Trans-Siberian Adventure

This memorable trans-Mongolia rail tour from Russia to China will start in St. Petersburg. Upon arrival at the airport, our private guide and the driver will pick you up and then escort you to the hotel. After check-in, you may spend the rest of the day strolling around on your own. 

 Useful Information about Russia:
1. Visa Requirement: Most citizens from Western countries, including America, Britain, Australia, and New Zealand, need to apply for visas at least one month before departure, which may cost US citizens USD 185 and USD 50 for EU visitors. 
2. Currency: Only the Rouble (RUB) can be used in Russia, and credit cards and bank cards from other countries are all not accepted, so you are advised to exchange enough cash before setting off or at the banks in Russia. Applying for a Russian credit card at T-Bank (FRM Tinkoff) is another choice. With the card, you can deposit USD or Euros at ATMs but only withdraw Rubles.

 Unique Festive Events: St. Petersburg’s White Nights & Scarlet Sails
From June 11 to July 12, St. Petersburg, one of the world’s most northern cities, ushers in its White Nights when the sun does not descend below the horizon and the nights never get dark. If you happen to visit here on June 21, the summer solstice, you will have a chance to partake in its White Nights Festival. Daylight stretches for 23 hours on this day, and locals flood the streets in flamboyant costumes: ‘tsars’ and ‘queens’ rub shoulders with anime characters, singing and dancing surrounding floats draped in flowers and balloons. The Scarlet Sails Night Festival is another worth-seeing spectacle, which is held on the final Friday night before the solstice. Thousands of people gather along the Neva River for dazzling fireworks while a three-masted frigate with crimson sails glides into view, which is memorable!

Accommodation: Cronwell Inn Stremyannaya or similar (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, our local professional guide will meet you at the hotel lobby and escort you on a city tour covering the most popular sites in St. Petersburg. We will first head to Nevsky Street built in 1710. Known as one of the most beautiful streets in Russia, it is lined with numerous aesthetic buildings, such as the pink Stroganoff Palace - the former residence of one of the richest Russian noble families. You will also worship the Kazan Cathedral, which is said to enshrine the most efficacious icon of the Mother of God. Leaving Nevsky Street, we will visit the St. Isaac Cathedral, the largest cathedral in St. Petersburg, whose construction lasted for 40 years. You can climb up to its top to overlook the whole city and enjoy a distant view of Vasilievsk Island. Then, continue to stroll around Senate Square and Palace Square.

After a lunch break, we will visit the world-class Winter Palace. It was originally built as Empress Elizabeth Petrovna’s imperial residence from 1754 to 1762, covering 90,000 square meters (22.2 acres). This Baroque masterpiece has 460 rooms adorned with gilded stucco, malachite columns, and mirrored halls, epitomizing Russian imperial grandeur. After Catherine the Great ascended, this voracious art collector transformed the palace into a cultural treasury. Passing the main gate and ascending the white-and-gold Jordan Staircase, you will enter the main exhibition hall where the famous Seated Voltaire Sculpture stands. The Enlightenment philosopher draped in a Roman toga looks at Catherine’s bust nearby. Stand between them as if you are enjoying their witty dialogue. Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece - Madonna Litta, is also preserved here. The Virgin’s serene gaze and the Christ Child’s playful stare seem to engage with viewers across 500 years. After the sightseeing, we will transfer you back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Cronwell Inn Stremyannaya or similar (4 stars) or similar

Today is left for your own arrangement. For your reference, head to the Peter and Paul Fortress, the cradle of St. Petersburg. An all-in-one ticket costs RUB 1,000 (USD about 10). Founded by Peter the Great in 1703 on Zayachy Island, where the Neva River splits into two branches, this star-shaped citadel was designed to defend against Swedish invasions. Ironically, it never protected the city from battle but became Russia’s most infamous political prison. Peter’s son, Alexei, was imprisoned here in 1718 for treason. Later inmates included revolutionaries like Lenin’s brother Alexander Ulyanov and writer Maxim Gorky. Standing on the Neva riverbank, you can admire the Peter and Paul Cathedral located in the fortress, whose mast-like gilded spire pierces into the sky. If interested, you can enter the cathedral to visit the tombs of nearly all Russian emperors, from Peter the Great to Nicholas II, but an extra RUB 700 (about USD 7) is needed for the ticket. The cathedral opens from 10:00 to 18:00. Besides, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood and Peterhof Palace are nice choices to learn more of the religious and imperial architecture of ancient Russia. 

