Upon landing at Beijing Airport, you will be greeted by your private guide and driver waiting for you outside the Baggage Claim area. They will transfer you to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is at your leisure. You can discuss with your guide for recommendations on activities or simply relax at the hotel.

• Stay in Beijing

• Our guide and driver will meet you at the hotel after breakfast, begin the journey today to Tiananmen Square first,  this is the largest city square in the world and you will meander through the complex and see many iconic sites, including the marble Monument to the People's Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, and the Mausoleum of Chairman Mao. From the square, we'll move on by the TianAnMen Rostrum to the entrance of the Forbidden City.
• The Forbidden City served as the imperial palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties, spanning nearly 500 years from 1420 to 1912. It is a central part of Chinese history and culture, and visiting it provides a deep insight into China's imperial past.As one of the most well-preserved examples of traditional Chinese palatial architecture, the Forbidden City is a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship. Its layout, grand halls, intricate carvings, and expansive courtyards showcase the pinnacle of Chinese architectural achievement.  Walking through the vast courtyards, majestic halls, and serene gardens of the Forbidden City provides an immersive experience that transports us back in time. It allows for a firsthand appreciation of the scale and grandeur of the imperial era.
• After lunch served in local Chinese restaurant, we will continue our visit to the Temple of Heaven.
• As one of the UNESCO heritage site, it was builtin 1420s during the Ming Dynasty and was used by emperors of both the Ming and Qing dynasties to conduct annual ceremonies to pray for a good harvest and to offer sacrifices to Heaven, which was considered the highest deity in ancient Chinese culture.The Temple of Heaven is one of the must-visit sites in Beijing for its historical depth, architectural grandeur, and cultural richness. It offers a unique glimpse into the spiritual life of ancient China and the sophisticated craftsmanship of the Ming Dynasty.
• Dinner in the evening will be the famous Peiking Roasted Duck.

• Explore Tiananmen Square
• Visit the Monument to the People's Heroes and Mao's Mausoleum
• Walk through the Forbidden City
• Discover the Temple of Heaven
• Stay in Beijing, B, L, D

• We will drive for about two hours in the morning to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, one of the best-preserved parts of this iconic structure. Built along mountain ridges, the Great Wall at Mutianyu winds like a dragon through the stunning mountainous landscape. For your convenience, we will arrange round-trip cable car rides for your visit. Spend more than two hours exploring the top of the wall, its watchtowers, battlements, and Ming Dynasty bricks that have witnessed centuries of history and change.
• In the afternoon, we will return to Beijing and visit the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site originally built during the Ming Dynasty. The Summer Palace features the tranquil Kunming Lake, the beautifully painted Long Corridor, and the impressive Marble Boat. This serene imperial garden offers a fantastic glimpse into China's royal past.

• Explore the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall
• Visit the Summer Palace
• Stay in Beijing, B, L, D

• You will have 1-2 hours to experience the traditional Hutong culture by visiting Shichahai in west Beijing. You will travel by rickshaw through century-old Hutongs in Shichahai before their demolition. You can also walk along the old Yandai Xiejie, which has an 800-year history surrounding Beijing's Drum Tower. You will have plenty of time to explore on your own and nearby Nanluoguoxiang, where you can taste some local snacks or buy souvenirs from the many antique shows for your family and friends.
• In the afternoon, you will take the high-speed train to Datong (about 2 hours train ride). Upon your arrival in Datong, you will be picked up and transferred to the hotel.

• taste some local snacks or buy souvenirs
• Stay in Datong, B, L

• Start your day with a visit to the Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Datong, showcasing the pinnacle of ancient Buddhist cave art. These grottoes, dating back to the 5th century Northern Wei Dynasty, feature 252 caves and over 51,000 Buddha statues, blending Indian, Central Asian, and Chinese influences in their stunning rock-cut architecture.
• Next, explore Huayan Monastery, originally built in 1140 during the Jin Dynasty. The monastery, rich in history, houses statues and murals from various dynasties, reflecting the Avatamsaka Sutra’s teachings on the interconnectedness of all things. The complex is also being developed into a regional museum, displaying religious artifacts and historical documents.
• End the day at the Nine Dragon Glazed Screen, a 45.5-meter-long, 8-meter-high structure made of 426 colorful glazed tiles. Admire the nine intricately carved dragons, symbolizing imperial power, amidst waves, clouds, and other mythical elements, all preserved in vibrant detail.

• Visit to the Yungang Grottoes
• Explore Huayan Monastery
• Enjoy theNine Dragon Glazed Screen
• Stay in YunGang, B, L

• After breakfast and hotel checkout, we’ll begin our day with a 1.5-hour drive to Hunyuan County to visit the awe-inspiring Hanging Monastery at the foot of the Hengshan Mountains. Perched over 50 meters (164 feet) above the ground, this temple clings to the cliff face using a clever combination of wooden beams and support structures. Blending Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, the Hanging Monastery is a unique architectural marvel that defies gravity and captures the imagination.
• After a lunch break, we’ll take a scenic hour-long drive through the North China countryside to reach the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda. Standing at 67.31 meters (221 feet), this is the tallest and oldest wooden stupa in the world. Built entirely of wood without nails or rivets, its intricate carvings and sturdy construction have withstood nearly a thousand years of earthquakes, wars, and natural disasters.
• Our journey continues with a 4.5-hour drive through China’s vast landscapes to Pingyao, a city with 2,700 years of history. Once a financial hub during the Ming and Qing dynasties, Pingyao is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world, home to 50,000 residents. With its well-preserved architecture and the birthplace of China’s earliest banking system, Pingyao is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient Chinese civilization.

