Headline Closed Group Comfort China’s Treasures, Pandas and Empires PEK - PVG

Istanbul - Beijing

We meet our valued guests at the International Departures Terminal of Istanbul Airport approximately 3 hours before the flight time. After completing 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

After arriving in Beijing, we complete our passport and baggage procedures, 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 alongside modern architecture. During our panoramic city tour of Beijing, we first see 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 grand 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 from the Yuan Dynasty to the present day. One of the significant symbols of Beijing’s skyline, this historic structure fascinates visitors with its striking white tower and elegant architecture. During our city tour, while witnessing Beijing’s story stretching from the past to the present, we will also see panoramic views of 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, accompanied by the city’s broad boulevards, traditional neighborhoods, and impressive urban landscapes, we will experience Beijing’s unique atmosphere up close. After this special day, when 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 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. During our full-day tour covering the Forbidden City & 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 of 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, 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 magnificent 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 heritages. We continue our tour with a visit to the Pearl Factory, where we will learn more about traditional Chinese handicrafts 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 site 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 - LUOYANG

After breakfast, we complete our check-out procedures at the hotel and depart for our tour of the Great Wall of China & Juyong Pass & Luoyi Ancient City. 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 vast 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 to this unique structure extending among the mountains and valleys, we will closely experience the grandeur of Chinese civilization and its strategic importance throughout history. We 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 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. In the evening, we depart by high-speed train for Luoyang, one of China’s ancient capitals. Upon arrival, we proceed to Luoyi Ancient City, which reflects Luoyang’s history and traditional way of life. In this enchanting area, carefully restored and revitalized, narrow streets decorated with red lanterns, wooden architectural structures, and the authentic atmosphere will virtually transport us back in time. As we walk through the lively streets of the ancient city, we will feel traditional Chinese life on the one hand and enjoy the impressive scenery created by the combination of illuminations and historic texture on the other. This special area, with a different story at every corner, is one of the places that most powerfully reflects the ancient spirit of Luoyang. At the end of the day, we have dinner at a local restaurant and then transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

 LUOYANG – ZHENGZHOU 

After breakfast, we complete our check-out procedures at the hotel and begin our unforgettable exploration program covering the Longmen Grottoes & Shaolin Temple & Shaolin Kung Fu Show & Zhengzhou route. Our first stop will be the Longmen Grottoes, one of China’s most important historical and artistic legacies. Skillfully carved into the steep cliffs along the Yi River, this unique Buddhist complex is one of the most significant works from the period between the 5th and 10th centuries, when Buddhist art reached its peak in China. The more than 100,000 Buddha statues within the complex magnificently reflect the beliefs and artistic refinement of that era. In particular, the 17-meter-high giant seated Buddha statue offers visitors a profound sense of serenity and admiration with its peaceful expression. Continuing our tour, we visit the Shaolin Temple, one of China’s most important spiritual centers. Built in 495 AD, this legendary structure is regarded not only as the birthplace of Zen Buddhism but also as the cradle of Shaolin Kung Fu. In this sacred place, where monks have trained in both spiritual and physical discipline for centuries, we will deeply experience the traces of the past among the stone courtyards and ancient structures. Following our visit, we watch the Shaolin Kung Fu Show, considered one of the most impressive performances in the world. 

This performance by traditional Shaolin masters showcases not only martial arts techniques but also the harmony of body, mind, and spirit. The acrobatic movements reflecting years of discipline offer viewers an unforgettable visual spectacle. We continue our program with a visit to a diamond factory. Here, we will have the opportunity to closely observe the processing of precious stones and modern production techniques. At the end of the day, we have dinner at a local restaurant and are then transferred to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

ZHENGZHOU - XI’AN 

After breakfast, we complete our check-out procedures at the hotel and depart for Zhengzhou Railway Station.  We begin our pleasant journey to Xi’an, covering the Terracotta Army & Clay Factory & Xi’an City Walls (City Wall) & Muslim Quarter sites, which are among the most important heritage sites in Chinese history. Upon arrival, we visit the Terracotta Army, one of the most significant 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, China’s first emperor. 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 Ceramic Workshop (Clay Factory), where we will learn more about the region’s traditional handicrafts. Here, while receiving information about the techniques used to make the Terracotta soldiers, we will have the opportunity to discover the intricacies of traditional Chinese ceramic art. We then 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 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 texture. Famous for its traditional architecture, colorful streets, local flavors, and lively atmosphere, this district carries the traces of the city’s historic Silk Road heritage into the present day.

At the end of the day, we depart for the Tang Dynasty Show with dinner. While watching our beautiful and colorful visual show, we enjoy dinner and are then transferred to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

XI’AN - CHENGDU 

After breakfast, we complete our check-out procedures and depart from the hotel for Xi’an Train Station, beginning our pleasant journey to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province and one of China’s most colorful cities. We depart for our Cute Giant Panda Conservation and Life Park & Kuanzhai Alley & Chunxi Road program. First, we visit the Giant Panda Breeding and Conservation Center, one of the most important symbols of Chengdu and even of China. This world-famous research and conservation center was established to protect and breed endangered giant pandas and ensure the continuation of their natural lives. Amid lush bamboo gardens and natural habitats, we will have the opportunity to observe these adorable creatures, considered China’s national treasure, up close. In particular, the playful moments and natural behaviors of the panda cubs will be among the most unforgettable moments of our visit. Following our visit to the Panda Center, we visit Kuanzhai Alley (Wide and Narrow Alleys), one of Chengdu’s liveliest areas. In this historic district, where traditional architecture meets modern life, we experience the authentic streets and local lifestyle up close. Later in the day, we visit Chunxi Road, one of Chengdu’s busiest shopping and lifestyle streets. In this area, where the heart of modern city life beats, we enjoy free time. At the end of the day, we have dinner at a local restaurant and then transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

CHENGDU - SHANGHAI

After breakfast, we transfer to Chengdu 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” thanks to its canals, stone bridges, and traditional architecture. Historic buildings lining its narrow stone streets, traditional houses decorated with wood carvings, and teahouses by the water offer visitors an almost time-travel-like experience. Traditional boats gliding along the town’s tranquil canals, 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 fairytale-like town. After our tour, we visit the Silk Factory, where we will learn more closely about the production process of silk, one of China’s most valuable cultural heritages. Here, we will discover the story of the journey that begins with the silkworm’s cocoon and 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 head 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 watch one of Shanghai’s most popular cultural events, the Shanghai ERA Acrobatic Show. In this impressive performance, which combines traditional Chinese acrobatics with modern stage technology, we will enjoy an unforgettable visual feast featuring breathtaking acrobatic performances, aerial dances, balancing acts, and mesmerizing light effects. This unique performance by world-renowned artists will be one of the most enjoyable memories of our Shanghai trip. After the show, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

SHANGHAI – ISTANBUL 

After breakfast, we complete our check-out procedures and depart from the hotel, beginning 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 fascinating 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 can closely experience China’s classical garden architecture. We then visit the Jade Buddha Temple, one of Shanghai’s most important religious sites. Named after the precious Buddha statues brought from Myanmar and carved from single pieces of jade, this temple is regarded as 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, which is 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 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 to be announced by our guide following the tour, 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.