UNESCO HERITAGE EAST

Day 1 : Arrival Beijing 

Kick-start this 14 day discovery of China’s rich heritage in bustling Beijing.

Upon arrival in the city, we will be welcomed by our guide and transferred to the hotel in Mutianyu to check-in at 2 pm. We then have the rest of the day at leisure to start exploring our surroundings. Beijing is a fascinating city brimming with history and heritage. It lies just south of the rim of the Central Asian Steppes and is separated from the Gobi Desert by a green chain of mountains, over which the Great Wall runs. It became the capital during the Jin Dynasty and experienced its first phase of grandiose urban planning during the Yuan Dynasty under the rule of Mongol Emperor Kublai Khan who made the city his winter capital in the late 13th century. Despite the futuristic gleaming skyscrapers and modern development, a history of 3,000 years has led to the creation of ancient attractions and the metropolis and wider area is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

A voyage of discovery awaits us in this amazing destination.

Overnight in Beijing Brickyard Mutianyu Hotel 5* at the foot of the Great Wall.

Day 2 : Beijing (B / L / D)

Stand in awe of one of the world’s most iconic sites as we stroll along a lesser visited section of the Great Wall of China.

After breakfast we walk the short distance from the hotel to the Wall and arrive before the flock of tourists arrive on tour buses, so our experienced is enhanced. This part is less-crowded than the popular Badaling area and it was built during the early Ming Dynasty. It once served as the northern barrier to defend the capital and the Imperial Tombs. It is now covered in vegetation which has improved its beauty and we take a leisurely walk along this
rampart.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we head to the Summer Palace, a building that dates back to 1888 and this was formerly used as a summer retreat and imperial park by past emperors.

Dinner is at a local restaurant. Today’s exploration of these landmark attractions provides a fascinating insight into China’s history.

Overnight in Beijing Novotel Peace Hotel 4*.

Day 3 : Beijing (B / L / -)

Take a step back in time and discover Beijing’s culturally rich landmarks.

We start our tour at the iconic Tiananmen Square. For much of China’s modern history, the area around this site has been the political epicentre for the nation.

Next, we head to the Forbidden City (Close on Monday) where Ming and Qing dynasty empires lived and ruled for centuries. We then enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. We finish our varied day of exploration taking a stroll down the pedestrianised shopping enclave of Wangfujing, with the opportunity to buy local
delicacies at the many food stalls that line this street.

Today’s tour casts the spotlight firmly on Beijing’s most prized historical and cultural treasures.

Overnight in Beijing Novotel Peace Hotel 4*.

Day 4 : Beijing - Shanghai (B / L / -)

Follow in the footsteps of revered emperors at the Temple of Heaven, ahead of boarding a high speed train to spectacular Shanghai.

After breakfast, we head to the famed temple to marvel at its grand architecture and see where Ming and Qing dynasty emperors prayed for a healthy harvest. We then enjoy lunch before transferring to the train station to board a fast track train to Shanghai.

Upon arrival, we check-in to the hotel with the rest of the day at leisure. Shanghai is a treasure chest of architectural styles, with building designs that range from the classic structures on the waterfront Bund, to more futuristic styles in the Pudong district across the Huangpu River. This area features a futuristic skyline, including the 632-metre high Shanghai Tower. As the country’s largest metropolis and financial hub, Shanghai radiates affluence with gleaming shopping centres, high-end hotels, prestigious art centres, celebrity restaurants and designer stores.

Overnight in Shanghai Central Hotel 4*.

Day 5 : Shanghai (B / L / -) 

Soak up the serenity of the city’s premier classical gardens and see how Shanghai has transformed from a village into China’s largest metropolis.

After breakfast we transfer to Yu Yuan Garden. This tranquil green space of bamboo groves, koi filled ponds and Ming Dynasty pavilions was lovingly created in the 1500s by a government officer as a retreat for his parents. The 20,000 sq-m site is home to six main areas, with each dotted with scenic spots to relax and take in the tranquil surroundings. We then take a stroll through the colourful bazaar before enjoying a tea tasting session.

After lunch, we continue to the Urban Planning Museum where we can see how Shanghai has grown from a simple fisherman’s village into the vibrant urban centre of today. We end the day on a culinary high! We join a unique food tour guided by foodie experts. They will take us to a wide variety of venues only locals know about – ranging from hawker stalls, ‘secret’ hidden gems, to family-run restaurants.

