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CHINA SPLENDER – 16 DAYS
Day 1 US – BEIJING
Board your overnight flight to Beijing, China to begin your China adventure.
Day 2 WELCOME TO BEIJING
Welcome to Beijing, the capital of People's Republic of China. Your friendly guide will be waiting at the reception hall and will transfer you to the hotel.
Day 3 IMPERIAL PALACE MUSEUM & HUTONG TOUR
Start your China exploration with an excursion to Tiananmen Square and Imperial Palace Museum. This architectural marvel was the symbol of Imperial power for over 500 years and was the home of 24 emperors.
After lunch, get on a pedi-cab for a rickshaw tour through Beijing’s ancient Hutongs. See this traditional communal life-style and visit local Chinese families in their Dazayuan. Follow with a special interest program to Liulichang Art Market where you will be able to find fine galleries and classical art / music stores as well as acupuncture and herbal clinics. A welcome Peking Duck Banquet will be served at the famous Chungjude Duck House tonight. (B,L,D)
Day 4 GREAT WALL & TEMPLE OF HEAVEN
Join local people for morning exercise in Tiantan Park. Then visit Temple of Heaven, a perfect example of Ming architecture that was built in the 15th century. It was sacred ground where many emperors, as Sons of Heaven, performed major religious harvest ceremonies.
Afterward, highlight today with an excursion to the splendid Great Wall. The construction of the Great Wall started in the 7th century BC during the Qin Dynasty, making the Great Wall over 2,500 years old. Visit Mutianyu, the most spectacular section. This evening, enjoy a Peking Opera Performance. (B,L)
Day 5 SUMMER PALACE – XI'AN
Visit the enchanting Imperial Summer Palace. Wander through the ‘Long Corridor’ with beautiful painted ceiling, and enjoy a boat ride on Kunming Lake where you will view the famous Marble Boat.
Afterward, fly to Xi’an, hometown of Terra Cotta Warriors. Let’s start by exploring the ancient capital’s old heritage sites. including Ancient Walled City, Bell Tower and South Gate. During Tang’s Golden Age, Xi’an was one of the largest and most cosmopolitan cities on earth.
Then, enjoy a wonderful night of sensation- Enjoy Imperial Banquet accompanied by Tang Dynasty Court Music and Dance. (B,L,D)
Day 6 TERRA COTTA WARRIOR
Take a deep breath and be ready for the world’s wonder: Terra Cotta Warriors Museum (Binmayong). First, view an informative IMAX documentary that gives a brief overview of 2000 years of Chinese history. Then you will visit 7,000 life-size warriors, including the newly-opened site #3.
Explore the Great Mosque and the nearby living Muslim quarter. Then visit Sha’anxi History Museum, boasting the world’s greatest repositories of Tang Dynasty ceramics, painting, and textiles, among items from other dynasties: pottery, bronze, gold/silver wares and other treasures. This evening, we will prove to you that ‘Food is art!’ Enjoy the most delicious dumpling banquet at De Fa Chang Restaurant. (B,L,D)
Day 7 IMPERIAL PALACE/ TOMB MUSEUM– SHANGHAI
You will visit Imperial Tomb/ Palace Museum of Western Han Emperor Jing Di (156-141BC). This brand new underground museum was 'vacuumed' and covered with glass, allowing visitors to observe the entire structure. You will see guards, warriors, painted ceramic animals, chariots and horses, among other cultural relics. After this tour, we will fly to Shanghai – Paris of the East.
Start devouring this cosmopolitan city by discovering its old section. Explore the bustling Old Town- an excellent place for souvenirs. We will then visit Yu Garden. Yu Garden was built by a wealthy official of the Ming Dynasty. Later today, explore Xintiandi area, where boutiques and restaurants were restored from historic ‘Shikumen’ houses. This is certainly the most appealing destination in Shanghai. Enjoy world-famous acrobatic show this evening. (B,L)
Day 8 GARDEN CITY & WATER TOWN
Escorted tour to Suzhou, the famed ‘Garden City’. Visit the newly opened Suzhou Museum, designed by IM Pei in a traditional Chinese garden setting using a very elegant Suzhou style. Also visit Humble Administrators Garden. Afterward, stop by a silk mill. Later, explore the exotic and romantic Tongli. This famous water village is rich with ancient culture and all the houses are built by the river. You will take a boat ride on the Grand Canal. Boatmen are usually husband and wife duo who are great singers. (B,L)
Day 9 SHANGHAI /YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE
Visit the world famous Shanghai Musuem of Art. Afterward, take a walking tour to explore 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.’ You will have a couple hours exploring Xiangyang Market- the greatest place for bargains.
Later in the afternoon, fly to Yichang to board Yangtze River Cruise. En route to pier, glimpse the rural life as you travel through Yangtze River Valley. (B,L,D)
Day 10 – Day 12 YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE
For the next few days, we will pass the Three Gorges- China’s most beautiful natural wonders. You will first witness the world’s largest construction project, Three Gorges Dam, as well as the magnificent Yangtze River. While appreciating the beautiful scenes, you will learn how the colossal dam benefits local life and the measures taken to preserve and move the historical and cultural relics found along its banks. The boat will make stops at lively towns and villages with a highlight- a small boat excursion to Shennong Stream threading the Little Gorges. The appeal of Yangtze River lies not only in the scenery, but also in the culture. (B,L,D)
Day 13 CHONGQING – GUILIN
Ship disembarks in Chongqing. Your guide will meet you at the terminal and transfer you to the airport to fly to Guilin. You will spend the rest of the day at Hotel of Modern Art in Yuzi Paradise Resort. It’s a perfect place for a getaway to relax and experience the authentic China! The area covers several hundred acres presenting unbeatable natural beauty.
There are also art displays created by the most talented artists from around the world. (B,L)
Day 14 LI RIVER CRUISE – HONG KONG
Taking a tranquil cruise on Li Jiang (Li River) is the best way to absorb the superb beauty of Guilin. You will sail along and pass through the fabled Karsts mountain landscape. Lunch will be served on board. Ship disembarks at colorful market town of Yangshuo in the early afternoon. Relax yourself in West Street or rent a bike to explore the neighboring village. Tonight, you will fly to sleepless Hong Kong. (B,L)
Day 15 HONG KONG
Hong Kong is probably one of the most traveler friendly cities in the world. Today, you will explore Hong Kong on your own. We suggest you to walk around Victoria Harbour, take tram to Victoria Peak, visit Stanley Market, and experience the sampan boat taxi through moored junk fishing community at the floating village of Aberdeen. (B)
Day 16 HONG KONG – US
Say Zaijian (Now you should know how to say goodbye in Chinese) to China, Hong Kong and your group members. Transfer to CLK International Airport for return flight back to your sweet home. (B)