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Why Travel with Discover Beijing Tours
Unique Experiences
Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.Well-Selected Local Guides
Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and attentive — your personal local guides will share interesting stories, insider information, and even create unexpected highlights!Your Booking is Risk-Free
Cancel up to 24 hours before the travel date in advance for a full refund
13-Day Cultural and Historical China Tour from Beijing: Nanjing, Suzhou, Shanghai, Luoyang, Xi’an Chengdu
Experience the rich cultural and historical heritage of China on this 13-day tour that takes you to some of the country’s most iconic cities. Begin your journey in Beijing, where you will explore the ancient Forbidden City and walk along the Great Wall.
Next, travel to Nanjing, known for its Ming dynasty city walls and beautiful parks. In Suzhou, marvel at the classical gardens and traditional silk production.
Continue on to Shanghai, a modern metropolis with a fascinating blend of old and new. Visit Luoyang to see the Longmen Grottoes and White Horse Temple, two important Buddhist sites.
In Xi’an, discover the Terracotta Warriors and ancient city walls before heading to Chengdu to see the famous Giant Pandas. This comprehensive tour offers a glimpse into China’s diverse history and culture, making it an unforgettable experience for any traveler.
Itinerary Quick Look
Day 1: Welcome to Beijing!
Your China tour starts today! We will arrange our driver pick you up and taken to your hotel in Beijing, then spend the rest of the day on your own to explore.
Day 2: Beijing
Your driver and tour guide will meet you at the hotel lobby at 8:30am for departure to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. More rugged and slightly less crowded than more famous Badaling section of the Wall, more than 96% of Mutianyu is covered with lush trees and orchards.
Stop at a local restaurant for lunch and continue to the Drum Tower to see a drum performance, and take a rickshaw (at your own cost)on a trip through local Hutong alleyways. Make a photo stop at the Beijing National Stadium then return to your hotel.
Day 3: Beijing
After meet your tour guide in the lobby of your hotel, start by exploring one of the world’s largest public areas, Tian’anmen Square. Use travel agency’s fast track enter the Tian’anmen Square and pass through the south gate to the Forbidden City. Follow your tour guide to explore different halls and courtyards and learn the histories and stories about this massive palace. You will visit most important buildings inside the Forbidden City.
Stop in a local restaurant for lunch, then discover the Lama Temple in the afternoon. Lama Temple is one of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the world. For evening, you can enjoy an amazing Chinese show, such as the Acrobatic show, Kongfu show or Peking opera.(at your own cost)
After the show finished, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Beijing
Day 4: Beijing
The driver and tour guide will meet you at your hotel lobby at 8:30am; today your exploration begins with the Temple of Heaven, once visited by the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual prayer ceremonies.
Next, see the pandas in the Beijing Zoo, learn some interesting stories about the panda bears and enjoy a delicious peking duck dinner at a local restaurant,
Continue to the Summer Palace, a well-preserved royal garden that’s renowned for its beautiful landscape and spectacular architecture, and is considered one of the most classical gardens in the world.
Day 4: Beijing to Nanjing
Our driver will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and you will take a 3 hour bullet train on your own to Nanjing. Upon arrival, meet our guide and driver. Customize your itinerary based on your interests and see famous spots, such as Chaotian Gong (Heaven Palace), Zhonghua Gate (ancient city wall), Confucius Temple, Sun Yat-Sen Mausoleum, Qinhuai River, Xuanwu Lake, Purple Mountain, or other city attractions.
You can follow our sample itinerary, feel free to tell your guide if you want to make any changes during the tour.
First, you will visit the Mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen(not open on Monday, but you can visit other site instead), which is regarded as “the greatest mausoleum in modern architectural history of China”. The mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen (1866-1925), the great forerunner of the Chinese democratic revolution. It is Dr. Sun that ended the 2000-year-old feudal monarchy system of China and started the Chinese democratic revolution.
Follow your tour guide to explore the Stone Archway, Tablet Pavilion and Memorial Hall and learn the related history and stories. Feel free to ask questions if you have.
Enjoy lunch in the local restaurant, in the afternoon continue your tour to Xiaoling Tomb of Ming Dynasty, one of the biggest imperial tombs in China. Admire the impressive ancient architecture, learn the history of Ming dynasty and take leisure walk along the Sacred Way which lined with several pairs of stone sculptured animals guarding the tomb.
