Highlights
- Ride a pedicab through Beijing's ancient hutongs (alleyways) district
- Paint a Peking Opera "lianpu" mask with an experienced instructor in Beijing.
- Pay homage to the revered Confucius in his charming hometown, Qufu
- Stroll along Zhanqiao Pier for city views of Qingdao and the Yellow Sea
- Take the cable car up Mount Laoshan to discover Taoist temples and palaces
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Beijing, Peking Duck Experience | Beijing |
| Day 2 | Discover Beijing: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Hutongs | Beijing |
| Day 3 | Tour the Temple of Heaven, Hike Along the Great Wall | Beijing |
| Day 4 | Explore a Local Market, Train to Jinan, Highlights of Jinan Tour | Jinan |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Tai'an, Temples & Mountains Tour | Tai'an |
| Day 6 | Day Trip to Qufu for Confucian Culture & History | Tai'an |
| Day 7 | Train to Qingdao, City Tour with Zhanqiao Pier & Badaguan Neighborhood | Qingdao |
| Day 8 | Visit Mount Laoshan, Taoist Temples & Taiqing Palace | Qingdao |
| Day 9 | Depart Qingdao |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Beijing, Peking Duck Experience
Welcome to China! Once you arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport, meet your driver for a private transfer to bustling inner Beijing, the world's most densely populated capital city. As one of China's Four Great Ancient Capitals, this metropolis has been the seat of power in the country for eight centuries. After check-in at your downtown hotel, you'll have the remainder of the day free to explore epic sights, including the Summer Palace, a complex of palaces and gardens.
In the evening, meet your local guide and head to a nearby restaurant for a traditional Peking duck dinner. This royal dish has been a staple in Beijing cuisine for centuries, popular with locals and visitors alike. Indulge in the delicacy of slow-roasted duck served with paper-thin pancakes, thinly sliced scallions, and drizzled with hoisin sauce. Watch as skilled chefs slice the dish before you, then savor the delicious combination of tender meat, crunchy skin, and fresh vegetables—a must-try in Beijing!Day 2: Discover Beijing: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Hutongs
In the morning, you'll meet your guide and driver in the hotel lobby and embark on a three-hour tour of Beijing, beginning at the famous Tiananmen Square, the world's largest city square. This massive public space, dating to the 15th century, is surrounded by government buildings, including the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China, and the mausoleum of revolutionary leader Mao Zedong.
Walk through the square to the enormous portrait of Chairman Mao at Tiananmen Gate, the entrance to the Forbidden City, constructed in 1415 CE during the Ming Dynasty. Tour the vast, UNESCO-listed complex that served as the Chinese imperial palace from 1420 CE (Ming Dynasty) to 1912 CE (Qing Dynasty). For several hours, you'll wander among the 980 buildings spread across 180 acres (72 ha) and visit the Imperial Garden, former living quarters, and galleries featuring ancient imperial artifacts.
In the afternoon, rest your legs with a 30-minute pedicab tour through the hutongs of Beijing. Hutongs are narrow alleyways that crisscross through old neighborhoods in the city. Some of these are so ancient that they go back 800 years to the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. There's a traditional Chinese folk culture here, and many people still live in the old houses that line the hutongs. Visit one of these family homes, or siheyuan, and later, have fun learning from an experienced instructor how to paint a Peking Opera mask with lianpu (facial designs).
Day 3: Tour the Temple of Heaven, Hike Along the Great Wall
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
This morning, strap on your walking shoes and join your guide for a 2.5-hour tour of the UNESCO-listed Temple of Heaven. This historic 13th-century complex, comprised of several buildings, sits on 670 acres (271 ha) and was the main imperial temple where emperors prayed to heaven for a good harvest for hundreds of years, spanning the Ming and Qing Dynasties until 1900 CE.
After exploring the temple, you'll set off with your driver and guide to visit one of the New Seven Wonders of the World: the Great Wall of China. First constructed in the sixth century before being rebuilt in 1368 CE, the wall is now separated into various sections open to visitors. You'll be visiting Mutianyu, one of the best-preserved portions of the Great Wall, located 40 miles (64 km) north of Beijing. When you arrive, take the cable car to the top of the wall and walk along the cobblestones, peering out through the battlements at the far-reaching views.
Enjoy a moderate hike along the wall for two to six hours, depending on your chosen route. This section of wall stretches for 13 miles (22 km), with 22 stone watchtowers sitting atop steep hills blanketed in rich green pines and cypress trees. Take your time and soak in the views, which are nothing short of spectacular on a clear day, before your drive back to Beijing.
Day 4: Explore a Local Market, Train to Jinan, Highlights of Jinan Tour
With your guide, spend two hours this morning discovering the bustling Chaowai Morning Market in central Chaoyang. At this daily market, which opens at dawn, you'll find everything from shoes to fresh fruit, tailoring services to street food specialties. Immerse yourself in the busy lanes lined with stalls and meet the locals as you bargain for souvenirs or snacks.
