Experience China’s historic traditions, natural highlights and modern development in Beijing, Pingyao, Xian, Dunhuang, Urumqi, and Shanghai

This tour gets its name from the Han Dynasty, which was an era of cultural development and economic prosperity. Science and technology during Han flourished. To this day, China’s majority ethnic group refers to itself as the “Han people”. This tour views the main attractions in Beijing and also ventures out to the ancient town of Pingyao as well as the Northwestern cities of Dunhuang and Urumqi.

16 Days – Download 4 page pdf Han – Golden Land








At Access China Tours, all of our China tour packages include all land prices, private accommodation, transportation, expert guides and most meals in China.
Included meals follow the day’s description and accommodation (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner).

Scroll down for the tour’s price and dates. For more information, please see What is Included in ACT’s tours.



Day 1 Depart North America

Fly to China from your nearest airport via the best routing. We can book your international air travel for your convenience.


Day 2 Beijing

Arrive in Beijing today and you are met by Access China Tours staff at the airport and transferred by vehicle to your hotel downtown. Meet your fellow travelers and tour manager at the Evening Reception and learn more about the tour activities of the coming days.
The Peninsula Beijing (Evening Reception)


Day 3 Beijing

After breakfast, our exploration of Beijing starts from Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest. From there, we will visit the futuristic “Egg” National Performing Arts Center. Next, we will tour the Forbidden City, the magnificent imperial palaces of Ming and Qing dynasties for half a millennia. After lunch, explore by a pedicab ride some of Beijing’s old Hutongs (alleyways) and traditional courtyards. Climb up the nearby Drum Tower and Bell Tower for an aerial view of the traditional neighborhood and visit the private home of a local resident to hear their life stories. Return to the hotel for relaxation, then enjoy a welcome banquet featuring Peking Duck this evening.
The Peninsula Beijing (B-L-D)


Day 4 Beijing

Visit the Temple of Heaven early this morning. Observe Beijing residents doing traditional Taichi and other exercises in the exquisite parklands. Behold the beautiful Hall of Prayers and echo wall. Stop by the lively Silk Market, a bustling place where buyers and vendors bargain hard over clothes, accessories, handbags, and  traditional arts and crafts. After lunch, visit the enchanting Summer Palace, the renowned retreat of Qing dynasty royals. The Long Corridor, Marble Boat and Longevity Hill are all structures of grace and beauty. Enjoy a boat ride on tranquil Kunming Lake. Conclude the day in a courtyard restaurant with the famous Imperial Cuisine Dinner.
The Peninsula Beijing (B-L-D)


Day 5 Beijing

Put on your hiking shoes for an excursion to the extraordinary Great Wall of China. The remote and scenic Mutianyu section is a fine example of the Ming era construction. Stop by a small mountain village for lunch and meet with local rural residents. Return to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to discover more of Beijing’s treasures or just relax.
The Peninsula Beijing (B-L)



Day 6 Beijing – Pingyao

Visit the trendy 798 Art Complex on the way to the airport to view some Chinese modern art created by Beijing’s newest artists. Fly to Xian, the ancient capital of eleven Chinese dynasties.  Fly to Taiyuan and drive to Pingyao upon arrival.  Visit Qiao Family Compound and enjoy a local cuisine dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Yunjincheng Guesthouse (B-L-D)

Day 7 Pingyao

visit Pingyao Old Town, Town Building/Bell Tower, Rishengchang Financial House Museum, City Wall, and Former Residence of Lei Lutai; also go to visit the Shuanglin Temple. Rest of the time is free for you to wander around this fascinating old town.
Yunjincheng Guesthouse (B-L-D)

Day 8 Pingyao – Xian

Transfer to Taiyuan Airport and fly to Xian, the ancient capital of eleven Chinese dynasties. Met and transfer to your luxury hotel upon arrival. After refreshing in the hotel, start your exploration by visiting the massive ancient City Walls and the nearby Shuyuanmen Market. Tonight, enjoy a special Xi’an Cuisine Dinner in an elite local restaurant.
Sofitel on Renmin Square (B-L-D)


Day 9 Xian

Take a morning excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, 2,200-year-old Terracotta Warriors of China’s first Emperor, Qin Shihuang. This archaeological excavation site is a stunning exhibit of more than 7,000 ancient life-size terracotta statues of Qin soldiers, officers, horses, chariots and other artifacts. Upon returning to the city, visit the elegant Big Goose Pagoda which has survived over a millennia of war and earthquakes. Tour Xi’an History Museum for its wonderful collection of ancient relics. In the evening, enjoy a Special Dumpling Dinner followed by a Tang Dynasty Stage Show recalling the days when Xian was the largest city in the world.
Sofitel on Renmin Square (B-L-D)


