China has been home to several major religious and philosophical traditions, including Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism, Islam, and Christianity. Among them, Daoism is the only major indigenous religious tradition that originated in China. While Confucianism is generally regarded more as a philosophical and ethical system than a religion, Daoism has developed into a unique spiritual tradition that has deeply influenced Chinese culture, art, medicine, architecture, and ways of life.
Join China Exploration to discover the wisdom of Daoism and experience the timeless harmony between Chinese philosophy, spirituality, and nature.
CE-CT-07
China Daoism Sacred Mountain Pilgrim
Itinerary
D1 Arrive in Beijing
Arrive in Beijing in the late afternoon. Transfer to hotel .
D2 Beijing
Visit the White Cloud Palace, which is the headquarter of China Daoism Association. We will communicate with local Daoism master. Visit the Forbidden City in the afternoon.
D3 Beijing
We will drive to the Great Wall in Jinshanling section. We will make a short time’s hiking on it, then return Beijing. Enjoy Beijing Roast Duck at dinner.
D4 Beijing / Xi’an
In the morning we will ride rickshaw to visit the Hutong, then the Confucius Temple. In the afternoon we will visit the Heaven Temple. Take night train to Xi’an . Night in the train.
D3 Xi’an / Mt Huashan
Arrive in Xian in the early morning, we will take a scenic drive to Mt Huashan. Along the way we will visit the incredible site where 16,000 Terra Cotta Warriors from the Qin dynasty were unearthed. In the town of Huashan, we will take a tour of beautiful Jade Spring Monastery which is within walking distance of our hotel. Every evening there will be an opportunity for our group to gather and discuss the lessons and activities of the day.
D4 Mt Huashan
After a leisurely breakfast we take a cable car half way up Mount Hua Shan, one of China's sacred Daoist mountains. At 7,000 feet, its majestic peaks rise above the clouds. We will visit many temples and shrines as we climb the stone steps to our temple guest house on top of the mountain. Evening meditation on top of the mountain as we watch the sun setting beneath the "cloud sea" will be followed by a delicious family style meal shared with the Daoists.
D5 Mt Huashan
Early morning free time to enjoy meditation and watching the early morning sun rise from West peak. In the afternoon we will have free time to explore the mountain trails, caves once occupied by hermits and view breathtaking vistas. Evening Daoist Meditation and sharing and night at the temple guest house.
D6 Mt Huashan / Xi’an
After breakfast, we will take the scenic cable car down and pass the bazaar at the foot of the mountain on our way back to our bus. Drive to Xi'an and visit Eight Immortal Temple with opportunity for shopping at the outdoor bazaar where farmers sell Han Dynasty antiques. Evening dinner will be a banquet of the local specialty, hand made Jaouza dumplings, in dozens of shapes and flavors followed by delicious flaming hot pot soup.
D7 Xi’an / Chengdu
Visit the Old City Wall and Calligraphy Museum in the morning, then fly to Chengdu in the afternoon. Transfer to hotel.
D8 Chengdu /Mt Qingcheng
In the morning we will visit Panda Breeding Research Base, in which we will see a quite a lot of living pandas.. Then we will head for Mt Qingcheng. Hike up to the Heaven Master Cave. Enjoy Daoism banquet in the Heaven Master’s cave. Communicate with local Daoist in the evening.
D9 Mt Qingcheng
Free day. You can visit the temples in the mountain to communicate with local Daoist, reading in the temple, or just make a meditation in the mountain. Enjoy a tea ceremony in the evening.
D10 Mt Qingcheng /Chengdu
In the morning we will continue to hike up to the summit of the mountain, and we will freely communicate with local Daoist , ( possibly the nuns in the mountain ) . Descend the mountain by cable car and head back Chengdu.
D11 Chengdu / Shanghai
Fly back to Shanghai in the morning. As the Pearl of China, you can visit beautiful Yuguan Garden, then enjoy the cruise of Bund in the evening.
D12 Departure
Bid Fare ware to China, and fly back to your warm home.
