ITINERARY
Days 1-2
Your journey
takes you over Canada, Alaska, parts of eastern Russia
and Japan. You'll lose a day crossing the International
Date Line.
You arrive at Beijing's Capital Airport in the afternoon. You'll be met and taken to your hotel.
Presidential Plaza
Day 3 BEIJING
After a hearty breakfast (all breakfasts are buffet style with Western and Chinese menu choices), enjoy a tour of the Chinese capital, starting with Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, the city’s two most important sites. Tiananmen means the Gate of Heavenly Peace and the square in front is the largest in the world. Chairman Mao still dominates the square 34 years after his death, with his giant portrait at the north end and his mausoleum at the south. Behind imposing red walls is the Forbidden City, a vast collection of buildings reputed to comprise 9,999 rooms. It was home to emperors of both the Ming and Qing dynasties — a span of more than 500 years. Afternoon enjoy a ride through one of Beijing’s old residential sections called hutongs, which are fast disappearing as the city modernizes. Remainder of day at leisure. Tonight enjoy Peking Duck, a local specialty.
Presidential Plaza B L D
Day 4 BEIJING
Today you’ll go to the Great Wall, China’s best-known heritage site. The wall extends thousands of kilometers across northern China and is actually a collection of walls built over two millennia. The section of wall you’ll be visiting rises and falls along the ridges of the Yin and Yan Mountains at Mutianyu, a two-hour coach ride north of the city. After lunch, you’ll go to the Summer Palace, once a favorite haunt of the Empress Dowager Cixi, de facto ruler of China until her death in 1908. Tonight enjoy a performance of traditional Chinese opera. The tales are drawn from China’s rich history and include myths and age-old traditions.
Presidential Plaza B L D
Day 5 BEIJING/XIAN
In the morning visit the beautifully symmetrical Temple of Heaven. It was here emperors would troop in splendid procession each year to render homage to Heaven and pray for a good harvest, communing with Heaven from a stone altar. The temple’s exquisite blue glazed dome is a defining symbol of the capital. Afternoon fly to Xian, capital of Shaanxi Province and one of China’s most storied cities. Stop at the City Wall, one of the most complete and best preserved in China.
Howard Johnson Ginwa Plaza B L D
Day 6 XIAN
Today you'll visit the amazing display of terracotta figures guarding the vast tomb of China's first emperor. This extraordinary treasure was discovered 34 years ago by some farmers digging a well, although its existence had been rumored for centuries in legends. You will also go to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda built in the 8th century to house Buddhist scriptures brought from India. In the evening dine on dumplings, a local specialty, and attend a glittering performance of song and dance from the Tang Dynasty, 1300 years ago, when Xian, then called Chang’an, was capital of China and one of the grandest cities in the world.
Howard Johnson Ginwa Plaza B L D
Day 7 XIAN/HANGZHOU
After a leisurely morning, fly to Hangzhou, capital of prosperous Zhejiang Province and once, during the Southern Song Dynasty, capital of China. Marco Polo spent some time in the city which he described as "great and nobel." According to an old Chinese saying, there's Heaven above and Suzhou and Hangzhou beneath.
Holiday Inn Hangzhou BD
Day 8 HANGZHOU
Hangzhou is famous for its beautiful West Lake, subject of countless poems and paintings over China's long history. You'll have a ride on the lake to best take in the wonderful scenery. Then you'll go to Linyin Temple, one of China's oldest and most revered Buddhist temples. A stop at a tea plantation is also included in the day's activities. Zhejiang is renowned for its teas.
Holiday Inn Hangzhou B L
Day 9 HANGZHOU/SUZHOU
Today you'll travel by coach to nearby Suzhou, stopping en route at Wuzhen, one of the best preserved water towns in this region.
Garden View Hotel B L D
Day 10 SUZHOU/SHANGHAI
Today have a tour of Suzhou, visiting World Heritage gardens, canals and the Grand Canal, which once ran from Hangzhou to Beijing and is one of ancient China's greatest building accomplishments on par with the Great Wall. You'll also visit a silk factory. Late afternoon you'll travel by coach to Shanghai. Tonight, attend a performance of Shanghai's renowned acrobats.
Grand Mercure Hongqiao Hotel B L D
Day 11 SHANGHAI
Enjoy a tour of China’s most populous city and commercial hub. You’ll go to the modern Shanghai Museum, one of the best in China, stroll on the waterfront Bund, where Western traders set up shop in the 19th and 20th centuries, and visit beautiful Yu Garden, a fine example of private garden dating back 400 years. A camellia found there was said to have been planted by the original owner.
Grand Mercure Hongqiao Hotel B L D
Day 12 GUILIN
Enjoy a leisurely morning before flying to Guilin in south China's picturesque Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The city is famed for is beautiful geological formations. Stop at Reed Flute Cave en route to hotel. Tonight, dine on your own.
Lijiang Waterfall Hotel B L
Day 13 GUILIN/YANGSHUO
Today revel in a half-day cruise on the Li River downstream to Yangshuo. The scenery here is quintessential China. The conical hills. lush foliage and soft flowing waters have inspired poets and artists for ages past. Lunch will be served aboard the river cruiser. The trip ends at Yangshuo, a lively port which in recent years has become very popular with western travelers. We spend a night here so you may attend the brilliant water and light show, Impressions of Lijiang, directed by Zhang Yimou who directed the opening and closing Olympic ceremonies in Beijing. The show is optional as it is performed only when weather permits.
Yangshuo Regency Holiday Hotel B L
Day 14 GUILIN/HONG KONG
Enjoy a leisurely morning; afternoon fly to Hong Kong, the bustling, booming former British colony that is now a special administrative area of China.
Harbour Plaza Hotel B
Day 15 HONG KONG
Half day tour to Victoria Peak, Aberdeen and Stanley; rest of day at leisure.
Harbour Plaza Hotel B
Day 16 HONG KONG/HOME
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home OR extend your stay with added days in Hong Kong or a trip to Indochina.