Day 10 Xian – Dunhuang

Transfer to airport for a noon flight to Dunhuang.  On the way, visit the Yangling Archaeological Site & Museum that exhibits remarkable figurines found in this imperial tomb of the Han Dynasty.
After check-in at the hotel, tour the mountains of sand dunes and the oasis Crescent Spring Lake, and Singing Sand Dunes in the Gobi Desert.  Optional camel rides over the sand dunes are available.
Later visit a buzzing outdoor market place in the city and enjoy a local cuisine dinner in a hotel restaurant.
Grand Soluxe Shazhou Hotel (B-D)


Day 11 Dunhuang – Urumqi

Spend half a day exploring the site, each carved into cliffs facing the desert.  Many of the murals, sculptures, and relief were created over 1,500 years ago.  The dry desert air has well preserved the original paintings and pigments.  A research institute has been established on the site to study and to protect these precious artistic and religious treasures.  Transfer to airport later in the day and fly to Urumqi, capital of the Xinjiang Autonomous Region, and major Central Asian stop on the famed Silk Road.  Urumqi is unique in that it is the most inland city on earth, no other place on the planet is farther from an ocean. Check in the hotel and enjoy a characteristic Uygur Cuisine Dinner with lively Central Asian music and dance in the evening.
Sheraton Urumqi Hotel (B-L-D)


Day 12 Urumqi – Turpan

Today, take a full-day excursion to Turpan, a Uygur city in a large oasis surrounded by desert and barren but stunning mountains.  First visit the site of ancient Jiaohe City which dates back almost 2,000 years.  The fortress city was built on a strategic high ground and the remains of some structures are still standing.  It offers spectacular views of desert landscapes. Next, explore Emin Minaret, Gaochang Ruins and Grape Valley. Return to Urumqi.
Sheraton Urumqi Hotel (B-L)


Day 13 Urumqi – Shanghai

After breakfast in hotel, take a half-day excursion to the beautiful Heavenly Lake set among towering alpine peaks of the Tianshan Mountains.  The snow-capped Mt. Bogda (18,000 feet) is brilliantly reflected in the crystal clear water of the alpine lake.  If time permits, you will also have the opportunity to visit the yurt homes of the local Kazakh herdsmen.  Xinjiang is home to a dozen of China’s 55 ethnic minorities. Transfer to Urumqi airport in the afternoon and board a flight to Shanghai, meet by tour guide and transfer to hotel upon arrival.
Four Seasons Shanghai (B-L)


Day 14 Shanghai

After breakfast in your hotel, visit the exquisite Yuyuan Garden and the European Bund with Art-Deco architecture. Gaze across the river at the towering structures of the ultra-modern Pudong district. In the afternoon, visit the marvelous Shanghai Museum, whose galleries contain precious collections of ancient art and artifacts dating back millennia. The Bronze Gallery is probably the world’s finest, a must-see section. Wander around in the former French Concession, represented by the leafy Fuxing Park and colonial era architecture. Stop at Xintiandi, a redeveloped neighborhood with trendy pubs, coffee shops, chic restaurants, and stores. After dinner, go to a Shanghai theater to enjoy a stunning Acrobatic Show.
Four Seasons Shanghai (B-L-D)


Day 15 Shanghai

The morning of your last full day in China, visit the Jinmao Building, the world’s 7th tallest, in Pudong District. Stop by Ohel Moshe Synagogue to learn the scarcely reported history of Jews living in China. Finally, visit the awesome Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center for a perspective on the city’s future development. The afternoon is free for you to explore wonderful Shanghai on your own. The World Expo 2010 runs from May through October. Join fellow travelers tonight for a special Shanghai Cuisine Dinner in a high-end local restaurant.
Four Seasons Shanghai (B-D)


Day 16 Return Home

Enjoy a last breakfast in your hotel. Transfer to the airport and board your homebound flight. Arrive in
North America on the same day.
(B)


16 Days (Tour Code-HGL)
This tour departs on Tuesdays and returns on Wednesdayss. There are four tour departures during the year in April, May, September, and October.



If you have any questions or would like to make a reservation, please give us a call at 1 (800) 788-1399, email us at info@accesschinatours.com or use our contact form.

Please view what is included in our tours, along with testimonials from previous ACT travel clients. Feel free to browse through our other luxury and adventure tours. If you don’t see exactly what you like, we are happy to arrange a private or custom tour for you.

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