► Transport Tips: For hassle-free transportation, Yandex Go, Russia’s top ride-hailing app, is highly recommended to avoid overcharging risks common in street taxis, but you can only register with a Russian SIM card. Please manually set your pickup location since Russia’s GPS may be unreliable, which may cause an extra fee of 13 RUB per minute after two minutes’ wait.  

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Cronwell Inn Stremyannaya or similar (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the train station and board the high-speed Sapsan train to Moscow. Four hours later, you will arrive at Moscow Railway Station, where our local guide will pick you up and escort you to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for you.

 Free Time Suggestion: Red October Area
Located by the Moscow River, it was originally built as a chocolate factory. This block of red houses is now an art space teeming with pubs, galleries, and restaurants. At the center of the district, a small exhibition gives a detailed introduction to the chocolate factory’s history and showcases some productive equipment. Wandering around its peripheral area along the river, you can see the golden-domed Cathedral of Christ the Saviour at the opposite bank.

 Dinning Suggestion: Tantalize Your Taste Buds with Caviar (at your own expense)
Russian caviar has been world-famous since the 12th century, as Russia’s strategic access to the Caspian Sea brings a prime source of caviar - wild sturgeon. For an authentic taste, you can head to the Beluga Restaurant near Red Square. It offers caviar priced from RUB 500 to 7,000 (USD 5-78). Savor osetra or sevruga with sour cream, sliced onions, lemon wedges, and toasted rye bread. You can also order a cold vodka to balance its briny richness. Besides various caviar, the restaurant also offers a panoramic view of Moscow's skyline. Since the restaurant is very popular, please make a reservation ahead of time.  
Average Cost per Person: USD 25
Address: Mokhovaya Street, Moscow 125009 Russia

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Series or similar (4 stars) or similar

Today, you will be guided to admire characteristic attractions in Moscow, including the Bolshoi Theatre and Tverskaya Street, a main commercial street where you can see delicate shop windows, cafés, bookstores, and museums. Following the street, we will arrive at Red Square, where Moscow’s largest emporium, the GUM Department Store, is located. Besides, the nine colorful onion domes of St. Basil's Cathedral will come to your eyes. 

Then continue to the Moscow Kremlin, once the imperial residence of tsars and now the official workplace of the Russian President. Its Armory Chamber is a must-see. Established in 1508 as a royal arsenal for crafting weapons and storing treasures, this museum now displays Russia’s most opulent historical artifacts, such as silk-and-gold brocade robes worn by tsars and empresses and thrones adorned with diamonds, sapphires, and pearls. Please note that photography is strictly prohibited inside.

Coming out of the museum, climb up to the top of Sparrow Hill, where you can gain a panoramic view of the city and the Moscow River. Then, take a walk at your leisure on Arbat Street. It is said that many Arabs lived in this area in medieval times. The towering buildings of the CBD at the end of the street and the graffiti on the wall bring a piquant modern touch to its nostalgic aura. At the end of the day, you will be transferred back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Series or similar (4 stars) or similar

The first half day is on your own arrangement. Have a last glimpse of Moscow by yourself! The Victory Park is worth a visit. Built in 1995, it is one of the world’s largest WWII memorial complexes. Dominating its central square is the 141.8-meter (about 465-foot) high Victory Monument and each meter represents one day of the USSR’s 1,418-day struggle against the Nazis. At its base, you will see a striking bronze statue of a warrior thrusting a spear into a dragon. History enthusiasts must not miss the Museum of the Great Patriotic War. Stepping into the Hall of Remembrance and Sorrow, you will be touched by the photos of fallen soldiers on the floor-to-ceiling screens accompanied by haunting choral music. The museum opens daily at 10:00, closes on Tuesday, and takes 1.5-2 hours to finish visiting. Main hall entry costs RUB 400 (about USD 4).

Please return to the hotel at the appointed time, and you will be escorted to the train station, where you will board the train to Yekaterinburg.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: on the train

Waking up on the train in the morning, you will find that the industrial-style Moscow has been left behind and you are approaching the Eurasian junction. On the way, you will traverse tranquil villages, green farms, boundless forests, and prairies, making the trip even more unforgettable. After crossing the Iset River, the train will reach Yekaterinburg at night. You will be picked up at the railway station and escorted to the hotel for check-in. Have a good rest to respite from the fatigue after a long train ride.

