China Silk Road Tour With Buddhism Discovery

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival, Beijing

  As you touchdown, your local tour guide will meet you at the airport and accompany you on a private transfer to the hotel.

  The rest of the day is yours to relax and recover from jet lag. Before leaving you free, the tour guide will appoint the pick-up time for the next day with you.

  • Beijing

• Day 2: Beijing, Forbidden City

  Today marks a captivating journey exploring many of the great landmarks in Beijing.

  The first stop is Tiananmen Square, the badge of the Chinese political center. From here, you can walk to the UNESCO-inscribed Forbidden City, the former imperial residence. Alongside your knowledgeable guide, admire classical Chinese royal architecture and delve into centuries of imperial history. Conclude with a leisure walk through Jinshan Park, offering panoramic views of Beijing's historic skyline.

  • B L
  • Beijing

• Day 3: Beijing, Great Wall

  After breakfast, drive (about 1.5 hours) out of the city to the awe-inspiring Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Ascend by cable car and hike along its ancient ramparts, soaking in the grandeur of the landscape. Returning to the city, enjoy a brief stop to capture photos of the iconic Olympic Bird's Nest and Water Cube from afar.

  • B L
  • Beijing

• Day 4: Beijing, Temple of Heaven

  Begin your day with a visit to a vibrant morning food market, sampling local delicacies. Continue to the sacred Temple of Heaven, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, where Chinese emperors once prayed for bountiful harvests.

  While walking through the narrow paths of the historic hutongs, you will gain insight into local life. In the royal garden of Summer Palace, round off your exciting day with a relaxing boat ride on the scenic Kunming Lake.

  • B L
  • Beijing

• Day 5: Beijing - Datong, Yungang Grottoes

  Travel westward today by bullet train (about 2 hours) to Datong in northern Shanxi Province. The coal city will stun you with its blue sky, and plenty of historical sites.

  On arrival, meet your local tour guide and head straight to Huayan Temple. This well-preserved Buddhist site, dating back over 800 years, boasts ornate halls, pavilions, towers, sculptures, frescoes, and inscriptions. Spice up the day with an in-depth exploration of the millennium-old Yungang Grottoes. Under UNESCO protection, colossal statues and delicate carvings will get you immersed in the spiritual aura.

  • B L
  • Datong

• Day 6: Datong - Lanzhou

  Say goodbye to Datong as you board the flight to Lanzhou, the capital city of Gansu Province.

  You will be collected from the airport on arrival by your new guide and transferred via private vehicle to your hotel. For the rest of today on your own, please consider visiting the White Pagoda Hill Park to enjoy panoramic views of the city.

  • B
  • Lanzhou

• Day 7: Lanzhou, Day Trip to Bingling Temple

  This morning, drive around 1.5 hours to Liujiaxia Reservoir, where you will take another one-hour boat ride to reach Bingling Temple. This over-1,600-years Buddhist site hollowed out in the precipitous cliffs above the Yellow River, contains 183 grottoes and shrines stretching for two kilometers. After your visit, transfer back to Lanzhou for the overnight.

  • B L
  • Lanzhou

• Day 8: Lanzhou - Dunhuang

  Savor a leisurely morning before taking a private transfer for your flight to Dunhuang, an ancient oasis nestled along the Silk Road.

  Upon landing, meet your local guide for a private transfer to your hotel, with the rest of today at leisure.

  • B
  • Dunhuang

• Day 9: Dunhuang, Mogao Caves

  Start by exploring the UNESCO-recognized Mogao Caves, a living record of the legendary Silk Road. Led by your knowledgeable guide, please your eyes and mind with the rich treasures of Buddhist sutras, murals, and sculptures. After the informative visit, the Singing Sand Dunes & Crescent Spring scenic area beckons you to witness the mystical harmony of the golden sands and the shimmering waters. As you like, ascend the dunes for panoramic views or relax by the crescent-shaped lake. Wrap up the day by indulging in the vibrant Shazhou Night Market.

