Yangtze Delta Odyssey: Imperial Legacies & Water Towns
From Imperial Beijing to the Rainbow Mountains of Zhangye
Day 1: Arrival in China's Capital
Beijing Arrival & Hotel Transfer
Meals: No Meals
Accommodation: In Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, China's magnificent capital. Meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and acclimate to this vibrant metropolis.
Day 2: Imperial Beijing Exploration
Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Beijing
Begin your day at Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square. Enter the magnificent Forbidden City, exploring the extensive imperial palace complex that served Chinese emperors for centuries. In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors performed sacred rituals. Evening option to enjoy Peking Opera or Kungfu Show.
Day 3: Great Wall Adventure
Mutianyu Great Wall & Olympic Landmarks
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Beijing
Experience China's most iconic landmark at Mutianyu Great Wall, walking along this ancient defensive marvel. Return to Beijing for photo opportunities at Olympic Green, viewing the exterior of Bird's Nest Stadium and Water Cube. Evening free to sample famous Peking Roasted Duck.
Day 4: Beijing's Ancient Lanes to Western Gateway
Hutong Walking Tour & Flight to Lanzhou
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Lanzhou
Explore Beijing's traditional Hutong neighborhoods on foot, discovering local life in ancient alleyways. After lunch, fly to Lanzhou, capital of Gansu Province and gateway to the Silk Road. Transfer to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 5: Buddhist Treasures of Lanzhou
White Pagoda Hill & Bingling Thousand-Buddha Caves
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Lanzhou
Begin your Silk Road exploration with White Pagoda Hill Park. Journey to Liujiaxia and cruise to the remarkable Bingling Thousand-Buddha Caves, featuring ancient Buddhist sculptures carved into cliffs along the Yellow River.
Day 6: Museum to Ancient Grottoes
Gansu Provincial Museum & Tiantishan Grottoes
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Wuwei
Visit Gansu Provincial Museum (closed Mondays) to understand the region's rich history. Travel to Wuwei and explore Tiantishan Grottoes, an important Buddhist cave temple complex.
Day 7: Rainbow Mountains Spectacle
Wuwei Heritage & Zhangye Danxia Sunset
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Zhangye
Explore Wuwei's Leitai Tomb and Confucian Temple before traveling to Zhangye. Arrive at Zhangye Danxia Landform Park in time to witness the spectacular sunset over the rainbow-colored mountains.
Day 8: Buddhist Art to Great Wall's End
Zhangye's Ancient Treasures & Journey to Jiayuguan
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Jiayuguan City
Visit Zhangye's Wooden Tower from Sui Dynasty and Grand Buddha Temple housing China's largest indoor reclining Buddha. Continue to Jiayuguan City, the western terminus of the Great Wall.
Day 9: Great Wall's Western Frontier
Jiayuguan Pass & Gobi Desert Journey
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Dunhuang
Explore Jiayuguan Pass, the impressive fortress at the Great Wall's western end, and the dramatic Overhanging Great Wall. Journey through the Gobi Desert landscape to Dunhuang, an oasis city on the ancient trade routes.
Day 10: Desert Passes & Geological Wonders
Yumenguan Pass & Dunhuang Yadan National Park
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Dunhuang
Travel to strategic Yumenguan Pass, a crucial Silk Road checkpoint. Experience the extraordinary formations at Dunhuang Yadan National Geologic Park, showcasing spectacular wind-eroded landscapes.
Day 11: Buddhist Art & Singing Sands
Mogao Grottoes & Mingsha Sand Dunes
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Dunhuang
Discover the magnificent Mogao Grottoes, containing one of the world's greatest collections of Buddhist art. Experience the magical Mingsha Sand Dunes and Crescent Spring oasis, where sand dunes sing and ancient springs refresh.
Day 12: Journey Conclusion
Return to Beijing & International Departure
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer for your morning flight to Beijing Capital Airport. Connect independently to your international departure flight, concluding your Silk Road adventure.