• Explore gravity-defying Hanging Monastery
• Climb wooden stairs
• Visit Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
• Stay in Pingyao, B, L

• Enjoy a day exploring the rich history of Pingyao. Start your tour by climbing the ancient city wall, a remarkable structure rebuilt during the Ming Dynasty. Stretching approximately 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) and standing 12 meters (39 feet) high, this rectangular wall features six city gates and 72 watchtowers, offering panoramic views of the city and a glimpse into its strategic importance.
• Next, visit the Rishengchang Draft Bank, founded in 1823 by Mr. Lei Lvtai. As China’s first draft bank, Rishengchang revolutionized the way money was transferred across the country, using drafts that acted as early checks. This institution played a vital role in shaping modern banking practices in China, with its influence reaching as far as Beijing, Xi'an, Moscow, and Calcutta.
• In the afternoon, we’ll explore the ancient Pingyao Magistrate Office. This well-preserved site from the Ming Dynasty spans 26,000 square meters and served as the local government center. Walk through the main hall where the magistrate held court, the magistrate’s residence, and the surrounding rooms for clerks, prison cells, and document storage. The office complex’s layout exemplifies traditional Chinese architecture, with a focus on symmetry and hierarchy, giving you a deeper understanding of how justice and administration were handled in ancient times.

• Climb the ancient city wall
• Visit the Rishengchang Draft Bank
• Explore the ancient Pingyao Magistrate Office
• Stay in Pingyao, B, L

• We will visit Zhenguo Temple in the morning, it was originally built in 963 AD, featuring the oldest surviving wooden structure in China, the Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas in the temple is noted for its unique architectural style and exquisite frescoes. The temple's serene atmosphere and rich cultural heritage make it a notable site for visitors interested in Chinese history and Buddhist art.
• Then take a bullet train for an hour ride to Xi'an. Upon arrival, our guide and driver will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. In the evening, we will enjoy a dumpling dinner together with a Tang Dynasty music and dance show.
• Xi'an is famous for its dumplings, we expect to be served a variety of stuffed dumplings, each with different fillings and shapes, often presented in a creative and artistic manner. Dinner typically starts around 6:00 PM, giving you ample time to enjoy this delicious meal at a leisurely pace.
• Following your sumptuous dinner, you'll head to one of Xi'an's famous venues for the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show. The show usually starts around 7:30 PM.This performance is a vivid portrayal of the grandeur and cultural richness of the Tang Dynasty, featuring traditional music, elegant dance, and intricate costumes. The show lasts for about 1-2 hours, leaving you captivated by the beauty and artistry of ancient China.

• Explore Zhenguo Temple
• Board bullet train to Xi'an
• Watch Tang Dynasty show
• Stay in Xi'an, B, L, D

• Start your day early in Xi'an with a visit to the Terracotta Army. Departing from your hotel after breakfast, it takes about 1 hour drive on the way and our guide will share with you all the facts about Terracotta Army. This archaeological marvel, discovered in 1974, showcases over 8,000 life-sized warriors, each with unique facial features and expressions.
• Spend the next three hours exploring the site. Begin with Pit 1, the largest and most impressive, housing the main army of soldiers, horses, and chariots. Spend ample time here, marveling at the meticulous details and the sheer scale of this ancient military formation. Then move on to Pit 2, which features a fascinating array of cavalry, infantry, and archers, and Pit 3, believed to be the command center.
• Lunch will be served in local Chinese restaurant after the visit, we will then drive back to downtown Xi'an. continue our visit to the Ming Dynasty City Wall, Rent a bike and embark on a leisurely ride along this ancient fortification. The entire circuit, approximately 14 kilometers long, offers a unique perspective of Xi'an, blending historical and modern views. The ride typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, providing plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery and take photos.
• Take a short walk to the nearby Muslim Quarter to experience the vibrant atmosphere of Muslim Street. This bustling area is famous for its delicious street food and lively market stalls. Sample local snacks like kebabs, fried bread, and sweet treats. Don't miss the Yangrou Paomo, a traditional dish of crumbled flatbread soaked in lamb soup. As you wander through the market, explore the various stalls selling souvenirs, handicrafts, and traditional items, offering a perfect way to experience the local culture.

• Drive to Terracotta Army site
• Bike along Xi'an's ancient City Wall
• Walk through Muslim Quarter
• Taste traditional Yangrou Paomo
• Saty in Xi'an, B, L, D

• Today, our China culture tour ends in Xi'an. Our guide and driver will meet you at the hotel and provide a private transfer to the airport or train station for your onward journey.
• You may add extension tours to see the Giant Pandas in Chengdu, explore the fascinating Yangtze River Three Gorges on a trip to Chongqing, or take a flight to Shanghai for a couple of days of touring. Extension trips are available upon request.

• Departure, B