SPLENDID CHINA- 23 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
Visiting 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.
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 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.
You will stop at a neighboring village to visit a cave dwelling home. Chinese people call it 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-SHANGHAI
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, as well as other cultural relics. After the tour, 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. Lunch will be served in a fine restaurant- where numerous world leaders and celebrities have dined. For this evening, enjoy a world famous acrobatic show (B,L)
Day 8 GARDEN CITY & WATER VILLAGE
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 9 SHANGHAI MUSUEM & XINTIANDI
We will visit Shanghai Musuem this morning. It has the best collection of public art in China. Objects exhibited here date back to 8000 years ago. In the afternoon, make new friends at Children’s Palace- where you will meet with gifted children and watch them perform traditional arts, music, dance and crafts. For the balance of the day, explore the most romantic section in Shanghai: Xintiandi. This walking district that features a multitude of fine dining, boutique shopping and cultural activities in historic Stone Gate Houses.
As for tonight, take an escorted walking tour along the mile-long Huangpu River Waterfront passage to appreciate the astonishing collection of colonial buildings dating back to the 30s – under the moonlight. (B,L)
Day 10 SHANGHAI – YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE
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’. Afterward, 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 11 – Day 13 YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE
For the next few days, we will pass the Three Gorges – China’s most beautiful natural wonders. You will first witness 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 14 DAZU GROTTOS – KUNMING
Ship disembarks in Chongqing. Your guide will meet you at the terminal and will escort you through ancient Yangtze River Valley hamlets to Dazu (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the home of grotto art. You can find more than a thousand large and small carvings and statues with Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian influences, as well as China’s largest Sleeping Buddha. They were recently discovered and are virtually intact. After the tour in Dazu, you will fly to Kunming –known as the ‘city of Eternal Spring’.
(B,L)
Day 15 STONE FOREST
Enjoy the legendary ‘Stone Forest.’ Marvel at the enthralling limestone crags, Karsts caves and waterfall. After lunch, we will make a stop in Sani village, of the Yi National Ethnic Minority in Lunan to explore local people’s home and a nearby market. A delicious Yunnan-style Banquet Dinner is waiting for you at night.
Day 16 KUNMING – DALI
Wander around the quaint little alleys and streets in Flower and Bird Market. Then we will go to Western Hill, to appreciate the fantastic view of Dianchi Lake and Golden Temple, a Taoist temple surrounded by pine forest on Phoenix Song Mountain. Later, fly to Dali – the Oriental Geneva.
Day 17 THREE PAGODAS & ERHAI LAKE
The Three Pagodas is known as the official first-stop in Dali, so let’s visit it first. Follow with a boat excursion in Erhai Lake. The Bai have long-established roots in this area. Return back to Old Town Dali to check out the historical monuments hidden in between the narrow streets. We will also visit the markets, the boutique shops and a marble factory. (B,L)
Day 18 ZHOUCHENG – LIJIANG ANCIENT TOWN
Today, we are going to Lijiang with a stop at Zhoucheng Village. Situated at the foot of Cangshan Mountain this prosperous village best represents the Bai’s architecture and culture. Escorted walk inside this old town to explore Bai-style houses and laneways that are paved with flagstone. Old houses are well-preserved and new ones are continuously built in the Bai style. You will find the ornamental gate tower, on which are flying buttresses, carved beams and painted rafters– all important features in Bai architecture.
After arriving at Lijiang in the afternoon, explore Dayan, Lijiang’s Old Town, which is charming with its cobblestone streets, wooden buildings and flowing canals. You will be able to distinguish at least ten different types of Naxi National Ethnic Minority buildings. This evening, you will attend Naxi Nationality Concert, performed with 28 different types of ancient music instruments. (B,L,D)
Day 19 BLACK DRAGON POOL & JADE DRAGON SNOW MOUNTAIN
Many people fall in love with Lijiang after today’s tour. Visit Black Dragon Pool, where you can appreciate from afar the breathtaking view of Dragon Snow Mountains. Continue visiting Jade Dragon Snow Mountains. You will take the chairlift half-way up, followed by a horseback ride to a large meadow. Be greeted by a stunning view of the Snow Mountains and probably by a group of Naxi women. We will also meet with a Dongba Shaman – hoping to be inspired by the most wise man in Naxi tribe. (B,L)
Day 20 LIJIANG – GUILIN
Say goodbye to splendid Yunnan and head toward magnificent Guilin. Guilin is claimed to be one of the most beautiful places on earth. 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 21 GUILIN – 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. 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! Later, fly to the city that doesn’t sleep: Hong Kong. (B,L)
Day 22 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.
Day 23 HONG KONG – US
Say Zaijian (Now you should know how to say good-bye in Chinese) to China and Hong Kong. Fly back to your sweet home.