12-Day China Islamic Heritage Tour: Beijing, Zhangye, Linxia, Lanzhou, Xi’an & Guangzhou

Day 1 Arrive Beijing

Meals Included: Dinner at a halal restaurant
Accommodation: Feitian Hotel Beijing (Local 4-Star, Muslim-Friendly) or similar

Welcome to Beijing, a vibrant metropolis where thousands of years of imperial history seamlessly blend with striking modern innovation. As the capital of China, this dynamic city invites you to walk along ancient marvels like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, while experiencing its sleek skyscrapers, thriving culinary scene, and warm traditional hospitality. Upon arrival at the airport or train station, your friendly expert local guide will greet you and whisk you away in a private vehicle to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

Day 2 Beijing | Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Niujie Mosque, Wangfujing Street

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Niujie Mosque
Accommodation: Feitian Hotel Beijing (Local 4-Star, Muslim-Friendly) or similar

Begin your exploration of Beijing at Tiananmen Square, the largest city square in the world. This vast space has seen many pivotal events, including the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. A leisurely stroll leads you to the Forbidden City, the imperial heart of China for over five centuries. This magnificent palace complex served as the residence of 24 emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties, witnessing the rise and fall of imperial power. After Salat prayer at Niujie Mosque, soak up the lively atmosphere of Wangfujing Street, a quintessential Beijing shopping destination. Blending old-world charm with modern sophistication, this bustling thoroughfare boasts a captivating mix of luxury brands and time-honored stores.

Please note that the Forbidden City is closed on Mondays. If your visit falls on a Monday, the itineraries for Day 2 and Day 3 will be swapped.

Day 3 Beijing | Great Wall of China, Summer Palace

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Anheqiao Mosque or Shucun Mosque
Accommodation: Feitian Hotel Beijing (Local 4-Star, Muslim-Friendly) or similar

Your morning unfolds with an exploration of the iconic Great Wall of China. This colossal fortification, a continuous undertaking from the 3rd century BC to the 17th century AD, snakes across China’s northern frontier for an astounding 3,750 miles, from the shores of the Bohai Sea to the vast expanse of the Gobi Desert. In the afternoon, visit the Summer Palace, China’s largest and best-preserved imperial garden. This masterpiece seamlessly harmonizes natural hills and open water with classic pavilions, grand halls, temples, and bridges, embodying the Chinese philosophy of living in harmony with nature. Our itinerary includes a visit to a freshwater pearl store, offering an opportunity to browse and purchase these lustrous gems cultivated in local waters.

Day 4 Beijing – Zhangye | Temple of Heaven, Fly to Zhangye

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodation: 4-star Jinglong International Hotel or similar

Begin your morning at the majestic Temple of Heaven, an architectural masterpiece completed in 1420 by the Yongle Emperor – the same visionary ruler who created the Forbidden City. Set within a tranquil park, this sacred imperial complex was where Ming and Qing emperors conducted solemn annual ceremonies, praying to the heavens for bountiful harvests and divine blessings. Fly to Zhangye in the afternoon. Located in northwestern China’s Gansu Province along the historical Hexi Corridor, Zhangye is a celebrated Silk Road oasis city renowned for its vibrant geological marvels. Once a key trading post linking ancient China with Central Asia, the city is best known internationally for the Zhangye Danxia National Geopark, whose surreal, multicolored “Rainbow Mountains” feature striking striped sandstone rock formations carved over millions of years.

Day 5 Zhangye | Pingshan Grand Canyon, Rainbow Mountains

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Zhangye Masjid
Accommodation: 4-star Jinglong International Hotel or similar

Begin your day embarking on an unforgettable journey through Zhangye’s contrasting geological wonders, starting in the morning with a visit to the dramatic, labyrinthine ravines of Pingshan Grand Canyon, where towering red sandstone cliffs, deep gorges, and rugged rock formations resemble China’s own Grand Canyon. After lunch, head to the spectacular Rainbow Mountains. This natural wonder, a feast for the eyes, has captivated photographers and filmmakers worldwide, including the creators of Disney’s ‘Mulan.’ It is believed that the Rainbow Mountains are one of the creations of Allah as mentioned in the holy Quran. Here is the verse of the Quran: “Do you not see that Allah sends down rain from the sky, and We produce thereby fruits of varying colors? And in the mountains are tracts, white and red of varying shades and [some] extremely black.”

Day 6 Zhangye – Lanzhou – Linxia | High-Speed Train to Lanzhou, Transfer to Linxia

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Lanzhou Xiguan Masjid
Accommodation: Home2 Suites by Hilton Linxia (Muslim-Friendly) or similar

Board a high-speed train (approx. 3 hours) in the morning for a journey to Lanzhou, the historic capital of Gansu Province positioned along the upper stretches of the Yellow River and a legendary crossroads of the ancient Silk Road, widely celebrated for its vibrant cultural fusion and world-famous hand-pulled beef noodles. Following salat at the magnificent Lanzhou Xiguan Masjid, the itinerary continues southward to Linxia, historic cradle of Hui Muslim culture often called China’s “Little Mecca.” Upon arrival in Linxia, an afternoon tour explores the charming Eight Lanes and Thirteen Alleys, offering an extraordinary walk through beautifully restored Qing-dynasty residential courtyards, intricate brick and wood relief carvings, and lively traditional street markets that showcase the authentic heritage of the region.

