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MAGNIFICENT YANGTZE -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.
We will stop at 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 – YANGTZE CRUISE
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 the tour, fly to Yichang, where you will board Yangtze River Cruise- Orient Royal Cruises- the finest ship. Glimpse at the rural life as you travel through Yangtze River Valley. (B,L,D)
Day 8 – Day 10 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 the culture.
Day 11 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 12 LI RIVER CRUISE
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 the colorful market town of Yangshuo in the early afternoon. Hop on a special electric car to explore the countryside. Enjoy the day at your leisure: pamper yourself with a massage or bargain at the market! (B,L)
Day 13 GUILIN- SHANGHAI
Fly to Shanghai this morning. Welcome to Paris of the East!
Start devouring this cosmopolitan city by discovering its old section. Explore the bustling Old Town- an excellent place for souvenirs. Lunch will be served in a fine restaurant- where numerous world leaders and celebrities have dined.
Next, 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 performance of a world-famous acrobat show. (B,L)
Day 14 GARDEN CITY & WATER VILLAGE
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. The boatmen are usually husband and wife duo who are great singers. (B,L)
Day 15 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 exploring 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 16 SHANGHAI – US
Say Zaijian (Now you should know how to say good-bye in Chinese) to China and your group members. Transfer to Pudong International Airport for return flight to your sweet home. (B)