1. Day ISTANBUL – BEIJING We will meet three hours before the flight at the international departure terminal of Istanbul Airport. After luggage, ticket, and boarding procedures, our flight to Beijing will begin with Turkish Airlines. 2. Day BEIJING We will spend the night on the plane. After our arrival in Beijing, we will proceed to our private bus waiting for us at the airport and set off for a panoramic city tour of Beijing. Our first stop will be the Lapa Temple. (From the outside) The temple, which houses an 18-meter high Buddha statue, is known as one of China's most significant and largest temples. Built during the reign of Emperor Qianlong, the temple is considered one of the most important centers for followers of the Gelug sect 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) Built during the Yuan dynasty, this temple is one of the oldest and largest temples. Its white tower and magnificent structure, featuring 13th-century Chinese architecture, was last restored in 2010. Later, we will panoramically see the Bird's Nest (National Stadium) and the Water Cube, both constructed for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. (From the outside) After the tour, we will proceed to a local restaurant for dinner. Following dinner, we will transfer to our hotel. Free time to relax. Accommodation at our hotel. 3. Day BEIJING – FORBIDDEN CITY – TIANANMEN SQUARE – TEMPLE OF Heaven – BEIJING After breakfast at the hotel, we will begin our day by exploring the mystical history of the city. Our bus will take us to the heart of the city, to the Forbidden City, where we will observe how the old and new fabrics of Beijing coexist, step by step experiencing the splendor of this magnificent palace complex that has hosted China's emperors for centuries. As we walk between the vast courtyards, majestic palaces, and historically rich stone paths, you will feel as if you have been transported to an ancient imperial era. Hundreds of years old grand gates, golden palace roofs, vast plazas, and elegant gardens will draw you into the past. Each corner of the palace carries a story, while every detail bears traces of thousands of years of Chinese culture. Then, we will proceed to Tiananmen Square. This is known as one of the largest squares in the world, serving as a symbol of modern China and a witness to historical events. Next, we will head to a Pearl Factory to discover the secrets of China's famous freshwater pearls. While learning how pearls are harvested from nature, meticulously processed, and transformed into dazzling jewelry, we will have the opportunity to closely observe the intricacies of this unique craft. Our next destination will be the Temple of Heaven, with its soaring domes and perfect architecture. This unique structure, which blends with the sky in stunning shades of blue, is not only a temple but also a symbol of the mystical bond the Chinese people have with nature. Throughout the centuries, emperors made prayers to the heavens at this sacred site, and as we walk through its spiritual fabric, we will witness echoes of the past. After the tour, we will proceed to a local restaurant for dinner. Following dinner, we will transfer to our hotel. Free time to relax. Accommodation at our hotel. 4. Day BEIJING – GREAT WALL – JUYONG PASS – BEIJING After breakfast at the hotel, we will begin our day with a visit to the world-renowned Great Wall of China. As we get off the bus, we will see the Great Wall stretching over approximately 21,000 km, sweeping over slopes and hills against a breathtaking mountain backdrop. This extraordinary defensive line, recognized as one of the most iconic and monumental structures in the world, is not only a military construction but also considered one of the greatest engineering achievements in Chinese history. Dating back to the 7th century BC, the Great Wall has been extended and strengthened by different dynasties over the centuries. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this magnificent structure holds great significance not only for China but also for world history. As we explore the Great Wall, we will walk between its stone walls following the traces of the past, embarking on an unforgettable journey through history. Afterwards, we will visit the Jade Factory, where jade has been regarded for centuries as a symbol of luck, wealth, and elegance in Chinese culture. Here, we will closely observe how rough stones are delicately shaped by skilled artisans, gaining insights into the elegance of traditional Chinese craftsmanship. The detailed figures and elegant designs that the artisans carefully carve will help us realize that jade is not merely a decorative item, but a living part of cultural heritage. After the tour, we will proceed to a local restaurant for dinner. Following dinner, we will transfer to our hotel. Free time to relax. Accommodation at our hotel. 