11 Days China Muslim Tour (Beijing-Xian-Nanjing-Suzhou-Hangzhou-Shanghai)

Begin your full sightseeing program in Beijing, exploring the city’s most iconic imperial and cultural landmarks. Start the morning at Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest city square and a historic site at the heart of modern China. From there, walk into the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace of the Ming (明) and Qing (清) dynasties. Explore vast courtyards, golden-roofed halls, and preserved royal architecture, witnessing the grandeur of China’s imperial past.

After lunch at a halal restaurant, visit the historic Niujie Mosque (牛街清真寺) for prayer. Continue to the Temple of Heaven (天坛), where emperors once prayed for harvest and prosperity. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features large ceremonial architecture, tranquil park surroundings, and harmonious integration of traditional Chinese philosophy and design.

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch & Dinner at local Halal restaurants

Muslim Travel Tips (Day 2 – Beijing)

Prayer Time & Places:

• Fajr: at hotel before departure
• Dhuhr: at or near Niujie Mosque (main recommended prayer stop)
• Asr: at Niujie Mosque area after sightseeing
• Maghrib / Isha: at hotel or after Temple of Heaven visit

Halal Food & Dining Tips:

• Lunch and dinner are arranged at certified halal restaurants.
• Recommended local halal options:
  • Hui Muslim restaurants near Niujie (traditional Beijing halal cuisine)
  • Xinjiang-style grilled lamb restaurants
  • Lanzhou beef noodle shops (widely available and reliable)
  • Hotel buffet halal set menus (pre-arranged for groups)

Today, experience one of the most iconic symbols of China — the Great Wall (长城). In the morning, visit a well-preserved section of the wall, built continuously from the 3rd century BC to the 17th century AD as a monumental military defense project. Walk along its ancient stones, admire the panoramic views of northern China, and appreciate the wall’s historical and cultural significance as a national symbol of strength and unity.

Next, stop at a Jade Carving Factory to see master artisans transform raw jade into exquisite jewelry and decorative pieces — a craft that has been perfected in China for centuries.

After lunch at a halal restaurant, visit the Sacred Way of the Ming Tombs (明十三陵神道). This stone-paved path stretches over a kilometer and is lined with pairs of stone statues representing animals and officials, leading to the grand tombs of Ming dynasty emperors.

In the late afternoon, make a photo stop at the 2008 Olympic Venues, including the Bird’s Nest (National Stadium) and Water Cube (National Aquatics Center), both iconic symbols of modern Beijing and Chinese engineering prowess.

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch & Dinner at local Halal restaurants

Muslim Travel Tips (Day 3 – Beijing)

Prayer Time & Places:

• Fajr: at hotel before departure
• Dhuhr: at a local Halal restaurant near the Great Wall or Sacred Way area
• Asr: at Niujie Mosque if returning toward central Beijing, or at hotel upon arrival
• Maghrib / Isha: at hotel or a nearby halal restaurant

Halal Food & Dining Tips:

• Lunch and dinner are arranged at certified halal restaurants.
• Recommended local options:
  • Xinjiang-style roasted lamb skewers (available near tourist areas)
  • Traditional Hui Muslim Beijing cuisine
  • Hotel buffet halal set menus for convenience

Begin the morning at the Summer Palace (颐和园), China’s largest and best-preserved imperial garden. Using Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill as its natural framework, the palace integrates political, residential, spiritual, and recreational functions within a stunning landscape of lakes, hills, and pavilions. Wander through halls, temples, bridges, and gardens, appreciating how traditional Chinese philosophy balances human creativity with nature. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an architectural masterpiece and a serene escape from the bustling city.

After your visit, board a second-class high-speed train to Xian, approximately a 5-hour journey. Xian is an ancient capital of China and the eastern starting point of the Silk Road, renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in and rest.

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch & Dinner at local Halal restaurants

Muslim Travel Tips (Day 4 – Beijing → Xian)

Prayer Time & Places:

• Fajr: at hotel before departure
• Dhuhr / Asr: prayer can be observed at Summer Palace park area (bring a prayer mat or perform on quiet grounds)
• Maghrib / Isha: at hotel or a local halal restaurant in Xian after arrival

Halal Food & Dining Tips:

• Lunch on the way or near Summer Palace at a certified halal restaurant.
• Dinner in Xian arranged at halal restaurants, with options including traditional Xi’an Hui cuisine and roasted lamb or noodle dishes.

