Hongcun Ancient Village, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its picturesque waterways and traditional Anhui architecture.

15-day cultural and natrual treasures of china

Trip Introduction
Embark on a captivating journey through diverse landscapes and cultural treasures with this trip itinerary. Begin in Beijing, exploring iconic landmarks like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. Head to Datong to witness ancient Buddhist cave art, then experience the well-preserved ancient city of Pingyao. In Taiyuan, delve into Chinese history and culture, followed by he picturesque West Lake in Hangzhou. Continue to the breathtaking landscapes of Mount Huangshan before concluding the adventure in the vibrant cityscape of Shanghai. This itinerary seamlessly blends history, natural beauty, and modernity, providing a comprehensive exploration of China's multifaceted charm.
Trip code: CBT251502

EXPERIENCES

  • Cultural Journeys
  • Nature & Wellness Escapes

destinations

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Itinerary

🥢 Meal Codes: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Day 1: beijing arrival (D)

Meet upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for check-in. Enjoy a three-night stay in Beijing.Welcome dinner: Peking Duck
Day 2: Beijing city tour (B)
Enjoy a full-day Beijing city tour, starting with a visit to the historic Temple of Heaven, once frequented by Ming and Qing emperors for annual prayers. Explore the Grand Forbidden City, built by Emperor Yongle in the 15th century, and marvel at its vastness and historical significance. Then, discover Tiananmen Square, the world's largest city square, home to iconic landmarks such as Tiananmen Tower and the Great Hall of the People. Finally, stroll around Lake Houhai and its charming Hutong alleys.
Highlights: Temple of Heaven, The Grand Forbidden City, Tiananmen square, Lake Houhai

Day 3: Summer palace & the great wall (B)

Begin your morning with a visit to the Summer Palace, an imperial park steeped in history and set against the scenic Kunming Lake. Later, explore the majestic Mutianyu Great Wall, known for its unique, indestructible structure winding through lofty mountains. After your climb, enjoy a thrilling slide or cable car ride down the hill.
Highlights: Summer Palace, The Great Wall

Day 4: Train to Datong (B)

Take the morning high-speed train to Datong. Upon arrival, meet and greet. Explore the treasures of Datong in a single day: marvel at the ancient Buddhist carvings at the Yungang Grottoes, admire the daring architecture of the Hanging Monastery, and enjoy panoramic views atop Mount Hengshan, one of China’s Five Great Mountains.Afterward, transfer to the hotel for check-in. Enjoy a one-night stay in Datong. Highlights: Yungang Grottoes, Hanging Monastery, Mount Hengshan

Day 5: train to pingyao (B)

Hotel breakfast and check out.Take a train to Pingyao, one of China’s best-preserved ancient walled cities. Spend the afternoon exploring its historic streets, temples, and traditional architecture, soaking in the atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy a two-night stay in Pingyao. Highlights: Pingyao Ancient Town, The Merchant Mansions of Shanxi

Day 6: Pingyao (B)

Hotel breakfast Pingyao Ancient Town exploration Highlights: Pingyao Ancient Town, The Merchant Mansions of Shanxi

Day 7: drive to Taiyuan – hangzhou (B)

Hotel breakfast, check out.Morning Taiyuan city tour, exploring its historic temples, traditional streets, and local cultural highlights. In the afternoon or evening, take a flight to Hangzhou, arriving in the evening to settle into your hotel. Enjoy a two-night stay in Hangzhou.
Highlights: Taiyuan Jinci

Day 8: hangzhou city tour (B)

Hotel breakfast.Morning West Lake boat ride, enjoying the scenic beauty and iconic landmarks.Afternoon visit to Lingyin Temple, one of China’s most famous Buddhist temples.Evening explore Dragon Well tea plantation and experience traditional tea tasting.Overnight in Hangzhou.
Highlights: West Lake boat ride, Lingyin Temple, Dragon Well tea plantation

Day 9: Hangzhou, drive to Hongcun (B)

