Xinjiang Odyssey: Silk Road Wonders & Culture
A Tailored Exploration of Dynastic Splendors and Living Heritage
Tour Overview
Journey Through Five Millennia of Chinese Civilization
This meticulously crafted 11-day expedition takes you deep into the historical core of Northern China, tracing the footsteps of emperors, merchants, and artisans across five iconic cities. From imperial palaces to ancient trade routes, experience China's living history through UNESCO World Heritage sites, architectural marvels, and authentic cultural encounters.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in the Imperial Capital - Beijing
Accommodation: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing ★★★★
Meals: No meals included
Arrive in Beijing, China's political and cultural capital for centuries. Your personal guide greets you at the airport and transfers you to your centrally located hotel. Settle in and begin absorbing the atmosphere of this ancient city that has served as the seat of power for Ming and Qing dynasties.
Day 2: Imperial Grandeur - Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven
Accommodation: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Morning (09:00-12:30): Begin at Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest public square, before entering the magnificent Forbidden City - the world's largest imperial palace complex. Climb Jingshan Park for a breathtaking panoramic view of the palace roofs stretching to the horizon.
Afternoon (14:00-16:30): Explore the Temple of Heaven, where emperors performed sacred rituals for bountiful harvests. Conclude with cultural shopping at Panjiayuan Antique Market and Pearl Market.
Evening: Optional Peking duck dinner - a culinary tradition dating back to imperial kitchens.
Day 3: Great Wall & Olympic Legacy
Accommodation: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Morning (08:00-12:30): Journey to Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the best-preserved sections winding through rugged mountains. Choose to hike or take the cable car for spectacular views of this ancient defensive marvel.
Afternoon (13:30-16:30): Return to Beijing to photograph the exterior of Bird Nest and Water Cube - modern architectural wonders from the 2008 Olympics. Experience traditional Chinese tea ceremony at a local tea house.
Day 4: Local Life & Imperial Gardens
Accommodation: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Morning (10:00-11:30): Immerse in local culture with a rickshaw tour through Beijing's ancient hutongs - narrow alleyways preserving traditional courtyard living.
Afternoon (11:30-14:30): Discover the Summer Palace, China's largest and most exquisite imperial garden. Enjoy a boat ride on Kunming Lake before lunch at a restaurant featuring traditional opera performances.
Day 5: Buddhist Treasures - Beijing to Datong
Accommodation: Weidu International Hotel Datong Centre ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Morning: High-speed train to Datong, an ancient frontier city and Buddhist center.
Late Morning (09:30-12:00): Explore Yungang Grottoes, featuring 51,000 exquisite Buddhist carvings spanning 53 caves - a masterpiece of Chinese rock-cut architecture.
Afternoon (14:00-16:30): Visit Huayan Monastery, the largest Liao Dynasty temple complex, and the magnificent Nine Dragon Wall - China's oldest and largest glazed screen.
Day 6: Architectural Marvels - Datong to Pingyao
Accommodation: Hongshanyi Hotel ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Morning (08:30-11:00): Discover the gravity-defying Hanging Temple, built into a cliff face 75 meters above ground - a unique fusion of Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian elements.
Mid-day (11:00-14:30): Visit Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, the world's oldest and tallest wooden pagoda, constructed without nails over 900 years ago.
Afternoon (14:30-18:30): Scenic drive to Pingyao Ancient City, a remarkably preserved Ming Dynasty trading center.
Day 7: Merchant Heritage - Pingyao to Xi'an
Accommodation: Grand Noble Hotel Xi'an ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Morning (09:30-12:30): Explore Qiao Courtyard, the magnificent home of a powerful Qing Dynasty merchant family, showcasing traditional Shanxi architecture.
Afternoon (14:30-16:30): Discover Pingyao's ancient town, including Rishengchang Exchange Shop - China's first draft bank. Stroll along Ming Qing Street, frozen in time from its mercantile heyday.
Evening: High-speed train to Xi'an, ancient capital of 13 dynasties and eastern terminus of the Silk Road.
Day 8: Terracotta Army & Muslim Culture
Accommodation: Grand Noble Hotel Xi'an ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Morning (09:30-12:30): Marvel at the Terracotta Warriors - Emperor Qin Shi Huang's underground army, one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.
Afternoon (14:00-17:00): Visit the iconic Bell Tower, explore Gao's Courtyard for traditional paper-cutting and shadow puppetry, then immerse in the vibrant Muslim Quarter with its exotic food markets.
Evening: Optional Tang Dynasty Show with dinner, recreating the splendor of China's golden age.
Day 9: Ancient Walls to Modern Metropolis - Xi'an to Shanghai
Accommodation: Sunrise On The Bund Hotel ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Morning (10:00-12:30): Walk or cycle along Xi'an's Ancient City Wall - China's most complete city fortification. Visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda, built to house Buddhist scriptures from India.
Afternoon (12:30-16:30): Enjoy a dumpling banquet before visiting Hanyang Mausoleum, then fly to Shanghai - China's dazzling modern metropolis.
Day 10: East Meets West - Shanghai Exploration
Accommodation: Sunrise On The Bund Hotel ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Morning (09:30-12:30): Visit Jade Buddha Temple with its priceless jade Buddha statues, then admire the Oriental Pearl TV Tower from the Riverside Promenade.
Afternoon (13:30-16:30): Explore classical Yuyuan Garden, shop for souvenirs on Shanghai Old Street and Nanjing Road, then stroll the Bund with its spectacular colonial architecture.
Evening: Optional ERA acrobatic show showcasing China's incredible performance traditions.
Day 11: Farewell to China
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a leisurely morning before transferring to Shanghai Pudong Airport. Optional Maglev train experience - reaching speeds of 430 km/h - for your departure.