16 Days China Central Plains Culture & Taoist Sanctuary Explore Tour

Day 1

Beijing Arrival

Transport via: Flight on your own arrangement

Upon your arrival you will be greeted by our local guide and then transferred to your hotel by a private air-conditioned car. For the rest of the day you will enjoy some leisure time.

Day 2

Beijing (B, L)

Sightseeing: Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City

World Heritages Sites included Today: Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City

This morning our tour will begin with a visit of the Temple of Heaven, which was completed in 1420, and expanded over the years by two Qing Dynasty Emperors. It was the place where the Emperor came every winter solstice to worship heaven and to solemnly pray for a good harvest. With the three blue-tiled cone-shaped roofs, a unique wooden and blue-tiled structure built without a nail, it has become a worldwide symbol ofBeijing.

After lunch, we will go on our city tour to visit Tiananmen Square, the symbolical heart ofChinaand gathering place for the masses. It is the biggest public square in the world, which can hold one million people.

From here we will walk across theGoldenRiverBridgeto visit the Forbidden City and experience the ancient Emperor's daily life. For 5 centuries Chinese emperors carried out their administration here. With almost 10,000 rooms, it was the centre of the Ming and Qing dynasties, a massive complex of palaces, pavilions, courtyards and gardens where 24 emperors used to live.Forbidden Citywas the largest palace in the world, and in the past it was indeed a forbidden place for commoners. Your tour here will include private access to the Emperor's palace.

Day 3

Beijing (B, L)

Sightseeing: Badaling Great Wall, Ming Tombs, Sacred Way

World Heritages Sites included Today: Badaling Great Wall, Ming Tombs

After experiencing the royal lifestyle, today we will be transferred to the surrounding countryside of Beijing and visit the Badaling Great Wall, the pride of China and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Whereas Genghis Khan contemplated it as a military obstacle, Richard Nixon described it as one of humankind's greatest achievements. You will be able to climb and walk one of the best preserved sections of the 2,000 years old ancient wall, admiring the splendid mountain views. Bring a jacket and layer- although it is breezy, the climbing is tough. So be in a good shape!

In the afternoon we will visit the legendary Ming Tombs, which are situated at the foot of Heavenly Longevity Mountain, Changping, northwest of Beijing. Since there are 13 Ming emperors buried there, this place was called the 13 Ming Tombs. You will walk along the Sacred Way, a road guarded by stone statues on both sides, as the ancient emperors did to hold a memorial ceremony for their ancestors.

On the way back to hotel, you will be driven to visit the main 2008 Beijing Olympic venues, take an exterior visit of both the, Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest/Olympic Stadium), National Swimming Centre('The Water Cube'),feel free to take some photos of the stadiums.

Day 4

Beijing TO Xi'an (B, L)

Transfer via: Flight on our arrangement

Sightseeing: Hutongs, Summer Palace

World Heritages Sites included Today: Summer Palace

We will experience a unique Hutong tour by taking a rickshaw this morning. Hutongs are a kind of ancient city alley or lane and are very typical for Beijing. Most of them can be found close to the Forbidden City, and many were built during the three dynasties of Yuan, Ming and Qing. Today, the Hutong is a living museum of Beijing history showing the traditional lifestyle of Beijing people.

We will continue by visiting the Summer Palace. Equally famous as the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace is called 'Yiheyuan' (Garden of Nurtured Harmony) in Chinese. Until nowadays, it is the best preserved and the largest imperial garden in China. You will regret it if you leave Beijing without having visited this grand imperial garden. Later that day you will take the flight to Xi’an. After your arrival there, you will be met and transferred to your hotel by our local guide.

Day 5

Xi'an (B, L)

Sightseeing: Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Bell Tower

World Heritages Sites included Today: Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses

Today you will experience the highlights of Xi’an. After breakfast, you will depart you’re your hotel. You will visit the amazing 2000-year-old Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses. Regarded as the 8th Wonder of the World, the Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses are the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century. Over 2,200 years ago, the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, ordered the construction of a vast army of Terra-cotta warriors in search of immortality. After his early death they were buried with him to protect his empire.

Another highlight today is the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Situated in the south of Xian city, it is one of the main constructions in the famous Buddhist temple-Da-Ci-En Temple. There, the well-known Buddhist Master Xuanzang (Monk Tripitaka) stored his collection of classic Buddhist artifacts brought from India in Tang Dynasty. Now it is the Landmark of Xian.