  • B L
  • Dunhuang

• Day 10: Dunhuang, Yadan Landforms and Silk Road Ruins

  Yadan National Geological Park is locally referred to as a "ghost city" hidden in the depths of the desert, about a 2.5-hour drive outside of Dunhuang. Vast stretches of rock formations, sculpted over millennia by wind erosion, present a surreal landscape of mounds and stone pillars in varied shapes. Along the way, historical remnants of the Silk Road, such as the Yumen Pass, the Great Wall of the Han Dynasty, the Hecang Fortress, and the Yang Pass, promise the chance to trace the footsteps of traveling merchants and their caravans in old times. Before heading to your hotel, make a final stop at the Yang Pass Museum, delving into the rich history of this legendary trade route.

  • B L
  • Dunhuang

• Day 11: Dunhuang - Xi'an

  Enjoy this morning at leisure before departing on a direct flight (around 2 hours) to Xi'an, the historical heart of China.

  Your local tour guide will be waiting at the airport to pick you up and transfer you to your Xi'an hotel. The rest of today is free for you to relax into its rhythms and try out local cuisine.

  • B
  • Xi'an

• Day 12: Xi'an, Terracotta Warriors and Horses

  Focus today on a captivating discovery journey of the renowned Terracotta Army, a global symbol of Xi'an's rich heritage. Witness the awe-inspiring ranks of soldiers, horses, and chariots, meticulously crafted over two millennia ago to protect China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Each life-size clay soldier, with a different demeanor and facial expressions, is seemingly whispering tales of bygone eras.>

  Once back to downtown Xi'an, roam the vibrant Muslim Street filled with tantalizing aromas and unique souvenirs and visit the serene Great Mosque, a harmonious blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture.

  • B L
  • Xi'an

• Day 13: Xi'an - Luoyang, Longmen Grottoes

  Only a 1.5-hour highspeed train away, Luoyang awaits you with several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Longmen Grottoes.

  As you arrive, meet your local guide at the railway station and transfer directly to this Buddhist cave-temple complex. Dating back over 1,500 years, thousands of ancient Buddhist statues - carved into limestone cliffs - showcase exquisite craftsmanship and spiritual devotion. Finally, settle into a local hotel for the night.

  • B
  • Luoyang

• Day 14: Luoyang, White Horse Temple and Shaolin Temple

  Commence your journey at White Horse Temple, hailed as China's first Buddhist temple. Dating back to over 1,900 years, this revered temple embodies the essence of Buddhism's introduction to China.

  Proceed with a 1.5-hour drive to Dengfeng for the legendary Shaolin Temple, the birthplace of kung fu. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famed for its Shaolin monks and their mastery of Chinese martial arts. Explore sacred halls, ancient pagodas, and serene courtyards, resonating with the echoes of kung fu training. After the tour, transfer back to Luoyang for the night.

  • B L
  • Luoyang

• Day 15: Luoyang - Shanghai

  After breakfast, have a private transfer to the railway station for your high-speed train (around 6-7 hours) to metropolitan Shanghai.

  On arrival, be greeted by the local guide and transfer to your hotel, where you will have the rest of the day at leisure.

  • B
  • Shanghai

• Day 16: Shanghai City Highlights with Jade Buddha Temple

  After breakfast, set off on a tempting tour exploring some of the city's highlights. Shanghai Museum showcases over 120,000 ancient artifacts of exquisite ceramics, calligraphy, paintings, jade sculptures, and much more. Next, immerse yourself in the tranquility of Yu Garden and explore its traditional Chinese architecture, followed by a spiritual retreat to the revered Jade Buddha Temple. Marvel at the exquisite jade Buddha statue carved from a single piece of jade, gaining insight into Buddhist traditions and practices.

  As you wander around the Former French Concession, admire its blend of colonial architecture and modern flavor. End the tour at the iconic Bund, where you'll be captivated by the iconic skyline and panoramic views of the Huangpu River.

  • B L
  • Shanghai

• Day 17: Shanghai, Departure

  Your Buddhist discovery journey in China comes to an end today. You will be free until your guide escorts you on a private transfer to the airport in time for your homebound flight.

  • B