China Tour

ISTANBUL - BEIJING We meet our valued guests at Istanbul Airport International Departures Terminal approximately 3 hours before the flight time. After completing baggage drop and passport procedures, we depart for Beijing on a scheduled Turkish Airlines flight. Our journey will continue throughout the night, with overnight stay on the aircraft.

BEIJING Upon arrival in Beijing, after completing passport and baggage procedures, we meet our private vehicle waiting for us at the airport and begin exploring this impressive city, which offers thousands of years of history alongside modern architecture. During our panoramic city tour of Beijing, our first stop is an external view of the Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple), considered one of the most important centers of Tibetan Buddhism and notable for its magnificent structure. Reaching from the Qing Dynasty to the present day, this impressive building is regarded as one of the most striking examples of traditional Chinese architecture. Next, we head to the White Stupa Temple (Miaoying Temple), one of the important religious structures dating back to the Yuan Dynasty. This historic building, one of the prominent landmarks of the Beijing skyline, captivates visitors with its impressive white tower and elegant architecture. Throughout our city tour, while witnessing Beijing's story stretching from past to present, we will also see panoramic views of the Bird's Nest Stadium and the Water Cube, modern symbols of China built for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

BEIJING After breakfast, we set off on an unforgettable journey of discovery into Beijing's thousands of years of history and cultural heritage. On our full-day tour covering the Forbidden City (Yasak Şehir), Temple of Heaven (Cennet Tapınağı) and Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Meydanı), we will explore this fascinating city where ancient Chinese culture and modern life intertwine. We start by visiting Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Meydanı), one of the most important symbols of China and the world. Recognized as one of the largest squares in the world, this impressive area lies at the heart of modern Chinese history and has hosted many important events. As we explore the vast square and the monumental structures around it, we will have the chance to witness China's recent history up close. Next, we visit the magnificent Forbidden City (Yasak Şehir), where Chinese emperors lived and ruled for centuries. One of the largest palace complexes in the world, this unique structure, with its splendid palaces, vast courtyards and impressive architecture, takes visitors almost back in time.

PEKIN – XI’AN After breakfast, we complete the hotel check-out procedures and set off 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-kept and most important passes of the Great Wall of China. The Great Wall of China, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a significant part of the colossal defence system stretching for approximately 21,000 kilometres, was built and reinforced by different dynasties over the centuries. On our walk along this unique structure winding between mountains and valleys, we will closely feel the grandeur of Chinese civilisation and its strategic importance throughout history. Afterwards, we visit the Jade Factory, where we will get to know China's thousands-of-years-old tradition of jade craftsmanship up close. Here, we will be able to examine precious jade pieces and watch master artisans apply traditional carving techniques. Then we make a special visit to learn about the deep-rooted history of traditional Chinese medicine.

XI'AN After breakfast, we begin our pleasant journey towards Xi'an, covering the Terracotta Army & Clay Factory & Xi'an City Wall (City Wall) & Muslim Quarter (Muslim Quarter) – one of the most important heritages of Chinese history. Upon arrival, we visit the Terracotta Army, one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in Chinese history. Listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and considered the "Eighth Wonder of the World," this unique site was built to protect the tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. This magnificent underground army, composed of thousands of soldiers, horses and war chariots that remained hidden underground for approximately 2,200 years, showcases the military power and artistic mastery of ancient China. After our visit to the Terracotta Army, we head to the Clay Factory (Clay Factory), where we will get a close look at the traditional handicrafts of the region. Here, we will learn about the production techniques of the Terracotta soldiers and discover the intricacies of traditional Chinese ceramic art. Next, we visit the City Wall (City Wall), one of the most iconic landmarks of Xi'an.

XI'AN – CHONGQING After breakfast at the hotel in the morning, 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 arrival, we begin our enjoyable tour covering Hongya Cave & Ciqikou Ancient Town & Liziba Light Rail Station (the wonder of a train passing through a building). First, we visit Ciqikou Ancient Town (Ciqikou Antik Kasabası), one of the important sites in Chongqing that has preserved its historical texture to the present day. This traditional district, with a history of approximately one thousand years, brings the atmosphere of old China to life with its stone-paved streets, historic structures, traditional tea houses, local shops, and regional flavors. Once an important trade center, Ciqikou is one of the ideal places to closely experience Chongqing's traditional lifestyle. Afterwards, we visit Liziba Light Rail Station, one of Chongqing's most fascinating engineering wonders. At this world-famous spot, we will witness the light rail train passing through an apartment building.

