Culture & History Highlights Tour of China's Cities & Shanxi Province -15 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Beijing, Peking Duck Dining Experience

Welcome to Beijing, China's bustling capital! Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel, where you can relax until dinner. In the evening, follow your guide to a local restaurant to indulge in a delicious Peking duck dining experience. Characterized by its crispy skin and succulent meat, the duck will be presented alongside an array of condiments, including hoisin sauce, scallions, cucumber, and thin pancakes to accompany the slices. It's a ceremony in itself as your server carves the duck to the table before leaving you to enjoy your first meal in China.  

Day 2: Visit the Forbidden City, Hutong Pedicab Tour, Lianpu Workshop

You'll end the day with a lianpu workshop to learn about the traditional face painting of Peking opera performers. Guided by a skilled artist, you'll be introduced to the vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and symbolic meanings behind each character's design as you learn the precise brushstrokes to bring the faces to life. When you're ready, you can paint your own mask as a souvenir. 

Day 3: Visit the Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall & Changling Tomb 

Day 4: Visit the Chaowai Morning Market & Temple of Heaven, Train to Datong

Start your final morning in Beijing at the bustling Chaowai Morning Market, frequented by locals and tourists alike. Stroll through the narrow alleys with stalls full of fresh produce, spices, and street food delicacies like baozi (steamed buns typically filled with meat.) Then, head to the UNESCO-listed Temple of Heaven, built in the 15th century so emperors could pray for good harvests and divine favor. The complex spans 657 acres (267 ha) and comprises several structures, including the iconic Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, home to a triple-tiered circular structure that stands as the complex's centerpiece.

Back outside, take a walk across the expansive grounds adorned with majestic gates, pavilions, and cypress trees. When you're done exploring the temple, make your way to the train station for a two-hour ride west to Datong in China's Shanxi province. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel, and when you're ready, head out to explore. The Yingbin Road is a great place to start, with plenty of excellent local restaurants to choose from. Try local delights like dao xiao mian (knife-cut noodles served with a savory broth, meat, and vegetables), or if you miss Peking duck, try Datong's version of the famous dish. 

Day 5: Guided Tour of the UNESCO-listed Yungang Grottoes & Hanging Temple

Immerse yourself in Datong's cultural heritage today with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Yungang Grottoes, home to 252 human-made grottoes that house over 51,000 Buddhist statues and sculptures. Your tour starts with a short film at the site entrance to learn about the caves' history and religious purposes. Then, follow your guide to the grottoes to admire the detailed carvings, vibrant murals, and intricate statues, ranging from tiny figurines to towering Buddhas over 50 feet (15 m) tall. Don't miss the Grand Buddha of Grotto 20, standing at 52 feet (16 m) tall. 

After exploring the different grottoes, continue to the Hanging Temple, so named for its precarious position on a rock face above Hengshan Mountain. Admire the ancient wooden beams and intricate carvings that seemingly defy gravity, then walk through the narrow passageways to see the beautifully decorated halls adorned with Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian deities. Before you leave, enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, then transfer back to your hotel.

Day 6: Discover the Nine-Dragon Screen & Huayan Temple, Train to Pingyao

Join your guide on another tour of Datong's cultural sites today, starting at the Nine-Dragon Screen, an imposing structure featuring nine dragons intricately rendered in glazed tiles. Each dragon, depicted in vivid colors of blue, green, and gold, appears to writhe and dance along the wall, symbolizing power, strength, and protection. The screen, which once served as a decorative barrier to ward off evil spirits and protect the royal family, is the largest and oldest of its kind in China and stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of the Yuan Dynasty.

Continue to Huayan Temple, originally founded in 1038 during the Liao Dynasty. Step inside to discover the collection of ancient Buddhist sculptures, intricate carvings, and well-preserved halls. A highlight is the Great Buddha Hall, home to an impressive statue of Buddha surrounded by rows of smaller figures. After exploring the temple complex, transfer to the train station for a three-hour ride to Pingyao, one of China's best-preserved ancient cities. Meet your driver outside the station and transfer to your hotel to check-in. 

