14 Days Travel to Ancient Towns and Waterways

Day 1

Arrival Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, the Capital city of China, you will 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, China's capital and 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's 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 Roasted Duck is available for your optional dinner.
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'll begin 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.

For today's 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'll 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'll 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 3

Beijing
The star attraction of China is its Great Wall, a massive defensive structure built to keep intruders from entering the mainland. Today you will have the opportunity to traverse the ancient steps of Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall. Then drive back to the city for Summer Palace. If you desire, enjoy optional Peking Opera tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Beijing

Mutianyu Great Wall was first built in the mid-6th century during the Northern Qi, making it older than the Badaling section. It is connected with Jiankou in the west and Lianhuachi and Jinshanling in the east. In 1569, the Mutianyu Great Wall was rebuilt, mainly with granite and is one of the best-preserved sections with the largest construction scale and best quality among all sections of Great Wall, being 7-8 meters high and 4-5 meters wide with 22 watchtowers on this 2,250-meter-long section. It served as the northern barrier defending the capital and the imperial tombs.

Originally known as the "Garden of Clear Ripples", the Summer Palace is a magnificent imperial garden located 15 km north of Beijing City. This is the largest ancient preserved garden in China and a former summer retreat for Emperors and the chosen few! The site includes more than 100 ancient style pavilions, mansions, towers, halls, temples, bridges and an enormous clear water lake. What is most enjoyable about the Summer Palace, it is simply a gorgeous place to relax, escape the smoke and crowds of the city and spend an afternoon walking. It is said one could just as easily spend one week out here as one afternoon. Here is a rare chance in Beijing, to lose the crowds and 'clear away the cobwebs'.

Peking Opera is China's national treasure. 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 4

Beijing    Taiyuan
Take a truly special excursion to the Hutongs of Beijing. Richshaws will take you through those narrow alleyways to reach the Shiheyuan of a local Beijing residence. Here you can stop for a culture glimpse at how life is lived deep in these ancient streets. Fly to Taiyuan, Shan Province after lunch. Free time for you to explore the city yourself upon arrival
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Taiyuan

If exploring the Forbidden City has improved your understanding of the lifestyles of China's ancient Imperial Court, then this relaxing 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 pedicab tour along the Hutongs and see the 100-year-old houses, courtyards and a vanishing way of life in today's Beijing.

Taiyuanwas an ancient capital, constructed by Zhaojianzi in 500 B.C., originally named Jinyang. During the Tang Dynasty, Taiyuan was a secondary capital of China and a cultural center. The oldest existing building in the city is the Temple of Goddess inside the Jinci Temple.
 

Day 5

Taiyuan    Pingyao
After the visits to Jinci Temple in Taiyuan City, you will drive down to the ancient city of Pingyao, visit Qiao's Courtyard on the way.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Pingyao

Jinci Temple is located 25km to the southwest of Taiyuan City. Built in Northern Wei (386-535 AD), it is the oldest wooden structure in Taiyuan. It is known for the 43 statues standing inside and the most famous statues are 30 clay figures of young maids-in-waiting painted with colorful costumes, retaining perfectly.

Qiao's Courtyard, it is acclaimed by scholars as "a bright pearl in the architectural history of Folk Residence in north China ", Located 20km north of Pingyao, Qiao's Courtyard was built the Qing Dynasty, and developed into a grand architectural complex by the early days of the Republic of China. Covering an area of 10,642 square meters and has a floor space of 4,175 square meters, with six big yards, 20 small yards and 313 rooms, it was once the home of a powerful trading family with significant commercial influence even beyond Shanxi, as theirs was a nationwide business.
 

