| DAY 1: ARRIVE BEIJING
Upon arrival in Beijing, you
will be greeted and transferred to your choice of hotel.
Remainder of the day is at leisure to explore this exciting
city.
Overnight: Beijing, Park Plaza Hotel (Standard), Crowne
Plaza (First Class) or Peninsula Palace (Deluxe) for 4 nights.
DAY 2: TIANANMEN SQUARE & FORBIDDEN CITY
After breakfast, travel with
your guide to Tiananmen Square—an historical and aweinspiring
icon. Walk to the Forbidden City, the sacred heart of this
empire for over 500 years. In the afternoon, see the Summer
Palace. (B,L)
DAY 3: MING TOMBS & THE GREAT WALL
Head north today towards the
Ming Tombs and walk The Sacred Way, lined with ancient statues.
The Changling Tomb tells you how the Chinese select sites for
their afterlife. Later this afternoon, visit China’s most famous
attraction — the Great Wall, built over 2000 years ago. (B,L)
DAY 4: HUTONG CULTURAL TOUR & BEIJING DUCK DINNER
Travel by bicycle rickshaw
through the historic Hutong district for a chance to meet local
villagers. Continue on to the Lama Temple and the Temple of
Heaven, where you will see locals practicing Tai Chi, dancing or
playing cards. A treat awaits you tonight, as you sample Beijing
Duck! (B,L,D)
DAY 5: BEIJING – XI’AN
Transfer to the Beijing
Airport for your short morning flight to Xi’an (flight
included), where civilization dates back over 2000 years and 13
empires made their home. This rich history now provides cultural
relics, and ruins are plentiful. Visit the Shaanxi Historical
Museum in the afternoon to wander through vivid displays from
the ancient Silk Road. Next stop is the Big Wild Goose Pagoda,
originally constructed in the 7th century. Overnight: Xi’an,
Bell Tower Hotel (Standard), Grand Mercure (First Class) or
Sofitel Renmin Square (Deluxe) for 2 nights. (B,L)
DAY 6: TERRA COTTA WARRIORS & TANG DYNASTY DINNER
SHOW
Travel by road to the
eastern parts of Xi’an to see the army of 6,000 Terra Cotta
Warriors. It is hard to believe it was once buried underground
for over 2,000 years and found by accident, thanks to a local
farmer thirsty for well water. Visit China’s
best preserved and most intact city wall in the afternoon. The
Great Mosque at the Muslim quarter is as attractive as the many
shopping stands around. Enjoy the Tang Dynasty Dinner Show in
the evening. (B,L,D)
DAY 7: XI’AN – KUNMING
If most of what you see in
Xi’an is yellow, a morning flight (flight included) will lead
you to Kunming, which is lush and green all year round. Your
afternoon tour includes a visit to the West Hill and the Golden
Palace, where everything is carved out of bronze.
Overnight:
Kunming, Kunming Hotel (Standard), Bank Hotel (First Class and
Deluxe) for 2 nights. (B,L)
DAY 8: KUNMING STONE FOREST & VILLAGE
Today you will spend a full
day on an excursion to the Stone Forest, one of China’s most
amazing natural phenomena. On the way back to the city, visit a
local village and get a glimpse of their special customs. (B,L)
DAY 9: KUNMING – GUILIN
Before leaving Kunming, you
will find the city not only has natural scenery, but also a rich
history and culture. Visit the Provincial Museum with its
amazing bronze ware and then tour a local flower and bird
market. Transfer to the airport for your afternoon flight
(flight included). Arrive at Guilin where you will be met and
transferred to your hotel. Overnight: Guilin, Bravo Hotel
(Standard) or Sheraton Hotel (First Class and Deluxe) for 3
nights. (B,L)
DAY 10: GUILIN
Guilin is a compact city,
located on the Li River with breathtaking scenery. Today you
will visit the sites including Reed Flute Cave, Elephant Trunk
Hill, Fubo Hill and Seven Star Park. (B,L)
DAY 11: GUILIN – LONGSHENG TRIBAL VILLAGES
The Guangxi Zhuang
Autonomous Region has many ethnic groups. Today, venture to
Longsheng, where you will meet the local tribes. The two-hour
drive along the hilly roads might be bumpy, but is truly
rewarding. The Dragon Bone Terraced Fields offer marvelous
snapshots into this rural community. They also practice a local
custom which is a unique method of long hair combing. (B,L)
DAY 12: GUILIN – SHANGHAI
This morning, you will be
met and transferred to the Li River. Board your cruise vessel
for a 5 hour journey, covering the most scenic part of the
river, with views of steep hills and lush fields. Afterwards,
visit the town of Yangshuo on the banks of the Li River, and
transfer to the airport for your late afternoon flight to
Shanghai (flight included). Upon arrival, you will be met and
transferred to your hotel. Overnight: Shanghai, Holiday Inn
Downtown Hotel (Standard), Jinjiang Hotel (First Class) or JC
Mandarin (Deluxe) for 3 nights. (B,L)
DAY 13: SHANGHAI’S HIGHLIGHTS
See traditional highlights
of the city such as the Shanghai Museum — the best in China —
and the Yu Garden, which is a fine example of private gardens
south of the Yangtze River. Shopping at Nanjing Street is
rewarding. Tonight, enjoy a one-hour Huangpu River cruise to
enjoy the best part of the night scene. (B,L)
DAY 14: JADE BUDDHA TEMPLE & ACROBATIC SHOW
In the morning, take part in
the “Being Shanghainese for half a day” program, including a
visit to a local residential area. In the afternoon, explore the
Jade Buddha Temple, named after its two pieces of jade statues
brought back from Myanmar (Burma). Tonight enjoy one of
Shanghai’s famous acrobatic shows. (B,L)
DAY 15: DEPART SHANGHAI
You will be transferred to
the Pudong Airport for your onward flight (flight not included).
(B)
Departs: Daily
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