Civilisation Beyond Time: China

Day 1 — Istanbul – Beijing

Following our meeting at Istanbul Airport at 23:00 (due to flight departure time, following meeting, baggage and passport control procedures), departure for Beijing at 01:40 on Turkish Airlines flight TK 88. Upon our arrival at 15:35 local time, we begin our panoramic city tour by private vehicle waiting at the airport. At Tiananmen Square, we will closely observe one of the world's largest squares and an important historical and political symbol 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. Afterwards, our tour will 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 insight into centuries of imperial history, traditional Chinese architecture and court life. Following our visit to the Forbidden City, we head to Wangfujing Street, one of Beijing's most famous commercial districts. Known for its blend of modern shopping malls, traditional snacks and a vibrant urban atmosphere, the street is an ideal place for a relaxing stroll and casual dining after a day of travel and sightseeing. Following the tour, we proceed to a local restaurant for dinner. After dinner, transfer to our hotel. Free time after checking in. Overnight stay at our hotel.

Day 2 — 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 3 — Beijing – Shanghai

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 embark on our journey to Shanghai. We will make our journey from Beijing to Shanghai by high-speed train. Upon arrival in Shanghai, our private vehicle will meet us at the railway station. Following our transfer to the hotel, we arrive and check in to our rooms. After settling into our rooms, free time. After our free time, we meet in the lobby at the time designated by our guide and begin exploring the city of Shanghai. During our tour, we head to the Bund along the Huangpu River, one of Shanghai's most iconic waterfronts. At the Bund, we will enjoy a stroll along the promenade, lined with colonial-era historic buildings on one side of the river while the modern skyline of Lujiazui rises dramatically on the opposite bank. As night falls, illuminated skyscrapers create a magnificent cityscape offering one of Asia's most recognisable night views. You can take time to photograph landmarks such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower from across the river, or simply soak up the vibrant waterfront atmosphere. Following dinner at a local restaurant in the area, free time. Overnight at our hotel.

Day 4 — Shanghai

Breakfast included

Following breakfast at our hotel, free time. After our free time, we meet in the lobby at the time designated by our guide and begin our second day exploring Shanghai. We start our tour at Yu Garden, a classic private garden of the Ming Dynasty renowned for its elegant design featuring rockeries, ponds, pavilions, and winding corridors that represent traditional Chinese landscape aesthetics. Walking through carefully arranged grounds where every vista is framed like a living painting, we also learn about history and art from our guide. Following the visit to Yu Garden, free time to explore the surrounding old street area to experience traditional Shanghai architecture and local craft shops reflecting the city's historical roots. After our free time, we head to the City God Temple, a vibrant cultural quarter clustered around a historic Taoist temple. The temple complex is filled with incense, ornate altars, and traditional rituals reflecting local religious life. The surrounding streets outside the temple are lined with traditional snacks, teahouses, and souvenir shops, offering a lively contrast between spiritual heritage and daily local life. This is also a wonderful opportunity to experience Shanghai-style street food culture in its most authentic setting. Following lunch at a local restaurant, free time. After our free time, departure for the Jade Buddha Temple, one of Shanghai's most significant Buddhist temples. The temple is famous for its sacred Buddha statues and peaceful atmosphere, presenting a striking contrast to the bustling city centre. Following our visit to the Jade Buddha Temple, departure for Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, Shanghai's most famous commercial thoroughfare. We will mingle with the crowds along this lively boulevard lined with international brands and historic buildings. Following our tour, free time. After our free time, transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

Day 5 — Shanghai – Zhangjiajie

Breakfast included

Following breakfast at our hotel in the morning, free time. After free time, we meet in the lobby at a time designated by our guide and depart from our hotel. We will visit Zhujiajiao Water Town, one of the most famous ancient water towns in the Shanghai region. Known for its well-preserved canals, stone bridges, and traditional white-walled houses, in Zhujiajiao you will stroll through the town streets, explore local courtyards and small traditional shops, and experience the charm of the slow pace of life along the waterways. During your visit, you will also enjoy a private boat tour along the Zhujiajiao canals; a traditional wooden gondola will take you through narrow waterways lined with ancient residences, arched bridges, and willow trees. This peaceful boat ride offers a unique perspective on the town and highlights its reputation as the "Venice of Shanghai". Following the Zhujiajiao Water Town experience, departure to a local restaurant for our lunch, followed by free time. You can use your free time to stroll around or purchase souvenirs. After free time, we return to Shanghai and transfer to Shanghai Airport for our domestic flight to Zhangjiajie. Upon arrival at Zhangjiajie Airport, we transfer to our hotel by private vehicle. Following check-in to our rooms, free time.

