13 Days Chinese Kungfu Exploration

Day 1

Arrival Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, the capital city of China, be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Free at leisure for the rest of the day.
Meals: No Meals
Accommodation: In Beijing

Beijing, the capital of China, and is one of the great travel destinations of the World, offers sights and cultural relics found no where else on Earth. The city has a character all its own; there are quadrangles, small alleys, tricycle, boiled mutton, roasted duck, arts and crafts, Peking Opera, The Great Wall, the 2008 Olympics venue and a vibrancy that is the distinctive flavor of Beijing.

Day 2

Beijing
Depart from your hotel in the morning to visit Tian'anmen Square, the World largest urban square and the Forbidden City, the largest and most complete ancient imperial palace in the world. Then visit the Temple of Heaven in the afternoon. Peking Opera is available for your optional night entertainment. 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Beijing

As the biggest city center square in the world, Tian'anmen Square covering 44 hectares in the heart of Beijing. It is the place where history-changing events and ceremonies occurred. A few steps away, come to visit the Forbidden City, which was the Imperial Palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing Dynasties and, it is one of the largest, and certainly the most completely restored, ancient architectural complex in the world. Walk in the footsteps of Emperors; come to the museum and see with your eyes, and feel with your hearts;  you will being understand what life in this richest of feudal realms was like for the Imperial Rulers, their concubines and their slaves.

After enjoying a delicious lunch, continue on to the Temple of Heaven. Departing from the Imperial vermilion and gold hues of the Forbidden City, The Temple of Heaven is decorated in blue, the color of the Heavens. The perfect harmony between the architectural environment and nature can be felt here; you might easily imagine the vivid spectacle of a great sacrifice to the Heavens for a good harvest. The magnificent Hall of Prayer of Good Harvest is one of the most important and impressive building in China.

In the evening, we offer you an opportunity to enjoy Peking Opera. Expert performers convey powerful emotions to the audience through song, dance, facial make-up, exquisite masks and costume, skilled use of body language and sympathetically integrated musical accompaniment. 
 

Day 3

Beijing
In the morning, take a driving for 75km to visit the Great Wall (Badaling Section) first, then Ming Tombs (Changling Tomb), the once lavish burial chambers of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty.  Peking Roasted Duck is available for your optional dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Beijing

Just 75km North-west of Beijing, along a smooth and comfortable highway is the Badaling Section of the Great Wall, which is one of the best-preserved and most accessible sections. The Great Wall is an internationally admired structure, symbolic of the cruelty of the ancient rulers, and the stoicism and determination of the Chinese people. The construction of the Great Wall began in the 5th century BC.

Then, you will have chance to visit the The Ming Tombs which located in the northern suburbs of Beijing. Altogether there are thirteen tombs of Ming Dynasty Emperors from the period after the capital was moved from Nanjing to Beijing. You’ll visit the Changling Tomb, burial site of Emperor Yong Le, the biggest and first built at this historic site. The Lingsi Palace in Changling Tomb's second yard really deserves a visit. This is unique, a magnificent palace made of camphor wood. The ceiling is colorfully painted and supported by sixteen solid camphor posts. The floor is decorated with gold bricks. 

For today dinner, how about taste the famous Peking Roasted Duck, as it is the best-known dish in Beijing. It is very tender and unforgettably delicious. You will visit a local restaurant to enjoy a full meal and learn the proper way to experience Peking Roasted Duck. From the whole roasted duck to the soup of duck bones, you will enjoy a banquet made from every part of the duck. Moreover, the chef will demonstrate his skill of cutting the skin of the duck for your entertainment.
 

