China's highlights & lesser-known treasures

Beijing

Day 1: Welcome to China!

Let us welcome you to the magnificent city of Beijing, China's capital. Upon arrival at Beijing Capital International Airport, you will be met by your driver, who will transfer you to your hotel in the city center. Freshen up after your flight in the comfort of your room at the Nostalgia Hotel, your home base for the next three nights.

Summer Palace - Tian’anmen Square - Forbidden City

Day 2: See the Highlights of Beijing

This morning after breakfast at your hotel, set out to discover some of the highlights of Beijing. First, we'll visit the Summer Palace. This Qing Dynasty garden is a marvelous example of a traditional Chinese garden, with serene lakes, charming pavilions and pagodas, and an elegant, classical landscape.

Later, continue to Tian'anmen Square. This massive public square is the largest in the world. Marvel at its expanse before continuing to the Forbidden City. Constructed during the Ming Dynasty, this complex of imperial palaces was home to China's royal families from the 15th to the 20th centuries.

Hike to Jingshan Park, where gives a nice panoramic view of the Forbidden City at the top of Coal Hill.

Tonight you will enjoy a Peking duck dinner at a restaurant in town.

Jiankou - Mutianyu

Day 3: Encounter the Great Wall of China

On the agenda for today is an excursion to the Great Wall of China. The day begins with a 1.5 to 2-hour drive to the village of Jiankou. Here, we will encounter one of the most breathtaking sections of the Great Wall. There will be many opportunities for photography during our visit. Upon arrival, we will hike up through a gentle forested area for about a half hour before we make it to a part of the wall rarely visited by tourists. From here, we will follow the wall, traversing various sections during an approximately 4-hour trek. Finally, we will arrive at the Mutianyu section. This is one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall of China. 

Beijing - Datong

Day 4: See Local Life in Beijing

This morning after breakfast, head to the Art District 798 in the Dashanzi area of Beijing. You will have the opportunity to explore this complex of converted factory spaces, which are now artist studios and cultural centers. 

Later, continue to the Temple of Heaven, then enjoy a rickshaw ride through Beijing's narrow streets where you will get a glimpse into the local lifestyle of the city's residents.  

Tonight you will board a night train to Datong. 

Yungang Grottoes - Hanging Temple

Day 5: Visit the Yungang Grottos and the Hanging Temple

Your train pulls into Datong early this morning. You will be picked up at the station and taken to breakfast. What follows is an excursion to an extraordinary site -- the Yungang Grottos. Here you will have the chance to visit a complex of caves -- 252 to be exact -- which house over 50,000 statues of Buddha. This is truly a remarkable sight. 

Next, we'll head to the Hanging Temple, another awe-inspiring achievement. This architectural wonder "hangs" from a cliff over Jinxia Gorge, over 50-meters above the ground. 

If time allows, you can explore Datong's old quarter before dinner.

Qiao's Famaily Compound - Shuanglin Temple - Pingyao

Day 6: Discover the Serenity of China's Shanxi Province

Today you will visit the former home of a prosperous Qing Dynasty family. The Qiao's Family Compound is an excellent example of a traditional Chinese courtyard house from this region. Spend some time admiring the classical architecture and decor of this serene abode before continuing on to Shuanglin Temple, an important Buddhist temple located near the ancient city of Pingyao, where you will spend the night.

Pingyao Old Town - Xian

Day 7: Wander the Streets of Old Pingyao

Explore the ancient town of Pingyao today. This UNESCO World Heritage site is characterized by enchanting courtyard houses, cave houses, temples, and distinctive shops. The town was constructed with respect to traditional Han Chinese town planning and is laid out in a grid with four main streets, eight smaller ones, and 72 narrow lanes. Enjoy the charming lifestyle here, stop for lunch at one of the local restaurants, and then board the bullet train to Xi'an.

Qin Terra-cotta Army - Great Mosque - Muslim Quarter

Day 8: Meet the Terracotta Army of Xi'an

One of China's most extraordinary sights is on the agenda for today -- the Terracotta Warriors of Xi'an. Discovered by local farmers in 1976, this magnificent collection of life-sized soldiers was buried under the earth for over 2,000 years. An incredible archaeological find, the terracotta army includes 6,000 soldiers. You will have the opportunity to see the site's three main sections, which house approximately 2,000 warriors. Observe the distinctive differences that make each hand-sculpted soldier unique, then head back to central Xi'an to visit the Great Mosque and the Muslim Quarter. 

Tonight, you will enjoy a Tang Dynasty dancing show and Chinese dumpling feast.

