Travel dates：14 March to 27 March 2027
Tour highlights

One journey spans Henan and Shaanxi, two of China’s great cultural provinces, linking six ancient capitals: Xi’an, Luoyang, Jiyuan, Anyang, Kaifeng and Zhengzhou. From Qin bricks and Han roof tiles to Shang oracle bones, and from Northern Wei grottoes to Bianliang of the Song dynasty, a condensed history of Chinese civilization unfolds over 14 days.

Living heritage through hands-on experiences

Go beyond observing to take part in the traditions themselves.

• Shaolin Temple: Watch a performance at the martial arts hall and take part in a kung fu session to experience the unity of Chan Buddhism and martial arts.
• Lu Tong Tea Garden: Pick, process and taste tea for an immersive introduction to Chinese tea culture.
• Naxienian Town: Explore nostalgic themed settings that evoke the days of an old munitions factory.
• Nanping Ancient Village: Stroll through a traditional village and discover the living heritage of rural China.

An Immersive Journey Through Time

Travel through five historical settings in a single journey.

• Qin Empire: The Terracotta Warriors — the underground army of the Qin Empire.
• High Tang: Tang Paradise and the Great Tang All Day Mall — the dazzling splendor of Chang’an by day and night.
• Shang Dynasty: Yinxu Museum and the Huan Su Da Yi Shang performance — explore the mysteries of oracle bone inscriptions.
• Northern Wei and Tang: Longmen Grottoes and Tiantang–Mingtang — the grandeur of Luoyang, the divine capital.
• Song Dynasty: Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden and Kaifeng Prefecture — step back into the imperial capital of Dongjing, also known as Bianliang.

Detailed Daily Itinerary

Day 1  First Impressions of Chang’an and the Roots of China

All day: The Swiss study-tour group arrives at Xi’an Airport. Dedicated staff and a study-tour guide provide a warm welcome and escort the group to the hotel in Xi’an for check-in. Rest and settle in, allowing time to adjust to the climate and surroundings of the Central Plains. Enjoy a welcome dinner in the early evening to begin this exploration of Chinese civilization.

Overnight: Xi’an

Day 2  The Ancient Capital and Echoes of the Tang

Morning: Visit the Shaanxi History Museum. With expert commentary, explore its extensive collection of national treasures and discover the grand history of the Zhou, Qin, Han and Tang dynasties, gaining an appreciation of China’s long and brilliant civilization. Continue to Da Ci’en Temple, where Xuanzang translated Buddhist scriptures, and learn about the cultural stories of the Silk Road.

Afternoon: Stroll through the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda North Square and admire its Tang-themed scenery. After nightfall, visit the Great Tang All Day Mall, where brightly illuminated streets recreate the atmosphere of the flourishing Tang dynasty. Enjoy period-style performances and the lively nighttime scene.

Overnight: Xi’an

Day 3  The Underground Army and the Qin Mausoleum

Morning: Visit Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum and the world-renowned Terracotta Army pits. View the underground formations at close range, with each warrior bearing distinctive features. Hear stories of the Qin dynasty and experience the imposing scale of the Qin Empire.

Afternoon: Watch The Legend of the Camel Bells, a large-scale live show. Follow the story along the ancient Silk Road, witnessing the hardships of desert caravans and the sweeping encounters between civilizations in an evocative tale of northwestern China.

Overnight: Xi’an

Day 4  Everyday Chang’an and Dreams of the Tang Gardens

Morning: Explore Xiaonanmen Morning Market, sample authentic local snacks and experience the bustle of everyday life in Xi’an. Then ascend Xi’an City Wall and stroll along its ramparts for views of a city where ancient and modern life meet.

Afternoon: Visit Tang Paradise, a cultural theme park recreating the imperial gardens of the High Tang. Pavilions and towers stand amid lakeside scenery. Enjoy Tang-style live performances and discover the atmosphere of imperial life during the dynasty’s golden age.

Overnight: Xi’an

Day 5  Onward to Luoyang and the Splendor of Wu Zhou

Morning: Travel by high-speed train to Luoyang and check in at the hotel on arrival.

Afternoon: Visit the Tiantang–Mingtang scenic area to explore reconstructions of central palace buildings from the reign of Empress Wu Zetian. Learn about her Wu Zhou dynasty and experience the grandeur of Luoyang, the divine capital, in the reconstructed imperial halls.

Overnight: Luoyang

Day 6  Grotto Treasures and the Elegance of Luoyang

Morning: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Longmen Grottoes. Thousands of carved figures line the cliffs on both banks of the Yi River. Explore masterpieces of stone carving from the Northern Wei through the Tang dynasty and hear the history and legends behind the grottoes.

Afternoon: Visit Tang Sancai Town to learn about the firing techniques and artistic significance of Tang tri-colored glazed pottery, then try applying the glazes yourself. Enjoy a distinctive Tang imperial banquet featuring dishes inspired by the past. In the early evening, explore Luoyi Ancient City, where lantern-lit streets showcase the folk traditions of the Central Plains. A costume and makeup experience is optional and not included.

Overnight: Luoyang

Day 7  Chan Buddhism and Shaolin Traditions on Mount Song

Morning: Travel to Mount Song and visit the thousand-year-old Songyang Academy. Explore the legacy of traditional Chinese academies and Confucian culture.

