Cultural Discovery of China & Japan (Visa-Free)

Itinerary

• Day 1: Beijing, Arrival

  Ni Hao, welcome to China! Upon landing, you will be taken to your hotel where you will have the rest of the day at leisure.

  • Beijing

• Day 2: Beijing, Historical Sites in Downtown Beijing

  Discover some of Beijing's great landmarks today.

  In the heart of downtown Beijing, wander through the solemn and respectful Tiananmen Square, which has been the political epicenter of the Chinese nation for much of China's modern history.

  Explore the Forbidden City, a massive imperial palace complex housing 24 Chinese emperors for around 500 years. Your guide will lead you to appreciate the masterpieces of ancient Chinese architecture and share with you the untold stories of royal families.

  After that, visit the former imperial garden of Jingshan Park for a panoramic view of the splendid royal palaces.

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  • Beijing

• Day 3: Beijing, Temple of Heaven and the Great Wall

  Start your day at the Temple of Heaven, where the feudal emperors worshiped the god of heaven and prayed for good harvests. Nowadays, it's a popular place for the locals, especially for the elderly, enjoying their happy and affluent retired life. Then, depart on a 2-hour private transfer to the majestic Great Wall at Mutianyu. A light adventure promises the chance to absorb the splendid views of the gigantic ramparts snaking over mountains into the distance. As the tour concludes, transfer back to your hotel.

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  • Beijing

• Day 4: High Speed Train to Xi'an

  Start by visiting the most revered Tibetan Buddhist temple - Yonghe Lamasery, once an imperial residence during the Qing Dynasty. Your guide will lead you to explore the complex, comprising main halls, shrines and courtyards, in the spiritual atmosphere created by aromatic incense and chanting monks.

  Continue with a high-speed train ride to Xi'an, the imperial capital for 13 dynasties in Chinese history. Arriving in about five hours, settle into your comfortable hotel for a restful sleep.

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  • Xi'an

• Day 5: Xi'an, Army of Terracotta Warriors

  Begin today's exploration from the legendary Terracotta Army, a remarkable archaeological discovery within Emperor Qin Shi Huang's mausoleum. Marvel at the life-sized terracotta soldiers, horses, and chariots - each unique in facial features and expressions.

  Upon returning to Xi'an city center, sample your way amongst the extensive variety of Muslim dishes and local Xi'an specialties at Muslim Street, with the chance to see what daily life is like for Chinese Muslims.

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  • Xi'an

• Day 6: Xi'an - Shanghai

  This morning is set aside for a local family visit to get deeply involved in their daily life. Learn to cook some homely dishes, enjoy an authentic Chinese lunch with the host, and walk around the community to watch or even participate in the recreation activities - as you like.

  Travel onward by flight to the dynamic metropolis of Shanghai. You will be collected from the airport on arrival by your new guide and transfer to your hotel for the night.

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  • Xi'an

• Day 7: Shanghai, the Bund and Yu Garden

  Commence the tour today with a leisurely promenade along the iconic Bund. This iconic boulevard boasts graceful colonial architecture on one side and the mighty Huangpu River on the other. Next, discover the ancient charm of Yu Garden, a 400-year-old masterpiece of Chinese garden design. Relish local flavors for lunch at a nearby eatery.

  In the afternoon, lose yourself in the allure of the Shanghai French Concession, meandering through tree-lined streets and charming boutiques. Conclude your day with a breathtaking ascent to the 118th-floor observatory of the Shanghai Tower, treating yourself to panoramic views of the sprawling metropolis.

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  • Shanghai

• Day 8: Shanghai - Osaka

  Say goodbye to China and board your flight to Osaka, the core metropolis of western Japan.

  As you touch down, a private vehicle and driver will whisk you over to your comfortable hotel in Osaka.

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  • Osaka

• Day 9: Osaka

  Kick off with a two-hour drive to Himeji Castle, a remarkable Japanese fortress known for its pristine white walls and graceful roofs. From there, head to Kobe and ascend Mt. Nunobiki via the Kobe Nunobiki Ropeway, basking in panoramic views of Osaka Bay's shimmering waters.

  Spend the rest of your day exploring the aromatic trails of Nunobiki Herb Garden, offering commanding vistas of Kobe city. Alternatively, visit the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum, where you can sample award-winning sake from Japan's oldest commercial brewery.

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  • Osaka

• Day 10: Osaka to Kyoto by Shinkansen

  Take the hotel's shuttle bus or a taxi to the railway station for a short train ride to Kyoto. Once the imperial capital of Japan for over a thousand years, this time-honored city boasts a wealth of Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines and castles.

  Once settled in, you are free to explore the historical Kyoto on your own, whether traveling back in time to visit some of its 17 UNESCO-listed heritage sites, or immersing yourself in traditional Japanese culture with hands-on experience.

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  • Kyoto

• Day 11: Kyoto with Old Charm

  Today, embark with your private guide on a journey of time to the UNESCO-listed Nijo Castle, which was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of famous Tokugawa shoguns. Venture further into this flatland castle, and you will get to see the Ninomaru Palace, a National Treasure known for its "nightingale floors". Move on to Nishiki-dori food market for a fascinating glimpse of local life, and then make the way to the Fushimi-Inari Shrine, the most important spiritual ground dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. Thanks to the iconic sight of thousands of red torii gates in a row, the shrine become hugely known worldwide.

  Focus the remainder of today on a uniquely Japanese tradition - Sado, also known as the Japanese tea ceremony. In the 400-year-old Buddhist temple of Kodai-Ji, the lavish buildings and beautiful Zen gardens make for a perfect setting to experience a private tea ceremony hosted by a tea master.

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  • Kyoto

• Day 12: Kyoto to Tokyo by Shinkansen

  After a leisure morning, board a Shinkansen to travel west for around 2.5 hours to Tokyo. Upon arrival, find your way to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of today at leisure.

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  • Tokyo

• Day 13: Tokyo, City Highlights

  Start today's city highlights tour with a leisurely walk around the serene Meiji Shrine hidden among a lush green forest. Continue onto the extensive, elegant East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, the only part of the inner palace open to the public. As you meander through the Nakamise-dori leading up to its main grounds of Senso-Ji Temple, join the locals to admire the five-story pagoda and pay respects to Kannon - the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy.

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  • Tokyo

• Day 14: Tokyo, Free Day

  Today will be on your own arrangement. As you like, discover more of Tokyo's major sights, including Ueno Park, Akihabara and Ebisu, or travel out of the city for an excursion to Mt. Fuji, the iconic symbol of Japan.

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  • Tokyo

• Day 15: Tokyo, Departure

  Your incredible Japan vacation concludes today. After breakfast, enjoy your free time to pack up and check out the hotel before making your own way to the airport for your flight back home.

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