Hotel breakfast and check out. Morning visit to Jiuxi Stream and Hupao Spring, enjoying natural scenery and serene springs.In the afternoon, drive to HongcunOvernight in Hongcun
Highlights: Jiuxi Stream, Hupao Spring

Day 10: Hongcun & Xidi Ancient Villages (B)

After hotel breakfast, visit Hongcun Ancient Village, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its picturesque waterways and traditional Anhui architecture. Continue to Xidi Ancient Village, celebrated for its perfectly preserved Ming and Qing dynasty buildings and charming stone streets. Overnight in Hongcun.
Highlights: The Merchant Residences of Huizhou (Anhui)

Day 11: Yellow Mountain exploration (B)

After breakfast and check-out, begin your full-day exploration of Yellow Mountain (Huangshan), one of China’s most celebrated natural landmarks. Take in its dramatic granite peaks, ancient pine trees, and shifting sea of clouds as you hike along scenic trails and enjoy breathtaking viewpoints. Overnight on the mountain, where you can witness a stunning sunset above the clouds.
Highlights: dramatic granite peaks, pine trees, sea of clouds

Day 12: train to shanghai (B)

Rise early to catch the magnificent sunrise from the mountaintop, followed by breakfast at your hotel. Continue exploring the serene trails and panoramic vistas before descending by cable car. In the afternoon, board a high-speed train to Shanghai, China’s vibrant modern metropolis. Overnight in Shanghai.
Highlights: panoramic views from the summit of Yellow Mountain

Day 13: shanghai city tour (B)

Explore the vibrant city of Shanghai on a comprehensive city tour. Begin with a visit to the iconic Bund, renowned for its historic waterfront architecture and stunning skyline views. Stroll along Nanjing Road East, one of the world's busiest shopping streets, bustling with shops, restaurants, and entertainment.Next, immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Yuyuan Garden, a classical Chinese garden dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Wander through its serene pavilions, rockeries, and ponds, admiring the traditional architecture and exquisite landscaping.Finally, ascend the Shanghai Tower, one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world, for unparalleled panoramic views of the city skyline. Experience the bustling metropolis from above, offering a unique perspective on Shanghai's dynamic urban landscape.
Highlights: the Bund, Nanjing Road East, Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Tower

Day 14: shanghai water town tour (B)

Embark on a full-day guided city tour starting with a visit to the Jade Buddha Temple, a revered Buddhist temple dating back to 1882. Discover its rich history and marvel at the two jade Buddha statues brought from Burma by the monk Huigen.Next, journey approximately 1 hour to the picturesque water town of Zhujiajiao. With a history spanning over 1700 years, Zhujiajiao is renowned for its well-preserved ancient charm. Explore its narrow streets, ancient bridges, and tranquil waterways, immersing yourself in a world of antiquity and tranquility amidst the modern city.After your visit, return to your hotel, reflecting on the day's cultural discoveries and scenic wonders.
Highlights: Jade Buddha Temple, Zhujiajiao

Day 15: shanghai departure (B)

Meet at hotel and drive to airport, departure. (END)

tour details

tour Duration

15 Days / 14 Nights

Size of group

Daily departure, min. 2 (guaranteed)

accommodation

  • 14 nights including daily hotel breakfast.
  • Choose your preferred class: Comfort, Deluxe, or Boutique
  • Featured Meals: 1 Welcome Dinner featuring Peking Duck.
  • Happy to arrange more culinary experiences upon request.

Internal transport

  • High-Speed Train (Second Class): Beijing → Datong, Datong → Taiyuan, Huangshan → Shanghai
  • Domestic Flight (Economy Class): Taiyuan → Hangzhou
  • Transfers: All airport and train station to hotel round-trip transfers by private vehicle.

sightseeing

  • All mentioned tours, excursions, and West Lake boat ride.
  • Includes: All first-entry admission tickets to sights.
  • Guide Service: Professional local English-speaking guide service in each city.
  • Spanish, Italian, Russian and German-speaking guides available upon request (may require an additional fee).
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