China's Timeless Treasures An Epic Journey

Welcome to China! Upon your arrival in Shanghai, we will transfer you to your hotel. As you settle in, you'll find yourself immersed in a city of over 15 million people. Shanghai is recognised for its vast commercial port and is the epitome of a bustling international metropolis. 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.

We'll commence our exploration of Shanghai by venturing into Pudong, the city's ultramodern financial district situated across the Huangpu River. This area is known for its striking skyscrapers, including the famous Pearl Tower. Following this, we'll enjoy a scenic ferry ride along the Shanghai River, providing breathtaking views of the city’s juxtaposed historic and contemporary scenes. Our next stop is the Old City, where we'll take a leisurely stroll and visit the tranquil Yuyuan Garden. This exquisite private garden, dating back to the Ming Dynasty, showcases classic Chinese landscaping. Here we’ll also partake in a traditional tea ceremony—a cherished facet of China's rich cultural tapestry.Continuing our journey, we'll explore Xintiandi, reputed for its chic boutiques, cafés, and lively atmosphere. Lunch is included, and afterwards, we’ll delve into Tianzifang, a former residential area famed for its narrow alleys filled with delightful craft shops and exciting art galleries. Our day will culminate with a walk along The Bund, a waterfront promenade lined with grand colonial-era architecture, echoing the European influence in Shanghai.The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. You might choose to embark on an evening boat trip to witness Shanghai illuminated by night—a truly unforgettable experience.

On the morning of day three, we will transfer to the train station for our high-speed train journey, departing at 07:17 a.m. This exciting five-hour trip will cover 1,000 kilometres, whisking us through China's picturesque countryside towards Luoyang. Upon arrival, we'll enjoy a delicious included lunch before starting our exploration at the magnificent Longmen Buddhist Caves. This extraordinary archaeological site stretches over a kilometre along the cliffs by the river, with over 100,000 Buddha statues and carvings etched into the stone, offering a mesmerising glimpse into ancient artistry. To enhance our experience, we'll take a charming boat ride along the river, providing a unique perspective of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.Later in the day, we'll head to the ancient city of Luoyang. As we pass through the city's imposing walls, we'll dive into the lively streets illuminated by lights and filled with traditional charm. Explore the vibrant local atmosphere, soaking up the cultural essence of one of China's oldest cities.

In the early morning hours, we will visit the White Horse Buddhist Monastery on the outskirts of Luoyang. This expansive and historic centre of Buddhist learning draws scholars and practitioners globally. Following this, our journey takes us to Sanmenxia, a city steeped in history. Here, we will admire the mighty Yellow River and tour the Baolun Temple, famed for its striking tall pagoda. Our exploration continues at the renowned Guo Museum, one of China's finest. This museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's past, showcasing the ancient funeral carriages of the former State of Guo. Lunch will be provided. As we travel eastward, we will pass the sacred Mount Hua, celebrated for its dramatic peaks and spiritual significance. By late afternoon, we will arrive in Xian to conclude our day.

We find ourselves in Xian, an intriguing city once the starting point of the ancient Silk Road. Our morning is dedicated to exploring the magnificent Terracotta Army, a breathtaking archaeological site featuring thousands of life-sized clay soldiers that have silently guarded Emperor Qin Shi Huang's tomb for centuries. Returning to Xian, we will visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a stunning Buddhist edifice that has stood the test of time for over a millennium. Our exploration continues within the historic walled centre of the city, where we will traverse the bustling Muslim Quarter to visit the Great Mosque. This fascinating site beautifully embodies the cultural fusion that has characterized China over the ages. Our itinerary includes entrance to the Drum Tower, where we will enjoy a brief, captivating performance of traditional Chinese music, played on ancient instruments.After these immersive experiences, you will have free time to discover Xian at your own pace. Whether you choose to wander the lively streets or delve deeper into the city’s rich history, the day promises to be a memorable encounter with China's past and present.

Today, we leave Xian and embark on a high-speed train to Linfen, a journey that takes less than three hours on modern rail. Upon arrival, we will transfer by coach to the Mansion of the Wang Clan. This impressive estate, constructed between the 17th and 19th centuries by a prosperous family, stands as a testament to traditional Chinese architecture. After a morning of exploration, lunch will be provided.Our adventure continues to Pingyao, renowned as the best-preserved ancient city in China. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features over 4,000 historic buildings and offers a glimpse into the nation’s vibrant history. We will have the opportunity to wander through its captivating streets, where age-old customs continue to thrive.Included in your ticket are entrances to the town's temples, mansions, and formidable city walls, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in Pingyao’s distinctive aura and past splendour. This visit offers a unique chance to step back in time and experience the enduring allure of this extraordinary location.

