13 Days Capitals of Ancient and Modern China

Arrive in Beijing, a city where centuries of imperial history coexist with bold modern energy. You will be met by your local English-speaking guide and transferred to your hotel.

If rooms are not immediately available, begin exploring the city through its atmospheric hutongs. These historic alleyways offer a fascinating insight into traditional courtyard living, local community life, and Beijing’s living heritage. Wander past hidden courtyards, bustling street food stalls, and everyday scenes rarely seen by visitors.

This evening, enjoy your first authentic Chinese dinner at a popular local restaurant, a perfect introduction to Beijing’s rich culinary culture.

Start the morning like a local, watching residents practise tai chi in neighbourhood parks.

Visit vast Tian’anmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world and a focal point of modern Chinese history. Continue into the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s best-preserved imperial palace complex. Wander through grand halls and courtyards that once housed emperors, concubines, and court officials for over five centuries.

After lunch, explore the Temple of Heaven, where Ming and Qing emperors once prayed for good harvests. The elegant Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests remains one of Beijing’s most iconic landmarks.

Return to the hotel with the remainder of the day at leisure.

Today is a highlight of the journey as you visit the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Set among rolling mountains, this beautifully restored stretch offers breathtaking scenery in every season. Walk along the ancient ramparts and absorb the sheer scale of one of humanity’s greatest engineering achievements.

After lunch, enjoy a relaxed afternoon at the Summer Palace. Built around Kunming Lake, this vast imperial garden showcases classical Chinese landscape design, ornate pavilions, and shaded walkways once enjoyed by the royal court.

In the evening, indulge in a celebratory Peking duck dinner, one of China’s most famous dishes.

Travel by high-speed train to Luoyang, one of China’s Four Great Ancient Capitals. Thirteen dynasties once ruled from here, leaving a remarkable legacy of history and culture.

After lunch, visit the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring thousands of Buddhist statues carved into limestone cliffs along the Yi River. These masterpieces reflect centuries of artistic devotion and spiritual belief.

Check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Journey to the legendary Shaolin Temple, birthplace of Chan (Zen) Buddhism and Chinese martial arts. Watch an impressive kung fu performance by Shaolin monks, showcasing strength, discipline, and philosophy in motion.

Later, visit the White Horse Temple, widely regarded as the first Buddhist temple in China. Its tranquil courtyards and historic halls mark the beginning of Buddhism’s journey across the country.

In the evening, explore Luoyang’s Old City, where lantern-lit streets, local snacks, and traditional crafts bring the past vividly to life.

Travel by high-speed train to Xi’an, the eastern gateway of the ancient Silk Road.

This afternoon, walk or cycle along Xi’an’s remarkably preserved Ancient City Wall, one of the largest and most complete city walls in the world.

In the evening, take part in a hands-on dumpling-making experience guided by a local chef. Learn the techniques behind this beloved regional speciality before enjoying the results for dinner.

Begin early to visit the UNESCO-listed Terracotta Warriors, one of the most extraordinary archaeological discoveries of all time. Stand face to face with thousands of life-sized soldiers, each uniquely crafted to guard the tomb of China’s first emperor.

Enjoy lunch featuring Xi’an’s famous Biang Biang noodles, known for their bold flavours and theatrical preparation.

Later, wander through the lively Muslim Quarter, where the scent of spices, sizzling skewers, and freshly baked bread fills the air. This vibrant area offers a fascinating blend of cultures and flavours.

Travel by high-speed train to Chongqing, a dramatic riverside city known for its layered skyline, wartime history, and bold cuisine.

In the evening, stroll across Qiansimen Bridge for spectacular night views of Hongya Cave. Built into the hillside, its glowing stilted architecture has become one of China’s most photographed cityscapes.

Dinner is at a local restaurant.

Witness Chongqing’s unique urban design at Liziba Station, where a monorail passes directly through a residential building.

Visit Kuixinglou, a mind-bending rooftop plaza that perfectly illustrates the city’s nickname, the ‘Mountain City’. Continue to the Huangjuewan Overpass, one of the most complex road systems in the world.

Later, enjoy panoramic views from Eling Peak before sitting down to a traditional Chongqing hotpot dinner, a fiery, social dining experience at the heart of local culture.

Fly to Shanghai, China’s most cosmopolitan city.

If time allows, walk along the historic Bund, lined with grand colonial-era buildings, before exploring the tree-lined streets of the former French Concession. Here, elegant villas and quiet parks reveal a softer, more nostalgic side of the city.

Explore the exquisite Yuyuan Garden, a masterpiece of classical Chinese garden design. Nearby, sample local snacks such as xiaolongbao in the lively bazaar.

Visit the Jade Buddha Temple, home to two exquisite jade statues and a vibrant centre of worship. If visiting at the weekend, stop by the Marriage Market for a unique glimpse into modern Chinese family life.

Travel to Zhujiajiao, an ancient water town criss-crossed by canals and stone bridges. Wander along narrow lanes, explore quiet courtyards, and observe daily life unfolding by the water’s edge. Optional gondola rides offer a peaceful perspective from the canals.

Return to Shanghai for a final farewell dinner, celebrating the flavours and memories of your journey through China.

Transfer to the airport for your onward journey home, bringing this unforgettable exploration of ancient and modern China to a close.

Throughout the journey, you will stay in carefully selected 4-star hotels, chosen for their comfort, location, and reliable service. Properties are centrally located to minimise travel time and maximise exploration, offering a welcome retreat after full days of discovery.