Classic Journey of Historical Capitals and Modern Cities

Itinerary:

Day 1: Beijing Arrival | Airport Pick-up and Hotel Check-in

Nihao! Welcome to Beijing, the capital city of China. Upon your arrival at the airport in Beijing, the tour guide and driver will meet and greet you at the exit, and then escort you to the well-selected hotel in downtown Beijing. The rest of the day is free on your own so you can have a good rest for the jet lag or explore by yourself around your hotel.

Day 2: Beijing City Tour | Tian'anmen Square + Forbidden City +Old Hutongs

Every morning at sunrise, a flag-raising ceremony takes place at Tian'anmen Square, a solemn national ritual that you can observe if you wake up early. Tian'anmen Square is the world’s largest public square and also the symbol of China. It has witnessed many big events in China over the past decades. Walk across the square and you will visit the might and splendor of the awe-inspiring Forbidden City.The grandeur of the Tian'anmen Gate Tower makes it a masterpiece of traditional Chinese architecture.

Forbidden City, the world’s largest palace complex and one-time home to 24 emperors of China. With over 8,728 rooms, the Forbidden City is not only China’s largest and best-preserved collection and largest wooden architectural complex in the world, but also a city within the city, like the Vatican in Rome.

Enter through Meridian Gate and visit along the central axis to ensure you won’t miss any highlighted palaces. You can admire its brilliant architecture and numerous ancient art treasures while listening to your guide and learning more about the emperors’ stories hidden inside the Imperial Palace.

Explore the Beijing old Hutongs to experience the local life.Take a rickshaw tour to travel through the narrow alleys with many featured shops standing on both sides.

Day 3:  Beijing City Tour|Summer Palace + Temple of Heaven + National Museum of China

The Summer Palace is the finest example of a classical Chinese garden and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the most well-preserved royal garden in China, known as the "Museum of Royal Gardens." The grounds, temples, gardens, pavilions, lakes, bridges, gate-towers, and corridors are a marvel of landscaping. Enjoy the leisure walk and take your time to appreciate the imperial architectures, hilltop views, and beautiful lakes, which offer a pastoral escape into the landscapes of traditional Chinese painting.

The Temple of Heaven was the exclusive altar for emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties to offer sacrifices, pray for rain, and pray for a good harvest. The temple complex is divided into the Inner Altar and the Outer Altar, with major structures like the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the Imperial Vault of Heaven. In addition to admiring the exquisite architecture of the halls, the clever designs of the Echo Wall and the Triple Sound Stone are a testament to the wisdom of the ancient people. Amid the red walls and green tiles, under the shade of ancient cypress trees, the site has a unique charm.

The National Museum of China is the largest museum in the world by building area. With a total area of nearly 200,000 square meters and a collection of over a million items, it is one of the most resource-rich museums in terms of Chinese cultural relics. The museum has five floors and 48 exhibition halls.

Day 4: Beijing Great Wall Tour | Mutianyu Great Wall / Xi'an

In this morning, you will head northwest of Beijing (about 1.5-2 hours’ drive, 73km) to the Great Wall at Mutianyu. The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is approximately 5,400 meters long, making it the longest section of the Great Wall in China. The open section of the wall is about 2,250 meters long, with three enemy towers standing together—a rare sight.

Take the cable car up to the 14th watchtower and then enjoy the memorable hiking time on the wall while visiting its western route. With the green pines and cypresses covering the surrounding area, and the winding wall standing majestically on the vast land, you will capture the most stunning natural scenery in this section. Challenge yourselves while climbing up to the 20th watchtower where you could fulfill your Great Wall dream. Cherish the chance and take photos as many as you like! 

After lunch, take a high-speed train to Xi'an (G89 15:00-19:12). Welcome to Xian, the capital of 13 ancient China dynasties! After checking into the hotel, enjoy free time to explore the city on your own.

Day 5:Xi’an Tour|Huaqing Palace + Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum (Terracotta Warriors) + Tang Paradise (Hanfu Experience)

Huaqing Palace has been a royal resort and bathing site since ancient times and is said to be where the famous beauty Yang Guifei once bathed. The palace preserves a rich collection of cultural relics, including sites, garden landscapes, ancient architecture, and ancient trees from various dynasties such as the Zhou, Qin, Han, Tang, Ming, and Qing. The love story of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang and Yang Guifei is especially renowned.

The Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum (Terracotta Warriors) is a large burial pit in the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum and the largest ancient military museum in China.There are about 8,000 vivid life-size Terracotta Warriors found so far. First, pay a visit to the largest and most imposing pit which is believed to contain over 6,000 terracotta figures of soldiers and horses. You will be amazed by the subterranean life-size army of thousands silently standing and guarding the emperor and also be awed by the fabulous artistic skills of ancient Chinese artisans. Next, move to another pit where you can feast your eyes with around 1300 warriors and horses. You can get to examine the ancient army array by visiting the kneeling and standing archers, the chariot war array and numerous troopers holding weapons, etc.

 (Note: If you are interested, you can learn how to make a mini terracotta warrior.)

Tang Paradise boasts the world's largest outdoor incense project and the largest water screen movie show. At night, the park is illuminated with dazzling lights, and the Tang culture corridor, Fanglin Garden, and Ziyun Tower are particularly magnificent. Visitors can enjoy various performances throughout the park. The large-scale dance drama "Dream Back to the Tang Dynasty" at the Fengming Jiutian Theater showcases the elegance and artistic essence of the Tang Dynasty. You can also dress in Hanfu, traditional Chinese clothing, to explore the park, experience the charm of Hanfu, and take photos as souvenirs.

Day 6: Xi'an Tour | Xi'an Big Wild Goose Pagoda + Da Ci'en Temple + Shaanxi History Museum + The Xi'an Ancient City Wall + Muslim Street

Da Ci'en Temple was the most famous and magnificent Buddhist temple in Chang'an during the Tang Dynasty. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda, located within the temple, was personally supervised by the famous monk Xuanzang.

The Shaanxi History Museum is China's first large-scale modern national museum. Regarded as “the Pearl of ancient dynasties and house of Chinese treasures”. The museum's collection exceeds 370,000 items, ranging from simple stone tools used by ancient humans to various artifacts from social life before 1840, spanning over a million years. The museum's exquisite Shang and Zhou bronze artifacts, diverse terracotta figures from various dynasties, and unparalleled Tang Dynasty tomb murals are globally recognized.

The Xi'an Ancient City Wall, also known as the Ming City Wall, the city wall is a kind of defensive structure in Ancient Times,and it is the most complete ancient city wall in China and the second longest in the country. The wall is surrounded by a moat, with the famous Xi'an Bell and Drum Towers located at its center. You can stroll along the city wall or rent a bicycle to ride around the gates.

In the evening, go to explore the vivid local life when you go to wander happily around the bustling and lively Muslim Quarter. It is a paradise mixed with different local snacks and Muslim culture.This neighborhood is the gathering place of the Hui ethnic group and consists of several streets. Local people also call it "Hui Fang."

Day 7: Xi'an to Kunming

Fly from Xi'an to Kunming and enjoy free time exploring the area around your hotel. 

Kunming was called the 'eternal spring city' for its temperate nature. And you can explore the area around your hotel or visit Jinma Biji Archways, a famous historical and cultural landmark. Or perhaps visit Yuantong Temple, the grandest Buddhist temple in Yunnan province.

Day 8: Stone Forest Tour|Stone Forest + High-Speed Train to Dali (2.5 hours)

The Stone Forest World Geopark is a karst geological park featuring a diverse array of stone forest landscapes. The park's tall, sword-shaped, columnar, mushroom-shaped, and tower-shaped limestone pillars are typical of the Stone Forest. Additionally, the park includes caves, stalactites, eroded lakes, natural bridges, cliffs, waterfalls, and cone-shaped peaks, showcasing almost every karst landscape found on Earth, creating a comprehensive panoramic view of karst geology and geomorphology.

After visiting the Stone Forest, take a high-speed train to Dali from Shilin(approximately 3.5 hours).

For many years Dali has been a favourite destination for foreign travellers and backpackers, thanks to its laidback atmosphere and spectacular surroundings. There are snow-capped mountains on one side and the vast Erhai Lake on the other, making for an impressive sight. 

Upon arrival and hotel check-in, enjoy free time exploring the Dali Ancient City area.

