Day 1 USA/Beijing
Relax on your transpacific flight to Beijing.
Day 2 Beijing
Welcome to Beijing, capital of the People’s Republic
of China. Upon arrival, you are met by your guide and
transferred to the centrally located charming traditional
courtyard style hotel for three nights stay.
Day 3 Beijing
After breakfast, you are off to see the sights, including
the vast Tian An Men Square, and Ming treasures adorning
the imperial palace in the once Forbidden City. In the
afternoon, more Ming extravagances are evident as you
tour the exquisite architecture and vivid embellishment
of the Temple of Heaven. We end the day with the pleasure
of an evening cultural performance of Beijing Opera.
(B, L, D)
Day 4 Beijing
In the morning, we take rickshaws for a fascinating
tour of Beijing’s Hutongs-old narrow lanes lined
with ancient courtyard houses, giving us a glimpse into
the daily life of Beijing residents. En route, we climb
to the top of Drum Tower, used to report time in Ancient
China, for a panoramic view of old Beijing. After lunch
at the imperial Fangshan Restaurant inside the Beihai
Park, we visit the beautiful Summer Palace, the largest
and best preserved of all imperial palace gardens which
boast such delicacies as the famous Marble Boat and
the ornately painted 'long corridor'. In the evening,
we are guests at a sumptuous Peking Duck feast. (B,
L, D)
Day 5 Beijing/Chengde
This morning, we travel by air-conditioned train through
the countryside of old courtyard houses, rice paddies
and spectacular hills to the town of Chengde where we
stay at Qianyang Hotel. On arrival at Chengde, we visit
the "Mountain Resort", the summer residence
of Qing Emperors. The palaces surrounded by royal lakes
and parks are in charming contrast to Beijing's Forbidden
City. We also visit the three magnificent temples of
Pule, Pulin and Putuozongshen, built in imitation of
the Potala Palace in Lhasa (B, L, D)
Day 6 Beijing/Zhengzhou
This morning we drive to Jinshanling, one of the most
scenic sections of the Great Wall. The fortified towers,
built in different shapes - round, rectangular and oval
- stand majestically amidst the undulating mountains
surrounding them. We admire this stunning scenery over
a relaxing picnic. We then head for Beijing airport
for our flight to Zhengzhou, capital of Henan province.
We stay at Crown Plaza Hotel for two nights.
(B, L)
Day 7 Day trip to Kaifeng
We take a full day overland excursion to Kaifeng, one
of the six ancient Chinese capitals. Though spanning
several thousand years, the city retains many vestiges
of its glorious past. The newly restored Song Street
presents the prosperity of the Northern Song era (960
– 1127 AD). We also visit the Iron Pagoda, Bo Ta
Pagoda and the Yenqing Guan Daoist Temple that reflect
China’s religious and philosophical traditions.
(B, L)
Day 8 Zhengzhou/Luoyang
In the morning, we visit the Henan Provincial Museum
to see its rare collection of Zhou Dynasty bronzes and
Han Dynasty funerary treasures. We then travel overland
to visit the Shaolin Temple where we will have a chance
to appreciate the real Chinese Kongfu (martial arts).
We continue our journey to the ancient city of Luoyang,
capital of nine dynasties over 2000 years. We stay at
Peony Plaza Hotel for two nights. (B, L)
Day 9 Luoyang
This morning, we visit the Longmen Caves, one of the
three most famous Buddhist caves in China. The caves
were carved over a period of 1000 years with an astounding
97,300 Buddhist figures overlooking the Luo River. We
visit the Luoyang Museum and walk through the Old Town
for the remainder of the day. (B, L)
Day 10 Luoyang/Xian
Our pleasant train ride takes us to Xian, capital of
China for eleven dynasties. Stay at Shangri-la Golden
Flower Hotel for two nights. (B, D)
Day 11 Xian
We have an excursion to the world renowned Terra-cotta
Warriors, guarding the tomb of the first emperor of
Qin Dynasty for over 2000 years. We also visit the Huaqin
Hot Springs and Banpo Neolithic Museum. Back in the
city, we visit the Grand Mosque and its nearby Muslim
living quarters. In the evening, we enjoy a fabulous
Tang Dynasty Dance and Music performance. (B, L, Dinner
show).
Day 12 Xian/Hangzhou
As Chinese saying: “Heaven above. Hangzhou and
Suzhou below”. This morning we fly to Hangzhou,
capital of China during the 12th and 13th century Southern
Song dynasty. For the rest of the day, we will take
a short cruise on the famous West Lake, surrounded by
the idyllic gardens. After visiting the unique Guo Family
Garden, we taste once the world famous Dragon Well green
tea at a tea plantation. Stay overnight at Longjin Resort.
(B, L)
Day 13 Hangzhou/Suzhou
After visiting the Linying Temple, we take a short train
ride to Suzhou, a city known for its classic gardens
and canals. After dinner, enjoy the local folk music
and dance in one of the gardens. Stay overnight at the
Sheraton Hotel. (B, L)
Day 14 Suzhou/Shanghai
Take a scenic riverside walk from Surging Water Pavilion
to the Garden of Master of the Nets and enjoy the scenery
of traditional houses and small bridges often compared
to the canal landscape of Venice. On our way, see Twin
Pagodas and Winding Garden for an example of the typical
study-style architecture of the late Qing dynasty gardens.
We also visit the delightful Lingering Garden and the
Silk Research Institute. Later today, we take train
to Shanghai. After dinner, attend the city’s famous
Acrobatic performance. Stay at JC Mandarin Hotel or
similar for two nights. (B, L, D)
Day 15 Shanghai
Shanghai is China’s most populous city with 12
million inhabitants, and it is the nation's industrial
center and a busy port. There is the chance to stroll
on the Bund overlooking the Huangpu River with its backdrop
of early 20th century buildings, to visit the former
concession areas and narrow streets of the Old Town.
Also of interest are the Jade Buddha Temple, Yu Garden
and Shanghai Museum of Arts. This evening is free at
your leisure. (B, L)
Day 16 Shanghai/Home
Transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)
2010 Departures
and Prices
|
Departure Date
|
Land Price
|
Single Supplement
|
|
Daily
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$2790
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$850
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Land package price includes:
- Deluxe hotel or best availabe accommodation (double
occupancy) with daily American breakfast
- Domestic airfare and train fare
- Round trip transfers in each city
- Comprehensive guided tours, visits and excursions
in a private vehicle with your English-speaking guide.
- Admission and entrance fees
- Lunch and dinner indicated by symbols L, D
- Evening cultural performances
- Applicable hotel taxes and domestic airport tax.
Not included in the package price:
- Trans-pacific airfare.
- China Visa fee
- Other costs not stated as included
This trip can be customised to meet your schedule
and interests. Please call our office for more details.
This is a Private Journey based on minimum of two
travelers.
Solo travel can be arranged as well for additional
cost.
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