Your last stop is the Confucius Temple, here you can see how people worship the great educator and philosopher in the temple. Stroll around the temple, learn the stories about Confucius, explore nearby snack street and Qinhuai River.
Day 4: Nanjing – Suzhou
Our driver will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and you will take a 2.5 hour bullet train on your own to Suzhou. Upon arrival, meet your local guide, then hop on your private vehicle and start your Suzhou adventure.
You can follow our sample itinerary, feel free to tell your guide if you want to make any changes during the tour.
Choose to visit one or two UNESCO listed gardens in Suzhou, such as The Humble Administrator’s garden, Lingering garden and Master of the Nets Garden. 1: Humble Administrator’s Garden is the largest and most prestigious garden in Suzhou. You can explore magnificent halls, delicate pavilions, lush flowers, zigzagging bridges, bamboo groves and fragrant lotus ponds, here, you could admire the never-ending designs.
2: Lingering Garden is one of nine “Classical Gardens of Suzhou” on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and praised as one of China’s four famous gardens. With a history of more than 400 years, the Lingering Garden has changed hands several times. Each owner did his best to perfect it.
3:Master of the Nets Garden is a representative work of Suzhou classical gardens. It reflects the beauty of “Mountain and Water” gardens.
Follow your guide to explore the beautiful gardens and immerse yourself in the ancient charm while listening the interesting commentary from your guide.
Move on to the Pingjiang road which can dating back to Song Dynasty (960-1279). Extending for almost 2 kilometers through the heart of Suzhou’s Old Town, this narrow flagstone street and the lanes extending from it are lined with well-preserved traditional architecture, shops, teahouses, guesthouses, and local homes that lend the street an authentic, ancient atmosphere.
After lunch in the local restaurant, your tour guide will design the activities in the afternoon based on your interest. Visit sites such as Tiger Hill, Panmen Gate, Hanshan Temple, Beisi Pagoda, Lingering Garden etc. Or visit the silk factory to learn the fascinating silk process from the tiny little worms to the beautiful fabric and shop for your Suzhou souvenir.
Day 5: Suzhou – Tongli/Zhouzhuang – Shanghai
Today you will visit to one of two best well-known ancient water town Tongli or Zhouzhuang.
Tongli: Reputed as the “Oriental Venice”, Tongli has more than 1000 years of history. It is made up of seven islands, 12 canals or rivers, and 49 bridges to connect the town. Here you can see beautiful examples of traditional architecture, bridges, homes, gardens and canals.Here you can take a sculling boat (at your own cost) to feel the excitement of watching the ancient buildings and people passing by
Zhouzhuang: The most popular, developed, and commercialized water town in China, The town is built amid canals, ponds, and lakes. What makes it special are the old buildings and bridges, boat rides, crafts, and the quaint water town scenery. The canals that crisscross Zhouzhuang have many stone bridges, about fourteen of these were built in the imperial era about 150 years ago or more.
No matter which water town you will visit, you will be amazed by its fantastic ancient town scenery and learn its amazing culture from your guide.
In the late afternoon, you will be transferred to train station for a short bullet train ride to Shanghai
Day 6: Shanghai
Shanghai is a bustling, melting-pot of history, culture, and modernity – so it’s only fair we give you a day off to explore it! You can explore these sites on your own:
- Disneyland Shanghai!
- The Shanghai Museum
- Moganshan Art Street
- Zhujiajiao Watertown
Day 7: Shanghai
Meet your tour guide in the lobby of your Shanghai hotel, hop on your private air-conditioned vehicle, embark upon your customized tour of the city’s sights. Discuss the historical highlights and attractions you wish to see with your knowledgeable guide who will help you plan an itinerary according to your interests. Then, set off and explore. Typically, you will start with the Jade Buddha Temple. You will see the White Jade Buddhas which were brought here from Burma in the nineteenth century. Stroll around halls and courtyards in the temple with your tour guide, learn the history about the temple and buddhism in China, see how the locals come to worship and burn incense.
Yu Garden (Yuyuan)
Enjoy lunch in the local restaurant, then explore the Yuyuan Garden. Yuyuan Garden is the largest ancient gardens with Ming and Qing style architecture. Follow your tour guide to explore the garden, learn how to form a perfect garden. Then visit the Old City God Temple, where various of local snack shops and streets are scattered around.
