13-Day China Tour for History Lovers

Get ready to explore the Great Wall, an incredible engineering marvel crafted by the ancient Chinese. This iconic structure was built along the northern borders of China to safeguard the empire from invasions by nomadic tribes. After a scenic two-hour drive, you'll arrive at the Great Wall at Mutianyu, a section with a rich history that dates back to the Northern Qi Dynasty (550-577). You can take a cable car up the mountain and then hike along this beautifully preserved stretch of the Wall, which winds its way across stunning mountain ridges.

In the afternoon, you'll return to the heart of the city to visit the Shijia Hutong Museum. Here, you'll learn more about the fascinating design and development of Beijing, especially how the charming hutongs have played a significant role in the city's history.

In the morning, you'll be transferred to the railway station to catch a high-speed train to Datong, one of China's ancient capitals. Once you arrive, a local guide and driver will be waiting to take you on an exciting exploration of the area. Your first stop is the Yungang Grottoes, a stunning site that has been around for 1,500 years and is home to a world-renowned collection of art and cultural treasures.

Next, you'll find tranquility at Huayan Temple, one of the only three surviving temples from the Liao Dynasty (916-1125) in China. Climbing to the top of a tall pagoda within the temple complex rewards you with breathtaking views of the ancient walled city of Datong. Before wrapping up your visit, you'll take a moment to see the Nine Dragon Screen, China's oldest existing glazed screen wall, beautifully adorned with nine dragons.

After enjoying breakfast, you'll drive to the Hanging Temple, an extraordinary ancient site that beautifully blends Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. While the structure may seem simple, just imagining the incredible effort it took to build this temple on the steep mountainside is awe-inspiring.

Next, you'll hop on a high-speed train to Pingyao, a renowned historical and cultural town that is sure to charm you with its rich heritage.

Spend your day soaking in the sights of the Ancient City of Pingyao. As one of the best-preserved ancient cities in China, it retains its old-world charm with sturdy city walls, elegant courtyards, and quaint temples, showcasing the urban planning of the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

Start your visit by climbing the City Wall of Pingyao for a panoramic view of the ancient city below. While you're here, you can't miss the Rishengchang Former Bank, the birthplace of China's banking industry, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the country's financial history.

Take a leisurely stroll along the traditional Ming and Qing Street, where old buildings line the cobbled road, evoking a sense of stepping back in time. Then, visit the well-preserved Temple of the City God to delve into the Taoist beliefs of the people during that era. Finally, drive just 15 minutes to the Shuanglin Temple, where you'll be amazed by the numerous painted clay statues that bring this historic site to life.

This morning, you'll drive for about an hour to Zhangbi Ancient Castle, a fortified village rich in history. Here, you'll explore a fascinating collection of ancient tunnels, burial mounds, and various cultural relics. The fortress tunnels from the Northern Dynasty (386-581) are particularly impressive and provide a glimpse into the past.

Next, you'll visit Wang's Family Compound, an incredible residential complex that showcases the multi-generational efforts of the Jingsheng Wang family during the Ming and Qing Dynasties for over 300 years. This remarkable compound features 231 courtyards and 2,078 rooms, sprawling across 250,000 square meters. It is often referred to as an art museum of traditional Chinese architecture and is known as "The Forbidden City in Folk."

Later, you'll transfer to the railway station to catch a high-speed train to Xi'an, a city with a history that stretches back 3,100 years.

Xi'an is renowned worldwide for its Terracotta Warriors, and this morning, you'll have the chance to see this incredible army up close. Explore the vast archaeological site and marvel at the thousands of lifelike warriors, horses, and chariots that were buried for centuries.

On your return to the city, you'll visit a local family living in a traditional cave home. These unique dwellings were once popular in Shaanxi Province and still serve as homes for some people today. This visit will give you a real insight into the lives of local farmers.

Next, you'll discover the Great Mosque, a tranquil retreat in the midst of the lively city. Here, you can wander through its beautiful ancient buildings and peaceful courtyards. Afterward, take a stroll to the Muslim Quarter, a bustling neighborhood that has been a center for the Muslim community in Xi'an for over a thousand years.

Start your day at the impressive Drum Tower, which dates back to 1380. This is one of the best-preserved drum towers from ancient China, and you might even get a chance to enjoy some traditional folk music while you're there.

Next, you'll head to the Shaanxi History Museum, where thousands of valuable relics await your exploration. These artifacts span over a million years of history, giving you a fascinating glimpse into the past.

After soaking up the rich history of Xi'an, you'll board a high-speed train to Luoyang. This city is known for being one of the earliest capitals in China and has been home to many dynasties throughout history.

Your guide will meet you at the designated time, and together you'll head to Dengfeng to explore the historic Shaolin Temple, which has stood for 1,500 years. Renowned as the "No. 1 Temple in the World," this temple is famous for being the birthplace of the legendary Shaolin Kung Fu. While you're there, you'll admire the beautiful Forest of Dagobas, filled with deep cultural significance, and enjoy an impressive Shaolin Kung Fu performance that showcases the temple's martial arts heritage.

Next, you'll visit Songyang Academy, an important institution known for its Confucian teachings. Founded in 484, it was one of the four great academies in ancient China and has a rich history of philosophy and education. After a day full of discovery, you'll be taken back to Luoyang.

A must-see in Luoyang is the stunning Longmen Grottoes, one of China's three great treasures of Buddhist grotto art, alongside the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang and the Yungang Grottoes in Datong. Recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site, the Longmen Grottoes were carved over an impressive span of more than 400 years, from the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-535) to the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127). Today, you can explore over 2,100 cave niches and more than 100,000 exquisite statues, making it the most significant grotto site in China.

After soaking in the beauty of these ancient rock carvings, you'll hop on a high-speed train to Nanjing, a city rich in history and culture that has thrived for over 2,500 years.

Today, immerse yourself in the rich history of Nanjing as you explore its many centuries. Start your adventure at the impressive Zhonghua Gate, a castle-like structure with towering masonry walls and grand arched entrances. Next, visit the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, where you'll discover the life and legacy of Dr. Sun Yat-sen and his impact on 20th-century China.

Continue to the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, the resting place of the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty. This magnificent site has shaped the design of imperial tombs for over 500 years and is the centerpiece of the Ming Tombs complex.

Next, pay your respects at the Confucius Temple, where you can witness how the great philosopher and educator is honored in ancient China. To reflect on a significant yet tragic moment in history, visit the Memorial of the Nanjing Massacre, where you can remember the 300,000 inhabitants who suffered during the winter of 1937 and offer a prayer for world peace.