Comfort China Treasures & Avatar Mountains and Magical Pandora World with Turkish Airlines, 9 Nights PEK-PVG - May 13

ISTANBUL - BEIJING 

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

BEIJING 

Following our arrival in Beijing, we complete our passport and baggage procedures and meet our private vehicle waiting for us at the airport, then begin exploring this impressive city of Beijing, which offers thousands of years of history and modern architecture side by side. First, we 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 important passes of the Great Wall of China. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forming an important part of the massive defensive system stretching approximately 21,000 kilometers, the Great Wall of China was built and reinforced by different dynasties over the centuries. During our visit along this unique structure extending between mountains and valleys, we will closely experience the grandeur of Chinese civilization and its strategic importance throughout history. Afterwards, we visit the Jade Factory, where we will become closely acquainted with China's thousands-year-old jade-processing tradition. Here, we can examine valuable jade artifacts and have the opportunity to watch skilled craftsmen applying traditional carving techniques. We then make a special visit where we will learn about the deep-rooted history of traditional Chinese medicine. While learning about China's health and life philosophies practiced for centuries, we will have the opportunity to relieve the fatigue of the day with a traditional foot massage experience. Afterwards, during our panoramic city tour of Beijing, we first view the Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple) from the outside, regarded as one of the most important centers of Tibetan Buddhism and notable for its magnificent architecture. This splendid structure, dating back to the Qing Dynasty, is considered one of the most impressive examples of traditional Chinese architecture. We then head to the White Stupa Temple (Miaoying Temple), one of the important religious structures dating back to the Yuan Dynasty. One of the significant landmarks of Beijing's skyline, this historic structure fascinates visitors with its striking white tower and elegant architecture. Throughout our city tour, while witnessing Beijing's story extending from the past to the present, we will also see panoramically the Bird's Nest Stadium (Bird's Nest) and the Water Cube (Water Cube), symbols of modern China built for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. These architectural masterpieces, which have drawn the world's attention, are among the most important landmarks reflecting Beijing's contemporary face. During our tour, we will closely experience Beijing's unique atmosphere, accompanied by the city's wide boulevards, traditional neighborhoods, and impressive city views. Following this special day on which we will have our first introduction to China's ancient culture, an unforgettable Chinese adventure awaits us! At the end of the day, we have dinner at a local restaurant and are then transferred to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

BEIJING 

After breakfast, we begin an unforgettable journey of discovery into Beijing’s thousands of years of history and cultural heritage. During our full-day tour covering the Forbidden City (Forbidden City) & the Temple of Heaven (Temple of Heaven) & Tiananmen Square, we will explore this fascinating city, where ancient Chinese culture and modern life intertwine. First, we visit Tiananmen Square, one of the most important landmarks in China and the world. Considered one of the largest squares in the world, this impressive area is the heart of modern Chinese history and has hosted many significant events. As we explore the vast square and the monumental structures surrounding it, we will have the opportunity to witness China’s recent history firsthand. We then visit the magnificent Forbidden City (Forbidden City), where Chinese emperors lived and ruled for centuries. One of the largest palace complexes in the world, this unique structure takes visitors almost back in time with its magnificent palaces, expansive courtyards, and impressive architecture. Bearing traces of China’s rich imperial history in every corner, the Forbidden City is one of Beijing’s most important cultural heritage sites. We continue our tour with a visit to a Pearl Factory, where we will learn more about traditional Chinese handicrafts and culture. Here, we will have the opportunity to closely observe the formation process of freshwater pearls, their processing, and the stages through which they are transformed into elegant jewelry. Afterwards, we visit the Temple of Heaven (Temple of Heaven), one of Beijing’s most important religious and cultural sites. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this impressive complex was used as a sacred area where emperors prayed for bountiful harvests during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. With its flawless architecture, expansive gardens, and historical atmosphere, it is one of Beijing’s most impressive structures. At the end of the day, we have dinner at a local restaurant and then transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

