Spiritual and Modern China

Welcome to China! Upon arrival, we’ll transfer you to your hotel. In the early evening, we’ll take a transfer to Wangfujing Street, a vibrant pedestrian avenue known for its lively atmosphere, numerous shops, and diverse restaurants. This will be a great opportunity to get acquainted with the city. Dinner will be included, followed by a return to the hotel.

An exciting day awaits us as we explore the highlights of Beijing, the vibrant capital of China. We’ll embark on a fullday tour, discovering some of the city´s most iconic avenues. Our journey will take us to the Great Chinese Imperial Palace, better known as the Forbidden City, the most majestic architectural complex in China, where 24 emperors ruled for nearly 500 years. We’ll also visit Jingshan Park, home to Coal Hill, one of the bestpreserved imperial gardens in Beijing. From its summit, we’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Forbidden City—weather permitting. Next, we’ll stroll through Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world, from where we can admire the Great National Theater, also known as the Beijing Opera House. Lunch will be included. Our journey will continue with a visit to the Summer Palace, the imperial retreat of the Qing Dynasty, renowned for its picturesque gardens and serene lakes. In the afternoon, we’ll immerse ourselves in traditional Beijing life with a tricycle ride through the historic Hutong neighborhoods. Here, we’ll experience the city´s rich cultural heritage, explore traditional shops, and visit a Siheyuan, a classic courtyard house that reflects the city´s architectural charm. We’ll then return to the hotel for an overnight stay. Note: Due to heritage protection measures and visitor safety regulations, the governing body of the Forbidden City has temporarily reduced daily visitor capacity. As a result, we cannot guarantee this visit. If access is unavailable, we’ll instead explore the Confucius Temple and the Lama Temple, both of which are emblematic sites in Chinese history and culture.

Today’s journey will take us to one of the most iconic landmarks in the world—the Great Wall of China, at the Mutianyu section. This aweinspiring architectural masterpiece spans over 2,000 years of history, winding through breathtaking mountain landscapes. We’ll take a cable car up and down to one of the most scenic sections, offering spectacular views of this legendary structure. On our way back to Beijing, we’ll visit the vibrant 798 Art District, a former military factory that has been transformed into a dynamic hub of contemporary art, filled with galleries, studios, and creative spaces. Our next stop will be the Temple of Heaven, one of China’s largest and most significant sacred complexes, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This stunning architectural masterpiece was where emperors once prayed for good harvests. Before returning to the hotel, we’ll take a moment to unwind after this eventful day with a soothing foot massage, followed by a Tai Chi class—a perfect way to experience the balance and harmony of traditional Chinese culture. To bid farewell to Beijing, we’ll enjoy a lacquered duck dinner, a local culinary tradition that will leave a lasting impression.

After breakfast, we’ll head to the train station to board one of China’s stateoftheart highspeed trains. Traveling at 300 km/h, we’ll reach Taian in just two hours. This historic city lies at the foot of Mount Taishan, the most sacred mountain in China and a revered site of spiritual pilgrimage for centuries. Our first stop will be the Dai Temple, a magnificent Taoist complex dating back to the 11th century. This temple marks the starting point of the ancient pilgrimage route to the summit. Lunch will be included. In the afternoon, we’ll take a cable car up to the legendary “Gates of Heaven” on Mount Taishan. The final ascent must be made on foot, climbing its steep staircase alongside hundreds of devoted pilgrims, an experience filled with history and spiritual significance. As the day comes to an end, we’ll continue our journey by bus to Qufu, the birthplace of Confucius.

Today, we’ll explore Qufu, the city of Confucius, the great philosopher of the 5th century B. C. and the founder of Confucianism. Our visit includes the Confucius Mansion and the Confucius Temple, two remarkable sites that offer insight into his legacy and influence on Chinese culture. We’ll then continue our journey to Xuzhou. Lunch will be included. In Xuzhou, we’ll visit the impressive underground Mausoleum of the Han Emperor, a fascinating archaeological site. Inside the museum, we’ll marvel at the terracotta army—a remarkable discovery reminiscent of the famous warriors in Xi’an, though on a smaller scale. Before reaching our hotel, we’ll enjoy a scenic drive past Lake Yunlong, a beautiful body of water located in the heart of the city. Overnight stay in Xuzhou.

We’ll depart from Xuzhou early in the morning, making our way to Nanjing, a vibrant city of eight million residents, often regarded as one of the most pleasant in China. We’ll arrive around 12:30 p. m. , just in time to experience the energy of this dynamic metropolis, known for its bustling commercial life and rich history. Our visit will take us to Purple Mountain, home to the impressive Sun Yatsen Mausoleum, a grand tribute to the founding father of modern China. We’ll also explore the picturesque Linggu Temple, a serene and historically significant Buddhist site nestled among lush landscapes. Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore the city at your own pace. Overnight stay in Nanjing.

We’ll depart for Suzhou, a city renowned for its exquisite classical gardens, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Historically, Suzhou was the world’s leading silk producer and has long been associated with beauty and elegance. Our visit includes entrance to the Garden of the Humble Administrator, the largest and most famous garden in the city, where winding pathways, tranquil ponds, and lush greenery create a masterpiece of traditional Chinese landscaping. You’ll then have free time to explore the charming Pingjiang Road, a picturesque historic street lined with canals, traditional teahouses, and artisan shops. Lunch will be included. In the afternoon, we’ll continue to Tongli, a delightful water town where narrow canals, stone bridges, and traditional houses evoke the charm of ancient China. We’ll enjoy a scenic boat ride through its tranquil waterways, offering a glimpse into the town’s timeless beauty. Our journey will then take us to Shanghai, where we’ll check in for the night.

Our tour of Shanghai will take us through its most iconic sights. We´ll begin in Pudong, Shanghai’s modern financial district, located across the Huangpu River. This area is home to towering skyscrapers, including the iconic Pearl Tower. We’ll then take a scenic ferry ride across the Shanghai River, offering spectacular views of both the historic and contemporary sides of the city. Next, we’ll stroll through the Old City and visit the serene Yuyuan Garden, a beautifully preserved private garden built during the Ming Dynasty. Here, we’ll also experience a traditional tea ceremony, an integral part of China’s rich cultural heritage. Our tour will continue through Xintiandi, one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods, known for its stylish boutiques, cafés, and vibrant atmosphere. Lunch will be included. In the afternoon, we’ll explore Tianzifang, a former residential district now famous for its mazelike alleys, charming craft shops, and contemporary art galleries. We’ll conclude our day with a walk along The Bund, where grand colonialera buildings reflect the influence of European trade in Shanghai. Free afternoon. If you wish, you can enjoy a boat trip to see Shanghai at night, it will be an unforgettable experience.

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.