Highlights

• Experience China Beyond the Landmarks — Go beyond sightseeing with Tai Chi alongside locals, a traditional Hutong rickshaw ride, hands-on cultural workshops, and encounters with everyday Chinese life.

• Live Among China’s Ancient Capitals — Journey through Beijing, Luoyang, Kaifeng and Xi’an to experience different chapters of Chinese history, from imperial palaces and ancient city walls to Tang and Song Dynasty culture.

• Stay Beneath the Great Wall — Spend a night in Gubei Water Town, explore its traditional streets and canals, and rise early for a spectacular sunrise hike on the Simatai Great Wall.

• Create, Learn & Connect — Make Tang-style tri-color ceramics and your own miniature Terracotta Warrior, learn to make dumplings with a local family, and experience the living traditions behind China’s historic culture.

• Feel the Spirit of Traditional China — Watch the power of Shaolin Kung Fu, experience Kaifeng’s traditional performances, and optionally dress in Hanfu and step into the atmosphere of Tang Dynasty Xi’an.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrival in Beijing

Upon arrival in Beijing, your private driver-guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure and prepare for your journey through China's ancient capitals.

Meals: None
Overnight: Beijing

Day 2 | Temple of Heaven • Gubei Water Town

Visit the Temple of Heaven and join a morning Tai Chi experience with local residents. Continue to Gubei Water Town and enjoy lunch in this charming ancient-style water town.

In the afternoon, explore the scenic town at your own pace and enjoy optional intangible cultural heritage experiences. In the evening, admire the beautifully illuminated Gubei Water Town and Simatai Great Wall, with seasonal performances such as drone or light shows and the spectacular Iron Flower Show, subject to the attraction's schedule.

Meals: Gubei Water Town Feast
Overnight: Gubei Water Town

Day 3 | Simatai Sunrise • Forbidden City • Jingshan Park

Rise early for a memorable sunrise and hiking experience at the Simatai Great Wall, enjoying the tranquil morning atmosphere and spectacular views over the surrounding mountains and Gubei Water Town.

After breakfast, return to Beijing and visit Tiananmen Square and the magnificent Forbidden City, including the Treasure Gallery and Nine-Dragon Screen. If Forbidden City tickets are unavailable, Prince Gong's Mansion will be arranged as an alternative.

Afterwards, climb Jingshan Park for a breathtaking panoramic view over the Forbidden City and the historic heart of Beijing.

Optional: Peking Duck Dinner & Chinese Acrobatics Show
Meals: Beijing Zhajiang Noodles Lunch
Overnight: Beijing

Day 4 | Mutianyu Great Wall • Hutong Experience

Visit the magnificent Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the most scenic and best-preserved sections of the Great Wall. Enjoy a round-trip cable car or chairlift ride up and an exciting toboggan ride down.

Later, experience traditional Beijing life with a Hutong rickshaw tour, discovering the historic lanes and old neighborhoods of the city. Spend the afternoon exploring the lively Shichahai area at your own pace, with lakeside cafés, bars and local atmosphere.

Meals: Chinese & Western Buffet Lunch, including one glass of wine
Overnight: Beijing

Day 5 | Beijing • Luoyang by High-Speed Train

Take a high-speed train to Luoyang, one of China's Four Great Ancient Capitals. Upon arrival, explore Luoyi Ancient City, enjoy a creative afternoon tea experience, admire Lijing Gate from the outside, and discover the lively Cross Street Night Market before checking into your hotel.

Meals: Luoyang Water Banquet Specialty Lunch
Overnight: Luoyang

Day 6 | Longmen Grottoes • Tang Dynasty Culture

Discover the UNESCO-listed Longmen Grottoes, with a shuttle bus and audio guide included, and admire thousands of Buddhist statues and carvings along the limestone cliffs.

Continue to the Tang Tri-Color Ceramics Cultural Park, where you can create your own Tang-style ceramic artwork. Later, explore the Sui and Tang Dynasty Luoyang City National Heritage Park, including Tiantang and Mingtang Palace, and admire the grand Yingtian Gate from the outside.

Meals: Japanese-Style Set Lunch
Overnight: Luoyang

Day 7 | Shaolin Temple • Zhengzhou

Drive to Dengfeng to visit the legendary Shaolin Temple, birthplace of the world-famous Shaolin tradition of Chinese Kung Fu. Explore the historic Pagoda Forest and enjoy an exciting live Kung Fu performance.

Continue to Zhengzhou and visit the Youhua Factory Creative Park, Shang City Ruins, and the trendy Bo Du Xin Xiang Cultural District, where you can browse local shops, try local snacks and capture unique photos.

Meals: Chinese BBQ & Hot Pot Buffet
Overnight: Zhengzhou

Day 8 | Kaifeng • Xi'an by High-Speed Train

Travel to Kaifeng and visit the famous Millennium City Park (Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden), where traditional streets, costumes, crafts and lively folk performances recreate the atmosphere of ancient Kaifeng.

Afterwards, board a high-speed train to Xi'an. Upon arrival, your private driver will transfer you to your hotel.

Optional: Explore the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Great Tang All Day Mall at your own pace, or enjoy a Hanfu dressing and photography experience.

Meals: Kaifeng Local Specialty Lunch
Overnight: Xi'an

Day 9 | Terracotta Warriors • Xi'an Ancient City

Visit the world-famous Terracotta Warriors Museum, with a wireless tour receiver included, and discover the extraordinary army created to guard China's first emperor in the afterlife.

Continue with an authentic local family experience in a traditional cave dwelling. Learn to make Chinese dumplings together and try your hand at crafting a miniature Terracotta Warrior.

Later, visit the historic Xi'an Ancient City Wall and explore the vibrant Muslim Quarter, known for its local snacks and lively atmosphere.

Optional: Tang Dynasty Music & Dance Show with Royal Banquet Dinner
Meals: Dumpling Banquet & Farmhouse Cuisine
Overnight: Xi'an

Day 10 | Departure from Xi'an

Your private driver will transfer you to Xi'an Airport or Xi'an High-Speed Railway Station for your onward journey.

Meals: None