Discover China

Welcome to Beijing, the iconic capital of China! Upon your arrival at Beijing Capital Airport or railway station, you will be greeted by your local tour guide who will accompany you to your hotel in downtown Beijing in a comfortable private vehicle. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and acclimate to the surroundings. If you're eager to explore nearby attractions, your tour guide can provide helpful suggestions.

Overnight Stay in Beijing.
 

After a hearty breakfast, embark on a journey to explore the rich history of Beijing. Begin with a visit to Tiananmen Square, the largest city plaza in the world. This historic site holds significance as the location where Chairman Mao declared the establishment of the People's Republic of China. From there, proceed to the majestic Forbidden City (Palace Museum), a sprawling complex boasting over 9,000 rooms that once served as the imperial palace for 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Marvel at the intricate architecture adorned with yellow-glazed tile roofs and vibrant paintings.

Following your exploration of the Forbidden City, take a brief excursion to Jingshan Park, offering panoramic views of the Forbidden City from its elevated vantage point. Afterward, indulge in a delicious lunch before venturing to the outskirts of Beijing to visit the Summer Palace, a masterpiece of Chinese garden design and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Optional evening activities include attending a mesmerizing Kungfu Show at the Red Theater or enjoying a traditional Beijing Opera performance at Liyuan Theater.

Overnight Stay in Beijing.

Today's adventure takes you approximately 70km outside of Beijing to witness the awe-inspiring Great Wall of China at Mutianyu. This segment of the Great Wall, dating back to the Ming Dynasty, offers a less crowded yet well-preserved experience. Ascend the wall via cable car and embark on a memorable hike along its picturesque path, soaking in breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

After your Great Wall exploration, journey to the Sacred Way, a historic passage flanked by stone statues leading to the Imperial Tombs of the Ming Dynasty. En route back to Beijing, make a stop at the Beijing Olympic Village to admire iconic structures such as the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube.

Optional activities include a thrilling toboggan ride down the Mutianyu Great Wall or indulging in a delectable Peking Roasted Duck dinner.

Overnight Stay in Beijing.
 

After breakfast, delve into Beijing's imperial heritage with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage site where ancient emperors once offered prayers for a bountiful harvest. Experience the charm of Beijing's traditional Hutongs with a rickshaw ride through these historic alleyways, culminating in a visit to a local family's home.

Conclude your Beijing tour with a flight to Huangshan City, where you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight Stay in Huangshan City.
 

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to the foot of Mount Huangshan. Ascend to the North Sea Scenic Area via cable car and immerse yourself in the natural splendor of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Hike to scenic viewpoints such as Begin-to-Believe Peak and Dispelling Cloud Pavilion, marveling at the rugged beauty of the landscape.

Cap off your day with a visit to the Sky Sea Scenic Area to witness a breathtaking sunset from Bright Summit before retiring to your hotel atop the mountain.

Overnight Stay atop Mount Huangshan.
 

Rise early to witness the magnificent sunrise from Huangshan before descending the mountain via cable car. After breakfast, journey to the picturesque ancient village of Hongcun, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its exquisite Huizhou-style architecture.

Following your exploration of Hongcun, board a high-speed train to Hangzhou, where you will be transferred to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Overnight Stay in Hangzhou.
 

Your seventh day starts with a delightful breakfast in Hangzhou, a city celebrated for its natural beauty and historical heritage. The day's journey begins with a tranquil cruise on the iconic West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its serene waters framed by pagoda-topped hills and ancient temples. This cruise offers a peaceful start to the day, allowing you to soak in the panoramic vistas and the lake's calming effect.

Following the cruise, you'll head to Feilai Peak, also known as Flying Peak, which is famed for its numerous Buddhist carvings dating back to the 10th century. Standing at 209 meters, the peak offers not just spiritual solace but also stunning views of the surrounding landscape. A short distance from Feilai Peak is the Lingyin Temple, one of China's most significant and beautiful Buddhist monasteries, nestled amidst lush greenery, providing a serene atmosphere for reflection and admiration of ancient architecture and spiritual art.

After enjoying a local lunch, the tour takes you to Meijiawu Tea Village nestled in the verdant hills surrounding Hangzhou. Here, you'll delve into China's rich tea culture, exploring the lush tea plantations and learning about the intricate process of tea picking and roasting. The visit offers a hands-on experience, allowing you to understand the deep cultural significance of tea in Chinese society.

The day concludes with a visit to the China National Tea Museum, the only national museum dedicated to tea in China. The museum offers a comprehensive look at the history, culture, and varieties of Chinese tea, along with traditional tea ceremonies and tastings.

After a day filled with natural beauty, cultural immersion, and historical exploration, you'll return to your hotel in Hangzhou for an overnight stay, reflecting on the day's adventures and resting up for the journey ahead.

Overnight Stay in Hangzhou.
 

On the eighth day, after breakfast, you'll depart from Hangzhou to Wuzhen, a beautifully preserved water town that offers a glimpse into China's ancient past. The journey to Wuzhen covers a distance of approximately 60 kilometers, taking around an hour's drive, allowing you to witness the changing landscapes.

In Wuzhen, particularly in the West Scenic Area, you'll explore the charm of ancient China with its traditional wooden houses, stone bridges arching over calm canals, and the bustling activity of local artisans. Highlights include the Bailian Pagoda, which offers insights into the town's spiritual history, and the Tongji Bridge, a symbol of Wuzhen's architectural and cultural heritage.

In the afternoon, you'll transfer to Shanghai, a journey of about 120 kilometers, taking approximately 2 to 3 hours. Upon arrival in this vibrant metropolis, you'll check into your hotel and have the evening at leisure, possibly exploring the local dining scene or simply relaxing in anticipation of the next day's adventures.

