The Great Wall to Garden Cities
Active pace with longer touring days. Expect intermittent walking at a moderate pace for 2–3 hours over a variety of terrain, including cobblestones, hills and uneven pavements. Must be able to negotiate stairs of varying heights, sometimes without handrails. Can tolerate periods of standing during guided tours and be able to climb in/out of various modes of transportation. Some days may include 5–7 km of walking over the course of the day.
We fly to Beijing via Vancouver.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and take some time to relax. This evening, we’ll gather for dinner, celebrating the start of our adventure together
Begin your journey with a visit to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, exploring centuries of imperial history. Later, stroll the serene gardens of the Summer Palace, then savour a traditional Peking Duck Welcome Dinner to end your first full day in China.
Drive to the Great Wall at Mutianyu, a striking section that winds dramatically over the surrounding hills, offering breathtaking views and an unforgettable glimpse into China’s ancient past. In the afternoon, visit Beijing’s Temple of Heaven, home to the grand Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and a gathering place for locals practicing Tai Chi and Shuttlecock Kicking.
This morning, enjoy an authentic Hutong tour, exploring Beijing’s ancient alleyways by pedicab. Visit a local family’s home, glimpse traditional courtyard life, and experience the charm of old Beijing. After lunch with a local family, transfer to the airport for your flight to Xi’an, then continue to your hotel.
This morning, visit the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors, an extraordinary army built to guard Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb. Learn about their fascinating history and exquisite craftsmanship. In the afternoon, visit Xi’an’s iconic Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a treasured Tang Dynasty landmark and enduring symbol of Buddhist culture.
Fly to Nanjing. Later, visit Niushou Mountain, a serene spiritual site featuring stunning views and rich Buddhist heritage. We then visit the impressive Foding Palace.
We begin the day with a visit to the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, an iconic Ming Dynasty tomb, then head to Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, dedicated to the father of modern China, offering panoramic city views. In the afternoon, explore Confucius Temple and admire the grand Dacheng Hall, ending the day with a Qinhuai River night cruise under the city lights.
This morning, journey to Wuxi, a city of sparkling lakes and natural beauty. Stroll Yuantouzhu Park and cruise to the famous Three Immortals Island. In the afternoon, marvel at the towering Lingshan Grand Buddha and enjoy a performance at the Brahma palace, a unique cultural show that brings the spiritual essence of the area to life.
Explore Zhouzhuang Water Town, China’s oldest and most famous water township. Stroll along its scenic canals, cross 14 historic stone bridges, and admire beautifully preserved Ming and Qing-era buildings, where traditional life and timeless architecture create an enchanting, storybook atmosphere. Continue to Suzhou and check in to your hotel.
Start the day with a visit to the exquisite Master of Nets Garden, celebrated for its artistry and design. Cruise the historic Grand Canal and stroll Pingjiang Road in the Old Town. Continue to Tiger Hill, home to the iconic,1,000-year-old Cloud Rock Leaning Pagoda (China’s answer to The Leaning Tower of Pisa).
After breakfast, we depart for Hangzhou. In the afternoon, visit the Hu Qing Yu Tang Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum, where you can admire Chinese medicine treasures and the museum’s unique, historic architecture.
Begin the day with a stroll around West Lake and a private sampan boat ride. Visit Lingyin Temple, one of the ten most renowned Buddhist temples in China, then explore a nearby tea plantation, experiencing Hangzhou’s renowned green tea culture.
Today, we explore the 400-year-old Yu Garden, built by Pan Yunduan as a serene retreat where his parents could relax, find joy, and enjoy peaceful moments in their later years. Then wander the Old Town and the lively Cheng Huang Miao area.
We embark on a guided walking tour of the Hongkou Jewish Quarter, visiting the Ohel Rachel Synagogue, the Peace Hotel, and the Old Ghetto Allies. In the afternoon, explore the heart of Lujiazui Financial Zone and admire the Shanghai Tower. Tonight, we celebrate with our Farewell Dinner
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (120 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
