China Tour

Arrival and first Beijing sights

We meet our valued guests at the International Departures Terminal of Istanbul Airport approximately 3 hours before the flight time, 1 calendar day before the outbound flight date. After completing baggage drop-off and passport procedures, we depart for Beijing on a scheduled Turkish Airlines flight. Our journey continues through the night, and we stay overnight on the aircraft. Upon arrival in Beijing, we complete passport and baggage procedures and meet our private vehicle waiting at the airport before beginning to explore this city, where thousands of years of history meet modern architecture. During our panoramic city tour, we first see the Lama Temple, also known as Yonghe Temple, from the outside. Considered one of the important centres of Tibetan Buddhism, this structure dating from the Qing Dynasty is a notable example of traditional Chinese architecture. We then continue to the White Stupa Temple, also known as Miaoying Temple, an important religious structure dating back to the Yuan Dynasty. One of the landmarks of Beijing’s skyline, this historic building stands out for its white tower and elegant architecture. 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 with these structures reflecting contemporary Beijing, we view the city’s broad avenues, traditional neighbourhoods and urban landscapes while discovering Beijing’s story from past to present. At the end of our first day encountering China’s ancient culture, we have dinner at a local restaurant and then transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven

After breakfast, we begin exploring Beijing’s thousands of years of history and cultural heritage. On our full-day tour covering the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and Tiananmen Square, we discover this city where ancient Chinese culture meets modern life. Our first stop is Tiananmen Square, one of the major symbols of China and the world. Considered one of the world’s largest squares and located at the centre of modern Chinese history, it has hosted many significant events. As we explore the square and the monumental buildings around it, we see traces of China’s recent history. We then visit the Forbidden City, where Chinese emperors lived and governed the country for centuries. One of the world’s largest palace complexes, it reflects China’s rich imperial history through its palaces, expansive courtyards and architecture. We continue with a visit to the Pearl Factory, where we learn about traditional Chinese crafts and culture. Here, we closely observe how freshwater pearls are formed, processed and transformed into elegant jewellery. We then visit the Temple of Heaven, one of Beijing’s main religious and cultural sites. This UNESCO World Heritage complex was used as a sacred place where emperors prayed for abundant harvests during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Its architecture, expansive gardens and historic atmosphere make it one of Beijing’s notable landmarks. At the end of the day, we have dinner at a local restaurant and then transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Great Wall, train to Xi'an

BEIJING – XI'AN

After breakfast, we complete our hotel checkout and depart for our Great Wall & Juyong Pass & Jade Factory & Traditional Chinese Foot Massage Experience tour. Our first stop will be Juyongguan (Juyong) Pass, one of the best-preserved and most significant passes of the Great Wall. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forming a significant part of the massive defense system stretching approximately 21,000 kilometers, the Great Wall was built and fortified over centuries by various dynasties. During our excursion along this unique structure stretching through mountains and valleys, we will closely experience the grandeur of Chinese civilization and its strategic importance throughout history. Next, we visit the Jade Factory, where we will discover China's millennia-old tradition of jade carving. Here we will examine precious jade artifacts and watch master craftsmen demonstrate traditional carving techniques. We then enjoy a special visit to learn about the deep-rooted history of traditional Chinese medicine. Here we will learn about China's health and life philosophies practiced for centuries, and have the opportunity to unwind with a traditional foot massage experience, leaving behind the fatigue of the day. After the program, we transfer to the train station and travel by high-speed rail to Xi'an, one of China's ancient capitals. Upon arrival, we enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and then transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

The Terracotta Army

After breakfast, we set out for Xi’an for our programme covering the Terracotta Army, the Clay Factory, the Xi’an City Wall and the Muslim Quarter. Following our arrival, we visit the Terracotta Army, one of the most important archaeological discoveries in Chinese history. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, considered the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” was created to guard the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. The underground army, comprising thousands of soldiers, horses and chariots that remained buried for approximately 2,200 years, reveals the military power and artistic vision of ancient China. After our visit, we proceed to the Clay Factory to learn about the region’s traditional crafts. While learning about the techniques used to make the terracotta soldiers, we discover the finer points of traditional Chinese ceramic art. We then visit the City Wall, one of Xi’an’s landmarks. Dating from the Ming Dynasty, it is considered one of the world’s best-preserved urban defence systems. During our walk along the walls, we enjoy views of historic Xi’an alongside the modern city. Later in the day, we explore the Muslim Quarter, which reflects Xi’an’s cultural character. Known for its traditional architecture, colourful streets, local flavours and lively atmosphere, the district carries the city’s historic Silk Road heritage into the present day. At the end of the day, we have dinner at a local restaurant and then transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Train to Chongqing