Your overnight stay will be in Shanghai, where the blend of the city's modern skyline and historical districts offers a captivating backdrop to your journey.

Overnight Stay in Shanghai.
 

The ninth day introduces you to the dynamic city of Shanghai, starting with a visit to the Shanghai Museum, located at the heart of the city. The museum houses an impressive collection of Chinese art and artifacts, including ancient bronzes, ceramics, paintings, and calligraphy, offering a deep dive into China's rich history and cultural heritage.

Next, you'll explore the historic Wukang Road, known for its European-style architecture and the stories of the famous personalities who once resided there. This area provides a unique blend of Shanghai's past and present, with its trendy cafes and boutiques housed in historic buildings.

A highlight of the day is ascending the Shanghai World Financial Center, one of the city's most iconic skyscrapers. The observation deck offers breathtaking panoramic views of Shanghai's skyline, allowing you to take in the city's architectural marvels from a bird's-eye perspective.

The day continues with a stroll along Nanjing Road, Shanghai's premier shopping street, bustling with life and activity. Your journey concludes at the Bund, a famed waterfront area known for its impressive colonial-era buildings and stunning views of the Pudong skyline.

After a day filled with exploration and discovery, you'll return to your hotel in Shanghai for an overnight stay, resting up for another day of adventure.

Overnight Stay in Shanghai.
 

On the tenth day, you'll embark on a day trip to Suzhou, often referred to as the "Venice of the East" for its exquisite network of canals and classical gardens. The journey from Shanghai to Suzhou is about 100 kilometers, taking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by road.

In Suzhou, your first stop will be the Lingering Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its classic landscape design melding natural beauty with artistic architecture. Next, you'll wander through Shantang Ancient Street, where the blend of historic buildings, lively markets, and charming cafes offers a glimpse into traditional Suzhou life.

After a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, continue your exploration with a visit to the Suzhou Silk Museum, where you can learn about the intricate art of silk production and admire exquisite silk artifacts.

In the afternoon, cruise along the ancient Grand Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the longest artificial river in the world, offering glimpses of Suzhou's historic waterfront architecture.

After a full day of exploration, return to Shanghai for an overnight stay, reminiscing about the beauty and charm of Suzhou.

Overnight Stay in Shanghai.
 

On the eleventh day, as the morning sun casts its golden glow over Shanghai, savor a sumptuous breakfast before commencing your departure. Your esteemed guide and chauffeur shall whisk you away from the opulent embrace of your hotel, orchestrating a seamless transition to your chosen mode of transit: be it the celestial wings of a flight or the rhythmic journey of a train, propelling you toward your next destination or the comforting embrace of home. With the crescendo of your tour, a chapter concludes, yet the legacy of your sojourn resonates with vibrant hues and indelible memories. Until we rendezvous once more, let your travels be infused with the spirit of adventure and the allure of discovery. Tour concludes, yet the echoes of your odyssey resound through the corridors of time.
 

Embark on a full day of immersive sightseeing to uncover the layers of history and modernity that define Shanghai. Your adventure begins with a visit to the renowned Shanghai Museum, hailed as one of the Best Four Museums in China. This architectural marvel, with its round top and square base symbolizing the ancient Chinese perception of the world, houses a treasure trove of exhibits spanning over 5,000 years of history. From exquisite bronzes to intricate ceramics, the museum offers a captivating journey through China's rich cultural heritage. To enhance your experience, an Audio Explanation Device will accompany you, providing insightful commentary on the relics on display.

Next, step into the enchanting realm of Yu Garden, a shining star among ancient Chinese gardens in Jiangnan. This oasis of tranquility showcases traditional Chinese architecture with its jagged pavilions, shimmering pools, and towering pine trees. Adjacent to the garden lies the bustling Yuyuan Bazaar, where you can indulge in delectable local snacks and peruse elaborate Chinese handicrafts and artworks.

Venture several kilometers to ascend to the 100th floor (474m) of the Shanghai World Financial Center, affectionately known as "the Eye of Shanghai," for a panoramic view of the city's modern skyline. Marvel at the architectural marvels below as you soak in the breathtaking vista.

Your exploration continues along Nanjing Road, a bustling thoroughfare renowned as a shopping paradise and a vibrant hub of modernity. Take a leisurely stroll, immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere and experiencing the pulse of the city.

Conclude your day with a visit to the iconic Bund, originally a humble towpath transformed into a bustling trading district. As you walk along the Bund, witness the harmonious fusion of Chinese and Western cultures against the backdrop of Shanghai's dazzling skyline.

Optional activities:

Attend an entertaining Acrobatic Show, featuring breathtaking acts such as "balls of death," chair balancing, and mesmerizing juggling performances.
Take a Huangpu River night cruise to witness the city's most significant landmarks illuminated under the cover of darkness.
Overnight Stay in Shanghai.
 

After breakfast, bid farewell to Shanghai as your guide and driver pick you up from your hotel. Begin your day with a visit to the tranquil Jade Buddha Temple, home to the largest Jade Buddha in the world and a myriad of ancient statues and religious artifacts. Amidst the bustling cityscape, this sanctuary of Buddhism offers a serene retreat.

Next, venture to Tianzifang, a touristic enclave nestled within a renovated traditional residential area. Explore the labyrinthine alleys adorned with Shikumen architecture, immersing yourself in the vibrant tapestry of local life. Indulge in a leisurely stroll, sip on a cup of refreshment at an open-air café, and peruse the eclectic array of shops offering a blend of international flair and authentic Shanghai culture.

In the afternoon, your guide will accompany you to the airport for your onward flight to your next destination or back home, bidding farewell to the enchanting city of Shanghai.