13 Days Memorable China Train Tour

Welcome to Beijing! Upon arrival, you will be met by your local guide and driver, and then transferred to the hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore the nearby areas if you want. Or just have a relaxing time after a long flight.

Meal: No

Altitude: 54m

Traffic: Car

Hotel: In Beijing

After breakfast in the hotel, you will head out on a city tour beginning with a visit to Tiananmen Square which is located in the city center of Beijing, and also the biggest city plaza in the world. It is the place where the Chairman Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the People’s republic of China. Tiananmen in Chinese means “Gate of Heavenly Peace”, and the gate separates the square from the Forbidden City. The square contains the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China and the Chairman Mao Zedong Memorial Hall.Passing through Tiananmen Gate, you will be in the enormous Forbidden City. This amazing complex was the former imperial palace of the emperors of China in Ming and Qing dynasties. You may be surprised by the immense size of the palace as it contains over 9000 rooms and covers about 1,000,000m2 (10,800,000 sq ft), the size of 140 football fields. While the most fascinating parts are the splendid colorfully painted ceilings, sophisticately carved walkways and exquisite collections.

Afterwards, visit the Jingshan Park where you will get the best panoramic view of the Forbidden City so that you can take your time to enjoy the aftertaste of your “city tour”.

Then In the afternoon, you will visit the Summer Palace which is one of the finest sights in Beijing as it’s the largest and best-preserved imperial garden in China. After lunch, Stroll around the beautiful garden and meander through the airy pavilions just as the imperial families once did. What a pleasant day!

Recommended optional activities: 1. Kung Fu show between 19:15~20:15 2. A breathtaking acrobatic show between 19:15~20:15.

Meal: B, L

Altitude: 54m

Traffic: Car

Hotel: In Beijing

Today we will drive out of the city to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Wall. As the sections that closer to the city are more heavily visited and renovated, while the further sections are less crowded and more authentic. We will visit Mutianyu section, which is well-preserved and has many excellent watchtowers and view points. The Mutianyu section is also the most popular one among travelers from other countries. And because of its conventional and original appearance, this section is perhaps the most frequently used one on post cards and videos of the Great Wall.We will take the cable car firstly, then climb up along the rising towers to enjoy the most beautiful and spectacular sceneries of the Great Wall. “He who does not reach the Great Wall is not a true man”, Chinese people were told so from a young age. Hiking in the Great Wall can rank among one of the greatest experiences on earth! Descend by cable car or hiking for another 40 minutes depends on your energy, and both are quite fun to experience.

On the way back of Beijing city, we will visit the Sacred Way which is a passage with 7 kilometers long leading to the Imperial Tombs of 13 emperors of Ming Dynasty. In China, for almost all the imperial tombs, the sacred way is an inseparable part. Because the emperors were viewed as the son of the heaven and came from heaven through the invisible sacred way, they would also return to heaven through this way. To make people know that, constructing a visible way in front of the tomb became a tradition, and it represents the absolute authority of emperors. We will walk through the Sacred Way and you will see the majestic stone guard of 12 sets of mythical animals and 12 officials standing alongside the way. They are expected to escort the imperial families to heaven and forever protect and serve them.

After the long journey, we will be back to the downtown and have a short stop at the Beijing Olympic Village to have a look of the famed Bird’s Nest and Water Cube from the outside.

Recommended optional activity: you can choose to taste the famous Peking Roasted Duck at Quanjude for your dinner after the whole day’s tour.