Dali Ancient City, located at the foot of the picturesque Cangshan Mountain, was the capital of the ancient Nanzhao Kingdom and Dali Kingdom. The city's streets are laid out in a typical grid pattern and form the core tourist area of Dali. Take a leisurely stroll through Dali Ancient City to slow down your pace and immerse yourself in local life.

Day 9: Tour Around Erhai Lake | Xizhou Ancient Town + Zhoucheng Village

Xizhou Ancient Town,around 23 kilometres north of Dali , is a well-preserved Bai ethnic town that has not been overly developed, making it an ideal place for travelers to stroll or cycle around. The top five experiences in Xizhou Ancient Town include wandering around Sifang Street, viewing ancient Ming and Qing residences, enjoying the pastoral scenery, tasting the local Xizhou Baba pastry, and shopping for Bai ethnic tie-dye products. The town's landmark, Zhuanjiao Building, and the Yan Family Courtyard, a classic example of Bai architecture, are must-sees. The roads and fields outside Xizhou Ancient Town have also become popular spots for photography, especially the fields of rapeseed in spring, rice paddies in summer, and wheat fields in autumn.

Zhoucheng is the largest Bai village in Dali and is renowned for its meticulously crafted tie-dye and embroidery, earning it the title "hometown of tie-dye." In Zhoucheng, be sure to visit the local vegetable market, explore the ancient theater, city gates, and narrow alleyways, and visit Bai-style homes, markets, and workshops where traditional tie-dye techniques are practiced (a recognized national intangible cultural heritage). A hands-on experience with traditional tie-dye is a must, as Zhoucheng is the epicenter of Bai tie-dye artistry.

Day 10: Tour Around Erhai Lake, Travel to Lijiang

Enjoy a leisurely tour around Erhai Lake, where you can cycle along the lakeside and fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the lake.Erhai Lake is a highland lake formed by the collapse of the West Er River, named for its ear-shaped appearance. The lake is known for its clear, pristine waters and is often referred to as a "flawless jade between the mountains." It features three islands, four peninsulas, five lakes, and nine bends.

In the afternoon, take a high-speed train to Lijiang (approximately 2 hours ).This World Heritage-listed town is home to the Naxi people, a matrilineal society descended from Tibetan nomads. 

Day 11:Lijiang Tour |Jade Dragon Snow Mountain + Lijiang Ancient Town

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is considered a sacred mountain by the Naxi people. Its main peak rises to about 5,596 meters, and it is often shrouded in clouds. This majestic, unconquered mountain features diverse landscapes, including snowfields, glaciers, alpine meadows, and ancient forests. The mountain's meltwater forms a crystal-clear, refreshing blue lake in the shape of a crescent, known as Blue Moon Valley. On the Blue Moon Valley Plaza, you can watch the large-scale live performance "Impression Lijiang."

Lijiang Ancient Town is one of the most famous towns along the ancient Tea Horse Road, with a history of 800-900 years. The town is characterized by wooden buildings with green tiles, stone-paved streets, and flowing streams, with the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain visible from Dongda Street in the old town. Lijiang is one of the two ancient towns in China that successfully applied for World Cultural Heritage status and is also one of the most distinctive styles of traditional Chinese residential architecture.

Day 12: Fly from Lijiang to Shanghai, Evening at Nanjing Road + The Bund

Fly from Lijiang to Shanghai.Welcome to Shanghai!

In the evening, explore Nanjing Road, the busiest and most vibrant shopping street in Shanghai, often called "China's No. 1 Commercial Street." Nanjing Road is home to numerous high-end shopping centers, well-known brands, and specialty snacks, as well as famous historical buildings and cultural landmarks.

At the end of Nanjing Road lies the magnificent Bund. The Bund is a waterfront area in central Shanghai.The Bund features 52 classical revival buildings in various styles, earning it the nickname "A Gallery of World Architecture." The Shanghai Bund on which you can embrace the best cityscape, feast on the rich architectural fashions ( Gothic, Barogue, Rome, Renaissance, Classic and Mixed Eastern and Western style, etc.) and know why Shanghai is glorified as "Paris of the East". Across the river, you can admire the brilliantly lit Lujiazui area and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, a truly spectacular sight.

Day 13: Free Time and Departure

Enjoy some free time and arrange your departure according to your flight schedule.