Day 7 Linxia – Lanzhou | Donggong Mansion, Liujiaxia Bridge, Transfer to Lanzhou

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at Halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Laohuasi Masjid
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Lanzhou Zhenning Road (Muslim-Friendly) or similar

Begin your morning with a visit to the Donggong Mansion, a historical landmark celebrated for its intricate brick and wood carvings, often referred to as the “Grand View Garden of Brick Carving”. Next, head to the stunning Liujiaxia Bridge for a picturesque photo stop overlooking the emerald waters of the Liujiaxia Reservoir. After lunch, proceed to Laohuasi Mosque for salat prayer. Originally built in 1380, this mosque underwent a complete renovation in 2023. Its architectural design beautifully blends Arabic and traditional Chinese elements. Then, explore the Huasi Gongbei, the central hub of the Khufiyya Sufi School in China. This sacred site honors Ma Laichi, the renowned scholar who introduced the Khufiyya to China and established the Huasi Menhuan (Sufi order), the earliest and most influential Naqshbandi order in Chinese Muslim history. Transfer back to Lanzhou (approx. 2 hours).

Day 8 Lanzhou – Xi’an | Lanzhou City Highlights, High-Speed Train to Xi’an

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at Halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Lanzhou Xiguan Masjid
Accommodation: 4-star Novotel Xi’an The Bell Tower or similar

Begin your morning with a visit to the Iron Bridge of the Yellow River, the first iron bridge built over the river’s upper reaches in 1907 using German technology and materials. Next, ascend the iconic White Pagoda Mountain for panoramic views of Lanzhou. Then, stroll along the riverside path of the Waterwheel Garden. For a unique experience, brave a traditional sheepskin raft crossing of the Yellow River (at your own expense), a time-honored method of transportation in the region. Board a high-speed train to Xi’an (approx. 3 hours). Arrive in one of China’s oldest and most glorious capitals, world-renowned as the historic starting point of the Silk Road, where merchants, ideas, and cultures converged between East and West.

Day 9 Xi’an | Terracotta Army, Xi’an City Highlights

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Local mosque
Accommodation: 4-star Novotel Xi’an The Bell Tower or similar

Start your day with a wonder of the world – the Terracotta Army! Discovered by accident in 1974, this 2,000-year-old army of over 8,000 life-sized warriors stands guard over the tomb of Qin Shihuang, China’s first emperor. See some replicas being made nearby and learn the secrets of these ancient figures. Back to the city, stroll along the ancient City Wall of Xi’an, the oldest and best-preserved city wall in China. Walk atop the wall to enjoy panoramic views of the Xi’an skyline. Next, view the magnificent Big Wild Goose Pagoda from the outside, a 1,300-year-old architectural masterpiece. Conclude your day by immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, a captivating recreation of ancient Xi’an, featuring bustling markets, captivating performances, and stunning Tang-style architecture.

Day 10 Xi’an – Guangzhou | Xi’an City Highlights, Fly to Guangzhou

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: The Great Mosque of Xi’an
Accommodation: 4-star Landmark Hotel Guangzhou or similar

Step back in time at the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a 1,300-year-old Tang Dynasty masterpiece that exemplifies traditional Chinese brick pagoda architecture. Next, delve into Xi’an’s rich history at the Xi’an Museum, home to nearly 130,000 artifacts. Marvel at relics from ancient dynasties, including pottery, sculptures, and jade artifacts, that narrate the tale of China’s historical grandeur. Visit Bell and Drum Tower Square, where two iconic towers once signaled the time in ancient Xi’an. A short walk leads to the Great Mosque, one of China’s oldest and most famous mosques, renowned for its beautiful synthesis of Chinese and Islamic architectural styles. Next, explore the bustling Muslim Quarter, a maze of lively alleys packed with legendary street food stalls and rich local culture. Fly to Guangzhou late in the afternoon or at night. 

Day 11 Guangzhou | Waqqas Tomb, Huaisheng Masjid, Guangzhou City Highlights

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at Halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Huaisheng Masjid (China’s earliest mosque)
Accommodation: 4-star Landmark Hotel Guangzhou or similar

Morning begins with an exploration of Guangzhou’s classic cultural landmarks, starting with the intricate Lingnan craftsmanship of Chen Clan Ancestral Hall before taking a refreshing walk through Yuexiu Park to admire the city’s iconic Five Ram Statue. After lunch, delve into Guangzhou’s deep Islamic heritage with a visit to the historic Waqqas Tomb, the revered resting place of Sa’ad Ibn Abi Waqqas, who is credited with introducing Islam to China in 651 CE. Afterwards, perform salat at Huaisheng Masjid, celebrated as China’s first mosque and believed to have been founded by Sa’ad Ibn Abi Waqqas in the 670s. Stroll through Huacheng Square, the heart of Guangzhou’s modern central business district, where state-of-the-art skyscrapers showcase the city’s financial prowess and provide unrivaled views of the landmark Canton Tower rising dramatically across the Pearl River. Cap off the day with an exciting shopping spree at Baima Clothing Wholesale Market, a vibrant hub for trendy fashion and local apparel commerce.

Day 12 Depart Guangzhou

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel

A private transfer to the airport will be provided for your departure. If you would like to extend your stay, please let us know and we would be delighted to assist you in customizing your itinerary. Have a wonderful trip!

Travel Notice: Canton Fair Price Adjustment

Please note that the quoted rates for this tour are not valid during the Canton Fair period.
• Spring Session: Mid-April through early May
• Autumn Session: Mid-October through early November

Due to exceptionally high demand, hotel accommodations, private transportation, and local guide services in Guangzhou and surrounding areas are subject to special event surcharges during these dates. Updated pricing and availability will be provided upon request based on your specific travel dates. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to hosting your journey.