The Bund
Continue to the Bund, where you will see amazing city skyline, including the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center Shanghai Tower, Shanghai Tower and colonial buildings along the Huangpu River. Take a walk and stop for photos.
Former French Concession
Continue to explore the Former French Concession. Besides its historical and religious factors, Shanghai French Concession is also a fantastic place for spending leisure time. Follow your tour guide to wandering the narrow alleyways, dining and one of the million cafes or restaurants(at your own cost), or browsing through the endless art galleries and photographic studios.
Head up to the top of Jinmao Tower and brave the Skywalk! Or, you can just go up and take in the stunning panoramic views.
In the evening, you’ll take in the bright city lights from the water with a night cruise down the Huangpu River
Day 8: Shanghai to Zhengzhou
Your driver will pick you up in the lobby of your Shanghai city hotel, and transfer you to Railway Station, relax on the 5 hour bullet train ride to Zhangzhou. Upon arrival, your tour guide will pick you up at the exit of the arrival hall by holding your name sign. You will first enjoy a delicious lunch, then heading to Yellow River Scenic Area (Approx. 1.5 hours drive). Known as the mother river by all the Chinese people, the 5,464-kilometer (about 3,395 miles) Yellow River is the second longest in China after the Yangtze River. The Yellow River is the cradle of Chinese civilization, the spiritual home of the Chinese people. Spend some time in the park with your guide, your tour guide will explain the related histories and stories while walking.
Afterwards, you will be transferred to your hotel in Zhengzhou.
Day 9: Zhengzhou to Luoyang
Meet your tour guide and driver, heading directly to the world-famous – Shaolin Temple, which will takes about 1.5 hours. Your tour guide will explain the relate histories and stories along the way, feel free to ask any questions if you have! Shaolin Temple is famous for Chinese Kungfu, first you will have a chance to witness the real Kungfu performed by Shaolin monks. As a UNESCO Site, the Shaolin Temple was first constructed in 495 A.D. Later, Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-557) had the temple built to accommodate the Indian master Batuo. As Chinese Kungfu also originated from Shaolin Temple, it has been recognized as the origin of Chan Buddhism and the cradle of Kungfu. Accompanied by your knowledgable tour guide, you will get you know the histories and related stories about Shaolin Temple – culture, people and soul.
Pagoda Forest of Shaolin Temple
Afterwards, you will explore the Pagoda Forest which is a concentration of tomb pagodas for eminent monks and abbots of the temple. There are more than 240 tomb pagodas of various sizes from the Tang, Song, Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties (618-1911), making it the biggest pagoda forest in China.
After lunch, then heading to Luoyang visit the Longmen Grottoes. As the UNESCO Site, The Longmen Grottoes comprise more than 2,300 caves and niches carved into the steep limestone cliffs over a 1km long stretch. It is the largest and most impressive collection of Chinese art of the late Northern Wei and Tang Dynasties (316-907).
Day 10: Luoyang -Xi’an
Your driver will pick you up in the lobby of your hotel, and transfer you to Railway Station, relax on the 4.5 hour bullet train ride to Xi’an. Upon arrival, your tour guide will pick you up at the exit of the arrival hall by holding your name sign.
After lunch, head to the 600 years old Xi’an City Wall. It is about 14 kilometers long and regarded as the best preserved and longest City Wall in China. Reach the top of the centuries-old City Wall, admire views of the city below.
Afterwards, heading to Muslim Quarter. It is the hub of the Muslim community in Xi’an City. Follow your tour guide to stroll around the Muslim food and souvenir market. After the tour finished, you will be transferred to your hotel in Xi’an.
Day 11: Xi’an
The Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses
Meet up at the lobby of your Xi’an Downtown hotel in the morning, greeting by your knowledgeable and friendly personal guide then transferred by an air-conditioned vehicle to the world-famous Terracotta warriors museum. Terracotta warriors, known as “the Eighth Wonders of the World”. Your tour guide will explain the related histories and stories on the way, feel free to ask questions if you have.
