11 Bucket List Ticking Trips to Take This Summer

By Sponsored, July 4, 2025

0 0

Enjoy Exclusive Deals!

Join Our Travel News & Deals WeChat Group!

Weixin-Image_20240308161323.jpg


Once-in-a-Lifetime

Inner Mongolia Adventure

Weixin-Image_20250704073353.jpg

The soul of Mongolia’s untamed beauty comes alive in this extraordinary journey, where vast grasslands, nomadic traditions, and thrilling experiences merge into an unforgettable escape.

Ride across rolling plains, feast under starry skies, and immerse yourself in the authentic culture of Inner Mongolia.

Dedicated to small groups of 6 to 8 people, ensuring personalized attention and an intimate experience, you will be guided by locals who share their deep connection to the land.

Highlights of this trip include...

Live Like a Nomad in a Traditional Yurt – Sleep under the stars in a cozy Mongolian yurt, where the whispers of the grassland and the warmth of nomadic hospitality make every moment magical.

Ride Free on Horseback with Local Herdsmen – Gallop across endless meadows guided by skilled herdsmen, feeling the wind in your hair and the spirit of horseman in your heart.

Feast on a Roast Whole Lamb & Mongolian Hot Pot – Savor the rich flavors of Mongolian cuisine, from succulent roast lamb to steaming hot pot, paired with fragrant milk tea and donkey dropper wine.

Explore the Stunning Ashatu Stone Forest – Wander through this otherworldly landscape of towering rock formations, where nature’s artistry rivals the most surreal dreams.

Capture the Internet-Famous Highway 99 Dada Line – Let your drone soar above this breathtaking route, where the road cuts through the grasslands like a ribbon of freedom.

Master the Art of Mongolian Archery – Test your aim with a traditional bow, channeling the skills of ancient warriors under the vast blue sky.

Bonus Cash Rebate! – Post about your adventure on social media and earn RMB500 cash back!

6-Day 5-Night

  • RMB3,980

  • Deep Experience

  • 6-12 people

4-Day 3-Night

  • RMB2,980

  • Dada Line

  • 2-8 people

4-Day 3-Night

  • RMB2,980

  • Milk Lake

  • 2-8 people

3-Day 2-Night

  • RMB1,980

  • Horseback Riding, Hot Pot, Barbecue

  • 2-8 people

3-Day 2-Night

  • RMB1,980

  • Horseback Riding, Whole Roasted Lamb

  • 6-12 people

2-Day 1-Night

  • RMB1,580

  • Horseback Riding

  • No Limit on the Number of People

2-Day 1-Night

  • RMB980

  • Whole Roasted Lamb

  • 6-12 people

Scan the QR Code for More Information
Weixin-Image_20250620173018.jpg


3-Day Inner Mongolia

Grassland & Desert Tour

Weixin-Image_20250704050045.jpg
Image courtesy of China Xian Tour

Inner Mongolia, where endless blue skies meet golden sands, and the spirit of Genghis Khan rides eternal across the grasslands.

This three-day journey plunges you into the heart of nomadic life—where galloping horses, singing deserts, and the fiery energy of the Naadam Festival bring the soul of Mongolia to life.

Highlights of this trip include...

Breathe in the Freedom of Xilamuren Grassland – Lose yourself in rolling seas of emerald green, where herds of sheep and horses roam beneath vast skies, and sunrise paints the prairie in liquid gold.

Conquer the Dunes of Kubuqi Desert – Race across golden sands on a roaring ATV, glide down slopes on a sandboard, or sway atop a camel as the desert whispers its ancient songs.

Step into the Serenity of Dazhao Temple – Marvel at the intricate Tibetan Buddhist architecture, where gilded statues and flickering butter lamps tell stories of faith and tradition.

Unearth History at the Inner Mongolia Museum – Journey through time among dinosaur fossils, nomadic relics, and treasures of the Mongol Empire—each exhibit a testament to this land’s wild and glorious past.

Taste the Bold Flavors of Mongolian Cuisine – Savor hearty roast lamb, creamy milk tea, and golden hushuur (fried meat pies) as nomadic hospitality warms your soul.

