SIC-K Tour - China Golden Triangle with Pingyao & Avatar Mountains - 13 Days

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.

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.

The Lama Temple has a reputation of the largest and best-preserved Tibetan Buddhist Lamasery in Beijing. The building and artwork of the lama Temple is a combination of Han and Tibetan styles.

The Ancient City of Pingyao (UNESCO), a well-preserved ancient Chinese city of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, is an must-see attraction for you. You will admire the Ancient City Wall built with bricks and stones. Approach to Rishengchang Bank - the first bank of China, and get impressed by the Old Government Buildings. The courtyard houses, narrow streets and small shops in the city provide a complete picture of China’s cultural and social lifestyle during that period of time.
The Qiao Family Compound was the former residence of a rich businessman - Qiao Zhiyong in the Qing Dynasty. Consisting of 6 large yards and 20 small yards in total, the magnificent compound features its traditional Chinese furnishings and lifelike wood carvings.

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.

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.
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a Tang Dynasty landmark, is a seven-story pagoda initially constructed in 652 AD. One of the pagoda's many functions is to hold sutras and figurines of the Buddha that were brought to China from India by the Buddhist translator and traveler - Xuanzang.

The Great Mosque, which blends Islamic mosque styles and traditional Chinese architectural elements, acts as one of the oldest and best-preserved Islamic mosques in China
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.

Take a shuttle bus to Mount Tianzi Scenic Area and take a cable car to the mountain top. Mount Tianzi is admired as one of the top four scenic spots of Wulingyuan Scenic Area (UNESCO). Mount Tianzi is renowned by the amazing natural landscape, it embodies varied beautiful scenes at different time within one day and is reputed as “huge bonsai, small fairyland”.
Afterwards, take a shuttle bus to Yuanjiajie (UNESCO), experience the magnificent scenery of jagged peaks and deep valleys. It is said that the Southern Sky Pillar in Yuanjiajie was the prototype of the floating mountains in the Film Avatar.
Take the Bailong Elevator to get down from the mountain. The Bailong Lift is the highest outdoor elevator in the World.
Experience a full-day, breathtaking journey through the otherworldly sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the true inspiration behind the floating mountains in the movie Avatar. Your adventure begins with a scenic cable car ride up the mountain, whisking you directly into the clouds. First, explore Tianzishan (Tianzi Mountain), renowned for its misty peaks and stunning panoramic views of thousands of jagged pillars rising from the valleys. Next, journey to Yuanjiajie, where you will stand face-to-face with the awe-inspiring Avatar Hallelujah Mountain and cross the First Bridge Under Heaven. After marveling at these gravity-defying landscapes, you will experience a thrilling descent aboard the famous Bailong Elevator, a soaring glass structure built into the cliffside. Conclude your unforgettable day with a peaceful, ground-level stroll along the crystal-clear waters of Golden Whip Brook (Jinbianxi), where you can admire the towering peaks from below amidst lush forests and playful wild macaques.

Embark on a thrilling exploration of Tianmen Mountain, legendary for its dramatic cliff faces and spiritual mysteries. Your journey includes a spectacular round-trip cable car ride, featuring one of the longest alpine cableways in the world, which takes you directly from the city center up into the mountain's misty peaks. At the top, walk along cliff-hanging pathways and marvel at the magnificent Tianmen Cave (Heaven's Gate), a colossal natural water-eroded hole that looks like a gateway to the heavens. For an enhanced journey, you can choose an optional experience to Baofeng Lake, where you can take a peaceful boat cruise across emerald waters surrounded by stunning karst mountains and listening to local folk songs.

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.
The Jade Buddha Temple is famous for its two precious jade Buddha statues brought from Burma, which are not only rare cultural relics but also exquisite artworks.
The Nanjing Road,a must-see metropolitan destination attracting thousands of fashion-seeking shoppers from all over the world, is a top prosperous center of Shanghai.
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.

With a history of more than 1700 years, the Zhujiajiao Ancient Town features lovely rivers, stone bridges, and historical buildings on the riverbank.
A premier cultural and lifestyle landmark in Shanghai that seamlessly blends history with modern trends. Zhang Yuan is the city's largest and best-preserved Shikumen (stone-gate) architectural complex, recently restored into a high-end luxury and fashion district. Right next door, Fengshengli complements the historic charm with a vibrant, modern dining and lifestyle block filled with trendy cafes, popular restaurants, and lively bars. Together, they offer the perfect taste of Shanghai's unique heritage and contemporary urban energy.