Far east travel service co. LTD Top 100 travel ag

14 Days China Central Plains Cultural & Ancient Water Town Tour

Tour Code: INCH1401

Destination: Beijing, Datong, Pingyao, Xi'an, Luoyang, Zhengzhou, Shanghai

• Day 1. Arrive in Beijing

  You will be greeted by our Beijing tour guide and transferred to check in at your luxurious hotel where you are at your leisure to relax and enjoy the evening.

  
  

• Day 2. Beijing (AB, L, SD)

  Beijing is the capital city of China, with population of 17.4 million. We embark for a full day tour which begins at the Tian An Men Square, noted as the largest public square in the world with its monuments and buildings situated around the square's perimeter. Thereafter we will visit the Forbidden City, and Summer Palace whilst enjoying a walk along Lake Kunming. Dinner is served with a fabulous Peking Duck Banquet.

  
  

• Day 3. Beijing (AB, L)

  Today’s tour starts with Temple of Heaven, - to see the Imperial Ceiling of Heaven with its Echo Wall and the Nine-Dragon Cypress, more than 500 years old. Then stop at aJade Museum to learn the history of Jade before heading to explore the Great Wall. It is one of the country's most famous tourist attractions and one of the greatest man-made wonders of the world. It runs about 5,500 miles through 150 different counties.

  
  

• Day 4. Beijing - Datong (AB)

  Free till be met and transfer to visit Beijing’s 700 year old Hutongs (narrow lanes) area by the old fashioned pedicab and experience the local customs of old Beijing people and their unique architectural structure. Then transferred to the railway station for a soft-sleeper train K615 15:45/21:59 to Datong. Upon arrival, be met and transfer to the hotel.

  
  

• Day 5. Datong (AB, L)

  After enjoy breakfast, drive to visit the Yungang Grottoes (Cloud Ridge Caves), one of the four major grottoes in China, and the main reason most people go to Datong. The grottoes contain over 50,000 Buddihist statues and stretch for about 1 km east to west. Then pay a visit to Shanhua Monastery and and Nine Dragon Screen.

  
  

• Day 6. Datong – Pingyao (AB, L)

  Pick you up and drive to Pingyao Ancient Town. En route, you will visit Hanging Temple, built along the contours of the cliff face using the natural hollows and outcrops. The buildings are connected by corridors, bridges and boardwalks and contain bronze, iron and stone statues of Buddha, and the 11-century Wooden Pagoda at Yingxian. It's said that not a single nail was used in the construction of the nine-storey, 97m structure.

  
  

• Day 7. Pingyao (AB, L)

  Pingyao Ancient City is the outstanding example of Chinese Han Nationality cities during Ming and Qing Dynasties, remaining all features of such periods. Whole day is focused on sightseeing at Pingyao Ancient City. You will visit Rishengchang Draft Bank, a type of banking institution invented back in the early 19th century, Ancient City Wall, one of the four most well-preserved and prestigious city walls across China, dating back to 1370 AD, and Ming and Qing Street, the most bustling commercial centre of Pingyao ever since 1856 AD, and the feudal Ancient Government Office.

  
  

• Day 8. Pingyao - Xian (AB, L)

  After breakfast, drive to visit Qiao Family Compound which fully showcases the unique architectural style of the residence in North China during the Qing Dynasty, then pay a visit to the 1,400-year-old Shuanglin Monastery. Finally drive to the railway station to catch an express train bound for Xian. Upon arrival in Xian your guide will transfer you to your hotel.

  
  

• Day 9. Xian (AB, L)

  The Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses have been called the "Eighth Wonder of the World." Nearly 8,000 life- size terra cotta soldiers and horses were buried about 2000 years ago to protect the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, in his afterlife. You will visit Terra Cotta Army replication factory and back to the city. Pay a visit Bell & Drum Tower Square and the Ancient City Wall of Xian, constructed in 1370 during the Ming Dynasty to completely enclose the city as protection against invaders.

  
  

• Day 10. Xian - Luoyang(AB)

  This morning, visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda Scenic Area, the most distinctive landmark in Xian. Then transfer to the railway station for a high speed train to Luoyang. Upon arrival, be met and transfer to visit Longmen Grottoes, one the three most famous treasure houses of stone inscriptions in China. It contains the largest and most impressive collection of Chinese art of the late Northern Wei and Tang Dynasties (316-907). These works, entirely devoted to the Buddhist religion, represent the high point of Chinese stone carving.

  
  

• Day 11. Luoyang – Shaolin Temple-Zhengzhou/Shanghai (B/L)

  After breakfast, we will drive to visit the famous Shaolin Temple, the Number One Temple under Heaven'. Here you will also see the Pagoda Forest and enjoy a Shaolin Gongfu Show. Then transfer to Zhengzhou airport for a flight to Shanghai and check in at the hotel upon arrival.

  
  

• Day 12. Shanghai (AB, L)

  Today's portion of the tour will take you into Shanghai, China's financial center. Take some time to explore Yuyuan Garden, and the commercial aspects of Old Street, Nanjing Road and stroll around the Bund, the waterfront of Shanghai before checking out the 120,000 art exhibits in the Shanghai Museum. Finally visit a Silk factory where you can do some shopping.

  
  

• Day 13. Shanghai – Zhujiajiao Water Town (AB, L)

  After breakfast, drive to visit Zhujiajiao Water Town, which has a history of more than 1700 years, is the best-preserved among the four ancient towns in Shanghai. Old historical buildings such as rice shops, banks, spice stores and even a Qing dynasty post office can still be found today. Besides, you will also visit the historic interests like Fangsheng Bridge, Kezhi Garden and the Yuanjin Buddhist Temple etc. Then drive back to downtown. Rest of the day is left at leisure or last minutes shopping.

  
  

• Day 14. Depart from Shanghai (AB)

  The tour comes to an end today, and it's time to pack up all your belongings, mementos, and special memories as you get ready to return home. An optional extension tour can also be arranged upon your request.