Beijing and Provinces, China; Imperial Palaces and Ancient Cultures
China is a country of ancient cultures, turbulent history, spectacular nature and extraordinary cuisine. The Forbidden City and the China Wall are the architectural masterpieces. The archeological excavations of Terracotta Warriors and the magnificent Summer Palace showcase China’s imperial history. China has a diverse topography, offering panoramic views of majestic mountains, dense forests, winding rivers, beautiful coastal towns and picturesque villages. China is a unique travel destination to experience interesting cultures, ancient customs and spiritual practices.
Travel Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive Beijing, China
There are direct flights to/from Beijing from main USA cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago, Newark, New York and Washington DC. We arrive at the Beijing Daxing International Airport and use private transfer services organized by our hotel. We have dinner in our hotel.
Day 2 – Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City
Today’s tour explores Beijing’s historic square and the ancient imperial palace. Chang’an Jie (Avenue of Eternal Peace), the center place of Beijing’s political, historical and cultural monuments, leads to the Gate of Heavenly Peace and the Tiananmen Square. The historic square is known for the student democracy movement and the monuments dedicated to Mao Zedong, the Chairman of China. The Forbidden City is a magnificent ancient city comprising of the governmental buildings and the residence pavilions. The emperors of China ruled the country in these grand palaces.
Day 3 – Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven
In the morning, we visit the Summer Palace in Beijing, an imperial complex of palaces, temples, bridges, gardens and lakes. The Summer Palace is surrounded by the Lake Kunming and the Longevity Hill. The walkways guide visitors through the lovely gardens, reveling historic pavilions. In the afternoon, we visit the Temple of Heaven set in the beautiful park. We explore the stunning Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. The temple symbolizes the earth and the heaven.
Day 4 – The Great Wall of China
It is a foggy day as we explore the Great Wall of China. The fortifications designed to protect the ancient empire are on display at the Great Wall of China. The steep hills covered with dense vegetation surround the ancient fortifications. The historic wall is obstructed by a thick fog during our visit. We climb the steep steps and arrive to the guard post. We enjoy a delightful lunch buffet served on the ancient walls, organized by our travel company. In the afternoon, we visit Beijing’s Embassy District, the location of foreign embassies, restaurants, cafés, shopping malls, temples and park.
Day 5 – Beijing Departure, Arrive Xi’an
After breakfast, we depart our hotel in Beijing and transfer to Beijing Daxing International Airport for an early afternoon flight to Xi’an. We arrive in Xi’an Xianyang International Airport and transfer to our hotel. We have dinner at our hotel, sampling the regional specialties.
Day 6 – Xi’an
Today, we visit the capital city of Xi’an in the Shaanxi Province. The Terracotta Warriors archaeological site shows the uncovered portion of the emperor’s army buried underground to guard the emperor’s tomb in the afterlife. At the museum store, we meet the famous farmer who discovered this ancient archeological site.
In the afternoon, we visit Xi’an Ancient City Wall and the Drum and Bell Towers. Next, we stroll on the Shuyuanmen Street lined with many shops selling the souvenirs and handcrafts. In the city, we visit the Muslim Quarter and the Great Mosque of Xi’an, showcasing the cultural and religious influences introduced to Xi’an by the Persian and Arabic merchants. In the evening, we enjoy a cooking presentation and sample the regional dumplings and noodles.
Day 7 – Xi’an Departure, Arrive Guilin, Yangshuo
In the morning, we depart Xi’an and take a short flight to Guilin. We visit Yangshuo, a scenic town known for its mountainous landscape. We follow the West Street lined with souvenir shops and restaurants serving the regional specialties. In the afternoon, we take a bamboo rafting tour on the Li River, observing the mountain peaks, rice fields and farmers tending to their water buffaloes. Afterward, we visit a small village of Guilin and learn how to make fresh tofu.
Day 8 – Guilin, Arrive Hangzhou, Drive to Shanghai
In the morning, we visit the beautiful property of our hotel. We have an extravagant seafood hot pot for lunch, served in the illuminated caves of Guilin. Afterward, we transfer to the Guilin Liangjiang International Airport and take a short flight to Hangzhou. In Hangzhou, we explore the West Lake area and visit the Lingyin Temple. This prominent Buddhist temple encompasses the Great Buddha Hall and the pathway through the Fei Lai Feng, a limestone mountain.
