Here you will be transferred to a very typical ‘Beijing’ area – the Hutong’s, in which Beijinger’s have lived for hundreds of years. You will be transported by Rickshaw through the Hutongs; narrow alleys formed by closely built dwellings in a quadrangle formation, facing onto an inner courtyard. These were built during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, the sizes and designs varying depending on the social status of the residents. The Hutong’s still account for about 15% of all housing in Beijing.

The Temple of Heaven is ranked among the most famous structures in China. The dominant feature of the entire complex is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, an ornate and colorful structure mounted on a three-tiered marble altar. Amazingly, the wooden pillars ingeniously support the ceiling without nails or cement with the roof alone weighing an estimated 2 tonnes. In the park, many Beijinger’s who have retired, playing Chinese chess, dancing, performing Peking Opera and doing Tai Chi among other popular activities. What was once the preserve of the Emperor is now a playground for the masses.

The most voted for of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Wall is a breathtaking sight and an awesome experience. Started in the fifth century BC and gradually extended over the centuries, particularly during the Ming Dynasty, it served as a defensive boundary against marauding Huns and other nomadic tribes. Mutianyu Great Wall connects Juyongguan Pass in the west and Gubeikou Great Wall in the east. It’s one of the best-preserved parts of the Great Wall. With woods cover over ninety-six percent of the total scenic area, the wall presents different aspects of beauty in the four seasons.

Affectionately known as Bird’s Nest, the National Stadium is situated in Olympic Green Village. It was designed as the main stadium of 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. After the Olympics ended, it has been opened as a tourist attraction. Now, it’s the center of international or domestic sports competition and recreation activities. In 2022, the opening and closing ceremonies of another important sport event, Winter Olympic Games will be held here.

The highlight of your stay in Xian is the visit to the underground vaults where the famed Terra Cotta Warriors were discovered. In 1974, near Xi’an in central China, villagers chanced upon what has become one of the world’s most astonishing archaeological findings – an 8,000 man army in battle-ready formation, each warrior a life-size figure in pottery made over 2,200 years ago. The warriors were found when a group of peasants digging a well accidentally made one of the century’s greatest archaeological discoveries of the Twentieth Century.

When Zhu Yuanzhang, the first Emperor of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), captured Huizhou, a hermit named Zhu Sheng admonished him that he should ‘built high walls, store abundant food supplies and take time to be an Emperor,’ so that he could fortify the city and unify the other states. After the establishment of the Ming dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang followed his advice and began to enlarge the wall built initially during the old Tang dynasty (618 -907), creating the modern Xian City Wall. It’s the most complete city wall that has survived in China, as well being one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world.

Sail aboard the President No.8 cruise ship on the mighty Yangtze River from Yichang to Chongqing for 3 days of sightseeing and relaxation. Your luxurious cruise experience includes balcony cabin accommodation, meals and informative guides who explain top attractions along the river.
Included excursions are the Three Gorges Dam, Shennong Stream and temples of Shibaozhai and in addition can visit Three Gorges Tribe, White Emperor City and Fengdu Ghost City on their optional offered excursions.

Yu Garden is a traditional Chinese park complete with beautiful pavilions, miniature lakes, bridges and rock formations. This small park is located in the heart of Shanghai’s old Chinese quarter and links to Yuyuan Market. Built in 1559, in the Suzhou style by a high official in honour of his father, the garden has maintained its classic beauty over the centuries.

In the western part of Shanghai, a very modern and flourishing city, there is a venerable and famous Buddhist temple, Jade Buddha Temple. In 1882, an old temple was built to keep two jade Buddha statues which had been brought from Burma by a monk named Huigen. In 1918, the old temple was burned down and a new one was built on the present site and named Jade Buddha Temple. The two precious jade Buddhist statues are carved with whole white jade. The sparkling and crystal-clear white jade gives the Buddhas the beauty of sanctity and make them more vivid.

A wide boulevard lined with impressive neo-classical buildings. The Bund is the classic image of Shanghai and the city’s main attraction. Sweeping along the western side of the Huangpu River, the majestic buildings date back to Shanghai’s grandest days. Many banks and financial companies built impressive offices here in the early 20th century when Shanghai was the financial capital of Asia. To Westerners, it was for years Asia’s Wall Street where fortunes were made and lost.

Shanghainese will tell you, “If you have not visited Nanjing Road, you have not seen China”. Nanjing Road, regarded as the premier shopping, visiting and business thoroughfare in Shanghai, if not China. It is a symbol of Shanghai’s rapid development and business expansion. Almost like a permanent coming out party. Over time, it has been restructured, undergoing significant changes. Big traditional stores no longer dominate the market since modern shopping malls, specialty stores, theaters, and international hotels have mushroomed on both sides of the street. What happens here affects not just Shanghai, but one-fifth of the world’s population.

Huangpu River is a landmark of Shanghai, separating the city into two parts, Pudong and Puxi. On both sides of the river, there gather various styles of architectures and essential scenery. Famous attractions like the Bund and Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone are located along the river. The best way to appreciate Huangpu River is to take a ship cruising on the river, especially in the evening. At night, the lights are blazing, decorating the different styles of architectures standing on the banks, showing different beauty.