15 Days China Central Plain Culture Tour
Destination:Beijing, Chengde, Datong, Luoyang, Pingyao, Shanghai, Xi'an
Tour Code: CWHT09
Tour Duration: 15 Days
- Tour overview:
- Experience life on China’s central plain areas with a splendid feast of history and culture, broaden your horizon amongst those old city walls and grand but exquisite relics left by ancient Chinese. Never have a chance like this to see a real and quaint China so close to its heart that you even can find its scars and feel its greatness. What better way to perfect your China cultural tour than a deep discovery of Chinese ancient cities and less-known customs?
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Tour Summary
Day by Day Itinerary
Reviews
B=Breakfast,L=Lunch,D=Dinner
Tour Dates | Destinations | Services Provided | Meals Included | ||||||||||||||
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Day 1 |
Beijing
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Arrive in Beijing, you will be met and transferred to hotel, free at the rest of the day.
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Day 2 |
Beijing
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Full day visit Tiananmen Square , Forbidden City , The Temple of Heaven .
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Day 3 |
Beijing
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Full day visit Mutianyu Great Wall . 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') Beijing ,feel free to take some photos of the stadiums.
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Day 4 |
Beijing/Chengde
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Take a express train to Chengde. Arrive in Chengde. Visit Imperial Summer Villa (Bishu Shanzhuang) & Mountain Resort and Outlying Temples .
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Day 5 |
Chengde/Datong
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Visit Putuo Zongcheng Temple and Puning Temple . Be transferred to Beijing airport to take a flight to Datong. Arrive in Datong, be met and escorted to the hotel.
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Day 6 |
Datong
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Full day visit Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Monastery .
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Day 7 |
Datong/Pingyao
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Take a express train to Pingyao. Uopn arrival, be met and transferred to the hotel in Pingyao Old Town.
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Day 8 |
Pingyao
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Full day visit visit Pingyao Old Town , Ancient City Wall of Pingyao and Armed Escort Company Museum .
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Day 9 |
Pingyao/Xi'an
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Be transferred to take a train to Xi'an in the morning. Arrived and be met and transfered to the hotel.
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Day 10 |
Xi'an
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Full day visit Ancient City Wall , Shaanxi Provincial Museum , Bell Tower and Muslim Street .
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Day 11 |
Xi'an
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Full day tour for The Terracotta Army and Horses and Big Wild Goose Pagoda
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Day 12 |
Xi'an/Luoyang
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In the morning, be transferred to take a high-speed train to Luoyang. Arrive in Luoyang, be met and escorted to the hotel. Then enjoy the Kung Fu show of the Shaolin Monastery.
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Day 13 |
Luoyang/Shanghai
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After breakfast, be transferred to airport for Shanghai. Arrive in Shanghai, be met and visit The Bund and Nanjing Road
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Day 14 |
Shanghai
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Full day visit Jade Buddha Temple Oriental Pearl TV Tower , Shanghai Old Street and Yuyuan Garden .
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Day 15 |
Shanghai
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Free at leisure till be transferred to airport for your flight departure. |
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Price
Season | Tour Class | Group Size | Single Room Supplement |
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1pax | 2-5pax | 6-9pax | |||
Peak Season | 3*(Tourist Class) | $3853 | $2308 | $1679 | $492 |
4*(Deluxe Class) | $4350 | $2517 | $1878 | $689 | |
5*(First Class) | $5204 | $2984 | $2326 | $1120 |
-NOTE:
1. Normally hotels allow a maximum of 3 adults per room with an extra bed, at extra charge. Some hotels will allow three adults and a small child.
2. Tour price is indicative only, please enquire for a detailed quotation.
3. More people more discounts. Please enquire for more details.
Price Includes
A. Entrance fees:To scenic spots as listed above in the itinerary.B. Meals: All meals as specified in the itinerary.
C. Private Transfers: Among airports, hotels and scenic spots while sightseeing in the above cities by the private air conditioned vehicle.