Next, we visit the Longjing Tea Plantation, exploring its tea terraces. In the Longjing village, we visit tea shops and sample different teas at the traditional teahouse. We enjoy a wooden gondola ride on the West Lake, offering views of the Leifeng Pagoda set on the hills, ancient pavilions and the scenic park. In the Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine, we learn about the preparation methods of the Chinese traditional medicine. After the visit, we drive a few hours to Shanghai.
Day 9 – Arrive Shanghai
Our hotel is located in the Pudong district of Shanghai. We traverse the Huangpu River, arrive at the Bund waterfront promenade and visit the Shanghai’s Nanjing Lu Street. We visit the Old City of Shanghai, including the Chinese temples, the traditional Yuyuan Garden and the most famous Huxingting Teahouse. The Shanghai Museum, located in Shanghai’s People’s Square, exhibits the ancient ceramics, paintings, sculptures, precious stones and antique furniture.
Shanghai’s colonial influences are preserved in the French Concession district, hosting the European style villas, chic boutiques, quaint shops and restaurants. We visit the site of the First National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party. In the evening, we dine at the restaurant overlooking the Oriental Pearl Tower.
Day 10 –Shanghai, China Departure
After breakfast, we transfer to the Shanghai Pudong International Airport and take our flight home.
Special Places
Beijing
Beijing, the capital of China, is a historic, political and cultural center. Beijing, a political hub since the imperial times, has magnificent palaces and impressive buildings. Chang’an Jie (Avenue of Eternal Peace) is the center of Beijing’s political, historical and cultural events. The Chang’an Jie leads across several marble bridges to the Gate of Heavenly Peace, a grand entrance to the Tiananmen Square. The Tiananmen Square, a historic public square, includes the governmental buildings, the monuments, the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, the imperial gates and the National Museum of China. The Tiananmen Square is also the location of the historic student democracy movement.
China’s ancient history is on display in the Forbidden City and its grand palaces where the emperors ruled the country. The Forbidden City serves as the Palace Museum, preserving the ancient architecture and the history of diverse dynasties. The Summer Palace in Beijing is an imperial complex of palaces, temples, bridges, gardens and lakes. It is surrounded by the Lake Kunming and the Longevity Hill. The Summer Palace is an impressive structure and a masterpiece of Chinese garden design. The Temple of Heaven, set in the beautiful park, symbolizes the earth and the heaven. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests shows a spectacular architecture.
The Great Wall of China represents the historic fortifications designed to protect the ancient empire. A thick layer of fog covers the Great Wall of China during our visit, obstructing the view of the surrounding green hills and the landscapes. We climb the steep steps and arrive at the guard post. We enjoy a delightful lunch buffet served on the ancient walls, organized by our travel company. Later, we explore the eastern part of Beijing, the Embassy District that hosts the foreign embassies, restaurants, cafés, shopping malls, temples and tranquil park.
Xi’an
The capital city of Xi’an in the Shaanxi Province is part of China’s ancient history dating back to its original dynasties. Xi’an is a diverse city, featuring ancient cultural monuments, modern structures and industrial center. The Terracotta Warriors archaeological site was discovered in 1974 by local farmers. It shows the uncovered portion of the emperor’s army buried underground to guard the emperor’s tomb in the afterlife. The discovered and excavated ancient warriors are well-preserved and restored. At the museum store, we meet the famous farmer who discovered this ancient archeological site.
Xi’an Ancient City Wall that surrounds Xi’an city center, is an impressive wall structure that remains intact. The Drum and the Bell Towers, the symbols of the city, include the collection of bells and musical instruments. We explore the Shuyuanmen Street lined with many shops displaying regional souvenirs and handcrafts.
