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13 Days Explore Ancient Capitals of China

  • CODE: GDT2174
  • Private Tour
  • Duration: 13 - 16 days
  • Price from: Contact
  • Route: China - Beijing - Shanghai - Xian

Overview

Embark on an extraordinary 13-day Explore Ancient Capitals of China tour, a profound journey designed to immerse you in the glorious history and enduring legacy of China's most significant imperial cities. This meticulously crafted itinerary takes you through the majestic capitals of Beijing, Xi'an, Luoyang, and Kaifeng, revealing centuries of dynastic power, cultural innovation, and architectural grandeur. Ideal for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers, this tour promises an unforgettable experience filled with iconic landmarks, priceless artifacts, and deep insights into the rise and fall of ancient Chinese empires.

Trip Map

Highlight

  • Imperial Beijing: Discover the ultimate imperial capital. Explore the magnificent Forbidden City, vast Tiananmen Square, the serene Temple of Heaven, and the awe-inspiring Great Wall of China (Mutianyu or Jinshanling section).
  • Ancient Xi'an: Stand face-to-face with the legendary Terracotta Warriors, cycle atop the remarkably preserved Ancient City Wall, and wander through the vibrant Muslim Quarter.
  • Luoyang's Buddhist Treasures: Marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage Longmen Grottoes, showcasing thousands of ancient Buddhist carvings, and visit the historic White Horse Temple, considered China's first Buddhist temple.
  • Kaifeng's Northern Song Dynasty Legacy: Explore the former capital of the Northern Song Dynasty. Visit historical sites like the Dragon Pavilion (Longting Park) and the Iron Pagoda (Tie Ta), gaining insight into a golden age of Chinese culture.
  • Seamless Travel: Enjoy a hassle-free journey with all internal high-speed trains, comfortable transfers, and knowledgeable English-speaking guides who will illuminate the rich history and fascinating stories behind each ancient capital.

Service

HOTELS
Economy 2*+ Hotels
Superior 3* Hotels
First Class 4* Hotels
Deluxe 5* Hotels
Luxury 5*++ Hotels

Notes:
*All prices are based on per adult, in Double/Twin sharing
Surcharge will be applied for single traveler or single room request

Important Notes:
HOTELS, PROGRAMS & SCHEDULES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE

GUIDE/LEADER:
English speaking guide. French , Germany , Spanish, Italian, Russian  speaking guide can be arranged with on request.

Inclusion

Exclusion

Itinerary

Expand All Close All
Day 1: Beijing

Transfer service to hotel
Meals: No Meals
Arrive in Beijing, the capital city of China. You will be greeted and met by Golden Trail Travel tour guide at the airport and transferred to your hotel, whenever your flight arrives in Beijing. After check-in, free at leisure for the rest of the day.

Day 2: Beijing

Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, Temple of Heaven, Panjiayuan Antique Market
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
[09:00-09:30] Our guide will meet you up at the hotel lobby and start to explore the historical city of Beijing.
[09:30-12:30] You will reach the Tian’anmen Square, the largest public square in the world. Walk through the square and visit today’s highlight: Forbidden City , the largest and most complete ancient imperial palace in the world. Hike to Jingshan Park, where gives a nice panoramic view of the Forbidden City at the top of Coal Hill.
[12:30-14:00] Lunch time at Shi Yuan Restaurant, Chinese local food, famous for the braised eggplant, vegetable ball, and diced chicken with walnuts in soya sauce.
[14:00-16:30] Visit Temple of Heaven, which was used to pray for harvest by the emperors. It is China's existing largest structure for sacrifice to heaven. Shopping time at Panjiayuan Antique Market and Pearl Market.
[16:30-17:30] Back to the hotel, en route you can plan for the night show or the Peking duck dinner with your guide and ask for suggestions.

Day 3: Beijing

Mutianyu Great Wall, Olympic Park, The exterior Bird Nest and Water Cube
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
[08:00-08:30] Our guide will meet you up at the hotel lobby and start to explore the Great Wall.
[08:30-12:30] Drive to Mutianyu Great Wall, which section is more popular among foreign visitors. Upon arrival, you can choose to hike on the Great Wall, or take cable car up and walk around.
[12:30-13:30] Lunch time at Xiaolongpu Restaurant, famous for the vegetable food, such as fried vegetables, dry-fried beans, sweet corn cake
[13:30-16:30] Drive back to Beijing city, while you can take a nap in the car. Visit the exterior Bird Nest and Water Cube, the amazing architectures that built for Beijing Olympic Games. After that you will experience Chinese tea at tea house.
[16:30-17:30] Back to the hotel, en route you can plan for the night activities, such as foot massage, houhai night bars and Sanlitun bar street.

