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AUTHENTIC CHINA
Day 1 ARRIVE BEIJING
Welcome to Beijing! Be greeted by your friendly guide/ private transfer to the hotel. Stay in a traditional courtyard residence to fully indulge in the local atmosphere and enjoy authentic China.
Day 2 BEIJING
Start your first morning making new friends in the park. Join the locals practicing Taiji, Qigong in Tiantan Park (Temple of Heaven). This perfect example of Ming architecture was built in the 15th Century. Afterward, guided walking/biking tour through Beijing's ancient back alleys and passageways known as Hutongs. Visit traditional communal life-style that has existed for hundreds of years. You can visit with Chinese families in their Dazayuan, a traditional courtyard house. Hutongs and Dazayuan are unique Chinese structures exclusive to China. Lunch today will be at a local family home and the hostess will show you how to make dumplings starting from scratch.
Afterward, visit Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square which represents the heart of Imperial and 'Tourist' Beijing. Continue your day into Imperial Palace Museum, the former Forbidden City. This architectural marvel was completed in 1420 after 14 years of hard work by 200,000 laborers. It was the symbol of Imperial power for over 500 years and was the home of 24 emperors from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Later, explore a traditional night market and sample some of the most exotic/amazing local cuisine and snacks!
Day 3 GREAT WALL EXCURSION
Built to protect China from the incursions of predatory nomads, the construction of the Great Wall (Changcheng) started in the 7th century BC during the Qin Dynasty, making the Great Wall over 2,500 years old. We will visit a private section that is generally closed to the public with almost no tourists. This is great if you love hiking and wish to avoid crowds. A picnic lunch box will be provided.
Day 4 BEIJING-XI'AN
Visit Yihe Yuan (former Imperial Summer Palace). In 1888, Qing’s most powerful Empress Cixi (Dowager) diverted 30 million silver dollars from the Chinese North Ocean Navy to construct Summer Palace as a gift for herself for her 60th birthday. She ordered the builders to imitate the West Lake of Hangzhou and the gardens in Suzhou and absorb the beauty into the creation of Yihe Yuan- Garden of Spirit and Harmony, or the Summer Palace, as most people know it. The garden was almost completely destroyed during the Eight Power Allied Troops’ invasion of Beijing in 1900. Upon Cixi’s return to Beijing from Xi’an, she ordered the garden to be rebuilt. Historical records show that Cixi rebuilt the Summer Palace with unbounded extravagance, spending some 40,000 silver taels per day. You can still see how luxurious it is even now. Since this palace was for summer holiday use, the emphasis was on its cooling features, such as a natural underground stone cooler. Stroll along the Long Corridor, which is decorated with a beautiful painted ceiling. Each painting has a historic legend. You will see the famous White Marble Boat and can enjoy a dragon boat ride on Kunming Lake (a replica of West Lake).
Next, visit Fish, Flowers and Birds Market. It is the most "local" markets in Beijing; and a great place to spot senior Beijingers' life style. Transfer to station and board overnight train to Xi’an.
Day 5 XI’AN
Arrive at Xi’an in the early morning. Transfer to the hotel to freshen up. Private escorted tour by car and on foot to Xi'an's Tang Dynasty sites: Ancient walled city, Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Big Goose Pagoda and Forest of Steles Museum (Beilin Museum). Xi'an used to be called "Chang'an," and was the capital of the Tang Dynasty. In Chinese, Chang'an means "forever-lasting peace and prosperity." It was also the ancient capital for eleven other Chinese dynasties. During the Tang Golden Age in the 10th Century, Chang'an was one of the largest and most cosmopolitan cities on earth, and it was eight-times larger than Xi'an is now.
