Walking Tour

This morning we’ll have our first experience of a famous Chinese bullet train as we speed north to Datong. Upon arrival we’ll have a walking tour of the Old Town. Highlights include the Nine Dragon Screen and city walls.

Hanging Monastery; Yangung Caves

Today is a blockbuster sight day. Our morning destination is the Hanging Monastery. Clinging precariously to a cliff wall and supported by hundreds of “stilts”, this religious architecture is a wonder to behold. For our afternoon activity we’ll visit Yangung Caves. These rock-carved cave temples constitute some of China’s most significant Buddhist heritage and ancient art. More than 1500 years old, the 45 caves boast frescoes, stone-carved pagodas, Buddha statues, and other carvings.

Walking Tour

Your morning is free at leisure to relax or explore more of Datong. Then another bullet train journey takes us back south to Pingyao. After checking into our hotel we’ll have a walking tour of the Old Town. Purported to be China’s best preserved ancient walled town, Pingyao gives new meaning to the term charming. Like a living museum Pingyao will enchant with its narrow lanes begging to be explored, the impressive medieval walls and towered gates, photogenic temples, and stylish courtyards. 

Free morning; transportation day

Today commences with a free morning to continue your explorations of Pingyao. An afternoon train speeds us to Shijiazhuang. Tonight’s dinner is classic Chinese duck.

Cangyan Shan; Yujiacun

One of our favorite hidden gems highlights today’s sightseeing. Cangyan Shan, or the Hanging Palace, is a Sui dynasty structure that dramatically spans a narrow gorge. Afterward we’ll continue on to Yujiacun, or Stone Village. As the name suggests, this tiny village is constructed entirely of stone, right down to the furniture.

Huangshan

A morning bullet train speeds us south. Destination: Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). The twisted peaks, serrated ridges, and granite towers give these mountains a distinctly otherworldly feel. Views are breathtaking and we’ll have the benefit of sunset and sunrise to revel in the natural beauty that surrounds. If we are lucky enough to be present when heavy fog rolls in below (a relatively common occurrence) we’ll be rewarded with an even more ethereal vista. 

Huangshan

Today is entirely free for you to explore the many beautiful trails and stunning views of Huangshan. Needless to say, a memorable sunrise rewards early risers. At the end of the day we’ll take the cable car down and be transferred to our Tunxi hotel.

Xidi; Hongcun; Bamboo Forest

Today we visit two traditional Anhui villages: Xidi and Hongcun. Both are World Heritage Sights and display the traditional Huizhou architectural style. We will also squeeze in a photo stop at the Bamboo Forest, made famous in the movie Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon. Then it’s back to our home for the night, amiable Tunxi.

Bund

A free morning is yours to relax or explore Tunxi. A midday train rockets us to Shanghai. After checking into the hotel we’ll enjoy an evening stroll along the Bund, Shanghai’s colonial waterfront, with illuminated views of the impressive Pudong skyline.

Zhujiajiao; Tongli

Our last full day is water town day. A few miles west of Shanghai one finds a number of quaint, enchanting, time-warped villages laced with waterways. Photogenic bridges span the canals, adding to the enticing ambiance. We’ll visit two of the most alluring villages: Zhujiajiao and Tongli. We’ll return to Shanghai for our last dinner together.

Tour Over The tour concludes with breakfast. Imprint will assist with airport transfers.

Day 1 Beijing - Hutong Tour
For those extending to Beijing and the Great Wall (BGW), after breakfast we’ll take a morning flight from Shanghai to Beijing (flight included). Upon arrival, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. After checking in, you’ll enjoy a Hutong walking tour. Hutongs are the narrow streets of Beijing’s Old Town. You’ll visit a local family and have a chance to learn paper cutting, a traditional art form.

Day 2 Beijing - Tiananmen Square; Forbidden City; Temple of Heaven
Today is a block-buster day as we visit the most iconic of Beijing’s destination sights. We’ll begin with Tiannanmen Square. This immense public space is bounded by the Tiananmen Gate (Gate of Heavenly Peace), the Monument to the People's Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China, and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong. Passing through the Tiananmen Gate, we’ll enter the Forbidden City, or the Imperial Palace complex. Ming and Qing dynasty emperors resided and held court here for more than 500 years, until the 20th century. We’ll conclude our sight-seeing with a visit to the iconic Temple of Heaven and it’s surrounding park.

Day 3 Beijing - Great Wall
Today’s excursion takes us to a final bucket list sight: the Great Wall. We’ll visit Mutianyu, one of the best-preserved, best-known, and longest of the Great Wall sections. This Ming Dynasty segment showcases breathtaking natural scenery, remarkable architectural features, and numerous watchtowers. After returning to Beijing, we’ll gather for a final dinner together - classic Peking Duck.

Day 4 Extension over
The extension ends after breakfast. Imprint will assist with airport transfers.

Beijing Xinqiao Hotel (3 nights) http://xinqiao.hotels-inbeijing.com/