► Train Tips：
1. There is nearly no internet signal on the train, so we suggest you bring something to kill time, such as a book or downloaded movies.
2. You can prepare some food before boarding the train. Dining at the train restaurant is also convenient, which may cost RUB 500 (USD 5) per meal.
3. You will need to collect your sheets and pillowcases and return them to the attendant before getting off the train.
4. Yekaterinburg time is 2 hours ahead of Moscow’s, so please convert your time upon arrival.

Accommodation: Chekhov Hotel By Original Hotels (4 stars) or similar

Today, we will drive for 1.5 hours to Nevyansk Town in the Urals region. The first stop will be the Leaning Tower. Constructed in the early 18th century, it has long fascinated scientists and travelers with its mysterious 3-degree tilt. Climbing up the second floor, you can explore the workspace of Akinfiy Demidov, a Russian nobleman (1678-1745), rumored to have minted counterfeit his own coins here to avoid inspection from Peter the Great. Please be careful when ascending the spiral staircases, as it may cause vertigo. You can also find a so-called “hearing room” where whispers at corners can be heard from each other clearly, but those standing in the center cannot hear anything. Besides, there is a bell tower that originally could play more than 20 melodies, but now only chimes Glory to You from the opera A Life for the Tsar every 15 minutes. 

Then, wander in the Kunara and Byngi villages to admire wooden houses with delicate carvings built in the late 19th century and explore the well-known pottery crafts in Tavolgi Village. When today's tour is over, reverse the trip back to Yekaterinburg.

 Recommended Activity: Appreciate the Night Scene of Yekaterinburg
If you want to hang around in the evening, head to the 51st-floor observation deck of the Vysotsky Hotel by yourself for a 360-degree panoramic view of Yekaterinburg, which needs RUB 600 (about USD 6) for the ticket. When the golden streetlights illuminate the Iset River, the water reflects buildings on both sides, offering gorgeous night views. You are advised to wear a thick coat because the wind may be strong on the observation deck.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Chekhov Hotel By Original Hotels (4 stars) or similar

Today, you will be accompanied to have the last sightseeing in Yekaterinburg. After rambling through Central Square and Revolution Square, the Church on the Blood awaits you. Russia boasts three Churches on the Blood, each commemorating a tragic assassination, while today’s destination memorializes Tsar Nicholas II, Russia’s last emperor, and his family. One night in 1918, they were executed in the basement of their house, where this Byzantine-style church now stands. At the door, you can see a bronze statue group: Nicholas II cradles his little son, leading his daughter downstairs, while his wife prays at the rear for their final moments. 

Continually, we will head to the Chapel in Honor of the Grand Duchess Elizabeth and Nun Barbara, which was built to commemorate Elizabeth, who was famous for assisting injured soldiers during WWI. Then, climb the Hill of Ascension to catch the 360-degree view of Yekaterinburg. After descending the hill, stroll around the Square of the Soviet Army and then head to the border between Europe and Asia. 

The Museum of Military Equipment is the last destination in Yekaterinburg. Ranked among the country’s top ten museums, it offers a jaw-dropping journey through 10th-century warfare. On its 8-hectare (about 20-acre) open-air exhibit, you can see submarines, helicopters, and tanks on which you can even see shrapnel marks. Its four inner pavilions display not only pieces from WWI, such as retro bicycles and motorbikes, but also weapons of the 18th-19th century, including sabers and the first cavalry machine gun. In the late afternoon, you will be transferred to Yekaterinburg Railway Station and board a train to Irkutsk.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: on the train

Your two-day and three-night Trans-Siberian Railway tour from Yekaterinburg to Irkutsk is more than a journey but a meditation on Siberia’s soul. As the train leaves Yekaterinburg’s skyline behind, endless silver birch forests unfold outside your window. Just settle into the rhythm of the rails: read, chat with fellow passengers, or watch the villages and taiga passing by. At dawn on the third day, lift your curtain to gasp at Lake Baikal. Its glassy surface mirrors green peaks and white clouds, creating a surreal illusion of being in the picture as the train skirts its shores toward Irkutsk.
► Tips:
1. Stops at major stations like Novosibirsk will leave you 20-30 minutes to stretch your legs and snap photos out of the train. But pay attention to the departure time to avoid being left behind.
2. Few train attendants can speak fluent English and there is no internet signal on the train, so please download Google Translate’s offline Russian pack in advance.

