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

ISTANBUL - BEIJING 

We meet with our valued guests at the International Departures Terminal of Istanbul Airport approximately 3 hours before the flight time. (1 calendar day before the departure flight date). 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 overnight accommodation will be on the plane. Upon arrival in Beijing, after completing our passport and baggage procedures, we meet our private vehicle waiting for us at the airport and begin exploring this impressive city of Beijing, which offers thousands of years of history and modern architecture side by side. During our panoramic city tour of Beijing, we first see the Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple) from the outside, considered one of the most important centers of Tibetan Buddhism and notable for its magnificent architecture. This splendid structure, surviving from the Qing Dynasty to the present day, is regarded as 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 from the Yuan Dynasty to the present day. One of the significant symbols of Beijing’s skyline, this historic structure fascinates visitors with its impressive 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 attracted the world’s attention, are among the most important symbols reflecting Beijing’s contemporary face. During our tour, we will closely experience Beijing’s unique atmosphere, accompanied by the city’s broad boulevards, traditional neighborhoods, and impressive city views. After this special day, on which we will have our first encounter with China’s ancient culture, an unforgettable Chinese adventure awaits us! At the end of the day, we have dinner at a local restaurant and then transfer 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. On our full-day tour covering the Forbidden City, the 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 expansive 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, where Chinese emperors lived and ruled for centuries. One of the largest palace complexes in the world, this unique structure takes visitors back in time with its grand palaces, spacious 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 the Pearl Factory, where we will learn more about traditional Chinese arts and culture. Here, we will have the opportunity to closely observe the formation and processing of freshwater pearls and their transformation into elegant jewelry. Afterwards, we visit the Temple of Heaven, one of Beijing’s most important religious and cultural structures. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this impressive complex was used during the Ming and Qing dynasties as a sacred area where emperors prayed for bountiful harvests. With its flawless architecture, expansive gardens, and historic atmosphere, it is one of Beijing’s most impressive landmarks. 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 set off for our Great Wall of China & 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 spanning approximately 21,000 kilometers, the Great Wall of China was built and strengthened by different dynasties over the centuries. During our visit to this unique structure stretching between mountains and valleys, we will closely experience the grandeur of Chinese civilization and its strategic importance throughout history. Afterwards, we will visit the Jade Factory, where we will learn more about China’s thousands-of-years-old jade-processing tradition. Here, we will have the opportunity to examine valuable jade works and watch skilled artisans apply traditional carving techniques. We will then make a special visit where we will learn about the deep-rooted history of traditional Chinese medicine. Here, while gaining information about China’s centuries-old health and life philosophies, we will have the opportunity to relieve the fatigue of the day with a traditional foot massage experience. Following our program, we transfer to the train station and depart by high-speed train for the city of Xi’an, one of China’s ancient capitals. Upon arrival, we have dinner at a local restaurant and then transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

XI’AN

After breakfast, we begin our pleasant journey to Xi’an, covering the Terracotta Army & Clay Factory & Xi’an City Walls (City Wall) & Muslim Quarter (Muslim Quarter), which are among the most important heritage sites in Chinese history. Upon arrival, 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 China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. This magnificent underground army, consisting of thousands of soldiers, horses and chariots that remained hidden beneath the earth 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 gain an insight into the traditional handicrafts of the region. Here, while learning about the production techniques of the Terracotta soldiers, we will have the opportunity to discover the intricacies of traditional Chinese ceramic art. We then visit the City Walls, one of Xi’an’s most important landmarks. Dating back to the Ming Dynasty, this magnificent structure is considered one of the best-preserved city 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 then transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

