11 Days Classic Chinese Historic and Cultural Tour

Destination:Beijing, Kaifeng, Luoyang, Shanghai, Xi'an

Tour Code: CCT19

Tour Duration: 11 Days

Tour overview:
This Classic China tour will show you many of China’s imperial cities, and will allow you to witness some of its most beautiful and exciting cultural aspects. Beijing, the capital city of China is famous for its many Imperial sites. In Kaifeng, you will visit its world-class museum. In Luoyang, you will visit the Longmen Grottoes and Chariot and Horse Pits. In Xian, you will marvel at the Terracotta Warriors, and in Shanghai, you will experience China at its finest. This city’s culture and pulse is simply incredible.

Day by Day Itinerary

Tour Summary

Reviews

B=Breakfast,L=Lunch,D=Dinner

Day 1

Shanghai Arrival

Shanghai Arrival

Transfer via: Flight on your own arrangement
Sightseeing: Nanjing Road, the Bund

Arriving in Shanghai, you will be met and transferred to your hotel by our local guide. Afterwards, 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.

Day 2

Shanghai (B, L)

Shanghai (B, L)

Sightseeing: Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Museum, Oriental Pearl Tower, Old Town

In the morning 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.

Then we 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.

You will also tour the Old Town with its winding alleyways, lined with shops, teahouses and restaurants.

Day 3

Shanghai / Kaifeng (B, L)

Transfer via: High speed train-on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Jade Buddha Temple

You will visit the Jade Buddha Temple in the morning. 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.

In the afternoon, take the high speed train to Kaifeng.

Day 4

Kaifeng / Luoyang (B, L)

Kaifeng / Luoyang (B, L)

Transfer via: Private vehicle-on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Kaifeng Museum, Qingming Riverside Scene Park, Iron Pagoda

The train arrive in Kaifeng railway station in the morning, your tour guide will meet you at the station.

Your adventure begins at Kaifeng Museum to see its well-documented exhibit on Jewish history, the
Qingming Riverside Scene Park to see the Kaifeng Judaic Exhibition, a local Jewish family and the former Jewish quarter, the cemetery of Jin (Gilbert), another Jewish family, you will also tour Iron Pagoda.

After the tours, we will drive to Luoyang and transferred to the hotel.

Day 5

Luoyang (B, L)

Luoyang (B, L)

Sightseeing: Chariot and Horse Pits, White Horse Temple, Shaolin Temple,

Your adventure begins at the Chariot and Horse Pits, then you will move on to the White Horse Temple, which is one of, if not the, oldest Buddhist Temple in China. From the outside, the White Horse 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.

After lunch and short break, continue to visit the 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.

Day 6

Luoyang / Xi'an (B, L)

Luoyang / Xi'an (B, L)

Transfer via: High speed train – on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Longmen Caves

Today's adventure begins at Longmen Caves, 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 be transferred to railway station to take the high speed train to Xi'an. Arrive in X'an, your local tour guide will greet you at railway station and then transfer you to the hotel.

Day 7

Xi'an (B, L)

Xi'an (B, L)

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

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 Xi'an 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 Xi'an.

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 8

Xi'an / Beijing (B, L)

Xi'an / Beijing (B, L)

Transfer via: Flignt –on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Ancient City Wall, Shaanxi History Museum, Great Mosque

This morning, you 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.

We will visit Great Mosque. The Mosque is located at the Huajue Lane in the center of the city, is the largest and one of the most important Islamic mosques in China. It will be interesting to see symbols of Islamic belief in this ancient city.

Then your guide will transfer you to the airport for the flight to Beijing. Upon your arrival, your guide will meet you and transfer you to the hotel.

Day 9

Beijing (B, L)

Beijing (B, L)

Sightseeing: Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, 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 of Beijing.

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 10

Beijing (B, L)

Beijing (B, L)

Sightseeing: Badaling Great Wall, Ming Tombs, Sacred Way

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. In addition, you will encounter the marble tombs of the Ming Dynasty emperors.

Day 11

Beijing Departure (B)

Transfer via: flight on your own arrangement
Sightseeing: Summer Palace

Today we will visit 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.

Then our guide will escort you to the airport for your flight leaving Beijing.

B=Breakfast,L=Lunch,D=Dinner

Tour Dates Destinations Services Provided Meals Included
Day 1
Shanghai

Arrive in Shanghai, be met and transferred to your hotel. Visit Nanjing Road , The Bund .

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Jin Jiang Hotel Shanghai Holiday Inn Downtown Shanghai Jin jiang New Asia hotel Shanghai
B L D
Day 2
Shanghai

Today you will visit to Yuyuan Garden , Shanghai Museum , Oriental Pearl TV Tower ,Old Town.

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Jin Jiang Hotel Shanghai Holiday Inn Downtown Shanghai Jin jiang New Asia hotel Shanghai
B L D
Day 3
Shanghai/Kaifeng

In the morning, Visit Jade Buddha Temple in the afternoon being transferred to railway station for high speed train to Kaifeng.

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Kaifeng Hotel Kaifeng Hotel Kaifeng Hotel
B L D
Day 4
Kaifeng/Luoyang

In the morning, visit Kaifeng Museum and Qingming Riverside Scene Park, Iron Pagoda. Then drive to Luoyang and be transferred to the hotel.

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Hua Yang Plaza Hotel Jingan Penoy Plaza, Luoyang Luoyang Zhuogengyuan Hotel
B L D
Day 5
Luoyang

Today's activities including the visit to Chariot and Horse Pits, White Horse Temple and Shaolin Temple.

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Hua Yang Plaza Hotel Jingan Penoy Plaza, Luoyang Luoyang Zhuogengyuan Hotel
B L D
Day 6
Luoyang/Xi'an

After breakfast, drive to The Longmen Grottoes .Then you will be transferred to railway station to take the high speed train to Xi'an. Arrive in Xi'an, be met and transferred to the hotel.

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Hotel Sofitel Xian on Renmin Square Mercure on Renmin Square Xian Ibis Xian
B L D
Day 7
Xi'an

Full day visit The Terracotta Army and Horses , Big Wild Goose Pagoda , Bell Tower .

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Hotel Sofitel Xian on Renmin Square Mercure on Renmin Square Xian Ibis Xian
B L D
Day 8
Xi'an/Beijing

Visit Ancient City Wall , Shaanxi Provincial Museum , The Great Mosque .Then be transferred to airport to take the flight to Beijing.

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Crowne Plaza Hotel Beijing Wangfujing Sunworld Hotel Beijing Redwall Hotel
B L D
Day 9
Beijing

Full day visit The Temple of Heaven , Tiananmen Square , Forbidden City .

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Crowne Plaza Hotel Beijing Wangfujing Sunworld Hotel Beijing Redwall Hotel
B L D
Day 10
Beijing

Trip to Badaling Great Wall , Ming Tombs , The Sacred Way .

Hotel: First Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
  Crowne Plaza Hotel Beijing Wangfujing Sunworld Hotel Beijing Redwall Hotel
B L D
Day 11
Beijing

Morning visit Summer Palace .Then you will be transferred to airport for your flight leaving Beijing.

B L D

-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.

Quick Questions

Our team is waiting for your questions. Please feel free to ask us any questions you might have about our China package tours, Chinese culture, or the sites available. We will gladly help you with any special needs you might have and all questions, like our trip designing is completely free of charge.