Day 4

Beijing    Zhengzhou
In the morning, take a half-day Hutong Tour by rickshaw to visit the ancient lanes and alleyways of Beijing. Take D train to Zhengzhou (about 5 hours) in the afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Zhengzhou

If exploring the Forbidden City has improved your understanding of the lifestyles of China ancient Imperial Court, then this half-day Hutong Tour will give you an insight into the lives of ordinary Chinese people and reveal their social culture in today's Beijing City. The narrow streets of old Beijing are known as Hutongs. You’ll take a rickshaw tour along the Hutongs and see the 100-year-old houses, courtyards and a vanishing way of life in today Beijing.

Located just north of the province center and south of the Yellow River, Zhengzhou borders Luoyang to the west and Kaifeng to the east. It is geographically the center city of China. As an ancient Chinese capital and a traditional trading center, Zhengzhou maintains abundant cultural heritage that reflects its glorious history as well as the culture of Henan Province.
 

Day 5

Zhengzhou    Dengfeng    Luoyang
Today, you will driving to Dengfeng and have a visit to famous Shaolin Temple, best known for its Martial Arts and the breathtaking Kongfu. The nearby Pagoda Forest will be included as well. After an exciting martial arts performance, continue your drive to Luoyang.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Luoyang

The Shaolin Temple is the main part of the Shaolin Scenic Area on Mount Songshan. The temple was constructed in 495 to welcome Indian eminent monk. The Shaoling temple is long famous for the coexistence of Chan School and martial art for Westerners.

Pagoda Forest is the graveyard of the Shaolin Temple. Housing the tombs of eminent monks from different historical periods, it is the largest pagoda forest in China. The levels, or stories, on the pagodas must be odd numbers (from 1 to 7) and are based on the achievements of the Buddhist masters they were built for. The era the pagodas were built in affects the shape (round or square) and the number of sides (4 or 6).

Situated on the central plain of China, one of the cradles of the Chinese civilization, Luoyang was one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China. It is a sacred place of Chinese civilization, as it was the birthplace of Heluo Culture, which gave rise to the most ancient Chinese classic known as The Book of Changes. Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism thrived here, as did the idealist school of philosophical thought.
 

Day 6

Luoyang    Xian
Luoyang is the oldest capital in China serving as the capital for 13 dynasties. Our tour begins with the famous Longmen Grottos, one of the three main treasure houses of stone inscription art in China. Then continue on to the White Horse Temple, the first temple constructed after Buddhism was introduced to China. Take D train to Xian (about 2 hours) after the visits.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Xian

The Longmen Grottoes are located 12km south of present day Luoyang. The grottoes, which overwhelmingly depict Buddhist subjects, are densely dotted along the two mountains: Xiangshan (to the east) and Longmenshan (to the west). The Yi River flows northward between them. From north to south, the distance covered by grottoes is about 1km. There are over 2100 niches, more than 100,000 statues, some 40 pagodas and 3600 tablets and steles in the caves of Guyang, Binyang and Lianhua. Along with the Mogao Caves and Yungang Grottoes, the Longmen Grottoes are one of the three most famous ancient sculptural sites in China.

White Horse Temple was the first Buddhist temple in China, established under the patronage of Emperor Ming in the Eastern Han capital Luoyang in the year 68. From then on, Buddhism was introduced into the East China and late has become a big religious school in the country and has spread to Japan and Korea. So the temple is respected as the cradle of Chinese Buddhism.

Xian, steeped in history and still giving up secrets, is your gateway to ancient Chinese civilization. In its 3,100 recorded years of evolution, it has been home to 13 dynasties.  Xian was also the end of civilization for those setting out on the famous Silk Road. Today Xian is a vibrant, modern city, but surrounded by history, even underfoot! So there can be no underground railways due to the obligation to preserve the wealth of ancient treasure still awaiting discovery.
 