For More Information Click Here


5-Day Zhangjiajie &

Fenghuang Ancient Town

Weixin-Image_20250704050041.jpg
Image courtesy of China Xian Tour

The soul of China’s poetic landscapes comes alive in two breathtaking wonders: the timeless charm of Fenghuang Ancient Town and the surreal majesty of Zhangjiajie National Park.

This journey weaves together mist-laden rivers, towering sandstone pillars, and centuries-old traditions, offering an unforgettable escape into the heart of China’s natural and cultural splendor.

Highlights of this trip include...

Wander Freely in Fenghuang Ancient Town – Lose yourself in China’s most beautiful ancient town, where cobblestone alleys, stilted wooden houses, and the gentle flow of the Tuojiang River paint a living watercolor of local customs and timeless charm.

Glide Along Fenghuang’s Rivers – Drift past elegant bridges, mysterious pagodas, and traditional riverside homes, where the reflections of tiled rooftops and crimson lanterns shimmer like a dream.

Marvel at Zhangjiajie’s Hallelujah Mountain – Stand in awe of the towering sandstone pillars that inspired Avatar’s floating peaks, their jagged silhouettes piercing the clouds in a spectacle of nature’s artistry.

Defy Gravity on the World’s Highest Glass Bridge – Set your pulse racing as you step onto the dizzying Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, suspended high above a lush abyss, where every glance down feels like walking on air.

Conquer Heaven’s Gate’s 999 Steps – Challenge yourself to climb the legendary staircase to Tianmen Mountain’s celestial gateway, a natural arch shrouded in mist and myth, where perseverance rewards you with heavenly views.

For More Information Click Here


8-Day Classic Tibet Tour

Lhasa to EBC

Weixin-Image_20250704050100.jpg
Image courtesy of China Xian Tour

From the sacred heart of Lhasa to the towering majesty of Mount Everest, this expedition unveils the spiritual soul and untamed landscapes of Tibet.

Traverse ancient monasteries, shimmering alpine lakes, and glacier-carved valleys, culminating at the foot of the world’s highest peak—where earth meets sky in a realm of pure awe.

Highlights of this trip include...

Witness Monastic Debates at Sera Monastery – Stand in hushed reverence as robed monks engage in fiery philosophical debates, their clapping hands and spirited gestures bringing Tibetan Buddhist teachings to life.

Ascend the Legendary Potala Palace – Climb the golden stairways of this UNESCO wonder, where the Dalai Lamas once ruled from its crimson and white chambers, adorned with jeweled stupas and centuries of devotion.

Circle the Sacred Jokhang Temple – Join pilgrims spinning prayer wheels along Barkhor Street, their murmurs blending with the scent of butter lamps beneath the temple’s gilded rooftops.

Behold Yamdrok Lake’s Turquoise Splendor – Gaze upon this "Earring of the Sky," its sapphire waters cradled by snow-capped peaks, as prayer flags flutter in the Himalayan wind.

Stand Before the Karola Glacier’s Frozen Majesty – Feel the raw power of nature as ice cliffs glow under the sun, their blue-white depths towering above the silent plateau.

Sleep Under Everest’s Shadow – Spend a night at base camp, where thin air and endless stars amplify the mountain’s presence—its pyramid peak blazing gold at sunrise.

Discover Rongbuk Monastery’s Solitude – Wander the world’s highest monastery, where nuns and monks chant in harmony with the wind, framed by Everest’s unforgiving grandeur.

Feast on Tibetan Culture in Shigatse – Savor butter tea and hearty stews as local dancers whirl in vibrant costumes, their songs echoing tales of nomadic heritage.

For More Information Click Here


7-Day Yunnan Tour

Dali, Shangri-La & Lijiang

Weixin-Image_20250704050036.jpg
Image courtesy of China Xian Tour

The soul of Yunnan shines brightest in its three most mesmerizing destinations: Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La.

This journey unveils the province’s rich cultural tapestry, breathtaking alpine vistas, and timeless traditions, offering an unforgettable immersion into China’s southwestern paradise.

Highlights of this trip include...

