CTH-020: 24-Day China Ancient Towns Tour

Home > China Tours > Classic China Tours

Tour code: CTH-020
Tour Type: Architecture,Culture,History,Watertown/Ancient Town
Destinations: Beijing - Chengde - Taiyuan - Pingyao - Xian - Chengdu - Lijiang - Kunming - Changsha - Fenghuang - Zhangjiajie City - Shanghai - Hangzhou - Huangshan City - Huangshan - Guangzhou
Tour overview: A remarkable 24-day trip to the authentic ancient towns through China! Explore the famous relics in the relaxing city Lijiang or just go the less known towns like Shuhe and Fenghuang, and discover the world culture heritage villages Hongcun & Xidi near Yellow Mountain. Experience the ancient Chinese architectures, ethnic cultures, and daily life of people of China on this tour! You will also enjoy the most highlights in the popular cities like Beijing, Xian, Chengdu & Shanghai!

Enquire about or Book this Tour
Call us at 800-87542136

Highlights

1. Climbing the legendary Great wall and visit all the remarkable sites in Beijing

2. Extend to Chengde to visit the imperial palace and famed temples

3. Stroll at the Pingyao old city for ancient views

4. Watch the stilted house along the river and old streets in Fenghuang

5. Explore the Zhangjiajie national forest park and stay at the peaceful Wulingyuan

6. Visit the famed water towns Wuzhen to see the traditional life in Yangtze delta

7. Enjoy the fascinating hiking experience on Yellow Mountain and visit the nearby Hui-style villages

Tour Date	City	Tour Brief
1	Beijing	N/A
2	Beijing	Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven
3	Beijing	the Great Wall, Sacred Road, Ming Tombs
4	Beijing - Chengde	Chengde Mountain Resort
5	Chengde - Beijing	Puning Temple, Putuo Zongcheng Temple
6	Beijing - Taiyuan - Pingyao	Jinci Temple, Qiao Family Courtyard, Pingyao Ancient City
7	Pingyao - Taiyuan - Xian	Ancient Ming-Qing Street, Rishengchang Exchange Shop
8	Xian	Big Goose Pagoda, Xian City Wall
9	Xian - Chengdu	Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses
10	Chengdu - Lijiang	Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, Jinsha Site Museum, Jinli Ancient Street
11	Lijiang	Shuhe Old Town, Baisha Murals, Black Dragon Pool, Dongba Culture Museum
12	Lijiang	Free day
13	Lijiang - Kunming - Changsha	Stone Forest
14	Changsha - Fenghuang	Fenghuang
15	Fenghuang - Zhangjiajie City
16	Zhangjiajie City	Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Yellow Dragon Cave
17	Zhangjiajie City - Shanghai	Tianzi Mountain, Suoxi Valley Nature Reserve
18	Shanghai	Yuyuan Garden, Jade Buddha Temple, Xintiandi, the Bund, Nanjing Road
19	Shanghai - Hangzhou	Wuzhen Water Town
20	Hangzhou - Huangshan City	West Lake, Six Harmonies Pagoda, Dragon Well Tea Plantation
21	Huangshan City	Yellow Mountain
22	Huangshan - Guangzhou	Xidi, Hongcun
23	Guangzhou	Yuexiu Park, Five Ram Statue, Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Xiguan Old Houses
24	Guangzhou	Service ends

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

City:	Beijing
Activity:	Our guide will meet you outside the baggage claim area at Beijing Airport and transfer you to the hotel.
Attractions:	N/A
Hotels:
Meals:

Day 2

City:	Beijing
Activity:	Visit the Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. Beijing Duck Dinner at night.
Attractions:	Tiananmen Square Named after the Ming dynasty gate at the northern part, with the huge portrait of Mao on it; it is the world's largest public square, with national flag raised at dawn and lowered at dusk on a daily basis. Forbidden City Served as Palace Museum now, it is the largest imperial palace in the world, once home to 24 emperors and the magnificent architectures and royal gardens well-left. Temple of Heaven A master piece of Ming-dynasty architecture; it served as an exclusive altar for the emperors to worship the Gods. There are many local practices in the mornings in the park.
Hotels:
Meals:

Day 3

City:	Beijing
Activity:	Visit the Badaling Great Wall. After lunch, visit the Sacred Road and the Ming Tombs in the afternoon.
Attractions:	the Great Wall Ancient world wonder, stretching thousands of miles; the giant stone & brick dragon, winding through the lofty mountains, great rivers and boundless deserts, offers great hiking experience and breath-taking scenery. Sacred Road The holy lane of animals and guardians leading and protecting the Ming Tombs; also acts as a stop-over along the way to Great Wall. Ming Tombs Located outside Beijing City, 13 tombs in total; each held the body of one emperor and his wives, with many stone carvings, palatial buildings and numerous funerary treasures inside.
Hotels:
Meals:

Day 4

City:	Beijing - Chengde
Activity:	Transfer to take a train to Chengde, after lunch, visit the Imperial Summer Villa (Chengde Mountain Resort). Overnight at Chengde.
Attractions:	Chengde Mountain Resort As an imperial palace in summer, Chengde Summer Villa used to be a hunting resort. Emperors also treat honored guests and conduct business here. Being biggest imperial garden in China, Summer Villa features both north and south architectural essence.
Hotels:
Meals:

Day 5

City:	Chengde - Beijing
Activity:	Visit the Puning Temple and The Putuo Zongcheng Temple. Then transfer to take train back to Beijing. Transfer to hotel.
Attractions:	Puning Temple The temple, also called Temple of Universal Peace, is designed with a combination of Tibetan and Han architectural styles in 1755. Also enjoying a reputation of Big Buddha Temple, it houses the world's largest wooden sculpture of Avalokiteshvara. Putuo Zongcheng Temple The temple, the largest one in Chengde, is a mini-facsimile of Lhasa’s Potala since it modeled after the Palace. It has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the other seven Outer Temples.
Hotels:
Meals:

Day 6

City:	Beijing - Taiyuan - Pingyao
Activity:	Take a high-speed train to Taiyuan, after lunch, transfer to visit Jinci Temple and Qian Family Compound. Overnight at Pingyao ancient city.
Attractions:	Jinci Temple Located in Taiyuan city, Shanxi Province, Jinci temple features ancient sacrifice architectures, gardens, sculptures, frescoes, and stele-carving. It is consider a perfect combination of historical relics and beautiful landscapes. Qiao Family Courtyard Qiao Family Courtyard House was first built in Qianlong Period, and reflects residential style of big families in feudal society in north of China. Well-knit arrangement and exquisite architecture make it the nice tourism spots in Shanxi Province. Pingyao Ancient City The town once served as a bustling economic center of feudal China. Rich in various valuable cultural relics and historic sites, it was named as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in1997.
Hotels:
Meals:

Day 7

City:	Pingyao - Taiyuan - Xian
Activity:	Full day excursion to Ancient Ming-Qing Street, Rishengchang Exchange Shop and the Tongxinggong ancient bank guard establishment. After lunch, transfer to Taiyuan and take an overnight train to Xian.
Attractions:	Ancient Ming-Qing Street As the commercial center of Pingyao County, Ming-Qing Street assembles hundreds of shops which include banks, pawnshops, butchers, drug stores and silk warehouse. Gone through winds and rains, it keeps prosperity as hundreds years ago. Rishengchang Exchange Shop Built in 1823, Rishengchang exchange shop is first draft bank in China. Since China's currency "silver" is inconvenience to carry and transport in large amount, Rishengchang issue bills so that customers can exchange into silver in the other b
Hotels:
Meals:

Day 8

City:	Xian
Activity:	Arrival in Xian, be met and transferred to have breakfast and check in hotel. Visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda,Xian Ancient City Wall and old city quarters.
Attractions:	Big Goose Pagoda A well-preserved pagoda from the Tang Dynasty in the Temple of Great Maternal Grace (Da Ci'ensi); built to house the Buddhist scriptures brought back from India by the traveling monk Xuan Zang. Xian City Wall The most intact ancient fortifications in China, including moat, hanging bridge, gate towers and turrets; walk up to the top of the wall, riding bikes on it and have a wonderful view of Xian and Bell Tower.
Hotels:
Meals:

Day 9

City:	Xian - Chengdu
Activity:	Visit Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses Museum. Transfer to the airport and fly to Chengdu.
Attractions:	Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses The miraculous archeological discovery in last century, famed as the world’s eighth wonder; over 8,000 life-size, vivid statues were lined in battle formation. Each figure shows various facial expressions as well as their hair styles and accessories.
Hotels:
Meals:

Day 10

City:	Chengdu - Lijiang
Activity:	Visit Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, Jinsha Site Museum and Jinli Ancient Street. Transfer to take an evening flight to Lijiang.
Attractions:	Giant Panda Breeding Research Base semi-wild area where those lovely China's ambassadors can be allowed to freely roam. Jinsha Site Museum It is a theme museum which concentrates on the Jinsha Site, the most significant archaeological discovery of China in the 21st century. Compared with other sites in the same period, it houses the most unearthed gold wares, jade wares, and ivories. Jinli Ancient Street Once as one of the oldest and busiest streets in the history of Xishu Kingdom, it now combines the ambience of ancient and modern China. The teahouse, wine bar, snacks and handicraft there fully display the charm of Sichuan's customs and folk arts.
Hotels:
Meals:

