China Tour

Overnight flight to Beijing

We meet our valued guests at the International Departures Terminal of Istanbul Airport approximately 3 hours before the flight time. After completing our baggage check-in and passport procedures, we depart for Dubai on Emirates Airlines' scheduled flight. Following our arrival in Dubai and after completing the connection, we take our seats for our flight to Beijing. Our journey to Beijing will continue throughout the night, with overnight accommodation on the aircraft.

Beijing's landmarks

BEIJING

After arriving in Beijing, we complete passport and baggage procedures, meet our private vehicle waiting at the airport and begin exploring the city. On our panoramic tour of Beijing, where thousands of years of history meet modern architecture, we first see the Lama Temple, also known as Yonghe Temple, from the outside. Dating from the Qing Dynasty, it is considered one of the leading examples of traditional Chinese architecture and one of the most important centres of Tibetan Buddhism. We then continue to the White Stupa Temple, also known as Miaoying Temple, a religious structure dating from the Yuan Dynasty. We view this historic building, whose white stupa and architecture have made it one of the symbols of Beijing’s skyline. During the tour, we also enjoy panoramic views of the Bird’s Nest Stadium and the Water Cube, symbols of modern China built for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Along the city’s broad boulevards, traditional neighbourhoods and urban landscapes, we discover both the past and present of Beijing. At the end of the day, we have dinner at a local restaurant and transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven

BEIJING

After breakfast, we begin our full-day tour exploring Beijing’s historical and cultural heritage. The first stop on our programme, which includes the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and Tiananmen Square, is Tiananmen Square, an important symbol of China and the world. Considered one of the world’s largest squares and the setting of many major events in modern Chinese history, we explore the square and its surrounding monumental buildings. We then visit the Forbidden City, where Chinese emperors lived and governed the country for centuries. As we see the palaces, expansive courtyards and architectural details of one of the world’s largest palace complexes, we trace the history of imperial China. We continue to the Pearl Factory, where we learn about traditional Chinese crafts and culture. Here, we observe how freshwater pearls are formed, processed and made into jewellery. We then visit the Temple of Heaven, one of Beijing’s principal religious and cultural landmarks. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was used as a sacred place where emperors prayed for abundant harvests during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. After exploring its architecture, extensive gardens and historic atmosphere, we have dinner at a local restaurant and transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

Great Wall to Luoyang

BEIJING - LUOYANG

After breakfast, we complete our hotel checkout and depart for our Great Wall & Juyong Pass & Luoyi Ancient City tour. Our first stop will be Juyongguan (Juyong) Pass, one of the best preserved and most significant passes of the Great Wall. Listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and forming an important part of the massive defense system stretching approximately 21,000 kilometers, the Great Wall was built and strengthened by various dynasties over the centuries. During our tour of this unique structure extending through mountains and valleys, we will closely feel the splendor of Chinese civilization and its strategic importance throughout history. We then make a special visit to learn about the deep-rooted history of traditional Chinese medicine. Here, while receiving information about China's health and life philosophies practiced for centuries, we will have the opportunity to relieve the day's fatigue with a traditional foot massage experience. In the evening hours, we depart for Luoyang, one of China's ancient capitals, by high-speed train. Upon arrival, we head to the Luoyi Ancient City, which reflects Luoyang's history and traditional living culture. In this enchanting area, carefully restored and revived, narrow streets adorned with red lanterns, wooden architectural structures and authentic atmosphere will transport us back in time. While walking through the lively streets of the ancient city, we will experience traditional Chinese life on one hand and enjoy the impressive scenery created by the combination of lighting and historical texture on the other. Each corner of this special area, holding a different story, is one of the places that most powerfully reflects Luoyang's ancient spirit. At the end of the day, we have dinner at a local restaurant and then transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

Longmen and Shaolin

LUOYANG – ZHENGZHOU

After breakfast, we complete our hotel check-out and begin our unforgettable exploration programme covering Longmen Caves & Shaolin Temple & Shaolin Kung Fu Show & Zhengzhou. Our first stop will be the Longmen Caves, one of China's most important historical and artistic heritages. This unique Buddhist complex, masterfully carved into the steep cliffs along the Yi River, is one of the most significant works from the period when Buddhist art reached its peak in China between the 5th and 10th centuries. The over 100,000 Buddha statues within reflect the spiritual world and artistic refinement of the era in a fascinating way. The towering 17-meter seated Buddha statue, in particular, offers visitors a profound sense of serenity and admiration with its peaceful expression. Our tour continues with our visit to the Shaolin Temple, one of China's most important spiritual centers. Built in AD 495, this legendary structure is not only the birthplace of Zen Buddhism but is also considered the cradle of Shaolin Kung Fu. In this sacred site where monks have trained in both spiritual and physical discipline for centuries, we will deeply feel the traces of the past among stone courtyards and ancient structures. Following our visit, we watch the Shaolin Kung Fu Show, considered one of the most impressive performances in the world. This demonstration by traditional Shaolin masters showcases not only combat techniques but also the harmony of body, mind and spirit. Acrobatics reflecting years of discipline offer viewers an unforgettable visual feast. Our programme continues with a diamond factory visit. Here, we will have the opportunity to closely observe the process of precious stones and modern production techniques. At the end of the day, we have dinner at a local restaurant and then transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

