China's Iconic Wonders and Ancient Treasures

Welcome to China! Upon your arrival in Beijing, well transfer you to your hotel to settle in. Early in the evening, well introduce you to Wangfujing Street, a bustling pedestrian avenue renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, eclectic shops, and varied dining options. It's the perfect spot to begin your acquaintance with the city. Dinner will be provided before we return to the 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'll immerse ourselves in the vibrant splendour of Beijing, China's bustling capital. Our full-day adventure begins at the Forbidden City, a remarkable imperial palace that served as the home of 24 emperors over nearly half a millennium. This grand architectural marvel stands as a testament to China's rich history.Next, we'll explore Jingshan Park, which boasts one of Beijing's best-preserved imperial gardens. From atop Coal Hill, we can enjoy breathtaking views of the Forbidden City weather permitting. Our journey continues with a visit to Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares globally, where we can admire the impressive Great National Theatre, also known as the Beijing Opera House. We'll pause midday for an inclusive lunch.In the afternoon, we'll visit the Summer Palace, a serene retreat with stunning gardens and tranquil lakes, which was favoured by the Qing Dynasty. Following this, we'll take a tricycle ride through Beijing's historic Hutong neighbourhoods, where you'll have the opportunity to soak in the city's rich cultural tapestry, explore traditional shops, and visit a classic Siheyuan courtyard house, showcasing traditional architectural charm.As evening settles, we will return to our hotel for rest and reflection upon a fulfilling day of exploration. Please note that due to preservation efforts, the Forbidden City has limited its daily visitors, so if entry is not possible, we'll visit the Confucius and Lama Temples instead, both significant sites in Chinese heritage.

On our third day in Beijing, we embark on an unforgettable excursion to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall a stunning architectural feat with over 2,000 years of history. We'll ascend and descend via a cable car, which is included in our ticket, granting us ease of access to explore this iconic landmark. After immersing ourselves in the grandeur of the Wall, we treat our palates to a delightful lunch featuring the renowned Peking duck, providing a fitting parting meal to conclude our stay in Beijing. Later, we transition to the train station, where we board a high-speed train destined for Shanghai. Upon arrival, we will head to our hotel for check-in and a well-deserved overnight rest.

Our day in Shanghai begins with a visit to Pudong, the citys dynamic financial district, situated across the Huangpu River. Here, you'll find impressive skyscrapers like the iconic Pearl Tower. We then embark on a picturesque ferry journey across the Shanghai River, offering delightful views of both the old and new aspects of the city.Our exploration continues as we wander through the Old City, paying a visit to the tranquil Yuyuan Garden, a meticulously preserved private garden from the Ming Dynasty. During our time here, you'll also have the chance to participate in a traditional tea ceremony, a deep-rooted element of Chinas cultural tapestry.Following lunch, we make our way to Xintiandi, a chic neighbourhood renowned for its trendy boutiques, bustling cafs, and lively environment. In the afternoon, we delve into Tianzifang, a former residential quarter, now recognized for its intricate alleyways teeming with charming craft shops and contemporary art galleries.We conclude the day with a leisurely stroll along The Bund, where stately colonial-era edifices stand as reminders of Shanghai's history of European trade influence. The rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure. If you'd like to experience Shanghai by night, you may wish to take a captivating boat toura memorable experience that showcases the city aglow with lights.

On the fifth day, well transfer to the train station for an early morning departure at 07:17 a.m. on a high-speed train. In just over five hours, well cover a distance of 1,000 kilometres, journeying through picturesque countryside landscapes until we arrive in Luoyang. Lunch is included on this day. Our exploration begins with a visit to the awe-inspiring Longmen Buddhist Caves. This extraordinary site stretches over a kilometre along the rocky cliffs, boasting more than 100,000 stone-carved Buddha statues and intricate carvings, making it one of Chinas most significant archaeological treasures. To fully appreciate the scale and beauty of this site, well also enjoy a scenic boat ride along the river. Following our visit, well head to the ancient city of Luoyang, where its imposing city walls welcome us, and the illuminated streets invite us to soak up the lively and traditional local atmosphere.

In the early morning, we set off to the outskirts of Luoyang to visit the White Horse Buddhist Monastery. This significant centre of Buddhist learning has long been a destination for scholars and practitioners worldwide. Continuing our journey, we travel to Sanmenxia, a city steeped in history. Here, we'll admire the mighty Yellow River and visit Baolun Temple, renowned for its striking tall pagoda. Our explorations also include the esteemed Guo Museum, acclaimed as one of China's finest. Here, the ancient funeral carriages of the former State of Guo offer a captivating insight into the region's storied past. Lunch is included today, ensuring you're ready for the continued journey. As we head east, we pass by the sacred Mount Hua, celebrated for its dramatic peaks and spiritual significance. By late afternoon, we arrive in Xian, where today's adventure concludes.

