Timeless Edifices: China's Architectural Masterpieces
From Imperial Grandeur to Classical Gardens - An In-Depth Exploration of Chinese Building Traditions
Day 1: Beijing Arrival - Gateway to Ancient Wonders
Capital Welcome & Leisure
Arrive in Beijing, China's magnificent capital. Your personal guide greets you at the airport and transfers you to Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing (★★★★). After check-in, enjoy free time to acclimate to this historic city.
Day 2: Beijing - Imperial Majesty
Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City Exploration
Begin at Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square. Enter the magnificent Forbidden City, the most complete imperial palace complex globally. Ascend Jingshan Park for breathtaking panoramic views of the palace.
Architectural Harmony & Market Culture
Visit the Temple of Heaven, China's largest surviving sacrificial structure. Explore Panjiayuan Antique Market and Pearl Market for traditional crafts.
Day 3: Beijing - Great Wall & Modern Marvels
Mutianyu Great Wall Adventure
Experience the magnificent Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, renowned for its stunning architecture and scenic beauty. Optional cable car access available.
Olympic Architecture
Visit the exterior of Bird Nest and Water Cube, iconic structures from the 2008 Beijing Olympics, showcasing contemporary Chinese architectural innovation.
Day 4: Beijing - Imperial Gardens & Local Life
Summer Palace & Traditional Transport
Explore the Summer Palace, China's largest and best-preserved imperial garden. Enjoy a boat ride on Kunming Lake. Experience traditional Beijing life with a rickshaw tour through ancient hutongs.
Day 5: Beijing to Datong - Buddhist Cave Architecture
Yungang Grottoes Masterpiece
Morning high-speed train to Datong. Visit the spectacular Yungang Grottoes, featuring 53 caves with over 51,000 intricate Buddhist stone carvings.
Liao Dynasty Architecture
Explore Huayan Monastery, the largest and best-preserved Liao Dynasty monastery. Admire the Nine Dragon Wall, China's oldest and largest glazed screen.
Day 6: Datong to Pingyao - Hanging Marvels
Hanging Temple & Wooden Pagoda
Visit the extraordinary Hanging Temple, a masterpiece of ancient wooden construction built into a cliff face. Continue to Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, one of the world's three great pagodas.
Day 7: Pingyao - Merchant Heritage
Qiao Courtyard & Banking History
Explore Qiao Courtyard, home of the influential Qiao merchant family. Visit Rishengchang Exchange Shop, China's first bank established in 1643. Stroll through Ming Qing Street's well-preserved architecture.
Day 8: Pingyao to Xi'an - Courtyard Architecture
Wang's Courtyard Grandeur
Discover Wang's Courtyard in Lingshi County, featuring 54 courtyards and 1,052 rooms - the epitome of Oriental domestic architecture. Evening high-speed train to Xi'an.
Day 9: Xi'an - Terracotta Warriors & Traditional Quarters
Ancient Army Discovery
Explore the magnificent Terracotta Warriors, one of the world's most important archaeological finds, showcasing ancient Chinese military architecture and artistry.
City Center Architecture
Visit the Bell Tower, China's largest and best-preserved ancient bell tower. Explore Gao's Courtyard with traditional paper-cutting and shadow puppetry. Experience the vibrant Muslim Quarter.
Day 10: Xi'an to Shanghai - City Walls & Pagodas
Ancient Fortifications
Walk or bike along the Ancient City Wall, one of China's oldest and best-preserved fortifications. Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and watch the North plaza fountain show.
Imperial Tomb Architecture
Explore Hanyang Mausoleum, China's largest museum by floor space. Evening flight to Shanghai.
Day 11: Shanghai - East Meets West Architecture
Traditional Temples & Modern Towers
Visit Jade Buddha Temple with its magnificent jewel-encrusted Buddha. Admire the exterior of Oriental Pearl TV Tower from Riverside Promenade.
Classical Gardens & Colonial Architecture
Explore Yuyuan Garden, a classical Chinese garden in the city center. Stroll through Shanghai Old Street and Nanjing Road. Experience the Bund's spectacular "Gallery of world architecture."
Day 12: Shanghai to Suzhou - Water Town Charm
Tongli Water Town Experience
Discover Tongli Water Town's traditional Ming and Qing Dynasty residences. Enjoy a wooden boat ride through ancient waterways.
Suzhou's Ancient Streets
Explore Pingjiang Ancient Street, preserved for over 800 years. Visit Tiger Hill, known as "No. 1 Sight of Suzhou" with 2,500 years of history.
Day 13: Suzhou to Shanghai - Classical Garden Perfection
Garden Masterpieces
Visit Lingering Garden, one of China's four great gardens. Explore Suzhou Museum, I.M. Pei's architectural masterpiece.
Humble Administrator's Garden
Experience Humble Administrator Garden, Suzhou's largest classical garden. Learn about silk production at a traditional Silk Factory.
Day 14: Shanghai Departure
Modern Transport Experience
Enjoy leisure time before airport transfer. Optional Maglev train experience to Pudong Airport, showcasing China's modern transportation architecture.