Grand China

Day 1 — Istanbul - Beijing

Following our gathering at Istanbul Airport at 13:00 and completion of baggage and passport control formalities, departure for Beijing at 16:00 on Turkish Airlines flight TK196. Overnight on board the aircraft.

Day 2 — Beijing

Following our arrival at 05:50 local time, we begin our panoramic city tour aboard our private vehicle waiting at the airport. At Tiananmen Square, we will closely observe one of the world's largest public squares and an important historical and political landmark of China. Surrounded by monumental architecture and national institutions, the square offers an expansive open space reflecting the scale and symbolism of Beijing's imperial and modern identity. Our tour will then continue to the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties and one of the world's most significant cultural heritage sites. As you pass through its grand gates, courtyards, and meticulously preserved halls, you will gain insights into centuries of imperial history, traditional Chinese architecture, and court life. Following our visit to the Forbidden City, departure for Wangfujing Street, one of Beijing's most famous commercial quarters. The street is known for its blend of modern shopping malls, traditional snacks, and vibrant urban atmosphere, making it an ideal venue for a leisurely stroll and casual dining after a day of travel and sightseeing. Following the tour, we proceed to a local restaurant for dinner. After the meal, departure for our hotel. Free time after receiving our room keys. Overnight at our hotel.

Day 3 — Beijing

Breakfast included

Following breakfast at our hotel in the morning, free time. After our free time, we meet in the lobby at the time designated by our guide and set off for our tour. During the journey, you will experience a gradual transition from the modern city skyline to suburban landscapes and distant mountain ranges. Following an enjoyable journey, arrival at the Juyongguan section of the Great Wall, one of ancient China's most strategically important mountain passes. Known as the "Jade Pass", this section is surrounded by steep ravines and fortifications that once protected the capital region. As you walk along restored stone paths and take in panoramic views of the Great Wall stretching across the mountains, your guide will explain its military significance during the Ming Dynasty, including its role in defending against attacks. Following our visit to the Great Wall, departure for a local restaurant for lunch, followed by free time after the meal. After our free time, we leave Juyongguan and head towards the Summer Palace in north-western Beijing. As China's largest and best-preserved imperial garden and a masterpiece of classical landscape design, the Summer Palace blends imperial architecture with natural scenery set around Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill. You will stroll along the Long Corridor adorned with thousands of traditional paintings and explore key landmarks such as the Marble Boat and Seventeen-Arch Bridge. Your guide will share tales of Empress Dowager Cixi and the role the palace played as a summer retreat for the royal family. Following our visit to the Summer Palace, transfer to our hotel and free time. Overnight at our hotel.

Day 4 — Beijing – Pingyao

Breakfast included

Free time following breakfast at our hotel in the morning. After our free time, we meet in the lobby at the time specified by our guide to visit the Temple of Heaven on our final day in Beijing. At the Temple of Heaven, one of China's most iconic architectural landmarks where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties prayed for bountiful harvests, we enjoy a unique cultural experience in the early morning by mingling with local residents practising tai chi, studying calligraphy, and playing traditional games in the park. Following our visit to the Temple of Heaven, we depart for Beijing Railway Station for our transfer to Pingyao. During our journey of approximately 4 hours aboard China's modern and comfortable high-speed train to the heart of Shanxi province, we take in the scenery of the Chinese countryside. Upon arrival at Pingyao Gucheng Station, we will visit the Ancient City of Pingyao, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with our waiting vehicle. In China's best-preserved ancient city with a history of over 2700 years, we take a stroll along the Ming and Qing Ancient Streets, which take on an enchanting atmosphere as the lanterns are lit in the late afternoon. In these streets, where China's first banking system was established, we discover traditional courtyard residences, antique shops, and the historic fabric that breathes life into the city. Following our tour, we proceed to a local restaurant for dinner. After dinner and some free time, transfer to our hotel. Overnight stay at our hotel.

