China’s Ancient Heartlands

Superior Private Tour in brief

Day 1: Fly to Beijing

(N)

Day 2: Beijing

Arrive and transfer to the Hotel Cote Cour for 3 nights. Take a hutong tour by rickshaw. (N)

Day 3: Beijing

Morning visit to two of Beijing’s classic sites: Tiananmen Square and the adjacent Forbidden City, former home of Ming and Qing emperors. In the afternoon, visit the Lama Temple. (B)

Day 4: Great Wall

Drive north from the city to the Great Wall at Jinshanling, a quiet and dramatic section of the wall where you can go on walks between the watchtowers. (B, L)

Days 5-6: Datong

Morning train to Datong, the former capital of the Northern Wei dynasty (386 – 534AD). Spend the following day visiting the Cloud Ridge Caves of Yungang, Buddhist temples that were hewn from the rock face, and a remote section of the Great Wall at Desheng Bao. Stay 2 nights at the Datong Hotel. (B, L)

Day 7: Taiyuan

Drive to Taiyuan, stopping en route at the Hanging Monastery, built precariously on sheer cliffs, and the Yingxian wooden pagoda, one of the oldest wooden buildings in the world, built without using a single nail. Overnight at the Yu Yuan Hotel. (B, L)

Day 8: Pingyao

Visit Shanxi Museum, then drive to Pingyao via a Qiaotou village to visit the Shuanglin temple, a Unesco-listed site notable for its collection of more than 2,000 colourful clay statues. Continue south to the Family Wang Courtyard, home to superb examples of Ming and Qing architecture Stay 2 nights at Yunjincheng Hotel. (B)

Day 9: Pingyao

Today you will be escorted on a guided walking tour of the ancient centre of Pingyao, which is enclosed by the last intact Ming dynasty wall in China. Visit some of the most important buildings from the Ming dynasty period, such as the the Rishengchang Exchange Shop, the oldest bank in China, then wander the cobblestoned Ming-Qing Street, which is lined with Qing dynasty era architectural works and shops with hanging lanterns. (B)

Day 10: Xian

Take the high-speed train to Xian. Later in the day visit Xian’s Muslim quarter of Huajue Xiang, home to the old houses and narrow lanes of Xian’s Muslim, or Hui, community. Here you can explore the bazaar with stalls selling spices, souvenirs and various handicraft products. Stay 2 nights at the Grand New World Hotel Xian. (B)

Day 11: Xian

Make a visit this morning to the famed Terracotta Warriors archaeological site. In the afternoon discover two fine museums: the Forest of Steles Museum, which displays a collection of stone steles from the Han and Qing dynasties, and the Shaanxi History Museum, which has exhibits dating from prehistory through to the early 20th century, including terracotta horses and soldiers. (B, L, D)

Day 12: Luoyang

Take the train to Luoyang and discover the treasures of Luoyang and Dengfeng. Once the capital of 13 ruling dynasties, Luoyang has been at the heart of the Chinese world for long periods of its history. Today the city’s museums, monasteries and caves hold fragments of its former prominence, including the Longmen grottoes that contain more than 100,000 Buddhist images. Nearby, the Unesco world heritage site of Dengfeng is one of China’s most renowned spiritual centres, home to various religious institutions and temples. Overnight at the Holiday Inn Express Luoyang. (B)

Day 13: Fly to Shanghai

Morning visit to the Shaolin temple to watch demonstrations of kung fu by the resident monks. Afternoon flight to Shanghai, then transfer to the Central Hotel for a 2-night stay. (B, L)

Day 14: Shanghai

Morning tour of Jade Buddha temple, the Yu garden and a walk along the historic Bund. Optional evening visit to the state acrobatics show. (B)

Day 15: Fly home

(B)

Meal basis:

As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.

Important information Standard tour

This tour is based in 3- and 4-star accommodation.

Single supplement

Available on request.

Accessibility

This tour may involve climbing some steep steps on the Great Wall of China. A reasonable level of fitness is required. You may need to carry your luggage at train stations.

Tailor-made travel:

For a price quote based on alternative accommodation standards, to discuss flight options or to tailor this itinerary, please call to speak with a Cox & Kings consultant or enquire online.