China Golden Triangle with Wenzhou Discovery - 10 Days

Stand in the heart of modern China at the world’s largest public square, a site of profound historical significance and grand architectural scale. Walk into or drive through (sedan/minivan) Tian'anmen Square to marvel at its iconic surroundings, including the Monument to the People's Heroes and the Great Hall of the People.
Constructed from 1406 at the very centre of Beijing, the Palace Museum is more widely known as the Forbidden City. Previously home to 24 different emperors, it is the largest palace complex in the world at approximately 720,000 square metres. Note: Closed on Mondays. In case of closure or ticket unavailability, the itinerary adjusts to Jingshan Park for a premier panoramic view overlooking the entire Forbidden City.
Completed in 1420, the Temple of Heaven is the largest complex of sacrificial buildings in China that still stands to this day. The temple was visited by Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1636-1912) emperors on an annual basis to pray to the heavens for a good harvest. The subtle employment of acoustic principles used in the construction of the Echo Wall, Triple Sound Stone and Dialogue Stone reflects the advanced architectural technology in use in ancient China.

This Qing Dynasty (1636-1912) imperial palace and garden (1636-1912) is the largest and best-preserved imperial garden in China. Modelled on the West Lake in Hangzhou and borrowing design techniques and artistic ideas from the gardens of Jiangnan south of the Yangtze River, this landscaped park offers the perfect summer retreat.
As China’s most renowned monument, the Great Wall stands as one of the most spectacular architectural feats in human history. The Mutianyu section, celebrated as one of the best-preserved portions of the wall, once served as a vital northern bastion protecting the capital and the nearby imperial tombs. Famous for its breathtaking watchtowers and lush forest surroundings, it offers a magnificent glimpse into China’s ancient strategic defense.

Dive into the heart of old Beijing with a visit to the Hutongs—a maze of historic, narrow alleys lined with traditional courtyard houses. To experience this vibrant neighborhood like a local, you will take a traditional rickshaw tour. Sit back and relax as your driver wheels you through the lively lanes, passing by local markets, ancient doorways, and hidden gardens. It is a wonderful, nostalgic journey that offers an intimate look at the city's traditional lifestyle away from the modern skyscrapers.

Unearth the secrets of the world’s most significant archaeological discovery. Face the silent ranks of over 6,000 life-sized warriors, archers, and bronze chariots that have guarded the tomb of China’s First Emperor for over 2,200 years.
Located at the very center of ancient Xi'an, the Bell and Drum Tower Square is a grand landmark that beautifully connects China's imperial past with its vibrant modern energy. This spacious public square offers a stunning vantage point between two magnificent Ming Dynasty masterpieces: the majestic Bell Tower, which marks the geographical heart of the city, and the historic Drum Tower, which stands at the entrance to the famous Muslim Quarter. Visited by millions each year, the square provides an exceptional setting to admire traditional triple-eaved wooden architecture, which comes alive at night with a spectacular display of colorful illuminations.
Steeped in over a millennium of history, the Muslim Quarter is a vibrant sensory feast and the heart of Xi'an's legendary food culture. As you wander through its ancient stone-paved lanes, you are greeted by an incredible array of mouth-watering delicacies and authentic Silk Road flavors. From the savory aroma of charcoal-grilled lamb skewers to the rhythmic pounding of traditional nut candy, this bustling historic enclave offers an unparalleled glimpse into the heritage and culinary soul of the city’s Hui community. It is the ultimate destination to immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere and rich, diverse tastes of old Xi'an.

 

Leisure Time & Optional Experiences

Evening Recommendation: Indulge in a celebrated Xi'an Dumpling Banquet, followed by an enchanting Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show—a vibrant revival of China's golden age of art and culture.

Extended Exploration: If your schedule allows, we highly recommend a journey to Mount Hua to witness its breathtaking natural peaks.

Regional Highlights: For a deeper dive into Buddhist history, consider a bullet train excursion to Luoyang to marvel at the Longmen Grottoes, one of China’s three most renowned ancient cave complexes.

Located in the centre of Xi'an, the Xi'an City Wall was built in the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) over the previously existing palace walls of the Tang Dynasty. It is the best-preserved and largest city wall in China and extends a total of 13.74 kilometres. The wall has a moat, draw bridges, watchtowers, corner towers and other military defences.

The West Lake (UNESCO) is famous for its natural beauty and historic relics and it has has influenced numerous painters, poets, and garden designers throughout Chinese history. You will take a short cruise on the picturesque West Lake.
The Six Harmonies Pagoda is a masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture. You can get a panoramic view of the Qiantang River on the very top.

The Qinghefang Historical Street has been the most flourished street in the city since the ancient time. Hangzhou’s century-old shops are all located in this area.
The Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum will amaze you at the profound history and culture of Chinese medicine.
The Lingyin Temple is the biggest Buddhist Temple in southern China, which also features a large number of grottos and rock carvings.
The Dragon Well Tea Plantation is one of the origin places of Dragon Well Tea, also called Longjing Tea. The first picked tea leaves of the new harvest were once reserved solely for the Emperor and transported to him via the Grand Canal in ancient China.

 

Built in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Yu Garden is a classic example of a Jiangnan region garden and the most famous of five classical gardens in Shanghai. The Yu Garden compound consists of more than 30 halls and is divided into six sections by "dragon walls", tall white walls with undulating grey tiled ridges each terminating in a dragon’s head. Next to the garden is Yuyuan Bazaar, a labyrinth of small streets and lanes where you can find a large number of restaurants, tea houses and shops. The most popular restaurants are NanxiangMantou Restaurant, famous for its xiaolongbao, Lubolang Restaurant and Old Shanghai Restaurant.
One of the city’s most recognisable landmarks and the pride of Shanghai for over one hundred years, the Bund is a mile-long stretch of waterfront promenade along the Huangpu River. On the west side of the road stand 52 buildings of various architectural styles, including Gothic, baroque, and neoclassical styles. It is often called an outdoor museum of buildings.
Step back in time and experience the historical heart of the city at Shanghai Old Town, where classic Jiangnan-style architecture and bustling street markets offer a fascinating contrast to the city's futuristic skyscrapers. Anchored by the 16th-century Yu Garden and the lively bazaar surrounding the City God Temple, this vibrant district allows you to wander through labyrinthine alleys lined with traditional gray-brick buildings, cross the iconic Nine-Turn Bridge, and sample world-famous local delicacies like Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) at historic eateries.