CHINA - TERRACOTTA

After our breakfast at the hotel, we will drive to the magnificent Badaling section of the Great Wall of China. We will take a scenic cable car up to this world wonder, enjoying breathtaking views of the ancient fortifications. Following our time on the wall, our journey continues with a visit to a Jade Factory, where we can observe skilled artisans at work. Later, we will proceed to the serene Summer Palace (Yiheyuan), a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, we will enjoy a tranquil one-way boat ride across Kunming Lake, admiring iconic sights like the Long Corridor and the Marble Boat. To conclude our day, we will attend a mesmerizing Kung Fu Show at Beijing’s Red Theatre. Our day ends with dinner and an overnight stay in Beijing.

After a hearty breakfast, we begin our sightseeing with a visit to Tiananmen Square, the heart of modern China and the largest public square in the world. Surrounded by imposing landmarks like the Great Hall of the People and the National Museum of China, this historic site has witnessed many of the nation’s most significant events. Take a moment to appreciate the grand scale and symbolic importance of this iconic space. Next, step into the magnificent Forbidden City, an awe-inspiring imperial palace complex that served as the residence of 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Spanning over 180 acres, the Forbidden City is a masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture, featuring grand courtyards, intricate carvings, and golden-roofed halls. Explore its highlights, including the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Middle Harmony, and Palace of Heavenly Purity, where centuries of royal history come alive through every gate and corridor. After lunch, we transfer to the railway station to board the high-speed bullet train to Xi’an, a journey that offers a glimpse into China’s advanced technology and scenic countryside. Sit back and enjoy the smooth, comfortable ride as you travel towards Xi’an, one of China’s oldest and most culturally rich cities — the starting point of the ancient Silk Road. Upon arrival in Xi’an, transfer to your hotel for check-in. Overnight stay in Xi’an.

Following breakfast, we embark on a journey through time at the world-renowned Terracotta Warriors Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stands as one of archaeology's greatest discoveries. Here, we'll witness thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, chariots, and horses arranged in battle formation - each with unique facial features - created to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. Our exploration of Xi'an's rich heritage continues at the historic Bell and Drum Tower Square, where we'll admire the magnificent twin towers that once served as the city's timekeeping center during the Ming Dynasty. We'll then immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Muslim Street, a bustling thoroughfare filled with the aromas of sizzling street food, colorful traditional lanterns, and unique local handicrafts - perfect for experiencing the city's living culture and picking up some souvenirs. Later, we'll transfer to Xi'an airport for our flight to Zhangjiajie, the gateway to one of China's most spectacular natural landscapes. Upon arrival transfer to our hotel. Overnight stay in Zhangjiajie.

After breakfast, we'll embark on a full-day adventure through the breath-taking Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This magnificent park is world-famous for its thousands of towering quartzite sandstone pillars that rise dramatically from the misty valleys, creating the otherworldly landscape that inspired the floating Hallelujah Mountains in the movie Avatar. Our exploration begins with an exciting ascent of Tianzi Mountain, where we'll experience a thrilling cable car ride that offers panoramic views of the park's most spectacular formations. Throughout the day, we'll discover why this is considered one of China's most photogenic destinations as we explore various viewing platforms and walkways that showcase the park's surreal beauty. After a day filled with awe-inspiring scenery, we'll return to our hotel for a well-deserved overnight stay in Zhangjiajie.

Following breakfast, we'll embark on an exhilarating day featuring two of Zhangjiajie's most spectacular attractions. Our adventure begins at Tianmen Mountain, where we'll board one of the world's longest cable cars for a breathtaking 7.5-kilometer ascent, offering panoramic views of the mountainous landscape. At the summit, we'll experience the thrill of walking the Tianmen Mountain Glass Skywalk, a cliff-hanging walkway. This remarkable pathway offers unforgettable photo opportunities and an adrenaline rush we won't soon forget. Next, we'll continue to the world-renowned Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, an engineering marvel spanning 430 meters across the canyon. Suspended 300 meters above the ground, this transparent bridge - once recognized as the world's highest and longest glass-bottom bridge - provides stunning views of the dramatic landscape beneath our feet. After an exciting day of mountain adventures, we'll enjoy dinner before transferring to the airport for our flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival in this vibrant metropolis, we'll be transferred to our hotel for our overnight stay in Shanghai.

After breakfast, we will begin our exploration of Shanghai by ascending the Shanghai Tower, the world's third-tallest building. From its observation deck, we will be treated to spectacular panoramic views of the city's iconic skyline, stretching from the historic Bund to the futuristic Pudong district. Next, we will experience the city's vibrant shopping culture, starting with a visit to AP Plaza, a popular market known for its wide array of gifts, souvenirs, and electronics. We will then take a stroll along the famous Nanjing Road, a bustling pedestrian mall alive with shops, cafes, and dazzling light displays. In the evening, a highlight awaits as we board a Huangpu River Cruise. Later proceed for dinner and return to hotel.

After breakfast, we will begin our day with a visit to the renowned Shanghai Museum at People's Square. This architectural treasure houses an impressive collections including ancient bronzes, ceramics, paintings, and calligraphy, offering us a deep dive into China's profound history. We will then continue to the nearby Yu Garden, a 400-year-old classical Chinese garden that is a masterpiece of Ming Dynasty landscape design. Here, we can stroll through serene pavilions, admire intricate rockeries, and cross over beautiful ponds, experiencing a peaceful oasis in the heart of the bustling city. In the evening, our trip concludes with a spectacular performance at the Shanghai Acrobatic Show. We will be amazed by world-class performers who blend breathtaking gymnastics, incredible balancing acts, and precise choreography in a dazzling display of skill and artistry. We will then enjoy a dinner before returning to our hotel for our overnight stay in Shanghai.

After breakfast at the hotel, we check out and transfer to Shanghai International Airport for your onward flight back to Cochin, with convenient connections via Singapore. As we depart, we reflect on a captivating Chinese adventure, filled with ancient wonders, modern marvels, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. From the Great Wall and Forbidden City to the terracotta warriors, Zhangjiajie’s otherworldly mountains, and Shanghai’s bustling skyline, this journey leaves us with unforgettable memories and stories to share.