Elegant Legendary China Empire Tour (PEK-PVG)
Day 1 ISTANBUL – DUBAI
We will meet at the international departures terminal of Istanbul Airport three hours before the flight. After completing baggage, ticket, and boarding procedures, our flight to Dubai with Emirates Airlines will begin.
Day 2 DUBAI – BEIJING
After arriving in Dubai, we will proceed to the Emirates Airlines flight for our transfer to Beijing. We will spend the night on the plane. Upon arrival in Beijing, we will transfer to our private bus waiting at the airport and begin our panoramic city tour of Beijing. Our first stop will be the Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple). (From the outside) The temple, which houses an 18-meter-high Buddha statue, is one of China's most important and largest temples. Built during the reign of Emperor Qianlong, it is considered one of the main centers of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Our next stop will be the White Stupa Temple, also known as Miaoying Temple, an important monastery of the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism. (From the outside) This temple, built during the Yuan dynasty, is one of the oldest and largest temples. Its magnificent white pagoda, showcasing XIII Century Chinese architecture, was last restored in 2010. Later, we will see the Bird's Nest Stadium (National Stadium) built for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics and the Water Cube (National Aquatics Center) panoramically. (From the outside) After the tour, we will move to a local restaurant for our dinner and transfer to our hotel afterward. Free time to relax. Accommodation at our hotel.
Day 3 BEIJING – FORBIDDEN CITY – TIANANMEN SQUARE – TEMPLE OF HEAVEN – BEIJING
After breakfast at the hotel, we will start our day by discovering the mystical history of the city. As our bus takes us to the heart of the city, the Forbidden City, we will observe how Beijing's old and new textures coexist and will gradually feel the grandeur of this majestic palace complex that has hosted emperors for centuries. Walking among wide courtyards, splendid palaces, and historical stone paths, you'll feel as if you've been transported to an ancient imperial era. The hundreds of years old grand gates, golden palace roofs, wide squares, and elegant gardens will draw you into the depths of the past. Every corner of the palace holds a story, and every detail carries the traces of thousands of years of Chinese culture. Afterward, we will proceed to Tiananmen Square, one of the largest squares in the world, known as a symbol of modern China and a witness to historical events. Next, we will visit the Pearl Factory to uncover the secrets of China’s famous freshwater pearls. While learning how pearls are harvested from nature, skillfully processed, and transformed into dazzling jewelry, we will closely observe the subtleties of this unique craft. Our next stop will be the Temple of Heaven, with its magnificent domes that reach for the sky and flawless architecture. This unique structure, which harmonizes with the sky in dazzling shades of blue, is not just a temple but a symbol of the mystical bond between the Chinese people and nature. For centuries, emperors prayed to heaven in this sacred site, where we will witness the spiritual essence of the temple while feeling the traces of the past. After the tour, we will move to a local restaurant for our dinner and transfer to our hotel afterward. Free time to relax. Accommodation at our hotel.
Day 4 BEIJING – GREAT WALL – JUYONG PASS – BEIJING
After breakfast at the hotel, we will start by exploring the world-renowned Great Wall of China in Beijing. Once we get off the bus, we will see the breathtaking mountain view as the Great Wall, approximately 21,000 km long, winds its way up the slopes and peaks. This unique defense structure, one of the world’s most iconic and massive constructions, is not just a military structure but is also considered one of the greatest engineering feats in Chinese history. The construction of the Great Wall dates back to the 7th century BC and has been extended and strengthened by various dynasties over the centuries. This magnificent structure, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, holds significant importance not only for China but also for world history. While exploring the Great Wall, we will walk through its stone walls, following the traces of the past, embarking on an unforgettable journey into history. Next, we will visit the Jade Factory to discover the captivating world of jade, which has been seen as a symbol of luck, prosperity, and elegance in Chinese culture for centuries. Here, we will observe how raw stones are meticulously shaped by skilled hands and we will have the opportunity to closely observe the elegance and craftsmanship of traditional Chinese handicrafts. The detailed figures and elegant designs crafted by artisans will remind us that jade is not just an ornament but a living part of cultural heritage. After the tour, we will move to a local restaurant for our dinner and transfer to our hotel afterward. Free time to relax. Accommodation at our hotel.
