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CLASSIC CHINA
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 PALACE MUSEUM AND 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. (B,L,D)
Day 4 GREAT WALL & TEMPLE OF HEAVEN
Join local people for morning exercise in Tiantan Park. Then visit Temple of Heaven (Tiantan Park), 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 (Changcheng) 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 learning about Tang’s culture in Sha’anxi History Museum. Afterward, apply what you have learned while you explore the ancient capital. We will stop at Ancient Walled City, Bell Tower and Big Goose Pagoda. During Tang’s Golden Age, Xi'an (then known as Chang’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 DynastyCourt Music and Dance.(B,L,D)
Day 6 TERRA COTTA WARRIORS
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.
We will stop a neighboring village to visit a cave dwelling home. Chinese people call them Yaodong- an arched tunnel. It is a common style of living across six provinces in north central China.
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 HAN IMPERIAL TOMB MUSEUM – GUILIN
Visit Imperial Tomb/ Palace Museum of Western Han Emperor Jing Di (156-141 BC). 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 the tour, 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 8 LI RIVER CRUISE & YANGSHUO
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. Hop on a special electric car to explore the countryside. Balance of the day at leisure: pamper yourself with a massage or bargain at the market! (B, L)
Day 9 GUILIN- SHANGHAI
Fly to Shanghai in the morning. Welcome to Paris of the East! Let’s start devouring this cosmopolitan city by discovering its old section Explore the bustling Old Town- and excellent place for souvenirs. Lunch will be served in a famous local restaurant- where numerous world leaders and celebrities have dined.
In the afternoon, visit Shanghai Museum. It has the best collection of public art in China. Objects exhibited here date back to 8000 years ago. As for this evening, you will enjoy a world-famous acrobatic show. (B,L)
Day 10 GARDEN CITY & WATER VILLAGE
Escorted tour to Suzhou, the famed ‘Garden City’. Visit the newly opened Suzhou Museum, designed by IM Pei in traditional Chinese garden setting in 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. The boatmen are usually husband and wife duo who are great singers. (B,L)
Day 11 FRENCH CONCESSION & XINTIANDI
This morning, you will 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 to explore Xiangyang Market- the greatest place for bargains. Then be ready to make new friends at Children’s Palace- where you will meet with gifted children and watch them perform traditional arts, music, dance and crafts. You can enjoy yourself in Xintiandi Area for the rest of the time. Featuring a multitude of entertainment, cultural, recreational, commercial and residential facilities in restored “Shikumen” houses, Xintiandi is certainly the appealing destination in Shanghai. This evening, have our farewell dinner at a Bund front restaurant, where you will get a breath-taking panorama of the world’s famous “Shanghaitan”! (B,L,D)
Day 12 SHANGHAI – US
Say Zaijian (Now you should know how to say good-bye in Chinese) to China and your group members. Fly back to your home sweet home. (B)
