Classic China Tour
16 D / 15 N

Itinéraire:

Beijing->Datong->Pingyao ->Xi'an ->Guilin ->Longsheng ->Guilin ->Yangshuo ->Guilin ->Shanghai ->Suzhou ->Tongli ->Shanghai
Day 1:
Beijing

 Arrival - Tian’anmen Square - Temple of Heaven - Nanluoguxiang - Old city (Hutong)
Arrive in Beijing, meet your local guide in the airport, and transfer to the city center.
Tian’anmen Square: Located at the center of Beijing City, Tian’anmen Square is one of the largest city squares in the world. It was built in 1417 and was de entrance gate to the Forbidden City.
Temple of Heaven: It is a complex of Taoist buildings situated in the southeastern part of central Beijing. The complex was visited by the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer to Heaven for good harvest.
Nanluoguxiang: Situated in Beijing Dongcheng district, near the Drum Tower. It’s one of the oldest hutongs and has a history of over 800 years. It is packed with bars, cafes, restaurants and shops selling souvenirs and traditional crafts.
Hutong with rickshaw: Promenade near Shichahai (also called Houhai), you can take a rickshaw during the visit. Because the narrow lanes, taxis could not enter into hutongs so rickshaw is one of the most welcome transportation method that bring you all the way to the discovery of old Beijing.
Lunch included: In Hancang Hakka Restaurant is located on the east bank of Shicha Hai Lake and has a traditional Chinese environment and culture. It serves the very popular cuisine of the Hakka minority group.

Day 2:
Beijing

Forbidden City - Jingshan Park - Yonghe Lamasery Temple - Temple of Confucius
Forbidden City: We called “Gogong” in Chinese. For almost five hundred years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Since 1925, the Forbidden City has been under the charge of the Palace Museum, whose extensive collection of artwork and artifacts were built upon the imperial collections of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Jingshan Park: A beautiful royal landscape garden. It is well worth the climb on a clear day for spectacular views of the Forbidden City and Beijing.
Yonghe Lamasery Temple: Also called Lama Temple, which is the largest and most perfectly preserved lamasery in present day China. Built initially in 1694 during the Qing Dynasty, this building was the residence of Emperor Yongzheng when he was just a prince.
Temple of Confucius: It is the second largest Confucian Temple in China, after the one in Confucius' hometown of Qufu, Shandong. The temple was built in 1302, and officials used it to pay their respects to Confucius until 1911.
Tea House: Take a rest in a Tea House. Chinese people are believed to have enjoyed tea drinking for more than 4,000 years. For a long time, tea was used as an herbal medicine. During the Western Zhou Dynasty, tea was a religious offering. During the Spring and Autumn Period, people ate fresh tea leaves as vegetables.
Lunch included: In Xuxiangzhai near the Lama Temple, this restaurant in Chinese style architecture always have many kinds of fresh vegetables and fruits ready and with them offer nearly 100 delicious dishes. It provides a variety of delicious vegetarian food as well as tea house.
Diner included: Have diner in a local family. The best chance to get close to the Chinese family and taste the home cooking.
 

Day 3:
Beijing

Mutianyu Great Wall - Ming Tomb - Scared Road
Mutianyu Great Wall: The Great Wall is one of the greatest wonders of the world, was listed as a World Heritage by UNESCO in 1987, built originally to protect the northern borders of the Chinese Empire against intrusions by various nomadic groups. Mutianyu section is the longest fully restored Great Wall section which is open to the visitors. There are fewer touristes and more beautiful view than Badaling.
Ming Tomb-Zhaoling (with round way cable car): The site of the Ming Dynasty Imperial Tombs was carefully chosen according to Feng Shui (geomancy) principles. We’ll visit one of Ming Tombs-Zhaoling. Zhaoling Tomb takes up an area of 35000 square meters. It is the tomb where the twelfth emperor of the Ming Dynasty Zhu Zaihou and his three empresses were buried.
Scared Road: It’s part of the Ming Tombs complex. Alongside the Sacred Road are 18 pairs of marble figures lined up opposite each other, almost as if watching those passing by. These creatures include twelve pairs of animals such as lions, horses, elephants, camels, and other hulking beasts, and six pairs of human beings such as generals, and public officials.
Diner included: Beijing Roast Duck is a famous duck dish from Beijing that has been prepared since the imperial era, and is now considered one of China's national foods.
 

