SIC-D Tour - China Best Selection with Chengdu & Leshan Discovery - 13 Days

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.
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.

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.

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.

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 Leshan Giant Buddha is an enormous 230-feet Buddha, which is the largest stone-carved Buddha in the world. You will board a boat and head out into the Mingjiang River to get an overall view of the statue from afar.

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.

In the morning, meet your guide at the hotel and transfer to embark on a memorable Li River Cruise. Through this 3-hour journey of China's best known natural scenery, you can appreciate unique karst landscapes as well as verdant hills and lovely waters. Then, arrive at Yangshuo at about 13:00 and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
West Street is the oldest street in Yangshuo, which started to develop 1,400 years ago. The street is called the biggest 'foreign language center' in China as it fused western and eastern culture. More than 100,000 foreigners come here each year. You can explore the uniqueness of the street by having a stroll.

Today, take a 3-hour car ride to Longsheng. Longsheng is well known for its spectacular Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces. It is a beautiful place where the Zhuang and Yao ethnic people have lived for over the centuries. In the spring, when the terraces are full of water, they resemble irregular silver ladders; and in autumn, when the rice ripens, the mountains turn into golden waves.
Located within the stunning Longji (Dragon's Backbone) Rice Terraces, this traditional village offers a wonderful look into the culture of the local Zhuang people. You can admire their unique wooden stilt houses (Diaojiaolou), see their traditional clothing, and experience a peaceful way of life surrounded by beautiful mountain landscapes.

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.