9 Nights – Halal-Curated China: Dynasties, Warriors & World Cities – 19th-29th September 2026 (Mix Gender) Provisional Tour

The morning begins at Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world and a site closely connected with 20th-century Chinese history. It remains an important national symbol and is surrounded by key state buildings. Security procedures are standard and may require identification checks.

From the square, you proceed directly into the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties for nearly 500 years. The scale of the complex is substantial, consisting of outer ceremonial halls and inner residential quarters. The visit focuses on understanding the hierarchical design of imperial governance, architectural symmetry, and the symbolism embedded in colour, layout and decoration.

In the afternoon, you travel to the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once performed seasonal rituals to pray for good harvests. The circular Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is an architectural landmark constructed entirely of wood without nails. The surrounding park is also actively used by local residents for exercise and music, offering a contrast between historical monument and contemporary life.

You depart the city for the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, located in the hills northeast of Beijing. This section is restored and structurally stable, making it suitable for visitors who wish to walk along the wall without extreme hiking conditions. The gradient varies, with some steep staircases, but visitors can manage the distance at their own pace. Cable car access is available to reduce physical strain.

After returning to the city, you stop at the exterior of the National Stadium, commonly known as the Bird’s Nest, built for the 2008 Olympic Games. The stop is brief and focuses on its architectural design rather than interior access.

In the afternoon, you have a Hutong experience. Hutongs are narrow alleyways representing traditional Beijing residential life. You will take a rickshaw ride allowing  exploration of these lanes.

You travel to Xi’an by high-speed rail. China’s rail network is modern and efficient, with security screening similar to airports. The journey typically takes around five hours depending on the service selected. The landscape shifts from northern plains to central China’s interior.

Upon arrival, you visit Xi’an Museum, which provides historical context before exploring the city itself. Exhibits outline the city’s role as the starting point of the Silk Road and as capital during several dynasties.

You then visit either the Daming Palace Ruins, once part of the imperial complex during the Tang Dynasty, or the Small Wild Goose Pagoda Park, a quieter historical site that reflects Buddhist architectural influence. The day concludes with an exterior view of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, originally built to house Buddhist scriptures brought from India.

The Terracotta Warriors are located approximately one hour from Xi’an city centre. The site includes multiple excavation pits displaying thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, each uniquely detailed. The visit focuses on the historical significance of Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s mausoleum and the archaeological methods used in preservation.

Afterwards, you visit Huaqing Palace, historically associated with imperial winter retreats and Tang Dynasty legends. The site includes hot spring facilities and landscaped grounds, though the visit concentrates on its historical role rather than leisure use.

Tang Paradise (Datang Furong Garden) presents a reconstructed representation of Tang Dynasty culture through gardens, architecture and performance spaces. It provides visual context for the era when Xi’an was one of the largest and most cosmopolitan cities in the world.

Xi’an’s Ancient City Wall is one of the most complete city walls remaining in China. You will walk along the wide ramparts or optionally rent bicycles (extra charge) to cover a longer distance. The structure offers a clear view of the city’s layout, demonstrating the traditional grid planning of Chinese urban design.

The Muslim Quarter reflects Xi’an’s historic trading connections. The area contains food stalls, bakeries and small shops influenced by Hui Muslim culture. It is active and busy, particularly in the late afternoon.

The Grand Mosque of Xi’an blends Islamic function with Chinese architectural design. Its courtyards follow traditional Chinese layout while serving as an active place of worship. Access to prayer areas is subject to permission and timing. The Bell and Drum Towers are viewed from the exterior, serving as landmarks marking the historic centre of the city.

You transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, you check into your hotel before free time in the evening. Nanjing Road is one of China’s busiest commercial streets, offering department stores and retail outlets for you to shop in. The Bund provides a contrast between early 20th-century European-style architecture and the modern skyline of Pudong across the river. The evening atmosphere is particularly active and well-lit. You can rest if you don't want to go shopping.

Yu Garden is a classical Ming-era garden designed with pavilions, rockeries and ponds arranged according to traditional landscape philosophy. The visit highlights the balance between architecture and nature in Chinese design principles.

The Bund walk allows closer inspection of preserved colonial-era buildings that reflect Shanghai’s past as an international trading port. Nanjing Road offers insight into Shanghai’s commercial scale and consumer culture.

Tian’an Qianshu is a contemporary architectural bookstore known for its mirrored interiors and dramatic design. The ferry crossing on the Huangpu River provides a ground-level perspective of the skyline, and visitors may optionally (ticket price included in package) ascend the Oriental Pearl Tower for panoramic city views.

Zhujiajiao Ancient Town is located outside central Shanghai and is known for its canals and stone bridges. The visit allows time to walk along the waterways and observe traditional residential structures. You will then take a boat ride which provides an alternative view from the canal itself.

In the afternoon, you visit a unique shopping centre, Tian’an Qianshu where you can shop to your heart's content.

You are transferred from your hotel to the airport for departure. Travel time will depend on traffic and airport location. Assistance may be arranged if required, but check-in procedures follow standard airport operations.