Day 4:
Beijinig

Olympic Village - Summer Palace - Diabolo Museum - Antiques Street Liulichang
Olympic Village: Stop at Water-Cube and the Bird’s Nest to take some photos, entrance fee not included.
Summer Palace: It’s called Yiheyuan in Chinese, means Garden of Nurtured Harmony. The largest and most well-preserved royal park in China. You could climb to the Tower of Buddhist Incense for a panoramic view of the area.
Diabolo Museum: A diabolo, also called Chinese Yoyo, formerly also known as "the devil on two sticks", is a juggling folk toy made of bamboo and wood. Beijing Diabolo Museum is the only one of its kind introducing diabolo culture in China. It has 3 exhibition rooms displaying the diabolo’s history, craftwork and technique.
Antiques Street Liulichang: It is a famous district in down-town Beijing that is known for a series of traditional Chinese stone dwellings housing selling various craftwork, artistry, and antiques. It is one of Beijing's traditional old quarters.
Night Show: Beijing Opera or Kung Fu Show.
Transfer to the airport or the railway station for the next destination.

Day 5:
Datong

Yungang Caves - Nine Dragon Wall - Agricultural and Trade Market


Arrive in Datong in the morning. Meet your local guide and breakfast in hotel.


Yungang Caves: One of China’s four most famous "Buddhist Caves Art Treasure Houses”, it is located about sixteen kilometers west of Datong. There exists 53 caves, most of which are made during the Northern Wei Dynasty between 460 and 494 AD, and over 51, 000 stone sculptures. It extends one kilometer from east to west and can be fallen into three major groups.
Nine Dragon Wall: Located in central Datong within the old city ramparts. It is the biggest and oldest of its kinds in China. Built in 1392 during the reign of Hongwu of the Ming Dynasty, the Nine-Dragon Wall in Datong was built as a screen wall to go in front of the mansion of the 13rd son of the first Emperor of Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang with 45.5 meters long, 8 meters high and 2.02 meters wide.The wall is decorated with brightly colored glazed tiles and carved dragons and animals.
Agricultural and Trade Market: Visit to a local market to know people’s life.


Lunch included: Chinese noodles

Day 6:
Datong

Yungang Caves - Hanging Temple - Yingxian wooden pagoda


Arrive in Datong in the morning. Meet your local guide and breakfast in hotel.


Yungang Caves: One of China’s four most famous "Buddhist Caves Art Treasure Houses”, it is located about sixteen kilometers west of Datong. There exists 53 caves, most of which are made during the Northern Wei Dynasty between 460 and 494 AD, and over 51, 000 stone sculptures. It extends one kilometer from east to west and can be fallen into three major groups.
Hanging Monastery : an architectural wonder, one of the main tourist attractions and historical sites in the Datong area. Built more than 1,500 years ago, this temple is notable not only for its location on a sheer precipice but also because it includes Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian elements. The structure is kept in place with wooden crossbeams fitted into holes chiseled into the cliffs. The main supportive structure was hidden.


Yingxian wooden pagoda, it’s a treasure of ancient building in the world, all materials are wooden and connected by 50 kinds of base-mat.


Diner included : Chinese noodles


 

Day 7:
Pingyao

Cao family's Compound - Pingyao
Transfer to the railway station, take the train from Datong to Taiyuan.


Cao family's Compound: The Cao's Family first began trading in bean curd and other commodities at the end of Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Gradually, the business accumulated capital, which allowed the family to erect an estate comprised of several great houses, which became known as the Cao's Compound. The Compound is also known as Sanduo Hall, Sanduo meaning three mores: more good fortune, more longevity and more children.


Transfer to Pingyao.

