Discover China (eight places)

Nimen Hao! Greetings from Shanghai. After landing, take advantage of a free transfer to your hotel and get acquainted with your new surroundings before your welcome gathering at 6 p.m. You will meet your other travellers and your group leader here. After the welcoming gathering, you have the rest of the evening to do as you like. You might visit the Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre or the Shanghai Tower, the city’s crown jewel of skyscrapers, for a panoramic view. On the suggestion of your leader, you might also think about going out to a group supper.

Take a walking tour of Shanghai’s history with your guide today. The Bund, a remarkable collection of art-deco buildings lining what was once Asia’s most significant financial artery, offers a flavour of Shanghai in the 1920s. In 1559, Pan Yunduan created Yu park, a botanical park, for his parents to enjoy as they aged. You are free to explore at your own speed during the afternoon. Maybe take a leisurely walk around the French Concession’s tree-lined alleys, pay a visit to one of the serene temples, or go shopping. Tonight, join your company for a complimentary dinner featuring regional specialities.

Since there are no plans for this morning, you might wish to see some of Shanghai’s last attractions, such as the Jade Buddha temple, before taking a train to Hangzhou in the middle of the afternoon. Discover more about Hangzhou’s numerous old streets and buildings during your leader-led introduction tour. Hangzhou is one of China’s seven ancient capitals. Later, take a stroll around West Lake or explore the Wulin Night Market in search of regional delicacies and trinkets.

Since tea is a speciality of Hangzhou, visit a local tea farmer’s house to get the best caffeine boost of the day. Enjoy a cup of tea while learning about the farmer’s childhood in Dragon Well village. You might witness a practical demonstration of the tea’s selection and processing if it’s harvest season. After taking in the tranquilly of Lingyin Temple, a Buddhist sanctuary thought to have been established in AD 328, eat a group lunch. See why the expansive river has served as an inspiration to artists for generations by visiting the West Lake afterwards. Take some time to unwind this evening.

Take the bullet train, a thrilling method to travel throughout China, to Luoyang this morning. Your leader will take you on a walk around the city to help you get your bearings when you reach your new location. Archaeological excavations in the surrounding area have uncovered some intriguing old relics, and Luoyang was the opulent capital of numerous dynasties in ancient China. Maybe go to the Old Town for dinner with the group after checking into your accommodation.

On your morning excursion to the Longmen Grottoes, take in the amazing Chinese Buddhist artwork carved into the caves. As you and your guide view some of the masterpieces, discover more about this UNESCO World Heritage site. Next, visit the Shaolin Temple, the fabled cradle of kung fu. Take your group to a vegetarian lunch before exploring this monastery. After that, see an athletic kung fu performance and learn about the evolution of the martial art over the ages. Before returning to Luoyang, take a tour of the Pagoda Forest, where revered monks have been buried in imposing tombs since AD 791.

Today, take another bullet train to Xi’an, which for the past 2500 years has been the capital of numerous dynasties and kingdoms. During your orientation walk, your guide will give you an overview of the city’s rich history. After that, you are free to explore the city however you like. Perhaps take a bike ride around the historic city wall or visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. The Muslim district serves delectable traditional cuisine, so if you’re searching for a suitable place to eat this evening, you might want to check it out.

Take a bus this morning to see the Terracotta Warriors, Xi’an’s most well-known landmark. When you get there, you’ll learn about this amazing archaeological discovery that was made in 1976 by farmers who were excavating a well. It is thought that the Qin dynasty emperor commissioned these clay statues of soldiers, horses, and chariots standing in battle formation as part of his mausoleum to guard him in the afterlife. In the afternoon, head back to the city centre after enjoying a homemade meal nearby.

Arrive at the Chinese capital late this afternoon by taking the bullet train to Beijing this morning. The remainder of the day is free; perhaps see Lama Temple, which was transformed from Prince Yong’s home into a Tibetan Buddhist temple fifty years later, or 798 Art Zone, a cluster of cafes and art galleries in an industrial complex. For one of the best views of the city, you may also stroll to the top of the hill in Jingshan Park. When you’re hungry, you might want to visit Wangfujing Snack Street, a pedestrianised alleyway lined with vendors serving a variety of classic Chinese fare, such as fried scorpion and zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean sauce).

A stroll along the fabled Great Wall, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is something you can cross off your bucket list today. Take a private bus to the wall’s Mutianyu portion, which has been preserved well since it was rebuilt during the Ming era to fend against northern tribal assaults. Explore the military fortress for a while, taking in the three guard towers (Zhengguantai Tower). You have three options for getting back: walk, ride a cable car, or go tobogganing—the latter is strongly advised!

Take in the various monuments scattered throughout Tiananmen Square this morning, including the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong and the Monument to the People’s Heroes. Enter the Forbidden City, the former residence of China’s imperial rulers, by passing through Tiananmen Gate. Explore its numerous courtyards, gardens, and palaces. Next, visit a neighbourhood characterised by hutongs, or tiny streets and alleys, and stroll through the old streets. Even while Beijing is rapidly modernising and its modern culture is fascinating, there are still some areas where one can learn about the country’s old origins. Tonight, savour a traditional meal that includes Peking Duck, which is arguably the most famous dish in the capital.

After breakfast this morning, your journey comes to an end. To arrange for extra lodging, get in touch with your booking agency in advance if you plan to remain in Beijing.