XI'AN – CHONGQING

After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to the train station. We depart from Xi'an to Chongqing by high-speed train. After our pleasant train journey, we arrive in Chongqing. Upon our arrival, we begin our enjoyable tour covering Hongya Cave & Ciqikou Ancient Town & Liziba Light Rail Station (Train wonder passing through a building). We first visit Ciqikou Ancient Town (Ciqikou Ancient Town), one of the significant areas that has preserved its historical texture to this day. This traditional area, which has a history of approximately one thousand years, brings the old China atmosphere to life with its stone-paved streets, historical structures, traditional tea houses, local shops and regional flavors. Once an important trade center, Ciqikou is one of the ideal points to closely experience Chongqing's traditional lifestyle culture. Then, we visit Liziba Light Rail Station, one of the most interesting engineering wonders of Chongqing. At this world-famous spot, we will witness the light rail train passing through an apartment building. This unique transportation system, one of the most striking examples of creative city planning adapted to Chongqing's mountainous geography, offers visitors unforgettable photo opportunities. During the rest of the day, we visit Hongya Cave (Hongya Cave), one of the most iconic points of Chongqing. Located in the area where the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers meet, Hongya Cave stands out with its traditional Bayu architecture wooden structures built in layers on the mountainside, and especially in the evening hours, it takes on a fascinating appearance with its lighting. Combining traditional Chinese architecture and river views with Chongqing's modern city silhouette, it offers visitors an unforgettable visual experience. At the end of the day, we have dinner at a local restaurant and then transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

Fenghuang Ancient Town

CHONGQING – FENGHUANG

After breakfast at the hotel in the morning, we complete our checkout and transfer to the train station. We depart from Chongqing to Fenghuang Ancient Town by high-speed train. After our pleasant train journey, we begin our exploration as part of our Fenghuang Ancient Town & Tuojiang River Boat Tour & Thousand-Year-Old Wooden Houses & Traditional Chinese Culture Time Travel tour, one of China's most enchanting historic settlements. Upon arrival, we first explore the traditional Diaojiaolou (wooden stilted houses) area stretching along the river. These unique structures rising in harmony with the mountains and water are among the most important architectural examples of the Tujia and Miao culture of the region. We then take a walk through the historic streets, having the opportunity to closely experience the traditional shops, local handicrafts and Fenghuang's unique cultural fabric. Fenghuang Ancient Town, one of the best-preserved historic towns in China, offers its visitors a captivating atmosphere spanning from past to present with its traditional wooden houses, narrow stone-paved streets, historic bridges and unique views along the Tuojiang River. In the evening hours, we enjoy the Tuojiang River Boat Tour, one of Fenghuang's most special experiences. Accompanied by the captivating reflections created on the river with the illumination of historic wooden houses and ancient bridges, we discover Fenghuang's fairy-tale night atmosphere. Streets decorated with red lanterns, traditional buildings along the riverbank and the ancient city scenery glowing under the lights offer our visitors unforgettable photo opportunities and a unique Chinese experience. At the end of the day, we have dinner at a local restaurant and then transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

Tianmen Mountain and cave

After breakfast at the hotel, we complete our check-out procedures and transfer to the train station. We depart from Fenghuang for Zhangjiajie by high-speed train. Following our pleasant train journey, we arrive in Zhangjiajie and set out to explore Heaven’s Gate Mountain, Heaven’s Gate Cave and the Glass Bridge. As we ascend to the summit on the Heaven’s Gate Mountain Cableway, considered one of the world’s longest cable car routes, we enjoy panoramic views of Zhangjiajie’s mountain scenery, deep valleys and peaks among the clouds. Upon reaching the summit, we walk amid formations and landscapes shaped by nature over thousands of years. We then visit Heaven’s Gate Cave, one of the main stops on our tour. Known as the “Gate of Heaven,” this immense opening through the mountain is considered one of the world’s most unusual natural formations. With its distinctive atmosphere and scenery, Heaven’s Gate Cave is one of Zhangjiajie’s most memorable sights. Guests who wish may also enjoy the optional Glass Bridge experience on the mountainside. Walking across the transparent glass floor, you can admire the mountains and valleys from hundreds of metres above. After completing our tour amid natural scenery, we have dinner at a local restaurant and then transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Avatar Mountains discovery