Stroll Through Xizhou Ancient Town – Lose yourself in cobblestone lanes lined with Bai-style courtyards, where the scent of tea and the flutter of hand-painted batik fabrics bring centuries of heritage to life.

Experience Naxi Culture in Shuhe Ancient Town – Step into a living museum of Naxi traditions, where dongba script whispers ancient secrets and vibrant festivals ignite the streets with music and color.

Unveil the Magic of Shangri-La – From the golden rooftops of Songzanlin Monastery to the mirror-like lakes of Pudacuo National Park, discover a land where myth and reality blend in harmony.

Conquer Tiger Leaping Gorge – Trek beneath the towering cliffs of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, where the roaring Yangtze River carves a path through one of Earth’s deepest gorges.

Venture Behind Cangshan Mountain – Wander into hidden valleys where Bai artisans craft intricate tie-dye textiles, and terraced fields paint the hillsides in emerald waves.

Cruise Erhai Lake’s Azure Waters – Drift past fishing villages and floating markets, where cormorant birds dive and white-winged sails slice through the mist like ancient brushstrokes.

Stand in Awe of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain – Let its glacier-crowned peaks take your breath away, their eternal snows glowing like jade against the endless blue sky.

For More Information Click Here


Yunnan Eco Tours

Yunnan Eco Tours offers immersive, off-the-beaten-path journeys across one of China’s most biodiverse and culturally rich regions. 

Their small-group tours combine eco-conscious travel, local food, and hands-on cultural experiences—from electric bike rides through tea fields to craft workshops in mountain villages. 

They work with local communities, support traditional ways of life, and keep sustainability at the heart of every adventure.

Whether you’re hiking to wild hot springs, pressing your own tea cake, or dancing with villagers under the stars—this is travel that connects deeply and gives back.

8-Day Yunnan Tea Culture Journey

Weixin-Image_20250704050104.jpg

A Journey Into the forests, villages, and culture behind every cup...

From ancient mountain paths to mist-covered tea gardens, Yunnan is where tea’s story begins. For thousands of years, communities here have cultivated and consumed tea not just as a drink—but as medicine, ritual, connection, and culture.

This is more than a tea-tasting trip. It’s a chance to walk the land where tea was born, to pick leaves from thousand-year-old trees, to roast your own puer cake by hand, and to hear songs shared over tea fires for generations.

On this immersive journey, we’ll explore both the Six Ancient Tea Mountains—where imperial tribute tea was once harvested—and the Six New Tea Mountains, known today for bold, highland-grown leaves and forest-grown traditions.

Each stop reveals a different facet of Yunnan’s living tea culture, one cup and one story at a time.

For More Information Click Here

8-Day Yunnan Vegan Culture Trip

Weixin-Image_20250704050125.jpg

A plant-based journey through China’s most biodiverse and flavorful province...

Join an immersive, 100% plant-based adventure through Yunnan’s villages, forests, and markets.

Designed by Yunnan Eco Tours founder Leo, a long-time vegan with deep local connections, this trip takes you into the heart of Yunnan’s seasonal, foraged, and traditional food culture.

Cook with local families using wild greens and heirloom tofu, explore colorful ethnic markets, and enjoy nourishing meals like wild mushroom hotpots and freshly made stone-milled soy snacks.

From hands-on fermentation workshops to plant-based feasts in mountain homes, this journey is about more than food—it’s about connection, community, and culture.

For More Information Click Here

8-Day Western Yunnan Journey

Weixin-Image_20250704050107.jpg

Mangshi to Baoshan—cultures, forests and flavors of Yunnan...

Step into the lesser-seen side of Yunnan on this eight-day eco-cultural journey through the wild, warm southwest.

Starting in Mangshi, near the Myanmar border, you’ll hike through Phayre’s langur habitat, learn macrame from De’ang women, browse vibrant ethnic markets, and cook with local families in Tengchong.

Soak in natural hot springs, walk the Southern Silk Road, make your own paper, and trace the region’s rich tea and coffee heritage—visiting both ancient tea forests and sustainable coffee farms in the Gaoligong Mountains.

