Great China Tour 2027 Summer (PEK-PVG) TK

1. DAY                 ISTANBUL – BEIJING                                                                                                                       16 MAY 2027

Meeting with our valued guests 3 hours before the flight in front of the Turkish Airlines counter at Istanbul Airport International Terminal. After baggage and ticket procedures, we fly to Beijing on a scheduled Turkish Airlines flight. We spend the night on board.

2. DAY                 BEIJING                                                                                                                                            17 MAY 2027

Upon arrival, we begin with a panoramic city tour of Beijing. During our tour, we will explore modern Beijing by passing in front of the Bird's Nest Stadium (Bird's Nest) and Water Cube, structures built for the 2008 Olympic Games that are notable for their architecture. Guests who wish may join the extra Beijing Combined Tour (€115 per person) organized by our guide (Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven & Wangfujing Street). On this tour, we will have the opportunity to get up close with both the historical and modern faces of China's capital. Our first stop is Tiananmen Square, one of the most important points in Chinese history and political life. Then, we visit the Forbidden City (Yasak Şehir), one of the most important symbols of Chinese imperial history. This vast palace complex, which served as the home for the Ming and Qing dynasties for approximately 500 years, is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List with its magnificent architecture, spacious courtyards, and historical buildings. Guided by our guide, while exploring the living quarters of the emperors, we will learn important details about China's deep-rooted past. Continuing our tour, we visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors during the Ming and Qing periods prayed to the sky for good harvests and fertility. This impressive structure, where round and square architectural forms symbolize the sky and the earth, is among Beijing's most important cultural heritages with its extensive gardens and peaceful atmosphere. After our tour, we will conclude at Wangfujing Street, one of the city's busiest shopping and pedestrian streets. After the tour, there is free time and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

3. DAY                 BEIJING                                                                                                                                            18 MAY 2027

After breakfast at the hotel, there is free time. Guests who wish may join the extra Juyongguan Great Wall & Hutong Neighborhoods Tour (€100 per person) organized by our guide. We begin our tour by visiting the Great Wall of China, one of China's most magnificent structures. The Great Wall of China, the most important defensive structure in Chinese history, also holds great significance for Turkish history. Built over centuries to protect China's northern borders, this massive structure is considered a concrete manifestation of the struggles between China and various Central Asian Turkic groups such as the Xiongnu (Asian Huns), Göktürks, Uyghurs, and others. The Great Wall was conceived as a defensive line against raids by Turkic tribes from the Central Asian steppes; in this regard, it has become a historical symbol reflecting the military, political, and cultural dimensions of Turkish-Chinese relations. Then, we visit Juyong Pass, known for its strategic importance and impressive views. This historical defensive line, stretching through the mountains, was built over centuries to protect China from external attacks. While walking on this section of the wall, we will gain important information about Chinese history and military architecture while enjoying unique views. Continuing our tour, we explore the Hutong neighborhoods, which offer a close look at Beijing's traditional way of life and have a history of approximately 500 years. In our visit to the famous Hutongs, known for their narrow streets, courtyard houses, and authentic atmosphere, we will gain a different perspective on China's daily life and cultural heritage. After the tour, transfer to the hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

4. DAY                 BEIJING – XI'AN                                                                                                                                19 MAY 2027

We leave the hotel with breakfast boxes provided and head to Xi'an via high-speed train. Upon arrival, we transfer to the hotel and have free time. Guests who wish may join the extra Xi'an Wonders Tour [City Walls & Muslim Quarter & Xi'an Great Mosque & Bell and Drum Towers] (€100 per person) organized by our guide. Our first stop on the tour will be the South Gate of Xi'an City Wall, one of the city's symbols. This magnificent gate, built during the Tang and Ming dynasties, is an important part of the city's defense system, and we will have the opportunity to closely observe Xi'an's historical texture while walking on it. Then, we visit the Muslim Quarter, where we can see the colorful and lively side of city life. This area, famous for its narrow streets, authentic Chinese-Islamic architecture, delicious street food, and souvenir shops, is an ideal stop to get to know Xi'an's cultural diversity. Our tour continues with visits to the "Bell and Drum Towers," two important historical symbols of the city. Located in the center of the city, these towers were historically used to measure time and protect the city. Our final stop will be the "Xi'an Great Mosque," the oldest and largest mosque in China. Built during the Tang Dynasty, this unique structure stands out for combining Chinese architecture with Islamic elements. Here, we will be able to see the deep traces of Islamic culture in Xi'an by visiting both the prayer areas and the historical courtyards. After the tour, transfer to the hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

