Day 1
Arrive in Beijing
Arrive in Beijing. Be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel. Just relax and take a leisured stroll around the city. You can excurse and reveal this charming city by person. Happy 12 Day Ancient Capital Tour of China!
Beijing has a long history. According to archaeological findings 5,000 years ago, Peking Man lived in Zhoukoudian for a very long time. From the warring states period (473 - 221 BC), Beijing was the capital of Yan State and was called Ji. In the Liao Dynasty, it was called Nanjing. In 1153, it was changed to Zhongdu, becoming the capital of the Jin Dynasty. In 1283, Beijing, the capital of the Yuan Dynasty, was called Beiping. From 1421, it was known as Jingshi.
In 1911, during the Republic Era, the capital was called Beijing, then Nanjing became the capital of China briefly in 1928, and Beijng reverted to the name Beiping. From 1949, Beijing was set in its current position with its current name as national capital. Explore Beijing in this China ancient capital tour.
Day 2
Beijing
Today you will experience Badaling Great Wall, and Mingling Tomb in this 12 Day Ancient Capital Tour of China. Roasted Peking Duck is recommended for your dinner.
Badaling Great Wall: The Great Wall at Badaling is the best representative section of the Great Wall that is worth seeing during China ancient capital tour. It is more than 7 meters high and 5 meters wide. It was the strategic point of Juyongguan Pass in ancient times. Many other fortresses and beacon towers were constructed at the strategic points.
This section of the Great Wall has drawn great attention from the Chinese government since the foundation of P.R. China. The Great Wall was listed "a World Cultural Heritage" by the UNESCO in 1987. The Great Wall at Badaling is preserved as a historical monument and has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world that will add more color to your China tour.
Ming Tombs: Located at the foot of the Tianshou Mountain in Changping District, Beijing, the Ming Mausoleums, occupying an area of 120 square kilometers, is well preserved and have the biggest number of emperors buried in the world. You can not miss this attraction in 12 Day Ancient Capital Tour of China.
Beijing Roast duck: Beijing Roast duck is thought to be one of the most delicious dishes all over the world. Most visitors coming to Beijing in China tour package will never forget to have a try. Eating Peking duck is seen to be one of the two things you are absolutely supposed to do while in Beijing.
Day 3
Beijing
Today's excursion includes the Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven in this 12 Day Ancient Capital Tour of China.
Tiananmen Square: Tiananmen was the main entrance to the Forbidden City during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Built in 1417, it was first named the Cheng Tian men, meaning that emperors obeyed the order of Heaven in ruling the country. It is also honored as the "Gate of the Nation." As one of the largest city squares in the world, Tiananmen Square occupies an area of 440, 000 square meters--spacious enough to accommodate half a million people. Many annual and special celebrations and assemblies are held here. Tiananmen, with its long history and rich culture, attracts many people in China ancient capital tour.
Forbidden City: The Forbidden City also named the Palace Museum, shares the honor of being one of five world-famous palaces with the Palace of Versailles in France, Buckingham Palace in England, and the White House in the U.S. and the Kremlin in Russia. The palace, the most magnificent and splendid palace complex in China, was listed as a World Cultural Heritage Building in 1987. It was built in the Ming Dynasty and the construction of this group of buildings took fourteen years from 1406 to 1420. Beijing Forbidden City is a must-see place of interest in 12 Day Ancient Capital Tour of China.
Temple of Heaven: The Temple of Heaven is seen as the most holy of Beijing's imperial temples. It has been described as "a masterpiece of architecture and landscape design" which will satisfy your eyeballs in this China tour. The Temple of Heaven was where the emperor came every winter solstice to worship Heaven and to solemnly pray for a good harvest. Since his rule was legitimized by a perceived mandate from Heaven, a bad harvest could be interpreted as his fall from Heaven's favor and threaten the stability of his reign. So, it was not without a measure of self-interest that the emperor fervently prayed for a very good crop.
Day 4
Beijing
Today you will experience Summer Palace and Hutong Tour in Rickshaw by your 12 Day Ancient Capital Tour of China.
Summer Palace: The Summer Palace landscape, dominated by Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake, covers an area of 2.9 square kilometers, three quarters of which is water surface. Its 70,000 square meters of building space features a variety of palaces, garden and other ancient-style architectural structures.
Well known for its large and priceless collection of cultural artifacts, it was among the first group of historical and cultural heritage sites in China to be placed under special state protection. Explore Summer Palace in this China ancient capital tour.