5. Day 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 through China's deep history with the high-speed train waiting for us. As the train glides along the tracks, silhouettes of mountains hidden within the fog, endless rice fields, and pagoda temples sprinkled among village scenes will pass before our eyes like a film scene. As we progress from the pace of the modern world to the depths of the past, we are getting ready to step into the historic atmosphere of Xi’an. Upon our arrival in Xi’an, we will be greeted by the magnificent city walls, stone-paved narrow streets, and architecture that reflects the spirit of ancient times. Once the capital of emperors and one of the most important crossroads on the Silk Road, this city has been a stopping point for traders, travelers, and historians for centuries. Here, it will also be possible to feel the traces of the past whispering among the stones. Our first stop will be the Ancient City Walls, which is one of China's best-preserved and most magnificent defensive structures. Built by the Ming Dynasty in the 14th century, this immense structure encircles the city, bringing the glory of the past into the present. With a height of 12 meters, these magnificent walls are considered one of the strongest examples of Chinese military architecture. Walking on them, we will sense how this defense system once protected the city and how it was one of the most strategic structures of its time. From here, we will enjoy a panoramic view of Xi’an while being enveloped in a unique atmosphere where the past and present blend together. After the tour, we will proceed to a local restaurant for dinner. Following dinner, we will transfer to our hotel. Free time to relax. Accommodation at our hotel. 6. Day XI’AN – TERRACOTTA WARRIORS – ANCIENT STYLE STREET – LUOYANG After breakfast at the hotel, we will set out to visit the Terracotta Museum, which is one of the most important heritage sites of Chinese history, recognized by UNESCO as the "Eighth Wonder of the World." This massive underground army, built to protect the burial site of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, remained hidden for 2200 years and was discovered in 1974. Composed of life-sized figures, each with unique facial expressions, and thousands of soldiers, horses, and chariots, this extraordinary site is considered one of the most significant archaeological finds in history. Showing the military power and artistic mastery of ancient China, this impressive area will take us on an unforgettable journey into the depths of history. Afterwards, we will visit the Ancient Style Street, one of Xi’an’s most authentic spots. With narrow streets adorned with traditional Chinese architecture, wooden shops decorated with red lanterns, and cobblestone paths, this historic market juxtaposes the traces of the past with the present. The smell of spices rising from the street, sounds of traditional music, and shops showcasing artisanal skills transform this place into not just a shopping point but a living stage of history. Afterward, we will travel by high-speed train to Luoyang. Once there, we will take a pleasant tour around the Luoyi Ancient City, located in the heart of Luoyang. The streets rebuilt with traditional Chinese architecture, narrow paths illuminated by red lanterns, and the authentic atmosphere of this area will take us on a journey through time. After the tour, we will proceed to a local restaurant for dinner. Following dinner, we will transfer to our hotel. Free time to relax. Accommodation at our hotel. 7. Day LUOYANG – LONGMEN GROTTOES – SHAOLIN TEMPLE – KUNG FU SHOW – ZHENGZHOU After breakfast at the hotel, we will set off towards one of China’s most impressive cultural heritage sites, the Longmen Grottoes, carved into steep cliffs along the Yi River. This unique cave complex witnessed the peak of Buddhist art between the 5th and 10th centuries. Here, over 100,000 Buddha statues intricately carved into the rocks, each reflecting the spiritual beliefs and aesthetic understanding of the period will leave visitors in deep admiration. Particularly, the massive sitting Buddha statue, standing 17 meters high, seems to suspend time with its peaceful gaze. Each figure carries both a spiritual meaning and artistic grace, while progressing through the caves creates an atmosphere where history and faith intertwine. After exploring the Longmen Grottoes, we will travel to the Shaolin Temple, considered one of China’s holiest sites. Established in 495 A.D., this mystical structure is not only the birthplace of Zen Buddhism but also recognized as the cradle of Shaolin