Shushan Sword RetreatAll Routes

Shushan Sword Retreat

Discover the Soul of ChinaMartial Arts SpectacularEscape into Nature
Departure
Henan, China
Duration
9D / 8N
Level
Intermediate · 500–3,100 m elevation
$
Price
$1,499 / person
Book This Journey

Journey Highlights

Cultural Heritage: Zen & Martial SpiritImmersive Song Dynasty EleganceAuthentic Chinese Culinary ExperienceTraditional Hanfu MakeoverTaihang Mountain Cliff Walk

About This Journey

9-Day Henan: Song Dynasty Elegance & Taihang Majesty Step into a living Song Dynasty scroll — wander the Qingming Garden, savor a ceremonial banquet, and witness the "Eastern Capital Dream" night show. Journey deeper at Shaolin Temple and Henan Museum, then explore the breathtaking Red Stone Gorge and cliff-top vistas of the Taihang Mountains. 4-star stays, local cuisine, and a personal guide included. More than a trip — a passage through a thousand years.

Daily Itinerary

  1. 1Day

    arrive in Zhengzhou

    Upon arrival at Zhengzhou Xinzhengl International Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel in an air-conditioned tourist coach for rest. Please note: Guests on flights arriving within two hours of each other may share the same transfer vehicle, as specified in your tour confirmation notice.

    💡 Hotel: Wenlan International Hotel or similar 4-star hotel

    Zhengzhou Xinzhengl International Airport
    Zhengzhou Xinzhengl International Airport
  2. 2Day

    Kaifeng — Breakfast: Hotel buffet / Lunch: Qingyuan Song Dynasty Banquet / Dinner: At own expense

    After breakfast, head to a costume shop to get dressed in traditional Song Dynasty clothing (extra cost). Put on the outfit and wander around the pavilions and old streets — it feels like stepping back in time. Then visit the "Qingming Shanghe Garden", a park that recreates what life was like in Bianjing (Kaifeng) during the Northern Song Dynasty. For lunch, enjoy a "Song Dynasty-style" banquet with authentic dishes from that era and experience the dining culture of the time. In the afternoon, take part in a "Song-style tea ceremony" (included in the price). You'll make tea and burn incense yourself — just like scholars and poets used to. In the evening, watch a large outdoor performance called "Dream of the Eastern Capital" (also included). It's a spectacular light and water show that brings the glory of the Song Dynasty to life.

    💡 Hotel: Wenlan International Hotel or similar 4-star hotel

    Millennium City Park (Qingming Shanghe Garden)
    Millennium City Park (Qingming Shanghe Garden)
    Song-style Tea Ceremony
    Song-style Tea Ceremony
    Dream of the Eastern Capital Show
    Dream of the Eastern Capital Show
  3. 3Day

    Kaifeng — Breakfast: Hulatang (a hearty, peppery Henan-style soup with meat and veggies) / Lunch: Authentic Kaifeng specialties / Dinner: At own expense

    Start your day with a bowl of authentic "Henan Hulatang" — a spicy, peppery soup that's a real local favorite. In the morning, visit the"Iron Pagoda", a thousand-year-old landmark, then wander through the "China Hanyuan" to see ancient calligraphy carved into stone by master calligraphers from different dynasties. For lunch, try Kaifeng's famous soup dumplings — a classic local dish that's worth the visit alone. In the afternoon, spend time at "The Song Dynasty Of Kungfu City(Wansuishan Wuxia City)". Watch live martial arts performances and get a feel for the warrior culture of the Song Dynasty. In the evening, take a boat ride along the river in the ancient city. The night views of the old town with all its lights are really something special.