Day 5 — Pingyao – Xi’an

Breakfast included

Following breakfast at our hotel in the morning, you will have free time. After your free time, we meet in the lobby at a time specified by our guide to continue our tour of Pingyao. We visit Rishengchang, located in the heart of Pingyao Ancient City and recognised as China's first "modern" bank (Piaohao). In this historic complex that managed the financial centre of all China during the 19th century, we embark on a fascinating journey through China's commercial history by exploring the ancient vault rooms, underground chambers, and the secret cipher systems of that era. Afterwards, we visit a private workshop to gain an intimate insight into the deep-rooted culture of Shanxi province. Here, we experience the region's famous traditional paper-cutting art (Jianzhi) in a local workshop alongside local artisans. Our guests will have the opportunity to craft their own souvenirs through this experience. Free time following the tour. During your free time, you may sample the famous handmade noodles unique to the Shanxi region or purchase souvenirs for your loved ones. Following the free time, our transfer to Pingyao Gucheng Station will take place. We depart on an approximately 3-hour train journey towards Xi'an, the ancient former capital of China and the starting point of the Silk Road. Upon our arrival in Xi'an, we will transfer to our hotel in our waiting vehicle. Following our arrival and check-in at the hotel, you will have free time. A brief rest break before our evening tour. In the evening, we head to Datang Everbright City, the most magnificent and vibrant spot in Xi'an. Along this colossal 2-kilometre pedestrian avenue where we will truly feel transported to the glorious days of the Tang Dynasty (China's golden age), we explore a mesmerising atmosphere blending magnificent light shows, street performances in traditional Hanfu attire, colossal statues, and modern music. Following our walking tour, we return to our hotel. Overnight stay at our hotel.

Day 6 — Xi'an

Breakfast included

Following breakfast at our hotel in the morning, time will be at leisure. After our free time, we meet in the lobby at the time designated by our tour leader. On our second day in Xi’an, we depart for the Terracotta Warriors Museum, located approximately 1 hour from the city centre and regarded as the greatest archaeological discovery of the 20th century. Accompanied by our guide’s narration, we will discover the thousands of terracotta soldiers, chariots, and bronze weapons crafted to protect the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, each featuring distinct facial expressions and armour. Following our museum visit, under the guidance of master craftsmen in a private workshop adjacent to the museum, we will make our own miniature terracotta warrior out of clay using ancient techniques. Our guests may take this unique creation, shaped by their own hands, home with them as the most special memento of their journey across China. Afterwards, we return to Xi’an city centre and ascend the best-preserved and largest ancient city wall in China, dating from the Ming Dynasty. Walking along this historic wall, standing 12 metres above the ground, we will gaze upon Xi’an’s modern and historic skyline simultaneously. (Guests may hire bicycles on the wall on an optional basis). We will then take photographs from the outside of the colossal Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, built during the Tang Dynasty to house Buddhist scriptures, followed by a pleasant walk in the expansive plaza surrounding the pagoda. After our pagoda visit, we proceed to the Muslim Quarter, the liveliest and most colourful quarter of the city, established by the Hui people (Chinese Muslims) who settled in Xi’an along the Silk Road. Accompanied by our guide, we will stroll through historic streets adorned with lanterns, exotic aromas of spices, and street food. We will enjoy our evening dinner at a local restaurant in the Muslim Quarter's local markets (offering the opportunity to sample delicacies such as the famous Chinese jiaozi dumplings, lamb skewers, or Yangrou Paomo). Following dinner, return to our hotel. Overnight stay at our hotel.

Day 7 — Xi’an - Shanghai

Breakfast included

Following breakfast at our hotel in the morning, free time. After free time, we meet in the lobby at the time designated by our guide and transfer to the airport prior to our departure for Shanghai. Following a journey of approximately 2,5 hours, we arrive in Shanghai. We then head towards the city centre by our private vehicle. On our tour in Shanghai, we first visit Yu Garden, dating from the Ming Dynasty, one of the most elegant examples of traditional Chinese garden art. We take a peaceful stroll amidst classical bridges and artificial ponds. Upon exiting the garden, we allow our guests free time for souvenirs and local teas at the Chenghuangmiao (City God Temple) Bazaar, Shanghai's old town centre adorned with shops boasting traditional architecture. Following free time, transfer to our hotel takes place. After arriving at our hotel and settling into our rooms, free time. Following free time, we meet our guide in the lobby and head to The Bund, Shanghai's most iconic waterfront promenade. While historic European buildings in Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles dating from the 1920s line up on one side, on the direct opposite side of the river (Pudong), the world's tallest and futuristic skyscrapers (Shanghai Tower, Oriental Pearl Tower) rise glittering. For the day's grand finale, we board our river cruise. During this enchanting river journey lasting 1 hours, we observe both Shanghai's historic (Puxi) and modern (Pudong) skylines from the water, accompanied by magnificent light shows. After our river cruise, departure for a local restaurant to have our dinner. After the meal, we return to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