Kung Fu. This temple, where legendary monks have trained through both mental and physical discipline for centuries, continues to serve as a spiritual center. As you walk through the ancient courtyards, you will feel the traces left behind by the monks' silent teachings, and you can hear 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. The monks, representing traditional Shaolin arts, will showcase not only fighting techniques but also harmony between body and mind, balance, and spiritual depth. Breathtaking acrobatic movements, a result of years of training and discipline, will present a visual feast for the audience. This show signifies not only observing martial arts but also experiencing a culture, a belief, and the inner strength of humanity. In the afternoon, we will visit a diamond factory famous in Henan. After the tour, we will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and then transfer to the hotel in Zhengzhou. Accommodation at our hotel. 8. Day ZHENGZHOU – JADE TEMPLE – YU GARDEN – NANJING ROAD – SHANGHAI After breakfast at the hotel, we will proceed to Zhengzhou Airport to fly to Shanghai. Upon our arrival, we will begin our city tour of Shanghai. Our first destination will be the Jade Buddha Temple, which hosts two magnificent Buddha statues made entirely of white jade and adorned with precious stones. Particularly, the seated Buddha statue attracts attention with its softly reflecting texture and serene expression. Recognized as one of the important symbols of Buddhist faith, this temple offers a serene experience with its spiritual atmosphere. Next, we will head to the Yu Garden, considered one of the most magnificent examples of traditional Chinese gardening. Like a painting coming from an artist’s brush, this garden features winding paths, stone bridges reflecting in the water, and artistic rock formations, transforming it into an impressive place that evokes a sense of time travel. Afterwards, we will visit the Silk Factory to closely observe China's world-renowned silk production process. Here, we will witness the transformation from the delicate touch of the silk worm to luxurious fabrics, discovering the intricacies of traditional Chinese silk craftsmanship. Our next stop will be Nanjing Road, the heart of trade and shopping in Shanghai. Compared to the world's most famous shopping destinations, this vibrant street is surrounded by luxury stores, traditional handicraft boutiques, and restaurants offering local delicacies. Like Fifth Avenue in New York or Champs-Élysées in Paris, Nanjing Road is indeed a delightful shopping spot for shopping enthusiasts. Next, we will visit the Pearl Tower, an iconic symbol of Shanghai (from the outside). Standing at 468 meters tall and stretching towards the sky, this tower, illuminated at night, has become one of the city's most eye-catching structures. After the tour, we will proceed to a local restaurant for dinner. Following dinner, we will transfer to our hotel. Free time to relax. Accommodation at our hotel. 9./10. Day SHANGHAI – ZHUJIAJIAO WATER VILLAGE – AP PLAZA SHOPPING – ISTANBUL After breakfast at the hotel, we will check out of the rooms and set out to visit one of the most enchanting spots waiting to be discovered in Shanghai, the Zhujiajiao Water Village. With a history of over 600 years, Zhujiajiao Water Village is often referred to as "the Venice of Shanghai," an exquisite paradise that seems frozen in time. Its narrow stone streets, intricately carved wooden houses, and elegant arched bridges make every corner a work of art. The reflections of red lantern lights in the calm waters of the canals, the scents of incense rising to the sky, and the echoes of traditional music transform this place into an exploration area that nourishes the soul, not just a travel destination. Traditional boats gracefully gliding over the crystal-clear waters add a magical touch to the village’s timeless atmosphere, while the jasmine scents wafting from historic tea houses accompany the sounds of the past. The antique shops lined along the cobbled narrow streets, offering elegant silks, handcrafted ceramics, and historical caligraphy works, pull visitors into a fairy-tale world. After the tour, we will move on to AP Plaza, one of the most vibrant and colorful markets in the city. Famous for its wide range of products and attractive prices, this shopping spot offers countless selections, from quality leather goods to electronic items and from luxury watches to Chinese silks. After that, we will head to Shanghai Airport for our flight to Istanbul. After luggage and passport procedures, we will depart to Istanbul with a scheduled flight by Turkish Airlines. Upon our arrival at Istanbul Airport, our tour and services will come to an end.