Then we will go on to visit the Bell Tower, which is the best-preserved and best-known one among many. The Bell Tower was built in 1384. In early mornings of ancient times it had the mission of ringing the bell and giving the correct time to the whole city, hence called "The Bell Tower". With magnificent carved beams and painted rafters, this classical building is truly elegant.

Day 6

Xi'an to Luoyang (B, L)

Transfer via: Train on our arrangement

Sightseeing: Ancient City Wall, Shaanxi History Museum, peasants’ painting in Huxian county

In the morning we will visit the Ancient City Wall. You will experience a half-hour's hike along the Ancient City Wall. You will experience a half-hour's hike along the Ancient City Wall. It is the largest and best preserved present city wall in ancient China and is probably the best military battlement in the world. If you want to, you can rent a bicycle for a ride on top of the spectacular city wall. The wall was built in the Tang dynasty (618 -907) and enlarged in the Ming dynasty (1368-1644).

Then we will move on to visit the Shaanxi History Museum. It is a magnificent architectural complex in the Tang Dynasty style. The Museum possesses a treasure of 113,000 historic and cultural artifacts unearthed in Shaanxi, and it covers an area of 1,100 square meters for exhibition

Then dirve to see the famous Huxian county and enjoy the local peasants’ painting and other culture there.Then you will take train to Luoyang. After you arrived in Luoyang, you will be met and transferred to your hotel by our local guide.

Day 7

Luoyang (B, L)

Transfer via: Train on our arrangement

Sightseeing: Longmen Grottoes, Baima Temple

World Heritages Sites included Today: Longmen Grottoes

In the morning you will drive to Longmen Grottoes, located near Luoyang. They are a treasure house of ancient Buddhist cave art. The grottos were hewed and carved during the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534), when the rulers relocated their capital at Luoyang near the end of the 5th century. At that time Buddhism was spreading east into China and was venerated by the imperial court. The Buddhists adopted the practice of carving rock temples, dedicated to the Buddha.

Then you will visit the Baima Temple, which is one of, if not the, oldest Buddhist Temple in China. From the outside, the Baima Temple looks as if it houses the common collection of ornaments, decorated with cartoon style colors and images that are so prevalent in many of China's cities. However, this is in fact one of the most impressive and truly holy temples in the entire province.

Afterwards you will be transferred to the railway station to take the train to Zhengzhou. Arrive at Zhengzhou, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 8

Luoyang to Zhengzhou (B, L)

Transfer via: Private Vehicle on our arrangement

Sightseeing: Shaolin Temple

In the morning you will drive to Shaolin Temple. Shaolin Temple, in the region of Song Mountain, Dengfeng City, is reputed to be 'the Number One Temple under Heaven'. The temple is the cradle of the Chinese Zen Buddhism and the Shaolin Martial Arts such as Shaolin Cudgel. One can see wild flowers and pines on the mountain. With birds singing and a brook spattering, a beautiful scene full of life and vitality is revealed to the visitors.

Afterwards you will be transferred to Zhengzhou.

Day 9

Zhengzhou (B, L)

Sightseeing: Yellow River Scenic Spot, Shangcheng Relics Site (Shang Dynasty Ruins)

After breakfast, you will first visit the Yellow River Scenic Spot. The Yellow River scenic area is located 30 km northwest of Zhengzhou City, it is bounded by the Yellow River, according to South Mountain. Mountain is covered with green trees here, matched Pavilion, a beautiful and scenic.

In the afternoon, you will visit the Shang Dynasty Ruins. Located in Zhengzhou of Henan Province, the ruins of a Shang Dynasty city are a large site featuring the Erligang Culture of the Shang Dynasty. After the foundation of the Shang Dynasty, its capital was relocated eight times. This site is presumed to be Aodu (Capital Ao) to which Zhong Ding (a Shang Dynasty Emperor) moved his capital, or Bodu (Capital Bo) where Emperor Tang of Shang lived. This city is square in shape, with a city wall of 7 kilometers in perimeter. In the northeast of the city, several sites of rammed soil foundations have been discovered. These sites used to be palace areas. There are also pottery making, bronze casting and bone processing workshops and tombs scattered in and out of the city.