Day 11

City:	Lijiang
Activity:	Drive to visit Shuhe old town, Baisha Murals and a local Naxi Family, Black Dragon Pool and Dongba Culture Museum.
Attractions:	Shuhe Old Town At an altitude of 2440 meters, it is a tranquil town with a population of about 3000 people. Along with its sister town Lijiang, it is also part of the UNESCO Heritage site. But the town is less touristy and polished with more original characters. Baisha Murals Painted in Baisha Town in Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), it’s a wonderful sight with their smooth lines, bright colors, vivid pattern and harmonious composition. The mural is an interesting co-existence of Buddhism, Taoism and Lamaism in the artworks. Black Dragon Pool Coming from melting snow water, the pond flows downstream into Lijiang. As its water is as green and lucid as jade, the pond also gets the name "Yuquan" or Jade Fountain. Dongba Culture Museum Dongba culture refers to ancient Naxi culture. The main architecture of the museum is similar to the Naxi courtyard, and fully uses the advantage of its landform. It holds a remarkable collection of Naxi relics and cultural display.
Hotels:
Meals:

Day 12

City:	Lijiang
Activity:	Free day for your own excursion.
Attractions:	Free day
Hotels:
Meals:

Day 13

City:	Lijiang - Kunming - Changsha
Activity:	Morning flight to Kunming, and visit the Stone Forest, then proceed to the airport to fly to Changsha. Check in the hotel.
Attractions:	Stone Forest A grand karst site, located outside Kunming, features countless stone pillars, unique aesthetic peaks, grotesque rocks, strange caves, mountain lakes, and interesting ethnic culture and customs.
Hotels:
Meals:

Day 14

City:	Changsha - Fenghuang
Activity:	Take an express bus to Fenghuang (5.5 hours) in the morning. Be picked up at the station, and transferred to the hotel. Free stroll at Tuo River side.
Attractions:	Fenghuang Located in west of Hunan Province, Fenghuang boasts its typical southern water town style. Flagged stone path leads you to distinctive buildings, elegant bridges, mysterious towers and pagodas. It is claimed to be one of the most beautiful towns.
Hotels:
Meals:

Day 15

City:	Fenghuang - Zhangjiajie City
Activity:	In the morning tour the ancient town to see the stilted house along the river and old streets downtown. After lunch, transfer to Zhangjiajie city. Check in the hotel.
Attractions:
Hotels:
Meals:

Day 16

City:	Zhangjiajie City
Activity:	Transfer to visit Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Yellow Dragon Cave. Overnight at Wulingyuan town.
Attractions:	Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Recognized as the first national forest park in China, Zhangjiajie forest park has 97% forest coverage. Water eroded land form and karst topography are result of past thousands years. Picturesque landscapes will be appreciated without interpreter. Yellow Dragon Cave Called "Magical Palace Underground", Huanglong Cave features various strange-shaped stones. Long stalactites, stalagmites, stone piano, stone curtains, stone flowers, you name them. The cave is worthy the name of "Subterranean World".
Hotels:
Meals:

Day 17

City:	Zhangjiajie City - Shanghai
Activity:	Visit the Tianzi Mountain and Suoxiyu Nature Reserve. Transfer to the airport and fly to Shanghai. Check in the hotel.
Attractions:	Tianzi Mountain With the highest altitude of 1262.5 meters, Tianzi Mountain enjoys a reputation of "the king of all mountains" amongst a multitude of densely gathered peaks. Forest, Clouds Sea, sunrise, and snow are highlights. Suoxi Valley Nature Reserve As a key part of Wulingyuan Scenic Area, Suoxi Valley Reserve has all types of mountains, water and caves. Aside from 59 limestone caves, it boasts over 20 rare animal species and 679 kinds of tree. Some of them are under national protection.
Hotels:
Meals:

Day 18

City:	Shanghai
Activity:	Visit Yuyuan Garden, Jade Buddha Temple, Xintiandi, the Bund and Nanjing Road.
Attractions:	Yuyuan Garden A charm and quiet garden located in the city heart of Shanghai separated travelers from the bustling street; it is a classical Chinese architectural marvel with traditional pavilions, bridges and rocks inside. Jade Buddha Temple A nice Buddhist temple inside Shanghai, can see monks and local worshippers there; the temple houses number of ancient sculptures, paintings, scriptures including the jade seated Buddha wearing a robe inlaid with precious jewels. Xintiandi a popular area in Shanghai for shopping, fashion, leisure & arts, featuring with brick-paved alleyway, red-and-green brick wall, heavy ebony-black door, Baroque-volute-relief on the lintel which is known as the stone-framed-door architecture. the Bund The icon of Shanghai, located at the waterfront of Huangpu River, with enchanting western-style architectures. Stroll down into the area in different period of one day to see taichi playing in the mornings and colorful neon lights at nights. Nanjing Road A bustling pedestrian road with lots of shopping malls, unique designed buildings, stores, restaurants and hotels along the lane. Nice place for shopping and feel the vibe of Shanghai at the same time.
Hotels:
Meals:

Day 19

City:	Shanghai - Hangzhou
Activity:	Take a morning train to Hangzhou. Be met and transferred to Wuzhen to visit the ancient water town. Overnight at local guesthouse.
Attractions:	Wuzhen Water Town With a history of over 1,000 years, the town takes water as its street, shore as the city. With most waterside houses, it forms charming fishing village scenery. The network of waterways connecting to Grand Canal makes it easy of access.
Hotels:
Meals:

Day 20

City:	Hangzhou - Huangshan City
Activity:	Transfer back to Hangzhou and visit West Lake, Six Harmonies Pagoda, and Dragon Well Tea Plantation. Drive to Huangshan, visit old town street.
Attractions:	West Lake Known as "paradise on earth", the famous lake is so popular not just for its picturesque natural scenery, but for innumerous historical sites. The beauty of West Lake consists in the changeable scenery at anytime, even in winter. Six Harmonies Pagoda Towering on the north bank of Qingtang River, Six Harmony Pagoda is the best place to view renowned Qingtang Tide. This 60m-high octagonal pagoda collects lot of stone carvings, sculptures, calligraphy which stand for the Chinese art essences. Dragon Well Tea Plantation Within the West Lake district, the plantation is the core production area and designated as the production base of national gift tea. And dragon well tea enjoys the reputation of "Green Queen" and rank first in China’s top ten teas.
Hotels:
Meals:

Day 21

City:	Huangshan City
Activity:	Transfer to Yellow Mountain, and round-way cable car to the top. Explore the stunning sceneries. Proceed to Xidi, overnight at a featured hotel in the village.
Attractions:	Yellow Mountain It offers stunning scenery together with unique Mountaineering experience. Popular with among the climbers and hikers for strange rocks, varied-shaped pine trees, splendid seas of cloud… just cable car up to the mountain or conquer the peaks step by step!
Hotels:
Meals:

Day 22

City:	Huangshan - Guangzhou
Activity:	Visit Xidi and Hongcun, transfer to take an evening flight to Guangzhou. Transfer to the hotel.
Attractions:	Xidi a peace & quiet village with beautiful Hui-style buildings; white walls and grey tiles, beautifully paned windows, projecting horse-head walls, and stone slab bridge has inspired many artists along history Hongcun The village got its fame for the great film "crouching tiger and hidden dragon". Another hui-style ancient village was listed as World Cultural Heritage List in 2000, featuring Fengshui design.
Hotels:
Meals:

Day 23

City:	Guangzhou
Activity:	Visit Yuexiu Park, Five Ram Statue, Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Xiguan Old Houses, and Beijing Road for shopping.
Attractions:	Yuexiu Park Covering an area of 860,000 square meters, it is the biggest comprehensive sight-seeing park. Yuexiu Park is a perfect combination of cultural relics and ecological tourism with afforestation rate at 92%. Five Ram Statue The Five Ram Statue is the emblem of Guangzhou City. It is rich in poetic and pictorial splendor, and named after a legend of five lucky rams turning into stone. Chen Clan Ancestral Hall Chen Family Temple is a museum with masterpieces of the traditional crafts. Covering an area of 15,000 square meters, the temple is an excellent example of Chinese architecture and intricate decoration. Xiguan Old Houses Xiguan Old Houses are the residences built in the Xiguan district by wealthy families in the old days. And Xiguan, once as an ancient town of Guangzhou, is now become a place for people to memorize the history of the City.
Hotels:
Meals:

Day 24

City:	Guangzhou
Activity:	Transfer to the airport and fly to your next destination.
Attractions:	Service ends
Hotels:
Meals:

Related Tours

How to Book a China Tour

Suggestions & Reviews

Questions & Reviews are preferred here. For anyone who intends to enquire for booking a tour,
please fill in our Online Enquiry.

( The * are required. )

Find a China Tour

Destination
Length
Type
Enter Keywords:

China Tour Packages

Name*	e-mail Country Phone
Content*
Code*