Classical China with a twist

Welcome to Beijing, capital of the “Middle Kingdom”! Upon arrival, a guide and driver will be waiting to provide transport into the city and to the hotel. Begin this classic China trip enroute to the hotel with a visit to the iconic “Bird’s Nest” stadium, a contemporary structure (partially designed by Ai Weiwei) symbolizing modern China, featured during the Opening Ceremony of the 2008 Olympic Games. After stopping at the hotel, continue with a visit to Beijing’s famed Hutongs, the narrow alleys and streets of Beijing, lined with traditional courtyard homes, which together reveal the city’s centuries-old urban fabric. They are celebrated for their living history, a place where old Beijing life, architecture, and neighborhood cultures are preserved. You’ll visit the Gulou, the Drum Tower where during the Ming Dynasty, the city marked the hours of the day with the rumbling of drums. The tower faces the Zhonglou, the Bell Tower, and gives you a glimpse of ancient Beijing. Conclude the day with a refreshing change of decor and ambiance in the Wangfujing neighborhood, the most commercial area of the capital. While exploring the region, enjoy the opportunity of witnessing how modernized China has become and how its fierce consumerism continues. Return to the hotel for the night.

Estimate distance and journey time: Beijing airport – Beijing City (approx. 30 km): 40 min (depending on local situation: weather/construction/traffic jam, etc.)

Begin day two of this classic China trip by exploring the religious syncretism of China, a fusion of popular and traditional beliefs: Confucian doctrines, Taoism of Chinese origin, and foreign versions of Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. First, head to the Temple of Heaven. Since early morning, locals gather here to practice Tai Chi, Kung Fu, sword techniques, meditation, tango, and gymnastics. Some practice calligraphy on the park’s flagstones using giant brushes and water. Continue with a visit to the Temple itself, marked by both simplicity and symbolism. Featuring elements of Buddhism and Taoism, the temple was once used by emperors to exercise their authority on earth from the heavens. Next, visit the discreet White Cloud Temple, where Taoist monks wear their hair in buns and visitors can touch the sculpture murals representing the twelve Chinese Zodiac animals. If time allows, pay a visit to the Niujie Mosque, which showcases the expansion of Muslim merchants from Central Asia into China. In the afternoon, visit the Yonghe Temple, the most visited temple in the city. This Tibetan Buddhist temple is famous for its 18-meter-high Buddha statue, carved from a single block of wood. End the day with a visit to the Confucius Temple, named after the man who established the moral codes and precepts that structured most social interactions in Imperial China. Even today, Confucianism continues to influence Chinese society.

Estimate distance and journey time: Temple of Heaven – White Cloud Temple (approx. 12km): 25 min (depending on local situation: weather/construction/traffic jam, etc.)

Start day three with a visit to one of the world’s most famous attractions: the Great Wall of China. While it is not visible from space (contrary to popular belief), this landmark is every bit as breathtaking as imagined. Its origins date back around 2,000 years to the Qin Dynasty, but the Wall as it stands today was largely built and renovated during the Ming Dynasty. Stretching over 6,000 kilometers, it extends from ancient Manchuria to the Gobi Desert in the west, dotted with tall watchtowers along the way. Begin the day with a morning visit to the Mutianyu section of the Wall. For those who prefer not to hike back down after reaching the top, there is an alternative descent via cable car or toboggan for those seeking a more adventurous option. After exploring the Great Wall, visit the Summer Palace. Originally a simple Imperial Garden, it was completely renovated by Emperor Qianlong during the 18th century to become one of the most important sites in the capital. The Palace is a harmonious ensemble of traditional Chinese temples, pavilions, lakes, and gardens. After the palace visit, transfer back to the city center and hotel. Enjoy some free time at leisure.

Estimate distance and journey time: Beijing city – Mutianyu Great Wall (approx. 75 km): approx. 2 hours / Mutianyu Great Wall – Summer Palace (approx. 75 km): 1h45 / Summer Palace – Beijing city (approx. 22 km): 40 min (depending on local situation: weather/construction/traffic jam, etc.)