Day 4: Beijing

Summer Palace, Hutong tour by rickshaw
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
[09:30-10:00] A relaxing breakfast in the hotel. Our guide will meet you up at the hotel lobby and have half day leisure tour in Beijing.
[10:00-11:30] Drive to Drum Tower area for taking a relaxing Hutong Tour by rickshaw , which is the way to know the Beijing local lifestyle.
[11:30-14:30] Drive to Summer Palace, which is the existing largest, best-preserved imperial garden in China. Boat ride on Kunming Lake is included. Lunch will be arranged at nearby restaurant, named Xiangyangtun, with opera stage inside.
Free at leisure in the afternoon. You could explore around Wangfujing Commercial Street or Dashilar near Qianmen, where you could find many old established shops.

Day 5: Beijing - Zhengzhou

Yellow River Scenic Area
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Take a morning high speed train to Zhengzhou (duration: 3-3.5 hours), Henan Province, which is the ancient capital in Shang Dynasty in 2,000 years ago. This area is the cradle of Chinese civilization. You will then have chance to visit the Yellow River Scenic Area and take a jet boat cruise for one section of the river.

Day 6: Zhengzhou - Kaifeng - Zhengzhou

Dragon Pavilion, Iron Pagoda, Xiangguo Monastery
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
[09:00-09:30] Enjoy your leisure time and have buffet breakfast in hotel. Meet at the hotel lobby.
[09:30-12:30] Drive for about 2 hours from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng. The first highlight of Kaifeng is Dragon Pavilion. There is a wax work museum themed with the Song Dynasty. And you can watch historical play which is set Song Dynasty as background with every day.
[12:30-14:00] Lunch time at local restaurant and enjoy the local food.
[14:00-16:30] Visit Iron Pagoda known as the Kaibao Temple Pagoda originally and is a Buddhist Chinese pagoda built in 1049 during the Song dynasty (960-1279) of China by the Song emperor for keeping the relics of Sakyamuni. Then explore Xiangguo Monastery, one of the ten famous monasteries and temples in China.
[16:30-18:30] Drive back to Zhengzhou and free at leisure for the rest of the day.

Day 7: Zhengzhou - Dengfeng

Shaolin Temple and the Pagoda Forest
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
[09:00-09:30] Enjoy your leisure time and have buffet breakfast in hotel. Meet at the hotel lobby and check out
[09:30-11:30] Drive from Zhenzhou to Dengfeng for about 74km. It will takes about 2 hours for driving.
[12:00-13:00] Lunch time at  local restaurant and have a short break after a long driving.
[13:30-16:00] Take a drive to Mt Songshan. At the foot of the mountain are the famous Shaolin Temple and the Pagoda Forest. Vegetarian food will be served as lunch today. Our visits of the temple will end up with a Kung Fu performance from martial arts master. What you used to see on TV will now be real.
[16:00-17:00] Drive to check in your hotel. Free at leisure for the rest of the day. You could also plan for the night activity such as Shaolin Zen Music Ritual with the assistance from the local guide.

Day 8: Dengfeng - Luoyang

Longmen Grottoes, Luoyang Museum of Folk Customs
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
[09:00-09:30] Our guide will meet you up at the hotel lobby, checking out and transfer back to Luoyang.
[09:30-11:30] Drive back from Dengfeng to Luoyang for about 2 hours
[12:00-13:00] Lunch time at local restaurant enjoying the local food
[13:00-17:00] Enjoy your full day city visit that covers the most classic sites here of Longmen Grottoes which overwhelmingly depicts Buddhist subjects, are densely dotted along the two mountains. Then have a visit to Luoyang Museum of Folk Customs, realizing the local culture and walk along Minng & Qing Old Town, exploring the history of this ancient city.
[17:00-18:00] Drive to and Check in the hotel. Free at leisure at night.

Day 9: Luoyang - Xian

White Horse Temple, Emperor Carriage Museum
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
[09:00-09:30] Our guide will meet you up at the hotel lobby, checking out from hotel in the morning
[09:30-12:30] Visit White Horse Temple, founded in AD 68 during the Eastern Han Dynasty, with a history of thousands of history. It is the first Buddhist temple in China after Buddhism was introduced into China, as well as a famous Buddhist Temple in the world.Before lunch, continue to visit Emperor Carriage Museum, which is a history museum build over the relics which dates from 770 B.C.
[12:30-13:30] Lunch time at local restaurant enjoying the local food
After a short break, transfer to Luoyang Railway Station to catch an afternoon train to Xian. It will take about 2 hours on the high speed train. The Xian local guide will pick up you at the exit of railway station and transfer you to hotel. Help with the hotel check in.

