Upon arrival, your guide will greet you and escort you to the hotel. Your Chinese journey kicks off in Beijing, a millennia-old capital brimming with imperial history.
Visiting Sites:The Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Beijing Hutongs
Today we start our Beijing discovery. Will go to visit Tian'anmen Square at first, which is a historic public space in Beijing. It hosts national ceremonies and cultural events.
At the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, we explore its imperial legacy through the symmetrical arrangement of halls, courtyards, and gardens. The golden-glazed roofs, red pillars, and intricate wood carvings reflect traditional Chinese cosmology and dynastic authority. Walking through these vast spaces offers a tangible connection to court rituals and governance from centuries past.
Later, we enter the Hutongs, narrow alleys framed by siheyuan quadrangles. These lively lanes reveal daily community life: bicycle riders, small grocery stands, and open doorways invite casual chats. Strolling here, we absorb the unhurried pace and neighbourly interactions, which form a warm contrast to the palace’s formality.
Options: Beijing Roast Duck for dinner.
Visiting Sites: Badaling Great Wall, Sacred Road, Overview the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube
Today's highlight is the Badaling section of the Great Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage site too. This ancient fortification was built and reinforced over successive dynasties, from the Qin to the Ming, to protect the northern borders. Its appearance varies through the year: in spring, wild flowers dot the hillsides; summer brings lush green forests; autumn turns the surrounding mountains into a palette of red and gold; winter covers the battlements with pure white snow. Walking along the ramparts gives a tangible sense of the labour and strategy behind this monumental structure.
Next, we visit the Sacred Road, the stone-paved approach to the Ming Tombs. Lined with twelve pairs of stone animals and six pairs of officials, this peaceful avenue offers a quiet moment to admire carving details and imagine ancient funeral rites.
On the way back to Beijing downtown, will overview the Bird's Nest and Water Cube. Their innovative designs, interwoven steel for the stadium and blue bubble-like panels for the aquatics centre, add a futuristic contrast to Beijing's historical landmarks.
Visiting Sites:Temple of Heaven
After breakfast, will visit the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This circular complex features the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, whose wooden structure and blue-glazed tiles symbolize the connection between heaven and earth. Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties came here to offer annual sacrifices for grain harvests. Visitors enjoy strolling along the Long Corridor, watching locals exercise or play chess, and testing the whisper effects at the Echo Wall.
Following the tour, will take you to Beijing railway station for a high-speed train to Xi’an. Xi’an, a former imperial capital, holds centuries of history. On arrival, your Xi’an guide meets you and accompanies you to the hotel for check-in.
Visiting Sites: Terracotta Warriors & Horses, the Wild Goose Pagoda, The Grand Tang Mall, Musical Fountain
Today marks the beginning of our Xi'an exploration. The Terracotta Warriors, a UNESCO World Heritage site, date from the third century BCE, over 2200 years ago. Their historical value lies in revealing Qin dynasty military strategies, chariot construction, and the emperor's elaborate burial rituals. Visiting the three excavation pits, visitors encounter thousands of life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots, each with unique facial features and armor patterns, which gives a tangible feeling of ancient craftsmanship.
Returning to the city center, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a Tang-dynasty brick structure,originally stored Buddhist sutras. Climbing its internal staircase offers a panoramic view of Xi'an's modern and ancient skyline.
As night falls, The Grand Tang Mall (the Datang Everbright City) pedestrian street buzzes with illuminated arches, traditional music, costumed actors, as well as snack stalls and craft booths. The nearby musical fountain then performs with water streams leaping in rhythm to Chinese melodies, while colored lights shift across the sprays, attracting many onlookers who enjoy the vibrant show, making a pleasant evening conclusion.
Visiting Sites: Muslim Quarter, Grand Mosque,Forest of Stone Steles Museum, Xian Ancient City Wall
Today we continue our exploration of Xi'an, beginning at the Muslim Quarter. This lively district offers narrow lanes filled with food stalls, where the aroma of cumin and roasted nuts mingles with local snacks. The nearby Great Mosque, a serene courtyard complex, blends Chinese pavilion architecture with Islamic calligraphy, a quiet contrast to the bustle outside.
We then visit the Stele Forest Museum, home to thousands of inscribed stone tablets. Here, calligraphy from various dynasties reveals historical records, poetic works, and Confucian classics, giving insight into China's scholarly traditions.
As late afternoon arrives, we ascend the Ancient City Wall. This well-preserved fortification surrounds the old town, with wide ramparts ideal for walking or cycling. From above, views stretch over rooftops and modern towers, showing Xi'an's layered history. Each stop offers a distinct perspective, spiritual calm, textual heritage, and defensive grandeur, together forming a balanced portrait of the city's enduring character.
Visiting Sites: Longmen Grottoes, Luoyang Old Town, Lijing Gate
This morning will take a high-speed train to Luoyang. Upon arrival, head straight to the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Carved into limestone cliffs along the Yi River, these caves were created over several dynasties, from the Northern Wei (5th century) through the Tang dynasty (10th century), spanning some 400 years. The grottoes house tens of thousands of Buddhist statues, ranging from tiny figures to the colossal Vairocana Buddha in Fengxian Temple, which reflects the artistic refinement and religious devotion of each period. Walking along the riverside paths, visitors appreciate the harmonious integration of sculpture, calligraphy, and natural landscape.
Afterwards, will drive back to the city center to explore Luoyi Ancient City, a restored district featuring Ming-Qing style streets, shops, and courtyard residences. Nearby, Lijing Gate, a grand city gate tower, offers a vantage point over the old town and its bustling lanes. Together, these sites provide a glimpse into Luoyang's long history as a capital city, blending Buddhist heritage with everyday urban life.