Meeting the Terracotta Army

ZHENGZHOU - XI’AN

After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and depart for Zhengzhou Railway Station. We travel to Xi’an for our programme covering the Terracotta Army, the Clay Factory, the Xi’an City Wall and the Muslim Quarter. After arriving, we visit the Terracotta Army, one of the most important archaeological discoveries in Chinese history. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, regarded as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” was built to protect the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. The underground army, consisting of thousands of soldiers, horses and chariots that remained buried for approximately 2,200 years, reflects the military power and artistic skill of ancient China. We then visit the Clay Factory to learn about the region’s traditional crafts. Here, we discover the techniques used to create the Terracotta soldiers and learn about the details of traditional Chinese ceramic art. Later, we visit the Xi’an City Wall, which dates from the Ming Dynasty. As we walk along one of the world’s best-preserved urban defence systems, we enjoy views of both historic Xi’an and the modern city. We continue to the Muslim Quarter, known for its traditional architecture, colourful streets, local flavours and lively atmosphere. Here, we observe traces of the city’s historic Silk Road heritage that have survived to the present day. At the end of the day, we have dinner at a local restaurant and transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

Pandas in Chengdu

XI'AN - CHENGDU

After breakfast, we complete our hotel check-out and depart for Xi'an Railway Station, beginning our pleasant journey to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province and one of China's most vibrant cities. We set off for our program featuring the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding & Kuanzhai Alley & Chunxi Road. First, we visit the Giant Panda Breeding and Conservation Center, one of the most important symbols of Chengdu and even of China. This world-renowned research and conservation center was established to protect, breed, and ensure the sustainable natural lives of the endangered giant pandas. Surrounded by lush green bamboo gardens and natural habitats, we have the opportunity to observe these adorable creatures, considered China's national treasure, up close. The playful moments and natural behaviors of the young pandas will be among the most unforgettable moments of our visit. After visiting the Panda Center, we explore Kuanzhai Alley (Wide and Narrow Alleys), one of the most vibrant areas of Chengdu. In this historic district where traditional architecture meets modern life, we experience authentic streets and local life firsthand. Later in the day, we visit Chunxi Road, one of Chengdu's busiest shopping and lifestyle streets. We enjoy free time in this area where the heartbeat of modern city life pulses. In the evening, we have dinner at a local restaurant and then transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

Shanghai's water town

CHENGDU - SHANGHAI

After breakfast, we transfer to Chengdu Airport and take a domestic flight with a local airline to Shanghai. Upon arrival in Shanghai, one of China's most modern and cosmopolitan cities, we proceed to our Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town & Silk Factory & AP Plaza Shopping Tour program. Our first stop will be Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town, one of Shanghai's most captivating and best-preserved historic settlements. With a history of approximately 1,700 years, this unique settlement is known as "Shanghai's Venice" with its canals, stone bridges and traditional architecture. The historic buildings lining the narrow stone streets, traditional houses decorated with wooden carvings and tea houses by the water offer visitors an almost timeless journey. Traditional boats gliding on the calm canals of the town, streets adorned with red lanterns and an atmosphere unchanged for centuries transform Zhujiajiao into a world completely different from Shanghai's modern skyline. While crossing the historic bridges, you will feel the traces of ancient Chinese life and have the opportunity to capture unique photo moments of this fairy-tale town. After the tour, we visit the Silk Factory, where we will closely explore the production process of silk, one of China's most valuable cultural heritages. Here, we will discover the story of the journey starting from the silkworm's cocoon and transforming into one of the world's most elegant fabrics in the hands of masters. We will have the opportunity to learn detailed information about this precious craft that Chinese civilization has gifted to the world for centuries. Following the tour, we proceed to AP Plaza, one of Shanghai's most popular shopping centers. At this famous shopping destination known for its wide product range and affordable price options, we will have the opportunity to explore and shop a variety of options from electronic products to souvenirs, from leather goods to textile products. At the end of the day, we have dinner at a local restaurant and then transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

Shanghai's landmarks

SHANGHAI – DUBAI - ISTANBUL

After breakfast, we complete our hotel checkout and begin our city tour of Yu Garden, Jade Buddha Temple, Nanjing Road, and The Bund—Shanghai's most iconic landmarks. Our first stop is Yu Garden, one of the finest examples of traditional Chinese garden art. Built during the Ming Dynasty, this captivating garden offers visitors a serene atmosphere with elegant pavilions, stone bridges, ponds, and meticulously designed landscaping. We spend pleasant time at this extraordinary site where we discover classical Chinese garden architecture up close. Next, we visit the Jade Buddha Temple, one of Shanghai's most important religious structures. Named after the precious Buddha statues brought from Myanmar and carved from single pieces of jade stone, this temple is considered one of the city's most significant Buddhist worship centers. We have the opportunity to explore the temple's impressive architecture and spiritual atmosphere. Continuing our tour, we proceed to Nanjing Road, Shanghai's most famous shopping and lifestyle street. We enjoy free time in this area, one of the city's busiest spots with its modern stores, historic buildings, and vibrant atmosphere. Finally, we visit The Bund area, which stretches along the banks of the Huangpu River and has become a symbol of Shanghai. The striking view created by historic colonial-era buildings on one side and modern skyscrapers rising on the opposite bank brings together Shanghai's past and future. During our walk here, we have the opportunity to photograph the city's unique silhouette. After the tour, our private vehicle, waiting for us at the transfer time announced by our guide, takes us to Shanghai Airport. We depart for Dubai on Emirates Airlines' scheduled flight.

Arrival in Istanbul

DUBAI - ISTANBUL

After arriving in Dubai and completing the transfer, we take our seats for our flight to Istanbul. Following our arrival in Istanbul according to local time, our tour concludes. We look forward to seeing you again on another tour...