Today, we embark on a journey to Wutai Mountain, a place of profound spiritual importance in China. Situated amidst lush green mountains and dense forests, this sacred site is a significant hub for Lamaism, a branch of Buddhism with deep historical roots here. The mountain is home to a vibrant monastic community, boasting over 40 ancient monasteries, along with several recent additions. The tranquillity and spiritual aura of Wutai Mountain present a truly unique setting. With our guide, we will visit the Nanshan Temple, a religious site renowned for its serene beauty and historical importance. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to explore lesser-known temples at your leisure, where you can quietly watch monks engaged in their daily practices. Dinner is included as part of our day's itinerary.

After starting our day with a hearty breakfast, we embark on a scenic drive through the mountains, leading us to Yanmen Pass, located close to the Mongolian border. En route, we explore a secluded section of the Great Wall of China, enjoying a tranquil walk away from the usual crowds and soaking in the grandeur of this ancient marvel. Our travels take us onward to Yingxian, a picturesque village that boasts a remarkable wooden pagoda—an architectural gem worth admiring. Lunch is included today, offering a chance to relax and savour local flavours. In the afternoon, we visit the astonishing Hanging Temple of Xuankong. Perched on a cliff face, this incredible structure seems to defy gravity and is a must-see sight. As the day draws to a close, we journey by coach to Datong. Here, you will have time to explore the city's historic centre, take in its impressive city walls, and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this beautifully restored ancient city.

Today, we will embark on a journey to the Yungang Caves, one of China's most spectacular cave art complexes. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, dating back to the 5th century, is home to 252 caves adorned with over 51,000 exquisitely carved Buddhist statues, making it a monumental cultural treasure. Following our exploration of the caves, we'll continue to Jiming Post, a quaint traditional Chinese settlement that has retained its tranquil, provincial charm. Originally a rest stop for imperial couriers, this historic village offers a fascinating insight into a more serene era of China's past. In the afternoon, we will proceed to Beijing, where we are expected to arrive by mid-afternoon.

Today offers an exhilarating exploration of Beijing, the bustling heart of China. Our adventure begins with a full-day tour of the city’s most famous thoroughfares, leading us to the magnificent Forbidden City. This iconic architectural complex, home to 24 emperors over nearly five centuries, stands as a testament to China's imperial past. Our next stop is Jingshan Park, where we'll ascend Coal Hill to enjoy stunning panoramic views of the cityscape, including the sprawling Forbidden City—weather permitting.We'll then take a leisurely walk through the vast Tiananmen Square, one of the world's largest public spaces. From here, you can admire the imposing facade of the Great National Theatre, often referred to as the Beijing Opera House. Our afternoon begins with a visit to the enchanting Summer Palace, the lavish imperial retreat renowned for its elegant gardens and tranquil lakesides. Afterwards, we’ll delve into the traditional heart of Beijing with a tricycle tour through the historic Hutong neighbourhoods. This offers a genuine glimpse into Beijing's rich cultural heritage as we explore traditional shops and visit a Siheyuan, a classic courtyard house emblematic of local architectural beauty.Lunch is included as part of your tour. In the evening, you'll return to the hotel for an overnight stay.Please note that due to heritage protection measures and visitor capacity restrictions, access to the Forbidden City cannot always be guaranteed. In such cases, we will explore the Confucius Temple and the Lama Temple instead, both significant in Chinese history and culture.

Today, we will explore one of the world's most iconic landmarks—the Great Wall of China, specifically the Mutianyu section. This remarkable structure, over 2,000 years old, offers a breathtaking panorama as it winds through stunning mountain landscapes. We will ascend and descend via cable car, taking in the spectacular views of this legendary site. On our return journey to Beijing, our first stop will be the dynamic 798 Art District. This former military factory has been transformed into a vibrant centre for contemporary art, hosting numerous galleries, studios, and creative spaces. Next, we will visit the Temple of Heaven, one of China's largest and most significant sacred sites. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this magnificent complex is where emperors once prayed for good harvests. As the day draws to a close, we will indulge in a soothing foot massage followed by a Tai Chi class—a perfect way to connect with the balance and harmony of traditional Chinese culture. To conclude our day in Beijing, we will savour a lacquered duck dinner, a culinary treat that is a quintessential experience here. You'll return to your hotel with fond memories of this enriching day.

After breakfast, our adventure in China concludes. We hope you leave with cherished memories of this remarkable journey.