Ancient China

In 221 BC Qin Shi Huang declared himself the first Emperor of China and established his capital near present day Xian in the Yellow River basin. Over the next 2,000 years, as many empires rose and fell, each new dynasty would move their capital city to a different place. The position of the capital not only meant rebuilding the palace - the site of the ancient capitals affected the fortunes of the royal courtesans, advisors and even the common citizens and traders in that area. A capital near the Grand Canal might help merchants on the coast prosper, while a capital in the north might bring fortune and influence to the military who now needed to protect the Emperor and his city from the constant threat of the ‘barbarians’. A nearby village with a unique product or handicraft may find their destiny changed forever and become an affluent and strategic trading town. Monasteries which once received only the poor donations of farmers might now receive the patronage of wealthy men and employ skilled artists to create magnificent works of devotional art. From the great western capitals in the legendary cities of Xian and Luoyang, to the present capital in Beijing, our Ancient China journey visits some of the most significant sites of the imperial age. Climb the Great Wall north of Beijing and explore the courtyards, temples and residences of the Forbidden City to learn about life during the Qing Dynasty. Catch a train to Datong to visit the incredible collection of Buddha statues at the Yungang Caves then see the unforgettable Hanging Monastery, so named because it was constructed on the sheer wall of a cliff 1,400 years ago. In Taiyuan, the modern capital of Shanxi Province, see the 1,000 year old Jin Ci Temple of the Goddess and discover the remnants of this once powerful military city. Wander the delightful old streets of Pingyao which is a World Heritage listed town and is still surrounded by a city wall built during the Ming Dynasty. Our journey continues to the UNESCO listed Longman Grottoes in Luoyang before finishing in Shanghai.

TOUR ITINERARY

Days 1-2: Australia/Beijing

Fly to Beijing with Singapore Airlines, where upon arrival we will be welcomed by our National Escort and transferred to our hotel for 4 nights.

Days 3-5: Beijing

Beijing is a city full of wonders. During our time in this grand city we stroll along the famous Tiananmen Square, past Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum and visit the treasure filled Forbidden City. We will also enjoy an exciting walk on the Great Wall, tour the unique Temple of Heaven and enjoy a rickshaw ride through the traditional Hutong district. In addition we will indulge in a shopping spree at the bustling Silk Markets and tour the exquisite Summer Palace. We will sample the local delicacy of ‘Peking Duck’ and enjoy an evening at the Opera.

Day 6: Beijing/Datong

Depart Beijing on a train journey to Datong, a former ancient and cultural capital, for an overnight stay.

Day 7: Datong/Wutaishan

Travel to the Yungang caves, carved into the north cliff face of Wuzhou Mountain. Relics of the Wei Dynasty (386-584), the caves consist of over 50, 000 Buddhist statues and frescoes. We also visit the 1400 year old Hanging Monastery, so named because it hangs on the western cliff face of Jinxia Gorge more than 50 metres above ground.

Day 8: Wutaishan/Taiyuan

Discover the magnificent beauty of Wutaishan (Five Terraced Mountain). Ensconced within the alpine valley is the monastic village often referred to as the ‘holy land of Chinese Buddhism’, wherein lies traditional architecture, temples and sculptures. Afterwards we continue to Taiyuan for an overnight stay. Visit the Ming Dynasty’s Twin Pagoda Temple, the Provincial Museum and the Jinci Temple, offering a wonderful combination of historical relics and beautiful landscapes.

Day 9: Taiyuan/Pingyao

Drive to Pingyao, a remarkably preserved world heritage listed town offering insight into the architectural styles of imperial China. Stay overnight.

Day 10: Pingyao/Xian

Explore this town by visiting the ancient city wall, erected in the Zhou Dynasty (827-728 BC), the Rishengchang Financial House Museum, the Zhengguo, the Shuang Lin Temple and the Yamen, a former government building of the Qing Dynasty. We later board our overnight train to the former ancient capital of Xian.

Days 11-12: Xian

Arrive in Xian this morning and transfer to our hotel for the next two nights. This evening we will enjoy a traditional Tang Dynasty dancing show. On the following day tour one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th Century – the Terracotta Warriors. This will be followed by the Little Wild Goose Pagoda, the renowned Shaanxi Provincial Museum and the ancient City Wall, which is also one of the best preserved in all of China.

Day 13: Xian/Luoyang

Board our train to Luoyang, an imperial capital for more than 13 dynasties.

Day 14: Luoyang

Visit the UNESCO listed Longman Grottoes, which are one of the greatest sites of stone sculptures in all of China. We also visit the Shaolin Temple located in the Songshan Mountains where we will stay overnight. The temple is the ancient centre of Chinese Kung Fu as well as an important Buddhist shrine. Witness a Kung Fu demonstration by the Shaolin Monks.

Day 15: Luoyang/Shanghai

After a visit to the Yellow River, often referred to as the ‘cradle of China’s civilization’ we visit the Henan Provincial Museum before boarding our flight to the cosmopolitan and vibrant city of Shanghai.

Days 16-17: Shanghai

We will experience this exciting city with sightseeing tours of Shanghai Museum, the majestic Yu Gardens and the fascinating Old Town. We will also take in the Bund and explore the restored area of Xintiandi and the 1920’s architectural style ‘shikumen’ buildings. As part of our farewell celebration we will enjoy an impressive Chinese Acrobatic Show as well as a Huangpu River Cruise.

Days 18-19: Shanghai/Australia

Enjoy the morning at our leisure before boarding our international flight to Australia. Arrive home the following morning filled with many happy memories.

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Images from Ancient China