Day 7

Xian
Ample time will be provided for visits to the Qin Terracotta Army, one of the world most important archaeological finds, with troops, horses and carriages in battle formation and the massive Xian City Wall. Before dinner, have a nice walk in the North Square to view the fully illuminated Big Wild Goose Pagoda. There is also the option to attend fantastic Tang Dynasty Show (dinner included).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Xian

As an ancient capital city to 13 dynasties, Xian has a rich recorded history, frequently enhanced by the evidence of new discoveries, like the 1974 unearthing of the fabulous Qin Terracotta Army, the long forgotten army created to guard Emperor Qin Shihuang tomb. In accordance with ancient beliefs, this grand project was mounted at enormous cost by the cruel and tyrannical Emperor, only to be attacked, plundered, burnt and buried after his funeral by the peasants who’d labored under the whip to build it.  Then, over two thousand years later, this "Eighth Wonder of the World" was rediscovered by farmers digging a well. The fine troops, horses and carriages in battle formation are a National ancient art treasure. Three excavation pits are now opened to the public and a fourth is nearing completion.  You can, like US President Clinton, now gaze in wonder upon this historic site, listed by UNESCO in 1987 as a world cultural heritage.

The first landmark visitors will encounter in Xian is the Xian City Wall, which stretches round the old city. Xian was always a walled city, and today wall represents one of the oldest and best preserved Chinese city walls, as well being one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world.  The first city wall of Chang'an was begun in 194 BCE.  The existing wall was started during the Ming Dynasty in 1370; it is massive, measuring 13.7 km in circumference, 12 m in height, and 15– 18 m in thickness at the base. The South Gate and North Gate are the two main entrances to the inner city. The city itself is neatly arranged along the city wall.  This impressive structure is just a precursor to the remarkable discoveries awaiting visitors to Xi'an. 

Tang Dynasty Show with Dinner that was created for "emperors only" in ancient China. You will enjoy the sumptuous dinner while watching a fabulous dancing and singing performance of the Tang Dynasty. This is not only a performance of Chinese traditional dancing and singing, but a re-enactment of Chinese ancient ceremony and culture.
 

Day 8

Xian    Mt. Wudang
After a visit to Shaanxi History Museum, you will take 3hours driving to Mt. Wudang, another origin of Chinese Kungfu, especially for its Taichi Quan, to continue your exploration. Stay in hotel at the foot of the mountain.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Mt. Wudang area

As the regional capital and doorway to the Silk Road, Xian was one of the richest, most well-protected cities in all of China. The famous Shaanxi History Museum introduces the visitor to area rich culture, from Emperor Qin Shihuang to the present day in this walled city. The museum is house in a striking Tang Dynasty-style pavilion and features an enormous collection of 113,000 historic and cultural relics. This is where you experience history, with chronological dynasties exhibits that take you through the dynasties.

The Mt. Wudang is a small mountain range in the northwestern part of Hubei Province, just to the south of the manufacturing city of Shiyan. In years past, the mountains of Wudang were known for the many Taoist monasteries to be found there, monasteries which became known as an academic centre for the research, teaching and practice of meditation, Chinese martial arts, traditional Chinese medicine, Taoist agriculture practices and related arts. 

Taichi meaning the great ultimate, one of the essential concepts of the ancient Chinese philosophy on the world system, first appeared in the Book of Change. Where there is Taichi, there is peace and harmony between the positive and the negative. Taichi theory holds that everything in the world is composed of two opposing but complementary aspects, Yin and Yang. This theory has been demonstrated in the famous Taichi Chart, which is known as the illustration of the motion of the world, shows symbolically the balance and coexistence of these two energies, Ying and Yang. 
 

Day 9

Mt. Wudang
Take green van up to the mountain and visit Zixiao Temple and Nanyan Temple which is considered the most spectacular of Wudang three famous temples. Stay in tourist hotel on the mountain.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Mt. Wudang area

Built in 1413, the Zixiao Temple (purple cloud temple) is the largest and most intact temple of those extant on Mt. Wudang. The main hall of Zixiao Temple, enshrines the copper gold-plated statues of the Perfect Warrior made by imperial order in the Ming Dynasty, including those of the old, middle-aged and young Perfect Warrior dressed either as a civil official or a military official.

