Arrival in Beijing

Beijing - Welcome to Beijing! Upon arrival at the airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. At 6 p.m., there will be a pre-tour briefing followed by a group dinner featuring Beijing Roast Duck.

Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven

Forbidden City-The Palace Museum - In the morning, the tour will visit the Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, which served as the Chinese imperial palace during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It is renowned as the largest and best-preserved ancient timber-built palace complex globally. The structures feature yellow glazed tile roofs, red columns, and high walls, symbolizing the royal family’s noble status. Besides its grand appearance, the Palace Museum houses numerous cultural relics and treasures, offering a journey through time and space to appreciate the rich Chinese culture.

Temple of Heaven - In the afternoon, the tour will explore the Temple of Heaven, constructed for emperors to pray for a good harvest. Its orderly design reflects Chinese nobility and regality. The Temple of Heaven is a cultural museum dedicated to offering sacrifices to Heaven, integrating architecture, aesthetics, acoustics, astronomy, calendar, music, and dance. It serves as an important window into China’s history.

The Great Wall (Mutianyu Section)

Mutianyu Great Wall - In the morning, the tour will drive for one and a half hours to Mutianyu, one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall, offering stunning scenery along the way. Visitors can leisurely stroll along the wall and enjoy the breathtaking landscape.

Summer Palace and Bullet Train to Datong

Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) - This morning, the tour will visit the Summer Palace, known as “the Museum of Royal Gardens.” Featuring the lush Longevity Hill and expansive Kunming Lake, this grand garden was built for the imperial family to escape the summer heat. Today, it is open to everyone to enjoy the beautiful scenery and have fun. After sightseeing, the group will take a two-and-a-half-hour bullet train to Datong. Upon arrival, the tour guide will escort you to your hotel, and the rest of the day is free for relaxation.

Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Monastery

Yungang Grottoes - This morning, the tour will visit Yungang Grottoes, one of China’s largest grottoes and the first large-scale grottoes operated by the royal family in Chinese history. They vividly record the history of Buddhist art’s development from India and Central Asia to China, reflecting the secularization and nationalization of Buddhist culture.

Hengshan Hanging Temple (Xuankong si) - After lunch at a local restaurant, the tour will head to the Hanging Monastery. Jutting out from the cliff of Cuiping Peak and facing the main peak, the Hanging Monastery boasts a history of over 1,500 years. The structure exemplifies principles of mechanics, using rocks and invisible supports. The hanging wooden structure is anchored in holes and pillars that interlock with the rocks. The temple is notable for being the oldest temple combining Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. Visitors can appreciate the spectacular architecture and discover the religious beauty of these three faiths.

Datong to Pingyao Ancient City

Ancient City of Pingyao - Departing Datong in the morning, the group will take a bullet train to Pingyao, a journey of about three hours. The rest of the day is free to explore Pingyao Ancient City at your own pace.

Pingyao Ancient City

Ancient City of Pingyao - Today, the tour will explore the traditional beauty of Pingyao Ancient City. Pingyao is the birthplace of the Jin Businessmen and played a crucial role in Shanxi’s economic development during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It offers a glimpse into the glorious past of the Han people. Strolling through the ancient city, visitors can appreciate the quaint architecture and experience the local traditions and customs unique to the Han.

Pingyao to Xi’an

Terracotta Warriors

Terracotta Warriors Museum - Today, the tour will venture outside Xi’an to visit the Terracotta Warriors, one of the world’s man-made wonders. After being buried for 2,000 years, the discovery of this large-scale terracotta army astonished the world. These life-size clay models are spread across three pits, covering a total area of 19,120 square meters, equivalent to 50 basketball courts. None of the seven thousand warriors are identical, each wearing different clothes and featuring unique facial characteristics. See if any faces seem familiar to you!

Xi’an to Chengdu

Xi’an - The morning in Xi’an is free for exploration at your own pace. A visit to the Shaanxi History Museum, a tour around the City Wall, or a walk in the Muslim Quarter is recommended.

Xi’an City Wall (Chengqiang) - The Xi’an City Wall, also known as the Fortifications of Xi’an, is the most complete city wall surviving in China and one of the largest ancient military defensive systems worldwide. (Admission Fee CNY-54) Visitors can tour the entire wall and enjoy the beautiful cityscape surrounding it.

Shaanxi History Museum - Known as “the pearl of ancient dynasties and house of Chinese treasures,” the Shaanxi History Museum offers a miniature overview of thousands of years of Chinese history and splendid ancient cultures. Visitors can admire a large collection of precious cultural relics, such as sancai and bronzes, gaining a deeper understanding of ancient Chinese history and culture. In the late afternoon, the group will catch a bullet train to Chengdu, a journey of approximately four hours.

Muslim Quarter - The Muslim Quarter, also known as Huimin Jie in Pingyin, is the heart of the Muslim community in Xi’an City. It is an excellent place for a leisurely city walk. Walking along this winding, narrow street lined with shops, visitors can find many beautiful mosques, Muslim food, and souvenirs.

Panda Base and Broad and Narrow Alley

Giant Panda Breeding Research Base (Xiongmao Jidi) - The journey in Chengdu begins with a visit to the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center. Here, visitors can have a close encounter with adorable pandas and hopefully witness them engaging in various activities. This visit offers a time-efficient way to understand pandas’ physical features and living habits.

Kuanzhai Alley - In the afternoon, the tour will visit the Broad and Narrow Alley, a microcosm of the ancient yet vibrant city. Strolling here, visitors can appreciate the quaint buildings and taste delicious local food. It is an excellent place to experience the laid-back lifestyle of Chengdu residents and feel the profound history of the city.

Leshan Giant Buddha

Leshan Giant Buddha (Da Fo) - This morning, travel by private car to Leshan. After about two and a half hours, the group will arrive at the Leshan Giant Buddha, the largest and tallest stone-carved Buddha statue in the world. Built over 1,300 years ago to bless passing boats, the Giant Buddha has attracted countless travelers to witness its grandeur. Upon arrival, visitors can climb to the mountain top for a closer look at the Giant Buddha or take a cruise for a panoramic view. Afterwards, drive about 45 minutes to Baoguo Temple, the largest temple at the foot of Mount Emei, featuring a huge porcelain Buddha, Buddhist sutras, and beautiful plants. Strolling along the serene paths, visitors can appreciate the beautiful scenery and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of Buddhist culture.

Departure from Chengdu

Chengdu - After breakfast, your guide and driver will see you off. If you wish to extend your stay in China, customized tour plans can be arranged.

• English speaking guide
• Entrance fee
• Consistent tour guide throughout the trip
• Dinner
• Bullet Train Tickets
• Breakfast
• Accommodation

• Gratuities
• Meals(lunch and dinner)
• Personal expense

This 13-day adventure provides an ideal mix of famous landmarks and lesser-known treasures. From the Great Wall in Beijing to the breathtaking Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Temple in Datong, each destination showcases a unique aspect of China. In Pingyao, experience history within its ancient city walls. Xi’an merges historical significance with lively local culture, while Chengdu presents not only pandas but also genuine Sichuan cuisine and a more relaxed lifestyle.

The journey features small group sizes, knowledgeable local guides, high-speed train travel, and carefully selected boutique accommodations—ensuring a rich, comfortable, and memorable cultural journey.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.