10-Day Group Tour: Ancient Capitals of China Journey

Q: What cities are covered in this tour?

This tour includes Beijing, Nanjing, Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Shanghai.

Q: What meals are included?

The itinerary includes breakfast and lunch from Day 2 to Day 8, and breakfast on Day 10.Day 1 does not include meals, and Day 9 meals are not specified in the original itinerary.

Q: Does the tour include cultural experiences?

Yes. The tour includes cultural experiences such as Longjing tea tasting, silk culture learning, classical garden visits, and exploration of historic streets and traditional heritage areas.

Q: Who is this tour best for?

It is ideal for first-time travelers, culture lovers, history enthusiasts, and visitors looking for a classic eastern China journey with both heritage and modern highlights.

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

A 10-Day Journey Through China’s Ancient Capitals, Imperial Heritage, Classical Gardens and Modern City Life

This 10-day journey takes you through Beijing, Nanjing, Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Shanghai, combining some of China’s most important historical capitals with its most elegant cultural and urban destinations. From imperial landmarks in Beijing and the ancient legacy of Nanjing, to the classical gardens of Suzhou, the poetic beauty of Hangzhou, and the cosmopolitan energy of Shanghai, this itinerary offers a rich and well-balanced introduction to eastern China.

Travelers will experience famous highlights such as the Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Great Wall at Badaling, Ming Dynasty City Wall, Qinhuai River, Xiaoling Tomb, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Tiger Hill, Master of the Nets Garden, West Lake, Longjing Tea Plantation, Wukang Road, Yu Garden, Tianzifang, and Jin Mao Tower. Together with comfortable high-speed train travel and cultural experiences such as tea and silk, this tour is ideal for travelers seeking a classic and rewarding China journey.

All guests on this tour also enjoy complimentary use of the AI Travel Assistant device, offering real-time voice translation in 21 languages, instant travel tips, local recommendations, personalized itinerary updates, and a simple wearable design for a smoother travel experience.

Tour Highlights

Explore Beijing’s Imperial Icons

Visit the Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Great Wall at Badaling to experience the grandeur of China’s historic capital.

Beijing imperial icons including the Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City, and Great Wall.

Discover the Heritage of Nanjing

See the Ming Dynasty City Wall, Confucius Temple, Qinhuai River, Xiaoling Tomb, and Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum in one of China’s great ancient capitals.

Historic Nanjing with Ming City Wall, Qinhuai River, and major cultural landmarks.

Enjoy the Classical Beauty of Jiangnan

Experience Suzhou’s Tiger Hill and Master of the Nets Garden, then continue to Hangzhou for West Lake, Longjing tea, and silk culture.

Classical Jiangnan scenery with Suzhou gardens, West Lake, and traditional cultural elegance.

Experience Shanghai’s Historic and Modern Charm

Walk along Wukang Road and Nanjing Road, visit Yu Garden, explore Tianzifang, and admire panoramic city views from Jin Mao Tower.

Shanghai combining old-town charm, modern skyline views, and creative urban districts.

Travel Comfortably Across East China

Enjoy smooth high-speed train connections linking Beijing, Nanjing, Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Shanghai throughout the journey.

Comfortable rail journey across East China connecting major historic cities.

Enjoy Smart Travel Support on the Road

All guests receive complimentary use of the AI Travel Assistant device, offering voice translation, local tips, and itinerary updates for a more convenient trip.

AI travel assistant device supporting travelers during a multi-city journey in China.

Day 01 :

Arrival in Beijing | Welcome to China

Welcome to China! Upon arrival in Beijing, meet your friendly local guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is yours to relax after your journey or explore Beijing’s bustling surroundings at your own pace. This easy arrival day allows you to settle in comfortably before beginning your journey through China’s great ancient capitals and cultural landmarks.

Accommodation: Hotel in Beijing
Meals: Not included

Day 02 :

Beijing | Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City

Start your adventure at the Temple of Heaven (UNESCO), a masterpiece of Ming architecture and sacred ritual, where emperors once prayed for good harvests. Continue through Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square and one of China’s most historically significant sites. Then enter the majestic Forbidden City (UNESCO), the imperial palace that once housed 24 emperors over five centuries. This day offers a powerful introduction to the grandeur, symbolism, and legacy of imperial Beijing.

Accommodation: Hotel in Beijing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 03 :

Beijing | Great Wall at Badaling & Olympic Landmarks

Today, stand atop the iconic Great Wall of China at Badaling (UNESCO), one of humanity’s greatest feats of engineering and one of China’s most famous landmarks. Walk along its ancient stone paths and admire the mountain scenery that once guarded the northern frontier of the empire. On your return, stop for photos at Beijing’s modern Olympic landmarks — the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube — both famous symbols of the 2008 Olympic Games. The day brings together the best of ancient and modern Beijing.

Accommodation: Hotel in Beijing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 04 :

Beijing ➔ Nanjing | High-Speed Train, Ming City Wall & Qinhuai River

Travel by high-speed train to Nanjing, one of China’s Four Great Ancient Capitals. Upon arrival, visit the impressive Ming Dynasty City Wall, one of the longest surviving city walls in the world and an important symbol of the city’s historical strength. In the evening, stroll through the lively Confucius Temple area and enjoy the lantern-lit atmosphere along the Qinhuai River, where historic streets, night views, and local charm create a memorable introduction to Nanjing.