Day 10: Xian

Terracotta Warriors, Bell Tower, Gao's Courtyard, Muslim Quarter
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
[09:00-09:30] Our guide will meet you up at the hotel lobby and start to explore the Ancient city.
[09:30-12:30] Drive to Terracotta Warriors and explore one of the world's most important archaeological finds, with troops, horses and carriages in battle formation. Shuttle bus will be arranged for your convenience.
[12:30-14:00] Lunch time at Lanchi Restaurant, professional for buffet and local food, such as dim sum, noodles and Chinese hamburger.
[14:00-17:00] Afternoon visit the Bell tower, which is the largest bell tower in structure and shape and the best-preserved one in China. Then have a visit at Gao's Courtyard, which is a wonderful choice for you to appreciate ancient residences and explore local culture of paper-cutting and shadow puppetry. Continue to walk around Muslim Quarter and enjoy your shopping time there and you can also challenge the various local snacks.
[17:00-17:30] Back to the hotel, en route you can plan for the night activities, such as Tang Dynasty Show with Dinner.

Day 11: Xian - Shanghai

Ancient City Wall, Wild Goose Pagoda and north square, Hanyang Tomb
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
[09:30-10:00] You will have enough time to pack up and check out. Our guide will meet you up at the hotel lobby and have one day leisure tour in Xian before leaving for Shanghai.
[10:00-12:30] Visit the Ancient City Wall, which represents one of the oldest and best preserved Chinese city walls. Bicycle or sightseeing car will be arranged on the wall to go around. After that visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and you will have chance to watch the North plaza fountain show.
[12:30-16:30] Special lunch will be arranged as dumpling banquet at local restaurant. After lunch, drive to Xian airport, on the way visit the Hanyang Mausoleum, the largest museum with largest floor space in China.
Fly to Shanghai. Your Shanghai tour guide will wait for you at the airport and help you to transfer to the hotel.

Day 12: Shanghai

ade Buddha Temple, the exterior of Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Yuyuan Garden; Shanghai Old Street, The Bund
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
[09:00-09:30] Our guide will meet you up at the hotel lobby and start to explore the Modern city of China.
[09:30-12:30] Visit Jade Buddha Temple, which is famous for the seated Buddha, encrusted with jewels, which is said to weigh 1,000 kg.Then visit the exterior of Oriental Pearl TV Tower, while walking on Riverside Promenade Bingjiang Da Dao.
[12:30-13:30] Lunch time for the local special food, Dim Sum and Steamed Bun
[13:30-16:30] Visit Yuyuan Garden, which is a Chinese classic garden in city downtown, shopping time at Shanghai Old Street and Nanjing Road which is the earliest commercial street in Shanghai, you could look for some special souvenirs and silk product there. After that, enjoy a leisure walk along the Bund, famous for groups of buildings known as "a Gallery of world architecture".
[16:30-17:30] Back to the hotel, en route you can plan for the night Acrobatic Show, especially the ERA show, which is one of the most popular evening entertainments in Shanghai.

Day 13: Shanghai

Transfer service to airport
Meals: Breakfast
Free day at leisure and be transferred to the airport for return flight. We can arrange the Maglev train ride to Pudong airport if you are interested in, or we will drive you directly to the airport.
Service Ends

FAQS

1. What types of tours does Golden Trail Travel offer?

Answer: Golden Trail Travel specializes in offering a wide range of travel packages to Vietnam and other Indochina countries such as Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, China, and Malaysia. We offer themed tours including Classic Highlights, Cycling, Trekking, Beach Holidays, Luxury Honeymoon, Short Trips, Family, Off The Beaten Track, Multi-Country, Motorbiking, Veteran, Food, Students, Luxury, Golf, Photography, Cooking Class, Bird Watching, Indochina Cruises, Kayaking, Muslim-friendly tours, Offroad 4x4WD, Indochina MICE Travel, Cave Expedition, and Helicopter tours.

2. How can I book a tour with Golden Trail Travel?

Answer: You can book a tour by contacting us directly via phone, email, or by filling out the contact form on our website. Our team of travel experts will advise and assist you in designing a suitable itinerary.

3. Can tours be customized?

Answer: Absolutely! We understand that every traveler has unique preferences. Golden Trail Travel is happy to customize tour packages to fit your specific needs, interests, and budget.

