9 Days Spiritual and Modern China

Welcome to China! After completing border and customs formalities, an assistant will be waiting for you to provide essential information and accompany you on the transfer from the airport to the hotel. Enjoy some free time upon arrival.

06:30 p.m. - We'll meet our guide and fellow travelers in the hotel reception area. Then, we'll set out to explore the city. We'll take a transfer to Wangfujing Street, a lively pedestrian and commercial area filled with shops and restaurants. Dinner will be included, followed by a return to the hotel.

Beijing: 37ºC - 37ºC, few clouds

07:30 a.m. - An exciting day awaits us as we explore the highlights of China's capital. We'll enjoy a full-day guided tour, starting with a walk through the immense Tiananmen Square, one of the largest squares in the world.

Next, we'll visit the majestic Forbidden City, the most impressive architectural complex in China, where 24 emperors ruled for nearly 500 years. We'll also visit Jingshan Park, home to Coal Hill, one of Beijing's best-preserved imperial gardens. Climbing to the top of the hill, we'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Forbidden City — weather permitting.

Lunch will be included.

In the afternoon, we'll experience local life with a tricycle ride through the traditional Hutong neighborhoods, where we can observe daily life, visit charming shops, and step inside a Siheyuan, a traditional courtyard house.

We'll then conclude our tour with a visit to the stunning Summer Palace, the former imperial retreat of the Qing Dynasty, renowned for its exquisite gardens and tranquil lakes.

06:30 p.m. - Tour ends. You may return to the hotel by bus or choose to stay in the city center (in which case, the 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).

Note: Due to heritage conservation measures and enhanced visitor safety, the governing body of the Forbidden City has temporarily reduced daily visitor capacity. As a result, we cannot guarantee access to this site. If the visit is not possible, it will be replaced with a tour of the Confucius Temple and the Lama Temple, both iconic landmarks in Chinese history and culture.

Beijing: 37ºC - 37ºC, few clouds

Scenery: Expansive urban landscapes as we leave Beijing, followed by lush green mountains surrounding the Great Wall.

Note: Due to the high number of visitors at the Great Wall, it may be advisable to walk part of the way to avoid delays on the funicular ascent.

07:30 a.m. - Departure from Beijing. Today, we'll embark on an unforgettable excursion to the Great Wall.

09:30 a.m. - Great Wall of China (Mutianyu section). We'll arrive at this awe-inspiring architectural marvel, whose history spans over 2,000 years. Our visit includes a cable car ride up and down to one of the most scenic sections of the wall. You'll have free time to explore, enjoy the commercial area, visit the Exhibition Center, and have lunch at your leisure.

Later, we'll visit the Temple of Heaven, one of China's most important sacred complexes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

To unwind after an exciting day, we'll take part in a relaxing Tai Chi class and enjoy a soothing foot massage.

We'll bid farewell to Beijing with a traditional Peking duck dinner (included).

09:00 p.m. - Return to the hotel.

Beijing: 37ºC - 37ºC, few clouds

Scenery: Scenic train journey with interesting landscapes. Stunning views in the Taishan Mountain area.

Notes: Wear comfortable shoes, as we will be climbing one of China's sacred mountains. Train schedules are subject to change. Each traveler must carry their own luggage on the train.

06:30 a.m. - After breakfast, we'll head to the train station to board one of China's high-speed trains.

08:35 a.m. - Departure from Beijing. Traveling at 300 km/h, we'll reach Taian in just two hours. This city, located at the foot of Mount Taishan, is home to one of the most sacred mountains in China.

Upon arrival, we'll visit the Dai Temple, a magnificent Taoist complex dating back to the 11th century. This temple marks the beginning of the traditional pilgrimage route up the mountain.

Lunch will be included.

Afterward, we'll take a cable car up to the "Gates of Heaven" on Mount Taishan. The final stretch must be completed on foot, climbing its steep staircase alongside hundreds of pilgrims.

05:45 p.m. - Departure from Taian. We'll continue our journey by bus along China's excellent highways.

07:15 p.m. - Qufu. Arrival in the hometown of Confucius, the great Chinese philosopher of the 5th century B.C. and founder of Confucianism. This small yet historically rich city boasts a vibrant historic center, perfect for an evening stroll.

Beijing: 37ºC - 37ºC, few clouds - Taian: 34ºC - 34ºC, clear sky - Qufu: 34ºC - 34ºC, clear sky

Scenery: Lush green landscapes, rolling hills, and vast agricultural plains.

07:30 a.m. - We'll begin our day exploring Qufu, the city of Confucius. We'll witness the opening ceremony at the Confucius Temple, a vibrant and colorful musical ritual (please note that this event may not take place on certain dates). Our visit includes entry to both the Confucius Temple and the Confucius Mansion, offering a deeper insight into the philosopher's legacy.