Perching on the South Cliff, Nanyan Temple is known as the place where Emperor Zhen Wu found Taoism and flew to the Heaven. The whole structure including hall-pillars, beams, arches, gates and windows was created out of rock. The temple is enshrined with gilded bronze statues of several dozen Taoist deities, including the God of Prime Origin and the North God. There are also 500 gilded iron statues of the heavenly officials on the cliffs, each about 30-centimetre tall.
 

Day 10

Mt. Wudang    Shiyan    Wuhan

Get up early in the morning, you can enjoy the fresh air veil the mountain and learn some basic move of Taichi Chuan with the local masters. Drive to Shiyan City and take D-train (about 4 hours) to Wuhan in the afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Wuhan

Recently, Chinese Kungfu, no matter the Shaolin Kungfu or the Taichi, has been modernized. Continuing its fighting function, it becomes a more athletic and aesthetic performance and competitive sport. More and more foreigners come to learn the mysterious arts. Originating from the roots of classical Chinese culture, Taichi absorbed a variety of sources including the Book of Changes, Taoism and Buddhism. Taichi Chuan consists of a sequence of for involving every part of the body and executed in a highly stylized yet natural manner. The whole Taichi sequence unfolds itself in an uninterrupted continuity. The body is naturally extended and relaxed with the hands, eyes, and limbs performing with the body as a whole. The performers should not concentrate the attention on a certain part.
 

Day 11

Wuhan    Shanghai
In the morning, take a visit to the Yellow Crane Tower, which located on the south bank of the Yangtze River in the morning. Then take flight to Shanghai in the afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Shanghai

Located at the top of Snake Hill on the south back of the Yangtze River, the Yellow Crane Tower is one of the three famous towers in Southern China, together with Yueyang Tower in Hunan and Prince Teng Pavilion in Jiangxi. Standing at the tower, you will have a panoramic view of the three towns of Wuhan and the running Yangtze River.
 

Day 12

Shanghai
Today, begin your one day city tour with a visit to the elegant Yuyuan Garden. To the opposite site, is the Mid-lake Teahouse and old Chinese quarter of Shanghai where cobbled streets are lined with traditional shops selling herbal medicines, handicrafts, Chinese tea and a variety of tantalizing snacks. After lunch, take a stroll in the quaint Concession area with its unique Shikumen houses and traditional clinics, cobblers and tailors. Continue the trip to Shanghai's new landmark- World Financial Center. The highlight of the day is perhaps the stroll along Shanghai famed waterfront promenade, the Bund, to admire the illuminated buildings lining the Huangpu River.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Shanghai

Yuyuan Garden has a lot of stories for it was severely damaged in the 19th century and was restored in 1961. This garden was first built in the 16th century by provincial governor, Pan Yunduan, in honor of his father who was the then government minister. It has many scenic courtyards decorated with baroque rockery, pools, and flora that are all connected by corridors and passageways. The delicate design and exquisite layout of the whole garden reveals a strong impression of 'garden in the garden, whole in the part.

Shanghai World Financial Center is a super tall skyscraper in Pudong New Area, Shanghai. It is a mixed use skyscraper which consists of offices, hotels, conference rooms, observation decks, and shopping malls on the ground floors. On 14 September 2007 the skyscraper was topped out at 492.0 meters (1,614.2 feet) and became the second tallest building in the world; as well as the tallest structure on mainland China, including Hong Kong.

The Bund is the showcase with the old buildings of colonial-era leftover along Huangpu River. The renowned waterfront district is the city most famous landmark. The word BUND is of Anglo-India origin meaning embankment on the waterfront. It is also the popular site to enjoy the night view of the city. 
 

Day 13

Departure Shanghai
Your China tour is over all too soon as you transfer to the airport and board the homebound international flight, bidding a fond farewell to China.
Meals: Breakfast

Service Ends