Majestic China Great Wall to Sacred Mountains

Upon arriving in Beijing, we will arrange your transfer to the hotel. Later in the early evening, we'll introduce you to Wangfujing Street, a bustling pedestrian avenue renowned for its vibrant ambiance, a wide array of shops, and diverse dining options. This visit serves as an excellent opportunity to familiarise yourself with the citys lively atmosphere. Dinner is included, after which well return to the hotel, concluding your first day in China. 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 delve into the wonders of Beijing with a visit to the majestic Great Wall of China at Mutianyu. This section of the wall, renowned for its serene beauty, offers spectacular panoramic views as it stretches across the rugged mountainsidea testament to over 2,000 years of history. We'll ascend and descend by cable car, providing an opportunity to fully appreciate this magnificent structure.After returning to Beijing, our tour takes us to the 798 Art District, a vibrant and creative enclave within a repurposed military factory. This area is alive with galleries and studios, showcasing the best of contemporary art. Next, we'll explore the Temple of Heaven, a vast religious complex where emperors once sought divine blessings for bountiful harvests. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its architectural beauty leaves a lasting impression.To unwind from our day's explorations, we'll enjoy the soothing indulgence of a foot massage, followed by a Tai Chi classan ideal introduction to the principles of balance and harmony in Chinese culture. Our evening culminates with a lacquered duck dinner, a Beijing culinary tradition that promises to delight the palate.

Our third day in Beijing promises an invigorating exploration of the city's key attractions. We begin with a full-day tour where we'll encounter the awe of the Forbidden City, an architectural marvel and the epicentre of imperial China for nearly half a millennium. This vast complex served as the residence for 24 emperors, showcasing the grandeur of Chinese dynastic power.Our adventure continues as we visit Jingshan Park. Situated across the road from the Forbidden City, the park's summit atop Coal Hill offers spectacular panoramic views, depending on the weather. We then proceed to the expanse of Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public spaces in the world, allowing us to savour views of the impressive National Theatre, often referred to as the "Egg" due to its distinctive design.A delicious local lunch is included today, providing a taste of the regions cuisine. In the afternoon, we explore the Summer Palace, a glorious retreat for the Qing Dynasty emperors, famed for its elegant gardens and peaceful lakeside views. Our day amplifies its cultural immersion with a tricycle ride through Beijing's historic Hutong neighbourhoods. This offers a glimpse into traditional Beijing life, with a chance to browse quaint shops and visit a classic Siheyuan courtyard house.We conclude our eventful day by returning to the hotel for a restful evening. A note to our itinerary due to preservation policies and regulations around visitor numbers, entrance to the Forbidden City cannot be assured. Should the visit not be feasible, we will alternatively delight in the cultural richness of the Confucius Temple and the Lama Temple, both significant to China's historical narrative.

Following breakfast, we will make our way to the train station to board one of China's cutting-edge high-speed trains. Travelling at an impressive speed of 300 km/h, we will cover almost 1,000 kilometres in under four hours, arriving in Nanjing. This lively city, home to eight million residents, is famously one of the most inviting in China. We will be immersed in the energy of this bustling metropolis, celebrated for its vibrant commercial scene and rich historical legacy. Our visit includes an exploration of Purple Mountain, where we will discover the remarkable Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum an impressive memorial dedicated to the founding father of modern China. Additionally, we will explore the charming Linggu Temple, a Buddhist site of historical significance nestled within lush greenery. After our scheduled activities, you will have the opportunity to explore Nanjing at your leisure. We will stay overnight in Nanjing.

This morning, we'll head to Suzhou, a city famed for its exquisite classical gardens, which have earned UNESCO World Heritage status. Historically, Suzhou held the title of the world's foremost silk producer and has long been synonymous with beauty and elegance. Our visit includes the Garden of the Humble Administrator, the largest and most renowned garden in the city, where meandering pathways, serene ponds, and lush greenery exemplify traditional Chinese landscaping artistry. Following this, you will have time to explore the charming Pingjiang Road at your own pace, a picturesque historic street flanked by canals, traditional teahouses, and artisan shops. Lunch is included today.In the afternoon, we'll continue our journey to Tongli, an enchanting water town where narrow canals, stone bridges, and traditional homes capture the essence of ancient China. Here, we'll enjoy a scenic boat ride, offering a tranquil perspective of the towns timeless beauty.Our adventure will then lead us to Shanghai, where we will settle in for the night.

Today, we dive into the vibrant cityscape of Shanghai, exploring its most iconic landmarks. We begin our day in Pudong, the modern financial hub located across the Huangpu River, known for its soaring skyscrapers including the famous Pearl Tower. Witnessing the skyline from this vantage point offers us a striking contrast between the futuristic and the traditional sides of the city.Our adventure continues with a picturesque ferry journey across the Shanghai River, where both historical and contemporary panoramas unfold before us. Once on the other side, we immerse ourselves in the charm of the Old City, stopping at the tranquil Yuyuan Garden, a serene retreat that dates back to the Ming Dynasty. Here, we partake in a traditional tea ceremony, offering a delightful insight into China's rich heritage.Following this, we venture to Xintiandi, a trendy district buzzed with stylish boutiques and charming cafs, perfect for a leisurely wander. Lunch, bursting with local flavours, will be provided to fuel our afternoon exploration.In the latter part of the day, we explore Tianzifang, a creative enclave known for its narrow alleys adorned with craft shops and art studios. Our day culminates with a stroll along The Bund, where grand colonial-era architecture stands testament to Shanghai's storied past.The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure. You might choose to cap off the day with an optional evening boat trip to witness the dazzling lights of Shanghai from the water, an experience sure to leave a lasting impression.