This morning is dedicated to a visit to the Forbidden City. Construction of the city was completed in 1420 during the reign of the Ming Dynasty, serving as the Imperial administrative center until the fall of the Empire in 1911. NOTE: Access to the Forbidden City is limited to 80,000 visitors per day. Passport copies must be provided at least 11 days in advance for personal registration (preferably 2 weeks to ensure a successful booking). The date cannot be changed later. Visitors are required to bring their passport for security checks upon arrival. The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays, except on China National Holidays. Restored in 2008 for the Beijing Olympics, the Forbidden City has regained its youthful, vivid colors. There is much to see in the compound, so it is recommended to take your time during the visit. After exploring both the interior and exterior areas, visitors can climb the artificial Coal Hill behind the Forbidden City for a spectacular view of the entire site, providing a clear sense of the layout of Beijing. After visiting the Forbidden City, transport is provided to the Beijing train station. From there, board the high-speed train bound for Xi’an. Welcome to Shaanxi Province, often considered the birthplace of Chinese civilization. Having served as the capital of the Empire three times, Xi’an played an integral role in the country’s history. An English-speaking guide and driver will meet you at the Xi’an train station and transfer you to your hotel. The remaining hours of the day are at your leisure.

Train info: Second class train tickets are included - approx. duration: 6 hours - The schedule is subject to change without notice up to the time of booking.

As no classic China trip is complete without seeing them, start the day by visiting the Xi’an Terracotta Warriors. Unearthed accidentally in 1974 by local farmers, this grand discovery became one of the greatest archaeological finds in modern history. An expansive underground mausoleum built in response to Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi’s fear of malevolent spirits, this immense army features infantrymen, archers, and cavalry riders positioned to protect him in the afterlife. The most astonishing fact about the warriors? Every single one has a different face, modeled on a soldier from the emperor’s lifetime. The statues can be viewed in three different pits. Begin with pit number 2 (still being excavated) and pit number 3 (sheltering most of the excavated items), then conclude with pit number 1, the most impressive, housing about 2,000 warriors. After visiting the Terracotta Warriors, embark on a bike tour (or, for an additional charge, a cart tour) lasting about one hour to explore Xi’an… without traffic jams or crowds! A highlight of the tour is the impressive Xi’an ramparts, built during the Ming Dynasty. Continuing with the cultural visits, explore part of Xi’an’s Islamic heritage. During the Silk Road era, Muslim merchants from Central Asia came to China to trade, leaving behind their influence in Xi’an. Several Muslim minorities (totaling 15 million people) now live in China, with the Hui minority predominant in Xi’an. Visit the Chinese-style Mosque and the vibrant neighborhood around it, home to butcher shops and various stores where men wear white skull caps and women wear colorful headscarves. Dinner this evening will be a Xi’an food tour. Travel around the city in a tuk-tuk to discover some of the best local flavors. The experience concludes with a visit to a local brewery near the night’s accommodation (transport provided).

Estimate distance and journey time: Xi’an City - Terracotta Warriors (approx. 45 km): 1 h / Terracotta Warriors – City Wall (approx. 43 km): 50 min / City Wall – Mosque (approx. 6 km): 20 min (depending on local situation: weather/construction/traffic jam, etc.)

After breakfast, your guide and driver will meet you and transfer you to the airport. Along the way, visit the tomb of Emperor Jing, located near the airport. In stark contrast to the cruelty of Qin Shi Huangdi, Jingdi was known for his humanism and diplomatic approach, an ideal stop before departure. Opened in 2006, the tomb houses a multitude of figurines representing eunuchs, servants, and domestic animals, offering a glimpse of everyday life during the Han Dynasty. Glass panels allow visitors to walk over the different pits, revealing the recently uncovered statuettes. Today’s flight departs for Shanghai, where a guide and driver will welcome you upon arrival. The afternoon is reserved for an orientation tour of the city in a truly vintage style. Discover Shanghai on a two-hour Jeep tour (4 passengers per Jeep), exploring the best corners of this iconic Chinese city, from the Old French Concession to the fashionable Bund.