The Muslim Quarter and the Great Mosque of Xi’an showcase the cultural and religious influences introduced to Xi’an by the Persian and Arabic merchants. The Muslim community in Xi’an has a strong presence, expressed in their mosques, shops, schools, Arab restaurants and culture. The Great Mosque of Xi’an consists of the wooden gate adorned with Arabic ornaments and emphasizes the architectural simplicity. Xi’an is also an interesting culinary destination, recognized for its sublime dumplings and the hand-pulled noodles.
Guilin
Guangxi Zhuang Region, the mountainous region in southern China, has a subtropical climate that deliver a plentiful rainfall and the sunshine. The region’s topography is characterized by the karst mountain peaks, lush vegetation, rivers and lakes. We visit Yangshuo, a charming Asian mountain village with the breathtaking landscapes. We follow the West Street lined with the souvenir shops and the restaurants offering regional specialties.
The Li River is a stunning natural wonder of the region. We enjoy a bamboo-rafting tour on the Li River, noticing the mountain peaks, the scenic rice fields, the farmers tending to their water buffaloes and the wedding couple posing for pictures on the shore of the river. The scenery is surreal, tranquil and beautiful. This marvelous region is an inspiration to many painters, writers, adventure seekers and nature lovers.
Guangxi Zhuang Region is a magical destination with a beautiful nature and a special cuisine. Guilin and the surrounding villages are beautified by the lush hills and the simplicity of the rural living. We visit a traditional village and learn how to make the soy milk and the fresh tofu. We degust an extravagant seafood hot pot for lunch, served in the illuminated caves of Guilin. It is a unique and unforgettable experience.
Hangzhou
Zhejiang Province, the southeastern coastal province of China, has diverse topography of mountains, coastal valleys and rivers. Hangzhou, the capital city of the province, has many cultural attractions and religious sites. The Lingyin Temple, a prominent Buddhist temple, consists of many pagodas and the Buddhist symbols. Approaching the temple, we follow the pathway through the Fei Lai Feng, a tall limestone mountain that includes the caves and the most famous statue of the Laughing Buddha. We walk toward the Lingyin Temple, discovering a large number of pavilions, the statues and the Great Buddha Hall. Hangzhou’s West Lake area has lovely cultural attractions situated across the beautiful nature.
The Longjing Tea Plantation, famous for its high-quality Longjing tea, has picturesque tea cultivation gardens and terraces. In Longjing village, we visit the tea shops and have tea at the traditional teahouse. We enjoy a wooden gondola ride on the West Lake, observing the Leifeng Pagoda situated in the hills, the ancient pavilions and the charming park. The Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine showcases a remarkable architectural style, featuring Chinese symbols carved into the wood. The museum explains the techniques used to make the Chinese traditional medicine and sells the traditional herbs.
Shanghai
The eastern coast of China is a symbol of a successful economic development. The Huangpu River flows through Shanghai, an economic and cultural hub of the region. The Bund waterfront promenade exhibits the grand colonial architecture, including a visually pleasing Peace Hotel. We visit the Shanghai’s Nanjing Lu Street, a shopping street bustling with energy. Across the Huangpu River, Pudong district of Shanghai is an economic, financial and trade center. The Oriental Pearl Tower, a symbol of modern Chinese architecture, glitters in the skyline.
The Old City of Shanghai preserves the ancient cultural sites. We visit the Chinese temples, the street markets, the traditional Yuyuan Garden and the most famous Huxingting Teahouse. The traditional Chinese architecture and beautiful gardens are illuminated with the red lanterns. A zig-zag bridge leads to the Huxingting Teahouse. The Shanghai Museum, located in Shanghai’s People’s Square, exhibits the ancient ceramics, paintings, sculptures, precious stones and antique furniture.
Shanghai’s colonial influences are preserved in the French Concession district, hosting the European style villas, chic boutiques, quaint shops and restaurants. In the French Concession, we visit the site of the First National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party.
Favorite Adventures
Li River Bamboo Rafting
Guilin, situated in the Guangxi Zhuang Region of China, is surrounded by the lush rural fields, the mountain peaks, the picturesque Li River and the farming villages. The bamboo rafting tour on the Li River is the best way to discover the beauty of this fertile region. The bamboo rafts are constructed with the bamboo poles that are tightly connected. Floating down the Li River reveals flawless scenery of the countryside, pretty bridges and the karst mountains.