Day 6 — Zhangjiajie

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 designated by our guide. We then depart for Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Along the way, your guide will introduce the unique landscape of "floating mountains" that inspired the scenery in the film Avatar. Upon our arrival at the park, we enter the foremost highlight, the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area. We will walk along viewing platforms overlooking the iconic Hallelujah Mountains, dramatic pillar formations and deep mist-filled valleys. We will explore key scenic vantage points such as the First Bridge Under Heaven and the Enchanting Terrace (Mihun Stage). Here, vertical cliffs and stone pinnacles create a surreal, otherworldly atmosphere. Our guide will explain how millions of years of erosion carved these quartz sandstone pillars. Following our visit to the National Forest Park, we depart for a local restaurant to have lunch. After lunch, as we travel from Yuanjiajie along winding forest paths, we will listen to stories about the local Tujia culture and the history of Tianzi Mountain amidst the scenery. Following our journey, we arrive at Tianzi Mountain. We will visit key observation points such as Helong Park and the Imperial Brush Peaks. Following our tour, we will descend via the Tianzi Mountain Cable Car, gliding over deep ravines and forested precipices. As we descend by cable car, we will enjoy the peaks and the panoramic views. Have your cameras ready! After completing our cable car descent, we return to our hotel. Free time upon arrival at our hotel.

Day 7 — Zhangjiajie – Fenghuang

Breakfast included

Following breakfast at our hotel, free time. After your free time, we meet our guide in the lobby and head towards the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. During the journey, our guide will explain the geological formation of Zhangjiajie's quartz sandstone landscape and how the region developed its deep gorges, waterfalls, and karst-like cliffs. Following our entry into the canyon, we will observe the lush, narrow valley paths surrounded by steep cliffs and flowing streams, walking along wooden trails as we pass waterfalls, stone bridges, and misty forest corridors. Next, we will proceed to the world-famous Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge. While our guide highlights the bridge's engineering design and safety structure, guests will enjoy panoramic views and photo opportunities over vertical cliffs and the forested abyss. Following our tour, we depart for a local restaurant for lunch. After lunch, we transfer to the Baofeng Lake Area. Upon arrival at Baofeng Lake, we board our boat for a peaceful cruise on its emerald-green waters. After our boat trip, we will take a short walk to designated viewpoints overlooking the lake. During our walk, our guide will share local legends and stories about Baofeng Lake, including the region's culture and its spiritual significance for ethnic communities. Following our tour, we depart from the Baofeng Lake area towards the Ancient Town of Fenghuang. Our journey passes through winding mountain roads, rural valleys, and small ethnic villages, offering a gradual transition from the landscapes of Zhangjiajie to the softer river valley scenery of western Hunan. Upon arrival at the Ancient Town of Fenghuang, we check into our hotel. After settling into our hotel, free time. Following your free time, you may take an evening stroll along the Tuo River if you wish. Overnight stay at our hotel.

Day 8 — Fenghuang – Beijing

Breakfast included

Following breakfast at our hotel, you will have free time. After your free time, at a time designated by our guide, our tour begins in the enchanting Fenghuang Ancient Town, one of China's best-preserved historic water towns. Stretching along the winding Tuo River, the old town presents a vibrant tableau of wooden stilt houses, cobbled lanes, ancient city walls and stone bridges reflecting centuries of Miao and Tujia ethnic heritage. As we stroll through the riverside alleys, our guide will explain the town's history as a frontier trading hub and its cultural significance to the region. Next, we will embark on our Tuo River boat tour. Gliding gently along the tranquil waters, we will observe traditional wooden houses rising along the riverbanks, arched stone bridges, and areas where locals still wash, fish and gather by the water's edge. Our guide will share local legends and stories of the town's poet Shen Congwen, who once captured the spirit of Fenghuang in his literature. After our boat tour, we will transfer to Zhangjiajie International Airport. Following check-in procedures for our flight upon arrival at the airport, we depart for Beijing. Transfer to our hotel upon arrival in Beijing. Overnight stay at our hotel.

Day 9 — Beijing – Istanbul

Breakfast included

Following breakfast at our hotel in the morning, free time all day. After our free time, we meet at our hotel and transfer to Beijing Capital International Airport. Upon arrival at the airport, following check-in procedures, baggage drop, and passport control, departure for Istanbul at 00:15 on board Turkish Airlines flight TK89. Overnight on board the aircraft.

Day 10 — Istanbul

Arrival at Istanbul Airport at 05:30 in the morning local time. End of our tour.

Included services

• Return economy class flight ticket between Istanbul and Beijing on Turkish Airlines direct services
• Economy class flight tickets on local airlines between Shanghai - Zhangjiajie - Beijing (including 20 kg baggage)
• High-speed train ticket between Beijing and Shanghai
• Bed and breakfast accommodation at Holiday Inn Temple of Heaven or similar hotel in Beijing
• Bed and breakfast accommodation at Holiday Inn Shanghai Zhenping or similar hotel in Shanghai
• Bed and breakfast accommodation at Wulingyuan Hotel or similar in Zhangjiajie
• Bed and breakfast accommodation in Fenghuang at Orange Hotel or similar
• 4 lunches, 2 dinners
• All tours specified in the itinerary
• Admission Fees for Museums and Archaeological Sites
• Turkish-speaking tour leader service
• All transfers specified in the itinerary
• TURSAB compulsory professional liability insurance

Not included

• International departure tax (Can be paid at designated banks or at the tax office desk at the airport)
• Lunches and dinners not specified as included in the Tour Itinerary
• Excess baggage fees
• Personal expenses
• Any tour not specified as included in the tour itinerary
• Chinese Visa (250 USD)
• Travel & Health Insurance