China Highlights 2012 (TC12) - 17 Day
- Day 1 - Depart SFO/JFK to Beijing
- Day 2 - Arrive Beijing
- Day 3 - Beijing
- Day 4 - Beijing
- Day 5 - Beijing to Wuhan
- Day 6 - Wuhan to Yichang
- Day 7 - Yangtze River
- Day 8 - Yangtze River
- Day 9 - Yangtze River
- Day 10 - Chongqing to Dazu to Chengdu
- Day 11 - Chengdu to Xian
- Day 12 - Xian
- Day 13 - Xian to Guilin
- Day 14 - Guilin to Yangshuo
- Day 15 - Yangshuo to Guilin to Shanghai
- Day 16 - Shanghai
- Day 17 - Shanghai to SFO/JFK
Day 1 - Depart SFO/JFK to Beijing
Meals: In-Flight Meal
Embark on a memorable journey when you board Air China's non-stop flight to Beijing. En route, cross the International Dateline and lose one day.
Flight Detail: SFO to Beijing is 12 hours non-stop. JFK to Beijing is 13.5 hours non-stop. Air China's Flight Schedule
Day 2 - Arrive Beijing
Meals: In-Flight Meal
Arriving at Beijing Capital International Airport Terminal 3 at 5:55 pm local time. You will be greeted by our experienced tour guide(s) outside the customs and they will transfer you to Sheraton Hotel, one of the newest and best hotels available in Beijing. On the way to the hotel, your guide(s) will briefly introduce themselves to you and provide you with some important information regarding your trip.
Day 3 - Beijing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Special Dinner
The first day of your journey begins with a wake-up call arranged by the tour guide. Enjoy a delectable American breakfast buffet before starting your day. A deluxe motor coach and your devoted tour guide(s) are ready for your memorable trip. Your first peek into the capital city of Beijing begins with a tour to the world's largest and renowned public square where many historical events once took place - Tiananmen Square. Around the vast square, you can see The Great Hall of People, holding the congress of the Communist Party and National People's Congress, History Museum, Military Museum and Monuments to the People's heroes. When available, you can visit Mao's Mausoleum, where his body is in a crystal coffin. Under the famous Mao's portrait, which is positioned at the center of "The Gate of Heavenly Peace" entrance, you will walk into the Forbidden City (also known as Imperial Palace), which holds 9,999 rooms. Experience the intricate architecture and exquisitely designed layout of these grand buildings once housed by Chinese Emperors who ruled during the period of the Qing and Ming Dynasties for almost 500 years (1420-1911). After lunch, you will visit a pearl factory before you partake in a tranquil visit to the picturesque landscape of the Summer Palace with historic temples, numerous pavilions, marble boat and famous 728-yard Long Corridor, situated on the man-made Kunming Lake. You will then wrap up the evening with a delicious Peking Duck Dinner at one of the most prestigious restaurants in Beijing recognized for its specialty.
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| Tiananmen Square | Summer Palace | Forbidden City |
Day 4 - Beijing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you will begin the morning by setting out to the Sacred Way of the Ming Tomb. Located in the mountains according to Feng Shui principles, this imperial mausoleum is a site not to be missed. Tour the exterior portion of the tombs that include the "Spirit Way," a seven kilometer road lined with statues of mythical animals and officials to guard the 13 emperors buried in this necropolis. You will visit a jade factory on the way.
After lunch, you will travel to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China, also considered as one of the greatest wonders of the world. This massive wall stretches well over 4,000 miles and once was used as the soldiers' safeguard to protect the Chinese empire's northern boarders against invaders. You then have the opportunity to climb up the mammoth sized wall at your own pace. Be sure to take in the experience and enjoy the breath-taking view from the top of one of the greatest achievements of civilization. Later, you will capture the lifestyles of families residing within the Historic Hutong by rickshaw. The amazing gray brick courtyard residence is Beijing's oldest and remains infused with timeless culture and history. In the mid-1990's, most of the original Hutongs vanished rapidly and was substituted by high-rise buildings and commercial offices.
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| The Ming Tombs | The Great Wall | Historic Hutong |
Day 5 - Beijing to Wuhan
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today's schedule will be fairly relaxed, you will fly to Wuhan at noon, the flight will be approximately 2 hours. Upon arrival, you will take a city tour of Wuhan.
