Day 1-3 Beijing
Beijing, named during the Ming dynasty, means "Northern Capital". Here we will visit the central Tiananmen Square and the formerly hidden Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, a vast parkland built by the infamous Dowager Empress in 1888. We will also visit the famous Tian Tai park with its ancient temples and sacrificial alter.
Day 4-5 Chengde
We will take the train to spend two days visiting this 18th century imperial resort area, boasting the remnants of the largest regal gardens in China. Begun in 1703 with Emperor Kangxi, the summer palace and court trappings were expanded by 1790 to the size of Beijing's Forbidden City and Summer Palace combined. Included were replicas of minority architecture, such as Tibetan and Mongolian. Today this former wonder has returned to a small-town ambiance, but we will view the main grounds and several surrounding temples.
Day 6-7 Shan Hai Guan
We will travel to Shan Hai Guan by bus to see this coastal resort and ancient walled garrison where the Great Wall meets the sea. Here we can visit several parts of the Wall, including its first climb over a mountain on its path westward to its ultimate end in Ganzu province.
Day 8-10 Tai Shan
We will travel for a day back to Beijing and on to Tai Shan, the most revered Taoist mountain in China. Here we will spend two days climbing at the mountain, including a demanding hike up over 6000 stairs to the top and several famous temples. This scenic mountain area is a refreshing change from urban scenes.
Day 11-12 Qufu
We will take the train south to Qufu, the birthplace of Confucius. Here we will tour his ancestral home, a temple, and the largest forested cemetery in China, a wonderful retreat behind high walls to walk under tall trees to Confucius's tomb. This town retains its serene, ancient flavor and is a wonderful place to take a horse-drawn carriage.
Day 13-14 Kaifeng
We will take a private bus south again to the ancient walled town of Kaifeng. The wall still surrounds the city and we will explore several areas inside, including temples and parks. Here at its large outdoor night market, we can enjoy Moslem cuisine and a lively evening scene.
Day 15-17 Luoyang
We will travel by express bus to Luoyang, White Horse Temple (the oldest Buddhist temple in China), and the Dragon Gate Grottoes. Founded in the Xia dynasty before 1600 B.C. Louyang was the capital of thirteen dynasties until the 10th century A.D. From 494 A.D., for two hundred years, the Northern Wei dynasty carved a series of Buddhist figures into a cliff wall outside the city, representing the peak of Buddhist cave art. We will visit this cave complex and view the remains of this art, which declined after the 9th century A.D. The next day we will take a bus to Shaolin Temple and the surrounding countryside for a view of the famous martial arts center of China, several ancient temples and an observatory.
Day 18 Beijing
Return to Beijing by train.
Additional Info
Category
Culture Tours
Fitness Required
n/a
WHAT TO BRING
- bring sturdy walking shoes
- prepare for rain
INCLUDED IN PRICE
- Accommodation
- Entry Fees
- Hotel / Hostel Pickup
- fully guided tour
- all ground transportation included
Select the tour in Beijing and combining other cities.
