Transport

•All in-destination tailored private conveyance, private air-conditioned vehicle & driver, guarantees a seamless, worry-free journey for lasting impressions. •Other transportation method as listed in the itinerary •One bottle of drinking water/snacks per person per day

Flights

•Transfer flights between the destinations listed in the itinerary are included. (As we have travellers from all over the world, flights before and after the tour are not included in the tour price and you need to arrange these separately by yourself once your tour is guaranteed. As we specialise in organising the best tours around the world for you, we are unable to advise on flight prices or book flights on your behalf. We recommend that you do not book your flights until your place on the tour has been confirmed. Check out the following link which is powered by Skyscanner to book your flight - https://flights.tourradar.com）

Others

•One bottle of drinking water per person per day •Entrance fees for the scenic spots as listed in the itinerary

Guide

•Experienced local English-speaking private guide throughout tour as listed in the itinerary

Optional

Optional experiences are available on this tour for an additional cost and will be provided to you with your finalised travel documents.

Meals

•Meals: 12 breakfasts and 6 lunches Meals as listed in the itinerary included

Accommodation

•4-star accommodation

Not included:

Others

•Gratuities in local •Visa application & visa fee •Excess baggage charge for flight •Personal expenses or any other item not listed in the itinerary •Pre and post-tour accommodation/Meals/Sightseeing not listed in the itinerary •Optional activities either recommended by tour guides or out of your own interests

Insurance

Insurance is not included in the total price. Please make sure you are adequately covered. Before the date of departure, we strongly recommend that you purchase comprehensive travel insurances in the event of any loss that may spoil your trip, including baggage damage or loss, flight delays or cancellations, etc. If you require travel insurance, TourRadar has partnered up with World Nomads to provide a hassle-free experience. More information can be found here (https://www.tourradar.com/travel-insurance).

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Day 1 Arrival In Beijing
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Arrival In Beijing

As your plane touches down in Beijing, your tour guide will be waiting for you at the airport, ready to assist you with hotel check-in. The rest of the day is yours to unwind or explore the capital city, steeped in over 3,000 years of history.

Overnight: Beijing
Day 2 Forbidden City & Temple Of Heaven
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Forbidden City & Temple Of Heaven

Embark on a historical journey at Tiananmen Square, a site of immense significance, having borne witness to pivotal events in Chinese history, including the founding of the P.R.C. Passing through Tiananmen Gate, you’ll step into the Forbidden City, the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, which stood for nearly 500 years. It offers a glimpse into China’s feudal past and the reverence for imperial authority. In addition to the well-known central axis palaces, you’ll also explore lesser-visited areas for a comprehensive experience.

Continue your exploration of Beijing’s historical treasures with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, a sacred site where emperors annually sought blessings for bountiful harvests.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Beijing
Day 3 Mutianyu Great Wall
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Mutianyu Great Wall

The Great Wall stands as an unparalleled testament to ancient Chinese engineering, constructed along the historical northern borders to safeguard the empire from nomadic tribal incursions. A two-hour drive brings you to the Mutianyu section, with origins dating back to the Northern Qi Dynasty (550-577). Ascend via cable car and hike along this exceptionally well-preserved stretch, winding across mountain ridges.

In the afternoon, return to the urban heart of Beijing and visit the Shijia Hutong Museum, delving deeper into the city’s history and development, intertwined with its hutongs.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Beijing
Day 4 Bullet Train To Datong, Yungang Grottoes
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Bullet Train To Datong, Yungang Grottoes

In the morning, proceed to the railway station and board a high-speed train bound for Datong, one of China’s nine ancient capitals. Upon arrival, your local guide and driver will greet you and escort you to the Yungang Grottoes, a 1500-year-old treasure trove of arts and culture renowned worldwide. Discover serenity at Huayan Temple, one of the three remaining Liao Dynasty (916-1125) temples in China. Ascend a towering pagoda within the temple complex for a breathtaking view of the walled old Datong city. Make a brief stop to admire the Nine Dragon Screen, China’s oldest surviving glazed screen wall adorned with intricate depictions of nine dragons.

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Datong
Day 5 Hanging Temple, Bullet Train To Pingyao
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Hanging Temple, Bullet Train To Pingyao

After breakfast, venture to the Hanging Temple, a unique ancient sanctuary harmoniously blending elements of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. Although the structure appears relatively simple, one can only imagine the awe-inspiring process of its construction, perched on the precipitous mountainside.

Board a high-speed train bound for Pingyao, a renowned historical and cultural county.

