Highlights of China and Mongolia

Itinerary

• Day 1: Shanghai, Arrival

  Welcome to the international metropolis of Shanghai! Once landing at the airport, you'll be greeted by a local guide and take a private transfer to your downtown hotel. Settle in and enjoy the remainder time at leisure.

  • Shanghai

• Day 2: Shanghai, the Perfect Blend of Old and New

  Begin the day with a leisurely walk along the Bund, enjoying the perfect blend of old and new: classical colonial buildings on one side of the Huangpu River and colorful, futuristic architecture on the opposite side. Step into the Yuyuan Garden and immerse yourself in tranquility and elegance.

  After a pause at a silk workshop, continue to Jade Buddha Temple and get a close-up view of locals' religious beliefs. End with a walking tour from Fuxing Park to Bugaoli. From quiet parks to bustling commercial districts to artsy alleys, the city's diversity and charm will unfold before you.

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  • Shanghai

• Day 3: Shanghai - Xi'an, by Airplane

  Less than an hour from Shanghai city center, Zhujiajiao is ideal for relaxing and tasting the charm of a water town. You can spend the morning roaming around its alleys, crossing its ancient stone bridges, and appreciating the well-preserved buildings of the Ming and Qing dynasties. After the tour, return to Shanghai and take an afternoon flight to Xi'an.

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  • Xi'an

• Day 4: Xi'an, Marvel at Terracotta Army

  Over 2,000 years ago, Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor in Chinese history, ordered to build an army of over 8,000 terracotta soldiers to protect him in the afterlife. Today you can get a glimpse into the military power of the Qin Dynasty through the details of the terracotta army and bronze chariots displayed in the nearby museum. Afterward, stroll around the Muslim Quarter to experience local daily life and have a chance to taste some traditional specialties (pay onsite).

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  • Xi'an

• Day 5: Xi'an - Beijing, by High-Speed Train

  Admire the Small Wild Goose Pagoda - a classic of Tang Dynasty Buddhist architecture, followed by a visit to Xi'an Museum. Numerous relics equipped with technological means will restore the prosperity of ancient Xi'an before your eyes. Journey to Beijing by high-speed train, which usually takes about five hours.

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  • Beijing

• Day 6: Beijing, Roam Around the Forbidden City

  Stop at Tiananmen Square to understand why it is considered a symbol of modern China. Step into the nearby Forbidden City, once the home of 24 emperors of China's Ming and Qing dynasties. Stroll around the magnificent palace complex, appreciate ancient Chinese wooden architectural art, and get an insight into the imperial power in ancient China.

  In the afternoon, enjoy leisure time inside the Temple of Heaven. Discover the unique structures believed to connect the emperors with heaven and see locals enjoying their colorful spare lives, such as dancing or practicing calligraphy.

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  • Beijing

• Day 7: Beijing, Climb up the Magical Great Wall

  Set out of the city and venture to Mutianyu Great Wall, the well-preserved part surrounded by breathtaking landscape. With round-trip cable cars, get to the top of the wall effortlessly, maximizing your time to hike further up and appreciate its vast, dragon-like expanse across the mountains. Return to the city and relax with a leisurely boat ride on Kunming Lake in the Summer Palace.

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  • Beijing

• Day 8: Beijing - Ulaanbaatar, by Airplane

  Bid farewell to China and depart for Mongolia by airplane. After landing at the Ulaanbaatar airport, a local tour guide will greet you and escort you to your hotel for check-in. Have the rest of the day at leisure. Prepare to immerse yourself in Mongolian nomadic culture, which offers a unique experience compared to China.

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  • Ulaanbaatar

• Day 9: Ulaanbaatar, First Impressions of Nomadic Culture

  Take a morning visit to the Tibetan-style Gandan Monastery, the seat of Buddhism in Mongolia, with a massive Buddha statue at a height of 26.5 meters. Continue to the National Museum of Mongolia to get an insight into Mongolian history, culture, and traditions. In the nearby Sukhbaatar Square, a few steps from the museum, you'll see the statue of the legendary Genghis Khan, a great conqueror who united the tribes of Central Asia. After a panoramic view of the city from the top of Zaisan Hill, conclude the day with a Mongolian traditional dancing and Khoomei (Tuvan throat singing) performance.

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  • Ulaanbaatar

• Day 10: Ulaanbaatar - Elsen Tasarkhai

  Venture out to Elsen Tasarkhai, nicknamed Mini Gobi, through a 5-6 hours' drive. Once here, hike around the Khugnu Khan Mountain for its unique scenery combining sand dunes, grasslands, and rocky mountains. Tonight, stay in an accommodating ger and experience the life of the Mongolian nomads.

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  • Elsen Tasarkhai

• Day 11: Tasarkhai - Karakorum

  Depart for Karakorum, the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire. Inside the Erdene Zuu Monastery, you may witness monks' daily rituals and experience the peace and sanctity of Buddhism in these solemn activities. Later, in the Karakorum Museum, explore the rich history and heritage of the Mongols through numerous artifacts from various periods, ranging from the Hu Period to the Mongol Empire. Overnight in a ger camp.

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  • Karakorum

• Day 12: Karakorum - Hustai National Park

  The last destination of your Mongolia journey is Hustai National Park, about 5 hours' drive from Karakorum. Featuring a vast steppe, this park nurtures countless species of wildlife and plants, including the rare and endangered Przewalski's horses. Learn some detailed knowledge of this horse species and the Mongolian steppe ecosystem at the information center, followed by a hiking tour through the unspoiled wilderness to discover its various biodiversity. As the night falls, stay in your tent and overnight with a tarry night sky.

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  • Hustai Nature Reserve

• Day 13: Hustai Nature Reserve - Ulaanbaatar

  Get back to Ulaanbaatar in the morning. Before further exploring on your own, tour the Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan, the last king of Mongolia. It serves as a historical site to learn about the lifestyle of the Mongolian aristocracy and a museum that showcases modern Mongolian history.

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  • Ulaanbaatar

• Day 14: Ulaanbaatar, Departure

  Your fascinating journey combining China and Mongolia comes to an end today. Take some leisure time until your driver transfers you to the airport for your departure flight.

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