Today’s tour provides a unique opportunity to get a true taste of Shanghai’s landmark sites and culinary secrets.

Overnight in Shanghai Central Hotel 4*.

Day 6 : Shanghai - Huangshan (B / L / -)

Trade in Shanghai’s cosmopolitan skyline for dramatic mountainous backdrops as we head to Huangshan.

After breakfast we check-out and transfer to the railway station to board a high-speed train.

After arrival, we enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then drive to Mount Huangshan and take a cable car up this famed peak. This gives us the chance to marvel at incredible views of this natural heritage site and World Geo-park. The impressive panorama includes rugged granite summits, abundant pine trees and a magical sea of clouds. Dinner is at leisure and overnight is in Huangshan.

Today’s nature themed tour provides the perfect contrast to the frenetic activity of Beijing and Shanghai.

Overnight in Huangshan Xihai Hotel North Building 5*.

Day 7 : Mont Huangshan - Yixian (B / L / -)

Our exploration today provides an insight into ancient village life as we discover small communities that dot the rural landscape.

We recommend rising early to view the spectacular sunrise from Mount Huangshan. We then soak up more stunning vistas as we ride the cable car down the mountain.

We then transfer to the famous village of Hongcun. This is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and was one of the shooting locations for the Oscar-winning film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. This charming spot features Ming and Qing dynasty era courtyards and Huizhou style houses characterised by white-washed walls, and ornate carvings.

In the afternoon, we embark on a 14 km walking tour of Hongcun, Tachuan, Xieli and Mukeng villages. Along the way, we enjoy sweeping views of striking green mountains, gushing rivers, sprawling fields and rolling hills. Lunch is at a local restaurant. Dinner is at leisure, ahead of overnight in Hongcun.

Today’s tour provides a wonderful experience of authentic rural life.

Overnight in Hongcun Zhongkun International Hotel 4*.

Day 8 : Yixian - Chengkan - Tunxi (B / L / -)

Follow in the footsteps of Ming Dynasty Huizhou merchants and trek the Tongling Ancient Pathway.

In the morning we drive to Chengkan to view one of the best preserved ancient villages constructed during the Ming Dynasty era. We set off on a two-hour, 8 km hike on an ancient trade trail that passes through sprawling fields, over rolling hills and bamboo forests dotted with ancient buildings.

We stop to visit the traditional villages of Chengkan, Lingshan and Shuyuan. Along the way, we can meet farmers working the land and talented artisans who will reveal the techniques they use to craft bamboo products, folk art and handicrafts that are unique to this region.

After our trek, we drive to the old trading town of Tunxi and check-in to the hotel. Lunch is at a local restaurant. Dinner is at leisure. This historic hike combines local life with stunning scenery.

Overnight in Tunxi Baijing Holiday Hotel 4*.

Day 9 : Tunxi - Xiamen (B / L / -)

Today we board a train to the coastal city of Xiamen, a key port for centuries.

After breakfast we transfer to the train station and upon arrival in Xiamen we will be met by our guide and transferred to the hotel to check-in.

We then employ pedal power to start exploring Xiamen, which literally means ‘door to the house’ in reference to the city’s centuries-old role as a gateway to China. Our bike ride takes us along a 9 km stretch of the Golden Ring Road and along a stunning stretch of coast. This route is dotted with abundant attractions, including ancient statues, fortresses and Calligraphy Square, home to a 30,000 sq-m area of stone sculptures adorned with traditional calligraphy art. We continue to South Putuo, a Buddhist temple that sits at the foot of Wulaofeng mountain with a view that stretches out to the sea.

Lunch and dinner are at leisure. This bike tour provides the perfect introduction to the essence of Xiamen.

Overnight in Xiamen Park City Hotel.

Day 10 : Xiamen - Tulou Area (B / L / -)

Step back in time exploring the tranquil pedestrianised island of Gulangyu.

After breakfast, we board a ferry and take an eight minute journey to this UNESCO listed island off the coast of Xiamen. This destination is famed for its old-world charm, European architecture and natural beauty. We soak up the serenity of Shuzhuang Garden during a leisurely stroll and take in a view of hills, the ocean, fresh water pools and waterfalls. Also known as the Lin Family Mansion and Garden, this property is the former private home of Taiwanese businessman Lin Erjia.

