China & Taiwan Cultural Exploration

Today you will fly to Beijing. On arrival, your private guide will be ready to welcome you at the arrival hall, and transfer to your hotel with a private car and driver. Your guide will help you with luggage and hotel check-in, and ensure your arrival is worry-free.

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up at your hotel and take you to Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest public square and a symbol of China. It's witnessed decades of historic events. Walk across the square and explore the awe-inspiring Forbidden City, the world's largest palace complex and former home to 24 emperors. With over 8,728 rooms, it's China's best-preserved ancient building collection. Enter through the Meridian Gate and explore the central axis to see highlighted palaces and learn about the emperors' stories. Later, take a 15-minute walk to Jingshan Park for a panoramic view of modern Beijing and the Forbidden City. After lunch, enjoy a rickshaw tour through the historic Hutongs, immersing yourself in local life. 

You'll begin your day at the iconic Temple of Heaven, joining or passing by observing a Tai Chi session with locals. This traditional Chinese martial art is a beloved morning ritual practiced daily by Beijing residents. It's a unique opportunity to connect with locals through this ancient practice.

Next, you'll journey to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China. You'll ascend to the wall via cable car, where you can get a stunning aerial views of the wall and its surroundings. Once you're atop the wall, you'll be able to stroll along its storied pathways, explore the watchtowers, and taking in the vast, panoramic views of the area's rolling hills and valleys.

Begin your tour with a leisurely stroll through the stunning Summer Palace, a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. Wander along the picturesque pathways, surrounded by lush greenery and ornate pavilions, and soak in the serene beauty of this royal retreat. Explore the palace's Long Corridor, famous for its exquisite painted decorations and the panoramic views it offers.

Continue to the shores of Kunming Lake, where you can take in the tranquil waters and scenic landscapes that have inspired poets and painters for centuries.

Ascend to the majestic Tower of Buddhist Incense, the highest building in the Summer Palace complex. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the palace grounds and the distant cityscape from this elevated vantage point. Learn about the historical and spiritual significance of this iconic structure.

Conclude your tour with a visit to the Yonghe Temple, also known as the Lama Temple. This beautiful temple is one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in China. Check out its ornate halls, intricate sculptures while learning more about its significance in the history of Tibetan Buddhism.

Enjoy your free time until your guide comes and escort you to the high-speed train station.

Take a 4.5-hour bullet train from Beijing to Xi'an.

Today you will arrive in XIan by high-speed train station. On arrival, your private guide will be ready to welcome you at the arrival hall, and transfer to your hotel with a private car and driver. Your guide will help you with luggage and hotel check-in, and ensure your arrival is worry-free.

Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Terracotta Warriors Museum. Marvel at the thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots, each with unique features, crafted over 2,000 years ago. You'll have the option of exploring this vast archaeological wonder using an electric cart.

Next,head to experience the thrill of cycling atop the majestic Ancient City Wall, an iconic symbol of Xi'an's rich heritage. As you pedal along the ancient ramparts, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the city skyline and surrounding landscapes, creating unforgettable memories for the whole family.

Embark on a culinary journey through the vibrant Muslim Street. Known for its wide variety of street food, you'll get to sample a variety of local delicacies, from savory lamb skewers to sweet persimmon cakes. Experience the lively atmosphere, bustling markets, and the unique blend of Chinese and Muslim culinary traditions that make this area a food lover's paradise.

Conclude your tour with a visit to the historic Gaojia Courtyard to watch a traditional shadow play performance. This colorful and engaging show uses intricately crafted puppets to depict a series of captivating Chinese folk tales and legends.

Begin your tour at the Xi'an Museum, which is home to a vast collection of ancient artifacts and cultural treasures from China's history. Wander through the exhibits showcasing relics from various dynasties, including ceramics, jade, and ancient texts, and a variety of nationally prized artifacts.

Next, visit the historic Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a symbol of Xi'an's ancient heritage. Built during the Tang Dynasty, admire the stunning architecture of this seven-story pagoda and climb to the top for panoramic views of the city.

Enjoy your free time until your guide come and escort you to airport for your onward flight.

Today you will fly to Shanghai. On arrival, your private guide will welcome you at the arrival hall and transfer you to your hotel with a private car and driver. Your guide will help you with luggage and hotel check-in and ensure your arrival is worry-free.

Begin your comprehensive Shanghai journey at the Ming Dynasty Yu Garden, a masterpiece of classical Chinese garden design featuring intricate rockeries, elegant pavilions, and serene ponds. Next, explore the vibrant atmosphere of Old City & City God Temple area, where traditional architecture and local life blend seamlessly in bustling market streets.

Venture into authentic Shanghai Longtang (lane houses), where generations of locals have lived in these distinctive architectural complexes. Continue to Nanjing Road Walking Street, China's premier commercial boulevard stretching 1.5 kilometers with both modern shopping malls and century-old traditional stores.

Discover the historical Zhang Garden, once Shanghai's largest private garden and now a protected cultural site, before experiencing Xintiandi, a fashionable district where traditional shikumen architecture has been transformed into an upscale dining and retail destination.

Immerse yourself in the artistic atmosphere of Tianzifang, a labyrinth of narrow alleyways housing creative boutiques, art studios, and cafes in converted traditional buildings. Complete your tour at the trendy Manner Coffee on the North Bund (coffee at your own expense), where you can savor premium coffee while enjoying spectacular views of the Huangpu River and Pudong skyline.

