The Path of the Dragon: China's Martial Arts Pilgrimage
From Shaolin to Wudang - A Journey to the Heart of Chinese Kung Fu
Day 1: Arrival in the Imperial Capital
Beijing Arrival & Transfer
Arrive in Beijing, China's magnificent capital. Your personal guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, the remainder of your day is free to rest and acclimate to this vibrant city.
Meals: No meals
Accommodation: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing ★★★★
Day 2: Imperial Grandeur & Ancient Traditions
Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven
Begin your day at Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest public square. Enter the magnificent Forbidden City, exploring the imperial palace that housed Chinese emperors for centuries. Climb Jingshan Park for breathtaking panoramic views of the palace complex. After lunch featuring authentic Beijing cuisine, visit the Temple of Heaven where emperors prayed for abundant harvests.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing ★★★★
Day 3: The Great Wall & Olympic Legacy
Mutianyu Great Wall & Olympic Park
Journey to the magnificent Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, where you can hike or take a cable car to enjoy stunning views. After lunch, return to Beijing to photograph the iconic Bird's Nest and Water Cube from the 2008 Olympics, followed by a traditional Chinese tea ceremony experience.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing ★★★★
Day 4: Beijing's Hidden Lanes & High-Speed to Luoyang
Hutong Tour & Summer Palace
Experience traditional Beijing life with a rickshaw tour through ancient hutongs, then visit the exquisite Summer Palace, China's best-preserved imperial garden. Enjoy a boat ride on Kunming Lake before boarding a high-speed train to Luoyang, the ancient capital of multiple Chinese dynasties.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Ramada by Wyndham Luoyang Downtown ★★★★
Day 5: The Shaolin Temple - Birthplace of Zen Buddhism & Kung Fu
Shaolin Temple & Pagoda Forest
Travel to Dengfeng to explore the legendary Shaolin Temple, the cradle of Chinese martial arts and Zen Buddhism. Witness incredible martial arts performances and wander through the ancient Pagoda Forest, where generations of Shaolin masters rest in peace.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Ramada by Wyndham Luoyang Downtown ★★★★
Day 6: Buddhist Treasures & Journey to Xian
Longmen Grottoes & Cultural Exploration
Discover the magnificent Longmen Grottoes, home to thousands of Buddhist statues carved into limestone cliffs. Visit the Luoyang Museum of Folk Customs and explore the Ming & Qing Old Town before boarding your high-speed train to Xian, ancient terminus of the Silk Road.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Grand Noble Hotel Xi'an ★★★★
Day 7: Terracotta Warriors & Ancient Capital
Terracotta Army & Muslim Quarter
Marvel at the incredible Terracotta Warriors, one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Visit the historic Bell Tower and explore Gao's Courtyard to learn traditional Chinese arts. Wander through the vibrant Muslim Quarter, sampling local delicacies and experiencing Xian's rich cultural diversity.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Grand Noble Hotel Xi'an ★★★★
Day 8: Ancient Walls & Journey to Wudang
Xian City Wall & Travel to Sacred Mountain
Walk or cycle along Xian's remarkably preserved Ancient City Wall before enjoying a special dumpling banquet. Fly to Shiyan and transfer to the sacred Mount Wudang, the spiritual home of Tai Chi and internal martial arts.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Wudangshan Hotel ★★★★
Day 9: Sacred Peaks of Wudang Mountain
Golden Summit & Ancient Temples
Ascend to the Golden Summit of Mount Wudang via cable car, visiting the sacred temples that crown this Taoist holy mountain. Explore Zixiao Temple and the spectacular Nanyan Temple, learning about the philosophical foundations of internal martial arts while surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Wudang Qiongtai Hotel ★★★★
Day 10: Tai Chi with Masters & Journey to Wuhan
Morning Practice & Travel Day
Awaken early to practice basic Tai Chi movements with local masters amidst the serene mountain atmosphere. After this authentic martial arts experience, travel to Wuhan via high-speed train, enjoying the changing landscapes of central China.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Renaissance Wuhan Hotel ★★★★
Day 11: Riverside City & Modern Shanghai
Yellow Crane Tower & Shanghai Arrival
Visit the iconic Yellow Crane Tower overlooking the Yangtze River, one of China's most celebrated historical landmarks. Fly to Shanghai, China's dazzling financial capital, where your guide will transfer you to your hotel in this ultramodern metropolis.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Sunrise On The Bund Hotel ★★★★
Day 12: Shanghai - Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow
Classic Gardens & Modern Marvels
Visit the serene Jade Buddha Temple before admiring the futuristic skyline from the Bund. Explore the classical Yuyuan Garden and shop for souvenirs along Shanghai Old Street and bustling Nanjing Road. Consider ending your day with an unforgettable acrobatic performance.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Sunrise On The Bund Hotel ★★★★
Day 13: Farewell to the Middle Kingdom
Departure from Shanghai
Enjoy a leisurely morning before transferring to Shanghai Pudong Airport for your departure flight. Opt for an exhilarating Maglev train ride to the airport or a comfortable private vehicle transfer.
Meals: Breakfast
Service Ends