Days 1-4
Beijing - Moment in Time
Entering the Forbidden City, one can explore the grandeur of the Hall of Supreme Harmony and the mystery of the Ganqing Palace along the central axis, and gaze at the brilliance of Empress Dowager Cixi's jade hairpin in the Treasure House. In the east courtyard of Kunning Palace, search for the "Yin-Yang Tree" and experience the philosophy of life that is half withered and half flourishing. In the afternoon, enjoy the imperial afternoon tea at Wanchun Jinfu. When the sun sets in the west, climb to the top of Jingshan Mountain to overlook the solemnity and grace of the red walls and yellow tiles of the Forbidden City in the twilight. As night falls, step into Guizi Street and let the spicy crayfish at Hu Da Restaurant and the braised and grilled food at Beixin Bridge awaken your taste buds, experiencing the rhythm of old Beijing's nightlife.
Head to Gubei Water Town and savor the deliciousness of fish from Miyun Reservoir at Gubei Roast Meat Restaurant, accompanied by the simplicity of corn pancakes. At Yongshun Dyeing Workshop, you can dye a handkerchief by hand and experience the charm of traditional craftsmanship. As night falls, take the cable car to the Simatai Great Wall, watch the lights of the ancient town pour down like a starry river, soak in the Japanese-style hot spring pool at the Yushe Hot Spring Hotel, wear a Hanfu yukata, and enjoy the peaceful time under the starry sky. The next morning, admire the Great Wall in the morning light again, and feel the weight of history and the magnificence of nature.
In the 798 Art District, experience the avant-garde of special exhibitions at the Ullens Center for Contemporary Art, and admire the ruggedness of metal sculptures at the Blacksmith Camp. Paint a Rabbit Deity at the Intangible Cultural Heritage Workshop to experience the clay sculpture culture of old Beijing. In the afternoon, step into the Temple of Heaven, listen to the miracle of the Echo Wall at the Yuanqiu Altar, count the multiples of nine on the steps of the Imperial Vault of Heaven, and feel the wisdom of ancient architecture. In the evening, take a royal cruise on Kunming Lake in the Summer Palace, admire the elegance of the Stone Boat, and wait for the gentle sunset on Nanhu Island. If you are traveling with your family, you can also directly go to Beijing Zoo and spend happy time with the national treasure giant panda Menglan.
Days 5-8
Shanghai - Modern and Ancient Charm
Visit Baoshan Temple and feel the romance of spring amid the interweaving of Tang-style architecture and Yoshino cherry blossoms. Or in the autumn when the red maple leaves are reflected in the Golden Pagoda Reflection Pool, capture the changing light and shadow. Tasting Luohan noodles in the vegetarian restaurant and copying the Heart Sutra in the Sutra Repository can bring peace to the mind. In the afternoon, take a stroll along Nanjing Road to the Bund. From the terrace of the Peace Hotel, overlook the architectural complex of various countries and listen to the melody of "Oriental Red" playing on the clock tower of the Customs Building. As night falls, the Bund Light Show begins, and the building facades transform into flowing paintings, showcasing the prosperity and charm of Shanghai.
At the Shanghai Museum, savor the Great Ke Ding in the Ancient Chinese Bronze Hall and try sitting on the imitation official hat Chair in the Ming and Qing Furniture Hall, experiencing the weight of history. In the afternoon, I entered Yu Garden and admired the lively koi carp by the Nine-Bend Bridge. Inside the Dianchun Hall, I observed the exquisite golden-threaded nanmu wood carvings. Taste crab roe xiaolongbao at Nanxiang Steamed Bun Shop and savor the traditional flavors while taking it away. In the evening, take a cruise on the Huangpu River. On the top deck of the "Captain 8", enjoy a buffet while watching the dazzling light shows on both banks, and experience the charm of Shanghai's night.
Head to Zhujiajiao, take a hand-cranked boat across the Fangsheng Bridge, listen to the boatwoman singing Hu Opera folk songs, and taste Biluochun tea in the waterfront tea house of Kezhi Garden, experiencing the tranquility of the water town. In the afternoon, step into the M50 Art district, experience the charm of contemporary Chinese art at Shanghart Gallery, and enjoy the tranquility of industrial style at the Half Degree Rain Shelter Cafe. In the evening, I strolled through the French Concession, from the Xujiahui Catholic Church to the Wukang Building, capturing the elegance of the architecture. At the %Arabica coffee shop in Wukang Court, you can savor the artistic atmosphere of Shanghai through its exclusive architectural viewing Windows.
Days 9-12
Guangzhou - Lingnan Charm
Visit the Yuanxuan Taoist Temple and light the "Passing Cloud Incense" in front of the Purple Wisteria Pavilion to experience the mystery of the natural way of Taoism. In the afternoon, I entered the Great Buddha Temple. Under the century-old Bodhi tree, I counted the Bodhi seed bracelets from the Guangxu period. In the dining hall, I tasted the Luohan Studio and listened to the lingering echoes of the ancient bell. In the evening, strolling along Beijing Road, I savored Pu 'er tea beside the ruins of the thousand-year-old ancient road and savored the traditional flavor among the carvings on the arcades. As night falls, savor the deliciousness of Guangzhou's night at Lu's Plum Blossom Cake and Yinji Rice Noodle Rolls.
Head to Langtou Ancient Village to seek the imprint of the Huang family's seventh house in this 700-year-old Ming and Qing village. Flip through the family genealogy by the lotus pond and feel the accumulation of history. In the afternoon, step into the orchid garden, feed the koi fish by the Nine Bend Bridge, and watch them swim out of the Xiguan Grand House with their graceful movements. Amidst the spray of water from the Fuxiang Pavilion, feel the ink fragrance of the "Orchid Pavilion Preface". In the evening, strike the copper "Gengfu Gong" in Yongqing Fang, and experience the charm of traditional culture in the movable type printing and Guangcai handmade experience shop.
Climb up the Moxing Ridge of Baiyun Mountain, savor a coarse earthenware bowl of tea at the spot where a Yuan Dynasty painter sketched, and overlook the panoramic view of Guangzhou's "Jade belt surrounding the city". In the afternoon, I strolled along Shamian Island, looking for British Mosaic floor tiles in front of the Church of Our Lady of Louldes. At the "Most Beautiful Branch of Starbucks in Guangzhou", I experienced the integration of European architecture and Lingnan window decorations. In the evening, I visited the Chen Clan Academy. I sprayed water in front of the grey sculpture "Fu Shou Tu" to show the water patterns on the wings of bats. On the roof, I searched for the different postures of 108 clay sculptures of lions, experiencing the exquisite architecture of Lingnan.
Head to the Ancestral Temple of Foshan, admire the four wonders of "brick carvings, wood carvings, stone carvings and pottery sculptures" in the thousand-year-old temple, and draw good luck in the interaction of lion dance and green picking. In the afternoon, I stepped into Shunde, steamed "Hanlin Rolls" in front of the wood-burning stove, and made Chen Village noodles under the guidance of the chef, experiencing the essence of the culinary art. Savor the culinary culture of Guangzhou at Jinbang Double Skin Milk and Jun 'an Steamed Pig. The next day, I visited Guangzhou again, experiencing the charm and charm of Lingnan in the midst of ancient art and new flavors.
