Zhangjiajie Unveiled: Adventure Among the Peaks
An In-Depth Exploration of China's Rich Jewish Historical Legacy
Itinerary Overview
This 9-day immersive journey takes travelers through China's most significant Jewish heritage sites, from the northern city of Harbin to the cosmopolitan hub of Shanghai. The carefully curated itinerary explores synagogues, museums, cemeteries, and historical districts that preserve the remarkable story of Jewish communities in China across different historical periods.
Detailed Daily Itinerary
Day 1: International Departure to Harbin
Tel Aviv - Harbin Travelers begin their Jewish heritage exploration with flights from Tel Aviv to Harbin, China's northernmost provincial capital. The journey typically involves connecting through Beijing with various airline options including El Al Israel Airlines and Hainan Airlines. Flight arrangements consider optimal connections and travel times ranging from approximately 13 to 16 hours, with special routing considerations for Friday departures.
Day 2: Arrival in Historic Harbin
Harbin Arrival and Acclimation Upon arrival at Harbin Airport, guests are greeted by our local guide and transferred to the centrally-located Shangri-La Hotel for a two-night stay. This introduction to Harbin sets the stage for exploring what was once the largest Jewish habitat in the Far East during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Day 3: Exploring Harbin's Jewish Legacy
Harbin Jewish Community Immersion Following breakfast, the day begins with exploration of Harbin's historic Jewish Community, revealing the unique culture and atmosphere of Jewish life from a century ago. Visitors will see: - The Main Synagogue exterior - Former Jewish High School site - Historic Jewish Bank location The afternoon features a visit to Harbin Huangshan Jewish Cemetery, the largest and best-preserved Jewish cemetery in East Asia, serving as a powerful testament to Chinese-Jewish friendship.
Day 4: Transition to Central China
Harbin - Zhengzhou Transfer The morning continues with Harbin's Jewish heritage at the New Synagogue, constructed in 1921 as the largest Jewish synagogue in East Asia. Now housing the Museum of Jewish Culture and History, this venue showcases exhibits about Jewish culture and history. In the afternoon, a 2.5-hour flight transports travelers to Zhengzhou for an overnight stay at Crowne Plaza Zhengzhou.
Day 5: Ancient Jewish Settlement in Kaifeng
Zhengzhou - Kaifeng Exploration A morning 2.5-hour drive brings travelers to Kaifeng, home to significant Jewish heritage sites: - Nan Jiaojing Hutong, the historic Jewish ghetto dating back to Song Dynasty settlements - Local family visit offering insights into contemporary life (optional CNY50 gratuity recommended) - Kaifeng Museum with dedicated Jewish exhibition room - Kaifeng Judaic Exhibition - Jewish Cemetery Overnight accommodation at Zhongzhou International Hotel in Kaifeng.
Day 6: Cultural Transition to Luoyang
Kaifeng - Luoyang via Shaolin Today's journey to Luoyang includes a significant cultural interlude at the world-renowned Shaolin Temple, featuring: - Pagoda Forest, China's largest existing pagoda complex - Kung Fu performance showcasing martial arts heritage - Historical temple grounds including Hall of Heavenly Kings and Mahavira Hall Evening check-in at Lee Royal Hotel in Luoyang.
Day 7: Buddhist Heritage and Modern Transition
Luoyang - Shanghai Journey The morning features Longmen Grottoes, one of China's four major grotto complexes, containing: - Over 100,000 Buddhist statues - 2,680 inscribed tablets - 70 dagobas and 2,345 niches Demonstrating Buddhist cultural splendor from Northern Wei to Northern Song Dynasties. Afternoon flight to Shanghai with airport transfer and check-in at Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel for a two-night stay.
Day 8: Shanghai's Jewish Refugee History
Comprehensive Shanghai Jewish Tour Full-day exploration of Shanghai's Jewish heritage includes: - Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum (former Ohel Moshe Synagogue) - Huoshan Park memorial monument - Special a la carte lunch at renowned local restaurant - No. 818 lane on Tangshan Road, former largest Jewish Community - Zhoushan Road Jewish-style architecture - Tilanqiao Jewish Isolation Region, World War II settlement
Day 9: Homeward Journey
Shanghai - Tel Aviv Departure Morning departure assistance with detailed return flight options to Tel Aviv via Beijing or Hong Kong, with multiple airline selections including Hainan Airlines and El Al Israel Airlines. Final transfer to airport concludes the comprehensive Jewish heritage journey.