Day 7: Visit the Wang Family Compound & Zhangbi Ancient Castle

Step back in time on today's tour, starting at the Wang Family Compound, just 45 minutes outside of Pingyao. This sprawling complex dates back to the late Ming and early Qing dynasties and features grand courtyards, halls, temples, libraries, and fortresses that took the wealthy merchant family over 300 years to build. Step through the ornate gates and discover the labyrinth of rooms and courtyards while your guide shares stories of the site's history. 

Then, on your way back to Pingyao, stop at Zhangbi Ancient Castle, nestled in the hills of Zhangbi village. Explore the well-preserved fortress dating back to the Tang Dynasty to discover the network of underground tunnels, defensive walls, and ancient watchtowers. The castle served as a base for military, residential, and religious functions, so you may find artifacts from the castle's inhabitants, providing insight into what their daily life may have been like. Stop to take in the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside before returning to your hotel.

Day 8: Guided Tour of Pingyao Ancient Town, Train to Xi'an

Spend your last few hours in Pingyao exploring the well-preserved walled city dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Follow your guide down the narrow cobblestone streets lined with ancient merchant houses, historic temples, and traditional courtyards. You'll stop at the Rishengchang Exchange Shop, one of China's earliest banks, established in 1823 and filled with well-preserved rooms and exhibits detailing the evolution of the bank.

Then, head to Qingxu Guan, an ancient Taoist temple founded during the Tang Dynasty. As you explore the temple grounds, you'll encounter intricately carved wooden beams, ornate altars, and ancient Taoist scriptures. Your last stop is the Pingyao Ancient Government Office, where you can watch a performance dramatizing historical court cases and legal proceedings that used to occur during the Ming and Qing dynasties. After the four-hour city tour, head to the train station for a three-hour transfer to Xi'an, the starting point of the Silk Road and the capital of several of China's most significant dynasties.

Day 9: Visit Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum, Calligraphy Class

Xi'an is known for its famous Terracotta Army, which you'll see today at Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum. Step inside to discover the vast collection of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots that were buried to guard the emperor in the afterlife. Wander through the excavation pits to understand the terracotta figures' sheer scale and intricate craftsmanship, each with distinct facial features, expressions, posture, and attire. Don't miss the on-site museum that showcases the emperor's life and the construction of his mausoleum.

Afterward, you'll take a calligraphy class to learn one of China's most esteemed artistic traditions. Under the guidance of a skilled calligrapher, you'll learn the intricacies of brush strokes, ink preparation, and character formation, all while gaining insight into the historical and philosophical significance of calligraphy. You'll also learn about the different styles, such as kǎishū, xíngshū, and cǎoshū. When you're ready, pick up your brush and create your own artwork to take home with you and commemorate your trip. 

Day 10: Full-Day Tour of Xi'an: Drum Tower, Muslim Quarter, Shaanxi Museum

After breakfast, meet your guide for a full-day tour of Xi'an's landmarks, starting at Huancheng Park, nestled along the ancient city walls. Stroll along the scenic walkway, enjoying views of the historic wall towering over the city at 39 feet (12 m) tall. Continue to the 14th-century Drum Tower, where you can find a fascinating collection of drums, including replicas you can try playing. You may also witness a performance featuring a collection of ancient chime bells called bianzhong and percussion instruments.

Around lunchtime, head to the Muslim Quarter, which dates back to the Tang Dynasty when Xi'an and the Silk Road attracted plenty of Muslim merchants. Stroll through the bustling quarter lined with traditional shops, vibrant market stalls, and historic mosques, stopping to try authentic dishes, like a Xi'an-style lamb burger. End the tour at the Shaanxi History Museum to learn more about the province's rich history and culture. Peruse the extensive collection of artifacts spanning millions of years, including ancient bronze ware, Ming Dynasty porcelain, Tang Dynasty murals, and imperial treasures. 

Day 11: Fly to Suzhou via Shanghai, Classical Chinese Garden Tour

Say goodbye to Xi'an this morning as you head to the airport for a two-hour flight to Shanghai. From there, you'll transfer one hour west to the charming city of Suzhou, known for its canals, bridges, and classical gardens. When you arrive, hit the ground running with a tour of the Humble Administrator's Garden, one of nine sites that make up the UNESCO-listed Classical Gardens of Suzhou. Go for a stroll around the garden, originally constructed during the Ming Dynasty, to see the network of winding pathways, tranquil ponds, and elegantly designed pavilions.

