13 Days Tour Through China's Cultural and Historical Treasures

Beijing(3N)-Jinan(1N)-Tai'an(1N)-Qufu(1N)-Zhengzhou(1N)-Luoyang(1N)-Hangzhou(1N)-Wuzhen(1N)-Shanghai(2N)

Explore China's Cultural and Historical highlights, starting in Beijing with Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Great Wall. Visit the Summer Palace and 798 Art Zone. In Jinan, see Baotu Spring and Daming Lake, then ascend Mount Tai and explore Dai Temple. Discover Confucius's teachings at the Confucius Temple in Qufu. Visit the Shaolin Temple, Luoyi Ancient City, and Longmen Grottoes. Conclude in Hangzhou with Lingyin Temple and West Lake, and explore Suzhou's gardens. Finally, in Shanghai, enjoy Yu Garden, Nanjing Road, and the Bund, completing a journey rich in history, culture, and stunning scenery.

Day 1: Arrive in Beijing

Upon arrival of Beijing, you will meet with our private guide and be transferred to hotel for check-in. After that, you can choose to explore the fascinating capital city by your own in the rest of the day, or enjoy a good rest at hotel after a long-time flight journey.

Day 2: Beijing

The second day in Beijing will take you to experience the charm of this ancient capital city. We start with Tian’anmen Square, the largest public square in the world, by walking from the south to the north side to closely feel the symbolic heart of Beijing. Crossing the road by underground passage, we stroll into Forbidden City, a grand and ancient architectural complex that once served as the imperial palace for Ming and Qing dynasty emperors. Walking through its vast halls and courtyards, you can marvel at the intricate details of the buildings, the rich history that permeates every brick and beam, and the sense of awe that comes from standing in a place where centuries of Chinese history unfolded. Going out from the north gate of Forbidden City, we continue to Coal Hill, on top of which you will have a stunning panoramic view of the palace complex. Walking through Yan Dai Xie Jie, a bustling street with various shops, we go to Houhai, originally served as a royal lake and now a popular spot for both locals and tourists seeking a blend of culture and relaxation. After a short stay at Bell and Drum Tower Square, we will take a rickshaw to shuttle between the old Hutongs, including a visit of local family living there.

Day 3: Beijing

In the morning, we will drive to visit Great Wall at the Mutianyu Section, less crowded yet equally majestic part of this iconic landmark. You will ride a cable car up to the highest watchtower, then take a hike along the flagstones of hundreds of years old to admire the natural scenery and experience the historical significance. The next must-see spot is Summer Palace. With its beautiful lakes, gardens, and pavilions, it is a perfect example of Chinese landscape gardening. The last stop of today goes to 798 Art Zone, a renowned cultural and artistic hub, where you will find various art forms like painting, sculpture, photography, and installation art, and all kinds of nice shops.

Day 4: High-speed Train to Jinan

Our last day in Beijing will go to visit The Temple of Heaven, which was served as the sacred place where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshipped the heavens and prayed for good harvests, now it has become a popular park for locals and tourists to do more exercises or have a relax, like practicing Taichi, singing, dancing, playing poker, strolling with a bird and so on. Before leaving from Beijing, we will take a visit of Panjiayuan Market, a sprawling marketplace in Beijing renowned for its vast collection of antiques, cultural artifacts, and second-hand goods. After that, we take high-speed train to Jinan, a historic city renowned for its numerous natural springs, beautiful lakes, and rich cultural heritage, often called the “City of Springs”.

Day 5: Jinan to Tai’an

From the iconic Baotu Spring, the most famous spring in Jinan, you can head to the scenic Five Dragons Pool and then on to the expansive Daming Lake, which offers beautiful views and boat rides. After that, wander through the charming Qu Shui Ting Street, known for its traditional architecture and cultural atmosphere, and continue to Furong (Lotus) Street, famous for its historical charm and local snacks. Finally, drive to Tai'an, the gateway to Mount Tai, to continue your journey.

Day 6: Tai’an to Qufu

On this full day tour, you will begin your journey at the majestic Mount Tai, starting with a visit to the awe-inspiring Dai Temple at the foot of the mountain. This ancient temple complex is renowned for its rich history and stunning architecture, offering a glimpse into the cultural and spiritual significance of Mount Tai. After exploring the temple, you will have the opportunity to climb or take a cable car up the mountain, where you can enjoy breathtaking views and visit other scenic spots along the way. As the day progresses, you will descend from Mount Tai and drive to Qufu, the birthplace of Confucius, where you can delve into the heart of Confucian culture.

