Shanghai, Hangzhou, Luoyang, Xi’an and Beijing

Your splendid China tour with cultural and natural highlights starts from Shanghai. Upon arrival in this mesmerizing city, you will be warmly greeted by your guide and transferred to your downtown hotel in a private car. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Your guide will lead you on a historic stroll through Shanghai, starting at the iconic Bund. You'll walk along the Bund's riverfront, admiring the classic contrast between the historical buildings of Puxi and the modern skyscrapers of Pudong. Afterwards, we'll visit Yu Garden, a classical private garden built during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty. It is Shanghai's oldest and most complete surviving example of a Jiangnan garden.

Gallery: the Bund ，ShanghaiYu Garden

1 / 22 / 2

There are no formal activities scheduled for the morning, giving you ample free time to capture the last highlights of Shanghai. A visit to the iconic Jade Buddha Temple is an excellent option if you'd like. In the afternoon, your tour leader will take you to the train station to board the high-speed train to Hangzhou. Upon arrival in Hangzhou, the leader will lead you on a guided walking tour of the city, taking you through the old city, introducing historical buildings, ancient streets, and alleyways, allowing you to experience the charm of this ancient capital and its vibrant local life.

Gallery: Jade Buddha Temple 1Jade Buddha Temple 2

1 / 22 / 2

Our Hangzhou journey begins this morning at the home of a local tea farmer in Longjing Village. Afterwards, we'll visit Lingyin Temple, an ancient temple dating back to the third year of the Xianhe era of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, one of the most famous Buddhist Zen temples in Southeast China. In the afternoon, we'll travel to West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a history spanning over a thousand years. Su Dongpo praised it, saying, "West Lake is like Xi Shi, beautiful whether adorned or plain."

Gallery: West Lake 1West Lake 2

1 / 22 / 2

In the morning, you will take the high-speed train to Luoyang. Upon arrival in Luoyang, your tour leader will meet you at the station and lead a guided walking tour of this ancient capital. Afternoon/Evening: Free time. You can visit Luoyang's old city. Here, you'll find a wealth of well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, old streets with blue bricks and gray tiles, traditional courtyard houses, and ancient city gates.

Our in-depth tour of Luoyang begins in the morning with the Longmen Grottoes, a World Heritage Site situated on both banks of the Yi River in Luoyang. Afterwards, we will travel to the Shaolin Temple, located at the foot of Mount Song in Dengfeng City, renowned as the "Number One Temple Under Heaven" and the birthplace of Chinese Kung Fu.

Gallery: Longmen Grottoes

The high-speed train will take you to Xi’an, a city with over 2,500 years of history, hailed as "the crown jewel of ancient capitals in China." Upon arrival, your tour leader will guide you on a city tour, traversing Xi’an’s old city and introducing the historical origins of iconic landmarks such as the ancient city wall, bell tower, drum tower, and Muslim Quarter, as well as Xi’an’s glorious history as the starting point of the Silk Road and the center of the Tang Dynasty's golden age, allowing you to quickly immerse yourself in the profound atmosphere of this ancient capital.

Gallery: ancient city wall 1ancient city wall 2

1 / 22 / 2

Embark on a journey to the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, where you'll stand face-to-face with an army of clay soldiers guarding the tomb of China's first emperor. Marvel at the intricate details of the warriors and the bronze chariots, and even try your hand at crafting a mini warrior in a local workshop. Later, wander through the bustling lanes of the Muslim Quarter, savoring the flavor of Xi’an’s rich culinary heritage.

Gallery: Terracotta Warriors 1Terracotta Warriors 2

1 / 22 / 2

In the morning, you will take the high-speed train to Beijing, arriving in the late afternoon. The tour leader will assist you with transferring to the hotel and check-in. Afterwards, the rest of the day is completely free for you to explore this cosmopolitan city that blends the ancient and the modern at your own pace.

Gallery: Lama Temple 1Lama Temple 2

1 / 22 / 2

Today, you will fulfill your long-held dream of climbing the Great Wall and personally stroll along this iconic structure, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. A private vehicle will take you to Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the best-preserved and most exquisitely restored sections of the Great Wall outside Beijing.

Gallery: Mutianyu Great Wall 1Mutianyu Great Wall 2

1 / 22 / 2

Step into the vast Tiananmen Square, a gateway to centuries of imperial history. Next, head to the Forbidden City, a palace complex that whispers tales of the emperors' past. Later, wander through the labyrinthine hutongs, and enjoy a classic Peking duck dinner (usually at a renowned, long-established restaurant).

Gallery: Forbidden City 1Forbidden City 2

1 / 22 / 2

Today you are saying goodbye to China. Enjoy some free time on your own until you're taken to the airport for your flight. Thank you for traveling with us and wish you a pleasant flight.