China Essence with Danxia Geological Park Discovery – 15 Days

Beijing – Xi’an – Zhangye – Lanzhou – Shanghai – Wuyishan – Hangzhou – Shanghai
This 15-day China tour, you will visit several must-see cities in China, including Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, and Hangzhou. Furthermore, you will discover the Danxia National Geological Park and many historic heritage sites in Zhangye and Lanzhou. Afterwards, put yourself into the magnificent gorges in Wuyi Mountain, one of the most famous Danxia Landforms in China.

Day 1 Beijing
airport-hotel transfer in Beijing
Day 2 Beijing
breakfast, lunch
Tian’anmen Square, Forbidden City , Temple of Heaven, a silk gift shop en route
The Tian’anmen Square is the world’s largest and renowned public square where many historical events once took place.
The Forbidden City (UNESCO) is the imperial place where the emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties ruled for nearly 500 years (1420-1911). Experience the architectural splendor of the palaces, ceremonial courtyards, and private quarters.
The Temple of Heaven (UNESCO), where ancient Chinese emperors made sacrifices to Heaven and prayed for bountiful harvests, demonstrates the supreme achievement of traditional Chinese architecture.

Good to know: Usually the guide service for a full day tour is about from 9:00 to 17:00, and the evening time is on your own. If needed, your guide is happy to offer some tips or help you buy tickets for evening entertainment.
Ideas for leisure time: If you are interested in Chinese Kung Fu, the Legend of Kung Fu is a good choice for tonight. It is stunning Kung Fu show with a great story line and martial arts skills.

Day 3 Beijing
breakfast, lunch
Great Wall, Summer Palace , a cloisonné workshop en route
The Great Wall is one of the most spectacular structures ever built by humans and is the only one visible from space.
The Summer Palace (UNESCO) is the largest imperial garden in the world. Emperors of successive dynasties created a summer retreat of Chinese gardens and pavilions, around the tranquil waters of Kunming Lake.

Ideas for leisure time:
1. Enjoy the Peking Duck dinner at time-honored restaurant – Quanjude or Bianyifang. The duck is characteristic with its crispy skin, tender meat and the fragrance from the fruit-wood.
2. Watch a breathtaking acrobatic show at Chaoyang Theater or Tiandi Theater.

Day 5 Xi’an
breakfast, lunch
Museum of Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a ceramic & pottery workshop en route
The Museum of Terracotta Warriors and Horses (UNESCO) is one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world. More than 6000 life-sized terra cotta warriors, archers, infantrymen, horses, and bronze chariots have silently guarded the tomb of China’s First Emperor for over 2,200 years.
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a Tang Dynasty landmark, is a seven-story pagoda initially constructed in 652 AD. One of the pagoda’s many functions is to hold sutras and figurines of the Buddha that were brought to China from India by the Buddhist translator and traveler – Xuanzang.

Ideas for leisure time: Enjoy a tasteful Dumpling Banquet followed by an exquisite traditional Tang Dynasty Show.
Good to know: If you have an extra day in Xi’an, you could explore the Mount Hua and get impressed of its unique natural beauty. Or to take a day trip to Luoyang by bullet train and visit the Longmen Grottoes, one of the Three Most Famous Buddhist Grottoes in China.

Day 6 Xi’an – Zhangye (by air)
airport transfer in Xi’an, airport-hotel transfer in Zhangye
breakfast, lunch
Ancient City Wall
The Ancient City Wall is one of the oldest city walls in China and still encompasses the center of Xi’an today.

Day 7 Zhangye
breakfast, lunch
Giant Buddha Temple, Wooden Pagoda Temple, Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park
The Giant Buddha Temple is the largest architectural relic in Gansu Province of the Western Xia (1038-1227) period.
The Wooden Pagoda Temple was firstly built by Emperor Suiwen of the Sui Dynasty (581–618). Although destroyed and rebuilt several times, the Wooden Pagoda still is a magnificent architecture with its distinct and traditional features.
Take a 1.5-hour car ride to the Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park. You will admire the Danxia Landform, which is perfectly combined with multi-colored mountains, valleys, hills, and cliffs. Gazing out at the vast area of such landform, you will be marveled by the craftsmanship of Mother Nature.