Visiting Sites: Shaolin Temple, Shaolin Kongfu Show
Today will drive you to Dengfeng for a visit to the Shaolin Temple. This monastery, founded in the fifth century, holds a significant place in Chinese Buddhism as the cradle of Zen (Chan) teaching. Its long connection with martial arts makes it a living heritage site. Inside the temple grounds, you can explore ancient halls, pagodas, and the forest of stelae. The daily kung fu demonstration by the monks shows disciplined movements and graceful forms, reflecting years of practice. You can also walk along the surrounding hills, enjoying quiet courtyards and the rhythm of temple life. The visit offers a blend of culture, history, and physical energy, a rewarding experience for any traveler.
Visiting Sites: Millennium City Park, The Iron Pagoda
After breakfast, will drive from Dengfeng to Kaifeng, a journey of about 2-2.5 hours. Upon arrival, will visit the Millennium City Park, a park modeled after Zhang Zeduan’s famous Song dynasty scroll “Along the River During the Qingming Festival”. This replica recreates the lively streets, wharves, and marketplaces of ancient Bianjing, letting visitors wander through period-style shops, watch street performances, and admire traditional bridges and pavilions. The garden provides an engaging taste of Song urban life.
Later, we head to the Iron Pagoda, built in 1049 during the Northern Song period. With a history of nearly a thousand years, this brick tower, named for its dark brown glaze resembling iron, stands as a recognized symbol of Kaifeng. Its sturdy construction and delicate brick carvings show the fine workmanship of past builders. Climbing the pagoda offers a broad view over the city, while the quiet grounds around it invite a relaxed walk. Together, these two sites create a rich and enjoyable cultural excursion.
Visiting Sites: Henan Museum
Wake up naturally, then drive to Zhengzhou for the Henan Museum. The museum holds a rich collection of Central Plains artefacts: ritual bronze vessels, delicate jade ornaments, and painted pottery from the Shang through the Han dynasties. Inscribed bones and ancient bells are notable, showing early script and music. The exhibits are well ordered, tracing the region's history in a clear way.
After the tour, we go to the airport for an evening flight to Hangzhou, a city known for its scenic West Lake and relaxed atmosphere. Our guide meets us at the arrival hall and takes us to the hotel.
Visiting Sites: Qiaoxi Historic Block, West Lake, Longjin Tea Village, Hefangjie Street
Today, takes you through several distinctive parts of Hangzhou. The morning begins at the Qiaoxi Historical and Cultural Street, a canal-side area with restored warehouses, traditional shops, and small museums. Strolling along the stone-paved lanes, one can see old residential buildings and local crafts.
Next, will head to West Lake, which offers changing views across the seasons: peach blossoms in spring, lotus flowers in summer, clear autumn moons, and snowy winter scenes. You can enjoy boat rides, walk along the causeways, or simply sit by the water to absorb the peaceful atmosphere.
After that, will drive to Longjing Village, set among tea terraces on the hills. Here, you can watch tea leaves being picked and pan-fried, learn about the long history of local green tea, and taste a fresh cup while overlooking the fields.
The day ends at Hefang Street, a bustling pedestrian lane lined with snack stalls, souvenir shops, and traditional medicine stores. The lively environment and the mix of old and new make the street a pleasant place for an evening wander.
Sites Visited: Wuzhen Town
After breakfast, drive from Hangzhou to the celebrated water town of Wuzhen. Founded in the Tang dynasty, Wuzhen Water Town has a history of some 1,300 years. The town is known for its crisscrossing canals, ancient stone bridges, and well-preserved wooden houses. Visitors can take a gondola ride to admire the waterside scenery, stroll along the flagstone paths, and watch local artisans making blue calico cloth or brewing rice wine. By daylight, the white-walled and black-tiled buildings stand out clearly against the green water, with sunlight playing on the ripples. At night, red lanterns glow softly along the alleys, and the reflections of old houses in the dark water give a dreamy feeling. The contrast between daytime vibrancy and nighttime serenity adds to the town's charm.
Visiting Sites: Jade Buddha Temple (Yufo Temple)
Morning free, then drive to Shanghai, it takes about 1.5-2 hours. Upon arrival, they visit the Jade Buddha Temple. Built in the late Qing dynasty, this temple is known for two fine jade Buddha statues: a seated Buddha and a reclining one, each carved from a single piece of white jade, displaying delicate detail. The temple complex features peaceful courtyards, ornate halls, and a small garden with ancient trees. Visitors can watch local devotees lighting incense and chanting, which gives a glimpse of daily religious practice. The architecture combines traditional Chinese elements with Buddhist motifs, offering both visual and cultural interest.
Visiting Sites: Chenghuang Temple, Shanghai Old Concession Area(Shikumen), Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai Historical Development Museum, The Bund Shanghai.
Today we explore Shanghai, often referred to as the "Magic City". Our first stop is Chenghuang Temple, a bustling temple complex surrounded by old-style shops and food stalls, offering a taste of traditional urban life. We then wander through the Shikumen alleys, where the stone-framed gatehouses show the architectural heritage of early 20th-century residences. A short walk brings us to Xintiandi, a fashionable quarter that preserves these shikumen structures while transforming them into modern dining and entertainment spaces.
In the afternoon, we visit the Oriental Pearl Tower, ascending its spheres for wide views over the Huangpu River and the expanding city. The attached Shanghai Urban Development Exhibition Hall uses miniature models and old photographs to illustrate the city's transformation from fishing village to global metropolis.
As evening approaches, we go to the Bund, where the neon-lit colonial-era buildings face the glittering skyscrapers of Lujiazui across the river, creating a memorable nighttime scene. Each place reveals a different layer of Shanghai's past and present.
Today, we will transfer you to Shanghai airport according to your flight time, where you will board a plane back home, marking the end of your exploration journey.
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