Itinerary Details

Itinerary Quick Look

We’re happy to tailor this 16-day private tour to match your interests. Please note that the time frame is for reference only and may vary due to traffic conditions on the day of your tour.

Day 1: Arrive in Beijing

Ease into your journey upon arrival—your guide and driver will be there to warmly welcome you and escort you to your hotel.

Day 2: Beijing | Mutianyu Great Wall-Summer Palace

The Great Wall at Mutianyu is renowned for its numerous watchtowers and offers a less crowded experience compared to other sections. For added convenience, a cable car is available to take visitors to the top.

The Summer Palace, once the favored retreat of the imperial family, boasts stunning pavilions and theaters set within a picturesque lakeside landscape. It remains a visual delight and a serene spot for a leisurely stroll—though it can get lively on weekends when local families gather for picnics.

Day 3: Beijing | Tiananmen Square-Forbidden City-Hutong Tour

Beijing stands as the ultimate hub of Chinese art patronage. Tiananmen Square features two grand gates adorned with intricate Ming Dynasty designs, a theme that flows seamlessly into the Forbidden City. Rich in symbolism, the art within the former palace deeply reflects Chinese culture and traditions. Your guide will ensure you gain a deeper appreciation of this captivating heritage.

A Hutong Tour offers a glimpse into a rapidly transforming world, with narrow alleyways shaded by ancient trees that lead to traditional courtyard homes, preserving a sense of old Beijing.

Day 4: Beijing | Temple of Heaven-Train to Jinan

The Temple of Heaven is an awe-inspiring complex featuring distinctive circular structures, historically used by emperors of every dynasty for annual sacrificial ceremonies to honor the heavens. The surrounding park, filled with ancient pine trees, enhances the site's tranquil and mystical ambiance.

In the afternoon, you'll board a train to Jinan, where a local guide will warmly welcome you upon arrival.

Day 5: Drive to Taian-Mount Tai-Dai Temple-Drive to Qufu

This morning, your private car will take you to Mount Tai, revered as the foremost of the sacred Buddhist mountains. Its stone steps wind through grand gates, leading to temples and shrines. Once believed to be the gateway to heaven, it served as a site for imperial rituals and sacrifices. A cable car ride to Nantianmen offers a breathtaking bird's-eye view of the mountain.

At the base of Mount Tai lies Dai Temple, dedicated to the God of the Mountain. Modeled on a smaller scale after the Forbidden City in Beijing, it reflects the grandeur of imperial architecture. After exploring, your journey will continue to Qufu.

Day 6: Qufu | Confucius Temple-Confucius Mansion-Confucius family graveyard-Return to Jinan

Qufu, the birthplace of Confucius, is home to the renowned Three Confucian Sites. The Confucius Temple, originally his residence, was transformed into a temple shortly after his passing. The Confucius Mansion, built for his direct descendants, reflects the family's prominence, with imperial princesses as wives and the largest private estate in China during their time. The Confucius Family Graveyard, with a history spanning 2,300 years, includes the grave of Confucius and those of his relatives.

In the afternoon, you will journey back to Jinan, enjoying the comfort of your private vehicle.

Day 7: Jinan | Daming Lake-Baotu Spring Park-Train to Zhengzhou

Daming Lake, celebrated in poetry for over 1,500 years, remains a picturesque spot ideal for a leisurely walk. Baotu Spring Park, centered around the springs that keep the lake's waters crystal clear throughout the year, features elegant pavilions and blooming trees, offering a refreshing ambiance for visitors.

After dinner, you'll board a train to Zhengzhou. Upon your late arrival, you'll be greeted at the station and escorted directly to your hotel.

Day 8: Drive to Anyang-Yin Xu Museum

Anyang, the final Bronze Age capital of the enigmatic Shang Dynasty—also known as the Yin Dynasty—is steeped in history. The Yin Xu Museum showcases remarkable discoveries from archaeological excavations, including the fascinating oracle bones that provide insights into the cultural and religious practices of that era.

Day 9: Drive to Dengfeng-Shaolin Temple-Pagoda Forest

Shaolin Temple, shrouded in legend and mystery for centuries, is renowned as the birthplace of martial arts. On the temple grounds, monks demonstrate their exceptional skills in captivating performances at a small theater. Nearby, the Pagoda Forest serves as a sacred memorial site, with each pagoda honoring a distinguished Shaolin master.

Day 10: Dengfeng | One day Kungfu Training

This day is devoted to learning the fundamental techniques of Kung Fu at the Shaolin Temple.

Day 11: Drive to Luoyang-Longmen Grottoes-White Horse Temple-Guanlin Wholesale Market

The Longmen Grottoes, carved into the limestone cliffs along the Yi River, form an extraordinary open-air art gallery set in stunning natural beauty. The statues' styles evolve across the centuries, culminating in the graceful carvings of the Tang Dynasty.

White Horse Temple, regarded as the birthplace of Chinese Buddhism, boasts a history spanning over 2,000 years, though the structures are primarily from the Ming Dynasty. On the return journey, the Guanlin Wholesale Market offers a fascinating glimpse into authentic rural life, where locals gather to buy their goods.

Day 12: Train to Xi'an-Xian City Wall-Muslim Quarter (Great Mosque+food tour)

The Xi'an City Wall offers a remarkable vantage point to view the ancient part of the city. You can ride a bike around the entire 14-kilometer circuit, or opt for a rickshaw ride. If it rains, visiting the Bell Tower is a great alternative.

Day 13: Xi'an | Terracotta Army-Big Wild Goose Pagoda

The Terracotta Warriors and Horses are one of the most breathtaking archaeological discoveries ever made in one place. Beyond their cultural significance in understanding warfare, they represent an artistic feat, blending mass production techniques with intricate, individualized details for each soldier. In short, they are truly a marvel.

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda, constructed in the 7th century to house Buddhist relics, remains an elegant and impressive structure, despite centuries of wear from countless visitors and pilgrims.

Day 14: Flight to Shanghai-Nanjing Road-The Bund

Your morning flight will take you to Shanghai, where you'll explore two of its most iconic streets: Nanjing Road, a shopper's paradise lined with luxurious stores, and the Bund, a refined promenade that doubles as an architectural showcase. Be sure to stay in the area until evening, as it is especially enchanting after dark.

Day 15: Shanghai | Yu Garden-Jade Buddha Temple-Shanghai Tower

Yu Garden is a splendid example of Ming Dynasty architecture, originally built by an official after his retirement, only to be lost in a card game by his son. The Jade Buddha Temple, named for its two priceless white jade statues adorned with precious stones, is a remarkable sight.

Day 16: Depart Shanghai

Your guide will meet you at the agreed time. If your flight departs later in the day, simply inform your travel advisor, and we will adjust your plans accordingly. We hope you’ve had a wonderful experience with Leo’s Private Tours, where the focus is on “Discovering Your Way!”