10:30 a.m. - Departure from Qufu. We'll continue our journey by coach.

01:00 p.m. - Xuzhou. Lunch will be included.

Afterward, we'll visit the impressive Underground Mausoleum of the Han Emperor, where we'll be amazed by the terracotta army displayed in the museum — similar to the famous warriors of Xian, though on a smaller scale.

Later, we'll pass by the picturesque Lake Yunlong, a scenic spot in the heart of Xuzhou.

Around 5:00 p.m., we'll arrive at our hotel. After check-in, you'll have free time to explore this dynamic commercial city at your own pace.

Qufu: 34ºC - 34ºC, clear sky - Xuzhou: 32ºC - 32ºC, clear sky

Scenery: Vast agricultural plains of Jiangsu province.

Note: The train schedule is subject to change. Passengers must carry their own luggage. Please do not pack any sprays/aerosols larger than 100ml each, as they could be removed at the security checkpoint.

10:00 a.m. - Departure from Xuzhou. Transfer to train station to board a high-speed train (scheduled departure at 11:51 a.m.). In just over an hour and fifteen minutes, we will cover 350 km to Nanjing, traveling across vast agricultural plains.

01:15 p.m. - Nanjing. Arrival in this vibrant city of eight million residents, often regarded as one of the most pleasant cities in China. We'll be captivated by the dynamic commercial life and modern energy of this metropolis.

Our tour will take us to Purple Mountain, where we'll visit the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, a tribute to the founding father of modern China. We'll also explore the Linggu Temple, a picturesque site rich in history and cultural significance.

06:00 p.m. - Arrival at the hotel and check-in.

We recommend taking an evening stroll through Nanjing's lively streets, filled with shops, restaurants, and a vibrant atmosphere. Free time to explore at your leisure. Overnight stay in Nanjing.

Xuzhou: 32ºC - 32ºC, clear sky - Nanjing: 32ºC - 32ºC, clear sky
Featured stop: Yunlong Lake

Scenery: Vast plains and serene lakes.

Note: Depending on logistics, we may visit Suzhou before Tongli or vice versa.

07:30 a.m. - Departure from Nanjing as we continue our journey south.

10:45 a.m. - Suzhou. Arrival in this historic city, famous for its exquisite gardens, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Suzhou was once the world's leading silk producer and has long been associated with beauty and refinement.

Lunch will be included.

Our visit includes entry to the Garden of the Humble Administrator, a stunning example of classical Chinese landscape design. Afterward, you'll have free time to stroll along the charming Pingjiang Road, a picturesque street lined with traditional shops, teahouses, and canals.

03:15 p.m. - Departure from Suzhou.

04:00 p.m. - Tongli. Arrival in this enchanting water town, known for its historic canals, traditional houses, and tranquil atmosphere. We'll enjoy a scenic boat ride through its winding waterways, offering a unique perspective of this charming destination.

06:00 p.m. - Departure from Tongli.

08:00 p.m. - Shanghai. Arrival in China's most dynamic metropolis.

Nanjing: 32ºC - 32ºC, clear sky - Suzhou: 32ºC - 32ºC, scattered clouds - Tongli: 32ºC - 32ºC, scattered clouds - Shanghai: 30ºC - 30ºC, few clouds

08:30 a.m. - 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 enjoy 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.

06:30 p.m. - 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).

Shanghai: 30ºC - 30ºC, few clouds

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.

MERCURE BEIJING DOWNTOWN****
Т.: 1087956688
No.16 Jia,Xi Da Wang Road, Chaoyang, CP 100124,BEIJING
100124 BEIJING
CHINA

GRAND CONCORDIA*****
Т.: 1051086688
No. 26 Xiaoyun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China, 100016
100016 BEIJING
CHINA

GRAND MERCURE BEIJING CENTRAL****
Т.: 106603668
China, Beijing, Xicheng District
100031 BEIJING
CHINA

SHANGRI-LA QUFU****
Т.: 5375058888
Chunqiu Middle Rd, Qufu Shi, Qufu, Shandong Sheng, China
273100 QUFU
CHINA

HYATT REGENCY XUZHOU****
Т.: 1683661234
29 Haihai E Road, Gulou District, Xuzhou, Jiangsu
221005 XUZHOU
CHINA

HILTON NANJING RIVERSIDE*****
Т.: 2583158888
1 Huaibin Rd, Gulou Qu, Nanjing Shi, Jiangsu Sheng, China, 210011
210011 NANJING
CHINA

NEW JINGLI ****
Т.: 2583243333
No.2, Zijinghua Rd, Jiangsu
000 NANJING
CHINA

NOVOTEL SHANGHAI ATLANTIS****
Т.: 2150366666
28 Pu Dong Avenue 200120 SHANGHAI CHINA
200120 SHANGHAI
CHINA