Day 7: High-speed Train to Zhengzhou

Begin your visit at the magnificent Confucius Temple, a grand architectural complex that stands as a testament to Confucius's enduring influence. From there, continue to the Confucius Mansion, the former residence of the Kong family, where you can explore the opulent halls and learn about the daily life of the descendants of Confucius. Finally, pay your respects at the Confucius Cemetery, the final resting place of Confucius and many generations of his descendants, surrounded by ancient cypresses and a serene atmosphere. After this enriching experience, transfer to the train station to catch the bullet train to Zhengzhou. Upon arrival, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel, where you can relax and prepare for the next part of your journey.

Day 8: Shaolin Temple and Luoyang

After visiting a bustling morning market or weekend market in the early morning, we drive to Dengfeng. Shaolin Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which offers a captivating blend of ancient Buddhist culture and martial arts heritage. You will also explore historic pagodas, watch mesmerizing Kungfu performances, and immerse in the serene mountain scenery of Song Mountain. Continue to Luoyang and ake a walking tour of Luoyi Ancient City, a beautifully restored cultural landmark in Luoyang, showcases traditional architecture, Hanfu culture, and immersive historical experiences, blending ancient charm with vibrant night markets and lantern-lit streets.

Day 9: High-speed Train to Hangzhou

The Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features over 2,300 ancient Buddhist caves and 110,000 intricately carved statues dating back to the Northern Wei and Tang dynasties (5th–10th centuries). Highlights include the majestic 17-meter-tall Vairocana Buddha, symbolizing the peak of Chinese stone-carving artistry. Transfer to railway station and take high-speed train to Hangzhou.

Day 10: Wuzhen

Begin your tour in Hangzhou with a visit to the ancient Lingyin Temple, one of China's most famous Buddhist temples, surrounded by lush mountains and serene atmosphere. Then, head to a nearby tea plantation, where you can explore the rolling hills of tea bushes and maybe even participate in the activity of picking or stir-frying tea leaves. Afterward, make your way to the picturesque West Lake, known for its stunning natural beauty and iconic views. Take a leisurely stroll or boat ride around the lake to fully appreciate its charm. Continue to Hefang Street, a historic pedestrian street lined with traditional shops and local snacks, perfect for some sightseeing and shopping. In the evening, drive to Wuzhen, a classic water town famous for its ancient architecture and tranquil canals. Enjoy a leisurely evening stroll to take in the charming night view of Wuzhen, illuminated by soft lantern lights, and spend the night there to fully experience its serene atmosphere.

Day 11: Suzhou to Shanghai

After a relaxing morning in Wuzhen, where you can wander through its narrow alleys and cross charming stone bridges over the canals, you’ll drive to Suzhou, known as the “Venice of the East.” Begin with a visit to the renowned Suzhou Museum, designed by the famous architect I.M. Pei, where you can appreciate its unique blend of traditional Chinese architecture and modern aesthetics. Next, explore the Humble Administrator’s Garden, one of China’s most famous classical gardens, with its exquisite rockeries, ponds, and pavilions. Continue to Pingjiang Road, a historic street that preserves the essence of old Suzhou, with its traditional architecture and local snacks. After soaking in the rich cultural atmosphere of Suzhou, drive to Shanghai, where the bustling metropolis awaits with its vibrant energy and modern skyline.

Day 12: Shanghai

Our tour will start with the visit of Yu Garden, a famous classical Chinese garden located in the city center, and nearby market, where you will find various local snacks, traditional handicrafts, souvenirs, pearls and other specialty goods. Walk along Nanjing Pedestrian Road until to the Bund, a famous waterfront area along the Huangpu River known for its historical architecture, stunning skyline, and vibrant nightlife. In the late afternoon, we will visit a multiple-function commercial complex Known as “the Hanging Gardens of Babylon”, which contains a shopping mall, restaurants, art galleries, and office space. For the evening, we offer several optional activities, like Acrobatic Show or Night Boat Cruise on Huangpu River, you can choose according to your wishes.

Day 13: Departure From Shanghai

From the bankside of Huangpu River, we will take the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel to Pudong, first visit Shanghai Municipal History Museum on the ground floor of Oriental Pearl TV Tower, then go up to its main observation deck for a panoramic view of Shanghai’s skyline. Continue to Lane 1192 Old Shanghai Style Street, an "immersive" retro food street perfectly reproduces the old Shanghai style in the thirties of the last century, where you can see rickshaws, docks, old-fashioned trams, shop signs and other scenes. The last stop in Shanghai will be Fun Collection, an underground market with all kinds of products, like clothes, suitcases, toys, digital products, handicrafts and so on.

After that, you will be transferred to airport for departure flight back to home, ending the whole tour in China.