China's Cultural Odyssey Ancient to Modern

Upon landing in Beijing, you'll be warmly welcomed to China and swiftly transported to your hotel. As twilight approaches, we will whisk you off to the bustling Wangfujing Street. This lively pedestrian zone is the heart of Beijing's shopping and dining scene, filled with vibrant shops and an array of restaurants. It's a perfect introduction to the citys energetic vibe. Dinner will be provided, and afterwards, you'll return to the comfort of your hotel. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

Today, we have an exhilarating day ahead as we delve into the wonders of Beijing, China's bustling capital. Our full-day exploration begins with a visit to the Great Chinese Imperial Palace, more famously known as the Forbidden City. This magnificent architectural masterpiece served as the imperial residence for 24 emperors over nearly half a millennium. We then head to Jingshan Park, famous for Coal Hill and its exceptional viewpoints. Weather permitting, the summit offers stunning panoramic vistas of the Forbidden City. Our tour continues with a stroll through Tiananmen Square, one of the world's largest public squares, where we can admire the imposing Great National Theatre, also known as the Beijing Opera House. Lunch is included in our itinerary.In the afternoon, we visit the Summer Palace, an elegant imperial retreat from the Qing Dynasty, celebrated for its tranquil gardens and scenic lakes. We then immerse ourselves in the traditional life of Beijing with a leisurely tricycle ride through the historic Hutong neighbourhoods. These narrow lanes are lined with ancient shops and offer insights into local culture, including a visit to a Siheyuan a traditional courtyard house.We'll return to our hotel in the evening for an overnight stay. Please note that due to heritage protection measures and visitor safety regulations, access to the Forbidden City may be restricted. If entry is not possible, we will explore the culturally significant Confucius Temple and Lama Temple, ensuring you'll still experience remarkable aspects of Chinese history and culture.

Today, we embark on a visit to one of the world's most iconic sites the Great Wall of China, focusing on the stunning Mutianyu section. With its history spanning over two millennia and winding across breathtaking mountain terrain, this architectural marvel promises an unforgettable experience. We will take a cable car to one of the most picturesque segments, where you can enjoy truly spectacular views of this legendary structure.Afterward, our journey back to Beijing includes a stop at the vibrant 798 Art District. This former military factory has been transformed into a thriving hub of contemporary art, brimming with galleries, studios, and creative spaces that highlight modern artistic expression. Next, we will visit the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China's largest and most important sacred complexes, where emperors once conducted prayers for bountiful harvests. This magnificent example of traditional Chinese architecture will surely captivate your imagination.Before returning to the hotel, we'll take some time to relax after a fulfilling day with a soothing foot massage followed by a Tai Chi class, allowing you to experience the tranquillity and balance of traditional Chinese culture. To conclude our time in Beijing, we'll enjoy a farewell lacquered duck dinner, a beloved local culinary tradition that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

After breakfast, we head to the train station to board one of China's cutting-edge high-speed trains, whisking us to Taian at an impressive 300 km/h. In just two hours, we'll arrive in this historic city nestled at the base of Mount Taishan, regarded as the most sacred mountain in China and a long-standing site of spiritual pilgrimage. Our day begins with a visit to the Dai Temple, an impressive Taoist complex dating back to the 11th century, which serves as the starting point for the ancient pilgrimage route up the mountain. Lunch is included. In the afternoon, we ascend via cable car to the legendary "Gates of Heaven" on Mount Taishan. The final part of our journey requires us to climb the steep staircase alongside hundreds of dedicated pilgrims, an experience rich in both history and spiritual significance. As our day winds down, we will continue our travels by bus to Qufu, esteemed as the birthplace of the great philosopher Confucius.

We begin our day in Qufu, the hometown of Confucius, the esteemed philosopher and founder of Confucianism from the 5th century BC. Our exploration includes the Confucius Mansion and the Confucius Temple, offering profound insights into his enduring influence on Chinese culture. Following our time in Qufu, we make our way to Xuzhou. Here, well enjoy a guided tour of the remarkable underground Mausoleum of the Han Emperor, an archaeological treasure trove. Within the museum, you'll be amazed by the terracotta army, a fascinating discovery comparable to the famous warriors of Xi'an, albeit on a smaller scale. After our visit, we'll take a leisurely drive past the picturesque Lake Yunlong, located at the heart of Xuzhou, providing a serene backdrop before we reach our hotel for the night. A delightful lunch is included in todays excursions.

Our day begins with an early departure from Xuzhou as we head towards Nanjing, a vibrant city with a rich tapestry of eight million residents. Recognised as one of China's most pleasant cities, we'll arrive around midday, ready to immerse ourselves in its bustling energy and deep historical roots.Our explorations will take us to the verdant expanse of Purple Mountain, where we'll visit the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum. This grand memorial honours the 'Father of Modern China' and stands as a testament to his enduring legacy. We will also pay a visit to the tranquil Linggu Temple, set amidst picturesque landscapes and steeped in spiritual significance.The afternoon offers you the opportunity to discover Nanjing at your own pace, whether you choose to soak in the local atmosphere, delve into more historical sites, or perhaps indulge in some shopping. We'll stay overnight in Nanjing, allowing you to fully savour this remarkable city.

