Mutianyu Great Wall Explorer
From Ancient Capitals to Modern Metropolises - A Cultural Odyssey
Day 1: Arrival in Nanjing - The Southern Capital's Welcome
Historic Gardens and Riverside Illuminations
Meals: No meals
Accommodation: In Nanjing
Begin your journey in Nanjing, China's historic 'Southern Capital.' Upon arrival at railway station or airport, meet your guide and transfer to hotel. Explore Zhanyuan Garden, Nanjing's oldest garden with 600 years of history dating back to Ming Dynasty. Visit Confucius Temple, one of China's four major Confucian temples established in 1034. Experience the magical Qinhuai River Scenery Belt at night, taking a traditional boat ride through the illuminated waterways showcasing local lifestyle and architecture.
Day 2: Nanjing's Purple Mountain Legacy
Imperial Tombs and Presidential Palaces
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Nanjing
Discover Zijin Mountain (Purple Mountain), among Southern China's four famous mountains. Visit Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, the "first mausoleum in modern Chinese architecture" honoring China's democratic revolution forerunner. Explore Meiling Palace, the "First Villa in the Far East" that served as presidential residence. Walk the Sacred Road to Xiaoling Mausoleum of Ming Dynasty, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Conclude at Linggu Temple, home to Xuanzang's parietal bone relics and offering panoramic views from Linggu Tower.
Day 3: Buddhist Treasures and Ancient Fortifications
From Sacred Relics to Imperial Walls
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Nanjing
Journey to Niushoushan Forest Park, Nanjing's hidden Buddhist treasure. Visit the stunning Usnisa Palace housing Buddha's parietal relic and explore Foding Temple with its iconic pagoda. Experience Nanjing Museum, among China's three major museums featuring extensive historical and cultural exhibitions. Walk through Gate of China and explore the Ancient City Wall, the world's longest and best-preserved ancient fortification.
Day 4: Wuxi's Spiritual Wonders & Lake Transitions
Giant Buddhas and Lake Journeys to Suzhou
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Suzhou
Check out and take high-speed train to Wuxi. Visit Lingshan Giant Buddha, standing majestically at Taihu Lake's northern bank, named by Tang Dynasty monk Xuanzang. Explore Turtle Head Isle Park on its peninsula extending into Taihu Lake, China's famous freshwater lake. Enjoy scenic boat trip across the lake before transferring to Suzhou, the garden city of China.
Day 5: Suzhou's Classical Gardens & Historic Lanes
Where Water Towns Meet Architectural Masterpieces
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Suzhou
Discover Lingering Garden, one of China's four great gardens. Explore Tiger Hill, "the first scenic spot in the State of Wu" with 2,500 years of history. Visit Panmen Gate, China's only existing water and land gate. Experience Suzhou Museum, designed by I.M. Pei and showcasing significant cultural relics. Wander through Pingjiang Road's historic stone pathways, where white-walled black-roofed houses and flowing canals preserve 800 years of traditional Suzhou life.
Day 6: Water Town Serenity to Urban Dynamism
Tongli's Canals to Shanghai's Skyline
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Shanghai
Immerse in Tongli Water Town's tranquil atmosphere, experiencing Southern China's waterways by traditional boat. Witness the preserved lifestyle and architecture of classic water towns before transferring to Shanghai (1.5 hours), China's magical metropolis where ancient meets ultra-modern.
Day 7: Shanghai - Where East Meets West
Colonial Heritage and Futuristic Vistas
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Shanghai
Begin at People's Square visiting Shanghai Museum of ancient Chinese art. Stroll Wukang Road's European-style architecture, feeling transported to historic Europe. Ascend Shanghai World Financial Center's observation deck for breathtaking city panoramas. Experience the Bund's "International Architecture Exhibition" of 52 classical buildings facing Huangpu River. Conclude with shopping along Nanjing Road, China's premier commercial street since Shanghai's opening to the world.
Day 8: Shanghai Departure
Farewell to the Yangtze Delta
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy final leisure time in Shanghai before airport transfer for homebound flight, concluding your journey through China's most culturally rich and dynamically contrasting regions.