.svg)
Beyond the Surface
This journey is a deep dive into China, a nation balancing between past and future. From Beijing, the center of political power, to Xi’an, a crossroads of the Silk Road, and finally to Tibet Kham, we will explore the country's many facets.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Social Aspects: We will explore the social dynamics shaping daily life in China, from ultra-modern metropolises to traditional villages.The itinerary leading to Tibet Kham will allow us to closely observe different ethnic groups and their cultures.
- Geopolitical Aspects: We will examine China’s role in the international context, observing the tensions and opportunities that define it.We will gain insight into the challenges and contradictions of a country reshaping global balances.
- Cultural Aspects: We will engage with the legacy of ancient dynasties and the grandeur of an emerging world power.Visits to landmarks like Beijing’s Forbidden City and Xi’an’s Terracotta Army will help us better understand the country’s history and culture.
What's included
- Food: 2 bottles of drinking water per day.
- Accomodation: Multiple rooms.
- Transportation: Private minivan with 5, 7, or 11 seats depending on the final group size, and all necessary internal train tickets.
- Activities: All entrance tickets and private guides for each day as per the program.
- Insurance: Medical and baggage insurance. National travel accident insurance.
- Other: Tour leader from Italy and certified English-speaking guides accredited by the state tourism authority in each location. All required government taxes and travel agency management fees.
What's not included
- Food: All meals except those indicated.
- Activities: Optional activities as indicated in the tour itinerary.
- Transporation: International airfare for arrival in Beijing and departure from Chengdu.
- Insurance: Trip cancellation insurance. International travel insurance and China visa. Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, phone calls, etc.).
- Other: Tips for guides and drivers (at your discretion). Any costs incurred due to unfavorable conditions such as landslides, bad weather, flight cancellations, etc.
- Anything not specified under "What's included".
Payment Terms
If the booking is made within 30 days of departure, the full amount is due at checkout.
Bank transfers or credit cards can be used to make payments.
Direzione Turistica APICAL Srl, Via Stretta 32, 25128 Brescia (BS). P.lva 03958620985 REA BS-577256 - SCIA 019363 of SUAP of Milano 2021. For more information, see the Terms & Conditions in the website footer.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
Welcome to the Middle Kingdom! Ready to explore?
Upon arrival at Beijing airport or train station, our local guide and driver will be there to greet us and take us to our hotel in the city center. The rest of the day is free to explore the city. Our guide will be happy to give us tips on places to visit and things to do in our free time. After checking in, we are free to wander. Anyone craving dumplings already?
Day 2: Exploring Beijing
This morning, we’ll walk through Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world, and then enter the Forbidden City, the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties! It will truly feel like we’ve arrived in China.
In the afternoon, we’ll explore the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests. It’s one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. In the evening, we’ll have free time to explore at our own pace, from traditional hutongs to futuristic districts.
Day 3: Trekking and Camping on the Jiankou Great Wall
Early wake-up call today—we’re off to the Great Wall of China!
The Jiankou section of the Wall was built during the Ming Dynasty and is famous for its stunning yet less-visited scenery. It’s one of the most beloved sections for hikers worldwide. Ready for some hiking? This is the most rugged and breathtaking stretch of the Wall, and tonight, we’ll camp inside an ancient watchtower on top of the Wall! A once-in-a-lifetime experience!
Note: All camping gear (including tents) will be provided by our guide—no need to bring anything from home! We’ve already secured government authorization to camp on the Wall, but camping is subject to weather and political conditions and will be reconfirmed before departure.
Day 4: Sunrise at Jiankou, High-Speed Train to Xi’an
Waking up with the sunrise, we’ll be the first to witness the breathtaking dawn over the Great Wall! After breakfast, we’ll head back to Beijing with our driver to catch the high-speed train to Xi’an (4.5-6 hours).
Upon arrival, we’ll be greeted and transferred to our hotel. Tonight, we stay in Xi’an—let’s enjoy our first evening in this incredible Silk Road crossroads!
Day 5: Exploring Xi’an
This morning, we’ll visit one of the most incredible sites in the world—the Terracotta Army! Thousands of life-sized clay soldiers guard the tomb of China’s first emperor.
In the afternoon, we’ll continue exploring the city with our guide, visiting the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and the Great Mosque with its bustling Muslim Quarter. Free evening—should we try some local street food?
Day 6: Half-Day in Xi’an, Train to Chengdu
In the morning, we’ll visit the Xi’an Museum and the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. Then, we’ll hop on bikes to ride along the city’s ancient walls—one of the oldest and best-preserved in China!
After some free time for lunch, we’ll head to the station to catch our high-speed train to Chengdu (about 4 hours). Upon arrival, we’ll be transferred to our hotel, check in, and relax.