    💡 Hotel: Wenlan International Hotel or similar 4-star hotel

    Iron Pagoda of Kaifeng
    Iron Pagoda of Kaifeng
    Wansuishan Kungfu City
    Wansuishan Kungfu City
    Ancient City Boat Night Tour
    Ancient City Boat Night Tour
  4. 4Day

    Zhengzhou — Breakfast: Hotel buffet / Lunch: At own expense / Dinner: At own expense

    Head to "Unique Henan Land of Dramas(Only Henan)" — a drama-themed park where you'll watch several immersive theater performances. It's all about the real stories of this land: the joys, the heartbreaks, the weighty history of the Central Plains.

    💡 Hotel: Wenlan International Hotel or similar 4-star hotel

    Only Henan Land of Dramas
    Only Henan Land of Dramas
    Immersive Theater Performances
    Immersive Theater Performances
  5. 5Day

    Shaolin Temple — Breakfast: Hotel buffet / Lunch: Authentic Shaolin vegetarian cuisine / Dinner: At own expense

    After breakfast, visit the Henan Museum to explore treasures from the Central Plains and trace the origins of Chinese civilization. Then journey to Dengfeng and step into the Shaolin Temple — birthplace of Chan Buddhism and Shaolin Kung Fu. Wander through the Pagoda Forest, where generations of abbots rest in peace. Evening transfer to Yuntaishan. Check in and rest.

    💡 Hotel:Yuntai Tianjie International Hotel or similar 4-star hotel

    Henan Museum
    Henan Museum
    Shaolin Temple
    Shaolin Temple
    Pagoda Forest
    Pagoda Forest
  6. 6Day

    Yuntaishan — Breakfast: Hotel buffet / Lunch: At own expense / Dinner:featuring authentic Taihang Mountain cuisine

    After breakfast, enter Yuntai Mountain. First up, explore the iconic Red Stone Canyon — crimson cliffs mirrored in emerald pools, a "bonsai canyon" of extraordinary beauty. Continue to Tanpu Canyon, where springs, waterfalls, and tranquil pools unfold at every turn. In the afternoon, visit Macaque Valley to watch Taihang macaques play. Evening free to wander Anshang Service Area and soak in the mountain night.

    💡 Hotel:Yuntai Tianjie International Hotel or similar 4-star hotel

    Red Stone Canyon
    Red Stone Canyon
    Tanpu Canyon
    Tanpu Canyon
    Macaque Valley
    Macaque Valley
  7. 7Day

    Yuntaishan — Breakfast: Hotel buffet / Lunch: At own expense / Dinner:featuring authentic Taihang Mountain cuisine

    After breakfast, ascend Zhuyu Peak via cable car (optional) or on foot. From the summit, take in the sweeping panorama of the Taihang Range, and visit Xuandi Palace and Chongyang Pavilion. In the afternoon, explore Zifang Lake, a serene alpine lake nestled among the peaks. Optional boat rides available for a closer view of the crystal-clear waters. Evening: a leisurely mountain stroll to unwind and fully immerse in the tranquil beauty of the Southern Taihang landscape.

    💡 Hotel:Yuntai Tianjie International Hotel or similar 4-star hotel

    Zhuyu Peak
    Zhuyu Peak
    Zifang Lake
    Zifang Lake
  8. 8Day

    Day 8 title

    After breakfast, transfer to Baoquan Cliff World Scenic Area. Take the Luojiasi Cable Car to the summit, then experience the signature highlights: Xiangyun Glass Viewing Platform (a transparent skywalk suspended above sheer cliffs), the cliffside trail, and the unique L-shaped cave elevator — an immersive encounter with the Taihang Range's dramatic red cliffs and sweeping canyon vistas. Optional high-altitude adventures available at your own expense: Xiangyun Bungee Jump, Rope Swing Via Ferrata, Cliff Walk, "Woonang" Bungee (a gentler alternative for first-timers), Yunya Skywalk, and Xuantian Plank Road. Choose according to your comfort level. After the day's adventure, return to your Yuntai Mountain hotel for a well-deserved rest.

