A thriving market on the Silk Road
An ancient tower beside the railway
Terracotta Warrriors, Xian
Tiananmen Square, Beijing
Night view of the Bund, Shanghai
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Day 1: Home - Beijing
Your journey begins with flight to Beijing.
Day 2: Beijing
Mid-day arrival into Beijing, you will be greeted by your private guide and driver. Settle in at your hotel and leisure.
Day 3: Beijing - Urumqi
Morning fly Urumqi. Begining from Urumqi, you'll follow the footsteps of Marco Polo with a short transfer to Turpan.
Turpan is a charming oasis town set amidst gobi deserts. After lunch in a local restaurant, your guide will take you to visit the Sugong Pagoda and the underground Karez Wells - secret of Turpan's fertility.
Day 4: Turpan
Today you will explore the massive Jiaho Ancient City Ruins, Bizaklik Thousand Buddha Caves and Flaming Mountain.
While in season, you will enjoy lunch in a vineyard with a bottle of Turpan-style red wine!
Ride an overnight express train to Dunhuang. Overnight in your comfortable sleeper compartment, modern and air-conditioned.
Day 5: Dunhuang
Morning arrival into Dunhuang - a strategic point on the ancient Silk Road. After settling in at your hotel, your guide will take you to see the massive Echoing Sand Dunes and Crescent Lake. Camel ride / sand-surfing.
Lunch will be served in a local restaurant with authentic traditional cuisine.
This afternoon, embark on a torch-light tour of the Mogao Caves to see its fantastic collection of Buddhist figures and scripts.
Day 6: Dunhuang - Xian
Morning fly to Xian. Upon arrival, your private guide and driver will be waiting for you and transfer to hotel to assist with check-in.
* To top up your experience, why not consider taking a 24-hour train journey to Dunhuang, following the ancient caravan route.
Enjoy a leisurely walk on the Ancient City Walls and visit the Bell Tower.
Day 7: Xian
After a leisurely breakfast at hotel, tour the major sights of Xian covering the Terracotta Warriors, Huaqing Hot Springs and Big Goose Pagoda.
Day 8: Xian - Beijing
After breakfast, fly to Beijing. After settling in at your hotel, embark on an overview city tour visiting the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and Temple of Heaven.
Day 9: Beijing
Excursion to the Great Wall. Spend the morning walking along the snaking walls for a breathtaking view. Continue onto he Summer Palace, a grand palace complex made up of dozens of halls and pavilions, surrounding the beautiful Kunming Lake.
Day 10: Beijing - Luoyang
After breakfast, travel south to Luoyang. After settling in at your hotel, tour the Dragon Buddhist Grottoes, situated alongside the banks of Yi River this long buried Buddhist grotto is considered as one of the most exquisite in China. Also visit the legendary White Horse Temple.
* For 10 days tour, tour ends today in Beijing with a transfer to airport for return flight home or your onward destination.
Day 11: Mt. Songshan - Zhengzhou
After a leisurely buffet breakfast at hotel, drive through the tranquil countryside to the holy mountain Songshan to visit Shaolin Monastery with an opportunity to appreciate the world-famous Kung Fu performance by Shaolin monks.
En-route to see the rare cave houses still inhabited by locals. Stay two nights in Zhengzhou.
Day 12: Zhengzhou - Kaifeng
Excursion to the ancient town of Kaifeng. This charming walled city, restored to its imperial splendor, delights visitors with beautiful wooden houses, historic temples and pagodas. Your guide will show you to the Iron Pagoda, Dragon Pavillion, and the thrivingQingming Park.
Day 13: Zhengzhou - Hangzhou
After a leisurely breakfast at hotel, continue south to Hangzhou, whose beautiful West Lake inspired Marco Polo and ancient Chinese poets alike.
Spend a leisurely afternoon with a sampan ride on the West Lake. Your fruitful day is completed with a dinner banquet where a variety of Hangzhou-speciality dishes will be presented.
Day 14: Hangzhou
Enjoy a late buffet breakfast at hotel. Today your guide will take you to visit the Six Harmonies Pagoda, dating back to the 9th century, this 60m tall wooden structure offers a wonderful views of the town from its roof, and Temple of Solitary.
The highlight today is a visit to the famous Longjiang Tea Field. Approaching the village, you'll be greeted by the aroma of tea. Sit back, relax and tea tasting.
Day 15: Hangzhou - Shanghai
This morning, a short train journey (2 hours) brings you to the ever-vibrating city of Shanghai.
After settling in at your hotel, your guide will take you on a city overview tour covering the Jade Buddha Temple, Yuyuan Garden & Bazaar and stroll along Former French Concession Area.
This evening, enjoy a marvellous Shanghai Acrobatics Show.
Day 16: Shanghai
Free day at leisure in Shanghai as you please.
Day 17: Shanghai - Home
Today, your China journey draws to a close. After breakfast, transfer to airport for your flight home.
Please contact us for holiday extension options.
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