Day 8:
Xi'an

 Small Wild Goose Pagoda-Great Mosque-Lessons of Chinese calligraphy-Baxian Temple
Small Wild Goose Pagoda: The Small Wild Goose Pagoda was built in the year 707 A.D during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). As it is newer and smaller than the Big Wild Goose Pagoda the name was given to distinguish the two. Unlike the grand Big Wild Goose Pagoda, it is dainty and exquisite in its appearance. It is an important cultural relic and one of the remaining symbols of ancient Chang'an (the name of Xian in the Tang Dynasty).
Great Mosque: It’s one of the oldest, largest and best-preserved Islamic mosques in China. Promenade in Muslim Street, all the shops and restaurants in the street are operated by Muslims. This colorful street is packed with shops selling a large variety of interesting local delicacies, snacks and souvenirs.
Lessons of Chinese calligraphy: Learn how to write Chinese characters.
Baxian Temple: (Temple of the Eight Immortals), as its name indicates, is mainly dedicated to the legendary Eight Immortals. It is the biggest Taoist temple in Xian and is a famous Taoist architecture in northwest China.
Lunch: Chinese Hot Pot
Transfer to the airport or the railway station for the next destination.

Day 9:
Xi'an

Terracotta Warriors and Horses - Chinese herbal medicine market
Arrive in Xi’an in the morning. Meet your guide and breakfast in the hotel.
Terracotta Warriors and Horses: created about 2200 years ago, were found in 1974 on the east side of the tomb of the First Emperor Qin Shihuang. It was discovered in the spring of 1974 in the eastern suburbs of Xi'an by a group of farmers who were digging water well.
Chinese herbal medicine market: It is a traditional market where peasants and wholesalers sell bags and bags and boxes and boxes of interesting herbs, medicines and medicinal foods. They are expensive and hard to find in the West.
Night tour: You could take the public bus to go around the big Wild Goose Pagoda for enjoy the beautiful moonlight and music fountain.
 

Day 10:
Yangshuo

Li River Cruises - Promenade by bike


Li River Cruises : this cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is the centerpiece of any trip to northeastern Guangxi Province. Gorgeous Karst peaks give you surprises at each band of the limpid river under the blue sky.


In the afternoon or you can take bicycle and travel around this small town.


Lunch included : Lunch on boat.

Day 11:
Pingyao

Zhangbi Ancient Castle - Shuanglin Temple – Rishengchang - Pingyao County Government Office – Pingyao City Wall – Laquer Factory
Zhangbi Ancient Castle : It is well known for its unique architecture where it looks like a castle on the ground but in fact, there is a long tunnel which connects this castle with the world outside underground. It had been a multi-purpose castle which served as a military center, residential area, production site as well as religious activity throughout the history.


Shuanglin Temple: it’s reputed to be the ancient painted sculptures museum. The temple houses more than 2,000 colorful sculptures reflecting the exquisite skills of the artisans of the Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties. The Shuanglin Temple was included in the World Heritage List by UNESCO as an important cultural site of Ping Yao City in 1997.


Rishengchang: The Rishengchang Exchange Shop, located in Pingyao, is considered the first draft bank in China's history. It was founded in Qing Dynasty (1823). In the nineteenth century, at its peak, it controlled almost half of the Chinese economy and its branches were widespread throughout China's big urbans and capital, Beijing. And in some western and southeastern countries, Rishengchang also owned its branches and offices.


Pingyao County Government Office: The Former County Yamen or Ancient Government Office is firmly on the map for the Chinese tour groups. The complex of administrative offices, open courtyards and prison is large enough to handle the many tours that work their way through the rooms.
Pingyao City Wall: Pingyao Ancient City is thought of as the 'treasure house' of ancient Chinese architectures. The City Wall in Pingyao was first built in 827 B.C. In the early days of Ming Dynasty, in order to prevent the enemies from invading, all the cities in China began to build the City Wall to defend themselves.


Lacquer FactoryPingyao lacquer starts Tang Kaiyuan, Sheng Yu Ming and Qing dynasties, dating back more than 1,200 years of history, is one of China's four lacquer ware. 1, choice of materials: wood lacquer ware products are tires, paint art has always been selected linden wood.

