China Foodie Adventure - 12 Days

- Peking Duck in Beijing

- Dumpling Banquet and street food in Xi’an;

- Sichuan hot pot and local snacks in Chengdu

- Shanghai cuisine

- Tasty Dim Sum in Hong Kong

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 Great Wall is the largest ancient defensive project ever undertaken in China and even the world. Built continuously over 2,000 years starting in the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046-771 BC), the Great Wall now snakes its way across vast areas of northern and central China and has a total length of more than 20,000 km. The wall is a physical illustration of the Chinese philosophy of defending and tolerating rather than expanding and invading.
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.

◆Local delicacy: enjoy a Peking Duck dinner at time-honored restaurant - Quanjude. The duck is characteristic with its crispy skin, tender meat, and the fragrance from the fruit-wood.

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.

◆Local delicacy: enjoy a tasty Dumpling Banquet followed by an exquisite traditional Tang Dynasty Show.

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.

◆Local delicacy: wander around the Muslim Snack Street, which is full of mouth-watering Islamic snacks.

Explore this world-class conservation sanctuary for an intimate encounter with China’s beloved national treasure. Beyond observing pandas in their lush natural enclosures, the onsite museum offers fascinating insights into their evolution, unique habits, and global conservation success.
The Wuhou Memorial Temple is a complex of pavilions and statues commemorating figures of the Three Kingdoms period (AD 220-80).

◆Local delicacy: enjoy a Sichuan-style hot pot for your lunch, which is famous for its hot and mouth-numbing flavor.

The Jinli Ancient Street, decorated with tea-houses and boutiques on both sides, used to be one of the busiest commercial streets during the Shu Kingdom. The wooden steles and the brick-walls exhibit the ancient charm of the city.

◆Local delicacy: savor a bunch of spicy Chengdu Snacks at the time-honored Longchaoshou Restaurant.

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.
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 Shanghai Museum has a collection of 120,000 pieces of Chinese ancient treasures. Optional tour: Top of the Pyramid - The Exhibition of Ancient Egyptian Civilization is on display from July 19th, 2024 to August 17th, 2025.
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.

◆Local delicacy: enjoy your lunch in a famous local restaurant. It provides the most authentic Shanghai cuisine, traditionally called Benbang cuisine, such as the Sweet and sour spare ribs and Red Braised Pork

Today starts with a half-day tour of Hong Kong Island. Visit the Victoria Peak (include One-way peak tram ride), the summit of the Hong Kong Island and get a bird-eye view of the magnificent skyline of the Victoria Harbor. Then, visit the Stanley Market and drive by the Repulse Bay. Later, explore the Historic Fishing Village at Aberdeen with sampan ride. Their traditional lifestyle is in sharp contrast to the modern life style of those living in the high-rise communities. Afterwards, return to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

◆Local delicacy: have your lunch in a old-school dim sum restaurant, where you could pick dim sum from the strolling carts. The waiters still wear their traditional white tunics and serve you tea from huge brass kettles.