Ancient Capitals Cultural 6-Day Tour

Tour Overview

Journey through the heart of Chinese civilization on this extraordinary 6-day tour connecting three of China’s most historically significant ancient capitals. From Beijing’s imperial grandeur to Luoyang’s Buddhist treasures and Kaifeng’s Song Dynasty splendor, this tour traces over 3,000 years of Chinese history. Explore the magnificent Forbidden City, marvel at the UNESCO-listed Longmen Grottoes, witness authentic kung fu at the legendary Shaolin Temple, and step back in time at Kaifeng’s remarkable Millennium City Park. This is the ultimate cultural immersion for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Beijing - Tiananmen Square - Forbidden City

Welcome to Beijing, capital of China for over 800 years. Upon arrival, your guide will transfer you to your hotel in the historic Dongcheng district. After freshening up, begin your exploration at Tiananmen Square, the symbolic center of the nation.

Enter the Forbidden City through the imposing Meridian Gate and spend the afternoon discovering this UNESCO World Heritage Site. For nearly 500 years, this was the exclusive domain of Chinese emperors, forbidden to ordinary citizens. Explore the Outer Court’s grand ceremonial halls—the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Central Harmony, and Hall of Preserving Harmony—where emperors conducted state affairs. Continue to the Inner Court to see the imperial living quarters, the Palace of Heavenly Purity, and the exquisite Imperial Garden.

Evening enjoy a welcome dinner featuring imperial court cuisine, dishes once served to emperors and their families.

Meals: Dinner (imperial cuisine) Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Beijing

Day 2: Temple of Heaven - High-Speed Train to Luoyang

Morning visit the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of Ming Dynasty architecture where emperors performed sacred rituals to ensure good harvests. Marvel at the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, a circular wooden structure built without a single nail. Walk the Danbi Bridge connecting the temple’s main structures and observe locals practicing tai chi, dancing, and playing traditional instruments in the surrounding park.

Afternoon transfer to Beijing West Railway Station for your high-speed train to Luoyang (approximately 4 hours). Watch the Chinese countryside transform from the North China Plain to the Central Plains as you travel. Upon arrival in Luoyang, one of China’s Four Great Ancient Capitals, transfer to your hotel.

Evening explore the old town area and sample Luoyang’s famous water banquet, a unique culinary tradition featuring 24 courses served in sequence like flowing water.

Meals: Breakfast (hotel), Dinner (Luoyang water banquet) Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Luoyang

Day 3: Longmen Grottoes - White Horse Temple

Full day exploring Luoyang’s remarkable Buddhist heritage. Begin at the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring over 100,000 Buddhist statues carved into limestone cliffs along the Yi River. Dating from 493 AD, these caves represent the pinnacle of Chinese Buddhist cave art.

Marvel at the magnificent Fengxian Temple, home to the 17-meter-tall Vairocana Buddha, said to be modeled after Empress Wu Zetian. Explore the Ten Thousand Buddha Cave with its 15,000 tiny Buddha images, and the Lotus Flower Cave featuring an exquisite lotus ceiling carving. Your guide will explain the artistic evolution across different dynasties and the stories behind the most significant sculptures.

Afternoon visit the White Horse Temple, founded in 68 AD as China’s first Buddhist temple. This sacred site marks the introduction of Buddhism to China and remains an active place of worship. Explore the ancient halls, pagodas, and the tombs of the two Indian monks who brought Buddhist scriptures to China.

Meals: Breakfast (hotel), Lunch (local restaurant) Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Luoyang

Day 4: Shaolin Temple - Kung Fu Show

Journey to the legendary Shaolin Temple, birthplace of Chan (Zen) Buddhism and Shaolin kung fu. Nestled in the Song Mountains, this 1,500-year-old monastery has trained warrior monks for centuries and inspired countless martial arts films.

Explore the temple complex including the Mahavira Hall, the Pagoda Forest containing 248 burial stupas of eminent monks, and the Dharma Cave where Bodhidharma is said to have meditated facing a wall for nine years. Visit the training halls where young monks still practice the ancient martial arts that made Shaolin famous worldwide.

Witness an authentic Shaolin kung fu performance featuring incredible displays of strength, flexibility, and skill. Watch monks demonstrate iron body techniques, weapon forms, and the graceful yet powerful movements that have been perfected over 1,500 years.

Return to Luoyang for your final evening in this ancient capital.

Meals: Breakfast (hotel), Lunch (temple vegetarian cuisine) Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Luoyang

Day 5: Luoyang to Kaifeng - Millennium City Park

Morning transfer to Kaifeng by high-speed train (approximately 1 hour), the capital of China during the Northern Song Dynasty when it was the world’s largest and most prosperous city. Check into your hotel and begin exploring this remarkably preserved ancient city.

Afternoon immerse yourself in Song Dynasty culture at Millennium City Park (Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden), a living recreation of the famous “Along the River During the Qingming Festival” painting. This remarkable theme park brings the 12th-century masterpiece to life with period architecture, costumed performers, traditional crafts, and cultural performances.

Watch artisans demonstrate ancient techniques, enjoy traditional performances including acrobatics and opera, and sample Song Dynasty street food. As evening falls, the park transforms with lantern lighting and special night performances that transport you back 1,000 years.

Meals: Breakfast (hotel), Lunch (Song Dynasty cuisine), Dinner (night market snacks) Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Kaifeng

Day 6: Iron Pagoda - Kaifeng Old City - Departure

Morning visit the Iron Pagoda, Kaifeng’s most iconic landmark. Despite its name, this 1,000-year-old structure is built of glazed bricks that give it an iron-like appearance. Climb the 168 steps for panoramic views of the city and surrounding plains.

Continue exploring Kaifeng’s atmospheric old city, including the Shanshangan Guild Hall with its extraordinary wood and stone carvings, and the ancient Jewish heritage sites that mark Kaifeng’s remarkable multicultural history. Stroll through the bustling Drum Tower night market area, sampling local specialties like bucket chicken and peanut cakes.

Afternoon transfer to Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (approximately 1 hour) for your departure flight, concluding your journey through China’s ancient capitals.

Meals: Breakfast (hotel), Lunch (Kaifeng specialties)

Travel Tips

• This tour involves considerable walking; comfortable shoes are essential
• The Longmen Grottoes require 2-3 hours of walking along the riverbank
• Shaolin Temple is in a mountainous area; bring layers for cooler temperatures
• Photography is allowed at most sites but flash photography may be restricted in caves
• Spring and autumn offer the best weather; summers can be hot in the Central Plains
• Try regional specialties: Beijing duck, Luoyang water banquet, Kaifeng bucket chicken
• The high-speed trains are comfortable and efficient; enjoy the scenic journey
• Kaifeng’s night markets are famous; save appetite for evening street food exploration
• Respect temple etiquette: dress modestly and speak quietly in religious sites
• Book Forbidden City tickets in advance as daily visitor numbers are limited