Imperial Chronicles: China's Dynastic Capitals
From Ancient Thrones to Modern Metropolises
Tour Overview
Discover the Cradle of Chinese Civilization
This meticulously crafted 13-day expedition takes you through the heart of China's imperial history, exploring seven cities that once served as capitals to various dynasties. Designed for history enthusiasts and culture seekers, this journey covers Beijing's imperial grandeur, Henan Province's ancient wonders, Xi'an's terracotta legacy, and Shanghai's modern transformation.
Tour Highlights
- Comprehensive exploration of China's most significant ancient capitals
- Expert-guided visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites
- Authentic cultural experiences including Kung Fu performances and traditional cuisine
- Worry-free arrangements with premium accommodation and transportation
Detailed Itinerary
Days 1-4: Imperial Beijing - The Dragon's Throne
Day 1: Beijing Arrival
Accommodation: Sunrise On The Bund Hotel ★★★★
Meals: No meals included
Arrive in Beijing, China's capital city. Your personal guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to acclimate to this historic city.
Day 2: Imperial Heart of Beijing
Accommodation: Sunrise On The Bund Hotel ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Begin at Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square. Enter the magnificent Forbidden City, the world's largest and most complete imperial palace complex. Hike to Jingshan Park for panoramic views over the palace. After lunch, visit the Temple of Heaven where emperors prayed for good harvests. Conclude with shopping at Panjiayuan Antique Market and optional Peking duck dinner.
Day 3: Great Wall & Olympic Legacy
Accommodation: Sunrise On The Bund Hotel ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Journey to Mutianyu Great Wall, renowned for its beautiful scenery and well-preserved architecture. Choose to hike or take the cable car for breathtaking views. After lunch, visit the exterior of Bird Nest and Water Cube from the 2008 Olympics. Experience traditional Chinese tea ceremony before returning to your hotel.
Day 4: Summer Palace & Hutong Life
Accommodation: Sunrise On The Bund Hotel ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Explore Beijing's traditional alleyways on a rickshaw Hutong tour, discovering local lifestyle and courtyard homes. Visit the Summer Palace, China's largest and best-preserved imperial garden, including a boat ride on Kunming Lake. The afternoon is free for exploring Wangfujing Commercial Street or Dashilar shopping district.
Days 5-8: Henan Province - Cradle of Chinese Civilization
Day 5: Journey to Zhengzhou
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Zhengzhou ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Take a morning high-speed train to Zhengzhou (3-3.5 hours), ancient capital of the Shang Dynasty. Visit the Yellow River Scenic Area and experience a jet boat cruise on China's "Mother River."
Day 6: Kaifeng - Northern Song Dynasty Capital
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Zhengzhou ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Travel to Kaifeng, visiting Dragon Pavilion with its Song Dynasty wax museum and historical performances. Explore the Iron Pagoda, an 11th-century Buddhist pagoda, and Xiangguo Monastery, one of China's ten most famous temples.
Day 7: Shaolin Temple & Kung Fu Legacy
Accommodation: Chanwu Hotel ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Journey to Dengfeng to visit the legendary Shaolin Temple at the foot of Mount Songshan. Witness authentic Kung Fu performances and explore the Pagoda Forest. Optional evening viewing of the spectacular Shaolin Zen Music Ritual.
Day 8: Luoyang - Buddhist Capital
Accommodation: Yaxiang Jinling Hotel ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Explore the magnificent Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring thousands of Buddhist carvings dating back to the Northern Wei Dynasty. Visit Luoyang Museum of Folk Customs and stroll through Ming & Qing Old Town.
Days 9-11: Xi'an - First Emperor's Legacy
Day 9: Luoyang to Xi'an
Accommodation: Grand Noble Hotel Xi'an ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Visit White Horse Temple, China's first Buddhist temple established in 68 AD. Explore the Emperor Carriage Museum before taking an afternoon high-speed train to Xi'an (2 hours). Your Xi'an guide will transfer you to your hotel.
Day 10: Terracotta Warriors & Muslim Quarter
Accommodation: Grand Noble Hotel Xi'an ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Discover the incredible Terracotta Warriors, one of the world's most significant archaeological finds. Visit the Bell Tower and Gao's Courtyard for traditional paper-cutting and shadow puppetry demonstrations. Explore the vibrant Muslim Quarter with its exotic snacks and shopping opportunities. Optional Tang Dynasty Show with dinner.
Day 11: Ancient Walls to Modern Shanghai
Accommodation: Sunrise On The Bund Hotel ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Walk or cycle on Xi'an's Ancient City Wall, the most complete city wall surviving in China. Visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda and watch the North Plaza fountain show. Enjoy a special dumpling banquet before visiting Hanyang Mausoleum. Fly to Shanghai for hotel transfer.
Days 12-13: Shanghai - Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow
Day 12: Shanghai's Contrasts
Accommodation: Sunrise On The Bund Hotel ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Visit Jade Buddha Temple with its priceless jade Buddha statues. See the iconic Oriental Pearl TV Tower from the Riverside Promenade. Explore classical Yuyuan Garden and shop at Shanghai Old Street and Nanjing Road. Stroll along the Bund with its spectacular colonial architecture. Optional evening acrobatic show.
Day 13: Shanghai Departure
Meals: Breakfast
Free time until your airport transfer. Optional Maglev train experience to Pudong Airport, the world's fastest commercial train.
Essential Information
Inclusions
- 12 nights accommodation in 4-star hotels
- Daily breakfast and lunch as specified
- All transportation including high-speed trains and domestic flights
- Expert English-speaking guides in each city
- All entrance fees to listed attractions
Cultural Experiences
- Kung Fu performance at Shaolin Temple
- Traditional rickshaw Hutong tour
- Chinese tea ceremony
- Local culinary experiences including dumpling banquet
- Optional cultural performances and activities