ZHANGJIAJIE

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for our Avatar Mountains Discovery tour, covering Zhangjiajie National Park, the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, the Bailong Elevator, Yuanjiajie and the Heaven’s Son Mountain area. Our first stop is the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its geological formations created over thousands of years, rock pillars rising through the mist and lush forests, this area is home to some of China’s most impressive landscapes. During our tour, we also experience the Bailong Elevator. Considered one of the world’s tallest outdoor glass elevators, it carries us to the mountaintop as we admire views of the valley and surrounding rock formations. We then explore the Yuanjiajie Area. In this landscape, which inspired the fantastical mountain scenery in the internationally renowned film Avatar, we visit rock pillars reaching towards the sky and scenic viewpoints. Hallelujah Mountain, one of the area’s landmarks, offers excellent photography opportunities with its distinctive appearance. Later in the day, we proceed to the Heaven’s Son Mountain area. At Heaven’s Son Mountain, known for its peaks among the clouds, deep valleys and panoramic viewpoints, we discover Zhangjiajie’s natural beauty up close. At the end of the day, we have dinner at a local restaurant and then transfer to our hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Flight to Shanghai

ZHANGJIAJIE - SHANGHAI

After breakfast, we transfer to Zhangjiajie Airport and fly to Shanghai on a domestic flight with a local airline. 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 historical settlements. This unique settlement, with a history of approximately 1,700 years, is known as the "Venice of Shanghai" thanks to its canals, stone bridges and traditional architecture. The historic buildings lining the narrow stone streets, traditional houses adorned with wooden carvings and the tea houses by the water offer visitors a truly journey through time. The traditional boats gliding through the calm canals of the town, streets decorated with red lanterns and an atmosphere unchanged for centuries transform Zhujiajiao into a world completely different from Shanghai's modern skyline. As we cross the historic bridges, we will feel the traces of ancient Chinese life and have the opportunity to capture unique photographs of this fairy-tale town. Following our visit, we proceed to 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 beginning 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. Continuing our tour, we proceed to AP Plaza, one of Shanghai's most popular shopping centers. At this famous shopping destination, known for its wide range of products and affordable prices, we will have the opportunity to browse and purchase 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 tour and flight home

SHANGHAI - ISTANBUL

After breakfast, we complete our hotel check-out and begin our city tour covering Yu Garden & Jade Buddha Temple & Nanjing Road & The Bund, some of Shanghai's most iconic landmarks. Our first stop is Yu Garden, one of the finest examples of traditional Chinese garden art. This enchanting garden, built during the Ming Dynasty, offers visitors a tranquil atmosphere with its elegant pavilions, stone bridges, ponds, and meticulously arranged landscaping. We enjoy our time at this unique site where we will closely explore classical Chinese garden architecture. Next, we visit the Jade Buddha Temple, one of Shanghai's most important religious structures. This temple, named after the precious Buddha statues carved from a single piece of jade brought from Myanmar, is considered one of the most important Buddhist worship centers in the city. We will have the opportunity to discover the temple's impressive architecture and spiritual atmosphere. Continuing our tour, we head to Nanjing Road, Shanghai's most famous shopping and lifestyle street. We enjoy free time in this area, one of the city's most vibrant spots with its modern stores, historic buildings, and lively atmosphere. Finally, we visit The Bund area, which has become a symbol of Shanghai, stretching along the Huangpu River. The impressive scenery created by historic colonial-era buildings and the modern skyscrapers rising on the opposite bank brings together Shanghai's past and future. During our walk here, we will have the opportunity to photograph the city's unique silhouette. After the tour, we are transferred to Shanghai Airport by private vehicle at the transfer time announced by our guide. We depart for Istanbul on Turkish Airlines' scheduled flight. Arrival at Istanbul Airport according to local time and end of our tour.