China Highlights With Historical Shanxi

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival, Shanghai

  Landing in Shanghai, a bustling city that never sleeps, buzzing with energy day and night, your private guide will be waiting to greet you and accompany you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore this dynamic city at your own pace.

  • Shanghai

• Day 2: Shanghai, City Highlights Tour

  Begin your exploration of Shanghai by visiting the Shanghai Museum, which houses an extensive collection of Chinese art and artifacts. Take a walk along the bustling Nanjing Road and the iconic Bund, a waterfront promenade along the Huangpu River showcasing a combination of colonial-era architecture and modern skyscrapers.

  After that, find a peaceful sanctuary at the Jade Buddha Temple, which is nestled amidst the busy streets of the city. Finally, make your way to the skyscraper Shanghai Tower and enjoy a thrilling ride up to the observation deck to take in unparalleled views of Shanghai and its surroundings.

  Optional: The fabulous acrobatics show is highly recommended for tonight which can bring you a memorable night.

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  • Shanghai

• Day 3: Shanghai - Suzhou - Shanghai, Chinese Garden & Grand Canal

  After breakfast, you will be driven to the nearby city of Suzhou from Shanghai. There, delve into the UNESCO-listed Humble Administrator's Garden, a peaceful sanctuary that embodies the essence of classical Chinese garden artistry.

  Following this, ride on a rickshaw to experience the unique charm of the old town and take a 40-minute canal tour with the hand-rowed boat to find out why Suzhou is often referred to as the "Venice of the East". Before returning to Shanghai, spend some time exploring the Pingjiang Road Old Street.

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  • Shanghai

• Day 4: Shanghai - Xi'an, Shadow Puppet Show

  Your guide will accompany you to the airport for your morning flight to Xi'an. Upon your arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel in the city center. Then step out and have a stroll around the Xi'an Muslim Quarter to sample some local delicacies.

  In the heart of the quarter lies the Great Mosque, an architectural gem combining traditional Chinese architecture with Islamic art and design elements. The tour today will culminate with a Shadow Puppet Show at Gao's Grand Courtyard.

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  • Xi'an

• Day 5: Xi'an, Terracotta Warriors & Bronze Chariots

  In the centuries-old former capital of Xi'an, one of the must-see highlights is the Terracotta Warriors and Bronze Chariots (also known as Terracotta Army), the army of clay statues built to protect the afterlife of Qin Shi Huang, China's first emperor. Look at the soldiers' faces, you will find they vary from one another, indicating their different characters and mental states.

  After exploring the iconic Terracotta Army, you will be driven back downtown and enjoy some leisure time at the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, an immersive Tang-style city block that transports you back to the bygone era.

  Optional: If you're interested, the famous Tang Dynasty Show is a good option as tonight's entertainment.

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  • Xi'an

• Day 6: Xi'an - Pingyao, Wang Family Compound

  This morning you will be transferred to the railway station to catch your bullet train to Pingyao. The journey will take about 3 hours, and once you arrive, you will be picked up and driven to your hotel.

  Late in the afternoon, explore the massive Wang Family Compound, a labyrinthine family residential ancient complex with multifarious courtyards and connecting alleyways. Marvel at the luxurious architecture and listen to the stories of the affluent family from your dedicated guide.

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  • Pingyao

• Day 7: Pingyao, Pingyao Ancient City

  Most of the day is reserved to savor the old charm of Pingyao Ancient City: the well-preserved City Wall, the busy Ming and Qing Streets, and the first bank of China - Rishengchang Exchange Shop. Besides that, you can also spend some time roaming through the old small lanes for a glimpse of the earthly lives of local people. Afterward, head to the Shuanglin Temple which is famous for its ancient architecture and exquisite painted sculptures.

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  • Pingyao

• Day 8: Pingyao - Datong, Nine Dragon Screen & Huayan Temple

  The morning is free for you until you're escorted to the railway station for your bullet train to Datong. Once arrive in the city that is renowned for its deep historical roots, you will experience the ancient allure at the appealing Nine Dragon Screen and the Huayan Temple, which houses valued Buddha statues and paintings from the ancient Liao and Jin Dynasties.

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  • Datong

• Day 9: Datong, Yungang Grottoes & Hanging Temple

  Drive out of the downtown to admire Yungang Grottoes, an awe-inspiring complex of ancient Buddhist caves carved into rocky cliffs, each cave tells a story through its intricate carvings, depicting Buddhist legends, divine beings, and scenes of everyday life during ancient times.

  Following that, appreciate the Hanging Temple - a 1,400-year-old wooden marvel built on stilts against the cliff. Stepping into the temple feels like entering a realm suspended between earth and sky, where the scent of incense mingles with the whispers of centuries-old prayers. Drive back to Datong for one more night's stay.

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  • Datong

• Day 10: Datong - Beijing, Hutong Tour

  The tour will head north towards Beijing. Board a high-speed train in the morning and arrive in China's capital city about 2 hours later. Warm greetings will come from your guide upon arrival, and a smooth transfer will take you to your hotel.

  After refreshing yourself, have a stroll through the old Hutongs, including the Yandai Xie Street section, to discover the history of ancient Beijing and catch sight of local people's modern-day life.

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  • Beijing

• Day 11: Beijing, City Highlights Tour

  Your discovery today will commence from the iconic Tiananmen Square, which has been a witness to numerous significant events, including China's rise to power.

  As you pass through Chang'an Avenue, you will enter the magnificent Forbidden City, renowned for its grand royal buildings, exquisite ornaments, and priceless treasures. Take your time to explore the palace complex and marvel at its beauty.

  Spend the afternoon exploring the Temple of Heaven, an imperial sacrificial altar where emperors conducted worship ceremonies to pray for good weather and abundant harvests.

  Optional: Tonight's option can be the thrilling Chinese Kung Fu Show which brings you the charm of this Chinese martial art.

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  • Beijing

• Day 12: Beijing, Great Wall

  No trip to Beijing would be complete without experiencing the awe-inspiring Great Wall of China. During this tour, you will visit the less-crowded Mutianyu section of the wall, known for its stunning views, and a round-trip cable car is included to ensure the best experience possible. The Great Wall, which is a symbolic attraction in China, was built on mountain ridges with bricks over 2,000 years ago using only manpower.

  You may need some relaxation or step out seeking souvenirs before ending the China tour, so this afternoon is free for you.

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  • Beijing

• Day 13: Beijing, Departure

  Bid farewell to the charming city of Beijing. Check out and get ready to be transferred to the airport for your departure flight, either to go home or your next destination.

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