The museum divided into three sections: No.1 Pit, No.2 Pit, and No. 3 Pit. The original site was found by four local farmers while drilling a well in 1974 and now it has turned into the most important attraction in Xi’an. Stroll around the museum and get rich information from your tour guide.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayanta)
Enjoy a delicious lunch in a local restaurant, then drive to Xi’an city and visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. As the symbol of the old-line Xi’an, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is a well-preserved ancient building and a holy place for Buddhists. Originally built in 652 of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), Big Wild Goose Pagoda functioned to collect Buddhist materials that were taken from India by the hierarch Xuanzang, who travelled along the Silk Road for 17 years and traversing 100 countries, finally arriving in India. He obtained Buddha figures, 657 kinds of sutras, and several Buddha relics. Stroll around the area with your tour guide, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the Da Ci’en Temple, and different halls, squares and gardens. Get rich information about the ancient Silk Road, Buddhism in China, histories and stories about this UNESCO attraction. Feel free to ask questions if you have.
Day 12: Xi’an – Chengdu
Your driver will pick you up in the lobby of your hotel, and transfer you to Railway Station, relax on the 4 hour bullet train ride to Chengdu. Upon arrival, your tour guide will pick you up at the exit of the arrival hall by holding your name sign.
In the afternoon, you will go to the Panda Bear research and breeding centre, a reserve where 120 giant pandas and 76 red pandas live. In the afternoon we will take a stroll through the People’s Park, with its small lake, the local people doing Taichi, and its tea houses.
Day 13 : Chengdu
Leshan Giant Buddha (Da Fo)
Meet up at the lobby of your Chengdu Downtown hotel in the morning, greeting by your knowledgeable and friendly personal guide then transferred by an air-conditioned vehicle to Leshan Giant Buddha(approx.2.5 hours), relax on the way and enjoy beautiful countryside view. As the UNESCO Sites, construction of the Leshan Buddha, begun in the year 713 in the Tang Dynasty, and finished in the year 803, the statue took people more than 90 years to carve. During these years, thousands of workers had expended their efforts and wisdom on the project. As the biggest carved stone Buddha in the world, the Giant Buddha is featured in poetry, song and story. Follow your tour guide to explore the whole area, you will view Buddha from different view.
Lingyun Temple
Your first stop is the Lingyun Temple which located behind the Grand Buddha’s head. Marvel at the elaborate construction of the Buddha’s coiled hair, which is made up of around 1,020 twisted buns. Walk inside and marvel at the intricate sculptures and wall designs of the temple. Then absorb panoramic views of three rivers converging prettily below. Then, follow your guide walk down approximately 30 minutes toward the left side of the Grand Buddha. When you reach the bottom, gasp at the 233-foot (71-meter) height of the largest carved Buddha in the entire world and capture fantastic photographs of the sacred site.
Wuyou Temple
Next, explore the right side of the Buddha to discover the Wuyou Temple which contains an abundance of terra-cotta sculptures and calligraphic paintings. Stroll around the temple with your tour guide, learn more information about the Buddhism. If the line to Wuyou Temple too long, you will take a river cruise for the panoramic view of Giant Buddha instead. Afterwards heading to Huanglongxi Old Town( 50 minutes drive)
Huanglongxi Ancient Town
Upon arrival, enjoy a delicious homemade lunch at a local farmhouse. Then spend some leisure time to experience rural life at Huanglongxi Ancient Town. Huanglongxi Ancient town, with over 1700 years of history, still retains its rustic charm with ancient buildings and old folklore custom. Features ancient culture of water, Buddhism and tea, as well as the ecologic farming culture integrated with colorful folklore culture, screen culture and cooking culture. Being a national film and television photography base, it is also called Film City and Chinese Hollywood. Besides, it was The Home of Tea and The Ancient Tea Horse Road in the ancient times on account of its long experience of growing tea.
Huanglongxi Bridge
Follow your tour guide to explore the ancient town whose layouts as it was in Qing Dynasty: 7 streets and 9 allies on which 76 Western Sichuan style houses are scattered. Check out three temples at the Main Street. Admire over 1000-year old banyan trees in the old town.
Gulong Temple
While stroll around the town, there are many activities you can join at your own cost, such as dressing in traditional costume and taking pictures by the stream; Taste various snacks such as One-strand-noodle, Sesame Pudding, Crisp Pork Legs, Yellow Catfish, Pearl Tofu Pudding; and shopping for your special souvenir at the market, your guide will give tips on how to negotiate price. After your fun tour finished, you will be transferred to your hotel in Chengdu.
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