Legends of China: Shaolin, Emperors & Timeless Cities | 8N/9D

Arrive in Beijing, the historic heart of China and one of the world’s most culturally rich capitals. Upon arrival, you will be met by your local representative and transferred comfortably to your hotel.

The rest of the day is kept free at leisure, allowing you to relax after your journey, adjust to the time zone, or take a short walk around the neighborhood to get your first glimpse of Beijing’s vibrant city life.

Overnight stay in Beijing.

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a full-day sightseeing tour of Beijing, blending history, culture, and modern icons.

Visit the Great Wall of China at Juyong Pass, one of the most scenic and well-preserved sections of the wall, surrounded by mountains and known for its strategic importance. Walk along this world-famous wonder and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

Continue to a Jade Factory, where you will learn about China’s centuries-old jade craftsmanship and its cultural significance. Later, enjoy a photo stop at the Beijing Olympic Stadium (Bird’s Nest), a symbol of modern China and a must-see landmark.

Return to the hotel in the evening.

Overnight stay in Beijing.

After breakfast at the hotel, begin a full-day Beijing city sightseeing tour, focusing on the capital’s most iconic historical and cultural landmarks.

Start with a visit to Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world and a powerful symbol of China’s modern history. From here, enter the magnificent Forbidden City, the former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, featuring grand halls, courtyards, and centuries of royal heritage. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers deep insight into China’s imperial past.

Later, proceed to the serene Summer Palace, a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. Stroll around Kunming Lake, admire traditional pavilions, bridges, and corridors, and experience the tranquil retreat once used by emperors.

In the evening, enjoy free shopping time at Hongqiao Market, a popular local market known for pearls, souvenirs, fashion accessories, and affordable gifts.

Return to the hotel.

Overnight stay in Beijing.

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to the airport or railway station for your flight or high-speed train from Beijing to Zhengzhou, the gateway to central China.

Upon arrival in Zhengzhou, proceed by road to Dengfeng, home to the world-famous Shaolin Temple, the birthplace of Shaolin Kung Fu and a sacred center of Zen Buddhism. Visit the historic temple complex set against the Songshan Mountains and explore its ancient halls, pagodas, and courtyards. Witness the legacy of martial arts that has shaped Chinese culture for centuries, making this visit a highlight for culture, history, and kung fu enthusiasts.

After the temple visit, continue your journey to Luoyang, one of China’s ancient capitals and a city rich in history along the Silk Road.

Check in to your hotel on arrival.

Overnight stay in Luoyang.

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to visit the magnificent Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China’s most important Buddhist art treasures. Carved into limestone cliffs along the Yi River, the grottoes feature thousands of Buddha statues, inscriptions, and ancient carvings dating back over 1,500 years, showcasing the pinnacle of Chinese Buddhist art.

Later, transfer to the airport or railway station for your flight or high-speed train from Luoyang to Xi’an, the ancient capital of multiple Chinese dynasties and the eastern starting point of the Silk Road.

Upon arrival in Xi’an, meet your local representative and transfer to the hotel for check-in. In the evening, visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square, a cultural landmark of Xi’an. Enjoy the spectacular musical fountain show, one of the largest in Asia, set against the backdrop of the historic pagoda—an unforgettable blend of tradition and modernity.

Return to the hotel for rest.

Overnight stay in Xi’an.

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a full-day sightseeing tour of Xi’an, one of China’s most historically significant cities and the ancient capital of several dynasties.

Begin with a visit to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Explore the vast excavation pits housing thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots built to guard Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife—an unmissable highlight of any China tour.

Later, visit a local crockery factory, where you can observe traditional craftsmanship and understand the techniques used in replica terracotta production.

Return to the city for a photo stop at the Xi’an Ancient City Wall, one of the best-preserved city walls in China, offering insight into the city’s defensive architecture and imperial past.

In the evening, head to the vibrant Muslim Street (Huimin Jie), famous for its lively atmosphere, street food, local snacks, souvenirs, and traditional Islamic-Chinese culture. Enjoy free time for shopping and sampling local delicacies.

Return to the hotel after sightseeing.

Overnight stay in Xi’an.

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to the railway station or airport for your onward journey to Shanghai by high-speed bullet train or domestic flight (as per itinerary).

Arrive in Shanghai, China’s largest and most cosmopolitan city, known for its striking skyline, global culture, and blend of tradition with modernity. Upon arrival, meet your local representative and transfer to the hotel for check-in.

The rest of the day is kept free at leisure, allowing you to relax after the journey or explore nearby areas at your own pace.

Overnight stay in Shanghai.

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a full-day Shanghai city sightseeing tour, showcasing the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern architectural brilliance.

Begin at People’s Square, the cultural and administrative heart of Shanghai, surrounded by museums and historic buildings. Continue to a Silk Factory, where you’ll learn about China’s centuries-old silk-making tradition and have the opportunity to shop for authentic silk products.

Next, explore the vibrant Yuyuan Bazaar, located near the classical Yuyuan Garden. Wander through traditional lanes filled with souvenir shops, local snacks, handicrafts, and historic Chinese architecture—an ideal place to experience Shanghai’s cultural roots.

Later, ascend to the 88th Floor of the Jin Mao Tower, one of Shanghai’s most iconic skyscrapers, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline and the Huangpu River.

Conclude the day with a visit to the famous Bund area, Shanghai’s iconic waterfront promenade lined with colonial-era buildings on one side and futuristic skyscrapers on the other—perfect for photography and evening strolls.

Return to the hotel.

Overnight stay in Shanghai.

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to Shanghai International Airport for your onward / return flight. Depart with unforgettable memories of China’s iconic cities, ancient heritage, and modern skylines.