Day 10

Zhengzhou to Shiyan to Wudangshan (B)

Transfer Via: Train & Car on our arrangement

After breakfast, you will be transferred to railway station to take train to Shiyan. Upon arriving at Shiyan railway station, you will be met and then be transferred to your hotel in Wudangshan. Check in the hotel.

Day 11

Wudangshan (B, L, D)

Sightseeing: Wudangshang

World Heritages Sites included Today: Wudangshang

After breakfast visit the most famous Taoist mountain in China. A full day tour of Mt. Wudang include: Heavenly Pillar Peak, Golden Hall, Taihe Temple, Southern Crag Palace, Purple Clude Palace etc.

Wudangshan Mountain scenic area is located in the northwest part of Hubei Province. It is linking eastward with Xiangfan city, a famous cultural and historical city in China, and facing the massive Danjiangkou Reservoir, which is the water source of South to North Water Project. And behind it is the Shennongjia virgin forest area. It is one of the world cultural heritages issued by UNESCO and one of Chinese key scenic areas. It is the famous Taoism Mountain and cradle-land of Wudang Boxing. The main peak of Wudangshan Mountain is Tainzhu Peak with the altitude of 1612 meters.

Day 12

Wudangshan to Wuhan (B, L)

Transfer via: Car on our arrangement

Sightseeing: Guiyuan Temple

After breakfast transfer to Wuhan. Upon your arrival in Wuhan, you will be transferred to your hotel in Wuhan for Check in .

In the afternoon, visit the Guiyuan Temple. This Buddhist temple was built at the end of the Ming and early Qing dynasties, with a history of approximately 400 years. "Guiyuan" in Chinese means achieving sainthood and becoming a Buddha. In this temple, many works of art such as a number of valuable Buddhist images and steles have been preserved. The arhat hall contains 500 goldpainted wooden statues of Buddhist monk-saints, no two are the same.

Day 13

Wuhan to Shanghai (B, L)

Transfer via: Flight on our arrangement

Sightseeing: Yellow Crane Tower, Hubei Provincial Museum

Today we will have a visit to the famous Yellow Crane Tower. Enjoying the fame of 'The First Scenery under Heaven', it is one of the most renowned towers south of the Yangtze River. Its cultural significance led to its being made the symbol of Wuhan City.

Later we'll visit the Hubei Provincial Museum. Since 1953, the museum has collected over 200,000 cultural relics, including pottery, porcelains, jade, bronze vessels, ancient weapons, and ancient musical instruments. Among these cultural relics, 812 are listed as first-class relics of China, and 16 are considered national treasures.

After the tour our guide will escort you to the airport for your flight Shanghai.

Arriving in Shanghai, you will be met and transferred to your hotel by our local guide. The rest of the day will be free for your own purposes.

Day 14

Shanghai (B, L)

Sightseeing: Nanjing Road, the Bund, Yuyuan Garden, Jade Buddha Temple

In the morning you will take a walk to the famous Nanjing Road and the Bund. They are among the most recognizable architectural symbols of Shanghai and therefore a must-see when visiting Shanghai.

Then we will take a relaxing walk to the lovely Yuyuan Garden, a beautiful garden in the south of the Yangtze River. Wandering through it, you will find pavilions, corridors, streams, courtyards as well as many other natural features.

Finally we head to the Jade Buddha Temple. The old-time and classical architectural style makes the temple unique and inimitable in this modern city. Both, the Sitting Buddha and the Recumbent Buddha are carved with whole white jade. If you're lucky, you can watch the monks serving a ceremony in a side room.

Day 15

Shanghai (B, L)

Sightseeing: Shanghai Museum, Oriental Pearl Tower,former French Concession

Today you will visit Shanghai Museum which is the biggest museum of China. It incorporates a collection of over 120,000 pieces of Chinese art & cultural relics and is especially famous for its treasures of bronzes, ceramics, paintings and calligraphy.

After lunch, we will visit the Oriental Pearl Tower, the highest TV Tower in Asia, which creates a picture of 'twin dragons playing with pearls'. The entire scene is a photographic jewel that excites the imagination and attracts thousands of visitors all year-round.

Visit the former French Concession, characterized by beautiful,tree-lined streets and weathered European architecture. Then finish the tour today.

Day 16

Shanghai Departure (B)

Transfer via: Flight on your own arrangement

Today will be free for your own purposes, until our guide will escort you to the airport for your next destination.