Cultural and Historical China Tour
Discover the wonders of China on our exclusive 15-day Beijing Xian Shanghai Suzhou Hangzhou Yiwu tour. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of these iconic cities.
The itinerary below is only one possibility. Tips to tailor-make your trip are offered as inspiration. Send us details of your preferences and our travel experts will customize this trip to suit your interests, tastes, and budget.
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
An amazing experience in Beijing !
We had a wonderful time visiting the Beijing Zoo and the Great Wall with our guide Paul! He was exceptionally kind and knowledgeable and took exceptionally good care of us. We enjoyed conversing with him and learning about life in Beijing as well as the history of the Great Wall. He was also helpful in finding us food to fit my dietary needs which I appreciated. Everything about our trip has been smooth and we had such good fun. I would absolutely recommend China Highlights and Paul for their professionalism! more
Sep 2024, Ann-Marie M@E2527CAannmariem
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Family Fun Beijing!
Great experience with China Highlights!!! Great sightseeing, wonderful people! Thank-you Selinda (Tour guide) for a wonderful time! more
Sep 2024, DSD
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Guide Olivia
Olivia was an excellent and thoughtful guide. Would highly recommend. H as d an excellent trip to Beijing in September 2024 more
Sep 2024, RupertL
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Tour 'Wow' Points
Find the Hidden Halls in the Forbidden City
Explore a Top-Ranked Section of the Great Wall
Make a Mini warrior with a Local Artisan Family
Visit the Beautiful Traditional Gardens of Suzhou
Itinerary Quick Look
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.
Your private guide will be ready to meet and greet you at the arrival hall in Beijing. A comfortable private car with an experienced driver will transfer you directly to your hotel. Your guide will help you to check-in.
Your private guide will meet you in the hotel lobby and accompany you on a comfortable vehicle to explore the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall. The journey from Beijing takes about 2½ hours.
Begin your adventure by hiking up the wall through an unrestored watchtower called Houchuankou Pass. Marvel at the ancient watchtowers and sections of the wall that have weathered over time. Take breaks at shaded towers if needed.
As you continue, you'll encounter a beautifully-restored section of the wall with well-preserved watchtowers. Feel the essence of imperial China as you walk along this section. Descend at Zhuanduokou Pass and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Please note that this moderate-level hike involves some ups and downs. After lunch, return to your hotel in Beijing.
Explore Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest city square in Beijing. Admire its iconic Tiananmen Gate, surrounded by significant cultural landmarks, including government buildings, museums, and Chairman Mao's Mausoleum.
Experience authentic Chinese culture in the Hutong district. Choose from three immersive activities: Facial Makeup for Peaking Opera, Chinese Calligraphy, or Chinese Paper Cutting.
Discover the time-honored charm of Hutong on a rickshaw tour. Ride through narrow alleys, visit a local family, and learn about traditional courtyard houses.
Unveil the secrets of the awe-inspiring Forbidden City with our exclusive Emperor's Tour. Explore 12 carefully chosen locations, delving into the history and splendor of China's imperial past.
Immerse yourself in ancient China with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, a stunning complex of Taoist buildings built during the Ming dynasty in 1420. Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties held annual ceremonies here to pray for bountiful harvests. The temple's park is a vibrant hub of activity, where local elderly people gather in the morning for tai chi, singing, and exercise. Explore the park, covering 273 hectares in the heart of Beijing, with an easy 1-1½ hour walk (1½ kilometers).
Visit the Summer Palace, also known as 'Yiheyuan' in Chinese, which is located 12 kilometers northwest of the city center. It is one of China's largest and best-preserved imperial gardens, rivalling the Forbidden City. Originally constructed as a theater for the Empress Dowager, it features a three-storey structure with a remarkable wooden stage. The theater hosted famous opera singers and was considered the "Cradle of Beijing Opera." It remains a top attraction in Beijing.
Tang Dynasty Show is a must for each tourist to Xi'an to experience the local color and pageantry of Tang Dynasty Show in the evening. According to various historical records and ancient arts and relics discovered in Xian, the performance holds the mirror up to the music, dance and colorful costumes that are originated in the Tang Dynasty over a thousand years ago. Enjoy this stunning optical and acoustic feast and you will immerse in the glory and richness of the Tang Dynasty. It's recommended to book with your guide a day before, or on the day, to allow flexibility.
Experience the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors and Horses, a unique army guarding Emperor Qin's tomb since 210 BC. Discover over 7,000 intricately crafted figures, each with its own story. Explore the ongoing excavation and restoration work in the protected pits. Don't forget to visit the fascinating museum and watch a captivating film on the vault's history. Wear comfy shoes and capture the moment through permitted photography (no flash).
Step into history at the Ancient City Wall, a well-preserved defense system from the 13th century. Take a leisurely stroll along its walls, pass through gates, and admire the watchtowers. For panoramic city views, consider renting a bike or electric cart (extra cost) to complete the 14km circuit. Revel in the blend of modern and ancient sights from this vantage point.
Uncover the captivating history of Shaanxi, considered the history of China itself. This impressive museum showcases a vast collection in four galleries housed in beautiful Tang-style buildings. English labels accompany most items, and your guide will provide additional information. Wear comfortable shoes for a leisurely exploration.