Accommodation: on the train

The train will pull into Irkutsk Railway Station in the morning. We will pick you up at the exit and then drive for two hours to Bolshoe Goloustnoe, a village nestling on Lake Baikal’s southern shore. After settling down in a Siberian Guesthouse in the village, you will be accompanied to wander past rainbow-hued Siberian cottages to the white-stone St. Nicholas Church. Originally built in 1702, it was twice destroyed by fire. Today’s structure was rebuilt in 2004 and houses fragments of the original icon of St. Nicholas hacked apart during Soviet anti-religious campaigns. After that, you can follow a trail through birch forests to spot endemic species like the Baikal skullcap and dwarf lilies. Keep an eye out for nerpas, the only freshwater seals in the world, basking on the shore. For your safety, please stay on marked trails following your guide closely, and do not use open flames in the forest.

While visiting, you may encounter Buryats, a Mongolian ethnic group with East Asian roots settled here in 1673, ending their nomadic era but preserving old traditions. In summer, men usually wear wool peak caps and belted robes, while women don silk scarves and ankle-length dresses. As winter comes, vibrant red hats with tassels and quilted waistcoats will help them ward off the Siberian chill. You may also have a chance to savor their favorite food - buuz, the traditional juicy steamed dumplings stuffed with minced lamb, beef, or horse meat mixed with scallion or garlic. It is said that Genghis Khan’s warriors carried it for subsistence during conquests.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Siberian Guesthouse

Spend the whole day immersing yourself in the breeze of Lake Baikal. Want to hike deeper? Continue to follow trails winding through pristine birch forests to a hilltop where Baikal unfolds like a sapphire eye fringed by eyelash-like taiga.

For adrenaline junkies, try kitesurfing at your own expense to glide across Baikal’s glassy surface. You can find local operators about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) away from the entrance of the Bolshoe Goloustnoe village, where you can rent gear for RUB 3,500 per hour (about USD 35). At night, return to the guesthouse in the village.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Siberian Guesthouse

Today, we will return to Irkutsk and check in at the selected hotel in the morning. After a short break, sightsee the city with the Memorial Eternal Flame, which was built to commemorate the unnamed Irkutsk soldiers who died in WWII. Going ahead, the Church of the Savior of the Holy Face, also known as the Spasskaya Church, beside the Angara River will come into your eyes. It is said that Russian Imperial troops prayed here before battling Napoleon in 1812. The white Baroque façade and emerald domes resemble a ship looking from afar. Probe its backyard, and you will find an open-air chapel constructed to honor Irkutsk’s first settlers. Their remains now rest in the crypt beneath a granite monument etched with their names. A clock museum in the church preserves 18th-century tower clocks and handbells.

Leaving the church, we will drop by the red-brick Polish Roman Catholic Church and head to the statue of Alexander III. Behind the statue is Karl Marx Street, the central street of Irkutsk, filled with cafés, pubs, restaurants, and various boutique stores. If you happen to come here during winter (December-February), you can also see various interesting ice sculptures. At the end of the day, we will transfer you back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Irkutsk City Center by Eastland (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, we will escort you to the railway station, where you will board the Trans-Mongolian Railway bound for Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Cherish your final glimpse of Lake Baikal! As birches thin out, you will approach the exit port of Russia and entry port of Mongolia, where the train will stop for 1-2 hours as you need to handle immigration formalities. Restrooms may be locked, and photography is prohibited during the process.

 Mongolia Travel Essentials:
1. Currency: The Mongolian Tugrik (MNT) is the official currency of Mongolia, while US dollars and euros are not accepted in most areas. Besides, credit cards and e-payment have not been widely used yet. So, we recommend you withdraw MNT cash at Ulaanbaatar’s urban banks or ATMs (USD 1≈MNT 3,390), which have better rates than the airport.
2. SIM Card: Mobicom and Unitel are popular SIM card operators among the locals. Costing MNT 12,000 (about USD 3.4), you can gain a Mobicom card with 15GB of data valid for 15 days or a card from Unitel with 12 GB valid for 7 days. Both of them have good 4G internet signals in Ulaanbaatar, but Mobicom offers better coverage in rural areas. Even so, the internet is almost inaccessible in remote regions like grasslands, valleys, and Gobi deserts.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: on the train

Endless grassland in Ulaanbaatar will welcome you in the early morning. Get off the train, hop on our private car, and directly head to the Hustai National Park, a UNESCO reserve for the world’s last pure wild horses. We will drive deep into the park, which offers more chances to encounter these precious animals gathering along the river or galloping on the grassland. It is advised that you prepare a pair of telescopes, as you are not allowed to see these timid animals closer than 200 meters (656 feet). It is a test of luck to spot wild horses, but cool autumn (June-August) brings more chances, when they may come out from the shade of the forest and graze on the open land. Besides, you can have a small walk around the specific viewing spot to find other animals such as argali sheep, red deer, and cunning corsac foxes. Tonight, have a good rest in a local ger camp.

