13 Days Best China Muslim Tour with Islamic Heritages (Beijing-Xian-Shanghai-Hangzhou-Guilin-Guangzhou)

Today, explore the heart of Beijing, where imperial history meets Islamic heritage. Begin at Tiananmen Square, the largest city square in the world, where you can feel the pulse of modern China while admiring historic monuments and the Monument to the People’s Heroes. Walk through the square to the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, home to 24 emperors for almost 500 years. Marvel at the intricate architecture, golden roofs, and vast courtyards, and imagine the ceremonies and daily life of the emperors. Afterward, visit the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of Ming architecture, where emperors once prayed for abundant harvests, offering a serene contrast to the bustling city. End the day with Salat at Niujie Mosque (牛街清真寺), the oldest mosque in Beijing, originally built in 996 by Nasruddin, the son of an Arabic Imam who came to China to spread Islam.

Muslim Travel Tips:

• Salat prayers: Fajr at hotel, Dhuhr and Asr at Niujie Mosque or designated prayer-friendly spots during sightseeing, Maghrib and Isha at hotel or nearby mosque.
• Wudu: available at hotel or mosque facilities.
• Carry a portable prayer mat and water for convenience.
• Meals: Lunch and dinner arranged at hand-picked halal restaurants, featuring local specialties such as halal Peking duck, lamb skewers, and noodles.

Overnight Stay:
Novotel Beijing Xin Qiao Hotel (北京诺富特新桥酒店) or similar

Optional Evening Activity:
Short guided stroll near the hotel or local streets to enjoy Beijing’s atmosphere, keeping halal dining in mind.

Today, venture beyond the city to experience China’s iconic landmarks and imperial history. Start with the Juyongguan Great Wall, one of the most scenic sections of this legendary structure stretching over 3,750 miles. As you hike along the well-preserved ramparts, enjoy breathtaking views of winding mountains and ancient watchtowers, and imagine the centuries of history that have unfolded here. After the Wall, visit a jade carving factory to see skilled artisans transform raw jade into exquisite works of art—a tradition that has been refined over thousands of years. Continue to the Sacred Way of Ming Tombs, a 1-kilometer-long avenue lined with stone statues of animals and officials, leading to the resting places of 13 Ming emperors. Capture the grandeur of the tombs and reflect on the ancient Chinese philosophy of harmony between humans and nature. Conclude the sightseeing with a photo stop at the 2008 Olympic Venues—Bird Nest (National Stadium) and Water Cube (National Aquatics Center)—where modern China meets history.

Muslim Travel Tips:

• Salat prayers: Fajr at hotel, Dhuhr and Asr at clean, designated spots near Great Wall parking/rest areas or Sacred Way of Ming Tombs. Maghrib and Isha at hotel.
• Wudu: available at hotel, mosque, or designated rest areas.
• Carry a small prayer mat and water for convenience.
• Meals: Lunch and dinner at hand-picked halal restaurants, featuring Beijing specialties such as lamb skewers, halal dumplings, and local noodles.

Overnight Stay:
Novotel Beijing Xin Qiao Hotel (北京诺富特新桥酒店) or similar

Optional Evening Activity:
Enjoy a relaxed walk around the hotel area, exploring nearby streets or shopping for souvenirs while keeping halal-friendly options in mind.

Today, you will explore the largest and best-preserved imperial garden in China before boarding a high-speed train to Xi’an, the ancient capital and starting point of the Silk Road. Begin at the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that combines imperial architecture with natural landscapes. Wander through the vast grounds, including Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, connected by delicate bridges, halls, pavilions, and temples. Appreciate how the design reflects Chinese philosophy, balancing human creativity with nature’s beauty. Enjoy views of lotus-filled ponds, traditional corridors, and meticulously landscaped gardens while learning about the imperial history of the Qing Dynasty.

After the garden, your private vehicle will transfer you to the Beijing South Railway Station, where you will board a second-class high-speed train to Xi’an (approx. 5 hours). During the scenic journey across northern China, you can admire rural landscapes, rivers, and distant mountains from your comfortable seats. Upon arrival, your guide will escort you to the hotel for check-in and relaxation.

Muslim Travel Tips:

• Salat prayers: Fajr at hotel, Dhuhr at hotel before departure, Asr during train journey if possible using clean areas, Maghrib and Isha at hotel in Xi’an.
• Wudu: available at hotel before departure or at station restrooms.
• Meals: Breakfast at hotel, halal lunch on the train or in transit, and halal dinner at a selected restaurant in Xi’an, featuring local specialties like hand-pulled noodles, lamb skewers, and Xi’an-style halal bread.

Overnight Stay:
Mercure Xi’an Downtown (西安美爵酒店) or similar

Optional Evening Activity:
Take a short walk near the hotel or nearby streets to experience Xi’an’s evening ambiance while enjoying local halal snacks at nearby shops.