Meal: B

Altitude: 54m

Traffic: Car

Hotel: In Beijing

In the morning, we will start our tour today from the Temple of Heaven. It is the most perfect example of Ming architecture with original function of praying for good harvests and as a vast stage for solemn rites performed by the son of heaven. Inside the Temple of Heaven, except the main buildings, there is an interesting Echo Wall. If a person whispers close to the wall at any point, his voice can be heard distinctly at any other point along the wall. Try that by yourself, but be careful, don’t whisper any secret there~

Then spend your afternoon exploring the Hutongs which are remnants of Beijing. Hutongs are small and narrow alleys formed by neighboring quadrangle dwellings that once radiated outwards from the Forbidden City. During the Qing dynasty, the proximity to the Forbidden City of the Hutongs indicates the social status of the residents. Although today Hutongs have no such function anymore, we still can get a feel of the old Beijing life style there and also see the historical changes of Beijing city. To have in-depth experience, we will also visit a local family’s home in the Hutongs.

Late in the day, end up your Beijing tour and say goodbye to the Hutongs. We will head to the Beijing West Railway Station and board on the high speed train to Xi’an. After 5 hours, you will arrive in the Xi’an North Railway Station, and the local guide and drivers will escort you to the hotel.

Meal: B, L

Altitude: 466m

Traffic: High Speed Train, Car

Hotel: In Xi’an

Xi’an city, or call its older name Chang’an, marks the eastern end of the silk road. It almost can represent the ancient China for its abundant historical attractions and unearthed relics. The locals always say that there are two cities in Xi’an, one is overground, the other is underground. It is a endless treasure of culture and history, you will have a wonderful and unforgettable cultural tour here.In the morning, We will directly drive to the outskirts of Xi’an city to visit its best known sight–Terracotta Warriors, one of the greatest human-made wonders in the world. It was built by Qin Shihuang, who is the first emperor of China, to guard him in his afterlife. Over 8,000 life-size soldiers were individually sculptured, and each of them have different height, body shape, hair style, costume and even facial expression! You will also see horses and chariots which are also life-size. Only 3 pits were discovered, and the majority are still buried. All the soldiers are facing east to protect the tomb of emperor Qin Shihuang. The mysterious Qin Shihuang Mausoleum, which has not been opened yet as the existed techniques cannot guarantee excavating without destroying the inner structure and treasures, is believed to be another striking wonder once been exposed to the world. The huge scale of terracotta warriors shows how ambitious the emperor Qin Shihuang was and how sophisticated and advance the ancient Chinese artistic skills were.

Afterwards, let’s return to Xi’an and enjoy the afternoon strolling on the Ancient City Wall. Just like the function of the Great Wall, many cities in China once had massive defensive walls which belonged to the ancient military defensive systems. However, only very few city walls remained after hundred years’ vicissitudes. Among them, the one in Xi’an is the most impressive one as it is well-preserved. You not only can enjoy the panoramic views of the whole Xi’an city and take photos, but also ride a bike on the ancient wall.

End up your day tour in the lively Muslim Quarter where to take a food adventure and explore the local Muslim culture.

Recommended optional activities: 1. Rent a bike and cycling on the ancient wall 2. Enjoy a fascinating Tang Palace Dance Show in the night between 20:00 to 21:00.

Meal: B, L

Altitude: 466m

Traffic: Car

Hotel: In Xi’an

Take the morning flight to Hangzhou. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and driver in Hangzhou airport.

The first stop will be the 1,700-year-old Lingyin Temple, one of the most significant Buddhist temples in China. Surrounded by spectacular limestone mountains and many old trees, the temple is very serene. You will follow your tour guide to enjoy the beautiful natural scenery and explore the cultural relics. You may also spot squirrels jumping up and down in the trees.

After having lunch, go to Feilai Peak which stands just in front of Lingyin Temple. The peak composed of pure limestone differs greatly from the surrounding mountains. You will amaze yourself at the grotesque stones scattered everywhere, feel the charm of Buddhist art, and appreciate the vivid stone statues.

Then, you will visit one of the most important cultural sights in Hangzhou – China National Tea Museum. Hangzhou is home to China’s most famous variety of green tea (long jing) and it has thousand years’ history of tea planting. For tea enthusiasts, the museum is educational and enjoyable. The Exhibition Hall displays the development of tea throughout the dynasties and traditional tea etiquette. Walking through the tea fields around main hall is several tea-houses where to sip a cup a tea and clear your mind.

