China's Present, Past and Future

China, fascinating land covered by a long history and unique traditions so attractive to the outside world! Join our nine-day tour and discover some of the landmarks of this diverse country. Explore the blend of cultures and influences while in Bejing, and visit the awe-inspiring monument defending Chinas land for centuries, Great Wall. A journey in the high-speed train offers real local adventure, before the visit of Terracotta Warriors Museum in Xi´an that unveils the combatant character of the ancient dynasties. Stroll down the streets of “China´s Venice” and once in Shanghai indulge yourself in the blending vibes of tradition and modern technology. Take this wonderful opportunity to experience the hospitality and appeal of the many different faces of an ancient and unique culture. 

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Forbidden City: Discover the majesty of the walled imperial palace which was reserved for China’s royalty for centuries.

Great Wall: One of the eight wonders of the world, this immense wall was built both to keep out invaders and to retain the inhabitants. Stroll along the most beautiful part of the wall: the Badaling section.

Terracotta Warriors Museum: A collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang (the first Emperor of China), the eighth wonder of the ancient world.

Xi´an: Melting pot of cultures and religions, ancient city that used to be home to emperors, courtesans, poets, monks, merchants and warriors.

Shanghai: A city of contrasts where China’s traditional past meets modern technology and futuristic design.

Day 1: ARRIVAL BEIJING

Welcome to Beijing! Upon your arrival at the Beijing Airport, you will be transferred to the hotel where you will meet your local guide. Take the opportunity to rest and recover after the flight or head out into the city for your first glimpse of life in China’s sprawling capital city. Alternatively, you can book our optional Summer Palace and Kunming Lake excursion.

Summer Palace and Kunming Lake excursion

The Summer Palace and Kunming Lake excursion is a four-hour visit of the spellbinding complex, the summer retreat of China´s emperors and their families, where they used to relax in the lavish pavilions of Longevity Hill, meditate in the temples and stroll through the landscaped gardens around Kunming Lake. The whole complex is real architectural experience, boasted with beautifully decorated buildings and courtyards, and striking views from the sumptuous Summer Palace. Take a walk between ancient walls of the Temple of Buddhist Virtue, the Hall of Jade Ripples, the Cloud-Dispelling Hall and the Hall of Happiness and Longevity, and discover the tranquillity of the peaceful Kunming Lake. Tour starts at 14:00 from the hotel´s lobby.

Overnight in Beijing.

Day 2: BEIJING (Forbidden City Tour, Temple of Heaven)

After breakfast at your hotel, visit the site that witnessed the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Tian’an Men Square is one of the world’s most impressive public plazas and stands at the center of Beijing. Visit the Forbidden City. Explore the halls and gardens of the largest ancient palatial structure in the world, the best-preserved imperial palace in China and a site of great historical importance (excl. exhibitions). Visit the Temple of Heaven. Framed amongst the princely imperial styles of the Ming and Qing Dynasties the site is a masterpiece of imperial style and architecture. Enjoy a Tea ceremony or visit a pearl market before transfering back to the hotel.

Overnight in Beijing.

Day 3: BEIJING (Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall Tour, Summer Palace)

After breakfast at your hotel, visit the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Enjoy this testament to Chinese engineering and ingenuity, a monument to human endeavour set against a backdrop of stunning scenery. (excl. cable car). Visit the tea house. Then, visit the Summer Palace, the former site of retreat for the imperial family. It provides a range of striking views and the opportunity to enjoy Kunming Lake. Its buildings and courtyards are beautifully decorated and charged with historical content (excl. boat, theatre and Longevity Hill). After the visit transfer back to the hotel.

Overnight in Beijing.

Day 4: BEIJING – XI’AN (5 hrs by high-speed train; included)

Wake up to breakfast at the hotel and begin the day with a tour of Beijing’s intricate alleyway ‘Hutongs’ in style. From here you will be transferred to Beijing West Railway Station in the afternoon to take a high-speed train direction to Xi’an. Once at Xi’an North Railway Station, you will be greeted by a guide who will assist you with the transfer and check-in to your hotel. 

Overnight in Xi’an.

Day 5: XI’AN

Wake up to breakfast at the hotel and get ready for your pick-up for a visit to the Terracotta Warriors Museum. Praised as the eighth wonder of the world, this collection of terracotta warriors, horses, chariots and weapons unearthed at the site of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor provides a fascinating insight into ancient China. Around 2,000 warriors have been excavated since their chance discover in 1974, but it is estimated that there may be up to an impressive 8,000 in total. This silent army is a fascinating highlight to any tour. On the way back we´ll visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. This well-preserved ancient Buddhist pagoda was built in 652 during the Tang Dynasty and it is one of the oldest surviving structures of its kind in China. To wrap up our excursion we´ll visit a local jade factory and learn about the process of fining and shaping this beautiful precious stone, adored by the Chinese for its calming effects. Once back in the hotel, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. 

Overnight in Xi’an.

Day 6: XI’AN – SHANGHAI (15.5 hrs night train; included)

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and take a walk around the city walls, that have been protecting the city over the centuries. Breach the walls and head to the historic Muslim Quarter, a bustling section of the city where the majority of Xi’an’s Muslim population live and work. There are several mosques here and several lively market streets. Wander around the market and soak up the bright colourful atmosphere. Take the opportunity to sample a variety of local foods and snacks from the market sellers. In the afternoon, at the indicated time, you will be transferred to Xi’an Railway Station and board into a high-speed train to Shanghai Railway Station. Dinner on board (not incl.).

Overnight onboard the night train.

Day 7: SHANGHAI

Early arrival at the Shanghai Railway Station. Our tour representative will meet&greet you and take you to your hotel for breakfast. Leave your luggage at the storeroom of the hotel, and hop on the bus for Shanghai’s old town city tour. Constructed 400 years ago during the Ming Dynasty, the colossal modern city of Shanghai has respectfully sprung up around the remains of its older relatives, providing a fascinating window into the past. Visit the sublime Yu Garden, a wonderful example of classical design in the old city centre, a tranquil spot for respite from the modern pace of life. Then, visit the Jade Buddha Temple, celebrated for its two magnificent white Jade Burmese Buddha statues. Stroll along the seafront in The Bund and witness the world-famous Shanghai skyline first-hand. To wrap up our tour, stroll down Nanjing Road, a well-known shopping boulevard with all the energy, bright lights and spectacle of Shanghai condensed into one location. 

Overnight in Shanghai.

Day 8: SHANGHAI

Wake up the breakfast at the hotel and prepare for another experience. Today we´ll drive to Zhujiajiao, water town, commonly called “Venice of China” where we´ll spend a half-day walking between the bohemian cafes and eye-catching high rise buildings. The charm of this picturesque town will be a memorable experience. Once back in Shanghai, we´ll head out to see the Former French Concession that will unveil the quiet and idle face of Shanghai, with the old European architecture. The elegant boulevards and leafy residential rues, as well as grandiose mansions with chateau-style roofs and turrets, will leave an impression that you entered into a different country. The last stop of the day is the Silk Factory, where we will admire this fine handicraft before heading back to the hotel for the evening.

Overnight in Shanghai.

Day 9: DEPARTURE SHANGHAI

Enjoy your farewell breakfast at the hotel, then prepare to check out of your room at the scheduled time and transfer to Shanghai Airport for your onward or return flight.

Comfortable and light clothing is best suited to travel in the warm months and warm clothing in the colder months in China. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or sparse clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses and a hat can be very useful during your stay.