China Historical Discovery With Kung Fu

Say Hello to China, an ancient oriental land. Upon your arrival at Beijing airport, your local guide is ready to welcome and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax and recover from jet lag.

This morning, you will first visit the historic Tiananmen Square and then explore the mysteries of the magnificent Forbidden City, home to China's emperors for over 500 years.

In the afternoon, you will visit Beijing's ancient hutongs by rickshaw and see how people have lived in this wonderful city for centuries and then go on your tour to a pearl store.

Optional: In the evening, you will be taken to witness the excitement of the traditional Kung Fu Show.

The Great Wall, the 8th Wonder of the World, is your first stop today. You will be transferred to tour the Badaling Great Wall, the best-restored and most representative part of the Great Wall. Stretching for 4,000 miles along mountain ridges, it was a great defensive system having protected China from nomad's invasion.

Descending the wall, you'll take a leisurely stroll along the Sacred Road, a royal path with vivid statues of divine beasts and officials serving emperors' afterlife.

In the morning, visit the Temple of Heaven to watch locals practicing tai chi and enjoying their morning exercises. Take a train to Xi'an, the ancient heart of Chinese civilization.

Explore the remarkable Terracotta Warriors, the vast underground army created to protect Emperor Qin Shihuang in the afterlife. Thousands of life-sized figures of soldiers and horses stand in battle formation, each uniquely detailed and telling a story of ancient craftsmanship and imperial power.

In the afternoon, stroll through Muslim Street, a lively neighborhood filled with vibrant market stalls offering local snacks, traditional drinks, and a glimpse into Xi’an’s diverse cultural heritage.

This morning, step into a local home for an authentic cultural exchange. Chat with your hosts and prepare a home-cooked lunch together - you may try your hand at making traditional Chinese noodles or a selection of regional dishes.

Later, be transferred to the railway station for an express train to Luoyang, the capital of nine dynasties in history. Upon your arrival at Luoyang station, your local guide will meet you and take you to your hotel.

Kick off your day with a visit to the Longmen Grottoes, where thousands of ancient Buddha statues are carved into cliffs overlooking the river - a breathtaking mix of history, art, and nature. Then head to White Horse Temple, known as China's first Buddhist temple. Its peaceful courtyards and old stone halls offer a calm break and a glimpse into how Buddhism took root in China.

Afterward, explore the Luoyang Folk Museum, where quirky artifacts and traditional displays bring local history to life. In the evening, dive into the lively vibe of Luoyang's Old City - grab some street food, browse stalls packed with handmade crafts, and enjoy the buzz of the night market as the city lights up.

This morning, set off on a 1.5-hour drive to Dengfeng, located about 74 kilometers from Luoyang. Your first stop is the Shaolin Temple, known worldwide as the birthplace of Chinese Kung Fu. Explore its peaceful temple grounds and watch an engaging martial arts demonstration that showcases discipline, agility, and tradition. Nearby, stroll through the Pagoda Forest, where hundreds of stone stupas honor generations of monks who trained and taught here. Later, visit the Songyang Academy, one of China's oldest Confucian academies. Set against a quiet mountain backdrop, it offers a deeper look into ancient Chinese philosophy and education.

After breakfast, be transferred to the rail station for the train to Nanjing. Upon your arrival in Nanjing, one of China's four greatest capitals in history, your personal guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel.

Begin your day at the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, dedicated to the leader who ended imperial rule and laid the foundations of modern China. Just a short walk away is the Meiling Palace, once the private residence of Chiang Kai-shek and his wife, blending Eastern charm with Western design.

Continue to the Xiao Mausoleum, final resting place of the Ming dynasty's founding emperor. Walk along the Sacred Way, flanked by centuries-old stone statues of animals and officials - silent sentinels guarding the tomb for over 600 years.

In the afternoon, unwind at Xuanwu Lake, once part of an imperial garden. Enjoy a leisurely walk past temples, pavilions, and arched bridges, with reflections of old Nanjing mirrored in the water.

The day opens with a visit to Qixia Temple, a historic Buddhist site dating back to 489 AD. Set along the forested slopes of Qixia Mountain, the temple is framed by ancient ginkgo and maple trees. Scattered throughout the grounds are weathered pagodas, Buddhist grottoes, and statues tucked into quiet corners - making it a peaceful retreat and a popular spot for autumn foliage walks or light hiking.

After a couple of hours in this serene setting, return to the city and explore Zhonghua Gate, a section of Nanjing's formidable Ming Dynasty city wall. Its multi-layered design reveals clever military engineering used to defend the former capital.

Just east of the gate lies Laomendong, a restored old neighborhood where narrow lanes lead past traditional buildings, antique shops, and snack stalls popular with locals and visitors alike.

As night falls, take a wooden boat along the Qinhuai River, where soft lights and shadowed bridges offer a gentle glimpse into Nanjing's riverside heritage.

Head to the Nanjing Six Dynasties Museum, built atop the archaeological ruins of the former Jiankang City. The museum offers a well-curated look into Nanjing's role as an early imperial capital, with highlights including ancient city wall foundations, carved stone tablets, ceramics, and calligraphy from the Six Dynasties period (222-589 AD). Glass floors reveal unearthed ruins below, giving you a direct visual link to the past.

After your visit, continue to the train station and board a high-speed train to Shanghai, where your next chapter of exploration begins.

Begin your journey by leisurely strolling the 1.5-kilometer-long Bund, an iconic landmark in Shanghai.

Continue to the Yu Garden, appreciating its intricately carved beams, painted rafters, and charming pavilions, and take a walk in a local bazaar.

Visit a Silk Workshop to delve into the history and traditional craftsmanship of silk textile production.

Head to the former French Concession, exploring areas like Xintiandi, Tianzifang, etc.

After the marvelous sightseeing in China, it is the time to bid farewell to China. You will be free to relax in the hotel or continue your self-guided exploration of Shanghai until being escorted to the airport for your flight back home.