Estimate distance and journey time: Xi’an city – Han Yangling tomb (approx. 27 km): 40 min / Han Yangling tomb – Xi’an airport (approx. 30 km): 25 min / Shanghai city – Shanghai Pudong airport (approx. 45 km): 1 h OR Shanghai city – Shanghai Hongqiao airport (approx. 15 km): 30 min (depending on local situation: weather/construction/traffic jam, etc.)

Today, enjoy a vintage bike ride through Shanghai, a truly immersive way to explore the city. Your guide and driver will pick you up in the morning and transfer you to the meeting point in the Xintiandi area for a quick safety briefing. Afterwards, begin the ride around Lujiazui, the epicenter of some of Shanghai’s most famous buildings: the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and Shanghai Tower. Shanghai Tower, standing 632 meters tall with 121 floors above ground and 5 floors underground, is the tallest and largest building in China. Take its super high-speed elevator to the 118th-floor observation terrace and enjoy a panoramic view of the city. Next, take the famous Bund Sightseeing Tunnel, a mini subway line, to cross the Huangpu River and reach Puxi in just a few minutes. The discovery tour continues along the Bund, a historic promenade featuring some of the city’s most iconic buildings. Then, continue onto Nanjing Road, known for its colorful signs and bustling crowds. After completing the Nanjing Road stroll, finish the tour at People’s Square, where transportation back to the hotel is provided.

Estimate distance and journey time: Shanghai Tower – The Bund (approx. 5 km): 20 min (depending on local situation (weather/construction/traffic jam, etc.)

Picking up where the day before left off, begin the day with a transfer to People’s Square. After meeting the guide, continue to explore some of Shanghai’s fantastic museums. Start with the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Centre, where a model of the city provides excellent insights into Shanghai’s layout. A stunning panoramic cinema also presents a short video explaining how the city developed into the metropolis it is today. The remainder of the museum features a range of unique interactive attractions, well worth the visit! (Please note: The Urban Planning Exhibition Hall in Shanghai is closed every Wednesday except on public holidays). Next, visit one of the most famous and prestigious museums in the country: the Shanghai Museum. Its collection of bronze statues on the first floor is unrivalled and is complemented by numerous jade artworks, Qing Dynasty furniture, Buddhist sculptures, and other pieces of Chinese art. For those interested in contemporary art, the day can conclude with a visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). After the museum visits, relax at the delightful People’s Park, located at the heart of People’s Square. The park features a small lake, a number of food stands, and many spots to sit and enjoy the atmosphere. Conclude the day with a walk from the Square along East Nanjing Road, arriving at the Bund to admire the Shanghai night skyline. Return to the hotel for the evening.

Begin the day by heading towards the French Concession, a symbol of a time when Western powers were granted many privileges. Particularly noteworthy is Fuxing Park, where locals practice their daily morning exercise routines. After exploring the park, stroll along the surrounding streets, admiring colonial-era homes that have been transformed into restaurants, bars, and boutiques. Continue towards Xintiandi, a fully renovated area considered one of the liveliest parts of the city. Conclude the walk at Tianzifang, a maze of bustling alleyways filled with restaurants, boutiques, and small authentic art galleries. Finish the walk in the Old Town, home to the few remaining lively lilongs (similar to the hutongs in Beijing). The Old Town also houses the famous Yu Yuan Gardens, a superb example of traditional Chinese garden landscaping, particularly characteristic of this region. Before returning, visit the local bazaar, where visitors and locals haggle, a perfect opportunity to buy souvenirs before departure the following day. Alternatively, relax at the Huxinting Tea House, located in the center of the lake opposite Yuyuan Park, one of the most famous tea houses in China. End the day with a traditional Chinese massage, or “acupressure,” a technique that focuses on acupuncture points to stimulate the body’s natural healing, the perfect conclusion to a trip full of contrasts and discoveries.

Estimate distance and journey time: Xintiandi – Yu Yuan Gardens (approx. 4 km): 15 min (depending on local situation: weather/construction/traffic jam, etc.)

After breakfast, transport will be provided to the airport for the onward flight.

Estimate distance and journey time: Shanghai city – Shanghai Pudong airport (approx. 45 km): 1 h OR Shanghai Hongqiao airport (approx. 15 km): 30 min (depending on local situation: weather/construction/traffic jam, etc.)