Hutong Tour in Rickshaw: Hutong: Hutong, a kind of alleyways featured in Beijing, has become a part of Beijing life and now is an informal symbol of the city. Take a rickshaw tour around the Hutong. The Hutong Tour starts from along Shishahai near the vegetable and fruit market.
In the deepest of the Hutong, they were taken to visit Prince Gong's Mansion, famous in the Qing Dynasty. Inside Prince Gong's Mansion there is an ancient well, and exhibits allowing you to understand more about Hutongs by 12 Day Ancient Capital Tour of China. Your can also pay a visit to a local family and have a close view of Beijing people's daily life in this China tour.
Day 5
Beijing -
- Xian
Transfer to airport and take the flight to Xian, an ancient capital city of China. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and tour Xian City Wall. Continue your 12 Day Ancient Capital Tour of China in Xian.
Ancient City Wall: The first landmark you will encounter in Xian during this China ancient capital tour is the ancient city wall, which stretches round the old city. The northern side runs parallel to the railway. Xian was originally a walled city, and even today the wall is considered a landmark dividing the city into the inner part and the outer part. The city wall is massive - tall, long and thick. The South Gate and North Gate are the two main entrances to the inner city. The city itself is neatly arranged along the city wall.
Day 6
Xian
Today has a full day excursion. After breakfast, you will go to visit the Qin Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horse Figurines. In the afternoon, you will view the Big Wild Goose Pagoda as well as Bell Tower. Tang Dynasty Music and Dances Show is recommended for your night show in this 12 Day Ancient Capital Tour of China.
Qin Terracotta Army Museum: The Terracotta Warriors and Horses are the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century. Work is ongoing at this site, which is around 1.5 kilometers east of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum, Lintong Country, Shaanxi province. It is a sight not to be missed by any visitor during China ancient capital tour.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda: As the symbol of the old-line Xian, Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayan Pagoda) is a well-preserved ancient building and a holy place for Buddhists. It is located in the southern suburb of Xian City, about 4 kilometers from the downtown of the city. Standing in the Da Ci'en Temple complex, it attracts numerous visitors by China tour for its fame in the Buddhist religion, its simple but appealing style of construction, and its new square in front of the temple.
Bell Tower: Bell Tower is a stately traditional building that marks the geographical center of the ancient capital. The wooden tower, which is the largest and best-preserved of its kind in China, is 36 meters high. During Ming Dynasty, Xian was an important military town in Northwest China, a fact that is reflected in the size and historic significance of its tower. See Bell Tower China tour package.
Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show: This performance of Changan music and dance originated in Chinas Tang Dynasty over a thousand years ago. It has been recreated in accordance with various historical records as well as ancient art and relics discovered in Xian, the capital of the empire during the Tang Dynasty. This type of performance has been treasured as a national art that reflects the glory and richness of the Tang Dynasty era. It will add more color to your 12 Day Ancient Capital Tour of China.
Day 7
Xian -
- Nanjing
Today you will first take a flight to Nanjing, and then visit Zhonghua Gate, Qinhuai River and Confucian Temple in this 12 Day Ancient Capital Tour of China.
Zhonghua Gate: Zhonghua Men Gate is the largest castle-style gate among the 13 ancient city gates in Nanjing. It's the best preserved and, architecturally, most complicated ancient castle in the world that is worth seeing in this China ancient capital tour. The elaborately designed castle contains three closed courtyards and four arched gates serving as entrances to the city.
Qinhuai River: The Qinhuai River is the cradle of Nanjing's property. It witnessed and endured the glorious past and activities of Nanjing people. Many comedies and tragedies occurred in the notorious red-light area along its banks, during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Now there are many relics of that time. Know more about Qinhuai River in your China tour.
Confucius Temple: The Confucius Temple built in the Song Dynasty is a place to worship the great philosopher Confucius. This area has been the center of Confucian study for over 1.500 years. Now it has become a commercial center, with many featured shops. Also you may enjoy the famous local snacks there during 12 Day Ancient Capital Tour of China.
Day 8
Nanjing -
- Suzhou
Today you will first experience Dr. Sun-Yat Sen's Mausoleum and Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge in this 12 Day Ancient Capital Tour of China, and then transfer to Suzhou.
Dr. Sun-Yat Sen's Mausoleum: With a solemn atmosphere, Dr. Sun-Yat Sen's Mausoleum is built at the foot of the majestic Purple Mountain. Viewing above, it presents a shape of bell with the meaning that Chinese people should always keep in mind Doctor Suns will and dedicate to build a strong China. See Dr. Sun-Yat Sen's Mausoleum in this China ancient capital tour.
Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge: It is the first bridge independently designed and constructed by the Chinese themselves. The bridge was added to the Guinness World Records as the world's longest bridge featuring the dual functions of highway and railway. Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge is really viewable in your 12 Day Ancient Capital Tour of China.
Day 9
Suzhou
Today you will discover Lion Grove Garden, Rickshaw ride, the Grand Canal and the No.1 Silk Factory in this 12 Day Ancient Capital Tour of China.
Lion Grove Garden (Shizilin) is located at 23 Yuanlin Road, in the northeast of Suzhou. It is one of the four most famous and representative classic gardens in Suzhou (the other three being the Surging Wave Pavilion, Lingering Garden and Humble Administrator's Garden). Explore Lion Grove Garden by this China ancient capital tour.
Rickshaw ride: Take a rickshaw tour around the old streets & Hutongs in Suzhou, you will see local people's life in this 12 Day Ancient Capital Tour of China .
The Grand Canal: The Grand Canal ranks alongside the Great Wall of China as the country's greatest engineering achievement and it is the longest man-made waterway in the world. Cruising on the Canal in this China tour, you can see the local people's life. Known as the land of rice and fish, Suzhou city has a network of picturesque lakes and canals both large and small, which all link in eventually to the Grand Canal.
The No.1 Silk Factory: Suzhou is famous for its silk products. In this China tour package, you may go and see how the silk is processed from worm to the final product, and some of the silk history in China. There is also an opportunity to buy something beautiful from the showroom, or just enjoy the goods on display.
Day 10
Suzhou -
- Shanghai
Today you will be transferred to Shanghai. Then you will explore Yuyuan Garden, the Bund and Nanjing Road in this 12 Day Ancient Capital Tour of China.
Yu Garden: It is a historical site and tourist attraction famous at home and abroad that you won't miss in this China ancient capital tour. It was built by a man named Pan during the Ming Dynasty. It was changed and rebuilt for hundreds of years by different descendants of the original builder. The garden is a virtual maze of caves, gardens, rockeries, paths, bridges, and buildings. Even though many people have had a hand in rebuilding the garden over the centuries, it is seamlessly blended. Every corner you turn has a new surprise, and a total different view.
The Bund: The Bund is the long corridor of Shanghai. For more than 100 years, it has been the symbol of Shanghai. Shanghai people are proud of the Bund. It shows the culture of Shanghai and the creation of modern civilization to people. The architecture along the Bund that you can see in this China tour is unanimously honored as a "World Architectural Fair", including all kinds of tall buildings like the Gothic style, the Baroque style, the Roman style, the classical style, the Renaissance style and the combination of Chinese and Western style.
Nanjing Road: It is one of the landmarks of Shanghai. Most people say that if you have never been to the Nanjing Street, it is equal that you have never been to Shanghai. If you can get up early in the morning in this China tour package, you must be attracted by the Nanjing Street. At that time, the shops and restaurants are closed, but the street is quite busy. People are doing all kinds of things. It is just like a park, which has an outstanding compare with the street on flourishing day.
Day 11
Shanghai
Today you will have a look at the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai History Museum, as well as the Children's Palace in this 12 Day Ancient Capital Tour of China.
Oriental Pearl TV Tower: Standing by the Huangpu River with a height of 468 meters high, Oriental Pearl TV Tower is the highest TV Tower in Asia (up to the last floor to see Shanghai scenery). It is a new landmark of Shanghai in 21st century. You can't miss this tourist attraction in this China ancient capital tour.
Shanghai Museum: As the biggest museum in China, Shanghai Museum has a collection of over 120,000 pieces of Chinese art & cultural heritages. The museum is especially famous for its treasures of bronzes, ceramics, paintings, and calligraphy. Learn more about the history of Shanghai by this 12 Day Ancient Capital Tour of China.
Children's Palace: The Shanghai Children's Palace provides after-school education for gifted children. Various extracurricular activities that can be seen in this China tour are prepared for children, such as music, dance, art, model making, science, technology and computer science. The palace hosts many art performances and science and technology contests which attracts thousands of youngsters.
Day 12
Depart from shanghai
In 12 Day Ancient Capital Tour of China, you will have a wonderful time in China. You must be fascinated about China, especially China ancient capitals. We are sure that you must enjoy the splendid culture and unique scenery and you can be our best ambassadors to share that experience with your friends and neighbors. We sincerely hope to see you revisit China again with your friends. Also we hope you are satisfied with our information and service for this China ancient capital tour.