Tourist Guide 2026 – 2027
China – Armenia
China – Armenia
Tour Program “Vardanank”
“In the Footsteps of the Heroes of Vardanank”
“In the Footsteps of the Heroes of Vardanank”
Why This Tour Is Unique
This is not an ordinary sightseeing tour.
“In the Footsteps of the Heroes of Vardanank” is the first thematic tour in Armenia entirely dedicated to Vardan Mamikonian — Armenia’s national hero and Sparapet (Commander-in- Chief), whose family, according to historical sources, has Chinese origins.
The tour offers Chinese visitors a unique opportunity to discover Armenia through the story of a hero whose legacy has long inspired admiration and scholarly interest in China. You will follow the historical sites connected with Vardan Mamikonian’s life and heritage, gaining a deeper understanding of Armenian culture and history through the shared historical connection between the Armenian and Chinese peoples.
The Legacy of Vardan Mamikonian Vardan Mamikonian is deeply revered across Armenia. Numerous monuments, churches, works of art, films, songs, and academic studies are dedicated to him. His heroic sacrifice
“For Faith and Fatherland” has become a lasting symbol of courage, patriotism, and unwavering devotion to one’s beliefs.
Throughout this journey, Chinese travelers will experience this legacy firsthand by visiting historical sites associated with Vardan Mamikonian, learning about Armenian traditions, and discovering a remarkable chapter of history that shares a unique connection with China.
This is not an ordinary sightseeing tour.
“In the Footsteps of the Heroes of Vardanank” is the first thematic tour in Armenia entirely dedicated to Vardan Mamikonian — Armenia’s national hero and Sparapet (Commander-in- Chief), whose family, according to historical sources, has Chinese origins.
The tour offers Chinese visitors a unique opportunity to discover Armenia through the story of a hero whose legacy has long inspired admiration and scholarly interest in China. You will follow the historical sites connected with Vardan Mamikonian’s life and heritage, gaining a deeper understanding of Armenian culture and history through the shared historical connection between the Armenian and Chinese peoples.
The Legacy of Vardan Mamikonian Vardan Mamikonian is deeply revered across Armenia. Numerous monuments, churches, works of art, films, songs, and academic studies are dedicated to him. His heroic sacrifice
“For Faith and Fatherland” has become a lasting symbol of courage, patriotism, and unwavering devotion to one’s beliefs.
Throughout this journey, Chinese travelers will experience this legacy firsthand by visiting historical sites associated with Vardan Mamikonian, learning about Armenian traditions, and discovering a remarkable chapter of history that shares a unique connection with China.
Project Founders
The tour has been developed with the participation of:
• Foundation for the Regional Development of Chinese-Armenian
Relations
Director — Doctor of Economic Sciences Sergey Avanesov
• Vardan Mamikonian Scientific and Cultural Center
Director — Professor Martin Zilfugharyan
The tour has been developed with the participation of:
• Foundation for the Regional Development of Chinese-Armenian
Relations
Director — Doctor of Economic Sciences Sergey Avanesov
• Vardan Mamikonian Scientific and Cultural Center
Director — Professor Martin Zilfugharyan
I
A New Stage in Armenian-Chinese Relations
In 2025, Beijing hosted the signing of the Program of Cultural Cooperation for 2026–2029 between the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of the Republic of Armenia and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China. One of the key steps in implementing this program was the launch in 2026 of the Armenian-
Chinese scientific and cultural journal “Vardan Mamikonian.” The next milestone is the development of this unique tourist route, designed to introduce Chinese visitors to Armenia’s rich historical and cultural heritage.
Armenia — An Attractive Tourist Destination Armenia is a country renowned for its rich historical and cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, distinctive traditions, and world-famous national cuisine. The “In the Footsteps of the Heroes of Vardanank” program allows visitors not only to explore Armenia’s most remarkable landmarks but also to immerse themselves in its history
through the life of one of the nation’s greatest heroes. The journey combines historical depth, cultural richness, emotional inspiration, and high-quality travel services. “In the Footsteps of the Heroes of Vardanank” Tour Program
During the tour, you will have the opportunity to:
• Visit churches, shrines, and pilgrimage sites associated with Vardan Mamikonian and the
Heroes of Vardanank;
• Explore monuments, public squares, and cultural landmarks dedicated to VardanMamikonian;
• Participate in cultural events and discover artistic works devoted to Armenia’s national hero;
• Learn about the history of the Mamikonian dynasty and its significance to the Armenian nation.
Tour languages: Chinese, English, and Russian.
In 2025, Beijing hosted the signing of the Program of Cultural Cooperation for 2026–2029 between the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of the Republic of Armenia and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China. One of the key steps in implementing this program was the launch in 2026 of the Armenian-
Chinese scientific and cultural journal “Vardan Mamikonian.” The next milestone is the development of this unique tourist route, designed to introduce Chinese visitors to Armenia’s rich historical and cultural heritage.
Armenia — An Attractive Tourist Destination Armenia is a country renowned for its rich historical and cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, distinctive traditions, and world-famous national cuisine. The “In the Footsteps of the Heroes of Vardanank” program allows visitors not only to explore Armenia’s most remarkable landmarks but also to immerse themselves in its history
through the life of one of the nation’s greatest heroes. The journey combines historical depth, cultural richness, emotional inspiration, and high-quality travel services. “In the Footsteps of the Heroes of Vardanank” Tour Program
During the tour, you will have the opportunity to:
• Visit churches, shrines, and pilgrimage sites associated with Vardan Mamikonian and the
Heroes of Vardanank;
• Explore monuments, public squares, and cultural landmarks dedicated to VardanMamikonian;
• Participate in cultural events and discover artistic works devoted to Armenia’s national hero;
• Learn about the history of the Mamikonian dynasty and its significance to the Armenian nation.