Talking about wild horses, do you know how to distinguish them from domestic Mongolian horses? The most obvious difference is their fur. Wild horses have short, upright manes that look like punk-rock Mohawk hairstyles and wear dun-colored coats fading to white bellies, while domestic horses have long, flowing manes and have varied-color fur such as black and brown.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hustai Ger Camp or similar

Leaving the home of wild horses, we will head to the Genghis Khan Statue Complex in the morning. From afar, you can see this 40-meter-high (about 131-foot) stainless steel statue dominating the grassland. Khan’s horse steps on a two-story circular base house that showcases a huge Mongolian traditional boot made of real cowhide and felt on its ground floor. You can ascend to the second floor and throw coins into the boot to make a wish. The elevator can also lead you to the observation deck on horseback to admire the sweeping view of the surroundings. If you are interested in nomadic culture, descend to the underground floor to see traditional Mongolian artifacts such as exquisite morin khuur, aka horse-head fiddles and nomadic clothes, and explore the story of Genghis Khan.

 Do You Know How Many People Genghis Khan Killed in His Life?
Figures vary, so we do not have an exact number of victims. According to some records, Genghis Khan led his army of 300,000 soldiers to conquer more than 40 countries, resulting in more than 15 million deaths, including people who were slaughtered and someone died due to famines and diseases caused by attacks. There is also an exaggerated and less reasonable guess that Genghis Khan killed 280 million people in his life, which most likely included natural mortality.

Thereafter, you will be transferred to Terelj National Park. On the way, the Mongolian steppe comes alive with herds of grazing horses, sheep, and shaggy yaks. Upon entering the park, you will see the Turtle Rock, a colossal granite resembling a cosmic turtle. Locals believe that if you whisper a wish to the rock, it may be sent to the sky god. Looking for some adventures? You can scramble up the turtle’s ‘shell’ to gain a panoramic view. Probing deeper into the park, we will arrive at the Ariyabal Meditation Temple, where pilgrims ascend its 108 staircases while chanting “Om Mani Padme Hum” on each step to get rid of sins. We also arrange a visit to a local family. You can see nomads herding and milking, and have a chance to taste traditional Mongolian food such as milk tea and Mongolian steamed meat dumplings.
► Tip: The UV rays are intense because of the high altitude, and you are advised to prepare sun-protective gear. Besides, the temperature varies widely from day to night, so a thick coat is also necessary.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Terelj Lodge Ger Camp or similar

After breakfast, we will drive back to Ulaanbaatar and learn more about this city. Start the visit with Gandan Monastery, which features a 26.5-meter-high (about 87-foot) Buddha statue. Then, head to the Bogd Khaan Palace Museum, once the residence of Mongolia’s last Tibetan Buddhism leader, Bogd Khaan. Established as a museum in 1924, it preserves more than 8,600 heritages. Entering through the gate adorned with intricate reliefs, you will see the Summer Palace, where Bogd stayed in the summer. Covered with emerald-glazed tiles, it is also called the “Green Palace”, where you can discover rare Buddhist ritual instruments and silk thangkas. If you explore deeper, a striking contrast awaits you at the Winter Palace, a two-story European-style building designed by Tsar Nicholas II (1903-1905). Now, it displays extravagant artifacts such as golden-embroidered shoes, a yurt crafted from 150 snow leopard pelts, and numerous animal specimens. Please note that photography inside requires MNT 50,000 (about USD 15). 
 