Accommodation: Hotel in Nanjing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 05 :

Nanjing ➔ Suzhou | Xiaoling Tomb, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum & Shantang Street

Begin the day with a visit to the Xiaoling Tomb of the Ming Dynasty (UNESCO), the grand resting place of the founding Ming emperor and one of Nanjing’s most important historical sites. Then continue to Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Mausoleum, a tribute to the revolutionary leader widely regarded as the father of modern China. After sightseeing in Nanjing, take the bullet train to Suzhou, where you can unwind along the picturesque canals and old-style atmosphere of Shantang Street. The day combines imperial heritage, modern national history, and the graceful charm of Jiangnan water towns.

Accommodation: Hotel in Suzhou
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 06 :

Suzhou ➔ Hangzhou | Tiger Hill & Master of the Nets Garden

Begin your day at Tiger Hill, one of Suzhou’s most famous landmarks, known for its leaning pagoda, historic stories, and elegant scenery. Then visit the exquisite Master of the Nets Garden (UNESCO), a masterpiece of classical Suzhou garden design, beautifully blending architecture, water, stones, and plant life in harmonious balance. In the afternoon, continue by high-speed train to Hangzhou, preparing for the next stage of your journey through eastern China’s cultural and scenic highlights.

Accommodation: Hotel in Hangzhou
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 07 :

Hangzhou | West Lake Cruise, Longjing Tea & Silk Culture

Take a scenic West Lake Boat Cruise (UNESCO), gliding across one of China’s most celebrated cultural landscapes, long praised by poets and painters for its timeless beauty. Then visit the Longjing Tea Plantation, where you can sample freshly harvested green tea amid peaceful hillsides and one of China’s most famous tea-growing regions. End the day at the Silk Culture Exhibition Hall, where you will learn about Hangzhou’s historic role in China’s silk trade and the craftsmanship behind one of the country’s most treasured traditions. This day offers a graceful mix of scenery, tea culture, and local heritage.

Accommodation: Hotel in Hangzhou
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 08 :

Hangzhou ➔ Shanghai | Wukang Road & Nanjing Road

Board the high-speed train to Shanghai, China’s most dynamic metropolis. Upon arrival, discover the charm of Wukang Road, a leafy street lined with colonial-era architecture and old Shanghai character. Then continue to Nanjing Road, one of Asia’s most famous shopping streets, where international brands, local snacks, and bright city energy come together in a lively urban setting. Today introduces the stylish and modern side of eastern China after the historical and scenic elegance of the previous destinations.

Accommodation: Hotel in Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 09 :

Shanghai | Yu Garden, Jin Mao Tower & Tianzifang

Step into the classical beauty of Yu Garden, a fine example of Ming-era private garden design, with elegant pavilions, ponds, rockeries, and traditional landscaping. Then ascend to the Jin Mao Tower Observation Deck for panoramic views over Shanghai’s dramatic skyline, especially the modern towers of Pudong. Later, explore Tianzifang Art District, a maze of narrow lanes filled with creative studios, cafés, boutiques, and local artistic flair. This day presents a rewarding contrast between old Shanghai charm and futuristic city views.

Accommodation: Hotel in Shanghai
Meals: Not specified

Day 10 :

Departure from Shanghai | Farewell China

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home. As your journey comes to an end, leave with lasting memories of China’s ancient capitals, imperial heritage, classical gardens, tea culture, and the modern energy of Shanghai. This well-balanced route offers a memorable introduction to the cultural depth and beauty of eastern China.

Accommodation: Not included
Meals: Breakfast

Expand all

What cities are covered in this tour?

This tour includes Beijing, Nanjing, Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Shanghai.

What are the main highlights of the tour?

The main highlights include Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Great Wall at Badaling, Ming Dynasty City Wall, Qinhuai River, Xiaoling Tomb, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, Tiger Hill, Master of the Nets Garden, West Lake Cruise, Longjing Tea Plantation, Wukang Road, Yu Garden, Tianzifang, and Jin Mao Tower Observation Deck.

What meals are included?

The itinerary includes breakfast and lunch from Day 2 to Day 8, and breakfast on Day 10.
Day 1 does not include meals, and Day 9 meals are not specified in the original itinerary.

Does the tour include cultural experiences?

Yes. The tour includes cultural experiences such as Longjing tea tasting, silk culture learning, classical garden visits, and exploration of historic streets and traditional heritage areas.

Is this itinerary suitable for first-time visitors to China?

Yes. This itinerary is ideal for first-time visitors who want to experience China’s ancient capitals, famous UNESCO sites, classical scenery, and modern city life in one journey.

Is the itinerary physically demanding?

The tour is generally light to moderate, with walking at historical sites, gardens, scenic areas, old streets, and city districts.

Who is this tour best for?

It is ideal for first-time travelers, culture lovers, history enthusiasts, and visitors looking for a classic eastern China journey with both heritage and modern highlights.