Day 1 Beijing Arrival - Lunch Tour: Liulichang Cultural Street+Folk Handicraft(Furred Monkey)+Dai Yue Xuan(Chinese calligraphy workshop)
Upon your arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel in Beijing.
After Lunch, we’ll drive to Liulichang Cultural Street, also known as Liulichang Antique Street, gathers many antique shops with a large number of ancient artworks such as calligraphy, paintings, porcelains, furniture etc.
We’ll learn to make Beijing unique folk handicraft –Furred Monkey (Chinese Hairy Monkeys) with an intangible cultural heritage inheritor, Furred Monkey is a unique old Beijing toy and Craft , These are not real monkeys. They are tiny humanoid figures made from furry magnolia buds and sloughed off cicada shells, The craftspeople making these furry figurines would put them into all kinds of human-like poses, from an athlete lifting dumbbells to a suitor singing a romantic serenade. You will have a chance to create one small monkey under the help of craftspeople.
Then visit the oldest Chinese calligraphy workshop with brush pen expert at Dai Yue Xuan. Create personalized brush pens from the same brand loved by Chairmen Mao. Dai Yue Xuan has for decades been one of most celebrated purveyors of brush pens. The brand was first created by brush pen maker Dai Yuexuan in the late-Qing Dynasty, it is the oldest Chinese handicraft shop still in business. Dai Yue Xuan opened its doors 1916, amassing many fans over the years including Chairman Mao Zedong and Prime Minister Zhou Enlai. Our students can hone their skills with an expert brush pen maker over a private calligraphy workshop and try to learn how to create personalized brush pens.
After the visit, go to the hotel, relax & refresh.
- Beijing
- Lunch
Day 2 Beijing Day Tour Tianan men Square+the Forbidden City+Summer Palace
In the morning, visit the Tianan men Square, which contains the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China, and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong.
Next, head to the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to explore the ancient palaces and halls that served as the imperial residence for over 500 years. The Forbidden City is a treasure trove of Chinese history and culture, with its exquisite architecture and intricate decorations. After the tour, enjoy a traditional Chinese dinner, savoring the flavors of Beijing cuisine.
After the lunch, continue to visit the Summer Palace (UNESCO), the largest imperial garden in the world.
Get back to the hotel, relax & refresh.
- Beijing
- B/L
Day 3 Beijing Day Tour Mutianyu Great Wall+Lama Temple+Guozijian Imperial Academy
Today, take a visit to the Mutianyu Great Wall, which is one of the most spectacular structures ever built by human and as the only one visible from space. You would be accompanied by your private guide walking on Great Wall, or take cable car round way.
After lunch, head to the Lama Temple. Initially built as a prince’s residence in 1694 and later transformed into a royal resort palace, the temple finally became the Tibetan Buddhist temple we know today, which has the largest sandalwood Buddha in the world. Next stop is Guozijian Imperial Academy. Dip your toes into Guozijian Imperial Academy, once the national central institution of higher learnings in Chinese dynasties. When disbanded during the 1898 reform of the Qing Dynasty, the Academy was replaced by the Imperial Capital University, later known as Peking University.
After the tour, get back to the hotel, relax & refresh.
- Beijing
- B/L
Day 4 Beijing Day Tour Temple of Heaven +Taiji Class+Gaobeidian Folk Art Village (Making Peking Opera Mask)
In the morning, visit the Temple of Heaven, where ancient Chinese emperors would make sacrifices to Heaven and pray for bountiful harvests. The Temple of Heaven construction is supreme achievement of Chinese traditional architecture. You will have a Taiji lesson under the guidance of a professional Taiji teacher. It is an excellent chance for them to realize their Kungfu dreams! Tai Chi or shadow boxing has been practiced in China for centuries. Now it is one of most popular forms of exercise all over the world. Tai Chi combines slow and fluid moments, deep breathing and meditation. Every moment of Tai Chi embodies a fundamental concept in traditional Chinese culture and philosophy.
Then, head to the Gaobeidian Folk Art Village. Learn how to paint Beijing Opera masks with special painting skills. You will know more about colorful folk customs of Beijing Opera. Beijing Opera is a national treasure with a history of 200 years. The facial mask is a major feature of Beijing Opera. The characters may be loyal or treacherous, good or evil, their images being vividly manifested. The different colors painted on the faces represent different characters, stories and destinies of roles.
After the tour, get back to the hotel, relax & refresh.
- Beijing
- B/L
Day 5 Beijing Departure
After breakfast, say goodbye to Beijing and departure to airport/train station.
- N/A
- B