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Pingyao
Day 6 Pingyao Ancient City Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Pingyao Ancient City Tour

Immerse yourself in the Ancient City of Pingyao, one of China’s most well-preserved ancient cities. It exudes the enchanting ambience of yesteryears with its ancient city walls, graceful courtyards, and scattered temples, providing a glimpse into the urban planning styles of the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

From atop the City Wall of Pingyao, soak in a panoramic vista of the ancient city. A visit to the Rishengchang Former Bank is essential; it unveils China’s historic banking system. Stroll along the traditional Ming and Qing Street, a cobbled thoroughfare flanked by historic edifices. Proceed to the impeccably preserved Temple of the City God to delve into the Taoist beliefs of the era. A 15-minute drive will take you to the Shuanglin Temple, where an abundance of intricately painted clay statues await.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Pingyao
Day 7 Wang’S Family Compound, Bullet Train To Xi’An
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Wang’S Family Compound, Bullet Train To Xi’An

Embark on a morning drive to Zhangbi Ancient Castle, a fortified village boasting a treasure trove of historical sites, including ancient tunnels, tumuli complex, residences, and a wealth of cultural relics. Particularly impressive are the fortress tunnels dating back to the Northern Dynasty (386-581). Continue to Wang’s Family Compound, an extraordinary residential complex representing the collective efforts of the Wang family over more than 300 years, spanning the Ming and Qing Dynasties. With 231 courtyards, 2078 rooms, and various auxiliary structures encompassing an area of 250,000 square meters, this vast family compound stands as a living museum of traditional Chinese architecture, often likened to "The Forbidden City in Folk."

Later, transfer to the railway station for a high-speed train journey to Xi’an, a city steeped in 3100 years of history.

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Xi’an
Day 8 Terracotta Warriors
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Terracotta Warriors

Begin the day by exploring the world-renowned Terracotta Warriors, an emblematic site that has made Xi’an a global sensation. Witness the astounding archaeological marvel of thousands of life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots. En route back to the city, visit a local family residing in a traditional cave dwelling, offering a glimpse into the rural life of the region. These cave dwellings were once prevalent in Shaanxi Province just a few decades ago, and some communities in the northern part of the province still inhabit them today. Subsequently, pay a visit to the Great Mosque, an oasis of tranquility amidst the bustling city, boasting captivating ancient structures and courtyards. A stroll will lead you to the vibrant Muslim Quarter, the focal point of the Muslim community in Xi’an for over a millennium.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Xi’an
Day 9 Xi’An Tour, Bullet Train To Luoyang
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Xi’An Tour, Bullet Train To Luoyang

Commence the day at the Drum Tower, an architectural gem dating back to 1380. It stands as one of the most well-preserved drum towers from ancient China, offering a unique opportunity to appreciate ancient folk music within its walls. The Shaanxi History Museum is your next destination, housing an array of precious artifacts spanning up to one million years of history.

Bid farewell to Xi’an as you board a high-speed train bound for Luoyang, a city steeped in the earliest capital history and the most dynasties in Chinese annals.

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Luoyang
Day 10 Shaolin Temple Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Shaolin Temple Tour

Meet your guide and embark on a journey to Dengfeng to explore the 1500-year-old Shaolin Temple, renowned as the "No. 1 Temple in the World" and revered as the birthplace of Shaolin Kung Fu. Delve into the temple’s aesthetic splendor and profound cultural heritage at the Forest of Dagobas, and be captivated by an impressive Shaolin Kung Fu performance. Your exploration of Dengfeng continues with a visit to Songyang Academy, a renowned institution for its rationalistic Confucian philosophy. Established in 484, it stood as one of the four great academies of ancient China. The day concludes as you return to Luoyang.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Luoyang
Day 11 Longmen Grottoes, Bullet Train To Nanjing
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Longmen Grottoes, Bullet Train To Nanjing

A highlight in Luoyang is the Longmen Grottoes, one of China’s three celebrated repositories of Buddhist grotto art, alongside the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang and the Yungang Grottoes in Datong. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Longmen Grottoes were predominantly carved from the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-535) to the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127), spanning over 400 years. To this day, more than 2,100 cave niches and over 100,000 statues remain preserved, ranking it as the most prolific grotto site in China.

Following the awe-inspiring encounter with these Buddhist rock carvings, board a high-speed train to Nanjing, an illustrious city steeped in over 2,500 years of political and cultural heritage.

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Nanjing
Day 12 Nanjing Highlights Tour
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Nanjing Highlights Tour

Embark on a journey through Nanjing’s rich history spanning different centuries. Ascend the castle-like ancient Zhonghua Gate, with its formidable masonry walls and deeply arched gateways. Continue to the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum to gain insights into Dr. Sun Yat-Sen’s life and China’s 20th-century history. Explore Ming Xiaoling, the mausoleum of the first Ming Emperor, a site that has influenced the design of imperial tombs for over 500 years during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Witness the reverence for the esteemed philosopher and educator Confucius of ancient China at Confucius Temple. Lastly, pay solemn homage to the 300,000 inhabitants who perished in the tragic events of the winter of 1937 at The Memorial of the Nanjing Massacre, offering fervent prayers for global peace.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Nanjing
Day 13 Nanjing Departure
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Nanjing Departure

Bid farewell to Nanjing as you prepare to depart for your next destination.

Meal: Breakfast

+10

13 days tour

China Essences For History Buffs (Private Bespoke)

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip China Essences For History Buffs (Private Bespoke)

Arrival In Beijing

Forbidden City & Temple Of Heaven

Mutianyu Great Wall

Bullet Train To Datong, Yungang Grottoes

Hanging Temple, Bullet Train To Pingyao

Pingyao Ancient City Tour

Wang’S Family Compound, Bullet Train To Xi’An

Terracotta Warriors

Xi’An Tour, Bullet Train To Luoyang

Shaolin Temple Tour

Longmen Grottoes, Bullet Train To Nanjing

Nanjing Highlights Tour

Nanjing Departure

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