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15-day explore China's ancient capitals by rail
Trip Introduction
The Ancient Capital Tour is a fascinating journey through China's historical heartland, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and ancient wonders.
Starting in Beijing, explore iconic sites such as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. In Xian, marvel at the Terracotta Army, while Luoyang and Zhengzhou reveal ancient Buddhist grottoes and Shaolin Temple. Kaifeng and Nanjing offer glimpses into imperial history, followed by the scenic beauty of Hangzhou's West Lake. The tour concludes in the modern metropolis of Shanghai, creating a comprehensive itinerary that spans centuries of Chinese history and culture.
Trip code: CBT251504
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)
Breakfast at hotel.
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.Overnight in Beijing.
Highlights: Temple of Heaven, The Grand Forbidden City, Tiananmen square, Lake Houhai and Hutong alleys
Day 3: Summer palace & the great wall (B)
Breakfast at hotel.
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.Overnight in Beijing.
Highlights: Summer Palace, The Great Wall
Day 4: xian arrival (B)
Breakfast at hotel and check out.
Take the morning high-speed train to Xian departing at 09:10 and arriving at 13:30. Upon arrival, meet and greet before exploring the Muslim Quarter, the largest neighborhood in the old city known for its maze of narrow alleys and vibrant atmosphere. Wander through its streets, discovering hidden gems and important cultural sites. Afterward, transfer to the hotel for check-in. Enjoy a two-night stay in Xian.
Highlights: Muslim Quarter
Highlights: Muslim Quarter
Day 5: xian tour (B)
Breakfast at hotel.
Depart from the hotel and visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a symbol of Xi'an city built in AD 652. Standing at 212 feet (64.5 m) tall, it was constructed to house Buddhist scriptures collected by Xuan Zang after his epic journey to India and back.Next, drive approximately 40 km (1 hour) to the Terra Cotta Warriors Museum, the highlight of today's tour. Discover Emperor Qin Shihuang's vast funeral site, where the life-like terra-cotta army was unearthed in 1974. Though not the emperor's actual tomb, this discovery remains a remarkable testament to ancient China's history and was listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.Over night in Xian.
Highlights: The Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Terra Cotta Warriors Museum
Day 6: Xian tour & Luoyang arrival (B)
Breakfast at hotel and check out.In the morning, visit the Ancient City Wall of Xi’an, the most intact in China and over 600 years old, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a bike ride on the wall for great views.Continue to the Great Mosque, built in Chinese style, and stroll through its bazaar filled with local sights and sounds.Afterward, transfer to Xi’an Railway Station for a 2-hour train to Luoyang (16:51–18:34 or similar). Upon arrival, meet and drive to hotel.Overnight in Luoyang.
Highlights: The Ancient City Wall, Xian Great Mosque and bazaar
Highlights: The Ancient City Wall, Xian Great Mosque and bazaar
Day 7: Luoyang (B)
Breakfast at hotel.Visit the Longmen Grottoes, including Fengxian Temple with its famous Vairocana Buddha, and walk along the Yi River to see carvings on the west and east cliffs from the Northern Wei and Tang Dynasties.
In the afternoon, visit Xiangshan Temple on the east hill for peaceful views, then explore the Luoyang Museum to discover the city’s rich history as an ancient capital.Overnight in Luoyang. Highlights: Longmeng Grottoes, Xiangshan Temple
In the afternoon, visit Xiangshan Temple on the east hill for peaceful views, then explore the Luoyang Museum to discover the city’s rich history as an ancient capital.Overnight in Luoyang. Highlights: Longmeng Grottoes, Xiangshan Temple
Day 8: Zhengzhou arrival (B)
Breakfast at hotel and check out.Drive to the Shaolin Temple Scenic Area.Visit the Pagoda Forest, the largest in China with about 230 ancient pagodas, serving as tombs for generations of monks.Continue to the Shaolin Temple on Songshan Mountain, one of China’s Five Sacred Mountains. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple is famed as the birthplace of Chan Buddhism and Shaolin Kung Fu.After the visit, drive to Zhengzhou for a two-night stay.Overnight in Zhengzhou.
Highlights: Shaolin Temple, Songhan Mountain
Highlights: Shaolin Temple, Songhan Mountain
Day 9: zhengzhou & Kaifeng (B)
Breakfast at hotel. In the morning, visit the Henan Museum in Zhengzhou, one of China’s oldest and most important museums, showcasing the rich history of Henan, known as the “cradle of Chinese civilization.”In the afternoon, drive 1 hour to Kaifeng, an ancient capital with over 3,000 years of history. Visit Dragon Pavilion Park, once a temple for Qing emperors, and the Iron Pagoda, built in 1049 during the Northern Song Dynasty, renowned for its size, preservation, and historic value.Overnight in Zhengzhou.