After lunch, we return to the mainland and embark on a scenic three-hour drive to the tulou area. This World Heritage Site features Hakka rural dwellings on the hillside. Hakka people value family unity highly and these large round-shaped tulou houses were built so all family members could live
together.

We then continue to Yongding to check-in to our accommodation. Dinner is to your own arrangement. This fascinating excursion offers a great insight into the Xiamen area’s diverse cultural traditions.

Overnight in Yongding Hakka Earth Building Hotel 3*.

Day 11 : Tulou Area - Xiamen (B / L / -)

Explore more unique heritage sites as we delve deeper into life in a tulou community.

In the morning we drive from the hotel to the famed Hongkeng Tulou Cluster, a village with a lengthy history that stretches back to the Ming and Qing eras and this is home to over 30 tulou structures. Hakka people value family unity highly, so these large round houses were constructed so all family members could live together. Boasting a unique fortress shape, the buildings were designed to be well ventilated and resilient to wind, earthquakes and fires.

After lunch we continue to Chuxi Tulou Cluster, a site that clings to a hillside about 230 km southwest of Xiamen City. This site features five circular tulou buildings and over 12 rectangular structures.

Next, we head to Chuxi village to view more unique communities, followed by Jiqinglou which was built in 1419 during the reign of Emperor Yongle during the Ming Dynasty era. We then return to Xiamen and check-in to our hotel, with dinner at leisure.

This excellent excursion provides a wonderful insight into the country’s history and heritage.

Overnight in Xiamen Park City Hotel.

Day 12 : Xiamen - Guangzhou (B / L / -)

Our adventure today involves a high-speed train journey to the expansive port city of Guangzhou.

After breakfast we transfer to the railway station and set off on our journey. On arrival in Guangzhou we tuck into a tasty dim sum meal in one of the city’s most iconic restaurants, ahead of taking a stroll through the old town. We then have the rest of the day at leisure. Guangzhou is one of China’s busiest trading hubs and a destination of contrasts. Visitors can wander along narrow, leafy streets featuring ornate temples, with colonial-era heritage buildings and classic traditional shop houses. Equally, exploration will reveal cutting-edge modernity, such as Zaha Hadid’s Opera House, the Canton Tower and the box-shaped Guangdong Museum. The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, a temple complex from 1894, houses traditional cultural artefacts.

Dining out is also a focal point of life and the city’s streets are teeming with restaurants. Dinner is at leisure.

Overnight in Guangzhou Dongfang Hotel 4*.

Day 13 : Guangzhou - Kaiping - Guangzhou (B / L / -)

Today we travel back in time as we explore the unique architecture of the Kaiping area.

In the morning we drive 140 km south-west of Guangzhou to this town situated in the Pearl River Delta.

This location is famed for diaolou, or ancient fortified towers that dot the rural landscape. These UNESCO listed buildings served as fortified watchtowers and houses. They were built by wealthy Cantonese, usually living abroad employed as traders in partnerships with Portuguese and other foreign merchants. In 1930, over 3,000 of these towers were erected. Nowadays, less than 1,800 remain, with the majority sitting in ruin.

We enjoy lunch at a local restaurant after a morning of architectural discovery.

After absorbing more of this location, we head back to Guangzhou in the afternoon, with the rest of the day at leisure to relax at the hotel, or discover more of the city’s charms.

Dinner is at leisure. Today’s full-day tour offers an informative insight into more of this region’s intriguing architecture and diverse history.

Overnight in Guangzhou Dongfang Hotel 4*.

Day 14 : Guangzhou departure (B / - / -)

After breakfast we transfer to the train station, or airport (depending on individual itineraries) to get onward connections.

This concludes this 14 day excursion that has taken us on a journey back in time to ancient China. We have soaked up Beijing’s prized collection of historic sites, ranging from the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall to the Forbidden City. In Shanghai, we have taken a tranquil stroll through the city’s premier classical garden, Yu Yuan, before lapping up idyllic rural views from Mount Huangshan’s peak and exploring quaint villages with varied architectural styles. In the coastal city of Xiamen, we have visited traditional Hakka houses and viewed the UNESCO listed diaolou watchtowers in Guangzhou.

End of the Tour.