Destinations: Shanghai + Wuzhen + Suzhou + Luoyang + Xi’an + Pingyao + Beijing
Tailored for deep culture lovers and history enthusiasts, this 13-day Top China Tour takes you across classic Chinese destinations from Shanghai, Wuzhen, Suzhou, Luoyang, Xi'an, Pingyao to Beijing. It perfectly combines Jiangnan water towns, four great ancient imperial capitals and time-honored Shanxi merchant old towns, packing iconic highlights including classical gardens, Shaolin Kung Fu, Longmen Grottoes, Terracotta Army, Pingyao Ancient City, Badaling Great Wall and the Forbidden City. With comfortable air-conditioned private vehicles and well-scheduled high-speed train connections, the overall travel rhythm is gentle and fits international travelers' physical pace, bringing you an immersive in-depth journey into China's profound history, ancient towns and classic landscapes.
Core Tour Highlights
Why Choose This Tour?
This 13 Days China Middle Kingdom Tour is perfectly crafted for history buffs and cultural travelers who crave authentic ancient towns, imperial capitals and classic Chinese landscapes. You get a one-in-a-lifetime chance to explore serene Jiangnan water towns, legendary Shaolin Kung Fu culture, magnificent Buddhist grottoes, breathtaking Terracotta Army and the iconic Great Wall all in one well-organized itinerary. With comfortable high-speed trains, private air-conditioned vehicles, daily Western breakfast and a dedicated full-time English guide, every detail is tailored for overseas visitors. No rushed schedules, no exhausting overnight trains, and PandaStudyTour takes care of all tickets, reservations and arrangements, letting you enjoy pure cultural exploration without trivial worries.
Day 1 Arrival in Shanghai
Upon landing at Shanghai Pudong or Hongqiao Airport, your private English guide will greet you and transfer you to the downtown hotel. Enjoy free time to settle down and adjust to jet lag with no arranged sightseeing activities.
Day 2 Shanghai City Exploration
After breakfast, explore classic Shanghai highlights including Yu Garden, the Bund and Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street. Experience the charm of traditional old Shanghai classical gardens and admire the stunning night view of the modern metropolis along the Huangpu River.
Day 3 Shanghai → Wuzhen
In the morning, visit People's Square and Shanghai Museum, appreciating precious ancient bronze wares, porcelain relics and traditional calligraphy and paintings. In the afternoon, take a comfortable coach to Wuzhen and wander the graceful West Scenic Area. Stay overnight inside the water town to embrace the quiet and poetic night scenery of ancient Jiangnan.
Day 4 Wuzhen → Suzhou
Stroll leisurely through Wuzhen East Scenic Area in the morning to feel the original local lifestyle of authentic Jiangnan water towns. Head to Suzhou in the afternoon, wander bustling Guanqian Street and visit the elegant Wangshi Garden to appreciate the exquisite layout and artistic conception of Suzhou classical gardens.
Day 5 Suzhou → Luoyang
Discover two renowned Suzhou landmarks: the elegant Lingering Garden and historic Tiger Hill. Take a high-speed train to Luoyang in the afternoon for a smooth journey transition and proper rest.
Day 6 Luoyang · Shaolin Temple
Spend the whole day visiting Shaolin Temple, the birthplace of Chinese Kung Fu and one of the most popular cultural highlights among foreign visitors. Explore the ancient temple complex and enjoy wonderful authentic martial arts performances.
Day 7 Luoyang → Xi'an
In the morning, tour Longmen Grottoes, one of China's four great grottoes, featuring magnificent ancient stone carvings and time-honored Buddhist relics. Take a high-speed train to Xi’an in the afternoon, check into the city center hotel and relax at your own pace.
Day 8 Xi'an → Pingyao
Visit the world-famous Terracotta Army Museum and Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum in the morning to witness the grand scale of the underground imperial army. Take a high-speed train to Pingyao in the afternoon to experience the well-preserved charm of an ancient merchant city.
Day 9 Pingyao Ancient City
Enjoy a full-day in-depth tour of Pingyao Ancient City. Walk atop the ancient city wall, wander well-preserved old commercial streets and visit the Ancient Bank Museum to learn about the glorious history of Shanxi merchants. The pace is slow and relaxed for casual sightseeing and cultural exploration.
Day 10 Pingyao → Beijing
In the morning, explore Wang Family Courtyard, a representative masterpiece of grand Qing Dynasty folk residential architecture. Transfer to Taiyuan South Railway Station and take a high-speed train to Beijing in the afternoon.
Day 11 Beijing Classic Heritage Tour
After breakfast, visit Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Walk along the central axis of ancient Beijing, explore magnificent imperial royal architecture and feel the profound heritage of traditional Chinese culture.
Day 12 Beijing Great Wall & Summer Palace
Head to Badaling Great Wall in the morning to set foot on this world-renowned landmark and enjoy spectacular mountain scenery. Visit the Summer Palace in the afternoon, appreciating the classical imperial garden landscape with lakes, hills, pavilions and corridors.
Day 13 Beijing Departure
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast, then take private transfer to Beijing airport according to your flight schedule. End your unforgettable 13-day China Middle Kingdom cultural journey perfectly.
Important Reminders
Join PandaStudyTour on this 13-day Middle Kingdom journey, wander through timeless water towns, millennium-old capitals and precious historical relics, and collect the most authentic and lasting memories of traditional China.