Day 12:
Xi'an

 Small Wild Goose Pagoda-Great Mosque-Lessons of Chinese calligraphy-Baxian Temple
Small Wild Goose Pagoda: The Small Wild Goose Pagoda was built in the year 707 A.D during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). As it is newer and smaller than the Big Wild Goose Pagoda the name was given to distinguish the two. Unlike the grand Big Wild Goose Pagoda, it is dainty and exquisite in its appearance. It is an important cultural relic and one of the remaining symbols of ancient Chang'an (the name of Xian in the Tang Dynasty).
Great Mosque: It’s one of the oldest, largest and best-preserved Islamic mosques in China. Promenade in Muslim Street, all the shops and restaurants in the street are operated by Muslims. This colorful street is packed with shops selling a large variety of interesting local delicacies, snacks and souvenirs.
Lessons of Chinese calligraphy: Learn how to write Chinese characters.
Baxian Temple: (Temple of the Eight Immortals), as its name indicates, is mainly dedicated to the legendary Eight Immortals. It is the biggest Taoist temple in Xian and is a famous Taoist architecture in northwest China.
Lunch: Chinese Hot Pot
Transfer to the airport or the railway station for the next destination.

Day 13:
Xi'an

Big Wild Goose Pagoda - Great Mosque – Lessons of Chinese calligraphy - Baxian Temple


Big Wild Goose Pagoda: It’s a well-preserved ancient building and a holy place for Buddhists. Originally built in 652 during the reign of Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907), it functioned to collect Buddhist materials that were taken from India by the hierarch Xuanzang.


Great Mosque: It’s one of the oldest, largest and best-preserved Islamic mosques in China. Promenade in Muslim Street, all the shops and restaurants in the street are operated by Muslims. This colorful street is packed with shops selling a large variety of interesting local delicacies, snacks and souvenirs.


Lessons of Chinese calligraphy: Learn how to write Chinese characters.


Baxian Temple: (Temple of the Eight Immortals), as its name indicates, is mainly dedicated to the legendary Eight Immortals. It is the biggest Taoist temple in Xian and is a famous Taoist architecture in northwest China.


Lunch: Chinese Hot Pot in a local restaurant.


Transfer to the airport or the railway station for the next destination.

Day 14:
Yangshuo

Li River Cruises - Promenade by bike


Li River Cruises : this cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is the centerpiece of any trip to northeastern Guangxi Province. Gorgeous Karst peaks give you surprises at each band of the limpid river under the blue sky.


In the afternoon or you can take bicycle and travel around this small town.


Lunch included : Lunch on boat.

Day 15:
Longsheng

Go to Longsheng – Rice Terrace


Drive to Longsheng.


Rice Terrace: Located in Longsheng County, the Longji Rice Terraces are about 100 km (2 hours drive) from Guilin. The most popular are Ping An Rice Terrace and Jinkeng Rice Terrace. History of Longji Rice Terrace can be dating back to Yuan Dynasty, but most of the Rice Terrace were built during the Ming Dynasty, about 500 years ago.


 

Day 16:
Guilin

Lessons of Chinese Painting - Fubo Hill


Free day in the morning.


Lessons of Chinese Painting.


Fubo Hill Fubo Hill (Wave-Subduing Hill), is 120 meters long, 60 meters wide and 213 meters high. It stands solitarily in the northeast of the city and on west bank of Li River with half of the hill stretching into the river. Waves run back wherever they meet the blocks, hence the name "wave-subduing Hill". A tale has it that Ma Yuan who was called General Fubo from the Han Dynasty had once passed by Guilin on a southern expedition. He poured all the pearls he carried into the river, so the hill was named after him in his memory.


Transfer to the airport, flight to Shanghai.


Arrival in Shanghai, meet your local guide and transfer to hotel.