5. DAY                 XI'AN                                                                                                                                              20 MAY 2027

After breakfast at the hotel, there is free time. Guests who wish may join the extra Terracotta Warriors Museum & Big Wild Goose Pagoda & DaTang Tour (€100 per person) organized by our guide. On our tour, we begin to explore China's historical and cultural richness. Our first stop will be the world-famous Qin Terracotta Army Museum. This magnificent statue army, built for the first Chinese emperor Qin Shi Huang in the 3rd century BC, consists of thousands of soldiers, horses, and chariots, each carved with unique details. Guided by our guide, we will get to know the emperor's tomb and the historical importance of the army up close. Then, we visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, one of the important structures of the Tang Dynasty. This temple and pagoda are one of the important symbols of China's Buddhist heritage. While walking around the pagoda, we will breathe in the historical atmosphere and have the opportunity to take photos in the surrounding gardens. The final stop of our tour will be DaTang Everbright City, where we can experience modern city life. In this area, famous for its wide pedestrian streets, shopping areas, and colorful lighting, we will have the chance to both relax and shop. Free time after the tour. Overnight at our hotel.

6. DAY                 XI'AN – SHANGHAI                                                                                                                                        21 MAY 2027

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Shanghai on a scheduled local airline flight. Upon arrival, we take a short panoramic city tour of Shanghai. During our tour, we will see the grand colonial-era buildings along The Bund, the city's symbol, Nanjing Road, one of the city's most beautiful streets, and the Huangpu River view. After the tour, there is free time. Guests who wish may join the extra Huangpu River Boat Tour & AP Plaza Shopping Tour (€85 per person) organized by our guide. On the Huangpu River tour, we will explore the city under the lights. After our sightseeing, we move to AP Plaza, one of Shanghai's most popular shopping spots. In this market, known for its wide variety of products and affordable prices, we have the opportunity to shop among many alternatives ranging from leather goods to electronics, watches, and Chinese silk. After the tour, transfer to the hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

7. DAY                 SHANGHAI                                                                                                                                     22 MAY 2027

After breakfast at the hotel, there is free time. Guests who wish may join the extra Shanghai Combined Tour & Zhujiajiao Water Village Tour [Yuyuan Garden & The Jade Buddha Temple & Xintiandi & Silk Market & Huaihai Road] (€130 per person) organized by our guide. We begin our tour with Yuyuan Garden and Bazaar, one of the structures that best reflects China's classical garden architecture. While strolling among pavilions designed with fine craftsmanship, tranquil ponds, and elegant stone bridges, we have the opportunity to get to know the aesthetic soul of traditional Chinese garden art up close. Afterwards, we visit The Jade Buddha Temple, one of Shanghai's iconic religious structures. Inside the temple, we experience this sacred atmosphere by seeing Buddha statues carved from white jade brought from Myanmar, which hold great spiritual value. Then, we move to the Xintiandi area, where historic Shanghai houses blend with contemporary city life. With a short walk in this area, famous for its stylish cafes, original shops, and restaurants, we feel the modern face of the city. At the end of our tour, we offer free time for shopping at the Silk Market, famous for its quality and affordable silk products. Here you can find special souvenirs for your loved ones. After the tour, we give free time at Huaihai Road, one of the city's busiest shopping streets where you can find wonderful brands. Then, we set off towards Zhujiajiao Water Village. This special settlement, with a history of approximately 600 years, is known as "Venice of Shanghai" due to its structure woven with water channels and invites visitors into a magical atmosphere where the past and present intertwine. Traditional Chinese houses stretching along cobblestone narrow streets, facades decorated with fine woodwork, and elegant arched bridges give it the appearance of an open-air museum. Traditional boats moving silently over the canals are one of the most beautiful details completing the village's peaceful spirit. Lanterns reflected in the water, the scent of incense, and traditional melodies heard from afar turn Zhujiajiao into an experience not only seen but felt. Historical tea houses, antique shops, and small workshops encountered along the way offer enjoyable moments of discovery to visitors with silk products, handmade ceramics, and traditional artworks. This water village, carrying traces of the past in every corner, creates a feeling of a journey independent of time. After the tour, transfer to the hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

8. DAY                 SHANGHAI– ISTANBUL                                                                                                               23 MAY 2027

In the early morning hours, we check out from the hotel after collecting our breakfast boxes (check-out process will be done at 03:45) and head towards the airport. After baggage and ticket procedures, we depart for Istanbul on a scheduled Turkish Airlines flight. Upon arrival, our tour and services come to an end.