Meal: B, L

Altitude: xxm

Traffic: Car, Plane

Hotel: In Hangzhou

Meet your guide and driver after your hotel breakfast. Today we will firstly visit the most famous destination in Hangzhou – West Lake. After some minutes free walk you will take a boat on the lake and pass by some of the highlight attractions of the lake. When the boat riding ends you will pay a visit to Leifeng Pagoda. You will go upstairs to top of the pagoda to have an overlook of the lake scenic area.

Then, head to Meijiawu Tea Village, with a history of 600 years, this village is well known for producing high-quality Longjing tea. Here you will see layers and layers of green tea trees all over the mountains, have chance to taste authentic Longjing tea, and learn more about Chinese tea culture.

Last, stroll around Hefang Street for further local culture exploration. It is an ancient street with a long history and profound culture. Walking on the old cobbled street lined with stores selling local snacks, interesting handicrafts, tea leaves, etc., you can appreciate the buildings dating back hundreds of years, do people watching, and find some nice souvenirs to bring back home.

Finishing the sightseeing, transfer back to your hotel.

Meal: B, L

Altitude: xxm

Traffic: Car

Hotel: In Hangzhou

Take morning high-speed train to Huangshan. Upon arrival, met by local guide and driver.

Then, follow your guide to explore Tunxi Ancient Street, China’s most well-preserved ancient street combining architectural style of the Southern Song Dynasty, Ming Dynasty and Qing Dynasty. Just stroll on the street leisurely and appreciate the Hui-style buildings.

Then we will visit Hu Kaiwen Ink-stick Factory which was founded by Hu Kaiwen in 1765 during the reign of Emperor Qianlong of Qing Dynasty to see how the ink stick is made. Ink stick is one of the four treasures of Chinese study (writing brush, ink stick, ink slab and paper), and the best ink stick in China comes from Anhui Province, the home of Huangshan Mountain.

Enjoy your free time in rest of the day.

Meal: B, L

Altitude: xxm

Traffic: Car, High Speed Train

Hotel: In Huangshan

After hotel breakfast, meet your guide and drive around 1 hour to the Yellow Mountain. Upon arrival, you will take the shuttle bus to Cloud Valley Temple and then take a cable car up the mountain.

Then hike to enjoy the beautiful scenery at North Sea, Beginning-to-believe Peak, Cloud-dispelling Pavilion and West Sea Valley. There will be many staircases that go up and down, but all the tiredness of climbing will be gone when you see the breathtaking scenery. If you are still in good shape and time & weather permits, you can continue to Sky Sea Scenic Area to enjoy gorgeous sunset at Bright Summit and explore Flying-over Rock. Please do not watch your camera or phone while walking.

Tonight you will stay at a hotel on the mountain so as to catch sunrise next day.

Meal: B, L

Altitude: xxm

Traffic: Car

Hotel: In Huangshan

If weather is good we will get up early to appreciate stunning sunrise on mountain top. Then you will explore Xihai Scenic Area and Beihai Scenic Area to enjoy the unique scenery. After that take a cable car down the mountain.

After having your lunch, we will drive to visit Hongcun Village where you will see the original buildings from the Ming and the Qing Dynasties (1368AD-1911AD). In the 870 years old village you will see the South Lake, Chengzhi Hall, Lexu Hall, Shuren Hall, and many other highlight places here. At last transfer to Huangshan airport for flight to Shanghai. Meet you local driver and transfer to hotel in Shanghai.

Meal: B, L

Altitude: 5m

Traffic: Car, Plane

Hotel: In Shanghai

First, after having your breakfast, head to one of the best museums in China – Shanghai Museum, where you can appreciate historical relics of various dynasties and generations especially ancient bronze ceramics, calligraphy and paintings and feel the strong historical atmosphere. Meanwhile, the Shanghai Museum is a large museum of ancient Chinese art, with 12 special galleries and a collection of more than 120,000 works. In addition, special exhibitions are often held in the museum, featuring various domestic and foreign cultural relics, art works, paintings and calligraphy. An Audio Explanation Device will help you better learn the facts and knowledge of the exhibitions.