Day 7: Chengdu & Arrival at Mount Siguniang
Another early start! We’ll grab our bags and set off into the Sichuan Tibet region.
We’ll drive to Mount Siguniangshan, where we’ll explore its stunning valley (a mix of sightseeing by tourist bus and short hikes). After the excursion, our driver will take us to our accommodation for the night in Siguniang Shan town.
Day 8: Tibetan Village of Danba Jiaju
In the morning, we’ll drive from Siguniangshan to the Tibetan village of Danba Jiaju. Today, we’ll visit the Tibetan village of Suopo (about 2 hours), famous for its impressive watchtowers.
Later, we’ll return to Jiaju village for a guided tour and a deeper dive into Tibetan culture. Free evening in the village, where we’ll spend the night.
Day 9: Exploring Jinchuan Valley
Today, we head to Jinchuan Valley to witness the stunning pearl blossom season (best seen from mid-March to early April).
The rest of the day will be spent enjoying the breathtaking scenery in Shenxianbao, Shaer township, and Ka’er township. Tonight, we’ll stay at a local farmer’s guesthouse in Jinchuan.
Day 10: Tagong – Monks, Monastery & Grasslands
Today, we’ll drive from Jinchuan to Xinduqiao, stopping to visit the Tagong Tibetan Monastery—also known as the "Little Potala"—and the vast grasslands that surround it.
After checking in at our guesthouse, we’ll have the evening free to relax.
Day 11: Journey to Moxi Village
If the weather is clear, we’ll start the day with a stunning sunrise in Xinduqiao!
Then, we’ll drive towards the ancient town of Moxi, crossing Zheduo Mountain at 4,300m altitude. Along the way, we’ll visit Mugecuo Lake (also called "Wild Lake"), the most famous plateau lake in the Kham region. We’ll have a picnic lunch and even have the chance to go horseback riding along the lake (optional, at our own expense). In the evening, we’ll check into our hotel, relax, and enjoy dinner.
Day 12: Hailuogou Glacier Park
Today, we’ll explore one of the region’s stunning glaciers, set among breathtaking mountain landscapes!
For an extra 160 RMB, we can take a cable car up to Camp No. 4 (optional, at our own expense), offering a panoramic view of the glacier. Otherwise, we can hike part of the way.
In the afternoon, we’ll take a shuttle to Camp No. 2 and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation at natural hot springs (optional, at our own expense). Tonight, we stay at a hotel in Camp No. 3 of Hailuogou Glacier Park.
Day 13: Return to the Panda Capital
If the weather allows, we’ll catch a breathtaking sunrise over Gongga Mountain (Golden Mountain).
By late morning, we’ll meet our driver at the National Park entrance and return to Chengdu. Our journey is coming to an end, but we have one last stop—the Bifengxia Panda Base! This renowned research center is home to these iconic animals, and we’ll get to see them up close.
We’ll arrive in Chengdu in the late afternoon, with time to check in and enjoy our last evening. How about a spicy hotpot and an ice-cold beer?
Day 14: Zaijian, China!
Today, our local driver will take us to Chengdu Airport for our flight home.
Our adventure has come to an end—goodbye, China!
This trip is ORMA Guides.
At ORMA, we created this project because, first and foremost, we travel the way we promote - and we want to share that with you. We are active explorers in different fields: some focused on travel, others on food sustainability, and others on impactful projects. Always seeking out places and people to learn from, we want to bring you along on this continuous journey of discovery, sharing experiences, perspectives, and knowledge.
And if you're wondering who ORMA Guides is… well, let’s just say we’re not your typical travel agency.
You know those group tours where you rush from one monument to another while the guide yells, “Quick selfie, we’ve only got 10 minutes”? Yeah, we’re the opposite of that.
Every itinerary is designed to show you the real world—the one that doesn’t fit into glossy brochures—where activism is part of the journey.
And no, no matching caps. Exploring the authentic side of places, hearing stories of resilience and innovation, and coming back home with a suitcase full of ideas (instead of useless souvenirs) will make you feel like you're part of something bigger.
PROVA PROVA PROVA
Additional Info
Ready to go? Just the usual doubts?
What is the average age of participants? Are there age limits?
What are the exact arrival and departure times?
Is vegan/vegetarian food available? What about celiac disease?
When is the trip officially confirmed?
Can I travel with the creator? What transport does the creator use, and from where?
Why is the trip booked through Apical Booking?
Don’t listen to us, listen to them 🤩 😍 😎
We set out with the curiosity of explorers and return as traveling companions united by those who have found common passions and true friendships.
Check our reviews out ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rome, Italy
Brussels, Belgium
Bruxelles, Belgium
Abruzzo, Italy
Freiburg, Germany