4. Does Golden Trail Travel provide visa support services?

Answer: Depending on your nationality and the destination, we may provide guidance or assistance with the necessary visa procedures. Please contact us for more detailed information.

5. What makes Golden Trail Travel different from other travel agencies?

Answer: We are committed to delivering authentic and unique travel experiences in Vietnam and Indochina. With a team of knowledgeable local experts, meticulously designed tour packages, and dedicated customer care, we ensure every trip is a memorable journey.

6. What should I prepare before the trip?

Answer: We will provide you with a detailed checklist of what to prepare, including information on luggage, appropriate clothing for the weather and local culture, essential personal items, and health advice.

7. What is Golden Trail Travel's cancellation policy?

Answer: Our cancellation policy will be clearly stated in the terms and conditions when you book a tour. Please refer to this information or contact us for specific details.

8. Where can I find information about travel safety and health?

Answer: We prioritize the safety and health of our travelers. Before your trip, we will provide information and advice regarding health, travel insurance, and safety measures at the destination.

9. Can I request a tour guide who speaks Vietnamese or a specific language?

Answer: Yes, we can arrange tour guides who speak Vietnamese or other common languages (such as English, French, German, Spanish, etc.) upon your request and subject to availability. Please inform us of your language preference when booking your tour.

10. Does Golden Trail Travel offer travel insurance?

Answer: We highly recommend all travelers purchase comprehensive travel insurance before departure. While we do not directly provide insurance, we can advise on suitable insurance types and the importance of having coverage during your trip

11. How can I pay for my tour?

Answer: We accept various payment methods, including bank transfers, credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), and some online payment options. Detailed information on payment options and payment schedules will be provided upon confirmation of your tour booking.

12. Does Golden Trail Travel offer tours for solo travelers?

Answer: Yes, we have tour options suitable for solo travelers, including group joining tours or specially designed private tours. Please contact us so we can advise on the best package for you.

13. Are the tours child-friendly or suitable for seniors?

Answer: We offer many family-friendly tour packages and can adjust itineraries to suit travelers of all ages, including children and seniors. We will advise on the difficulty level, travel time, and activities appropriate for each member of your family.

14. Where can I read reviews from previous customers?

Answer: You can find customer reviews and testimonials on our website (if a review section is available), social media pages, or reputable travel platforms like TripAdvisor.

15. What are Golden Trail Travel's sustainability or responsible tourism policies?

Answer: We are committed to practicing responsible and sustainable tourism. We constantly strive to minimize our environmental impact, respect local cultures, and contribute positively to the communities where we operate.

16. What happens if there's an emergency during the trip?

Answer: Your safety is our top priority. Golden Trail Travel has a 24/7 emergency support team. We will provide emergency contact numbers and detailed instructions before your trip. Our guides and local partners are trained to handle emergency situations professionally.

17. Are my payment methods secure?

Answer: Absolutely secure. We use highly encrypted online payment gateways and comply with international standards for data security. Your personal and financial information will be strictly protected.

18. What support will I receive during the trip?

Answer: Yes. Throughout your trip, you will always have the support of your local guide, driver, and Golden Trail Travel's operation team. We will provide a 24/7 support hotline so you can contact us anytime if you have any issues or need assistance.

19. What is included and not included in the tour price?

Answer: Each tour package has clear details on included services (e.g., accommodation, transportation, meals as per itinerary, entrance fees to attractions, tour guide) and exclusions (e.g., international flights, visas, travel insurance, drinks, tips, personal expenses). You will receive a detailed itinerary and an inclusion/exclusion list before confirming your tour booking.

20. What is the typical group size for Golden Trail Travel tours?

Answer: Our tour group sizes can vary depending on the type of tour. For join-in tours, we try to keep the numbers small to ensure a personalized and comfortable experience. We also offer private tours for families or groups of friends upon request.

21. Whom can I contact if I have questions or need assistance before departure?

Answer: Before departure, you can contact our team of consultants via phone, email, or online chat. We are always ready to answer any questions and help you prepare best for your trip.

22. How is Golden Trail Travel committed to sustainable and responsible tourism?

Answer: We are strongly committed to sustainable tourism. This is reflected in our collaboration with responsible local partners, supporting local communities, encouraging travelers to respect culture and environment, and minimizing negative impacts on destinations. Our goal is to benefit both travelers and local people.

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Pricing Notes

The above price is based on a private tour (Group of 2). It's more reasonable withbigger group size

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