Tour languages: Chinese, English, and Russian.
Daily Tour Program
Day 1. Yerevan — Meeting the Hero
Duration: 3–4 hours
• Monument to Vardan Mamikonian
• Cafesjian Center for the Arts
• Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex
• Erebuni Fortress
• Republic Square and the museums of Yerevan
Day 1. Yerevan — Meeting the Hero
Duration: 3–4 hours
• Monument to Vardan Mamikonian
• Cafesjian Center for the Arts
• Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex
• Erebuni Fortress
• Republic Square and the museums of Yerevan
Day 2. Gyumri — The Heritage of the Heroes of
Vardanank
Duration: Full day
• Vardanants Square and the “Vardanants”
Sculptural Ensemble
• Guided tour of historic Gyumri
• Seven Wounds Church, Surb Nshan Church, and
Surb Amenaprkich Cathedral
• Museums and Art Gallery
Vardanank
Duration: Full day
• Vardanants Square and the “Vardanants”
Sculptural Ensemble
• Guided tour of historic Gyumri
• Seven Wounds Church, Surb Nshan Church, and
Surb Amenaprkich Cathedral
• Museums and Art Gallery
Day 3. Syunik Province
Duration: Full day
• Khor Virap Monastery
• Noravank Monastery
• Areni Winery
• Wings of Tatev Aerial Tramway and Tatev
Monastery
• Khndzoresk Cave Village
Duration: Full day
• Khor Virap Monastery
• Noravank Monastery
• Areni Winery
• Wings of Tatev Aerial Tramway and Tatev
Monastery
• Khndzoresk Cave Village
Day 4. Kotayk and Aragatsotn Provinces
Duration: Full day
• Surb Vardan Chapel in Zovuni
• Surb Vardan Zoravar Church in Alapars
• Surb Grigor Church in Aruch
• Garni Pagan Temple
• Geghard Monastery
• “Symphony of Stones” Natural Monument
• Lavash Baking Master Class
Duration: Full day
• Surb Vardan Chapel in Zovuni
• Surb Vardan Zoravar Church in Alapars
• Surb Grigor Church in Aruch
• Garni Pagan Temple
• Geghard Monastery
• “Symphony of Stones” Natural Monument
• Lavash Baking Master Class
Day 6. Etchmiadzin — The Spiritual Capital of Armenia
Duration: Full day
• Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin
• “Vardanank” Tapestry by Grigor Khanjyan
• Saint Hripsime Church
• Saint Gayane Church
• Zvartnots Cathedral Ruins (7th century)
Duration: Full day
• Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin
• “Vardanank” Tapestry by Grigor Khanjyan
• Saint Hripsime Church
• Saint Gayane Church
• Zvartnots Cathedral Ruins (7th century)
Day 7. Yerevan — Grand Closing Ceremony
Duration: Full day
• Farewell meeting with representatives of the Foundation
and
scholars of the Vardan Mamikonian Scientific and Cultural
Center
• Festive lunch featuring traditional Armenian cuisine
• Performance of traditional Armenian folk dances
Duration: Full day
• Farewell meeting with representatives of the Foundation
and
scholars of the Vardan Mamikonian Scientific and Cultural
Center
• Festive lunch featuring traditional Armenian cuisine
• Performance of traditional Armenian folk dances
Tour Includes
• Accommodation in 4-star and 5-star hotels
• Breakfasts and themed dinners
• Transportation and professional guide services
• Entrance tickets to all attractions
• Wine and traditional food tastings
• Master classes
• Meetings with representatives of the Foundation and scholars
• Farewell banquet with a cultural program
• Commemorative gifts and souvenirs
Discovering the Legacy of Vardan Mamikonian
During the tour, Chinese guests will have the opportunity to:
• Attend commemorative events dedicated to Vardan Mamikonian;
• Watch films and listen to songs devoted to the national hero;
• Participate in lectures delivered by scholars of the Scientific and Cultural Center;
• Visit churches and sacred sites associated with Vardan Mamikonian.
At the conclusion of the program, participants will receive the “Vardan Mamikonian” journal, commemorative awards, and exclusive souvenirs dedicated to Saint Vardan Mamikonian.
• Accommodation in 4-star and 5-star hotels
• Breakfasts and themed dinners
• Transportation and professional guide services
• Entrance tickets to all attractions
• Wine and traditional food tastings
• Master classes
• Meetings with representatives of the Foundation and scholars
• Farewell banquet with a cultural program
• Commemorative gifts and souvenirs
Discovering the Legacy of Vardan Mamikonian
During the tour, Chinese guests will have the opportunity to:
• Attend commemorative events dedicated to Vardan Mamikonian;
• Watch films and listen to songs devoted to the national hero;
• Participate in lectures delivered by scholars of the Scientific and Cultural Center;
• Visit churches and sacred sites associated with Vardan Mamikonian.
At the conclusion of the program, participants will receive the “Vardan Mamikonian” journal, commemorative awards, and exclusive souvenirs dedicated to Saint Vardan Mamikonian.
Traditional Armenian Cuisine and Wine
Armenian cuisine is one of the highlights of the journey
for Chinese visitors. The program includes tastings of
traditional Armenian dishes and the famous “Red
Vardan” wine, produced from indigenous Armenian
grape varieties especially for Chinese tourists.
Armenian cuisine is one of the highlights of the journey
for Chinese visitors. The program includes tastings of
traditional Armenian dishes and the famous “Red
Vardan” wine, produced from indigenous Armenian
grape varieties especially for Chinese tourists.