This trip is a rare blend of biodiversity, craftsmanship, wellness, and living tradition—perfect for travelers who seek connection, flavor, and authenticity off the beaten path.

For More Information Click Here


8-Day Magnificent Georgia

Weixin-Image_20250704050117.jpg

From the lush valleys of the Caucasus to the rhythmic pulse of ancient dances, this journey immerses you in Georgia’s soul—a land where wine flows like poetry and mountains echo with song.

Traverse cobbled streets, savor feasts reserved for 'family,' and lose yourself in the untamed beauty of alpine trails.

Each moment is a celebration of culture, connection, and the wild spirit of the Georgian heartland.

Highlights of this trip include...

Ride the Mountain Trails – Gallop through emerald valleys where the air hums with adventure and every turn reveals a postcard vista.

Crack the Secret Rhythm of Georgian Dances – Spin and stomp alongside locals, unlocking the fiery energy of traditions passed down through centuries.

Drink Wine Reserved Only for 'Family' – Sip amber vintages in candlelit cellars, where each toast is a bond forged in laughter and legacy.

Sing Until the Mountains Echo Back – Raise your voice in polyphonic harmony, filling the night with songs that stir the soul.

Explore History and Architecture – Wander fortress towns and cliffside monasteries, where stone whispers tales of kings, conquerors, and saints.

Part of your purchase supports charity. But spots limited!

Scan QR Code on Poster Above

to Find Out More


5-Day Inner Mongolia

Horseback Adventure

Manma-Horseback-Adventure-in-Inner-Mongolia.jpg
Image courtesy of Manma Horseback Adventure

Saddle up for the ride of a lifetime across royal hunting grounds once stormed by Qing emperors—through birch forests, flower fields, dunes, and the only wetland in China where horses can gallop freely!

Whether you're a total newbie or a seasoned rider, expert instructors, small groups, and tailored trails await.

After hours in the saddle, unwind in starlit yurts, feast on grassland BBQ and hotpot, and sing under the Milky Way.

From wild rides to Mongol wrestling, archery, and drone-shot memories, Manma’s 5-day journey is your all-inclusive ticket to living out an equestrian epic.

For More Information Click Here


2025 Arctic Youth

Expedition to Svalbard

ef81881c44535a1cd5a59392d4705d21.jpeg
Image courtesy of 66 Expeditions

This summer, young explorers and their families are invited on an extraordinary journey to Svalbard, Norway—a frozen wonderland just 1,300 kilometers from the North Pole.

More than a trip, this is a hands-on scientific adventure in one of Earth’s last untouched frontiers, where glaciers tower, wildlife roams, and discovery happens at every turn.

Guided by renowned polar researchers, students aged 9 and up will step into the boots of field scientists, conduct real Arctic studies, and witness nature’s grandeur—from walrus colonies to polar bear tracks—in an expedition that blends education, exploration, and awe.

aaa8ebf12deb10e51476340603bb5508.jpeg
Image courtesy of 66 Expeditions

Highlights of this once-in-a-lifetime trip include...

Cruise into the Wild – Aboard the legendary R/V Seaventure—a vessel steeped in polar history—navigate past glacial fjords, volcanic cliffs, and vast tundra.

Become a Polar Scientist – Under the mentorship of leading Arctic experts, students will: collect seawater and ice samples; record wildlife behavior; and master survival skills and environmental stewardship.

Be Immersed in the Ultimate Arctic Classroom – No walls. No textbooks. Just raw, unfiltered discovery in a landscape where nature's majesty and science collide.

The Arctic is calling. Will you answer?

For More Information Click Here


Got a Travel Deal You'd Like to Promote?

Contact Christy via email at christycai@thatsmags.com and on WeChat by scanning the QR code below:

Christy-QR.jpg

[Cover image courtesy of Manma Horseback Adventure]

0 User Comments

In Case You Missed It…

We're on WeChat!

Scan our QR Code at right or follow us at ThatsBeijing for events, guides, giveaways and much more!

7 Days in Beijing With thatsmags.com

Weekly updates to your email inbox every Wednesday

Download previous issues

Never miss an issue of That's Beijing!

Visit the archives