Luxury Silk Road Odyssey by Rail
Rediscovering China's Glorious Past Through Its Dynastic Capitals and Martial Arts Heritage
Tour Overview
Essential Journey Information
This meticulously crafted 11-day expedition takes you through China's most significant ancient capitals and cultural landmarks. Designed for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers, this journey spans from the imperial grandeur of Beijing to the martial arts legacy of Shaolin, culminating in the modern marvel of Shanghai while preserving deep connections to China's profound historical tapestry.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Imperial Capital Arrival - Beijing
Accommodation: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing ★★★★
Meals: No Meals
Arrive in Beijing, China's political and cultural capital. Your personal guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, the remainder of the day is yours to relax and anticipate the imperial wonders ahead.
Day 2: Forbidden City & Imperial Sacrifice Sites
Accommodation: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Morning (09:00-12:30): Begin at Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest public square. Enter the magnificent Forbidden City, exploring the extensive palace complex that served Chinese emperors for nearly 500 years. Climb Jingshan Park for a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire palace grounds.
Afternoon (14:00-16:30): Visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors performed sacred ceremonies praying for good harvests. Explore Panjiayuan Antique Market and Pearl Market for cultural souvenirs.
Evening: Optional Peking duck dinner and night entertainment planning with your guide.
Day 3: Great Wall Conquest & 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. Hike along this ancient marvel or take the cable car for spectacular views of the winding fortifications.
Afternoon (13:30-16:30): Return to Beijing to photograph the iconic Bird Nest and Water Cube from the 2008 Olympics. Experience traditional Chinese tea culture at a local tea house.
Day 4: Beijing's Ancient Lanes & High-Speed to Luoyang
Accommodation: Yaxiang Jinling Hotel ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Morning (10:00-11:30): Explore Beijing's traditional Hutong neighborhoods by rickshaw, witnessing local life in ancient alleyways.
Afternoon (11:30-14:30): Visit the magnificent Summer Palace, China's largest preserved imperial garden, including a boat ride on Kunming Lake.
Late Afternoon: Board a high-speed train to Luoyang, one of China's ancient capitals, arriving for evening hotel transfer.
Day 5: Shaolin Temple & Martial Arts Pilgrimage
Accommodation: Chanwu Hotel
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Full Day (09:00-17:00): Travel to Dengfeng to explore the legendary Shaolin Temple, birthplace of Chan Buddhism and Chinese martial arts. Witness incredible Kungfu performances and explore the mystical Pagoda Forest. Evening option to attend the spectacular Shaolin Zen Music Ritual show.
Day 6: Buddhist Grottoes & Ancient Luoyang Culture
Accommodation: Yaxiang Jinling Hotel
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Afternoon (13:00-17:00): Discover the magnificent Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring thousands of Buddhist statues carved into limestone cliffs. Explore Luoyang Museum of Folk Customs and wander through the Ming & Qing Old Town to understand this ancient capital's rich heritage.
Day 7: China's First Buddhist Temple & Journey to Xian
Accommodation: Grand Noble Hotel Xi'an ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Morning (09:30-12:30): Visit White Horse Temple, China's first Buddhist temple established in 68 AD. Explore the Emperor Carriage Museum showcasing ancient royal transportation.
Afternoon: High-speed train to Xian, another ancient capital, with evening arrival and hotel transfer.
Day 8: Terracotta Warriors & Muslim Quarter Exploration
Accommodation: Grand Noble Hotel Xi'an ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Morning (09:30-12:30): Marvel at the Terracotta Warriors, one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, featuring thousands of life-sized soldiers in battle formation.
Afternoon (14:00-17:00): Visit the historic Bell Tower, explore Gao's Courtyard for traditional paper-cutting and shadow puppetry demonstrations, and immerse in the vibrant Muslim Quarter with its exotic food and market atmosphere.
Evening: Optional Tang Dynasty Show with traditional dinner.
Day 9: Ancient City Walls & Flight to Shanghai
Accommodation: Sunrise On The Bund Hotel ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Morning (10:00-12:30): Walk or cycle along Xian's Ancient City Wall, China's most complete city fortification. Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and witness the spectacular North plaza fountain show.
Afternoon (12:30-16:30): Enjoy a special dumpling banquet lunch before visiting Hanyang Mausoleum, then transfer to airport for flight to Shanghai.
Day 10: Shanghai's Colonial Heritage & Modern Marvels
Accommodation: Sunrise on the Bund Hotel ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Morning (09:30-12:30): Visit the serene Jade Buddha Temple and admire the exterior of the iconic Oriental Pearl TV Tower along the Riverside Promenade.
Afternoon (13:30-16:30): Explore the classical Yuyuan Garden, shop for souvenirs at Shanghai Old Street and Nanjing Road, and stroll along the Bund with its spectacular colonial architecture.
Evening: Optional acrobatic show, particularly the renowned ERA performance.
Day 11: Shanghai Departure
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a leisurely morning before airport transfer. Option to experience the Maglev train to Pudong Airport, one of the world's fastest commercial trains.