China's Ancient Heartlands
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Vasu Bhardwaj
Senior Travel Consultant
020 7808 6786
China's Ancient Heartlands
Itinerary
Fly to Beijing
Fly to Beijing. (N)
Meal basis: As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals
Beijing
Arrive and transfer to the Beijing Unified Courtyard Hotel for 3 nights. Take a hutong tour by rickshaw. (N)
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, a stunning example of traditional Tibetan Buddhist architecture. (B)
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)
Datong
Morning train to Datong, the former capital of the Northern Wei dynasty (386 – 534AD). Stay 2 nights at the Datong Yugang Jianguo Hotel. (B, L)
Datong
Visit 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. (B)
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 Mercure Taiyuan Jinyang Hotel. (B, L)
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 Pingyao Yide Hotel. (B)
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)
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 Nobel Hotel. (B)
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 Xian City Museum which offers a captivating glimpse into the city's rich history through its extensive collection of artefact. (B, L, D)
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 Courtyard By Marriott Luoyang. (B)
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)
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)
Fly home
Transfer to the airport and fly home. (B)
Meal basis: As per itinerary – B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner, N: No meals.
The Cox & Kings signature experiences
- See the renowned Shaolin temple at Dengeng
- Discover the Longmen grottoes of Luoyang
- Visit remote sections of the Great Wall at Jinshanling & Desheng Bao
- Includes the Terracotta Warriors, Beijing & Shanghai
What's included
- International flights (and domestic flights if applicable)
- UK departure and overseas airport taxes
- Accommodation, itinerary & meal basis as described
- Local Transfers in a private chauffeur-driven vehicle
- The support (if required) of an English speaking local representative
- Local guides and entrance fees where applicable
Important information
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