Immerse yourself in local culture by learning to make traditional Jiaozi dumplings. Experience the warm hospitality of local families as they teach you the art of dumpling making. This interactive activity provides insight into the culinary traditions of China and offers a chance to develop some basic dumpling-making skills.
Visit the renowned Big Wild Goose Pagoda, an iconic Buddhist site. This simple yet elegant brick Pagoda, situated within the tranquil Da Ci'en Temple grounds, was constructed in the 7th century to house sacred Buddhist materials. Admire the impressive Buddhist statues and murals in the temple's spacious halls.
Explore the lively Muslim Quarter, located just west of the Bell Tower in downtown Xi'an. Stroll along the vibrant 500-meter-long avenue, lined with unique stalls, souvenir shops, cafés, and bars, predominantly owned by local Muslim vendors. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, indulge in delicious local cuisine, and find intriguing souvenirs.
Experience a blend of leisure, shopping, and dining along the vibrant East Nanjing Road. This bustling street caters to a median level of consumption and is home to a mix of modern and time-honored feature stores. Explore the variety of shops and indulge in local delicacies as you soak up the energetic atmosphere.
For luxury shopping enthusiasts, West Nanjing Road is a must-visit. Here, you'll find an array of prestigious shopping centers housing renowned brands such as Armani, Hermes, LV, Givenchy, and Cartier. Don't miss exploring Westgate Mall, Plaza 66, and Citic Plaza, which serve as the main attractions in this bustling commercial district.
Immerse yourself in an innovative and sophisticated complex at Three on the Bund. This iconic destination combines up-market retail shops, art galleries, fine dining, and entertainment. Indulge in a delightful shopping experience, appreciate stunning artworks, savor exquisite meals, and enjoy top-notch entertainment options, all in one place.
Explore Yuyuan Garden, a Ming Dynasty gem in Shanghai's old quarters. This private garden showcases stunning Chinese architecture within its 2-hectare complex. Complete with rockeries, pavilions, ponds, and corridors, it is surrounded by a lively market offering local snacks, crafts, antiques, and souvenirs.
Admire the world's second-tallest building, Shanghai Tower. Standing at 632 meters (2,073 feet), this architectural wonder boasts the highest observation deck (561 meters), second-highest hotel, and super-speed elevators. Its impressive stature and futuristic design make it a premier Shanghai attraction.
Stroll along The Bund, a 1.5-kilometer-long embankment on the Huangpu River. Admire 52 well-preserved European-style buildings and experience the vibrant energy of this former trading hub. From chic restaurants and high-end shops to captivating nightlife, The Bund offers a mesmerizing fusion of old-world charm and modern allure.
The Humble Administrators Garden is a must-visit Chinese classical garden. With a central pond, pavilions, terraces, and towers, it's the largest and most famous of its kind. Don't miss the Garden Museum and wear comfortable shoes for walking.
Tongli is a historic town with gardens, temples, and picturesque bridges. Explore its seven islands connected by fifteen rivers and forty-nine bridges. Experience the charm of Tongli on a leisurely boat ride. Admire the water lanes, stone bridges, and observe local life along the canal.
Discover the beauty of Suzhou's gardens at the Lingering Garden. Marvel at its unique architecture, small gardens, and pavilions representing each season. Enjoy covered walkways and carved corridors offering different perspectives.
Explore Lingyin Temple, a revered Buddhist site founded in 328 AD. Discover a wealth of pagodas, grottoes, and halls within the temple complex. Marvel at Feilai Feng, a remarkable grotto site with intricate Buddha images. Immerse yourself in the serenity of the Hall of the Heavenly Kings, the Grand Hall of the Great Sage, and other captivating attractions.
Experience the tranquility and natural allure of the West Lake. Stroll along tree-lined walkways, marvel at pagodas and Chinese-style arched bridges, and embrace the picturesque landscapes. Don't miss Fairy Island, offering one of the Ten Best Views of West Lake with the enchanting Three Pools Mirroring the Moon. Let the beauty of this extraordinary destination mesmerize you.
For some free time in Hangzhou, try to explore Westlake Times Square with its multitude of shops, entertainment options, and underground parking. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and enjoy the stunning views of Westlake.Or you can enjoy the show Romance of the Song Dynasty to uncover the charm of the Song Dynasty. "A Thousand Years' Feeling of Song Dynasty" to witness the fusion of Chinese traditional culture and Las Vegas glamour as this spectacular performance transports you back in time. Prepare to be mesmerized by dazzling costumes, enchanting music, and captivating visuals.
Visit the renowned China Commodity Wholesale Center in Yiwu. With over 400 million square meters of shopping space, it's recognized as "China's largest commodity export base" and "The world's largest small commodity wholesale market" by the United Nations. Explore the International Trade City, Huangyuan Market, and Binwang Market, offering a wide range of products at unbeatable prices. Experience China's vibrant trading culture and bring home unique finds from this bustling retail paradise.
Our guide will help you transfer from your hotel to Beijing Capital Airport for departure with independentcar/van and guide.
Tour Price
Price includes:
- Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
- English speaking local guide
- Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
- 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling
Tour code: cht-cx-7