Visit the local market and school. (B, L)
DAY 6 TERRA COTTA WARRIOR MUSEUM/ CHENGDU
Private escorted tour to the Qin Dynasty Imperial Tomb and the Terra Cotta Warriors Museum (Binmayong). The site was accidentally uncovered in 1974 by local peasants and is among the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th Century. Start today's tour by viewing an informative IMAX documentary that gives a brief overview of 2,000 years of Chinese history. Followed by on-site inspection of the 6,000 terra cotta warriors, made in the 3rd Century BC and all with different faces, expressions and postures, they were modeled after real human beings. You may find it difficult to believe that originally, when found, all these life-size "soldiers" were mashed into powder and broken pieces. On-site archaeologists demonstrate how they restore them into their original condition. Also visit the newly-opened site #3.
Private transfer to the airport for flight to Chengdu. You will be staying at a university dorm tonight. A few students will welcome you and introduce their hometown and campus.
In the evening, lounge around in the local tea house. Chengdu is one of the few remaining cities with authentic tea houses (Chadian). Local men met to conduct business or to enjoy the performances of storytellers and singers. The tea set is unique, consisting of three parts; the lid, the bowl and the saucer. Water is served from a copper kettle by skillful assistants, who fill the small bowls, at a considerable distance, right to the brim without splashing a drop. You will sit in the bamboo chair, chew nuts, sip tea while you enjoy the Sihuan Bianlian Opera. A "top-secret" performance. Artists change the make-up on their faces within a second while they turn around their heads. (B, L)
Day 7 CHENGDU / GUILIN/ LONGSHENG
Departure for private excursion to Panda Breeding Research Center (World Wildlife Fund – just north of the city) .The research complex was opened to public in 1995, currently houses pandas of both the Giant and Red species. Followed by a private country drive to Sanxingdwei Culture Musuem (About 45 minutes from Chengdu). Uncovered by archaeology of the last 15 years, these bronze images of deities, lively human figures, fantastic ritual vessels, exquisite jades, and spirited ceramic sculptures dating from the late phase of Sanxingdui culture (13th-11th century B.C.) to the Han dynasty (3rd century B.C.-3rd century A.D.). They are among the most unusual and spectacular works of art from the ancient world.
Fly to Guilin in the afternoon. Upon arrival, transfer Longsheng. The drive takes approximately 3 hours along a breathtaking country road. Longsheng is located at the north-west border of Guizhou province. It is a stunning wilderness region highlighted by the Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces, and is home to a colorful mixture of Dong, Zhuang, Yao and Miao National Ethnic Minorities.
Day 8 LONGSHENG / YANGSHUO
First, visit a small local market featuring all sorts of items, all home made- spices, mushrooms, dried fruit, hand-woven gloves, scarves, slippers and clothes. Stop at the local Long Hair Miao’s village where you are welcome to look at their tiny, yet cozy homes. Followed by an escorted tour to Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces (Longji Titian). Most of the residents here are Zhuang. En route, you may visit the Zhuang Tribal Settlement. Within half an hour, you will reach Ping’an Village and have your specialty lunch at Ping’an Guest House. Afterward, another 40 minute climb to the top leading to stunning views of the mountains and forests. Continue with a visit to the Yao and Dong tribal settlements and the unusual Stone Formation.
Drive to Yangshuo. Overnight in Yangshuo.
