Ancient Capitals & Kung Fu Culture: Beijing & Henan
A heritage route through Beijing, Luoyang, Dengfeng, and Shaolin Kung Fu culture
Overview
Trip Highlights
Forbidden City · Summer Palace · Mutianyu Great Wall · Bird's Nest and Water Cube · Jingshan Park · Nanluoguxiang Hutongs · Lama Temple · Shichahai Lake · Shaolin Temple · Kung Fu Performance & Class · Longmen Grottoes · White Horse Temple
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Beijing
Welcome to Beijing! Your guide will meet you at the airport after your international flight arrives, and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free.
Imperial Beijing
Start your day at Tiananmen Square. Then walk through the Meridian Gate into the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace of 24 emperors. Later, go up to Jingshan Park for a wide view over the palace roofs.
In the afternoon, visit the Lama Temple and take part in the simple ritual of incense offering. End the day at Shichahai Lake. Walk around the lakeside and nearby hutongs as the sun goes down.
Summer Palace & Hutong Culture
Today, visit the Summer Palace, the largest and best-preserved imperial garden in China. Explore the beautiful gardens, pavilions, and Kunming Lake, and learn about how the imperial family spent their summers here. In the afternoon, dive into Beijing's hutong culture. Visit Nanluoguxiang and nearby hutongs, and enjoy a visit to a traditional courtyard home, where you can learn about the daily life of Beijingers and enjoy a cup of tea with a local family.
Mutianyu Great Wall
Today you will visit the Mutianyu Great Wall. Walk along the wall and enjoy the mountain views.
After that, you will visit the Bird's Nest and Water Cube, known for representing the spirit of modern China and its grand Olympic history.
High-Speed Train to Luoyang & Longmen Grottoes
After breakfast, take a high-speed train to Luoyang. Upon arrival, visit the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring thousands of Buddhist statues carved into limestone cliffs over 1,000 years ago. In the evening, explore Luoyang's old town and enjoy local cuisine.
White Horse Temple & Shaolin Temple
Today, visit White Horse Temple, the first Buddhist temple in China, founded in 68 AD. Explore its peaceful grounds and learn about the early introduction of Buddhism to China. Continue to Dengfeng to visit the legendary Shaolin Temple, the birthplace of Shaolin Kung Fu and the cradle of Chinese Chan (Zen) Buddhism. Enjoy an exciting Kung Fu performance by Shaolin monks, explore the historic Pagoda Forest, and conclude the day with a hands-on Kung Fu class led by a professional instructor.
Departure from Luoyang
Today is your last day in Luoyang. The day is free for you to relax or take a final walk in the city.
When ready, your guide and driver will meet you at the hotel and take you to the airport or train station. End of your trip.
What's Included & Excluded
- Hotel Accommodation: based on twin share with western style breakfast
- Guide Service: excellent English-speaking tour guide service
- Vehicle Service: air-conditioning coach with experienced drivers
- Domestic Transportation: Internal Air/high-speed train (Economy Class)
- Entrance fees as per itinerary
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- 24/7 On-Call Support
- International Airfare
- Tips for guide and driver
- Personal expenses
- Entry Visa
- Optional Activities
- Payment processing fees
Add-on Options
| Add-on | Description |
|---|---|
| Dinner | If you would like to explore more local cuisine, feel free to ask us—we will be happy to recommend the most authentic and distinctive local dishes. |
| Pedicab Tour of Shichahai | In-depth Pedicab Tour of Shichahai: visit Yinding Bridge, enjoy the night view of Houhai, listen to hutong stories, and immerse yourself in old Beijing culture. |
| Kung Fu Workshop | Near the Shaolin Temple, you'll also take part in kung fu class and experience authentic Chinese kung fu for yourself. |
Hotels
Choose Your Hotel Style
We book accommodation tailored to your preferences and budget:
- Comfort (3-star) — Well-located, great-value hotels
- Premium (4-star) — Spacious rooms with quality amenities
- Luxury (5-star, local brands) — Top Chinese hospitality with distinctive character
- Luxury (5-star, international) — Marriott, Hilton, Shangri-La and other global names
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in this private tour?
Can the itinerary be customized?
Are hotels included?
How do I book this tour?
How can I pay for the tour?
Can meals be customized according to personal needs?
You May Also Like
China Classic Tour: A Harmony of Past and Present
A classic first China journey through Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai
First impression: China in Full Spectrum
A first China journey across cities, landscapes, history, and everyday life
Charms of Yunnan: Mountain Escapes & Ethnic Cultures
8 days through Yunnan’s mountain landscapes, old towns, and living ethnic cultures
Beijing In-Depth Tour
4 days exploring imperial palaces, ancient hutongs, and the Great Wall
Customize This Private Tour
This is a fully private tour — every route, pace, hotel level and meal can be reshaped around your dates, group size and interests.
Tell us a little and a real China specialist replies within 24 hours. No obligation.
Get a free itinerary
A tailored plan from a real expert — reply within 24 hours.