Great Wall Explorer: Trek Through History & Nature
A Small-Group Journey Through China's Ancient Capitals and Modern Metropolis
Day 1: Arrival in China's Imperial Capital
Beijing Arrival & Hotel Transfer - Transfer from Beijing Capital International Airport to your hotel - Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Beijing - Meals: No meals included - Activities: Free time to recover from jet lag after airport transfer
Day 2: Beijing's Imperial Legacy
Temple of Heaven, Hutong Culture & Forbidden City Exploration - Morning: Visit Temple of Heaven and watch local seniors' morning exercises - Cultural Experience: Beijing Hutong tour by rickshaw with local family visit - Art Workshop: Peking opera facial mask painting - Afternoon: Tian'anmen Square and Forbidden City exploration - Meals: Hotel breakfast, à la carte Chinese lunch - Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Beijing - Optional: Evening Kung Fu or Acrobatic Show
Day 3: The Great Wall Adventure
Mutianyu Great Wall & Olympic Architecture - Full Day: Mutianyu Great Wall with round-trip cable car - Historical Context: Learn about this Northern Qi dynasty construction - Photo Opportunity: Exterior views of Bird Nest and Water Cube - Meals: Hotel breakfast, à la carte lunch - Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Beijing - Evening Suggestion: Peking Roast Duck dinner
Day 4: Royal Gardens & High-Speed Transition
Summer Palace & Journey to Ancient Xi'an - Morning: Summer Palace exploration including Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake - Transport: High-speed train to Xi'an (approximately 5-5.5 hours) - Meals: Hotel breakfast, à la carte lunch - Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Xi'an - Evening: Free time upon arrival in Xi'an
Day 5: Warriors & Ancient Walls
Terracotta Army & Xi'an City Exploration - Morning: Xi'an Ancient City Wall (bicycle riding optional) - Cultural Stop: Cave dwelling pottery workshop with terracotta warrior making - Afternoon: Terracotta Warriors Museum visit - Evening: Bell Tower Square and Muslim Quarter for shopping and local snacks - Meals: Hotel breakfast, à la carte lunch - Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Xi'an - Optional: Tang Dynasty Show
Day 6: Traditional Arts & Modern Transition
Xi'an Cultural Heritage & Flight to Shanghai - Morning: Gao's Courtyard visit with shadow puppetry exploration - Architectural Marvel: Big Wild Goose Pagoda North Plaza with music fountain show - Transport: Flight from Xi'an to Shanghai - Meals: Hotel breakfast, à la carte lunch - Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Shanghai
Day 7: Shanghai's Contrasts
Traditional Gardens & Modern Skylines - Morning: Shikumen alleyways exploration and Yuyuan Garden visit - Cultural Shopping: Yuyuan Bazaar (Chenghuangmiao Old Street) - Afternoon: Oriental Pearl TV Tower with Shanghai City History Museum - Evening: The Bund illuminated skyline viewing - Meals: Hotel breakfast, à la carte lunch - Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Shanghai
Day 8: Farewell to China
Shanghai Departure - Transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport - Meals: Breakfast - Service Conclusion with optional private transfer arrangements