China Ancient City Camper Tour - 9 Days

Arrival at Beijing, meet your guide at the airport and take a visit to the Summer Palace. The Summer Palace (UNESCO) is the largest imperial garden in the world. Emperors of successive dynasties created a summer retreat of Chinese gardens and pavilions, around the tranquil waters of Kunming Lake.

In the evening, you will enjoy a traditional welcome dinner - Peking Duck Dinner.

Overnight in the local hotel.

Today, enjoy a full-day tour of the Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven by tourist bus.

The Tian’anmen Square is the world’s largest and renowned public square where many historical events once took place. The Forbidden City (UNESCO) is the imperial place where the emperors of the Ming and the Qing Dynasties ruled for nearly 500 years (1420-1911). Experience the architectural splendor of the palaces, ceremonial courtyards, and private quarters. The Temple of Heaven (UNESCO), where ancient Chinese emperors made sacrifices to Heaven and prayed for bountiful harvests, demonstrates the supreme achievement of traditional Chinese architecture.

Pick up the campervan and get to know its functions.

After dinner, enjoy stunning Kung Fu show or Acrobatic show tonight.

Overnight in the local hotel.

After breakfast, check out from the hotel, move your luggage onto the campervan, and purchase ingredients from a large local supermarket. Cook the lunch on your own. Then you will drive through Taihang Mountains and head for Laiyuan. Arrive at the campsite in Laiyuan and make dinner by yourself.

Overnight in the campervan.

After breakfast, pay a visit to Baishishan National Geopark which owns the unique marble hoodoos. At an altitude of 1900 meters, the 95 meter-long skywalk, which is the longest skywalk in China, is hanging in the air. Then head for Pingyao. Upon arrival, pay a visit to the Ancient City of Pingyao(UNESCO), a well-preserved ancient Chinese city of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. You will admire the Ancient City Wall built with bricks and stones. Then 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. Enjoy yourself at night with the beautiful scene of the city under moonlight.

Overnight in the campervan.

Today, have a full day tour in Pingyao.

Rishengchang literally means ‘Sunrise Prosperity’. The annual exchange amount of Rishengchang reached 38 million taels (1,900 tonnes) of silver, at its peak in the nineteenth century when Rishengchang Bank controlled almost half of the Chinese economy. Its branches were widespread throughout China's big cities and capital, as well as Europe and Southeast Asia. Rishengchang Bank is now a museum, and in 2006 was included on the List of Major National Historical and Cultural Sites. The best-preserved Pingyao county government in China is almost 600 years old. The Pingyao Confusion Temple is called “the second Forbidden City” and still remains unchanged with its grand scale. If the Ancient City of Pingyao is zoetic, the temple will be its soul.

Check in the local traditional Shanxi merchants themed hotel - Pingyao Hotel.

In the evening, enjoy a large scale real-scene historical dance drama - Youjian Pingyao.

Overnight in the local hotel.

After breakfast, head for Hanging Temple and take an optional tour to Jinci Temple, the earliest existing royal garden in China, on the way. Arrive at Guangwu Great Wall, the existing most complete Great Wall of Ming Dynasty. Commissioned by Ming emperor Hongwu, the Guangwu fortification is made of bricks and stone and extends over 5 kilometers at an average height of 7 meters. Though much of Guangwu currently stands in ruins, 5 of its 16 watchtowers have survived. It is said that the shape of Guangwu resembles that of a dragon stretching out with its pointed tail in the east and its massive head in the west.

Park at the Great Wall parking lot.

Overnight in the campervan.

After breakfast, set off to the Hanging Temple by the way of Wooden Pagoda and Yungang Grottoes (UNESCO). Built during the Liao Dynasty (907-1125), the Wooden Pagoda of Fogong Temple stands as the oldest and tallest multi-story all-wood pagoda in the world. This 9-story structure was known as “the first pagoda” during the Ming Dynasty and today is under consideration for UNESCO World Heritage designation. Yungang Grottoes (UNESCO) are renowned for both their natural features as well as cultural significance. A stunning example of Buddhist cave art, the Grottoes feature over 50,000 statues as well as numerous paintings and other artifacts. Park at the Hanging Temple parking lot.

Overnight in the campervan.

After breakfast, pay a visit to Hanging Temple. It is built into the side of a mountain over 1,600 years ago, the Hanging Temple has miraculously survived the centuries and continues to function as a place of worship for China’s three traditional religions: Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. In the afternoon, drive to Beijing Longwan International Camping Park. Take an optional tour to Longqing Gorge. The gorge is reputed to be the 'Little Three Gorges', features clear waters, wooded mountains, curious stones and wonderful karst caves. It’s main attractions are the Longqing Gorge Cruise, Baihua (hundred Flowers) Cave, and the Shenxianyuan (Immortal) and Jingang temples.

Enjoy a campfire party and a farewell dinner at night.

Overnight in the campervan.