Welcome to China’s capital, Beijing — the start of your journey through cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Enter the Forbidden City, the heart of imperial China, to admire the majestic architecture and exquisite royal art that defined the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Climb Jingshan Park for a panoramic view of the golden rooftops of the palace complex.

Visit Beihai Park, an imperial garden known for its serene lakes and classical charm.

(Optional: explore Beijing’s traditional hutongs to experience local life.)

Highlights: The Palace Museum (Forbidden City), Jingshan Park, Beihai Park, Beijing Hutongs (optional).

Stroll through the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests, and reflect on the ancient philosophy of harmony between heaven and humankind.

Take a rickshaw ride through Beijing’s hutongs, visit a courtyard home (siheyuan), and taste authentic dumplings or Chinese tea.

In the afternoon, visit the Summer Palace, walking along the Long Corridor and Kunming Lake, where architecture and nature blend in perfect harmony.

Highlights: Temple of Heaven Park, Beijing Hutongs, Summer Palace, Shichahai Scenic Area.

Take a high-speed train to Qufu, the birthplace of Confucius and the heart of Confucian culture.

Visit the Confucius Temple, Confucius Mansion, and Confucius Cemetery, tracing the philosopher’s footsteps.

Join a calligraphy or etiquette workshop to experience the wisdom and gentleness of Confucian traditions.

Highlights: Confucius Temple, Confucius Mansion, Confucius Cemetery, Qufu Ancient City.

Travel to Suzhou, renowned as the “Venice of the East.”

Visit the Humble Administrator’s Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most representative of Jiangnan classical gardens, where pavilions and waterways reflect poetic beauty.

Explore the Suzhou Museum, designed by architect I. M. Pei, blending modern simplicity with traditional elegance.

Highlights: Humble Administrator’s Garden, Suzhou Museum, Lion Grove Garden.

Stroll along Pingjiang Road, a historic waterway lined with whitewashed houses and arched bridges.

Take a boat cruise on the Ancient Grand Canal, gliding through Suzhou’s living heritage where “every household faces the river.”

In the evening, enjoy a Suzhou Pingtan (folk music storytelling) performance to experience the tenderness of Jiangnan culture.

Highlights: Pingjiang Road, Ancient Grand Canal Cruise, Shantang Street, Guanqian Street.

Drive to Shanghai, where tradition meets innovation.

Visit Yuyuan Garden, an exquisite example of classical Jiangnan landscaping, and explore the nearby City God Temple Bazaar for local delicacies and crafts.

Stroll along the Bund, where colonial-era architecture faces the glittering skyline of Pudong.

Enjoy an evening Huangpu River Cruise to admire the city’s dazzling nightscape.

Highlights: Yuyuan Garden, City God Temple, the Bund, Huangpu River Cruise, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street.

Visit the Shanghai Museum, one of China’s finest, housing ancient bronzes, ceramics, and calligraphy masterpieces.

Explore People’s Square and the Urban Planning Exhibition Center to learn about Shanghai’s transformation from a port city to a global metropolis.

Experience the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Xintiandi, where historic Shikumen houses meet modern cafés and boutiques.

Highlights: Shanghai Museum, People’s Square, Urban Planning Exhibition Center, Xintiandi.Taiqing Palace.

Enjoy a free day to explore Shanghai at your own pace — wander along Wukang Road and the Former French Concession, or browse art galleries and boutiques in Tianzifang.

Relax in a local café and experience the city’s sophisticated and leisurely lifestyle.

Highlights: Wukang Road, Tianzifang, Huaihai Road, Nanjing Road Shopping District.

Pack your memories and transfer to the airport, marking the perfect conclusion to your Journey Through the Essence of Chinese Culture.