    💡 Hotel:Yuntai Tianjie International Hotel or similar 4-star hotel

    Cliff World
    Cliff World
    Glass Viewing Platform
    Glass Viewing Platform
    Yunya Skywalk
    Yunya Skywalk
  9. 9Day

    Yuntaishan — Breakfast: Hotel buffet

    After breakfast, we'll drop you off at the airport or high-speed railway station according to your flight schedule, bringing this wonderful journey to a close.

Traveler Reviews

D

David

2026-07-10

This itinerary is a masterclass in storytelling. Instead of dry lectures, it brings the Song Dynasty to life through costume role-play, tea ceremonies, and the spectacular 'Tokyo Dream' show. The 'Only Henan' drama city adds emotional depth, making history feel personal rather than distant. It transforms a standard sightseeing trip into an immersive cultural journey that truly resonates.

S

Sophia

2026-09-18

The contrast between the ancient capital and the Taihang Mountains is breathtaking. Days 6-8 offer a stunning visual shift from flat plains to dramatic red cliffs. The glass viewing platforms at Baoquan and the rugged beauty of Yuntaishan provide a thrilling adventure. It perfectly balances historical exploration with the raw, majestic power of nature.

M

Michael

2026-09-18

Traveling in a small group of 4-12 people makes all the difference. The 4-star accommodation and thoughtful touches—like unlimited water, neck pillows, and local guides—ensure a stress-free experience. It feels exclusive and well-cared-for, avoiding the chaos of mass tourism while delivering high-quality service throughout the nine days.

2026 / 2027 Departure Dates

MonthYearDeparture DatesPrice / Person
Oct202610, 20$1,499
Nov20261, 11, 21$1,499
Dec20261, 11, 21$1,499
Jan20271, 11, 20$1,499
Feb202713, 21$1,499
Mar20271, 12, 21$1,499
Apr20272, 11, 21$1,499
May202711, 21$1,499
MonthYearDeparture DatesPrice / Person
Jun20271, 11, 21$1,499
Jul20272, 11$1,499
Aug20271, 11, 21$1,499
Sep20271, 11, 21$1,499
Oct202711, 22$1,499
Nov20271, 12, 21$1,499
Dec20271, 11, 21$1,499

Prices are per person in USD. Exact departure dates and prices are confirmed upon booking.

Book This Date

Multiple years shown — scroll within table if needed.

Price Breakdown

Min. 2 people per booking
Adult$1,499
Child (with bed)$1,499
Child (no bed)$1,199
Single supplement$300

Additional Fees

  • Service fee
    $80/person
  • Extra hotel
    $108/room/night
  • Extra transfer
    $30/person/trip (min 2 people)

* Prices in USD per person. Child rates apply to travelers under 18. Single supplement applies when occupying a room alone.

Hotels on This Trip

Kaifeng·

Wenlan International Hotel

or similar 4-star hotel

Henan·

Yuntai Tianjie International Hote

or similar 4-star hotel

Transportation

7-19 Seat MPV or Coaster
7-19 Seat MPV or Coaster

7-19 Seat MPV or Coaster

Throughout the trip, we use dedicated 7-19 seat business vans or minibuses, ensuring one proper seat per person. Each vehicle is equipped with neck pillows, driven by experienced professional drivers, and cleaned and sanitized daily. With reliable air conditioning and spacious luggage compartments, you'll enjoy a comfortable and worry-free ride.

  • Air conditioning & spacious adjustable seats
  • Daily cleaning & sanitization · large luggage compartment
  • Professional drivers with years of long-distance driving experience

Booking Notice

What's Included

  • Licensed Chinese-speaking guide throughout the tour
  • Accommodation as specified in the itinerary
  • Meals included in the itinerary
  • Attraction entrance tickets
  • Unlimited bottled water during the tour
  • Second-class high-speed train ticket from Beijing to Henan

What's Not Included

  • Comprehensive Service Fee
  • Optional Activities / Self-pay Items
  • Round-trip Airfare to Beijing
  • Return Airfare or High-speed Train Ticket from Henan
  • Visa Fees
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses

Ready for Shushan Sword Retreat?

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