Elegant Legendary Chinese Empire Beijing & Xi'an & Shanghai 3 Cities 7 Nights with Qatar Airways Airlines (FLY005)

1st Day Istanbul – Doha In the Istanbul Airport international departure terminal, we will meet three hours before the flight. After baggage, ticket, and boarding processes, our flight to Doha with Qatar Airways will commence. Upon arrival in Doha, after a transfer on a scheduled Qatar Airways flight, we will start our flight to Beijing. We will spend the night on the plane. 2nd Day Beijing After breakfast at the hotel, we will begin exploring the city’s mystical history. Our bus will take us to the heart of the city, Forbidden City, where we will observe how the old and new parts of Beijing coexist. Walking through vast courtyards, magnificent palaces, and historic stone roads, we will feel immersed in an ancient imperial era. Massive gates, golden roofs, spacious squares, and elegant gardens will transport us into the past, each detail echoing centuries of Chinese culture. Next, we will visit the Beijing Olympic Bird’s Nest Stadium and Water Cube, built for the 2008 Olympics, viewing them panoramically from outside. After the tour, we will head to a local restaurant for dinner. Then, we will transfer to our hotel and have free time to relax. 3rd Day Beijing – Forbidden City – Tiananmen Square – Cn Temple – Beijing After breakfast, we will start discovering the city’s mystical history. Our bus will take us to the center of the city, Forbidden City, the most magnificent imperial palace complex. Walking among vast courtyards and ornate palaces, we will feel as if transported back to an ancient empire. Afterwards, we will visit Tiananmen Square, one of the world’s largest squares and a symbol of modern China, witnessing its historical significance. Next, we will explore the Pearl Factory to learn about the secrets of freshwater pearls. Then, we will visit the Temple of Heaven, a sacred site where emperors prayed to heaven for good harvests, with its striking blue domes and Taoist symbolism. After the tour, dinner at a local restaurant, transfer to our hotel, and free time to relax. 4th Day Beijing – Great Wall at Juyong Pass – Beijing After breakfast, we will explore the world-famous Great Wall of China. Disembarking from the bus, amidst breathtaking mountain scenery, we’ll see the wall extending over ridges and hills for approximately 21,000 km. Recognized as one of the greatest engineering achievements, it was built starting from the 7th century BC and expanded over centuries by various dynasties. We will walk along the ancient stone wall, following the footsteps of history. Later, we will visit a Jade Factory, where we will observe the craftsmanship of this cultural gem. We will witness how raw jade is carved into detailed figures and ornaments, showcasing the artistic mastery of Chinese artisans. Afterward, we will head to a local restaurant for dinner, then transfer back to our hotel for rest. 5th Day Beijing – Xian After breakfast, we will depart for Xi’an by high-speed train, moving from the station towards this historic city. As the train glides over the rails, we will see mountain silhouettes in the mist, endless rice paddies, and pagoda temples nestled between villages passing by like a film. Approaching Xi’an, the ancient city’s imposing walls, cobbled streets, and historic architecture will greet us. Once the imperial capital and a vital hub on the Silk Road, Xi’an has seen countless traders, travelers, and historians. Walking among the stones will bridge past and present, revealing the city’s historical depth. After dinner at a local restaurant, we will return to our hotel for rest and free time. 6th Day Xi’an – Terracotta Warriors – Ancient Style Street – Xi’an After breakfast, we will visit the UNESCO-listed Terracotta Army, one of China’s greatest archaeological discoveries. Built to protect the tomb of China’s first emperor Qin Shi Huang, the life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots buried for over 2200 years were discovered in 1974. This impressive underground army reflects ancient China’s military strength and artistic skill. We will then explore Old Town’s Ancient Style Street, characterized by traditional Chinese architecture, red lanterns, wooden shops, and cobblestone roads. This street features handcrafted souvenirs, antiques, silk products, and calligraphy, offering a visual journey into the past. The lively ambiance is filled with spices, traditional music, and artisans’ craftsmanship. After dinner at a local restaurant, we will transfer to our hotel for rest. 7th Day Xi’an – Xi’an City Walls – Big Wild Goose Pagoda – Shanghai After breakfast, we will visit the Xi’an City Walls, one of China’s most well-preserved defense structures, built in the 14th century, stretching 13.7 km. Walking along the 12-meter-high ramparts, we will experience ancient military architecture. Then, we will visit the Tang Dynasty’s iconic Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a 64-meter-tall structure representing the spread of Buddhism. Built during the Tang Dynasty, it housed sacred texts brought from India by Xuanzang, one of China’s most celebrated monks. After the tour, we will fly from Xi’an to Shanghai. Upon arrival, after dinner at a local restaurant, we will transfer to our hotel and have free time to rest. 8th Day Shanghai – Jade Buddha Temple – Yuyuan Garden – Nanjing Road – Shanghai After breakfast, we will visit the Jade Buddha Temple, home to two magnificent white jade Buddha statues. The serene seated Buddha captures attention with its elegant texture and peaceful expression. Then, we will tour the Yuyuan Garden, a classic Chinese garden featuring intricate pavilions, stone bridges, and mountain formations, embodying traditional garden art. Next, we’ll visit the Silk Factory to observe the process of turning silkworms into luxurious fabrics, a vital part of Chinese culture. Afterwards, we will explore Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s busiest shopping district lined with luxury stores, traditional crafts, and local eateries. It’s comparable to New York’s Fifth Avenue or Paris’s Champs-Élysées. In the evening, we will visit the Oriental Pearl Tower from the outside, a Shanghai icon towering 468 meters tall, brightly illuminated at night. After dinner at a local restaurant, we will transfer to our hotel for free time to relax. 9th/10th Days Shanghai – Zhujiajiao Water Town – AP Plaza Shopping – Doha – Istanbul After breakfast, we will check out and depart for Zhujiajiao Water Town, Shanghai’s most enchanting site, known as the “Venice of Shanghai.” With over 600 years of history, its narrow stone streets, handcrafted old Chinese houses, and elegant arched bridges resemble a timeless jewel. The reflective waters, lantern lights, incense-scented air, and traditional music create a captivating atmosphere. Traditional boats glide gently on the canals, enhancing the mystical experience. Antique shops along the streets offer silk, ceramics, and calligraphy artworks, inviting visitors into a fairytale world. Afterward, we will head to AP Plaza, a vibrant marketplace famous for a wide variety of goods, from leather products and electronics to luxury watches and silk. Then, we will transfer to Shanghai Airport for our Qatar Airways scheduled flight to Doha. Upon arrival in Doha, after the transfer, our flight to Istanbul will begin. Arriving at Istanbul’s new airport (IST), our tour and services conclude.