CHONGQING – FENGHUANG After breakfast at the hotel in the morning, we complete the check-out procedures and transfer to the train station. We depart from Chongqing to Fenghuang Ancient Town by high-speed train. Following our pleasant train journey, we begin our discovery with the Fenghuang Ancient Town & Tuojiang River Boat Tour & Thousand-Year-Old Wooden Houses & Journey Through Time in Traditional Chinese Culture tour, one of China's most captivating historical settlements. Upon arrival, we first explore the traditional Diaojiaolou (stilt 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 region's Tujia and Miao cultures. Then, walking through the historic streets, we have the opportunity to closely experience the traditional shops, local handicrafts, and Fenghuang's distinctive cultural texture.

FENGHUANG – ZHANGJIAJIE After having breakfast at the hotel in the morning, we complete the check-out procedures and transfer to the train station. We travel from Fenghuang to Zhangjiajie by high-speed train. Following our pleasant train journey, we arrive in Zhangjiajie and set off to explore Tianmen Mountain (Heaven's Gate Mountain), Tianmen Cave, and the Glass Bridge, one of the most impressive natural wonders of China. We ascend towards the summit by the Tianmen Mountain Cable Car, considered one of the longest cable car lines in the world. Throughout the journey, we have the opportunity to enjoy panoramic views of Zhangjiajie's unique mountain landscapes, deep valleys, and majestic peaks rising among the clouds. Upon reaching the summit, we take a walk amid the striking scenery shaped by thousands of years of natural formation. We visit Tianmen Cave, one of the most important highlights of our tour. Known as the "Heaven's Gate," this extraordinary natural formation, with its massive opening inside the mountain and impressive appearance, is regarded as one of the most unusual natural wonders in the world.

ZHANGJIAJIE After breakfast at the hotel in the morning, we set off for our captivating tour covering the Avatar Mountains Discovery Zhangjiajie National Park & Wulingyuan Natural Area & Bailong Elevator & Yuanjiajie & Tianzi Mountain regions, one of China's most impressive natural heritages. First, we enter the Wulingyuan Natural Area, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Famous for its thousands of years of geological formations, majestic rock pillars rising through the mist, and lush green forests, this unique region is home to one of China's most impressive landscapes. As part of our tour, we will experience the Bailong Elevator (Bailong Asansörü). Considered one of the highest outdoor glass elevators in the world, this impressive structure will take us to the summit of the mountain, where we will have the opportunity to admire the magnificent rock formations surrounding us and the breathtaking views of the valley. Then, we explore the Yuanjiajie Region. In this region, which inspired the fantastical mountain landscapes in the world-famous Avatar film, we visit the unique rock pillars rising towards the sky and the impressive viewpoints.

ZHANGJIAJIE – SHANGHAI After breakfast, we transfer to Zhangjiajie Airport and depart for Shanghai on a domestic flight operated by local airlines. Upon arrival in Shanghai, one of China's most modern and cosmopolitan cities, we set off for our Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town & Silk Factory & AP Plaza Shopping Tour programme. Our first stop will be the Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town, one of Shanghai's most enchanting and best-preserved historical settlements. With around 1,700 years of history, this unique settlement, with its canals, stone bridges and traditional architecture, is known as the "Venice of Shanghai." The historic buildings lined along the narrow stone streets, traditional houses decorated with wooden carvings and waterside tea houses make visitors feel as if they are travelling back in time. The traditional boats gliding along the town's quiet canals, the streets adorned with red lanterns and the unchanged atmosphere of centuries transform Zhujiajiao into a world entirely different from Shanghai's modern skyline.

SHANGHAI - ISTANBUL After breakfast, we complete our check-out procedures at the hotel and begin our city tour covering Yu Garden & Jade Buddha Temple & Nanjing Road & The Bund, among the most iconic landmarks of Shanghai. Our first stop is Yu Garden, one of the finest examples of traditional Chinese garden art. Built during the Ming Dynasty, this enchanting garden offers visitors a tranquil atmosphere with its elegant pavilions, stone bridges, ponds and carefully arranged landscaping. We enjoy a pleasant time in this unique spot, where we will get up close to China's classic garden architecture. Next, we visit the Jade Buddha Temple, one of Shanghai's most important religious structures. Named after the precious Buddha statues carved from a single piece of jade brought from Myanmar, this temple is considered one of the city's most significant Buddhist centres of worship. We will have the chance to discover the temple's striking architecture and spiritual ambience. Continuing our tour, we head to Nanjing Road, Shanghai's most famous shopping and lifestyle street.