We have arrived in Xian, a city steeped in history as the starting point of the ancient Silk Road. Our morning begins with a visit to the remarkable Terracotta Army, a vast archaeological discovery featuring thousands of life-sized clay soldiers that have stood hidden underground for centuries, guarding the tomb of China's first emperor. Afterwards, we head back to Xian to explore the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a beautiful Buddhist structure that has graced the city for over a thousand years. Our tour continues as we delve into the historic heart of the city, venturing through the vibrant Muslim Quarter where we'll have the opportunity to visit the Great Mosque. This atmospheric site exemplifies the rich blending of cultures and religions that have influenced China throughout centuries. Our journey includes entrance to the Drum Tower, where we will enjoy a brief performance showcasing traditional Chinese music played on ancient instruments. In the afternoon, you'll have some free time to wander and explore Xian at your own leisure.

Departing from Xian aboard a sleek high-speed train, we will swiftly cover the 700-kilometre journey to Chengdu in just over three hours. Upon arrival, we will head directly to the renowned Panda Bear Research and Breeding Centre. Here, you will encounter over 120 giant pandas and 76 red pandas, offering an extraordinary opportunity to observe these remarkable creatures in a setting dedicated to their conservation and study. Lunch will be provided. In the afternoon, we will take a leisurely stroll through the People's Park. As you wander around, you might see locals practising tai chi, reflecting the city's laid-back yet vibrant lifestyle. Relax in one of the traditional tea houses or enjoy a peaceful moment by the lake before returning.

Today, we embark on a full-day tour exploring Sichuan Province, renowned for its scenic landscapes and traditional heritage. Our first stop is Dujiangyan, where we will marvel at the ancient irrigation system that has been ingeniously functioning for over two millennia. This site is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its historical significance and engineering prowess. Next, we venture to Qingcheng Shan, the sacred Taoist mountain often referred to as the "mountain of the green city." As we wander its forested paths, we'll discover caves, pavilions, and venerable wooden temples, all of which provide a serene glimpse into Taoist culture. Lunch is included today, providing a taste of local flavours amidst our exploration. Our journey concludes with a visit to the ancient city of Jiezi, where you can stroll through alleys steeped in over a thousand years of history. We then return to Chengdu, reflecting on the days experiences.

We will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province, which is included in your tour. Once we arrive in Kunming, you'll be transported to the hotel for check-in. Later, we'll take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant Bird and Flower Market, a lively hub full of colourful stalls. We will then visit the serene Golden Temple of Kunming, a striking structure made of bronze, also known as the largest copper temple in China. After soaking in the sights and sounds of this fascinating city, we'll return to the hotel.

Our day in Kunming begins at the Zhuanxin Farmers Market, a charming traditional market brimming with fresh produce, from vibrant fruits to a wide array of vegetables. It's an ideal spot to experience the local culture and culinary offerings. After exploring the market, we head out of the city to visit the remarkable Stone Forest a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site. This breathtaking landscape is renowned for its towering stone formations that intriguingly resemble a forest of petrified trees. Lunch is included during our excursion. Upon returning to Kunming, we will take a leisurely stroll through the historic Laojie District, allowing you to further explore this captivating city at your own pace.

We begin our day by transferring to the station for a high-speed train journey to Dalitickets are included. This city is famous for the historic architecture of the Bai ethnic minority. Once we arrive, well explore Dalis Old Town, known for its unique blend of traditional and modern influences, teeming with vibrant shops, bars, and local craft studios on Westerner Street. A delightful lunch is part of todays experience. In the afternoon, well make our way to the Chongsheng Temple, ascending by electric vehicle to discover its tranquil atmosphere and rich history. After our exploration, you can relax as weve arranged an overnight stay here.

As we journey north from Dali, we'll witness the contrasting beauty of landscapes transitioning from the cultivated fields surrounding Erhai Lake to the verdant mountains beyond. Our day commences with a visit to Xizhou Ancient Town, where we can admire the elegant traditional courtyard houses of the Bai ethnic group. After this immersive experience, we'll head to Zhoucheng Village, celebrated worldwide for its intricately hand-crafted, blue-dyed textiles. Lunch will be provided en route as we continue our travels. Our journey culminates in Lijiang, a city steeped in history, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and known for being one of the best-preserved cities in Yunnan for centuries.

On Day 14, we embark on an unforgettable experience at the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, a renowned treasure of the Yunnan province. Ascend this majestic peak by cable car, where the scenery varies with the seasonslush green forests blanket the mountain in summer, while a captivating snowy landscape emerges in winter. Its important to note that cable car operations are weather-dependent, and strong winds may cause closures for safety reasons. Additionally, expect potential queues during peak tourist times.After descending the mountain, we'll journey to the traditional villages of Yuhu and Baisha, where the rich history of the Nakhi people is palpable. Enjoy an included lunch, followed by an exploration of the ancient town of Dayan. This captivating historic area is crowned with a soothing stroll through Black Dragon Pool Park, where you gaze upon the stunning backdrop of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. By day's end, we'll return to Lijiang for an overnight stay.

After a hearty breakfast, our remarkable journey draws to a close. We'll part ways, each carrying a trove of unforgettable memories from our adventure. Safe travels and we hope these experiences stay with you for a lifetime.