BEIJING – XI’AN

After breakfast, we complete our check-out procedures at the hotel and begin our pleasant journey to Xi’an, covering the Terracotta Army & Clay Factory & Xi’an City Walls (City Wall) & Muslim Quarter points, one of the most important legacies of Chinese history, upon our arrival. After arriving, we visit the Terracotta Army, one of the most important archaeological discoveries in Chinese history. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and regarded as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” this unique site was built to protect the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China. This magnificent underground army, consisting of thousands of soldiers, horses, and war chariots that remained hidden underground for approximately 2,200 years, reveals the military power and artistic mastery of ancient China. Following our visit to the Terracotta Army, we visit the Clay Factory, where we will become closely acquainted with the region’s traditional handicrafts. Here, while learning about the techniques used to make the Terracotta soldiers, we will have the opportunity to discover the intricacies of traditional Chinese ceramic art. Afterwards, we visit the City Walls (City Wall), one of Xi’an’s most important landmarks. Dating back to the Ming Dynasty, this magnificent structure is considered one of the best-preserved urban defense systems in the world. During our walk along the walls, we will have the opportunity to see the impressive views of historic Xi’an and the modern city together. Later in the day, we explore the Muslim Quarter, one of the areas that best reflects Xi’an’s cultural fabric. Famous for its traditional architecture, colorful streets, local delicacies, and lively atmosphere, this area carries the traces of 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 are then transferred to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

XI’AN – CHONGQING

After breakfast at the hotel in the morning, we transfer to the train station. We depart from Xi’an for Chongqing by high-speed train. Following 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 marvel of a train passing through a building). First, we visit Ciqikou Ancient Town, one of the important areas of Chongqing that has preserved its historical character to the present day. With a history of approximately one thousand years, this traditional area keeps the atmosphere of old China alive with its stone-paved streets, historical buildings, traditional tea houses, local shops, and regional delicacies. Once an important trade center, Ciqikou is one of the ideal places to become closely acquainted with Chongqing’s traditional way of life. We then visit Liziba Light Rail Station, one of Chongqing’s most fascinating engineering marvels. At this world-famous location, we will witness a light rail train passing through an apartment building. This unique transportation system, one of the most striking examples of creative urban planning adapted to Chongqing’s mountainous geography, offers visitors unforgettable photo opportunities. Later in the day, we visit Hongya Cave, one of Chongqing’s most iconic landmarks. Located in the area where the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers meet, Hongya Cave draws attention with its traditional Bayu-style wooden structures built in layers along the mountainside and takes on a fascinating appearance, especially in the evening with its illuminations. The traditional Chinese architecture, river views, and modern city skyline of Chongqing come together to offer 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.

CHONGQING – FENGHUANG

After having breakfast at the hotel in the morning, we complete our check-out procedures and transfer to the train station. We depart from Chongqing for Fenghuang Ancient Town by high-speed train. Following our pleasant train journey, we begin our exploration with the Fenghuang Ancient Town & Tuojiang River Boat Tour & Thousand-Year-Old Wooden Houses & Journey Through Time with Traditional Chinese Culture tour, one of China’s most fascinating historical settlements. Upon arrival, we first explore the traditional Diaojiaolou (stilted wooden houses) area extending along the river. Rising in harmony with the mountains and water, these unique structures are among the most important architectural examples of the region’s Tujia and Miao cultures. We then take a walk through the historic streets, where we have the opportunity to closely discover the traditional shops, local handicrafts, and Fenghuang’s distinctive cultural character. One of the best-preserved historic towns in China, Fenghuang Ancient Town offers visitors a fascinating atmosphere stretching from the past to the present with its traditional wooden houses, narrow stone-paved streets, historic bridges, and unique views along the Tuojiang River. In the evening, we enjoy one of Fenghuang’s most special experiences, the Tuojiang River Boat Tour. Accompanied by enchanting reflections on the river created by the illumination of the historic wooden houses and ancient bridges, we discover Fenghuang’s fairytale-like nighttime atmosphere. The streets decorated with red lanterns, traditional structures along the riverbank, and the view of the ancient town sparkling 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.