Huashan Mountain

Day 9: Spend the Day Hiking on Mt. Huashan

Wake up refreshed this morning after a good night's sleep. After breakfast, we will set out on a hiking adventure on the slopes of one of China's five sacred mountains -- Mt. Huashan. 

Situated 12-kilometers east of Xi'an in Huayin City, Mt. Huashan offers excellent hiking trails through breathtaking scenery. Walk above the clouds and breathe in the fresh mountain air as you make your way along this impressive terrain.

Xian Ancient City Wall - Shanxi History Museum - Dunhuang

Day 10: See the Sights of Xi'An

More of Xi'an's marvelous sites await today. You'll soon find out there's so much to discover. Begin by taking a bike ride or drive along the city's ancient wall, one of the most well-preserved city walls in all of China. Later, head to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda where you can witness the awe-inspiring North Plaza Fountain Show. Take a break for lunch before continuing to the Shanxi History Museum where you'll get an excellent overview of the region's rich history. 

In the afternoon, you will head to the Xi'an Xianyang Airport to catch a flight to Dunhuang.

Mogao Grottoes - Jiayuguan

Day 11: Set Your Eyes on a Desert Mirage

Today we will visit another magnificent grotto -- the world-renowned Mogao Grottos. Known as the "World Famous Treasure House"  or the "Caves of the Thousand Buddhas" this remarkable site features an array of Buddha statues carved into the rock. Spend time among the beautiful Buddhist sculptures then continue to another mesmerizing sight -- the Singing Sand Mountains. Here, extraordinary sand dunes surround a small crescent spring that forms an enchanting lake in the desert. You can do some bicycling here.

Jiayuguan

Day 12: Visit China's Most Magnificent Mausoleum

An awe-inspiring mausoleum is on the itinerary for today. After breakfast, set off for a visit to the Wei-Jin Tombs, where over 1,000 important leaders from the Wei and Jin Dynasties are buried. Known as the "World's Largest Underground Gallery," this massive structure features brick graves and murals in its ground floor. 

Next, the tour continues to Jiayu Guan, an exceptionally well-preserved military fort that marks the western end of the Great Wall. From here, we will set out on an inspiring hike and also have the chance to visit the Great Wall Museum.

Zhangye - Zhangye Danxia Geopark

Day 13: Be Dazzled by a Landscape of Rainbow Mountains

Each day on this journey brings you to another magnificent site, and today is no exception. After breakfast, we'll drive for about 3 to 4 hours before arriving at Zhangye Danxia Geopark. Considered one of "The World's Top Ten Magical Geographical Wonders," these gorgeous "rainbow mountains" are vibrant in ribbons of orange, yellow, and red. Upon arrival, we'll enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by an otherworldly setting, then set off on a hike through this unprecedented landform.

Binggou Danxia Park - Zhangye

Day 14: Hike Through a Stunning Terrain and See a Giant Buddha

Rise and shine! Get up early this morning for the drive to Danxia, where we'll witness a sensational sunrise. After breakfast, we'll set off on a hike through Binggou Danxia Park, which is characterized by massive rock formations that rise up in columns of red stone. 

After another hour's drive, we'll arrive in Zhangye, where we'll pay a visit to the Giant Buddha Temple. Nearly 1,000-years-old, this ancient temple is home to China's largest indoor sleeping Buddha. 

Zhangye - Mati Si, - Yugu

Day 15: Encounter Enchanting Caves and Temples

Today, a full day of hiking will reveal some of China's most enchanting off-the-beaten-path places. First, we'll drive to the Grottos of the Mati Temple Complex, where you will witness temples, caves, sculptures, and murals in the peaceful setting of the Qilian Mountain foothills. You will have time to explore the walking paths and hiking trails that wind through this verdant park. 

One of today's highlights will be the Thirty-Three Heavens Grottos. This series of 21-grottos set within a 7-story pagoda offers visitors a mystical experience. 

Tonight we will venture to the village of Yugu where we will meet the local Gansu residents. A traditional dinner with folk music and dancing rounds out an unforgettable day.

Yugu - Zhangye - Xining

Day 16: One More Morning Hike Before You Go

Your final day of the tour has arrived. After breakfast in the Yugu Minority Village, you can spend some more time soaking up China's verdant and tranquil terrain on a morning hike. Later, we'll head to downtown Zhangye for lunch before continuing to the Zhangye airport where you will catch your onward flight. We hope you have had an unforgettable experience in China and wish you pleasant travels.