China’s Past and Present, French-speaking guide

This journey invites you to discover Chinese civilization, a country of many contrasts: rural and urban, traditional and modern, with an exceptional cultural heritage. The tour begins with visits to some of China’s most iconic and legendary sites, including Beijing, the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, before continuing to Xi’an and its impressive Terracotta Army. Finally, a visit to the vibrant city of Shanghai offers a glimpse into another side of the country: modern China.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Forbidden City: Discover the majesty of the walled imperial palace which was reserved for China’s royalty for centuries.

Terracotta Warriors Museum: A collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang (the first Emperor of China), the eighth wonder of the ancient world.

Xi´an: Melting pot of cultures and religions, ancient city that used to be home to emperors, courtesans, poets, monks, merchants and warriors.

Shanghai: A city of contrasts where China’s traditional past meets modern technology and futuristic design.

1 giorno: ARRIVAL BEIJING

Arrival in Beijing. You will be met by your driver and transferred by private car (without a guide) from the airport to your hotel. Check-in time is after 12:00 noon. Meals at leisure. Your hotel is located very close to Xiushui Market (Silk Market), approximately a 5-minute walk away, so you may visit the market if time permits.

Overnight in Beijing.

2 giorno: BEIJING

Breakfast at your hotel. Meet your guide in the hotel lobby at around 08:30. Take public transport (metro or bus) to the Temple of Heaven. The Temple of Heaven is one of Beijing’s most visited monuments. Its magnificent triple-roofed structure with blue glazed tiles symbolizes the relationship between the human and divine worlds. In addition to the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, visit the Circular Mound Altar and the Echo Wall. In the temple park, local residents enjoy leisure activities every day, including singing, dancing, chess and ground calligraphy. Do not miss the “love corner,” where elderly parents exchange information about their unmarried children in the hope of finding them partners. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the city center by public transport (metro and public bus). First, take the metro to Tian’anmen Square and the Forbidden City, a consummate example of the architectural classicism of the Ming Dynasty. Enjoy a view of the imperial palace from the summit of Jingshan Park (Coal Hill). Return to your hotel.

Overnight in Beijing.

3 giorno: BEIJING

Breakfast at your hotel. Meet your guide at the hotel at around 08:30, then transfer for a morning excursion to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, located 80 km north of the city and less visited than other sections. Walk up and down (cable car available at an additional cost, payable locally). Lunch at a local restaurant on site. Return to the city and visit the Summer Palace, the last imperial garden of the Qing Dynasty. Finish the day with a panoramic view of Beijing’s Olympic landmarks, the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube.

Overnight in Beijing.

4 giorno: BEIJING – XI’AN (6 hrs by high-speed train; included)

Breakfast at your hotel. Morning at leisure. Meet your guide at the hotel around noon (your guide will confirm the meeting time one day in advance according to the train schedule), then transfer to the railway station and take a high-speed train to Xi’an (journey approximately 4.5 to 6 hours depending on the train). On arrival in Xi’an in the late afternoon or early evening, you will be met by your local guide. Transfer to your hotel for check-in.

Overnight in Xi’an.

5 giorno: XI’AN

Breakfast at your hotel. Day at leisure. Optional sightseeing of the Xi’an City Wall, the former residence of the Gao family and the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, including lunch and dinner is available (payable locally).

Overnight in Xi’an.

6 giorno: XI’AN

Breakfast at a local restaurant. Meet your guide at the hotel at 08:30. Transfer to the Terracotta Army, consisting of 6,000 cavalrymen and infantrymen. In the site’s three pits, you can admire thousands of life-size statues seemingly frozen in time, guarding the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Exhibition halls also display a fine collection of precious objects, including a remarkable bronze chariot. Lunch featuring Xi’an specialties: noodles and roujiamo. Return to Xi’an city and visit a jade workshop. Stroll through the Muslim Quarter and visit the Great Mosque, whose architecture is in Chinese style and set within a beautiful square courtyard.

Overnight in Xi’an.

7 giorno: XI’AN – SHANGHAI (7 hrs by high-speed train; included)

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the railway station and take a high-speed train to Shanghai (approximately 6–7 hours, depending on the train). Comfortable seating and a smooth journey; China’s high-speed trains can reach 350 km/h. China’s high-speed rail is also an important showcase of the country’s high technology. Lunch at your own expense on board. Arrival in Shanghai in the afternoon and meeting with your French-speaking guide. In-depth visit to the Bund, followed by a walk along Nanjing Road. Transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Shanghai.

8 giorno: SHANGHAI

Breakfast at your hotel. Visit the Yu Garden, a treasure of artistic refinement, followed by a walk through the old city. Lunch of xiaolongbao, a local specialty. Visit a silk workshop. In the afternoon, visit the Jade Buddha Temple, founded in 1882 and home to two jade Buddha statues brought to Shanghai from Myanmar by sea: a seated Buddha (1.95 metres high, 3 tonnes) and a smaller reclining Buddha representing the Buddha’s death. Then take a walk through the former French Concession, passing through Fuxing Park. This district remains lively and popular, combining modernity and history, with upscale shops and restaurants. 

Overnight in Shanghai.

9 giorno: SHANGHAI DEPARTURE

Breakfast at your hotel. Free time depending on your flight schedule. Transfer to the Shanghai Pudong Airport for your return flight.

Comfortable and light clothing is best suited to travel in the warm months and warm clothing in the colder months in China. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or sparse clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses and a hat can be very useful during your stay.