15 Days China-Cambodia Grand Discovery: Beijing-Xi'an-Guilin-Yangshuo-Shanghai-Phnom Penh-Siem Reap
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This magnificent 15-day China-Cambodia Grand Discovery Tour offers an extraordinary journey through two of Asia's most fascinating civilizations, combining China's imperial grandeur with Cambodia's ancient Khmer heritage, showcasing the interconnected histories of these great Asian cultures through their most iconic destinations and archaeological wonders.
Begin in Beijing, staying at the centrally located Sunworld Hotel Wangfujing (8.5 rating) in the historic Dongcheng District. Experience authentic Beijing through a unique cultural food tour, starting with traditional breakfast delicacies at Huguo Temple Snacks featuring nine varieties including pea cake, cream fried cake, tea soup, refined donkey rolling, soybean juice, Aiwowo, crispy rings, sugar ears, and almond tofu, plus street snacks like vegetable buns, tofu pudding, and egg-filled pancakes. Explore Tiananmen Square and the magnificent Forbidden City (closed Mondays), take a rickshaw tour through traditional hutongs, enjoy famous Quanjude Peking Duck lunch, and relax at a rooftop coffee bar.
Discover Beijing's imperial grandeur with visits to the Temple of Heaven where you'll join locals practicing Tai Chi, then venture to the spectacular Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China with cable car access for easier exploration. Experience the serene Summer Palace with its famous Long Corridor and Kunming Lake, climb the Fragrance Buddha Pavilion, and visit the Yonghe Lama Temple to learn about Tibetan Buddhism history and admire the Harmony Hall sculptures and murals.
Travel by high-speed train to Xi'an, staying at the Bell Tower Hotel (4.5 rating) near the historic Drum Tower. Explore one of the world's greatest archaeological discoveries at the Terracotta Warriors Museum with electric cart and audio guide, then wander through the atmospheric Bell and Drum Tower Square, experience the vibrant Muslim Quarter's street food culture, and visit the beautiful Great Mosque showcasing Chinese Islamic architecture.
Continue to the Xi'an Museum and climb the ancient Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a Tang Dynasty Buddhist pagoda that housed precious scriptures brought from India. Fly to Guilin, staying at the Lijiang Waterfall Hotel (8.4 rating) near the iconic Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas in the city center.
Experience one of China's most scenic journeys with a Li River cruise from Bamboo River Pier to Yangshuo aboard a 4-star vessel, witnessing the famous karst limestone peaks reflected in the crystal-clear waters that have inspired Chinese painters for centuries. Stay overnight in charming Yangshuo at the Percent Hotel by Li River (10 rating) and explore the international West Street with its mix of traditional architecture and modern cafes.
Fly to cosmopolitan Shanghai, staying at the SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund (4.8 rating) in the historic Huangpu District near People's Square, Xintiandi, and Nanjing Road. Discover Shanghai's blend of tradition and modernity through visits to the classical Yu Garden with its exquisite landscaping, the bustling City God Temple, traditional longtang (lane house) neighborhoods, the iconic Bund waterfront with its colonial architecture, the famous Nanjing Road pedestrian street, the trendy Xintiandi entertainment district, and the impressive Shanghai Museum East Branch.
Fly to Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh, staying at the HM Grand Central Hotel (8.3 rating), perfectly positioned for exploring the city's royal heritage and cultural landmarks. Embark on a comprehensive royal heritage tour visiting the magnificent Royal Palace, the official residence of the King of Cambodia, featuring traditional Khmer architecture and beautiful gardens. Explore the adjacent Silver Pagoda (Wat Preah Keo), named for its floor made of over 5,000 silver tiles, housing precious Buddha statues including the famous Emerald Buddha and a life-sized gold Buddha encrusted with diamonds.
Continue to the Independence Monument, commemorating Cambodia's independence from France in 1953, and the National Museum of Cambodia, which houses the world's finest collection of Khmer art and sculptures spanning over a millennium. Visit Wat Phnom, the legendary hilltop temple that gave Phnom Penh its name, and explore the bustling Central Market (Phsar Thmei), a beautiful Art Deco building filled with local crafts, textiles, and traditional Cambodian goods.
Fly to Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor, staying at the HARI Residence & Spa (9.1 rating), a boutique hotel perfect for young travelers and families, located near the vibrant Pub Street and night markets, featuring an outdoor swimming pool and complimentary airport transfers.
Embark on an unforgettable 2-day exploration of the Angkor Archaeological Park, one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Day one features the magnificent Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world and the crown jewel of Khmer architecture, followed by exploration of Angkor Thom, the last capital of the Khmer Empire. Within Angkor Thom, visit the enigmatic Bayon Temple with its 216 serene stone faces, the impressive Baphuon temple-mountain, the Phimeanakas (Celestial Palace), the Elephant Terrace where kings once watched ceremonies, and the mysterious Leper King Terrace. End the day watching the spectacular sunset from Phnom Bakheng.
Day two begins with the magical sunrise over Angkor Wat, followed by visits to Banteay Srei, known as the "Queen's Temple" and considered the jewel of Khmer art with its intricate pink sandstone carvings. Continue to Banteay Samre, a beautifully restored temple showcasing classic Angkor-period architecture, then explore Banteay Kdei, a Buddhist monastery complex, and conclude with the famous Ta Prohm temple, where massive tree roots intertwine with ancient stones, creating the atmospheric setting featured in the movie "Tomb Raider.