Today, you will explore Xi’an’s ancient wonders and Islamic heritage, beginning with one of the most extraordinary archaeological discoveries in the world. Visit the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, a 2,000-year-old army built to guard the tomb of Qin Shihuang, China’s first emperor. Walk among thousands of life-sized figures arranged in detailed battle formations, and visit the reproduction factory to see the craftsmanship behind these masterpieces. Your guide will explain the history and significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After lunch at a halal restaurant, immerse yourself in Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter, a vibrant area filled with street food stalls, traditional markets, and cultural life. Explore the bustling lanes and visit the Xi’an Great Mosque, the largest and best-preserved ancient mosque in China, originally built in 742. Marvel at its unique fusion of Islamic and Chinese architectural styles, with pagoda-like towers, courtyards, and prayer halls. Experience the daily rhythm of Xi’an’s Hui Muslim community, from prayer at the mosque to tasting local halal delicacies such as yangrou paomo (crumbled bread with lamb soup), steamed buns, and spiced lamb skewers.

Muslim Travel Tips:

• Salat prayers: Fajr at hotel, Dhuhr at Xi’an Great Mosque, Asr in the Muslim Quarter, Maghrib and Isha at hotel or nearby mosque.
• Wudu: use facilities at hotel or at mosque before prayer.
• Halal meals: breakfast at hotel, lunch and dinner at carefully selected halal restaurants in Xi’an. Your guide can recommend local halal specialties for sampling in the Muslim Quarter.

Overnight Stay:
Mercure Xi’an Downtown (西安美爵酒店) or similar

Optional Evening Activity:
Leisurely stroll through the illuminated streets of the Muslim Quarter, enjoying local snacks and shopping for souvenirs while soaking up the lively atmosphere of this historic Islamic community.

Today, you continue exploring Xi’an’s historic and cultural landmarks before traveling to Shanghai. Begin with the Little Wild Goose Pagoda, a 1,300-year-old Buddhist site originally built to store sacred scriptures brought from India. Admire the simple yet elegant architecture, and stroll through the surrounding gardens that offer a peaceful retreat from the city’s bustle.

Next, visit the Xian Museum, home to nearly 130,000 relics that tell the story of Xi’an’s rich history as the ancient capital of China and the starting point of the Silk Road. Learn about ancient Chinese culture, dynasties, and craftsmanship through its well-curated exhibitions.

Afterward, walk along the Xi’an City Wall, one of the oldest and best-preserved city walls in China. Enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline and the chance to capture photos from atop the ramparts. The walls offer a unique perspective on how Xi’an defended itself through the centuries while also showcasing traditional Chinese fortification techniques.

In the late afternoon, transfer to Xi’an airport for a flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival in Shanghai, your private vehicle will escort you to the hotel for check-in and relaxation.

Muslim Travel Tips:

• Salat prayers: Fajr at hotel, Dhuhr at Little Wild Goose Pagoda or a nearby mosque, Asr during sightseeing at Xi’an City Wall, Maghrib and Isha at hotel or nearby mosque in Shanghai.
• Wudu: available at hotel or at designated clean mosque facilities.
• Halal meals: breakfast at hotel, lunch and dinner at hand-picked halal restaurants featuring local specialties in Xi’an and Shanghai. Your guide can provide recommendations for halal snacks along the way.

Overnight Stay:
Pullman Shanghai Jing’an Hotel (上海静安铂尔曼酒店) or similar

Optional Evening Activity:
Take a brief stroll in the surrounding area of the hotel to experience Shanghai’s vibrant cityscape or relax at the hotel after the flight.

Today, you explore the historic and cultural heart of Shanghai while enjoying convenient access for Muslim travelers. Begin at Yuyuan Garden, a classic Ming Dynasty garden filled with pavilions, rockeries, arched bridges, and goldfish ponds. Wander its maze-like paths and enjoy the tranquil beauty surrounded by traditional Chinese architecture. The nearby Chenghuangmiao market offers opportunities to shop for local crafts and souvenirs.

Stroll along The Bund, Shanghai’s famous waterfront, where historic colonial buildings stand in contrast to futuristic skyscrapers. Continue along Nanjing Road, one of the world’s busiest shopping streets, to feel the pulse of modern Shanghai. After lunch at a hand-picked halal restaurant, visit People’s Square, a large open space where locals gather for daily activities such as Tai Chi, kite-flying, or leisurely walks. Finally, explore the Shanghai Museum, home to over 120,000 ancient Chinese artifacts, including bronze, ceramics, calligraphy, and paintings, offering a deep dive into Chinese history and art.

