by this system.
Customer Cancellation Policy View refund eligibility and cancellation fee details
We understand that plans can change. Our cancellation policy is designed to be as fair and transparent as possible:
| Cancellation Timing | Refund | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 60 days or more prior to departure | 80% | 20% |
| 59 to 35 days prior to departure | 50% | 50% |
| 34 days or fewer prior to departure | No Refund | 100% |
Travel Insurance Recommended: We recommend purchasing travel insurance to help protect your trip investment in the event of unforeseen circumstances.