Afterward, you'll head to the smaller Master of the Nets Garden to admire the serene ponds, delicately curved bridges, and meticulously arranged rockeries before the sun sets. Then, as darkness falls and the garden transforms into a stage, you'll be invited to watch an enchanting live performance. Sit back and enjoy the traditional music, dance, opera, and dramatic storytelling set against the backdrop of the garden illuminated by lanterns. From Kunqu opera and pingtan (Suzhou-style ballad singing) to folk dance and traditional music, you're sure to be entertained.

Day 12: Day Trip to Tongli Water Town, Transfer to Shanghai

Leave the city behind for the day as you transfer one hour south to Tongli, an ancient water town known as the "Venice of the East" because of its labyrinthine waterways and arched stone bridges. Walk along the narrow cobblestone streets and browse the artisan workshops and quaint tea houses. Stop to see the Tuisi Garden, originally built during the Qing Dynasty, then follow the winding paths, past meticulously crafted pavilions, tranquil ponds, and artfully arranged rockeries. Don't miss the opportunity for a boat tour through the canals to see the ancient residences and intricate bridges up close. 

If time allows, you could also visit the Six Arts Museum, centered on the six requisites of the Confucian curriculum in ancient times: calligraphy, mathematics, chariot riding, archery, music, and ritual. You'll find fascinating exhibits for each discipline, historical artifacts, and detailed explanations explaining their significance in Confucian education.  At the end of your tour, you'll transfer two hours east to the bustling city of Shanghai on China's central coast.

Day 13: Full-Day Highlights Tour of Shanghai

Get ready for an action-packed day of sightseeing in Shanghai as you head to The Bund, a historic waterfront promenade. Enjoy panoramic views of the futuristic Pudong district across the Huangpu River, and listen as your guide shares how the city evolved from a small fishing village to one of the world's largest financial centers. Then, head to Yuyuan Garden, a serene oasis amid the urban landscape. Wander through the landscaped courtyards, meandering paths, and scenic pavilions filled with intricate details.

Cross over the delicate bridges to admire the lotus ponds beneath before continuing to Yuyuan Bazaar just outside the garden. Here, you can browse the stalls full of local snacks, handicrafts, and antiques to find the perfect souvenir to take home. Enjoy a delicious lunch, then take a walk in the former French Concession, starting at Fuxing Park. Follow the tree-lined avenues, admiring the charming rose gardens, historical sculptures, and picturesque ponds. Continue to Bugaoli, where you can see some of the city's shikumen, traditional stone gatehouses that combine Western and Chinese elements. 

Day 14: Day Trip to Hangzhou: Tea Plantation Tour, West Lake Boat Ride & Temple Tour

Your penultimate day in China takes you two hours from Shanghai to Hangzhou to visit one of Longjing's main tea plantations, responsible for China's famous green tea. Stroll through the meticulously maintained tea fields and pick your own leaves while you learn about the history of Longjing tea. You'll also learn about the traditional techniques used in cultivating and harvesting tea leaves, from hand-picking to the delicate art of pan-frying to stop the oxidation process. Of course, you'll end the plantation tour with a freshly brewed cup of tea.

Your next stop is West Lake for a scenic boat ride across the tranquil waters. Look out at the lush green hills, ancient pagodas, and elegant bridges arching over the lake. Then, head to Lingyin Temple, one of the largest Buddhist temples in China. Step inside to discover the grand halls, including the Great Hall of Great Sage, featuring a 78-foot-tall (24 m) statue of Sakyamuni Buddha. After exploring the temple, walk to the nearby Feilai Peak, a limestone mountain featuring over 300 intricate stone carvings and statues dating from the 10th to 14th centuries.

Day 15: Depart Shanghai 

After immersing yourself in China's rich culture and history over the last 15 days, it's time to bid farewell and head home. If you have time before your flight, go for a stroll along Nanjing Road, one of the busiest shopping streets in the world. Browse the array of luxury boutiques, department stores, and local shops to pick up some last-minute souvenirs. Visit one of the street food stalls to try more Shanghainese dishes before you go, like shengjian bao, (pan-fried soup dumplings filled with meat.) When it's time, return to the hotel to meet your driver and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!