Muslim Travel Tips:

• Salat prayers: Fajr at hotel, Dhuhr at Xiaotaoyuan Mosque, Asr during sightseeing near The Bund or People’s Square, Maghrib and Isha at hotel or nearby mosque.
• Wudu: available at the mosque or designated clean facilities near sightseeing locations.
• Halal meals: breakfast at hotel, lunch and dinner at carefully selected halal restaurants offering authentic Shanghai-style dishes, with your guide providing tips for halal snacks along the way.

Overnight Stay:
Pullman Shanghai Jing’an Hotel or similar

Optional Evening Activity:
Evening stroll along the Bund to admire Shanghai’s illuminated skyline or explore the nearby shopping streets under your guide’s supervision.

Today, you leave Shanghai for Hangzhou, one of China’s most scenic cities, famous for its West Lake and cultural heritage. Start with a cruise on West Lake, embraced by lush hills on three sides, where centuries of poets and painters have found inspiration. Glide past traditional pagodas, bridges, and gardens, enjoying the serene reflections on the water.

Next, visit Six Harmonies Pagoda, an iconic structure offering panoramic views of the Qiantang River and surrounding landscapes. Learn about the rich history of the pagoda and its significance in Hangzhou’s cultural life. Afterward, explore Qinghefang Ancient Street, the only well-preserved antique historic street in Hangzhou, full of traditional shops, local snacks, and artisanal crafts.

Salat prayers are integrated conveniently for Muslim travelers throughout the day, with guidance from your expert tour guide to ensure access to clean prayer facilities. Meals are served at hand-picked halal restaurants, featuring local Zhejiang cuisine prepared according to halal standards.

Muslim Travel Tips:

• Salat prayers: Fajr at hotel, Dhuhr at Phoenix Mosque, Asr during sightseeing along West Lake, Maghrib and Isha at hotel.
• Wudu: available at mosques or designated clean restroom areas near major sightseeing spots.
• Halal meals: breakfast at hotel, lunch and dinner at halal restaurants, including local specialties such as steamed fish, braised tofu, and stir-fried vegetables.

Overnight Stay:
Mercure Hangzhou West Lake Hotel or similar

Optional Evening Activity:
Evening stroll along West Lake’s shore or leisure time at Qinghefang Ancient Street to explore shops and tea houses under your guide’s supervision.

Today, you fly from Hangzhou to Guilin, a city renowned for its spectacular karst limestone scenery and tranquil landscapes. Upon arrival, head to Yaoshan Mountain, the highest peak in Guilin at 903.3 meters. Take a round-trip chairlift to enjoy panoramic views of rocks, brooks, and verdant hills. The gentle mist over the hills creates a picture-perfect setting for photography and relaxation.

After descending, visit Yaoshan Tea Plantation where you can experience tea-leaf picking and learn traditional tea-making techniques. This hands-on experience highlights the cultural and agricultural heritage of the region. Later, explore Reed Flute Cave, a natural limestone wonder formed over millennia. Inside, marvel at the spectacular stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations, beautifully illuminated by colored lights, creating a surreal underground landscape.

Muslim travelers are accommodated throughout the day with guidance for Salat prayers at nearby mosques or designated prayer areas. Meals are arranged at carefully selected halal restaurants, offering local flavors while ensuring halal standards are met.

Muslim Travel Tips:

• Salat prayers: Fajr at hotel, Dhuhr at clean rest area or hotel after arrival, Asr near Yaoshan Tea Plantation, Maghrib and Isha at hotel or local mosque.
• Wudu: hotel or designated clean restroom facilities at scenic areas.
• Halal meals: breakfast at hotel, lunch and dinner at halal restaurants with local specialties including Guilin rice noodles, steamed fish, and vegetable dishes.

Overnight Stay:
Guilin Park Hotel or similar

Optional Evening Activity:
Leisurely walk around Guilin city center, enjoying views of the Li River and local night market under your guide’s supervision.

Today, you will experience one of the most iconic landscapes in China on a Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, approximately 83 kilometers of towering limestone karsts, tranquil waters, and traditional farming villages. The scenery along the river has been celebrated in Chinese art and poetry for centuries, described as “the river like a green silk ribbon, the hills like jade hairpins.” Whether the day is sunny, cloudy, or misty, the scenery transforms into a mystical and breathtaking panorama perfect for photography and contemplation.

Upon arrival in Yangshuo, explore West Street, the historic heart of the town where local Chinese culture meets Western influences. Stroll along its winding lanes, observe local crafts, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. Later, return to Guilin and visit the Two Rivers & Four Lakes Scenic Area, a connected system of rivers and lakes forming the city’s central waterway. Walking along the scenic paths offers a tranquil insight into Guilin’s natural beauty and city charm.