D. Guide and Driver: As outlined in the itinerary, a well selected English-speaking guide and driver will accompany you throughout the entire tour in that city. They do not fly with you from one city to another.
E. Hotels: Hotel Based on two persons sharing one room with twin beds. All hotels as listed in the above itinerary serve daily western or Chinese breakfast. All rooms are air-conditioned with private facilities unless specified.
F. Luggage Transfers: Between airports and hotels.
G. Service Charge & Government Taxes.
H. Travel insurance in mainland China during the above travel period.
I. Arrangements: The tour cost includes planning, handling, operational and communication charges.
B=Breakfast,L=Lunch,D=Dinner
Day 1
Beijing Arrival
Transfer 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)
World Heritages Sites included Today: Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City
After lunch, we will go on our city tour to visit Tiananmen Square, the symbolical heart of China and 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 the Golden River Bridge to 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 City was 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: Mutianyu Great Wall, the Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest/Olympic Stadium) National Swimming Centre (The Water Cube)
Today we will visit the Mutianyu 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 on the 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!
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'), enjoy the beautiful night scene and feel free to take some photos of the stadiums.
Day 4
Beijing/Chengde (B, L)
Transfer via: Express train on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Imperial Summer Villa (Bishu shanzhuang) & Mountain Resort and Outlying Temples.
Take express train to Chengde. Uopn your arrival, you will be met and transferred to the hotel, then visit the famous Imperial Summer Villa (Bishu shanzhuang) & Mountain Resort and Outlying Temples - one of China's ten leading scenic spots and the world's extant largest imperial garden where emperors of the Qing Dynasty (1644 -1911) used to come in summer to escape heat and engaged in political activities, the resort is also known as the "Ligong of Chengde" or temporary palace away from the capital. Built in the years between 1703 and 1790 and located in a hill-encircled basin, it covers an area of 5.64 million square meters and boasts 120 groups of building, including terraces, pavilions and towers characteristics of gardening architecture. Seventy-two scenic spots bear inscriptions by Emperors Kangxi and Qianlong. The gardens are full of natural interest, blending the cream of ancient gardening art of both the north and south of China. In December 1994 the Mountain Resort was listed by UNESCO in its World Heritage.
Day 5
Chengde/Datong (B, L)
Transfer via: Flight on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Putuo Zongcheng Temple, Puning Temple
Today you will visit Putuo Zongcheng Temple. It is reminiscent of the Dala Lama’s Potala Palace in Tibet. It is considered as a great place to go if you cannot travel to Tibet. The temple was built to show the imperial family's respect for the minority groups and their beliefs. The temple is a marvelous sight with red walls that contrast against the green mountain backdrop. The top of the temple complex has a commanding view of the Chengde Summer Palace Resort., the temple is also named 'little Potala Palace'. Then you will also pay a visit to Puning temple, also called Big Buddha Temple, has the world's largest wooden Buddha. This Buddha has thousands of hands and eyes. It is 22 meters high and 15 meters wide. The temple was built to commemorate Emperor Qianlong's victory over the Mongolian rebellion. The front of the temple was built in traditional Chinese style, but the temple complex features both Han and Tibetan style buildings. The temple has drum and bell towers, numerous pavilions and halls. It is still in use today.
After lunch, be transferred to Beijing Airport to take the flight to Datong. Arrive in Datong, be met and transferred to the hotel.
Day 6
Datong (B, L)
Sightseeing: Yungang Grottoes, Hanging Monastery
Today we will start with the Yungang Grottoes. With their 252 caves and 51,000 statues, the grottoes represent the outstanding achievement of Buddhist caveart in China in the 5th and 6th century. The Five Caves have been created by Tan Yao, with a strict unity of layout and design; they constitute a classical masterpiece of the first peak of Chinese Buddhist art. The three main sites in China that are famous for their stone sculpture are Dunhuang, Longmen and Yungang. Among these, the Yungang grottoes are considered first.