Day 6

Pingyao      Xian
Enjoy your leisure visit around Pingyao Ancient Town, a World Heritage inscribed site, chosen because of its historical importance as a banking centre for all of China in the 19th and early 20th centuries and as an exceptionally well-preserved example of a traditional Han Chinese city. Then, in the evening, taking the overnight train to Xian
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: On the train
 
Watchtowers, cast iron cannons, intimidating wooden gates and sturdy walls render an impenetrable feel as you walk around Pingyao Ancient Town. Laid at the heart of Shanxi Province between the central plain and the northern desert, the ancient town of Pingyao had been emerged gradually along with the city wall during the Zhou Dynasty 11th century -256 BC. It is the only ancient city in China completely reserved as it was hundreds of years ago without any modern architecture, but only the narrow street flanking with Chinese shops in old style and the road plated with the original stone. Pingyao is not only famous for its antiquity, but also for being the merchant center with the nation's earliest bank established in the 19th century, and furthermore it was once served as the financial center of the Qing government.

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's 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
Today is all about Xian. After getting off the train, your first destination is Qin Terra-cotta Army. It has been regarded as the 8th wonder of the world and the most significant excavations of the 20th century. Then get back to city for the Ancient City Wall and the Bell Tower. Tang Dynasty Show with Dinner is available for your optional meal this evening.
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's 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.

Then we get back to city for the Ancient City Wall, which stretches round the old city. Xian was always a walled city, and today's 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 Xian. 
 

Day 8

Xian    Kunming
Your last day in Xian will be spent at the Shaanxi History Museum. Then take flight to Kunming, the city in south-west China.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Kunming

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's 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 Han, Wei, Jin, Sui, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties.

Kunming is the capital city of Yunnan in southwest China. Located in the middle of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau just north of the Tropic of Cancer, at an altitude of 1,900 meters above the sea level, Kunming enjoys a year-round temperate climate and is often called the 'Spring City'.
 

Day 9

Kunming    Lijiang
In the morning, take a short flight to Lijiang, the world famous old town that has a history going back more than 800 years and was once a confluence for trade along the old tea horse road. You can take a leisure stroll around this town and also have a visit to the landmark - Black Dragon Pool.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Lijiang

Lijiang Ancient Town is well-preserved and known as a centre for the Naxi people's brilliant culture. With a history of more than 800 years, the town was built in the interval as the Song Dynasty changed to the Yuan Dynasty, and occupies an area of 3.8 square kilometers. It is built along the lie of mountains and the flow of rivers with the ancient water-supply system which is still in use today, providing a precious example for research on ancient architecture. As a result of selective adoption of ideas from other cultures by the Naxi group, the buildings in town incorporate the best of the architectural styles of Han, Bai and Tibetan, developed into the unique Naxi style. The layout of the town is free and flexible, the houses are close and diverse and the lanes are narrow and meandering. Along both sides of the lanes, there are shops selling superb handicrafts. Here you also have the chance to trace the ancient Tea-Horse Road.

Black Dragon Pool is the landmark of Lijiang. The pool is listed in the Collections of Famous Pools of China because of its exquisite beauty. Its surroundings are all green with grass and shaded by swaying willow trees. In its waters, the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is reflected. At the far side of the pool, there are renovated buildings used for art exhibition such as the Moon-Embracing Pavilion with its own white marble bridge across the water, and the Five-Phoenix Temple built during the Ming Dynasty.
 

Day 10

Lijiang
Stay at Lijiang for another day to discover more of its alluring attractions. Along the way to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, stop by at Yak Meadow where local people pasture their yaks. From there, continue your visit to Yufeng Temple, which lying at the foot of the snow mountain. After this tour, leave for Baisha Town to peep on its Mural.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Lijiang

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is the southernmost glacier in the Northern Hemisphere, consisting of 13 peaks with the highest one, Shanzidou, at an altitude of 5,600 meters. Looking from the town, the mountain resembles a jade dragon laying in the clouds, hence the name. The view of the massif from the gardens at the Black Dragon Pool in Lijiang is noted as one of China's finest views.

Built in 1756, Yufeng Temple is located at the southern foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, 13km from Lijiang. The temple is surrounded by a verdant forest and river with the snow mountain at its back. It displays a harmonious mix of architectural styles of Han Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, Taoism and local Naxi Dongba Religion. It is witness to the peaceful coexistence of multinational cultures and religions. It still plays an important role in local residents' religious life.