We begin our journey today by departing for Suzhou, famed for its stunning classical gardens, which are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Historically, Suzhou was at the forefront of silk production and is synonymous with beauty and elegance. During our visit, we will explore the Garden of the Humble Administrator, the city's largest and most renowned garden. Here, you'll find winding paths, serene ponds, and vibrant greenery, epitomising traditional Chinese landscape design. Later, you'll have the opportunity to visit the charming Pingjiang Road at your leisure. This historic street, lined with canals, traditional teahouses, and artisan shops, offers a delightful glimpse into the area's rich past. Following a local lunch, we will set off to Tongli, a picturesque water town characterised by its narrow canals, ancient stone bridges, and historic houses. A scenic boat ride will provide us with a unique perspective of the town's timeless allure. Our day concludes in Shanghai, where we will check in for the night, ready to explore China's bustling metropolis.

Our exploration of Shanghai begins with a visit to Pudong, the city's cutting-edge financial district across the Huangpu River, where we'll marvel at the towering skyscrapers, including the famous Pearl Tower. Following this, we'll enjoy a scenic ferry ride on the Shanghai River, offering us striking views of both the historic and modern parts of the city. Next, we'll immerse ourselves in the tranquillity of Yuyuan Garden in the Old City, a masterpiece from the Ming Dynasty, where we will also participate in an authentic tea ceremony to appreciate Chinas rich cultural traditions.Our journey continues in Xintiandi, a vibrant neighbourhood celebrated for its stylish boutiques and lively cafs. Lunch is included, providing a perfect break before we delve into Tianzifang, a lively district known for its winding alleys filled with intriguing craft shops and contemporary art galleries. We'll conclude our tour with a walk along The Bund, where grand colonial-era buildings showcase Shanghai's unique blend of cultural influences. The afternoon is yours to explore freely. For an unforgettable experience, you might opt to take a boat trip to see Shanghai illuminated at night a spectacular view to end an enriching day.

On the ninth day of our journey, we'll embark on an exciting high-speed train adventure departing at 07:17 a.m. Our comfortable ride will take us over 1,000 kilometres through captivating countryside landscapes, ultimately arriving in Luoyang after just five hours. Once we've settled in, lunch will be provided as we prepare for an enthralling afternoon.Our first stop will be the awe-inspiring Longmen Buddhist Caves. This remarkable complex, extending more than a kilometre along the river's rocky cliffs, is adorned with over 100,000 Buddha statues and carvings. It's one of China's most significant archaeological treasures. We'll gain a unique perspective on these magnificent works with a scenic boat ride along the river.Following our exploration of the caves, we'll make our way to the ancient city of Luoyang. As we pass through its grand walls, you'll be immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of the illuminated streets, steeped in traditional charm and bustling local life.

In the early hours on the outskirts of Luoyang, we begin our day with a visit to the historically significant White Horse Buddhist Monastery. This extensive centre of Buddhist study is renowned for welcoming scholars and practitioners from around the globe. Continuing our journey, we head to Sanmenxia, a city steeped in history. Here, we admire the majestic Yellow River and explore the Baolun Temple, famous for its impressive tall pagoda. Our exploration continues at the esteemed Guo Museum, where we discover the ancient funeral carriages from the former State of Guo, providing a fascinating insight into the regions rich past. Lunch will be provided today. Our eastward journey takes us past the sacred Mount Hua, celebrated for its dramatic peaks and spiritual importance. By late afternoon, we find ourselves arriving in Xian, drawing our day's adventures to a close.

Upon reaching Xian, we explore the city where the ancient Silk Road began. Our morning is dedicated to the extraordinary Terracotta Army, an archaeological marvel featuring thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, once concealed underground to guard the tomb of China's first emperor. Following this, we return to Xian and visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a stunning Buddhist structure that has stood for over a thousand years.Next, we delve into the city's historic heart, wandering through the bustling Muslim Quarter. Here, you'll find the Great Mosque, a site that beautifully illustrates the blend of cultures and religions that have shaped China over the centuries. Our itinerary also includes a visit to the Drum Tower, where we'll enjoy a brief performance of traditional Chinese music played on ancient instruments. After these enriching experiences, you'll have free time to explore at your leisure, letting the vibrant city reveal its many charms.

Today, we depart Xian on a state-of-the-art high-speed train, travelling over 700 kilometres to Chengdu in just over three hours. Upon arrival, we'll visit the renowned Panda Research and Breeding Centre, home to 120 giant pandas and 76 red pandas. This reserve plays a vital role in the conservation of these magnificent creatures. Lunch will be provided. In the afternoon, we'll enjoy a leisurely walk through the People's Park, a tranquil urban retreat featuring a charming lake, local residents practising Tai Chi, and inviting tea houses where you can relax and soak up the local culture.

We embark on an enthralling full-day exploration of Sichuan Province today, renowned for its scenic beauty and cultural heritage. Our journey begins with a visit to Dujiangyan to marvel at the ancient irrigation system, a remarkable feat that has been functioning for over 2,000 years and is recognised as a world heritage site. We then make our way to Qingcheng Shan, known as the "mountain of the green city", a sacred Taoist mountain. As we traverse its forested paths, we'll discover quaint caves, charming pavilions, and centuries-old wooden temples, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the spiritual ambience of the area. A hearty lunch will be included, offering a taste of regional cuisine. Our final stop is the ancient city of Jiezi, where we wander through its historical alleys that have borne witness to over a thousand years of history. As the day draws to a close, we return to Chengdu, reflecting on a day filled with cultural and natural wonders.

After a final breakfast, our journey concludes in Chengdu. We hope you leave with wonderful memories and a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural tapestry and historical wonders of China. Safe travels!