Then we will have a visit to Hanging Monastery. It stands at the foot of Mt. Hengshan, 5 kilometers (3 miles) south of Hunyuan County, and 65 kilometers (40 miles) from downtown Datong City. Since it hangs on the west cliff of Jinxia Gorge more than 50 meters above the ground, it is called Hanging Monastery. It is an architectural wonder. A unique mechanical theory was applied to building the framework. Crossbeams were half-inserted into the rock as the foundation, while the rock in back became its support. Seen from below, Hanging Monastery appears to be a tumble-down castle in the air. Inside, Hanging Monastery provides the same scene as other temples.
Day 7
Datong/Pingyao (B, L)
Transfer via: Express train on our arrangement
In the morning, be transferred to take express train to Pingyao. Uopn arrival, be met and transferred to the hotel to get rest.
Day 8
Pingyao (B, L)
Sightseeing: Pingyao Ancient Town, Ancient City Wall of Pingyao, Armed Escort Comapany Museum
World Heritages Sites included Today: Pingyao Ancient Town
After breakfast, you will enjoy visiting the Pingyao Ancient Town. (including Ancient City Wall and Armed Escort Company Museum.) In the middle of Shanxi Province, this is the best-preserved of the four ancient towns in China. Inside the intact Ming Dynasty city wall this traditional town, whose buildings date from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, is exceptionally well-preserved, and just as it was centuries ago. Bikes can be rented for about 10 yuan/hour. You can also learn the traditional Chinese art of paper-cut, producing beautiful shapes and designs from paper in the Wentao Paper-cut shop, and lean how lacquerwork is done in Yonglong Shop.
Day 9
Pingyao/Xi'an (B, L)
Transfer via: Fast train on our arrangement
Be transferred to take the train to Xi'an in the morning. Upon arrival in Xi'an, be met and escorted to the hotel.
Day 10
Xi'an (B, L)
Sightseeing: Ancient City Wall, Shaanxi History Museum, Bell Tower, Muslim Street.
In the morning, you will be met at train station, transferred to hotel, then visit 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).
And 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.
Also, we will visit Muslim Street, a famous "snack street" located in the city center with various mouthwatering halal foods and typical Xi’an snacks operated by Muslims. Being a favorite haunt for locals, the street is also a fantastic place to explore dazzling souvenirs as well as the most authentic life of Xi'an people.
At last, you 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 11
Xi'an (B, L)
Sightseeing: Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
World Heritages Sites included Today: Terracotta Warriors and Horses
Today you will experience the highlights of Xi’an. After breakfast, you will depart 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.
Day 12
Xi'an /Luoyang (B, L)
Transfer Via: High-speed railway on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Kung Fu show of the Shaolin Monastery
In the morning, be transferred to the train station to take a high-speed train to Luoyang. Arrive in Luoyang be met and escorted to the hotel. Then you will be guided to enjoy Kung Fu show of the Shaolin Monastery.
Day 13
Luoyang/Shanghai (B, L)
Transfer via: Flight on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Nanjing Road, The Bund.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport to take the flight to Shanghai. There, you will be met by our local guide and transferred to your Hotel. 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.
Day 14
Shanghai (B, L)
Sightseeing: Jade Buddha Temple, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai Museum, Yuyuan Garden
Today we will start with a visit of 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.
Then 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.
Later, we will take a relaxing walk to Shanghai Old Street, a key trading site for small wares and foreign trade; it is the life styles of Old Shanghai and has witnessed the development of the city in both economy and society.
At last, 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.
Day 15
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.