Day 5 BEIJING – XI'AN
After breakfast at the hotel, we will head to the train station to travel to Xi’an. We will embark on a journey into the depths of China's rich history aboard the high-speed train waiting for us. As we glide along the tracks, the silhouettes of mountains hidden in fog, endless rice fields, and pagoda temples scattered among villages will pass before our eyes like a movie scene. As we move towards the rich atmosphere of Xi'an, we will be preparing to step into history. Upon our arrival in Xi'an, we will be welcomed by the impressive walls of this ancient city, its stone-paved narrow streets, and the architecture reflecting the spirit of ancient times. Once the capital of emperors and one of the most important junctions of the Silk Road, this city has been a stop for merchants, travelers, and historians for centuries. It will be possible to feel the traces of the past whispering among the stones. After that, we will proceed to the Xi'an City Walls for our tour. Our first stop will be the Xi'an City Walls, one of the best-preserved and grandest defense structures in China. Built by the Ming Dynasty in the 14th century, this immense structure, with a length of 13.7 kilometers, surrounds the city and brings the glory of the past to the present. Standing at a height of 12 meters, these magnificent walls are considered one of the strongest examples of Chinese military architecture. While walking along, we will feel how this defensive system once protected the city and how strategic it was in its time. From here, we will enjoy the panoramic view of Xi'an, experiencing a unique atmosphere where past and present blend together. After the tour, we will move to a local restaurant for our dinner and transfer to our hotel afterward. Free time to relax. Accommodation at our hotel.
Day 6 XI'AN – TERRACOTTA – ANCIENT STYLE STREET – LUOYANG
After breakfast at the hotel, we will embark on a historical journey by visiting the Terracotta Museum, one of China's most important cultural heritage sites, recognized by UNESCO as the "Eighth Wonder of the World." This massive underground army was created to protect the tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, and remained hidden underground for 2200 years until its discovery in 1974. This extraordinary site consists of thousands of life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots, each displaying different facial expressions, and is considered one of the most significant archaeological finds in history. It showcases the military power and artistic skills of ancient China, offering an unforgettable journey into the depths of history. Next, we will visit Ancient Style Street in Xi'an, one of the city's most authentic spots characterized by narrow streets adorned with traditional Chinese architecture, wooden shops with red lanterns, and stone-paved paths. This historic bazaar is home to various cultural treasures ranging from handmade souvenirs to antiques and elegant silk products to traditional Chinese calligraphy. The intriguing atmosphere, where the old meets the new, transforms this place into a vibrant historical stage full of captivating details. The aromatic spices wafting through the air, echoes of traditional music, and the skillfully displayed handicrafts turn the street into a living tableau. Afterward, we will take the high-speed train to Luoyang. Following that, we will embark on a delightful tour of the Luoyi Ancient City in the heart of Luoyang, where traditional Chinese architecture reconstructs streets adorned with red lanterns and authentic atmosphere that will take us on a time travel. After the tour, we will move to a local restaurant for our dinner and transfer to our hotel afterward. Free time to relax. Accommodation at our hotel.
Day 7 LUOYANG – LONGMEN CAVES – SHAOLIN TEMPLE – KUNG FU SHOW – ZHENGZHOU
After breakfast at the hotel, we will set off towards the Longmen Caves, one of China's most impressive cultural heritages. This unique cave complex, carved into steep cliffs along the Yi River, witnessed a peak in Buddhist art between the 5th and 10th centuries. Here, more than 100,000 Buddha statues have been intricately carved into the rocks, each reflecting the religious faith and aesthetic understanding of the period in a captivating manner. Especially the massive seated Buddha statue, standing 17 meters high, leaves visitors in deep admiration with its peaceful gaze that seemingly halts time. Each figure carries both spiritual meaning and artistic elegance, and as we progress through the caves, you will be enveloped by a magnificent atmosphere where history and faith intertwine. After visiting the Longmen Caves, we will head to the Shaolin Temple, one of China's most sacred sites. Built in 495 AD, this mystical structure is not only the birthplace of Zen Buddhism but also the cradle of Shaolin Kung Fu. The monks, becoming legendary figures, have trained in both mental and physical disciplines for centuries, and the temple still continues to serve as a spiritual center today. As we walk through the ancient courtyards of the temple, you will feel the traces left by the monks' silent training and hear the whispers of the past echoing in the stone walls. One of the most exciting moments of our visit will undoubtedly be the Shaolin Kung Fu Show, where the monks, representing traditional Shaolin arts, will demonstrate not only fighting techniques but also showcase body-mind harmony, balance, and spiritual depth. Breathtaking acrobatic movements will provide a visual feast for the audience, reflecting years of training and discipline. This show is not just about viewing martial arts; it’s about experiencing a culture, a belief, and the inner strength of a person. In the afternoon, we will visit a laboratory-produced diamond factory famous in Henan. After the tour, we will enjoy our dinner at a local restaurant, and then transfer to our hotel in Zhengzhou. Accommodation at our hotel.
