Classic China with Mount Taishan Exploration

Duration: 8 days/ 7 nights

Destinations: Beijing, Mt.Taishan, Qufu

Highlights: This bullet train tour features the world renowned Mount Taishan Scenic Area and Qufu, the home of Confucius. It also covers two most charming cities in China - capital Beijing and modern Shanghai.

Itinerary

Day 1 Home -- Beijing

In the morning, assemble at named place and transfer to Beijing. Upon arrival, meet and transfer to the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day to explore China's historic and vibrant capital city on your own.

Day 2 Beijing

Your first peek into Beijing begins with Tian’anmen Square, the world’s largest and renowned public square where many historical events once took place.

Then walk into the Forbidden City (UNESCO), where the 24 emperors of the Ming and the Qing Dynasties ruled for nearly 500 years (1420-1911). Experience the architectural splendor of the palaces, ceremonial courtyards, and private quarters.

Visit a silk gift shop en route.

After the lunch, visit the Temple of Heaven (UNESCO), where ancient Chinese emperors would make sacrifices to Heaven and pray for good harvests.

Ideas for leisure time: If you are interested in Chinese Kung Fu, the Legend of Kung Fu is a good choice for tonight. It is stunning Kung Fu show with a great story line and martial arts skills.

Day 3 Beijing

Today setting out to China's most renowned monument - the Great Wall(UNESCO) which is the most spectacular structures ever built by humans and as the only one visible from space.

Take a stop at a cloisonné workshop en route.

After lunch, visit another renowned imperial site, the Summer Palace (UNESCO), the largest imperial garden in the world.

Ideas for leisure time:

1. Enjoy the Peking Duck dinner at time-honored restaurant - Quanjude or Bianyifang. The duck is characteristic with its crispy skin, tender meat and the fragrance from the fruit-wood.

2. Watch a breathtaking acrobatic show at Chaoyang Theater or Tiandi Theater.

Day 4 Beijing - Tai’an (by bullet train)

In the morning, transfer to take a Bullet Train to Tai’an (about 2 hours).

Upon arrival, meet your guide and visit the Dai Temple. Dai Temple is the most completed ancient building complex of Mount Taishan, where the ancient Chinese emperors worshiped the God of the Mount Taishan.

Day 5 Tai’an - Qufu (by automobile)

Today setting out to Mount Taishan Scenic Area (UNESCO). Take a cable car to go up the mountain. Mount Taishan owns outstanding value of aesthetics, Geo-science, history and culture. It is reputed as the leader of the 'Five Sacred Mountains'. In the history, many poets and literary scholars also visited Mount Taishan to gain inspiration and you could find many cultural relics and stylish stone tablets left by them. Besides profound culture, Mount Taishan also boasts charming landscape.

Afterwards, take a cable car to get down from the mountain and depart for Qufu. Stay overnight in Qufu.

Day 6 Qufu - Home (by bullet train)

Today’s excursion starts from Temple of Confucius (UNESCO). The temple is built on the site of Confucius' former residence, and recognized as the first Temple of Confucius in the history. It has a wide influence for the typical oriental architectures.

Take a few steps to get to Kong Family’s Mansion (UNESCO). It was used to be the residence of Confucius and his families. The Mansion boasts luxury furnishings, exquisite decorations, and precious cultural relics.

Then, visit the Cemetery of Confucius, the largest family cemetery with the longest history in the world. There rested Confucius and his descendents.

Later, transfer to take a bullet train to your warm home.

Service ends.