This trip features all the highlights of China: the splendor of Imperial Beijing, the astonishing Terra-cotta Warriors in Xian, the sophistication of cosmopolitan Shanghai, the delicate beauty of Suzhou and breathtaking scenery of Guilin. With our expertise, we seek to show our guests aspects of the country and its main destinations that are beyond the reach of more conventional tours. In Beijing we tour the hutongs by rickshaw for a glimpse of domestic life in the courtyards and the quiet lanes. In Guilin, we take time to admire the serene beauty of the region around Gaotian Township from Yangshuo.

Itinerary

Day 1 Home / Beijing
Relax on your transpacific flight to Beijing.
Day 2 Beijing
Welcome to Beijing, capital of the People's Republic of China. Upon arrival, you are met by your guide and transferred to the deluxe Tianlun Dynasty Hotel for four nights stay.

Day 3 Beijing
Today we have a full day excursion to the magnificent Great Wall, the only man-made object visible from moon by naked eyes. After a very traditional northern Chinese style lunch served at local restaurant, we return the city via the valley of Ming Tombs. This evening, you are invited to a Peking Duck banquet. (B, L, D)

Day 4 Beijing
After breakfast, you are off to see the sights, including the vast Tian An Men Square, and Ming treasures adorning the imperial palace in the once Forbidden City. In the afternoon, more Ming extravagances are evident as you tour the exquisite architecture and vivid embellishment of the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace. We end the day with the pleasure of an evening cultural performance of Beijing Opera. (B, L, D)

Day 5 Beijing
In the morning, we take rickshaws for a fascinating tour of Beijing’s Hutongs-old narrow lanes lined with ancient courtyard houses, giving us a glimpse into the daily life of Beijing residents. En route, we climb to the top of Drum Tower, used to report time in Ancient China, for a panoramic view of old Beijing. After lunch at the imperial Fangshan Restaurant inside the Beihai Park, you are free to explore the city this afternoon. (B, L)

Day 6 Beijing/Xian
We fly to Xian, a former grand capital of 11 Chinese dynasties, renowned for its wealth of antiquities. A city tour takes us to the 700 years old City Walls and the Shaanxi Provincial Museum, one of the best history museums in the nation. We stay at Shangri-la Golden Flower Hotel for two nights. (B, L)

Day 7 Xian
We have an excursion to the world renowned Terra-cotta Warriors, guarding the tomb of the first emperor of Qin Dynasty for over 2000 years. We also visit the Huaqin Hot Springs and Banpo Neolithic Museum. Back in the city, we visit the Grand Mosque and its nearby Muslim living quarters. In the evening, we enjoy a fabulous Tang Dynasty Dance and Music performance. (B, L, Dinner show).

Day 8 Xian/Shanghai
Our flight takes us from this ancient capital to the most modern city in China –Shanghai. Arrival transfer to the deluxe JC Mandarin Hotel located in the heart of the city. This afternoon is free at your leisure. (B, L)

Day 9 Shanghai
Shanghai is China’s most populous city with 12 million inhabitants, and it is the nation's industrial center and a busy port. There is the chance to stroll on the Bund overlooking the Huangpu River with its backdrop of early 20th century buildings, to visit the former concession areas and narrow streets of the Old Town. Also of interest are the Jade Buddha Temple, Yu Garden and Shanghai Museum of Arts. Shanghai style dim-sum lunch will be served in the elegant Lubolang Restaurant. In the evening, enjoy the performance of the city's famous Acrobatics Show. (B, L, D)

Day 10 Day trip to Suzhou
A short enjoyable train ride takes us to Suzhou that the Chinese describe as " a paradise on earth". Take a scenic riverside walk from Surging Water Pavilion to the Garden of Master of the Nets and enjoy the scenery of traditional houses and small bridges often compared to the canal landscape of Venice. On our way, see Twin Pagodas and Winding Garden for an example of the typical study-style architecture of the late Qing dynasty gardens. Before catching our train back to Shanghai, we also visit the delightful Lingering Garden and the Silk Research Institute. (B, L)

Day 11 Shanghai/Guilin
This morning we fly to Guilin, one of China's most beautiful cities that bring to life the classical scenery celebrated in Chinese paintings. Transfer to the Royal Garden Hotel by the Li River for two nights stay. In the afternoon, we visit the underground cavern of the Reed Flute Cave and the Fubo Hills. (B, L, D)

Day 12 Guilin
Today, we take a leisurely cruise along the Li River, which winds its way through the pointed, craggy hills, rice paddies, limestone rock formations and be charmed by the romantic effects of mist and cloud. After lunch on boat, we disembark at the small town of Yangshuo. We spend some time browsing Yangshuo's antique and craft stalls before visiting the stunning Gaotian township and its famous Banyan tree. Drive back to Guilin in the late afternoon. (B, L)

Day 13 Guilin/Hong Kong
Enjoy some free time in the morning. In the early afternoon, we embark on a unique excursion to Yaoshan for a chair-lifted ride and some magnificent views over the undulating hills around Guilin. After dinner, we board our evening flight to Hong Kong, where we are transferred to the New World Renaissance Hotel for two nights stay. (B, D)

Day 14 Hong Kong
We spend today enjoying this vibrant city's many sights and experiences. A half-day guided orientation tour will take us atop Victoria Peak for a 360-degree view of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the surrounding harbors and outer islands. Then a scenic drive takes us past Repulse Bay to the colorful floating community of Aberdeen, and vibrant Stanley Market, a favorite bargain shopping area. You are free to explore the other aspects of the city for the remainder of the day. (B)

Day 15 Hong Kong/Home
Transfer to airport for your homeward flight. Arrive home the same day. (B)

Prices:

Land package price includes:

Deluxe hotel accommodation (double occupancy) with daily American breakfast

Domestic airfare and train fare

Round trip transfers in each city except in Hong Kong where shuttle bus transfers are arranged

Comprehensive guided tours, visits and excursions in a private vehicle with your English-speaking guide. In Hong Kong, seat-in-coach tour will be arranged

Admission and entrance fees

Lunch and dinner indicated by symbols L, D

Evening cultural performances

Applicable hotel taxes and domestic airport tax.

Not included in the package price:

Trans-pacific airfare.

China Visa fee

International departure tax in Guilin (about US$11)

Other costs not stated as included

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