Dear Nora,Thank you again for such excellent arrangement under the rushed condition. I enjoyed the tour with excellent English guide. Whenever I visit historical cities, I usually join guided tour. In the guided tour especially in European countries, the guider usually prepares a presentation with picture files or using notepad for audience' better understanding. Sometime oral explanation is not sufficient. Anyway i have not seen such presentations from other tour groups around today. Again, my guider today was excellent to give me overall and essential points in the history. Driving was also gentle. All the best for your business. Ki Seob
- Booking Code:VOC-20230717
- Tour Starting Date:Monday, 17 July 2023
- Client's information:Ki Seob Sim, Canadian
Dear Nora Thank you so much for having arranged great tour for us! The visits were well arranged and we wish if we had more time then we can visit more attractions.All guides are super! Knowledgeable and have good commands of English, good sense of humor. We like them all!Transportations were ok but can not give them max points due to their ages! Drivers were all nice. Hotels in Beijing, Xi’an and Nanjing are great! Great location, well equipped, nice room and good breakfast. Hotel in Luoyang is an old style, simple breakfast, but we understand that they are in the same situation as the city. Near the Peony Hotel, I saw a new small hotel near by but I did not come in to check. I am thinking it may be better to use new small hotel than big old ones.In Shanghai, we are very disappointed about hotel. Room small, dirty, poor facilities. Breakfast is poor. Location is so so, not so convenience. I think you should find another option for your future bookings in Shanghai. Meals: the guide helped us to choose dishes and we really enjoyed. Except in Beijing, because of timing inconvenience due to traffic, we ask the guide to arrange the near by restaurants for quick food, all others were great. In General, we are all happy with your services. Hope will have the chance to come back with you for more tours in China and surely, I will recommend you and your company for my tour company friends! Nora, once again, thank you for your great work! My best regards Bich Ha
- Booking Code:VOC-20230702
- Tour Starting Date:Sunday, 2 July 2023
- Client's information:Bich Ha, Vietnam
Dear Nora, My apologies! All went very well today and I’m delighted. Can I please say how very impressed by the service I received from you, the guide, and the driver. It was absolutely superb in every respect. If it would be helpful, I would be very glad to write to your manager to say how I pleased I was, and that I will use and recommend Visit Our China in the future. Best wishes, Cameron
- Booking Code:VOC-20230520
- Tour Starting Date:Saturday, 20 May 2023
- Client's information:Dr Cameron Pyke, UK

I hope this letter finds you well. We finally arrived home from our trip last Thursday the 17th. As promised I am writing to you about our experience in China and we thank you very much for your organizing. On the whole we had a wonderful time and were very well looked after by both guides and drivers we would especially like to thank Linda and Cynthia which we would highly recommend. They both gave really excellent service in every way including punctuality, information and restaurants that were chosen for lunches, the food was delicious. The cruise on the Huangpu River was cancelled because of bad weather which couldn't be helped so the guide offered us an Acrobatic Show which we enjoyed very much. We had a lovely time on day 3 to Tongli water town. Our stay in China was wonderful. Best regards, Kathleen Pam
- Booking Code:VOC-20190905-S
- Tour Starting Date:Thursday, 5 September 2019
- Client's information:Kathleen & Pam, Australia
Dear Molly, Hope you have been well. We will be returning to Singapore in a couple of hours. Would like to commend on the tour guides, drivers and accommodation that VOC has arranged for us. The guides and drivers are very professional,very helpful, thoughtful, caring and experienced. They practised good ethics as well. We definitely have a wonderful touring experience and I will definitely recommend your company to my friends. Regards, Mrs Wee
- Booking Code:VOC-20190605-M
- Tour Starting Date:Wednesday, 5 June 2019
- Client's information:Chew Huay Huay, Singapore

Hi Sandy, Thank you for a great first tour together. I appreciate that it was a big commitment for you to be away from your office family for such a long time. I know you would have missed your young son a lot. I am also very grateful for your huge personal effort that you put into the detailed planning. The local guides were all great - Sally, Amanda Benny. Regarding the itinerary, I think we have an excellent itinerary for the beginning and the end, but the middle of the tour needs to be changed. Thank you again for all your excellent work. I look forward to visiting you in your home town for our first Tibet tour in August 2020. Jo I might travel up one day ahead of the group to meet you and have dinner with you. Best regards, Brod
- Booking Code:VOC-20190528-S
- Tour Starting Date:Tuesday, 28 May 2019
- Client's information:Brod, Australia
Quick Questions
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