Additional Tips:

• Summer Palace involves walking along gardens and hills; wear comfortable shoes.
• Keep small change handy for souvenirs at local stalls.
• High-speed train luggage limit is usually 20–25kg per person; pack essentials in your carry-on.

Start the morning with a visit to the Terracotta Warriors and Horses (兵马俑) along with its reproduction factory. This remarkable archaeological site, discovered in 1974, features over 8,000 life-sized clay soldiers arranged in vaults to guard the tomb of Qin Shihuang (秦始皇), the first emperor of China. Learn about the history, craftsmanship, and symbolic importance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, considered one of the greatest discoveries of the 20th century.

Afterwards, return to the city for lunch at a local halal restaurant, then visit the Bell & Drum Tower Square (钟楼 & 鼓楼). Nearby, explore the bustling Xian Muslim Quarter (回民街), a historic area with an estimated 60,000 Muslims, seven ancient mosques, and vibrant street life. Stop at the Great Mosque of Xian (西安大清真寺), built in 742, for Dhuhr/Asr prayers. Enjoy wandering through the labyrinth of streets filled with Hui Muslim street food, local snacks, and souvenir shops.

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch & Dinner at local Halal restaurants

Muslim Travel Tips (Day 5 – Xian)

Prayer Time & Places:

• Fajr: at hotel before departure
• Dhuhr / Asr: at Great Mosque of Xian, which offers full facilities including wudu area and prayer halls
• Maghrib / Isha: at hotel or a halal restaurant in the Muslim Quarter

Halal Food & Dining Tips:

• Lunch at a halal restaurant near Terracotta Warriors site
• Dinner in Muslim Quarter, sampling specialties like yangrou paomo (lamb soup with bread), lamb skewers, and hand-pulled noodles
• Always confirm halal status, especially at small local vendors

Additional Tips:

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking through the Terracotta site and Muslim Quarter streets
• Carry cash for street food and souvenirs
• The Muslim Quarter can be crowded; plan your visit in the late afternoon for a lively but manageable experience

Begin the day with a visit to the Small (Little) Wild Goose Pagoda (小雁塔), built over 1,300 years ago to store Buddhist scriptures brought from India. This multi-eaved square brick pagoda originally had 15 stories; 13 remain today due to past earthquakes. Its architectural design reflects Tang Dynasty ingenuity and provides a serene spot for reflection and photography.

Next, explore Xian Museum (西安博物馆), which houses nearly 130,000 relics that tell the rich history of ancient China and Xian. Visitors can see ceramics, bronzes, calligraphy, and artifacts spanning multiple dynasties.

Afterwards, head to the Xian City Wall (西安城墙), one of the oldest and best-preserved city walls in the world. Walking along the top of the wall offers panoramic views of the city and a sense of the ancient fortifications that protected the capital.

Late in the afternoon or evening, transfer to the airport for a flight to Nanjing (南京). Upon arrival, check into your hotel and rest after the day’s sightseeing.

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch & Dinner at local Halal restaurants

Muslim Travel Tips (Day 6 – Xian & Travel)

Prayer Time & Places:

• Fajr: at hotel before departure
• Dhuhr / Asr: consider praying at hotel or local mosque near Little Wild Goose Pagoda/Xian Museum
• Maghrib / Isha: after arrival in Nanjing at hotel or nearby halal restaurant

Halal Food & Dining Tips:

• Breakfast at hotel
• Lunch at a certified halal restaurant in Xian
• Dinner at a halal restaurant near your hotel in Nanjing

Additional Tips:

• Wear comfortable walking shoes for visiting the pagoda, museum, and city wall
• Keep personal belongings secure while walking on the City Wall
• Airport transfer in Xian may take extra time; ensure you leave sufficient time for check-in

Start the morning with a visit to the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, located in the Purple Mountains. This mausoleum honors the founding father of modern China and features grand architecture, built on 392 steps across seven platforms. Its serene surroundings make it a remarkable historical and cultural site.