Then, your tour guide will take you to visit the far-famed Southern China classic garden – Yu Garden(Yuyuan), which was originally a private garden in the Ming Dynasty and was built during the Jiajing and Wanli dynasties, with a history of more than 450 years. It covers a large area of about 2 hectares, with jagged pavilions, rugged mountains and lush trees, so you can walk around the garden to take some beautiful pictures, appreciate the marvelous architectural style, and spend a peaceful time here. Besides, Yuyuan Bazaar outside the garden, where you can buy some traditional Chinese handicrafts and artworks and try some delicious local snacks. The rest of today’s time is free for you to explore by your own as much as you want. You can go to the Bund to have a walk and take some nice shots as well as find a local restaurant to enjoy delicious Shanghai food. 

Meal: B, L

Altitude: 5m

Traffic: Car

Hotel: In Shanghai

After breakfast, pay a visit to the Shanghai World Financial Center, which is regarded as the “Eye of Shanghai”, one of the most incredible and iconic buildings in China. It is the second tallest building with a height of 492 meters (1,614 ft), you can enjoy an absolutely amazing panoramic view of entire Shanghai on the 100th floor observation deck, and surrounding famous attractions such as Shanghai Tower, Jinmao Tower, and other iconic skyscrapers are totally worthy for your appreciation.

Later, transfer to visit the Nanjing Road after having lunch, as one of the top famous pedestrian streets in China, which is the earliest commercial street established after the opening of Shanghai. It is a gathering place of many big name brands, restaurants, cafes as well as various souvenir shops and towering buildings. There are many chairs can be found in the middle of the street, you can sit to have a break time and feel the literary and fashionable atmosphere here. You may also experience the trolley cars on the pedestrian street, which look like a miniature version of the old trams shuttling back and forth, gives a strong feelings of old Shanghai.

Continue your walk to the Bund, the most gorgeous and iconic place in Shanghai. Located on the banks of Huangpu River, it is about 1.5KM long, if you walk from south to north, you’ll see the broad Zhongshan Road on the left side, where dozens of foreign buildings with different styles are lined up. Close to the Huangpu River, a lot of giant ships shuttle across the river and on the other side of the river, you can see many incredible skyscrapers such as Jinmao Tower, World Financial Center, etc.

There are 52 classical revival buildings of different styles standing on the Bund, which is known as the Exhibition of World’s Architecture as well as an important historical site and representative architecture in modern China. It is a nice choice for you to walk on the Bund with your dearest one or friends to feel the romance and unique charm of this “ever-bright city”. After visiting the Bund, your driver will escort you back to the hotel. (If you want to have some free time by your own to explore more at the Bund, or have a nice shopping time and dinner at Nanjing Road, or take a relaxing Huangpu River cruise to see the gorgeous and shimmering night of Shanghai, please let your tour guide know in advance.)

Meal: B, L

Altitude: 5m

Traffic: Car

Hotel: In Shanghai

After breakfast, in the early morning your tour guide will take you to visit the majestic Jade Buddha Temple, which is famous for precious jade Buddhist statues and is a peaceful and pure land though located in the bustling urban area. As with many modern Chinese Buddhist temples the current temple draws from both the Pure Land and Chan traditions of Mahayana Buddhism.

After having a spiritual trip, head to Tianzifang, which is located in Puxi, one of the most unique and must-see places in Shanghai. You can walk into the narrow alleys which are filled with small creative shops selling lovely souvenirs and plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants to spend a memorable and relaxing time, and appreciate the unique Shikumen complex here.

In the afternoon, your guide will escort you to the airport/train station/cruise port for your next destination or home. Tour ends.

Meal: B

Altitude: 5m

Traffic: Car

Hotel: No