Day 8 ZHENGZHOU – JADE TEMPLE – YU GARDEN – NANJING ROAD – SHANGHAI
After breakfast at the hotel, we will head to Zhengzhou Airport for our local flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, we will begin our city tour of Shanghai. Our first stop will be the Jade Buddha Temple. This temple houses two magnificent Buddha statues, entirely carved from white jade and adorned with precious stones. Particularly, the sitting Buddha statue, with its gentle reflection of light and serene expression, captures attention. As a significant symbol of Buddhist faith, this temple offers a serene experience with a powerful spiritual atmosphere. Next, we will visit the Yu Garden, one of the most beautiful examples of traditional Chinese gardening. This garden seems to have come from a painter's brush, showcasing intricate pathways, stone bridges reflecting in the water, and artistic rock formations, transforming it into an impressive place that evokes a sense of time travel. Afterward, we will visit the Silk Factory to closely observe China’s world-renowned silk production process. Here, we will witness the transformation of silk from silkworms to luxurious fabrics and discover the intricacies of traditional Chinese silk-making. Our next stop will be the famous Nanjing Road, known as the heart of trade and shopping in Shanghai. Compared to the world’s famous shopping destinations, this bustling street is filled with luxury stores, traditional handicraft boutiques, and restaurants offering local delicacies. Nanjing Road is a delightful shopping spot for enthusiasts, similar to Fifth Avenue in New York and Champs-Élysées in Paris. Afterward, we will visit the Pearl Tower, which has become a symbol of Shanghai (from the outside). Standing at 468 meters, this tower reaches for the sky and is one of the city's most striking buildings with its illuminated silhouette at night. After the tour, we will move to a local restaurant for our dinner and transfer to our hotel afterward. Free time to relax. Accommodation at our hotel.
Days 9/10 SHANGHAI – ZHUJIAJIAO WATER TOWN – AP PLAZA SHOPPING – DUBAI – ISTANBUL
After breakfast at the hotel and checking out of the rooms, we will move to Zhujiajiao Water Town, one of the most captivating spots waiting to be explored in Shanghai. With a history of over 600 years, Zhujiajiao Water Town is known as the “Venice of Shanghai,” shining like a pearl stuck in time. With its narrow stone streets, intricately carved wooden houses, and elegant arched bridges, every corner is like a work of art. The red lantern lights reflecting in the still waters of the canals, the incense scents mingling with the sky, and the echoes of traditional music transform this place into not just a travel destination but a nourishing discovery space for the soul. Traditional boats gently gliding over the crystal-clear waters add a magical touch to the timeless atmosphere of the village while the jasmine fragrances wafting from historical tea houses accompany the sounds of the past. The ancient shops lined along the cobblestone streets offer exquisite silks, handmade ceramics, and historical calligraphy works, drawing those who explore them into a fairytale world. After the tour, we will head to AP Plaza, one of the liveliest and most colorful markets in the city. Known for its wide range of products and attractive prices, this shopping spot offers numerous options, from quality leather goods to electronic devices, luxury watches to Chinese silks. Afterward, we will move to Shanghai Airport for our flight to Istanbul. After completing baggage and passport processes, we will take the scheduled flight with Emirates Airlines to Dubai. After arriving in Dubai, we will begin our flight to Istanbul after the transfer. Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, our tour ends along with our services.
What's Included
Not Included
Travel health insurance
Lunches
All personal expenses and hotel extras
International departure tax
Museum and archaeological site entrance fees
Tourist city taxes
Driver tips 10 Euro per person (optional)
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