18-Day Cultural Heritage China Tour Hosted by China Tour DMC

Mutianyu Great Wall

Your Beijing tour begins at the Great Wall, one of the world’s wonders. Today, you’ll hike the Mutianyu Great Wall, known for its beauty, steepness, and fewer crowds, offering a chance to connect with China’s ancient history.

In the afternoon, visit the Sacred Road, leading to the Ming Tombs, where emperors were buried. This is a fascinating journey into China’s royal past.

End the day with a special treat: Peking Duck, the best food in Beijing.

Tiananmen Square

Today, visit the Forbidden City, the vast palace of Chinese emperors with 9999 rooms, the largest palace in the world. Then take a relaxing stroll through Tiananmen Square, the biggest public square and heart of Beijing.

For a deeper cultural experience, we’ll take you to Gaobeidian village. Learn the art of paper cutting from the locals, an ancient tradition to wish good fortune. You’ll also try Chinese calligraphy, a beautiful form of handwriting.

In the afternoon, visit a local farmer’s home, chat with residents, and explore a market to gather ingredients for dinner. Tonight, you’ll learn to make Jiaozi (dumplings) and enjoy dinner with the family before returning to the hotel.

Hutong

Today, explore the beautiful Shichahai Lake, made up of Qianhai, Houhai, and Xihai lakes. Here, you can see well-preserved Hutongs and courtyards, enjoy scenic views, and taste local foods. Take a rickshaw ride through Beijing's old streets to see how people lived in the past.

In the afternoon, take a train to Datong, passing through stunning landscapes and cities along the way. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay in Datong.

Yungang Grottoes

The Yungang Grottoes are located 16 km west of Datong. With over 50,000 Buddha and bodhisattva statues, ranging from 4 cm to 7 meters tall, most of these carvings are over 1,000 years old.

In the afternoon, visit the Hanging Temple, located at the foot of Mt. Hengshan. Built in 491 AD, it has a history of over 1,500 years. The temple is unique for being built into a cliff, with its halls suspended and connected by narrow walkways.

In the late afternoon, head to Yingxian and enjoy a leisurely stroll through this small city. 

Wooden Tower

In the morning, visit the Wooden Tower in Yingxian, the oldest and tallest wooden structure in China.

Then, drive to Mount Wutaishan, one of China’s four major Buddhist mountains. Known for its long history, Mount Wutaishan was once the home of Manjusri, the Bodhisattva of wisdom. Here, you’ll find impressive buildings and a wide range of well-preserved Buddhist art, including sculptures and frescoes.

Mount Wutaishan

Your tour of Mount Wutaishan continues with a visit to Dailuoding Temple, offering stunning views of the surrounding area. This is also where ancient emperors prayed to Manjusri, the Bodhisattva of wisdom.

Next, visit Pushading (Bodhisattva Summit) Temple. Wutai Mountain is unique in China as both Chinese Buddhism and Tibetan Lamaism are practiced here.

Lastly, explore Tayuan Temple, the most famous landmark on the mountain, where pilgrims spin prayer wheels at its base.

Pingyao Ancient City

After breakfast at the hotel, we will drive about 300 km to Pingyao, one of China’s best-preserved ancient cities. On the way, visit the Qiao Family Compound, built in 1756 during the Qing Dynasty. The mansion is shaped like the Chinese character for "double happiness" and reflects the rise and fall of a wealthy merchant family.

In the afternoon, arrive in Pingyao Ancient Town and stay in a traditional guesthouse.

Mingqing Street

Today, spend the whole day exploring Pingyao. Start with the city wall, which is 6.4 km long, over 12 meters high, and 3.5 meters wide. Next, visit the Rishengchang Exchange Shop, the first bank in China. Afterward, stroll along Mingqing Street, also known as Nanda Jie. This lively street, 440 meters long, was once the commercial hub of Pingyao.

Then, visit the Armed Escort Company Museum, where you’ll learn about the role of armed escorts in protecting merchants and their cash from thieves. Finally, explore the County Government Office, an ancient city hall and law court.

In the evening, board the overnight train to Xian in a soft sleeper.

Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Arrive in Xian in the morning. After a short break at the hotel, start your tour at the Terracotta Warriors Museum. It’s an incredible experience to see these 2,000-year-old warriors and horses buried underground, earning its fame as the 8th Wonder of the World. Next, visit a local factory where you can learn how the warriors are made by hand.

Xian was once China’s most prosperous capital, reaching its peak during the Tang Dynasty, over 1,000 years ago. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a symbol of this history. It was here that Monk Tang Xuanzang, after traveling thousands of miles along the Silk Road to India, returned to Xian in the 7th century to promote Buddhism. Then, we’ll head to the pagoda.

