China Essence with Suzhou & Hangzhou (No Shopping) - 10 Days

The Tian’anmen Square is the world’s largest and renowned public square where many historical events once took place.
The Forbidden City (UNESCO) is the imperial place where the emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties ruled for nearly 500 years (1420-1911). Experience the architectural splendor of the palaces, ceremonial courtyards, and private quarters.
The Temple of Heaven (UNESCO), where ancient Chinese emperors made sacrifices to Heaven and prayed for bountiful harvests, demonstrates the supreme achievement of traditional Chinese architecture.

Good to know: Usually the guide service for a full day tour is about from 9:00 to 17:00, and the evening time is on your own. If needed, your guide is happy to offer some tips or help you buy tickets for evening entertainment.

Ideas for leisure time: If you are interested in Chinese Kung Fu, the Legend of Kung Fu is a good choice for tonight. It is stunning Kung Fu show with a great story line and martial arts skills.

The Great Wall is one of the most spectacular structures ever built by humans and is the only one visible from space.
The Summer Palace (UNESCO) is the largest imperial garden in the world. Emperors of successive dynasties created a summer retreat of Chinese gardens and pavilions, around the tranquil waters of Kunming Lake.

Ideas for leisure time:

1. Enjoy the Peking Duck dinner at time-honored restaurant - Quanjude or Bianyifang. The duck is characteristic with its crispy skin, tender meat and the fragrance from the fruit-wood.

2. Watch a breathtaking acrobatic show at Chaoyang Theater or Tiandi Theater.

The Museum of Terracotta Warriors and Horses (UNESCO) is one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world. More than 6000 life-sized terra cotta warriors, archers, infantrymen, horses, and bronze chariots have silently guarded the tomb of China's First Emperor for over 2,200 years.
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a Tang Dynasty landmark, is a seven-story pagoda initially constructed in 652 AD. One of the pagoda's many functions is to hold sutras and figurines of the Buddha that were brought to China from India by the Buddhist translator and traveler - Xuanzang.

Ideas for leisure time: Enjoy a tasteful Dumpling Banquet followed by an exquisite traditional Tang Dynasty Show.

Good to know: If you have an extra day in Xi’an, you could explore the Mount Hua and get impressed of its unique natural beauty. Or to take a day trip to Luoyang by bullet train and visit the Longmen Grottoes, one of the Three Most Famous Buddhist Grottoes in China.

The Ancient City Wall is one of the oldest city walls in China and still encompasses the center of Xi'an today.

The West Lake (UNESCO) is famous for its natural beauty and historic relics and it has has influenced numerous painters, poets, and garden designers throughout Chinese history. You will take a short cruise on the picturesque West Lake.
The Six Harmonies Pagoda is a masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture. You can get a panoramic view of the Qiantang River on the very top.
The Qinghefang Historical Street has been the most flourished street in the city since the ancient time. Hangzhou’s century-old shops are all located in this area.

The Lingering Garden is known as one of the “Four Famous Classic Gardens” in China, and was listed as the World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1997. The garden was built in the year of 1593. As a classic example of the refined art of gardening in ancient China, it highlights the delicate courtyard, magnificent halls, the green mountain, clear water and luxuriant trees.
The Surging Wave Pavilion was built in 1045 AD. Being the oldest extant garden in Suzhou, it has retained its original feature of "luxuriant plants, tall mountain, and expansive waters". Its natural scenery and simple design have earned the fame of "a mountain forest in urban surroundings".
Pingjiang Road, a ancient street along the Grand Canal, is filled with snack shops, tea houses, ping-tan museums, and boutique shops.
The Master of Nets Garden (built in 1174 A.D.) is an outstanding example of the small gardens in Suzhou. The garden covers only 0.6 hectare, small in size but very elegant. It keeps the traditional appearances of the time-tested and well-known residence in Suzhou, and it features the landscape garden in combination with the living quarters. The garden was inscribed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO in 1997.
Optional night tour in the Master of Nets Garden: The Master of Nets Garden (built in 1174 A.D.) provides an atmosphere of peace and calm in the evening. Inside the small and exquisite garden, the yellowish lights and red lanterns outline the pavilions and chambers built by water, displaying the nobleness and elegance of the Chinese garden. Besides, visitors can enjoy performances such as Kunqu Opera and Suzhou Pingtan in the garden. The night garden tour is available during mid-March to mid-November.

Owing to its ingenious design in Ming and Qing dynasties, the Yu Garden becomes a real museum of Chinese ancient architecture.
The Jade Buddha Temple is famous for its two precious jade Buddha statues brought from Burma, which are not only rare cultural relics but also exquisite artworks.
The Shanghai Museum has a collection of 120,000 pieces of Chinese ancient treasures. Optional tour: Top of the Pyramid - The Exhibition of Ancient Egyptian Civilization is on display from July 19th, 2024 to August 17th, 2025.
The Bund,featured outstanding European colonial architectures, is full of new skyscrapers and historical buildings in the center of Shanghai.

Ideas for leisure time:

1. Acrobatic Shows in Shanghai are known as the best in China. You can never imagine how exciting the show is.

2. Or you could take a Huangpu River Night Cruise which is the perfect way to enjoy the gorgeous night view of Shanghai.