11-Day North China Ancient Towns Tour
11 Days · From $1,499
Discover historic towns, cultural heritage, and traditional life in northern China.
Itinerary
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Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
Welcome to Beijing, China’s historic capital. Upon arrival at the airport or train station, your private guide from Bespoke China Travel will greet you and escort you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for rest or light exploration at your own pace.
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Day 2: Beijing
Today your private guide will take you to the UNESCO-listed Temple of Heaven, where emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties once prayed for good harvests. Afterward, visit the world-famous Forbidden City—the largest and best-preserved ancient imperial palatial complex in the world—where you’ll walk through grand halls, courtyards, and the inner world of China’s former emperors. On the return to the city, enjoy an exterior view of Beijing’s Olympic landmark architecture: the National Stadium (Bird’s Nest), the National Aquatics Center (Water Cube), and the National Speed Skating Oval (Ice Ribbon).
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Day 3: Beijing
Today you will travel to the Badaling Great Wall, one of the most majestic and well-preserved sections of the ancient fortification, renowned for sweeping mountain vistas and its deep historical significance. In the afternoon, continue to Shichahai, an area rich in Beijing’s traditional hutong culture. Here you will enjoy an authentic rickshaw ride through narrow alleyways lined with historic courtyard homes, offering a glimpse into the city’s old way of life. Special Included Experience: Hutong rickshaw ride
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Day 4: Beijing to Datong
This morning, board a high-speed train to Datong, one of northern China’s most historically significant cities. Your local guide will meet you upon arrival and accompany you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
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Day 5: Datong
Today begins with a visit to the UNESCO-listed Yungang Grottoes, one of China’s four greatest Buddhist cave complexes. Here, thousands of ancient statues carved into sandstone cliffs reflect the cultural fusion of the 5th-century Northern Wei Dynasty. Continue to Huayan Temple, where elegant Liao Dynasty architecture, intricate statues, and preserved murals reveal the spiritual legacy of medieval northern China.
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Day 6: Datong to Pingyao
After breakfast, travel to the Hanging Temple, a remarkable architectural masterpiece built into a sheer cliff face and known for its unique combination of Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian elements. Continue to the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, the oldest and tallest surviving wooden pagoda in the world, praised by architectural historian Liang Sicheng as ''so perfect it leaves one breathless.'' Later, drive to Pingyao Ancient Town and check in to your hotel.
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Day 7: Pingyao to Xi'an
This morning, explore the Qiao Family Compound, a grand courtyard residence that reflects the wealth and cultural influence of the famed Shanxi merchants. Walk through its interconnected courtyards and ornate chambers to learn about China’s historic commercial culture. Afterward, board a high-speed train to Xi’an, where your local guide will transfer you to your hotel.
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Day 8: Xi'an
Today visit the world-renowned Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Special Included Experience: Terracotta figurine-making or restoration workshop After lunch, explore the Bell and Drum Towers and enjoy a leisurely cycling experience on the Ancient City Wall. Special Included Experience: Hanfu (traditional Chinese costume) experience In the evening, stroll through the Muslim Quarter and continue to the spectacular Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City, famous for its immersive lights, sculptures, and vibrant night scenes.
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Day 9: Xi'an to Shanghai
This morning, visit one of Xi’an’s premier museums—either the Shaanxi History Museum, Xi’an Museum, or the Qin-Han Hall—depending on opening hours and availability. These institutions house extraordinary cultural relics spanning multiple dynasties, from bronze artifacts to imperial treasures, providing profound insights into the region’s rich cultural heritage. After lunch, board a high-speed train to Shanghai. Upon arrival, your guide will escort you to your hotel for check-in, allowing you to settle in and prepare to explore China’s most dynamic city.
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Day 10: Shanghai
Begin your day with an immersive walk along The Bund—a waterfront promenade lined with elegant European colonial-era buildings, offering postcard-perfect views of the Huangpu River and Pudong’s futuristic skyline (home to Shanghai Tower, Oriental Pearl Tower, and more). After lunch, ascend Shanghai Tower—China’s tallest building—to its top-floor observation deck for sweeping 360° panoramic views of the city. Next, wander along bustling Nanjing Road—China’s iconic pedestrian shopping street—filled with shops, restaurants, and street performers. Escape the crowds at Yuyuan Garden, a classical Chinese garden with winding paths, lotus ponds, intricate pavilions, and rock formations. Explore the lively Yuyuan Bazaar (ideal for picking up souvenirs like jade carvings and silk products) before ending the day with a leisurely stroll through the tree-lined streets of the Former French Concession. This charming district is renowned for its colonial villas, cozy cafés, boutique shops, and laid-back atmosphere.
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Day 11: Departure from Shanghai
Your China adventure concludes today. Your private guide and driver will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to Shanghai Pudong International Airport for your departure flight. Wishing you a pleasant journey home.
What's Included
- ✓Costs for a private, air-conditioned business vehicle throughout the tour.
- ✓Services of a private English-speaking tour guide.
- ✓Hotels, entrance fees to scenic spots (first gate tickets), and meals as listed in the itinerary.
- ✓Travel insurance coverage during the tour (details available on the Insurance Policy page).
- ✓Inter-city flights or high-speed train travel.
- ✓24-hour customer service support during the trip.
- ✓Service fees, covering tour planning, handling, operation, and communication costs.
- ✗Chinese Visa fees.
- ✗Round-trip ticket. (We offer Air Ticket Booking Service, if you need it, please let us know.)
- ✗Personal expenses.
- ✗Meals, transportation transfers, and tourist attraction fees not listed in the itinerary.
- ✗Optional activities recommended at scenic spots or other commercial establishments.
- ✗Luggage overweight charges.
- ✗Optional activities provided by the driver or guide.
- ✗Personal Accident Insurance during Travel .
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