The scenery is surreal, tranquil and beautiful. We notice the farmers wearing the traditional straw hats, pulling the water buffaloes across the rice fields. We catch a glimpse of the water buffalo with her calf exiting the river. Farther down the river bank, the young couple dressed in a wedding attire poses for the pictures. We float across several small waterfalls that force us to hold the legs high in the air to avoid being soaked in the river. As we absorb the nature’s beauty, we experience a sense of serenity.
Selected Cuisine
Chinese Cuisine
The Chinese cuisine is a confluence of China’s rich history spanning across diverse imperial dynasties and the regional diversity of China. Every region contributes its own culinary techniques and its signature dishes. The discovery of tofu, the variety of seafood, diverse edible vegetables and the powerful spices contributed to the evolution of Chinese cuisine. It is a broad palette of refined cuisine, regional specialties and traditional snacks. Visitors can sample the oceanic delicacies, aromatic soups, tasty dumplings and vegetarian dishes.
Tofu, also called Bean Curd, is a versatile ingredient used in many dishes. Tofu is a popular appetizer and a traditional snack. China has a vibrant street food culture, a perfect venue to degust a variety of traditional snacks. The stinky tofu, an interesting street food, is a fermented tofu that has a very strong odor, yet a surprisingly good flavor.
Peking Duck
The Pecking Duck, the most famous dish in Beijing, was served to the emperors of China and became the preferred dish in the imperial menu. The Pecking Duck gained popularity with the elites, the artists, the diplomats, before becoming a nationally and internationally recognized dish. A special breed of duck, uniquely grown and fed, has a flavorful meat. The slow-roasted Pecking Duck results in a tender and juicy meat, and the crispy skin. The delicate pancakes, julienned cucumber and scallions and the plum sauce are traditional condiments served with the duck. The Pecking Duck is a gourmet feast, a perfect balance of flavors, aromas, textures and colors.
Snake Soup
Guilin is a special culinary destination, featuring refreshing, unique and exotic dishes. We learn about traditional cooking styles and sample a variety of regional specialties. We degust a collection of three dishes prepared with the local snake, exotic regional delicacy. The snake soup, the snake skin and the deep-fried snake meat are uniquely delectable. The flavors are simple, delivered by a perfect mix of ingredients and spices. A refreshing snake soup includes tender pieces of the snake meat, resembling the meat of the eel. The snake skin is very soft and the deep-fried snake meat has a crispy texture and a spicy flavor. It is a wonderful culinary adventure.
Preferred Accommodations
Beijing Hotel NUO (near Forbidden City)
Beijing Hotel NUO is situated at the crossroads of the famous Change An Avenue and the district of Wangfujing. The French colonial style architecture epitomizes luxury and elegance. A collection of rooms and suites emphasizes the old-world charm and a welcoming atmosphere. The breakfast buffet consists of freshly made Asian and western dishes. A majestic lobby decorated with beautiful chandeliers is an inviting space. Beijing Hotel NUO is located near the historic and cultural sites, including the Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.
The Ritz-Carlton, Xi’an
The Ritz-Carlton, Xi’an is a luxury hotel situated in the Central Business District of Xi’an. The stylish rooms and suites offer panoramic views of the city. A collection of restaurants features refined multi-cultural cuisines and a delightful afternoon tea at the Lobby Bar. The Ritz-Carlton Spa Xi’ is a relaxing space with an indoor pool and the high-quality spa treatments. The Ritz-Carlton, Xi’an is an ideal base to explore the ancient capital of Xi’an.
The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong
The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong is a luxury hotel overlooking the Huangpu River and The Bund. The hotel is located in the center of Shanghai, near the Oriental Pearl Tower. A collection of elegant rooms and suites showcases an Art Deco style. The guests seeking a relaxation have access to the indoor swimming pool and a five-star luxury spa. The hotel has wonderful restaurants, including The Flair Rooftop Restaurant & Bar offering stunning views of the city skyline. The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong is a perfect base to explore Shanghai’s cultural sites.