Next, head to the Presidential Palace, an elegant blend of Western and Chinese architectural styles with pavilions, terraces, open halls, bridges, and gardens. After prayer at a local mosque, continue to explore the Confucian Temple, which was originally established as a national academy. Surrounding the temple are bustling bazaars where you can experience local life, handicrafts, and street snacks.

Visit the Yangtze River Bridge, a landmark symbolizing modern engineering and national pride. After sightseeing, board a high-speed train to Suzhou (approximately 1 hour). Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax for the evening.

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch & Dinner at local Halal restaurants

Muslim Travel Tips (Day 7 – Nanjing & Travel)

Prayer Time & Places:

• Fajr: at hotel before departure
• Dhuhr: after Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum visit
• Asr: around Confucian Temple area (mosque nearby)
• Maghrib / Isha: at hotel in Suzhou

Halal Food & Dining Tips:

• Breakfast at hotel
• Lunch and dinner at certified halal restaurants in Nanjing and Suzhou
• Explore local halal street food near Confucian Temple if desired

Additional Tips:

• Wear comfortable walking shoes for mausoleum steps and temple grounds
• Allow extra time for high-speed train transfer to Suzhou
• Keep valuables secure while exploring crowded bazaar areas

Begin the day in Suzhou, often referred to as the Venice of the East for its picturesque canals and classical gardens. Start your sightseeing at the Humble Administrator’s Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest classical garden in Suzhou. The garden is celebrated for its refined landscaping, ponds, rockeries, and elegant pavilions, offering a perfect example of traditional Chinese garden design.

Next, visit a silk factory to observe the full process of silk production, from the life cycle of the silkworm to the weaving of luxurious fabrics. After prayer at Taipingfang Mosque, continue to the historic Panmen Gate, which was the original entrance to Suzhou over 2,400 years ago.

Stroll along Shantang Street, a charming 1,200-year-old street lined with traditional residences, local shops, handicrafts, and snack vendors. Experience the vibrant culture and street life before departing by private vehicle for Hangzhou, where you will check into your hotel for the evening.

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch & Dinner at local Halal restaurants

Muslim Travel Tips (Day 8 – Suzhou & Travel)

Prayer Time & Places:

• Fajr: at hotel before departure
• Dhuhr: after Humble Administrator’s Garden visit
• Asr: near Shantang Street area (mosque nearby)
• Maghrib / Isha: at hotel in Hangzhou

Halal Food & Dining Tips:

• Lunch and dinner arranged at certified halal restaurants
• Local halal snacks available along Shantang Street (grilled meats, buns, and desserts)

Additional Tips:

• Wear comfortable walking shoes for garden and street exploration
• Keep your camera ready for the beautiful canal views and historic architecture
• Plan sufficient travel time for the drive to Hangzhou to avoid traffic delays

Start your morning with a scenic cruise on West Lake, Hangzhou’s iconic freshwater lake surrounded by rolling hills, temples, and historic bridges. The lake has been a source of inspiration for poets, painters, and emperors for centuries.

Next, visit the Dragon Well Tea Plantation located on Fenghuang Hill. This famous plantation is renowned for producing Longjing (Dragon Well) tea, celebrated for its fragrance, flavor, and elegant green leaves. Take a short walk through the lush tea fields and enjoy the serene atmosphere. After prayer at the Phoenix Mosque, proceed to climb the Six Harmonies Pagoda, an ancient multi-storied pagoda offering panoramic views of Hangzhou, the Qiantang River, and surrounding landscapes.

Continue with a stroll along Qinghefang Ancient Street, one of Hangzhou’s oldest streets, lined with traditional shops, tea houses, and handicrafts. Experience local culture, taste traditional snacks, and enjoy the historic charm before departing by private vehicle for Shanghai, where you will check into your hotel for the evening.