Afternoon: Visit Shaolin Temple, including the main monastery and Pagoda Forest, to learn about Chan Buddhism. Watch an exciting Shaolin kung fu performance in the martial arts hall and take part in a hands-on Shaolin kung fu session.

Overnight: Luoyang

Day 8  Mount Wangwu and the Heritage of the Taihang Mountains

All day: Travel to Mount Wangwu in Jiyuan for a mountain excursion. After taking the cable car, climb along mountain paths and admire the lush peaks of the Taihang Mountains. Discover the setting associated with the legend of the Foolish Old Man Who Moved the Mountains. After descending, explore Wangwu Old Street and its traditional lanes to experience local Taihang customs. Visit Yangtai Palace to appreciate the architecture of an ancient Daoist temple and learn about Daoist culture, discovering the distinctive blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage on Mount Wangwu.

Overnight: Jiyuan

Day 9  Rural Retreats Tea Traditions and an Ancient Village

Morning: Visit Naxienian Town to discover the mountain countryside of northern Henan and its peaceful rural atmosphere. Continue to Lu Tong Tea Garden to learn about Lu Tong, the celebrated tea poet, and traditional Chinese tea culture. Pick fresh tea leaves by hand, then relax over a tea tasting and enjoy the fragrance of tea.

Afternoon: Stroll through Nanping Ancient Village, a traditional settlement in the Taihang Mountains. Admire its stone houses and experience the unspoiled rural landscape and local heritage.

Overnight: Jiyuan

Day 10  Oracle Bone Inscriptions and the Shang Civilization

All day: Visit Yinxu Museum in Anyang and explore the site of the late Shang capital. Discover oracle bone inscriptions and the civilization of the Shang more than 3,000 years ago. In the evening, watch Huan Su Da Yi Shang, an immersive live performance that brings the grand stories of the Shang dynasty to life.

Overnight: Anyang

Day 11  The Origins of Chinese Writing and Kaifeng Prefecture

Morning: Visit the National Museum of Chinese Writing for a systematic introduction to the evolution of Chinese characters, from oracle bone and bronze inscriptions to modern writing. Explore their origins and distinctive appeal.

Afternoon: Travel to Kaifeng and visit Kaifeng Prefecture. Explore the government offices of the Northern Song, hear classic stories of Judge Bao’s court cases, and discover the culture of the period’s prefectural administration.

Overnight: Kaifeng

Day 12  A Journey Back to the Northern Song on the Bian River

All day: Visit Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden, a recreation of Northern Song urban life inspired by the painting Along the River During the Qingming Festival. Stroll along both banks of the Bian River and immerse yourself in the daily life of the period. Enjoy a variety of live historical performances, including Yue Fei Defeats the Young Prince of Liang with His Spear and the large-scale water-based show The Battle to Defend Dongjing. Dramatic battle scenes bring the flourishing Song dynasty vividly to life.

Overnight: Zhengzhou

Day 13  The Yellow River and the Treasures of Henan Museum

Morning: Visit the Yellow River Cultural Park for close-up views of the majestic Yellow River, known as China’s Mother River. Learn about Yellow River civilization and the river’s role in nurturing Chinese civilization.

Afternoon: Visit Henan Museum to discover its national treasures. Seek out the museum’s nine signature treasures, admire important artifacts unearthed in the Central Plains, and explore the region’s long history as a cradle of Chinese civilization.

Overnight: Zhengzhou

Day 14  Farewell to China

Departure: Transfer to the airport according to the flight schedule, bringing this study tour of Chinese civilization to a close.

Tour price:

With an English-speaking guide: CHF 1,190 per person（Members）；CHF 1,390 per person（Non-members）；

Prices are calculated for a group of 15 or more participants. The price does not include international flights.

Price includes

1. Accommodation: 13 nights in twin-sharing rooms at hotels rated “Four Diamonds” on Trip.com (Ctrip), with breakfast. The single-room supplement for the entire tour is CNY 2,000.
2. Meals: 13 breakfasts and 25 lunches/dinners, including a Tang imperial banquet, Henan braised noodles, a Luoyang Water Banquet, Kaifeng soup dumplings, Xi’an liangpi (cold noodles), gourd-shaped chicken, traditional Shaanxi mixed stew, biangbiang noodles, and Xi’an paomo (crumbled flatbread in soup).
3. Admission: Main entrance tickets to all attractions listed in the itinerary, necessary eco-shuttle or internal sightseeing vehicle services, cable cars and performances.
4. Transport: Second-class high-speed rail travel from Xi’an East to Luoyang; an air-conditioned tour coach, including driver, fuel, tolls and parking fees.
5. Guide services: Study-tour guiding and commentary throughout the journey in Chinese (English option), with audio headsets.
6. Insurance: Travel agency liability insurance and travel accident insurance.

Price excludes

1. Local transport or short-distance transfers not expressly included in the itinerary.
2. All personal expenses, such as communications, games, shopping, and voluntarily chosen activities or excursions outside the scheduled itinerary.
3. Expenses arising from force majeure, including human-caused events or natural disasters, such as transport delays, earthquakes and severe weather (typhoons, storms and floods).