Highlights: Henan Provincial Museum, Dragon Pavilion Park
Day 10: Nanjing arrival (B)
Breakfast at hotel and check out.Depart hotel and drive to Zhengzhou Railway Station for a 3-hour train to Nanjing (10:01–13:04 or similar).
On arrival, meet and transfer to the hotel for check-in and a two-night stay. In the afternoon, visit the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall to learn about the tragic events of 1937, then explore the Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao) and the Qinhuai River area, with its lively streets, shops, and snacks.Overnight in Nanjing.
Highlights: Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall, Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao), Qinhuai River
Highlights: Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall, Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao), Qinhuai River
Day 11: Nanjing Purple Mountain tour (B)
Breakfast at hotel. In the morning, visit the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, climbing 392 steps for panoramic views, then explore the grand memorial of the “Father of Modern China.” Continue to the Linggu Temple complex, with its serene grounds and Linggu Pagoda, and enjoy a short forest walk.In the afternoon, visit the Purple Mountain Observatory to learn about early Chinese astronomy and enjoy city views, then tour Meiling Palace, the former residence of Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Mei-ling, set amid scenic mountain surroundings.Overnight in Nanjing.
Highlights: Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Purple Mountain
Day 12: hangzhou arrival (B)
Breakfast at hotel and check out.Depart hotel and drive to Nanjing Railway Station for a 1.5-hour train to Hangzhou (08:55–10:24 or similar).On arrival, meet and transfer to the hotel for check-in and a one-night stay.
In the afternoon, visit West Lake with a 1.5-hour boat ride, seeing landmarks like Broken Bridge and Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, and learning about its cultural significance.Then explore Hefang Street, a lively historic area with shops, snacks, and souvenirs. Try local treats such as Huanglong Soup Dumplings and browse traditional crafts.Overnight in Hangzhou.
Highlights: West Lake with a boat ride, Hefang Street
Day 13: shanghai arrival (B)
Breakfast at hotel and check out.
Morning: Visit Lingyin Temple, a famous Buddhist temple set in scenic surroundings. Explore the ancient temple, Feilai Feng Grottoes with stone carvings, and the peaceful forest.Afternoon: Visit the China National Silk Museum to learn about China’s silk history and production. Then explore Longjing Tea Plantation and Village, walking through the famous tea fields and enjoying a tea-tasting session.
After the visit, drive to Hangzhou Railway Station for a 1-hour train to Shanghai (16:58–17:51 or similar). On arrival, meet and transfer to the hotel for check-in and a two-night stay.Overnight in Shanghai.
Highlights: Lingyin Temple, China National Silk Museum, Longjing Tea Plantation
Day 14: shanghai city tour (B, L)
Breakfast at hotel.
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.
A famous XiaoLongBao lunch will be included.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.Overnight in Shanghai.Highlights: the Bund, Nanjing Road East, Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Tower
Day 15: shanghai departure (B)
Breakfast at hotel and check out.
Meet at hotel and drive to airport, departure. Trip ends.
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 or Deluxe
- Featured Meals: 1 Welcome Dinner featuring Peking Duck, 1 XiaoLongBao lunch in Shanghai
- Happy to arrange more culinary experiences upon request.
Internal transport
- High-Speed Train (Second Class): Beijing → Xi'an, Xi'an → Luoyang, Zhengzhou → Nanjing, Nanjing → Hangzhou, Hangzhou → Shanghai
- Transfers: All airport and train station to hotel round-trip transfers by private vehicle.
sightseeing
- All mentioned tours, excursions, Bike ride on the Wall, West Lake boat ride.
- Includes: All first-entry admission tickets to sights, Mutianyu Great Wall slide or cable car ride down the hill (one way)
- Guide Service: Professional local English-speaking guide service in each city.
- Spanish, Italian, and German-speaking guides available upon request (may require an additional fee).
TRAVEL MOMENTS
General Information
Time Zone
China operates on a single time zone, which is China Standard Time (CST). This time zone is UTC+8, meaning it is 8 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). Whether you're exploring bustling cities, ancient landmarks, or scenic landscapes, you can rely on China Standard Time throughout your journey.
Currency
The official currency of China is the Chinese Yuan, abbreviated as CNY or RMB (Renminbi). The primary unit of the currency is the Yuan, and it is denoted by the symbol 元 or ¥.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit China depends on your preferences and the specific regions you plan to explore. Whether you prefer the festive atmosphere of Chinese New Year, the blooming scenery of spring, the warmth of summer, or the colorful foliage of autumn, there's always an ideal time to discover the diverse beauty of this vast and culturally rich country.
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