★ Appreciate Mongolian Cultural Show in the Evening

Cap off the day with a performance featuring Mongolian folk dance, Biyelgee Dance. During ancient times, it was considered the way to communicate with nature and gradually evolved into a major entertainment in nomadic life. Dancers are usually clad in vibrant deels embroidered with patterns like eternal knots and animal motifs such as wolves and cranes and accessorized with silver and gold jewelry. Historically performed in the confined yurt, the dance involves seated or half-seated positions, with intricate movements of the hands, arms, shoulders, and head narrating stories of daily activities like milking and herding. Accompanied by the UNESCO-listed Khöömei, the Mongolian art of throat singing, the performance is a feast for your eyes and ears.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Grand Hill Hotel Ulaanbaatar (4 stars) or similar

It’s time to say goodbye to Mongolia today! After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport and board the flight to Beijing. Upon arrival, our Beijing guide and the driver will pick you up and transfer you to the selected hotel. 
 Note: Trains from Ulaanbaatar to Beijing can also be arranged, which is generally cheaper than the flight. It takes an extra day on the way but offers iconic landscapes such as the stark Gobi desert dotted with shriveled saxaul tree and carpet-like grassland. If you plan your trip in winter, snow-covered land and frozen streams will bring you a mesmerizing trip. Feel free to consult at any time if you are interested!

After a short break, you will be accompanied to the first destination in Beijing, the Temple of Heaven. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it covers 273 hectares (675 acres), which is four times the size of the Forbidden City. During the Ming and Qing (1638-1912) dynasties, emperors offered sacrifices here to the gods and prayed for rich harvests every year. You must not miss the 38.2-meter-high (about 125-foot) Hall of Prayer for Good and Harvests, which is covered with blue-glazed tile and constructed without nails. Standing at its entrance, you will see 4 red pillars decorated with golden patterns in the center of the hall, which represent the four seasons. If you happen to visit the Temple of Heaven on Friday or Saturday, you can linger here until night when the light will illuminate the iconic main structure. 

 Things to Know Before Visiting China:
1. Visa Policy: While China offers 240-hour visa-free transit for 54 countries, including the UK and the US, please check whether you are eligible for the visa-free policy. Or you need to apply for an L visa, aka China tourist visa, at least 1-2 months ahead of time. 
2. Payment Methods: Alipay and WeChat Pay are the main payment methods in China and can be registered with overseas SIM cards and linked bank cards. Besides, we suggest you exchange some RMB cash in case online payment is out of service. 
3. Internet Connection: Free Wi-Fi is ubiquitous in hotels, malls, and restaurants. For an outdoor connection, a China Unicom SIM card is recommended. Buy one at its business hall downtown, which is cheaper than that at the airport, costing USD 28 for 5GB of data valid for 7 days.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Beijing New World Centre Tongpai Hotel (4 stars) or similar

In the morning, our experienced guide and the driver will pick you up at the hotel and escort you to Tiananmen Square. Wandering across the square along its central axis, you will see the majestic Cloud Pillar and Tiananmen Tower. Passing through the gate tower, you will arrive at the entrance of the Forbidden City. As the world’s largest imperial palace complex, it is enclosed by 10-meter-high (about 33-foot) walls and spans 720,000 square meters (about 178 acres), equivalent to 50 Buckingham Palaces. If observe carefully, you can find various patterns of the Chinese dragon, a sacred symbol of imperial power, wisdom, and luck in Chinese culture, decorated on screen walls, the imperial throne, and the emperors’ clothes.
► Tip: Since summer (June-August) temperatures in Beijing can soar to 41°C (105.8°F), and there is no tree in front of the three main halls, pack sunscreen, a hat, and drinking water. Besides, it takes 3-4 hours to finish visiting, so wear comfortable shoes.

In the afternoon, we will drive to the Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the most famous sections of the Great Wall. A round-trip cable car ride will be arranged for you to reach the ramparts built on the mountain ranges. Standing at the watchtower, you will be surprised by the dragon-like Great Wall zigzag in the sea of plants. If you want to gain more exciting experiences, you can take a chair lift to the mountain top and slide down by toboggan. We will return to the hotel in the evening and make a stop at the National Stadium on the way to appreciate its bird’s nest-like appearance.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Beijing New World Centre Tongpai Hotel (4 stars) or similar

If your flight departs late in the afternoon, our guide and the driver will escort you to the Summer Palace, China’s largest and most meticulously preserved imperial resort. Built in 1750, this UNESCO-listed site blends stunning landscapes with Chinese traditional architecture, such as towers, bridges, and pavilions. Among these, the Long Corridor is one of the most beautiful spots. This China’s longest gallery is adorned with more than 14,000 vibrant paintings, depicting scenes of Chinese classics or myths, such as Journey to the West.

At the end of this Russia-Mongolia-China tour, we will see you off at the airport. Let us know if you want to extend your journey to other Chinese destinations such as Shanghai and Guilin, or other Asian countries like Japan or Thailand. We are willing to continue to craft the trip for you!

Meals: Breakfast