Day 17:
Shanghai

Bund - Ferry over Huangpu River - Shanghai Word Financial Center - Yuyuan Garden - Shikumen Museum - Flea Market
Bund: Located along the Huangpu River, the Bund shows off Shanghai’s outstanding foreign buildings, most of which were erected before 1937. To the Europeans, the Bund was Shanghai’s answer to Wall Street. In the 1930s, the string of buildings hosted the city's financial and commercial centers, and the world's greatest banks and trading empires established a base here.
Ferry over Huangpu River: Public boat over Huangpu River, you could see the beautiful view. About 20 minutes.
Shanghai Word Financial Center: Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC) was completed in August 28, 2008, it is the tallest skyscraper in China surpassing its neighbor Jinmao Tower.
Yuyuan Garden: Located in the center of the Old City next to the Chenghuangmiao area in Shanghai. It is considered one of the most lavish and finest Chinese gardens in the region.
Shikumen Museum: Take a walk in Xintiandi area, old French concession. Visit to Shikumen Museum, also called Wulixiang museum. Over 70% of Shanghai residents were born and raised in Shikumen houses. However, Shikumen are now fast disappearing. The Shikumen "Wulixiang" Exhibition Hall in Xintiandi offers us a chance to cherish the memories of old Shanghai and recall past events.
Flea Market: Don’t forget to visit the Flea Market in Dongtai Road. Dongtai Lu Antique Market, located in Dongtai Road in the Luwan District of Dongtai, a suburb of Shanghai , is a renowned outdoor market where one can find many "antiques" (most are said to be fake!), yet one is inclined to forgive the vendors at this very special old flea market for any fakery, because Dongtai Lu is the only remaining flea market in the Shanghai area that is still devoted to selling antiques, however genuine they may or may not be.
Night Show: Acrobatics in SHANGHAI CIRCUS WORLD.
Lunch included:
Lunch in Lvbolang restaurant. A mass of foreign governmental leaders and famous people in other fields have enjoyed food in this restaurant. The cuisine served here is mainly featured of the local food and cooking style.
 

Day 18:
Tongli

Tongli - Retreat & Reflection Garden - Master of Nets Garden - Silk Factory - Shantang Street
Tongli: In the morning, drive to Tongli. It is known for a system of canals, it has been given the nickname "Venice of the East". You could promenade in this old village and take a boat.
Retreat & Reflection Garden: Called Tuisiyuan in Chinese. It was recognized with other classical Suzhou gardens as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Master of Nets Garden: Drive continue to Suzhou. Visit the Master of Nets Garden (wangshi yuan in Chinese). It is the smallest of the Suzhou residential gardens, yet it is the most impressive because of its use of space which creates the illusion of an area that is much greater than its actual size.
Silk Factory: Visit one of the local silk factory. China is known for its silk and Suzhou is most famous place for silk producing. What is so amazing about the silk-making process is that the silkworm creates its cocoon out of a single silk thread that is continuous for approximately 3,600 feet.
Shantang Street: It is an ancient street with a 1100-year-long history. In the past there were boats sailing that sold rice, firewood, Chinese snacks and other subsidiary food for the households along. Now it has become a famous pedestrian street with many franchised stores, business mansions, bars and so on.
Lunch included: Lunch in Nanyuan Chashe. It means the tea house of south garden. Because this tea house/restaurant is situated in the south of Tongli village.

Day 19:
Suzhou

Shanghai Museum - Jade Bouddha Temple - Tushanwan Museum - Nanjing Est Road
Shanghai Museum: It is a museum of ancient Chinese art, situated on the People's Square.
Jade Bouddha Temple (Yufo Si in Chinese): These were a sitting Buddha (1.95 metres tall, 3 tonnes), and a smaller reclining Buddha representing Buddha's death. The temple now also contains a much larger reclining Buddha made of marble, donated from Singapore, and visitors may mistake this larger sculpture for the original, smaller piece.
Tushanwan Museum: This museum is used chiefly for displaying and showing both Chinese and foreign exquisite works of art, making artistic exchanges and carrying out academic researches. Modern, vogue and creative pursuit features the very museum by and large.
Nanjing Est Road: It is the main shopping street of Shanghai, and is one of the world's busiest shopping streets.
Lunch included: Dim sum is a Cantonese term for snack. However, dimsum more typically refers to a style of Chinese food prepared as small bite-sized or individual portions of food, traditionally served in small steamer baskets or on small plates.
 

Day 20:
Shanghai

Transfer to the airport or the railway station for the next destination.