SIC-G Tour - China Golden Triangle with Datong, Pingyao & Shaolin Culture - 12 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.

Built more than 1,500 years ago, the Hanging Temple is characterized by its special location on the sheer cliff and its combination of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism.
The Wooden Pagoda ranks as the oldest and highest wooden structure in China. It was built without any nails or rivets, which represents a perfect combination of science, art and religion.

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 Longmen Grottoes is one of the Three Major Buddhist Grottoes in China. Carved 1500 years ago, the grottoes is the long-established art form which plays a significant role in the evolution of Buddism in Asian. It has over 100,000 Buddhist images and statues inside.

Established in the 5th century, the Shaolin Temple (UNESCO) is world-famous for its connection with Chinese martial arts - Shaolin Kung Fu. China’s biggest pagoda forest also lies in Shaolin Temple, which is a concentration of more than 240 tomb pagodas for abbots and eminent monks of the temple.
The White Horse Temple was etablished in the year 68 AD, and it was the first Buddhism temple in China. According to historical record, there was a white horse that first carried the Buddhism script from India to here, hence it was named White Horse Temple.

Located at the foot of Mount Song in Dengfeng, this ancient Taoist temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and part of the historic "Centre of Heaven and Earth" complex. As one of the largest and oldest preserved temple groups in China, it features a grand, palace-like layout that offers a fascinating look into traditional Chinese architecture and Taoist culture.

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.