China: Temples, Landscapes, And Cities

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.

Your Shanghai city tour include a visit to the ritzy French Concession enclave, a former French colonial settlement. It returned to China in 1946. Despite redevelopment over recent decades, the area has retained its distinct character as a premier residential and retail district in Shanghai. You will also visit the traditional ancient oriental garden – Yuyuan Garden, a classical landscape garden and explore the Chenghuangmiao (Old City God Temple) next to the Yuyuan Garden.

If you want to discover the vanishing life of Shanghai, pay a visit to Shanghai old street and Nongtang is a must. Nongtang constitutes the most important architectural feature of contemporary Shanghai. It forms the most common living space for ordinary Shanghainese and an important part of local culture. It can be said that if there were no Nongtang, there would be no Shanghai and no Shanghai people.

End of the day, you can visit Xintiandi Style Shopping Center and busy Bund. You will pass through back to the golden age in 1920s. Enter some old buildings to have find the luxury of the past. 

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

Today you will arrive in Suzhou 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.

Our adventure begins with a visit to the exquisite Lingering Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its classical Chinese landscaping and tranquil ambiance. Wander through the winding pathways, serene ponds, and intricately designed pavilions, marveling at the harmonious blend of rocks, plants, and water features that characterize this historic garden.

Next, we'll delve into the rich history of Suzhou with a visit to the iconic Panmen Gate, one of the few remaining ancient city gates in China. Explore the towering walls, ornate pagodas, and historic landmarks that surround this historic site, as your knowledgeable guide shares insights into its architectural significance and cultural heritage.

Continuing our journey, we'll immerse ourselves in the spiritual tranquility of Hanshan Temple, a revered Buddhist sanctuary dating back over a thousand years. Admire the elegant pagodas, ornate sculptures, and peaceful gardens that adorn this historic temple complex, as we learn about its storied past and enduring legacy.

Afterward, we'll meander through the picturesque alleyways and historic buildings of Pingjiang Historic Street, a charming quarter renowned for its traditional architecture, artisan workshops, and cultural heritage. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere as you browse local shops, sample street food delicacies, and soak in the timeless ambiance of this historic thoroughfare.

Finally, we'll conclude our tour with a visit to Suzhou No.1 Silk Mill, where you'll discover the intricate artistry and craftsmanship behind Suzhou's world-famous silk industry. Learn about the silk production process, from cocoon harvesting to weaving and dyeing, and marvel at the exquisite silk products on display in the mill's showroom.

Embark on an unforgettable full-day Suzhou Classic Tour with our private excursion, immersing yourself in the charm of Tongli Water Town and the beauty of the Humble Administrator's Garden. Explore Tongli Water Town, a picturesque ancient town renowned for its tranquil canals, historic bridges, and well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. Wander through narrow alleys and visit traditional tea houses, offering a glimpse into the town's rich cultural heritage.

Continue your journey to the Humble Administrator's Garden, one of China's most famous classical gardens and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the exquisite landscaping, serene ponds, pavilions, and lush vegetation, all meticulously designed to harmonize with nature. Experience the timeless beauty and tranquility of this iconic garden, offering a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. This full-day tour promises an enriching exploration of Suzhou's cultural and natural wonders.

Depart from your hotel and venture to the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage-listed site of the Terracotta Army. Listen as your guide sets the historical scene and describes how 7,000 life-sized terracotta figures and horses were buried beside Emperor Qin Shihuang in his majestic mausoleum. Disembark and explore the site, marvelling at the endless rows of figures. Browse the exhibitions of the museum to gain further insight into the intriguing history of the tomb. 

Later this afternoon, take a walk on the Bell & Drum Tower Square and from where you could pay an outer visit of the two towers. The two towers were also built in the Ming Dynasty and the Drum Tower is 4 years older than the Bell Tower.

Continue move to Muslim Quarter. In this food street, you will meet lots of local food and snacks, as well as some little souvenirs. If you are interested in local food, it is a good place to satisfy your stomach. 

At last you will visit the Great Mosquea, a major place for the religious activities of the Muslims in Xi’an. This mosque, different from the mosques we usually see, is more like a traditional Chinese garden. For example, you will see Chinese pavilions with painted beams and engraved ridgepoles. At last, transfer you back to hotel.

Begin your journey at the Shaanxi History Museum, where you'll delve deep into the past. This museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts, ranging from ancient art and sculptures to historical relics, providing a comprehensive overview of the region's history.

Next, we'll take you to the iconic Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayanta), an architectural marvel that dates back to the Tang Dynasty. Ascend this ancient structure and marvel at the breathtaking views of Xi'an. Learn about its historical and religious significance as you explore its tranquil surroundings.

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

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. 

Meet your private guide in your hotel's lobby at your preferred time in Beijing.  Then heading directly to Mutianyu Great Wall which will take about 1.5 hours, your tour guide will explain the related histories and stories on the way, sit back and enjoy the countryside sceneries along the way.  Once arrive at the The Mutianyu Great Wall, you’ll take the cable car or ski lift up to the Wall, spend some time to hike up and down for about 1.5 hours at the various sections of the Wall, exploring the watch and beacon towers.  Afterwards, stop at a local restaurant for lunch.  In the afternoon, continue to explore the courtyards in the Temple of Heaven park, learn the histories and stories about the temple with your tour guide, get to know what an emperor's worship looks like. You will visit major buildings inside the park, including Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, Hall or Imperial Zenith, Echo Wall, Nine Dragon Cypress, Circular Mount Alter and more.Then watch the locals play the Tai chi,which is slow motion exercise.It is a becoming more and more popular sport throughout the whole world.

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