FENGHUANG – ZHANGJIAJIE

After having breakfast at the hotel in the morning, we complete our check-out procedures and transfer to the train station. We depart from Fenghuang to Zhangjiajie by high-speed train. Following our pleasant train journey, we arrive in Zhangjiajie and set out to explore Tianmen Mountain (Heaven’s Gate Mountain) & Tianmen Cave & the Glass Bridge, one of China’s most impressive natural wonders. We ascend toward the summit by the Tianmen Mountain Cableway, 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 scenery, deep valleys, and majestic peaks rising among the clouds. Upon reaching the summit, we take a walk accompanied by impressive views shaped by thousands of years of natural formations. We visit Tianmen Cave, one of the highlights of our tour. Known as the “Gate of Heaven,” this unique natural formation is considered one of the world’s most extraordinary natural wonders, with its enormous opening located within the mountain and its striking appearance. With its mystical atmosphere and magnificent scenery, Tianmen Cave is one of Zhangjiajie’s most unforgettable attractions. For guests who wish, an experience on the Glass Bridge, built along the mountainside, is also available. By walking on the transparent glass floor, you can enjoy unique views of the mountains and valleys from hundreds of meters above the ground. After our excursion amid magnificent natural scenery, we have dinner at a local restaurant and then transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

ZHANGJIAJIE

After breakfast at the hotel in the morning, we set off for our fascinating tour of the Avatar Mountains Exploration, covering 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 listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Famous for its thousands-of-years-old 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 Elevator). While ascending to the summit of the mountain in this impressive structure, regarded as one of the world’s highest outdoor glass elevators, 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 area, which inspired the fantastical mountain landscapes in the world-famous Avatar film, we visit the unique rock pillars rising toward the sky and impressive viewpoints. Hallelujah Mountain, one of the region’s most iconic sites, offers unforgettable photo opportunities with its unique appearance. Later in the day, we continue to the Tianzi Mountain (Tianzi Mountain) region. At Tianzi Mountain, famous for its peaks rising among the clouds, deep valleys, and panoramic viewpoints, we discover Zhangjiajie’s unique natural beauty. . At the end of the day, we have dinner at a local restaurant and then transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

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. Our first stop will be Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town, one of Shanghai’s most fascinating and best-preserved historic settlements. With a history of approximately 1,700 years, this unique settlement is known as the “Venice of Shanghai” due to its canals, stone bridges, and traditional architecture. The historic buildings lining its narrow stone streets, traditional houses decorated with wood carvings, and riverside teahouses offer visitors an almost time-travel-like experience. Traditional boats gliding along the town’s tranquil canals, streets adorned 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 fairytale-like town. Following our tour, we visit the Silk Factory, where we will learn more about the production process of silk, one of China’s most precious cultural heritages. Here, we will discover the story of the silkworm’s journey, beginning with its cocoon and transforming into one of the world’s most elegant fabrics in the hands of skilled artisans. We will have the opportunity to receive detailed information about this valuable craft, which 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 shop for many items, from electronics and souvenirs to leather goods and textiles. At the end of the day, we have dinner at a local restaurant and then transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

SHANGHAI

After breakfast, we complete our check-out procedures and begin our city tour covering YU Garden & Jade Buddha Temple & Nanjing Road & The Bund, among Shanghai’s most important landmarks. 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 peaceful atmosphere with its elegant pavilions, stone bridges, ponds, and meticulously arranged landscaping. We enjoy spending pleasant time in this unique setting, where we will get to know China’s classical garden architecture up close. We then 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, this temple is considered one of the city’s most important Buddhist centers of worship. We will have the opportunity to discover 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 some free time in this area, one of the liveliest parts of the city with its modern shops, historic buildings, and vibrant atmosphere. Finally, we visit The Bund, which has become a symbol of Shanghai and stretches along the banks of the Huangpu River. The impressive view formed by historic colonial-era buildings and modern skyscrapers rising on the opposite bank brings Shanghai’s past and future together. During our walk here, we will have the opportunity to photograph the city’s unique skyline. At the end of the day, we have dinner at a local restaurant and then transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

SHANGHAI - ISTANBUL

At the transfer time to be advised by our guide at midnight, we transfer to Shanghai Airport in our private vehicle waiting for us. We depart for Istanbul on Turkish Airlines’ scheduled flight. Arrival at Istanbul Airport at local time and the end of our tour.