XI’AN – CHONGQING

In the morning, after breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to the train station. We depart from Xi’an to 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 Chongqing’s important historical sites that has preserved its character to the present day. This traditional area, with a history of approximately one thousand years, preserves the atmosphere of old China with its cobblestone streets, historic buildings, traditional tea houses, local shops and regional delicacies. Once an important commercial center, Ciqikou is one of the ideal places to get to know Chongqing’s traditional lifestyle up close. We then visit Liziba Light Rail Station, one of Chongqing’s most fascinating engineering marvels. At this world-famous site, 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 sites. Located in the area where the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers meet, Hongya Cave stands out with its traditional Bayu-style wooden structures built in layers along the mountainside and takes on a mesmerizing appearance, especially in the evening with its illuminations. Traditional Chinese architecture, the river views and Chongqing’s modern city skyline 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 to 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 stretching along the river. Rising in harmony with the mountains and water, these unique structures are among the most significant architectural examples of the Tujia and Miao cultures of the region. We then walk through the historic streets, discovering traditional shops, local handicrafts, and Fenghuang’s distinctive cultural fabric up close. One of China’s best-preserved historic towns, Fenghuang Ancient Town offers visitors a fascinating atmosphere extending from the past to the present with its traditional wooden houses, narrow cobblestone streets, historic bridges, and unique views along the Tuojiang River. In the evening, we take the Tuojiang River Boat Tour, one of Fenghuang’s most special experiences. Accompanied by the captivating reflections forming on the river as the historic wooden houses and ancient bridges are illuminated, we discover Fenghuang’s fairytale-like nighttime atmosphere. The streets decorated with red lanterns, traditional buildings along the riverbank, and the ancient town 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.

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 off to explore Tianmen Mountain (Heaven’s Gate Mountain) & Tianmen Cave & Glass Bridge, one of China’s most impressive natural wonders. We ascend toward 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 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 inside the mountain and impressive appearance. With its mystical atmosphere and magnificent scenery, Tianmen Cave is one of Zhangjiajie’s most unforgettable sites. 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 depart for our fascinating tour covering the Zhangjiajie  National Park & Wulingyuan Scenic Area & Bailong Elevator & Yuanjiajie & Tianzi Mountain regions, exploring the Avatar Mountains, one of China’s most impressive natural heritages. First, we enter the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, which is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Famous for its thousands-of-years-old geological formations, magnificent 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. Considered one of the world’s highest outdoor glass elevators, this impressive structure offers us the opportunity to watch the magnificent rock formations surrounding us and the breathtaking views of the valley as we ascend to the summit of the mountain. Afterwards, we explore the Yuanjiajie Region. In this area, which inspired the fantastic mountain landscapes in the world-famous Avatar film, we visit unique rock pillars rising toward the sky and impressive viewpoints. Hallelujah Mountain, one of the region’s most iconic points, offers unforgettable photo opportunities with its unique appearance. Later in the day, we proceed to the 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. Historic buildings lining its narrow stone streets, traditional houses decorated with wood carvings, and teahouses along the water offer visitors a feeling of traveling through time. 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 firsthand about the production process of silk, one of China’s most valuable cultural heritages. Here, we will discover the story of how the journey that begins with the silkworm’s cocoon transforms 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 explore 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 - ISTANBUL 

After breakfast, we complete our check-out procedures and begin our city tour covering some of Shanghai’s most important landmarks: YU Garden & Jade Buddha Temple & Nanjing Road & The Bund. 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 carefully landscaped grounds. We enjoy spending time in this unique setting, where we will gain a closer appreciation of classical Chinese garden architecture. We then visit the Jade Buddha Temple, one of Shanghai’s most important religious sites. Named after its valuable Buddha statues brought from Myanmar and carved from single pieces of jade, the temple is considered one of the city’s most important Buddhist places 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. In this area, one of the liveliest parts of the city with its modern shops, historic buildings, and vibrant atmosphere, we enjoy some free time. 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 across the river brings together Shanghai’s past and future. During our walk here, we will have the opportunity to photograph the city’s unique skyline. At the transfer time announced by our guide after the tour, we transfer to Shanghai Airport in our private vehicle waiting for us. We depart for Istanbul on a scheduled Turkish Airlines flight. Arrival at Istanbul Airport at the local time and the end of our tour.