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch & Dinner at local Halal restaurants

Muslim Travel Tips (Day 9 – Hangzhou & Travel)

Prayer Time & Places:

• Fajr: at hotel before departure
• Dhuhr: after West Lake cruise
• Asr: near Dragon Well Tea Plantation or Six Harmonies Pagoda
• Maghrib / Isha: at hotel in Shanghai

Halal Food & Dining Tips:

• Lunch and dinner at certified halal restaurants
• Qinghefang Ancient Street has snack vendors offering halal-friendly options (grilled meats, buns, and pastries)

Additional Tips:

• Comfortable walking shoes recommended for lake-side paths, tea plantation, and historic street exploration
• Bring a light jacket or umbrella, as the weather around West Lake can be unpredictable
• Keep time in mind for the drive to Shanghai to arrive at the hotel in the evening comfortably

Begin your day with a visit to Yuyuan Garden, a classical Ming Dynasty garden featuring intricate pavilions, rockeries, arched bridges, and goldfish ponds. Wander through its elegant maze-like layout and admire the craftsmanship of centuries-old architecture. Outside the garden, explore Chenghuangmiao Market, a bustling area with traditional snacks and local souvenirs.

After lunch at a halal restaurant, stroll along The Bund, Shanghai’s famous waterfront promenade, and admire colonial-era buildings lining the Huangpu River. Continue to Nanjing Road, one of the world’s busiest shopping streets, perfect for souvenir shopping or local treats.

Visit a silk store, then head to People’s Square, a central open area surrounded by cultural landmarks. Finish your sightseeing at Shanghai Museum, known for its rich collection of over 120,000 precious works of art, including ancient bronze, ceramics, paintings, and calligraphy. Pray at Xiaotaoyuan Mosque, conveniently located in central Shanghai.

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch & Dinner at local Halal restaurants

Muslim Travel Tips (Day 10 – Shanghai)

Prayer Time & Places:

• Fajr: at hotel before departure
• Dhuhr: at Yuyuan Garden or nearby halal restaurant after morning sightseeing
• Asr: at Xiaotaoyuan Mosque (recommended) – fully equipped with wudu facilities and prayer halls
• Maghrib / Isha: at hotel or nearby halal restaurant

Halal Food & Dining Tips:

• All meals arranged at certified halal restaurants, with a focus on traditional Shanghai Hui cuisine and Xinjiang-style options
• Chenghuangmiao Market has halal-friendly street snacks like lamb skewers and buns; always confirm with vendors
• Hotel buffets often provide halal set menus for breakfast and dinner

Muslim-Friendly Travel Advice:

• Xiaotaoyuan Mosque is the main mosque in downtown Shanghai, convenient for both tourists and local Muslims; Dhuhr and Asr prayers are best performed here during sightseeing
• Carry a travel prayer mat for flexibility during sightseeing or short train/bus rides
• If you want to shop or explore Nanjing Road, keep a small bottle of water for wudu refreshment
• During crowded areas like The Bund and markets, stay mindful of personal belongings and keep a respectful distance when performing prayers

After breakfast at your hotel, your private transfer will take you to Shanghai Pudong or Hongqiao Airport for your departure flight. Your guide will not accompany you to the airport, but airport staff and signage make navigation easy. Take a moment to reflect on your journey through China’s cultural and historical highlights before bidding farewell.

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel

Muslim Travel Tips (Day 11 – Shanghai Departure)

Prayer Time & Places:

• Fajr: at hotel before check-out (if early flight)
• Dhuhr / Asr: can be performed at the airport prayer rooms; Shanghai Pudong Airport has dedicated prayer facilities for both men and women in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
• Maghrib / Isha: on board your flight or at airport if waiting for connecting flights

Halal Food & Dining Tips:

• Many Shanghai airport terminals have halal-certified restaurants or outlets serving vegetarian and seafood options suitable for Muslims
• If you prefer, your hotel can prepare a halal-packed breakfast for early departures
• Always check labels at airport convenience stores; snacks like nuts, fruit, and dried foods are usually safe

Muslim-Friendly Travel Advice:

• Allow extra time for prayer and airport security checks
• Keep a small travel prayer mat handy if airport prayer rooms are crowded
• Carry a bottle of water for wudu refreshment
• Ensure all travel documents, passports, and boarding passes are organized in advance