Today, we depart early in the morning to board a high-speed train from Shanghai, leaving at 07:17 a.m. During the five-hour, 1,000-kilometre journey, youll be treated to the beautiful sights of Chinas diverse countryside. On arrival in Luoyang, we will savour a local lunch before heading to the famed Longmen Buddhist Caves. This extraordinary site stretches over a kilometre along the river's cliffs, featuring more than 100,000 intricately carved Buddha statues, making it one of China's most significant archaeological marvels. A scenic boat ride along the river will allow us to fully appreciate the grandeur of these ancient carvings. Afterwards, we proceed to the historic city of Luoyang. Here, we will pass through the city's impressive gates and immerse ourselves in its lively streets, which come to life with traditional charm and vibrant activity as night falls.

With an early start, we will begin our day in Luoyang by visiting the revered White Horse Buddhist Monastery. This significant centre for Buddhist scholarship and practice attracts participants from around the globe. Following this, we continue to Sanmenxia, a city rich in historical significance. Here, you can observe the impressive Yellow River and explore the Baolun Temple, notable for its striking pagoda. The days itinerary also includes an excursion to the Guo Museum, regarded as one of China's finest, where you'll discover the ancient funeral carriages of the State of Guo. Lunch is provided. Our eastward journey will pass by Mount Hua, one of China's sacred peaks famed for its precipitous slopes and spiritual allure. We will arrive in Xian by late afternoon, concluding our day's adventures.

In Xian, the historic city that marked the start of the ancient Silk Road, we embark on a day filled with remarkable sights. Our morning takes us to the legendary Terracotta Army, an awe-inspiring archaeological marvel where thousands of life-sized clay warriors have stood vigil over the tomb of Chinas first emperor for centuries. Returning to the city, we visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a serene Buddhist structure that has withstood the passage of time for over a thousand years.Our exploration continues as we discover the city's vibrant walled centre, passing through the bustling Muslim Quarter to visit the Great Mosque. This unique site beautifully illustrates the cultural and religious confluence that has shaped China through the ages. Our itinerary includes the Drum Tower, where we attend a brief performance showcasing traditional Chinese music played on ancient instruments.Following the organised activities, you are free to wander at your leisure, allowing you to absorb the local atmosphere and explore Xian at your own pace.

We embark from Xian on a sleek high-speed train, reaching Linfen in under three hours. From there, we transfer by coach to visit the grand Mansion of the Wang Clan. Constructed between the 17th and 19th centuries by a prosperous family, this estate is a quintessential example of opulent traditional Chinese architecture. Lunch will be served as part of our excursion.Our journey continues to Pingyao, celebrated as the most immaculately preserved historical city in China. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts over 4,000 ancient structures, offering a window into the nations storied past. As we wander its quaint lanes, were surrounded by traditions that have stood the test of time. Our itinerary includes entry access to all major attractions within Pingyao, including its temples, mansions, and imposing city walls. This ensures we fully experience the enchanting ambiance of this exceptional town.

Today's journey takes us to the enchanting Wutai Mountain, one of China's most revered spiritual destinations. This serene site is nestled amidst lush greenery and dense forests and serves as a significant hub for Lamaism. With a thriving monastic community, Wutai Mountain hosts over 40 historic monasteries, with several more recently constructed. Here, you will find the tranquil and spiritually charged environment quite unique. Accompanied by our guide, we'll visit the Nanshan Temple, which stands out for its serene beauty and historical importance. Afterward, youll have time to explore some of the lesser-visited temples at your own pace, where observing the monks in their daily routines can be a profoundly moving experience. Dinner is included, rounding off what promises to be an enlightening day.

We begin our day with a picturesque drive through the majestic mountain scenery to reach Yanmen Pass, located near the border with Mongolia. Here, we'll explore a peaceful section of the Great Wall of China, offering a chance to absorb the grandeur of this ancient marvel without the usual crowds. Our journey then leads us to Yingxian, a charming village renowned for its exquisite wooden pagoda, an architectural gem. Lunch is included, fueling us for our afternoon visit to the awe-inspiring Hanging Temple of Xuankong. This remarkable structure clings to the cliffside, seemingly suspended in air, and offers a captivating sight. As the day draws to a close, we'll travel by coach to Datong, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll around the historic centre. Take in the impressive city walls and the vibrant atmosphere of this beautifully restored ancient city.

In the morning, we'll set off for the Yungang Caves, a remarkable site renowned as China's premier cave art complex. With origins tracing back to the 5th century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts 252 caves adorned with over 51,000 finely carved Buddhist statues, representing one of the country's most significant cultural legacies. Our adventure will then take us to Jiming Post, a quaint and well-preserved Chinese village that exudes historical charm. Initially established as a resting spot for imperial couriers, this traditional settlement offers a fascinating insight into a more tranquil era of China's history. As the afternoon unfolds, we'll journey back to Beijing, arriving in the mid-afternoon and concluding this memorable trip. We recommend checking your flight schedule in advance. Although departure transfers to the airport are not included, our guide will be on hand to suggest efficient public transport options for your onwards journey. We hope you leave with wonderful memories of your adventure.