Classical China end Xian

This morning, we’ll explore the highlights of this fascinating city. Our tour will begin in Pudong, Shanghai’s striking financial district, located across the Huangpu River. We’ll admire its futuristic skyline, including the iconic Pearl Tower, and take a stroll along the elevated walkways, offering breathtaking views of the modern skyscrapers. Next, we’ll board a local ferry to cross the river, allowing us to take in Shanghai’s impressive cityscape from the water while observing daily life along the bustling waterfront. Upon arrival, we’ll explore the Bund, home to a collection of grand 19th-century European-style buildings, a striking contrast to the modern skyline of Pudong. Our tour will continue in Shanghai’s Old City, where we’ll visit the Yuyuan Garden, a beautiful private garden built during the Ming Dynasty. Here, we’ll also an explanation of traditional tea, an integral part of Chinese culture. We’ll then pass through Xintiandi, one of the city’s most fashionable districts, known for its blend of historical charm and modern elegance. Lunch will be included. In the afternoon, we’ll visit Tianzifang, a former residential area famous for its narrow, labyrinth-like streets, lined with artisanal shops, trendy boutiques, and art galleries. We’ll conclude our tour with a final stroll along the Bund, appreciating its historical architecture and the European influence on the city’s past.

Our tour will come to an end. You may return to the hotel by bus or choose to stay in the city center (if so, return to the hotel will be at your own expense. We recommend carrying the hotel’s address written in Chinese to show the taxi driver).

Departure from the hotel. A picnic-style breakfast will be provided. Transfer to the railway station.

We’ll board one of China’s high-speed trains for an exciting journey across the country. Sit back and enjoy the ever-changing scenery as we pass through vast plains, terraced rice fields, and mountainous landscapes.

Luoyang – Longmen. Arrival. Lunch will be included. After lunch, we’ll visit the awe-inspiring Longmen Caves, an extraordinary collection of Buddhist carvings stretching over a kilometer along the rocky cliffs of the Yi River. With more than 100,000 Buddha statues etched into the rock, this UNESCO-listed site is one of China’s most remarkable cultural treasures. We’ll explore the most impressive caves on foot and then take a boat ride for a unique perspective from the water.

Departure from Longmen.

Luoyang. Arrival and transfer to the Old Town, where we’ll pass through its impressive city walls and immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of its illuminated streets. This experience offers a glimpse into the daily life of a historic provincial capital in inland China. Return to the hotel. Overnight stay in Luoyang.

Departure from the hotel.

White Horse Buddhist Monastery. Arrival at this vast and historically significant monastery, a major center for Buddhist study and pilgrimage, welcoming practitioners from around the world.

Departure from the monastery.

Sanmenxia. Arrival in this historic city, located along the Yellow River. We’ll visit the Baolun Temple, home to an impressive high pagoda, and then explore the renowned Guo State Museum, considered one of the finest in China. Here, we’ll see the remarkable funeral chariots of the ancient Guo State, offering a fascinating glimpse into early Chinese civilization. Lunch will be included.

Departure from Sanmenxia. As we continue eastward, we’ll pass by the majestic Mount Hua, one of China’s five sacred mountains, revered for its dramatic peaks and spiritual significance.

Xian. Arrival in this legendary city, once the starting point of the Silk Road and home to an extraordinary historical and cultural heritage. Overnight stay in Xian.

We’ll start the day with a visit to the Terracotta Army, one of the most extraordinary archaeological discoveries in the world. This vast underground army, with thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, was created to protect the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Located less than an hour from downtown Xian, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient Chinese history. Free time for lunch.

Departure from the Terracotta Army Museum.

Xian. Upon arrival, we’ll visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, an elegant Buddhist structure dating back to the Tang Dynasty. Next, we’ll explore the walled city center, walking through the vibrant Muslim Quarter, where centuries of cultural and religious influences have shaped the city’s identity. We’ll enter the Great Mosque of Xian, a unique blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture. Our tour will also include entrance to the Drum Tower, where we’ll enjoy a short performance of traditional Chinese percussion instruments. After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to continue exploring the bustling historic center at your own pace.

End of our visit. You may return to the hotel by bus or choose to stay in the city center to explore further on your own.