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, it also 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: New Zealand to Beijing

Begin our Wendy Wu Tours group holiday to China. Travel on an overnight flight to Beijing with Singapore Airlines. Upon arrival we will be welcomed by our National Escort and transferred to our hotel for 4 nights.

Day 3: Beijing

Our first day of sightseeing involves a stroll through famous Tiananmen Square, past Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum, followed by a visit to the treasure filled Forbidden City. Take a rickshaw ride through the traditional Hutong areas. Tonight we will sample the local delicacy of ‘Peking Duck’ and enjoy an evening at the opera.

Day 4: Beijing

An oft quoted saying in Beijing goes that ‘you have not been to China until you have climbed the Great Wall’. Begun over two thousand years ago, it stretches all the way from Shanhaiguan Pass on the east coast to the Gobi Desert in the west, more than 5,000km away. Walk along the wall admiring the panoramic views and reflect on the enormity of the material and labour required for its construction. It is estimated that a million people were used at different stages during the construction. This afternoon we also visit the unique Temple of Heaven, built in the 15th Century.

Day 5: Beijing

Indulge in a shopping spree at the bustling Silk Markets, before visiting the exquisite Summer Palace.

Day 6: Beijing to Datong

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

Day 7: Datong to 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 to 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 to Pingyao

Drive to Pingyao, a remarkably preserved World Heritage listed town offering an insight into the architectural styles of Imperial China. Stay overnight.

Day 10: Pingyao to 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.

Day 11: Xian

Arrive in Xian this morning and transfer to our hotel for the next 2 nights. As our evening entertainment enjoy a performance of traditional Tang Dynasty Dancing.

Day 12: Xian

Enjoy a tour to 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 to Luoyang

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

Day 14: Luoyang

Visit the UNESCO listed Longman Grottoes. 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 to 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.

Day 16: Shanghai

Today visit Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, the Old Town and the famous Bund. Our evening entertainment will be a Chinese Acrobatic Show.

Day 17: Shanghai

This morning we will have the opportunity to explore the Xintiandi sector with its 1920’s style ‘shikumen’ buildings unique to Shanghai. In the evening enjoy a Huangpu River cruise as our farewell celebration.

Day 18: Depart Shanghai

Enjoy the morning at leisure before boarding our flight to New Zealand.

Day 19: Arrive New Zealand

Arrive home this morning.

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Images from Ancient China