Later, say farewell to Beijing as your driver takes you to the train station, where you'll catch a two-hour train to Jinan, the capital of Shandong province. Check into your hotel, then meet your guide for a half-day city discovery tour. Begin at Baotu Spring, or "sprouting water," a centuries-old pool surrounded by beautiful pavilions perched on the banks, which has inspired many artists over the years.
Next, walk along Furongjie (Furong Street), named for Furong Spring which runs below. Sample local food as you appreciate the beautiful, ancient houses. End your day on the shores of Daming Lake, formed by the many springs in the city. Meander across ornate bridges linking lush islands with swaying willow trees, discover ancient shrines tucked in the greenery, and visit Tiegongci Shrine, dedicated to local hero Tie Xuan. After your long day, return to your Jinan hotel for the evening.
Day 5: Transfer to Tai'an, Temples & Mountains Tour
Eat a hearty breakfast this morning before your private transfer from Jinan to Tai'an, about 1.5 hours away. Once you arrive, check into your hotel, then set out on a full-day guided tour to visit the many temples scattered through the mountains in this "Holy Land of Worship." Start at the Dai Temple, initially founded in the Western Han Dynasty circa 202 BCE, where you'll learn about ancient Chinese worship culture from the Stone Tablets kept here. Explore the ancient complex with over 150 buildings, including the ornate Tiankuang Hall.
Afterward, visit the iconic Mount Taishan (Tai), the greatest of China's "Five Great Mountains." Considered the most important place of worship over the last 3,000 years of Chinese history, it's also the most climbed mountain in the world. Visit Puzhao Temple at the base to see its sacred 1,500-year-old pine tree, then climb the 6,600 stone steps or take the cable car up to the peak to appreciate the gorgeous scenery and the ornate South Heaven Gate. From here, walk to Bixia Temple near Jade Emperor Peak, dedicated to Taoist goddess, Bixia Yuanjun.
Day 6: Day Trip to Qufu for Confucian Culture & History
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on a day trip to visit Qufu, the hometown of Confucius (also known as King Qiu), the famous Chinese philosopher and politician who lived from 551 to 479 BCE. Today, you'll visit three places in the town of Qufu associated with Confucius, starting at the Temple of Confucius. Modeled after Beijing's Forbidden City, one of the complex's highlights is Dacheng Hall, with its yellow tiled roof, ornate pillars, and statues of Confucius and his disciples.
Follow your guide to the Family Kong's Mansion, adjacent to the temple and once home to Confucius' direct descendants. Wander through some 400 beautifully restored Qing Dynasty-style rooms, courtyards, and gardens filled with intricate furniture, artwork, jewelry, and other artifacts.
Your final stop of the day is the Cemetery of Confucius, where the philosopher and much of his family are buried. While paying your respects, observe the delicate dragon and peony carvings on the Wanguchangchun Gateway, followed by the interlocking wooden brackets and bright colors of the Zhishenglin Gateway. At the end of the day, you'll return to Tai'an for your final night in the city.
Day 7: Train to Qingdao, City Tour with Zhanqiao Pier & Badaguan Neighborhood
Hop on the train this morning for a three-hour journey from Tai'an to Qingdao (or Tsingtao) on the coast of the Yellow Sea. Check into your hotel, then meet your guide for a half-day tour of the city, starting at the city landmark of Zhanqiao Pier. Stroll along the pier's 1,440 feet (440 m) length out over the water, ending at the octagonal Huilan Pavilion, where you can enjoy views back to the city and out over the sea.
Then, follow your guide to Badaguan, a beautiful historic area of the city featuring German, Russian, British, French, and Spanish architectural influences. Appreciate the beautiful mansions as you walk along the tree-lined streets before ending the day at the Olympic Sailing Center. The sailing competitions of the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics took place here, and now it's a serene spot to walk, with views of white sails bobbing gently on the waves against the faraway skyscrapers. Afterward, relax at your Qingdao hotel for the evening.
Day 8: Visit Mount Laoshan, Taoist Temples & Taiqing Palace
Spend today touring another sacred Chinese mountain, Mount Laoshan (Lao). This peak, of great significance to Taoism, is right outside Qingdao and provides some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the area. Once you arrive, climb the stone steps or take the cable car to the top, where, at 3,714 feet (1,132 m) high, you'll have conquered the tallest mountain on China's entire coastline.
Take in the views of forest, mountains, and otherworldly rock formations, then, with your guide, explore some of the many ancient Taoist temples and palaces. The oldest, dating back over 2,000 years, is the beautiful Taiqing Palace, a must-see when you visit this holy spot. Learn more about Taoism from your expert guide and appreciate the peaceful surroundings, then end the day back in Qingdao for your final night in China.
Day 9: Depart Qingdao
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