Day 9 YANGSHUO
Private small boat excursion in the evening to watch the cormorants catching fish. Local fishermen still practice the ancient methods with cormorants. Afterward, you may rent a bike or hop on the special electric car to explore the picturesque neighboring countryside for the perfect off-the-beaten-path experience. Discover rarely-visited villages and observe local people as they live everyday: farmers working hard in the rice paddies during harvest or growing seasons, buffalos wandering around with children riding their backs, minority ladies weaving or doing housework in the courtyard or in front of their houses. Visit a farmer’s home, a village school or a grocery store to get a closer look at the daily lives of the local people. Next, for those interested, take a Kungfu, Rock climbing, or Cooking lesson. Afterward, return to Yangshuo to explore the lively “Foreigners’ Street.” Although it extends no longer than 2 miles, the many quaint coffee bars, shops and restaurants have much of the casual, laid-back attitude the surrounding landscape seems to create. Make sure not to miss the local specialty dish, beer fish! In the evening, enjoy the Impression of Liu Sanjie performance. Using the Li River and the karst mountains as the stage, this outdoor show is a visually stunning performance. Planned and supervised by world famous award winning director Zhang Yimou, the story tells about the life of the Miao and Yao tribes, and their love toward the beautiful land. (B,D)
Day 10 YANGSHUO/HANGZHOU
Take morning flight to Hangzhou. Visit 4th century Lingyin Temple, still one of the most active Buddhist monasteries in China. Also known as Temple of Inspired Seclusion, Lingyin Temple is still one of the most active and religious Buddhist monasteries in China. Local people worship here on the first day of the Lunar New Year hoping the Buddha will bring them luck, fortune and health for the upcoming year. There are two main halls in the temple complex. Inside Four Major Protectors Hall sits 200-year-old Maitreya Buddha (Laughing Buddha). In the Great Buddha Hall stands Sakyamuni Statue, along with a group sculpture with over 150 images. “The Peak Flown from Afar” is right outside the courtyard. There are more than 300 stone carvings vividly depicting Buddhism figures. This is among the most important group of stone carvings south of the Yangtze River. Overnight in Hangzhou.
Day 11 HONG KONG
Hangzhou is famed throughout China for its tea and the picturesque West Lake, which for centuries has inspired poets and literati to great creations. Today you’ll take a boat ride on the charming lake and immerse yourself in the surrounding beauty. Followed by escorted walk to explore a few landscaped islands and stroll along the winding paths lined with blooming flowers and bamboo trees . You will have the opportunity to visit ancient pavilions, temples, and pagodas on tiny islands in the middle of the lake. Lunch will be served in a lakeside tea house restaurant to soak up the great atmosphere! Afterward, private escorted drive to Xitang- an incredibly pretty water village along the Grand Canal. Known for its quiet and peaceful nature, it is located in the Jiashan County near Hangzhou, and is often compared to a fairytale land. It is divided into eight sections by the nine rivers that converge, and is linked together by 104 bridges. Houses and shops sit beautifully on the riversides. Xitang is also rich in its history, providing as a region of vast commercial importance as early as the Spring and Autumn Periods. Xitang only prospered more during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Private escorted tour by boat, pedicab and on foot to explore this ancient village. It has retained much of its original architecture. While strolling in the narrow cobbled streets, you will see many significant ancient residences and buildings. Your guide will discuss with you the concept of ‘fengshui’ — a key element of Chinese interior design and architecture.
Day 12 SHANGHAI
Visit the world-renowned Shanghai Museum of Art. It has the best collection of public art in China, including bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, sculpture jade, seals, paintings and objects dating back 8000 years. Followed by a special arranged "Make-A-Friend” in Children's Palace – a government sponsored after-school center for talented children. You will meet with gifted children and watch them perform traditional arts, music, dance and crafts. Afternoon Subway Nanjing Road, Huihai Road and Maoming Road- the most famous historic roads and delightful shopping districts. Huihai Road is the former French Concession, and is nicknamed ‘Frenchtown.’ Find an entrance back to the 1920s from a side street. You can expect to see some of the best old architecture, from art deco apartment buildings to classical mansions and villas. End up at the Bund and the waterfront of Huangpu River for a breath-taking panorama of the world famous “Shanghaitan!” In Chinese, it means The Bund of Shanghai. Next, private escorted tour to the best part of the Old Town, centered around the Town God’s Temple (Chenghuang Miao). This is a great place if you enjoy souvenir shopping and sampling local snacks. This section was known as “The China Town” during colonial times. Today, it has been ‘renovated’ into a market area, where you can find lots of restaurants, food stands and ‘overpriced’ shops (so polish your bargaining skills!). In the evening, enjoy a performance of the world-famous Shanghai Acrobatic Show, with a chance to meet the performers backstage!
Day 13 DEPART SHANGHAI
Take MegLev Train and depart Shanghai. Continue onward to your next destination, or return back to your home destination.