Elegant Legendary Chinese Empire Beijing & Xi'an & Luoyang & Zhengzhou & Shanghai 5 Cities with Emirates Airlines (FLY004)

Day 1 ISTANBUL – DUBAI

We will meet three hours before departure at the international departure terminal of Istanbul Airport. After luggage, ticket, and boarding procedures, our flight with Emirates Airlines scheduled flight will commence to Dubai.

Day 2 DUBAI – BEIJING

After arriving in Dubai, our transfer will be with a private bus to connect to Beijing via Emirates Airlines scheduled flight. We will spend the night on the plane. After arriving in Beijing, we will transfer to our private bus waiting at the airport and begin our panoramic tour of Beijing. Our first stop will be the Lama Temple (exterior). Inside, it houses an 18-meter-high Buddha statue. Built during Emperor Qianlong's period, this temple is one of the most important and expansive temples in China. It is considered one of the most significant centers for Tibetan Buddhism, specifically the Gelug sect. Our next stop will be the Miaoying Temple, also known as the White Stupa Temple, an important monastery of the Sakya branch of Tibetan Buddhism. Built during the Yuan Dynasty, it is one of the oldest and largest temples, featuring a white tower, the architecture dating back to the 13th century, and was restored in 2010. Afterwards, we will see the Bird’s Nest Stadium (exterior) constructed for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics and the Water Cube (exterior). Later in the evening, we will go to a local restaurant for dinner. After dinner, we will transfer to our hotel. Free time to rest. Accommodation at the hotel.

Day 3 BEIJING – THE FORBIDDEN CITY – TIANANMEN SQUARE – HEAVENLY TEMPLE – BEIJING

After breakfast at the hotel, we will start our day exploring the mystical history of the city. Our bus will take us to the heart of the city, the Forbidden City, as we observe how old and new Beijing coexist, witnessing the grandeur of this imperial palace complex that hosted emperors for centuries. Walking among vast courtyards, magnificent palaces, and ancient stone roads, we will feel transported to an imperial era. Tall gates, golden roofs, spacious squares, and elegant gardens will bring us into the past. Every corner of the palace has a story and reflects thousands of years of Chinese culture. Then, we will move to Tiananmen Square, one of the largest squares in the world, symbolizing modern China and witnessing many historical events. Afterward, we will visit the Pearl Factory to discover the secrets of China’s famous freshwater pearls. We will learn how they are gathered and transformed into dazzling jewelry. Our next stop will be the Heavenly Temple, renowned for its majestic domes and exquisite architecture. The structure’s blue hues blend with the sky, symbolizing the mystical connection between the Chinese people and nature. In this sacred place, where emperors sought divine favor over centuries, we will sense the spiritual atmosphere and history. After the tour, we will go to a local restaurant for dinner. After dinner, transfer to our hotel. Free time to rest. Accommodation at the hotel.

Day 4 BEIJING – THE GREAT WALL – JUYONG PASS – BEIJING

After breakfast at the hotel, we will explore the world-famous Great Wall of China. Upon disembarking from the bus, bathed in the breathtaking mountain scenery, we will see the Great Wall extending over the hills and valleys for about 21,000 km. This iconic and monumental defense barrier is not only a military structure but also one of China’s greatest engineering achievements. Its construction dates back to the 7th century BC and was expanded and reinforced by various dynasties over the centuries. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it holds great significance not just for China but for world history. While exploring the Wall, we will walk along its stone parapets, tracing the past step by step and experiencing its historical significance firsthand. Then, we will visit the Jade Factory, which has been regarded as a symbol of luck, prosperity, and elegance in Chinese culture for centuries. Here, we will observe how raw jade is carefully carved and shaped into detailed figures and jewelry, appreciating the craftsmanship and artistry that preserve this cultural heritage. After dinner at a local restaurant, we will transfer back to our hotel for rest and relaxation.

Day 5 BEIJING – XIAN

After breakfast at the hotel, we will depart for the train station to travel to Xi’an by high-speed train. Traveling along the rails, through fog-covered mountain silhouettes, vast rice fields, and pagoda-topped villages, we will witness a cinematic scene pass by the train windows. Moving from the modern pace to the depths of history, we will prepare to step into the historic atmosphere of Xi’an.

Upon arrival in Xi'an, the city's majestic walls, cobblestone streets, and architecture echoing past eras will welcome us. Once the imperial capital and a crucial hub on the Silk Road, this city has long been a meeting point for merchants, travelers, and historians. Here, the whispers of history through the stones will be felt. Then, we will proceed to the Xi’an City Walls tour. Our first stop will be the Xi’an City Walls, built in the 14th century during the Ming Dynasty. This impressive structure extends 13.7 kilometers, surrounding the city with its restored ramparts. Standing about 12 meters high, the walls are among China’s best-preserved and most magnificent defensive structures. Walking along the walls, we will feel how they once protected the city and appreciate their strategic importance. From here, we will enjoy a panoramic view of Xi’an and experience a unique blend of history and modernity. After dinner at a local restaurant, we will transfer to our hotel for rest and relaxation. free time. Accommodation at the hotel.