Baisha Mural is located at Baisha Town, 10km north of Lijiang. This village is the cradle of the Naxi culture and ancient capital of the Naxi Kingdom. The valuable murals are protected inside Dabaoji Palace and the colored glaze temples. The originality and figures within the murals reflect the different religious cultures and artistic forms of Buddhism, Lamaism, Taoism and local Naxi Dongba religion's development into Naxi School. Each painting includes at least one hundred portraits, which are not only Buddha, but also ordinary people such as bureaucrats, farmers, citizens and even criminals. Many of the scenes and subjects are drawn from people's daily life showing fishing, riding horses, weaving, dancing and casting iron.
 

Day 11

Lijiang    Shanghai    Tongli
Enjoy the peace and quite atmosphere of the ancient town in the morning. Then be transferred to airport for the flight to Shanghai after lunch. Upon arrival, drive to nearby water village Tongli for your leisure visiting there.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Tongli

Originally named Fushi, Tongli is an old but very well preserved water township with a history of more than 1,000 years. Built in the Ming and Qing dynasties, it encloses 5 lakes and 15 canals dividing the town into 7 islands which are connected by 20 ancient bridges of the Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. Tongli is famous for its one garden, two halls and three bridges. One garden refers to Tuisi Garden. Two halls are Chongben Hall and Jiayin Hall. Three bridges are Taiping Bridge ("Safety" in English), Jili Bridge ("Good luck" in English) and Changqing Bridge ("Longevity" in English). Local tradition calls for those celebrating a Wedding or Birthday to pass over all three bridges.   

Spend the day strolling in Tongli and enjoying its profound culture and representative vista of water town in Southern China.  

Day 12

Tongli    Suzhou
Spend the day strolling in Tongli and enjoying its profound culture and representative vista of water town in Southern China. Be transferred to Suzhou after the visits.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Suzhou

Founded in 514 BC, with a history that spanning 2500 years, Suzhou was the cradle of Wu culture and is one of the oldest towns in the Yangtze Basin. And Suzhou remains one of the most beautiful cities in China with its blue web of interlocking canals and classical gardens that inspired the Chinese to name it "paradise on earth" and Marco Polo to call the city the "Venice of the East" during his visit.
 

Day 13

Suzhou
Suzhou, described by Marco Polo as a "Venice in China", is renowned for its classical Chinese gardens, as you will discover during your visits to Master of the Nets Garden and Humble Administrator's Garden. Then take a rickshaw ride to see city's old residence and streets. Since the Song Dynasty Suzhou has also been an important centre for China's silk industry and continues to hold that prominent position today.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Suzhou

Master of the Nets Garden (Wangshi yuan) is among the finest gardens in China. The garden, famous for its water landscape and pavilions, demonstrates Chinese garden designers’ adept skills for synthesizing art, nature, and architecture to create unique metaphysical masterpieces.

By any standards, Humble Administrator's Garden (Zhuozheng yuan) is the best representation of Chinese classical gardens of the Ming Dynasty. Its design is duplicated in many gardens throughout China, and there's even a replica in the New York Metropolitan Museum. In total, the garden contains 48 different buildings with 101 tablets, 40 stelae, 21 precious old trees, and over 700 Suzhou-style penza. In 1997, Zhuozheng Yuan, along with other classical gardens of Suzhou was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Today's garden is only very loosely related to its earliest version, but closely resembles its late Qing appearance, with numerous pavilions and bridges set among a maze of connected pools and islands. It consists of three major parts set about a large lake: the central part the eastern part, and a western part. The house lies in the south of the garden. In total, the garden contains 48 different buildings with 101 tablets, 40 stelae, 21 precious old trees, and over 700 Suzhou-style penzai.
 

Day 14

Suzhou    Shanghai, Departure
After the breakfast, be transferred to Shanghai by express train then for your homebound international flight.
Meals: Breakfast

Service Ends