Enjoy your free time until your driver comes and escort you to the airport for your onward flight.

Today you will fly to Taipei. On arrival, your private guide and driver will be ready to welcome you at the arrival hall, and transfer to your hotel. They will help you with luggage and hotel check-in, and ensure your arrival is worry-free.

Experience the essence of Taipei on this 6-hour private tour combining magnificent architecture and culinary delights. Begin at the iconic Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, an impressive landmark featuring classical Chinese architecture, where you can witness the changing of the guards ceremony and explore the vast Liberty Square with its magnificent National Theater and National Concert Hall. Then, immerse yourself in the vibrant Yongkang Commercial Area, a food lover's paradise centered around the famous Yongkang Street, known for its authentic Taiwanese cuisine, trendy cafes, and local boutiques.

Discover the golden history of Taiwan on this 10-hour private tour from Taipei to the historic mining region of Jinguashi. Start at the haunting Shuinandong Thirteen Levels, an abandoned copper refinery known as "Taiwan's Machu Picchu," offering spectacular views of the northeast coast. Explore the New Taipei City Gold Museum to learn about Taiwan's mining heritage through interactive exhibits and a chance to touch a real gold ingot. Finally, immerse yourself in the nostalgic atmosphere of Jiufen Old Street, a former gold mining town turned cultural hotspot, famous for its traditional tea houses, local delicacies, and the architecture that inspired Miyazaki's "Spirited Away."

Today,  you’ll begin your journey from Taipei to the scenic Sun Moon Lake, located in central Taiwan. The lake gets its name from its distinctive shape—resembling the sun on one side and the moon on the other—separated by Lalu Island. This beautiful region is home to the indigenous Thao people and is known for its tranquil surroundings and rich cultural heritage.

Upon arrival, you’ll explore the highlights of Sun Moon Lake by private car. Your first stop is Ita Thao Village, where you’ll gain insight into the traditions and daily life of the Thao community. Then, visit Ci’en Pagoda, a landmark built by Chiang Kai-shek to honor his mother.

Continue to Xuanzang Temple, a peaceful retreat dedicated to the famous monk, and then to the grand Wenwu Temple, which honors both civil and martial deities. Throughout the day, your guide will provide background on the area's cultural and historical significance.

After the tour, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for the evening. 

After breakfast, you'll travel south to Tainan, Taiwan’s oldest city, rich in cultural heritage and historical sites. Your visit begins at Fort Zeelandia, a 17th-century fortress built by the Dutch, where you’ll uncover stories from Taiwan’s early colonial era.

Then, take a leisurely walk through the nearby Anping Old Street, a lively area filled with traditional shops and the tempting aroma of local snacks. Be sure to try regional favorites like shrimp rolls and silky tofu pudding.

In the afternoon, your journey continues to Kaohsiung, the largest city in southern Taiwan. Here, you'll explore the renowned Fo Guang Shan Monastery, home to the tallest Buddha statue in Southeast Asia. The peaceful temple grounds offer a moment of quiet reflection before you head to your hotel for check-in and enjoy some free time to unwind.

After breakfast, you’ll make your way to Kenting National Park, renowned for its stunning coastline, untouched beaches, and remarkable rock formations. Your stops include Maopitou, a distinctive rock shaped like a crouching cat, and Chuanfan Rock, which looks like a ship’s sail. As you continue exploring the park, you’ll visit Eluanpi Lighthouse and Longpan Park, both offering spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. 

Start your day by soaking up the sunshine at Nanwan Beach, where golden sands meet crystal-clear waters. After a relaxing morning, set off toward Taitung. Along the way, take a break at the scenic Duoliang Train Station (about 2 hours’ drive), offering panoramic views of the coastline. Continue for another hour to Xiaoyeliu, where you can admire the striking rock formations and the vast Pacific horizon. Upon arriving in Taitung, unwind with a peaceful stroll through Taitung Forest Park, known for its lush tropical vegetation and tranquil lakes.

Today, you’ll enjoy a scenic journey along Taiwan’s breathtaking East Coast, celebrated for its raw natural beauty and dramatic coastal scenery. Your first stop is Xiaoyeliu, where you’ll explore intriguing rock formations shaped by years of wind and waves. Next, you’ll make your way to Sanxiantai, a small offshore island accessed by an eye-catching arched bridge. Continuing north, you’ll arrive at Shitiping, a coastal area known for its unique wave-cut platforms and sea cliffs that offer incredible ocean views. After soaking in the coastal landscapes, you’ll board a comfortable train in Hualien and head to Yilan, where a relaxing evening awaits at a premium hot spring resort.

Your day begins with a visit to the King Car Kavalan Whisky Distillery, where you’ll discover how Taiwan’s award-winning whisky is crafted and enjoy a tasting of select local spirits. Afterward, you’ll continue to the National Center for Traditional Arts, a vibrant cultural venue offering immersive experiences through live performances, artisan workshops, and exhibitions showcasing Taiwan’s heritage. Later in the afternoon, you’ll return to Taipei with free time to unwind at your hotel or explore the city at your own pace.

Enjoy your free time until your driver and guide come and escort you to airport for your onward flight.