Day 8 Zhangye – Lanzhou (by bullet train)
train station transfer in Zhangye, train station – hotel transfer in Lanzhou
breakfast, lunch
Mati Temple
The Mati Temple, also known as the Horse’s Hoof Temple, is located in Sunan County, which is about 65 kilometers north of the Zhangye City. Carved into the cliff side of the Qilian Mountrain, the Mati Temple consists of a series of Buddhist caves, grottos and temples. If time permits, travelers could enjoy a great hiking in the nearby hills.

Day 9 Lanzhou – Shanghai (by air)
airport transfer in Lanzhou, airport-hotel transfer in Shanghai
breakfast, lunch
Waterwheel Garden, White Pagoda Mountain
The Waterwheel Garden is a highlight along the Yellow River in Lanzhou. The unique waterwheels will provide you an insight into the irrigation tools of ancient China.
Unfurling below visitors a marvelous view of the city of Lanzhou and the mighty waters of Yellow River rolling on incessantly when they climb onto the top of the hill.

Day 10 Shanghai
breakfast, lunch
Yu Garden, Jade Budda Temple, Shanghai Museum, Bund, a local gift shop en route
Owing to its ingenious design in Ming and Qing dynasties, the Yu Garden becomes a real museum of Chinese ancient architecture.
The Jade Budda Temple is famous for its two precious jade Buddha statues brought from Burma, which are not only rare cultural relics but also exquisite artworks.
The Shanghai Museum has a collection of 120,000 pieces of Chinese ancient treasures.
The Bund,featured outstanding European colonial architectures, is full of new skyscrapers and historical buildings in the center of Shanghai.

Ideas for leisure time:
1. Acrobatic Shows in Shanghai are known as the best in China. You can never imagine how exciting the show is.
2. Or you could take a Huangpu River Night Cruise which is the perfect way to enjoy the gorgeous night view of Shanghai.
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Day 11 Shanghai – Wuyishan (by bullet train)
train station transfer in Shanghai, train station – hotel transfer in Wuyishan
breakfast, lunch
Jinmao Tower, Xintiandi Street
With a height of 420.5 metres (1,380 feet), the 88-story Jinmao Tower is part of the Shanghai skyline seen from the Bund. It is also a nice place to enjoy the panoramic views of Shanghai.
Take a stroll along the Xintiandi Street, a boutique area highlights a harmonious merger of classic and modern Shanghai.

Day 12 Wuyishan
breakfast, lunch
Wuyi Mountain
Enjoy a full-day excursion to the Wuyi Mountain. Located in northwest Fujian Province, the Wuyi Mountain is known as the “most wonderful mountain in southeast China”, and was listed as World Cultural and Natural Heritage in 1999. It is one of the most famous Danxia Landforms in China. You will visit the Cloud Cave, Jiesun Peak, Tea Cave, and take a bamboo raft along the Nine-bend Stream.

Day 13 Wuyishan – Hangzhou (by bullet train)
train station transfer in Wuyishan, train station – hotel transfer in Hangzhou
breakfast, lunch
Today, continue to explore the Wuyi Mountains Scenic Area. Take a visit to the Harmonious Temple, Water Curtain Cave, and Eagle Mouth Rock. Then, learn about the history of the oolong tea at the Dahongpao Oolong Tea Plantation, the best Oolong tea plantation in the world.
Later, transfer to the train station in Wuyishan city and take a bullet train to Hangzhou.

Day 14 Hangzhou – Shanghai (by bullet train)
train station transfer in Hangzhou, train station-hotel transfer in Shanghai
breakfast, lunch
West Lake , Six Harmonies Pagoda, Qinghefang Historical Street
The West Lake (UNESCO) is famous for its natural beauty and historic relics and it has has influenced numerous painters, poets, and garden designers throughout Chinese history. You will take a short cruise on the picturesque West Lake.
The Six Harmonies Pagoda is a masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture. You can get a panoramic view of the Qiantang River on the very top.
The Qinghefang Historical Street has been the most flourished street in the city since the ancient time. Hangzhou’s century-old shops are all located in this area.

Day 15 Shanghai
hotel – airport transfer in Shanghai
breakfast
Service ends.