Day 8 — Shanghai - Suzhou - Shanghai

Breakfast included

Following breakfast at our hotel, free time. After free time, we meet in the lobby at the time specified by our guide and depart from Shanghai to begin our tour to the historic city of Suzhou, renowned for its canals and classical gardens and known in Eastern Chinese culture as the "Venice of the East". After a journey of approximately 1,5 hours, we first set foot in the Lingering Garden (Liu Garden), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the four most famous classical gardens in China. Reflecting the architectural genius of the Ming and Qing dynasties, in this historic garden we discover the magnificent landscaping formed by ancient pavilions, artificial rockeries, corridors, and ponds, accompanied by our guide's explanations. We then proceed to Pingjiang Road, Suzhou's best-preserved water canal district with a history spanning over 800 years. We stroll along stone paths running alongside the canal, amidst traditional white-walled and black-tiled historic houses. We watch the traditional wooden boats gliding along the canals, followed by free time to walk across the bridges and explore the authentic shops here. After free time, in Suzhou, the heart of the Silk Road and Chinese silk, we visit a historic Traditional Silk Factory. We watch live demonstrations of how delicate silk threads are separated from silkworm cocoons, the weaving processes performed on traditional looms, and the stages of crafting entirely handmade silk quilts. Free time for our guests to browse products made from world-famous Suzhou silk. After free time, we return to Shanghai by our private vehicle. Following dinner at a local restaurant, we return to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

Day 9 — Shanghai - Istanbul Airport

Breakfast included

Following breakfast at our hotel in the morning, we check out of our rooms and depart the hotel. We then proceed to the historic 1700-year-old Zhujiajiao Water Town, situated in the suburbs of Shanghai. We explore stone bridges dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties, ancient streets, and traditional riverside houses. After seeing the town's iconic Fangsheng Bridge, we embark on an enjoyable canal cruise aboard traditional wooden boats to experience this historic setting from the water. Following our boat tour, we head to AP Plaza, one of Shanghai's largest and most popular indoor underground markets. We provide ample free time for our guests to browse luggage, electronics, silk goods, clothing, watches, souvenirs, and handicrafts unique to Chinese culture, and to experience the art of bargaining. Following the free time, we transfer to the airport. Upon arrival at the airport, followed by check-in, baggage drop, and passport control, departure for Istanbul at 22:55 on Turkish Airlines flight TK27. Overnight on board the aircraft.

Day 10 — Istanbul

Arrival at Istanbul Airport at 06:00 local time in the morning. End of our tour.

Included services

• Economy class flight tickets between Istanbul - Beijing / Shanghai - Istanbul on Turkish Airlines direct flights
• Economy-class flight ticket between Xi'an and Shanghai
• High-speed train ticket between Beijing - Pingyao
• High-speed train ticket between Pingyao and Xi'an
• 2 nights bed and breakfast accommodation in Beijing at 4* Voco Temple of Heaven or similar hotel
• 1 nights bed and breakfast accommodation in Pingyao at the 4* Boutique Courtyard Hotel or similar
• 2 nights' bed-and-breakfast accommodation at the 4* Mercure Xi'an Downtown or similar hotel in Xi'an
• 2 nights' bed and breakfast at Holiday Inn Shanghai or similar in Shanghai
• Lunches and dinners as specified in the itinerary
• All tours specified in the itinerary
• Admission Fees for Museums and Archaeological Sites
• Turkish-speaking tour leader service (provided that the group size is a minimum of 15 participants)
• TURSAB compulsory professional liability insurance

Not included

• International departure tax (Can be paid at designated banks or the Ministry of Finance desk at the airport)
• Lunches and dinners not specified as included in the tour itinerary
• Excess baggage fees
• Any tour not specified as included in the tour itinerary
• Chinese Visa (250 USD)