Day 6 XIAN – TERRACOTTA WARRIORS – HISTORIC STYLE STREET – LUOYANG

After breakfast at the hotel, our tour in Xi’an will begin with a visit to the Terracotta Army Museum, one of China's most important heritage sites, recognized as one of the "Eight Wonders of the World" by UNESCO. Built to protect the mausoleum of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, this massive underground army remained hidden underground for over 2200 years before its discovery in 1974. Thousands of life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots, each with unique facial expressions, showcase ancient Chinese military strength and artistic mastery, offering a fascinating journey into history. Then, we will visit the Historic Style Street, a lively traditional shopping street lined with ancient Chinese architecture, featuring red lanterns, wooden shops, and stone-paved streets that reflect old China. Here, handcrafted souvenirs, antiques, silk products, and calligraphy items will immerse us in a cultural journey. The vibrant aroma of spices, traditional music, and artisanal craftsmanship make this street a living museum. Later, we will take a high-speed train to Luoyang. After arriving, we will enjoy a leisurely tour of the Luoyi Ancient City, with its reconstructed traditional streets, red lantern-lit alleys, and authentic atmosphere that take us back in time. Dinner at a local restaurant, after which we will transfer to our hotel to rest and relax.

Day 7 LUOYANG – LONGMEN GROTTOES – SHAO LIN TEMPLE – KUNG FU SHOW – ZHENGZHOU

After breakfast, we will head to the Longmen Grottoes, one of China's most impressive cultural heritages. Located along the Yi River, this complex of caves and statues reflects the peak of Buddhist art from the 5th to 10th centuries. Over 100,000 Buddha statues, lions, and inscriptions are carved into the cliffs, with the 17-meter-high seated Buddha being a highlight that radiates serenity and majesty. Moving through the caves, you will feel the spiritual and artistic atmosphere of the past. Afterward, we will visit the Shaolin Temple, built in 495 AD, known as the birthplace of Zen Buddhism and the cradle of Shaolin Kung Fu. Walking through the ancient courtyards, we will sense the essence of centuries-old spiritual training. The most exciting part of the visit will be the Shaolin Kung Fu Show, where monks demonstrate martial arts, acrobatics, and spiritual discipline, offering a spectacular performance that embodies the harmony of body and mind. The show is a visual feast representing a deep-rooted tradition and the human inner strength. In the afternoon, we will visit a famous diamond factory in Henan where we will see the manufacturing process. Afterwards, we will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and transfer to our hotel in Zhengzhou for overnight stay.

Day 8 ZHENGZHOU – JADE TEMPLE – YU GARDEN – NANJING ROAD – SHANGHAI

After breakfast, we will transfer to Zhengzhou Airport for a domestic flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, we will begin our city tour of Shanghai. Our first stop will be the Jade Buddha Temple, which houses two magnificent Buddha statues carved from white jade, especially the seated Buddha with its gentle reflection and peaceful expression, symbolizing tranquility. Next, we will visit Yuyuan Garden, one of China’s most exquisite traditional gardens with winding paths, rock formations, and bridges reflecting classical Chinese landscape art. Then, we will explore the Silk Factory to see the process from silkworm to luxurious fabric, appreciating the craftsmanship involved. The next stop will be Nanjing Road, one of the world’s most famous shopping streets, full of luxury stores, traditional crafts, and local flavors, comparable to New York's Fifth Avenue or Paris's Champs-Élysées. Finally, we will visit the Pearl Tower, a symbol of Shanghai, rising 468 meters into the sky, illuminated beautifully at night, and an iconic feature of the city’s skyline. After dinner at a local restaurant, we will transfer to our hotel for rest and overnight stay.

Day 9/10 SHANGHAI – ZHUJIAJIAO WATER TOWN – APPLE PLAZA SHOPPING – DUBAI – ISTANBUL

After breakfast at the hotel, we will check out and proceed to Zhujiajiao Water Town, one of Shanghai’s most enchanting spots. With over 600 years of history, Zhujiajiao is known as “Shanghai’s Venice,” a city frozen in time like a luminous pearl. Narrow stone streets, centuries-old traditional Chinese houses, and elegant arched bridges characterize this water town. Reflections of lanterns on calm canal waters, the scent of incense filling the air, and echoes of traditional music create a spiritual and artistic atmosphere. Traditional boats gently glide over clear waters, adding a magical touch, while tea houses emit the fragrance of jasmine, accompanying the timeless ambiance. Antique shops lining the cobblestone streets offer silks, ceramics, and calligraphy works, turning a visit into a fairy tale journey. Afterward, we will go to AP Plaza, a bustling shopping market known for its wide variety and attractive prices, offering leather goods, electronics, watches, and silk products. Following shopping, we will transfer to Shanghai Airport and board our Emirates Airlines scheduled flight to Dubai. Upon arrival in Dubai, we will transfer for connecting flight to Istanbul. Our tour concludes upon arrival at Istanbul New Airport, where our services and journey end.