Muslim travelers are fully accommodated with guidance for Salat prayers at Chongshan Street Mosque and halal meals at carefully selected restaurants, featuring local specialties prepared according to Islamic dietary laws.

Muslim Travel Tips:

• Salat prayers: Fajr at hotel, Dhuhr during Li River cruise or at mosque in Yangshuo, Asr along scenic paths, Maghrib and Isha at hotel or mosque.
• Wudu: hotel or designated clean restrooms at cruise or scenic stops.
• Halal meals: breakfast at hotel, lunch and dinner at halal restaurants, offering Guilin-style cuisine including steamed fish, stir-fried vegetables, and rice noodles.

Overnight Stay:
Guilin Park Hotel or similar

Optional Evening Activity:
Leisurely evening stroll along the illuminated lakes and rivers of Two Rivers & Four Lakes Scenic Area, capturing the serene night views of Guilin under your guide’s supervision.

Today, you will take a high-speed train from Guilin to Guangzhou (approximately 3 hours), traveling comfortably while admiring the passing landscapes. Upon arrival in Guangzhou, begin exploring the Islamic heritage and historic landmarks of this southern metropolis.

Start with a visit to Waqqas Tomb, the shrine commemorating Sa’ad Ibn Abi Waqqas, the uncle of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) who first brought Islam to China in 651. The tomb, designed in traditional Chinese architectural style, is an important pilgrimage site for Muslim travelers and a testament to the deep-rooted history of Islam in China.

Next, explore Yuexiu Park, the largest park in downtown Guangzhou, known for its scenic hills, lakes, and cultural relics. Within the park, visit the Five Rams Sculpture, an emblem of the city, symbolizing prosperity and legend. Enjoy walking around the park and appreciating the blend of natural beauty and historical significance.

Muslim travelers are fully accommodated with Salat prayers at Xianxian Mosque (near Waqqas Tomb) and halal meals at carefully selected local restaurants, offering a taste of Guangdong halal cuisine, including steamed fish, stir-fried vegetables, and regional specialties.

Muslim Travel Tips:

• Salat prayers: Fajr at hotel, Dhuhr at Xianxian Mosque, Asr during park visit, Maghrib and Isha at hotel or nearby mosque.
• Wudu: use hotel or designated clean restrooms at historical sites.
• Halal meals: breakfast at hotel, lunch and dinner at halal restaurants with local specialties.

Overnight Stay:
Grand Mercure Guangzhou Zhujiang New Town or similar

Optional Evening Activity:
Leisurely walk along nearby pedestrian streets or enjoy city views from the hotel area, capturing Guangzhou’s evening lights and modern city atmosphere under your guide’s supervision.

Today, immerse yourself in Guangzhou’s history, culture, and Islamic heritage. Begin with a visit to the Chen Family Temple, also known as Guangdong Folk Art Museum. This 100-year-old temple was the ancestral temple and study hall of 72 Chen families during the Qing Dynasty. Admire its exquisite carvings, ancestral halls, and traditional architecture while learning about local history and culture.

Next, visit the Memorial Hall of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, an important site dedicated to the founding father of modern China. Explore the exhibits that chronicle the revolutionary history and appreciate the architecture and surrounding gardens.

Perform Salat prayers at Huaisheng Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in China, built by Sa’ad Ibn Abi Waqqas in the 5th century. The mosque reflects a unique blend of Chinese and Islamic architectural styles, providing a serene environment for reflection and prayer.

In the afternoon, enjoy a one-hour Pearl River cruise, taking in the scenic views of Guangzhou’s skyline, riverside parks, and bridges. This is a relaxed way to experience the city from the water, especially beautiful at sunset.

Muslim Travel Tips:

• Salat prayers: Fajr at hotel, Dhuhr at Chen Family Temple vicinity, Asr at Huaisheng Mosque, Maghrib and Isha during Pearl River cruise or at hotel.
• Wudu: hotel or mosque facilities available.
• Halal meals: breakfast at hotel, lunch and dinner at halal restaurants serving Cantonese specialties, grilled fish, and vegetable dishes.

Overnight Stay:
Grand Mercure Guangzhou Zhujiang New Town or similar

Optional Evening Activity:
Enjoy a gentle evening stroll along the Pearl River promenade or nearby streets, experiencing Guangzhou’s nightscape and local life.

After breakfast at the hotel, your private vehicle will transfer you to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport for your departure flight. Take the last moments to reflect on your journey through Islamic heritage and scenic wonders of China, from historical mosques to breathtaking landscapes.

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel

Muslim Travel Tips:

• Fajr and Dhuhr prayers: performed at hotel before departure.
• Ensure all personal belongings and documents are ready for check-in.

Wishing you a safe journey home and hoping your experience of China’s rich Islamic history and stunning scenery leaves lasting memories.