In the evening, enjoy a dumpling banquet featuring a variety of Jiaozi, followed by a stunning Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show, a re-enactment of 7th-century royal performances.

City Wall

This morning, we’ll take you to a local vegetable market. Walk through a bustling bazaar with vegetable and candy stalls, where locals haggle for the best deals. Next, enjoy a short hike on the City Wall, which once served as an important defense, similar to the Great Wall. Later, take a relaxed walk through the Muslim Quarter, visit the Great Mosque, China’s largest and best-preserved wooden mosque. You’ll also have a chance to take photos at the Bell and Drum Towers.

In the afternoon, board the bullet train to Luoyang and check into your hotel.

Shaolin Temple

Luoyang, with its strategic location and prosperous economy, was chosen as the capital by 13 different dynasties in Chinese history. It’s also close to the famous Shaolin Temple, the birthplace of Chinese Kung Fu. Besides martial arts, the Shaolin Temple is a Chan Buddhist temple on Mt. Songshan. There are many attractions here, including the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Pagoda Forest, Dharma Cave, and the Martial Art Training Center.

In the afternoon, return to the hotel.

Longmen Grottoes

In the morning, visit the White Horse Temple, located about 12 km from the city. Built in 68 AD under Emperor Ming, it is the first Buddhist temple in China and one of the oldest.

Next, visit the Longmen Grottoes, home to China’s largest and most impressive collection of Buddhist art from the Northern Wei and Tang Dynasties. These carvings, which include over 100,000 statues and thousands of inscriptions, are one of China’s top three ancient sculptural sites, along with the Mogao Caves and Yungang Grottoes.

In the evening, board the overnight train to Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province, a city rich in history and culture.

Confucius Temple

The train will arrive in Nanjing in the morning. After breakfast and a short rest, start your Nanjing city tour. First, visit the Mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the "Father of Modern China." He fought against the Qing Dynasty, ended the monarchy, and founded the Republic of China after the 1911 revolution. 

Next, visit the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum on the same slope of Zijin Mountain. This tomb honors Zhu Yuanzhang, the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty, who also named the city Nanjing. After the Mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, you’ll notice the contrasts and similarities between the two mausoleums.

Finally, visit the Confucius Temple and take a stroll around the area. This was once a place to honor Confucius, the great philosopher and educator of ancient China.

The Humble Administrator's Garden

After breakfast, transfer to the train station for the bullet train ride from Nanjing to Suzhou, enjoying the scenery along the way.

Suzhou, with a history of 2,500 years, is known as China's "Paradise" for its beautiful gardens, canals, and peaceful lifestyle. Upon arrival, visit the exquisite gardens, where rocks, water, trees, and buildings come together in perfect harmony. The Humble Administrator’s Garden is one of the finest examples. Next, visit Hanshan Temple, a famous Buddhist temple. It’s often mentioned in ancient Chinese poems. Suzhou is famous for its silk, considered the best in China. Visit a local silk factory to learn about the production process.

In the late afternoon, take a leisurely stroll along the Pingjiang Old Streets by the canals. Tonight, stay in a traditional guesthouse in Suzhou.

Bund

Suzhou is not only known for its gardens but also for its ancient villages. Tongli is one of the best, often called the "Chinese Venice." Walking along its old streets and taking a traditional boat ride on the river, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the Chinese philosophy of harmony in life.

In the late afternoon, return to Shanghai. Your tour will end at the Bund, a historic street built by European companies in the 18th century. Today, the Bund is a symbol of Shanghai. A night visit to the Bund is highly recommended. You’ll enjoy the stunning lights along the Yangtze River and take a cruise on the Huangpu River, offering a beautiful view of Shanghai by night.

Glass Bridge of Jinmao Tower

Start with a visit to the Shanghai Museum, the largest in the Far East, where you’ll see many priceless treasures. Shanghai, as China’s economic hub, is filled with skyscrapers. The best place to admire its modern skyline is Lujiazui, home to landmarks like the Oriental Pearl Tower (468 meters), Jinmao Tower (420 meters), and the Shanghai World Financial Center (492 meters), all located along the Yangtze River. Your guide will take you on a bus tour through Lujiazui, where you can enjoy the views with local Chinese tourists. No need to go up the buildings—just looking up at these towering landmarks from the double-decker sightseeing bus is enough to amaze you.

After the bus tour, you’ll have some free time to prepare for your departure. We’ll take you to the Yuyuan Market, a great place to shop for souvenirs for your friends and family. Be sure to visit the old town temple in the market before you go!

Today, local driver will transfer you to the airport. With fond memories of your trip, you’ll depart from China. Wish you a pleasant tour, and see you next.