Day 6 - Wuhan to Yichang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - Yangtze River
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Special Dinner
In the morning, depart from Yichang and set sail into Xiling Gorge (the longest at 41 miles). Then take a land excursion to the Three Gorges Dam Site. It is the world's largest dam, 1.7 miles long and 220 feet high, and the largest electricity-generating plant of any kind. The dam body was completed in 2006. All of the originally planned components of the project were completed on October 30, 2008. The project produces hydroelectricity, increases the river's navigation capacity, and reduces the potential for floods downstream by providing flood storage space. From completion until September 2009, the dam has generated 348.4 TWh of electricity, covering more than one third of its project cost. There were over 1.2 million people who immigrated to other parts of the country in order to complete the project. In the afternoon, sail through the five-step ship lock. There will be a Captain's Welcoming Dinner and evening entertainment.
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| Xiling Gorge | Three Gorges Dam | Captain's Welcome |
Day 8 - Yangtze River
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, sail through Wu Gorge, which is 25 miles long and well known for its 12 forest-covered peaks and quiet beauty with ever-changing scenery. In the afternoon, experience a once in a lifetime adventure when you transfer to a small riverboat and cruise up the Lesser Three Gorges. Then sail through Qutang Gorge, the shortest (5 miles), narrowest (500 feet) and most dramatic one.
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| Wu Gorge | Lesser Three Gorges |
Qutang Gorge |
Day 9 - Yangtze River
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Special Dinner
After practicing Tai Chi on the sundeck, take a land excursion to Shibaozhai, one of the gems of Chinese architecture along the Yangtze River. The 720-foot hill on the north bank can appear to resemble a jade seal. It is said that the hill was created by the goddess Nuwo while redecorating the sky. Atop the hill sits a temple built during the reign of Emperor Qianlong. In 1956, three more stories were added to this historic temple. Eventually, the rising water levels will surround the temple, which is preserved with a tiny dam, but left on an island. This magnificent pagoda, which no nails were used to build it, is appropriately named "The Pearl of the Yangtze". After the land excursion, there are various cultural programs you may attend on the ship. A Farewell Dinner is planned for the night.
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| Shibaozhai | Shibaozhai Pagoda | Farewell Party |
Day 10 - Chongqing to Dazu to Chengdu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, disembark in Chongqing, the world's largest city by population of about 30 million and the largest by area of 32,000 Square miles, the picturesque "Mountain City," previously known as China's wartime capital during the Second World War. Travel by deluxe motor coach to Dazu. After lunch, tour the Dazu Rock Carvings, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 50,000 sculptures and carvings are influenced by Buddhist, Confucian and Taoist beliefs. Then travel by deluxe motor coach to Chengdu.
Deluxe Motor Coach Details: Approximate drive time to Dazu is 3 hours. From Dazu to Chengdu is also approximately 3 hours.
Day 11 - Chengdu to Xian
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
What would a trip to China be without a visit to see those adorable pandas? Tour the Panda Research Institute and Breeding Center (there are 102 pandas currently) and watch these lovable and charismatic creatures live their lives. You will get a glimpse of the pandas during feeding hours and see them indulge in their favorite past time- sleeping. People have the opportunity to take pictures sitting with the pandas or even holding the baby pandas at additional cost. You will keep these pictures as life-long memories. Then you will be transferred to the airport and take a flight scheduled for Xi'an. Xi'an was the ancient capital for 11 dynasties and east end of the Silk Road. It was the world's most open and prosperous ancient international metropolitan with a population of over a million before Beijing became the political and economic center of China. It has been considered also a favorite to tourists for experiencing and understanding of this amazing city with its glorious past and splendid progress of today.
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| Panda Breeding Center | Panda Research Institute | Panda Feeding |
Day 12 - Xian
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Special Dinner
Today you will be given ample time to tour the exhibit of the historical Terracotta Warriors belonging to the era when the infamous Emperor Qing Shihuang reigned. It was in 1974 when a farmer who was merely digging for water came across one of the biggest discoveries of the world which led to the massive excavation of an army of over 7,000 life-size Terracotta Warriors and horses molded by clay. Explore the vast sea of clay warriors in all three vaults. For the next 5 years, visitors will not only see the existing warriors and horses but might get lucky to witness some of the greatest new discoveries while the archeologists are digging the vaults in front of you. You will visit an art ceramics factory on the way to the Terracotta Warriors. Thereafter, you will visit the well-preserved emblem of Xi'an, the Wild Goose Pagoda. The towering 211.6 feet high structure completely made of bricks originated during the Tang Dynasty when Emperor Gaozong once reigned. The day will conclude with a tasteful and creatively prepared Dumpling Feast followed by an exquisite traditional Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy!
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| Terracotta Warriors | Wild Goose Pagoda | Tang Dynasty Show |
Day 13 - Xian to Guilin
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, your day will start with a spectacular city tour of Xi'an's Ancient City Wall. The City Wall is one of the oldest walls of any other city in China and was established during the reign of the first emperor who ruled during the birth of the Qing Dynasty. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the airport and there will be a flight scheduled to take you to Guilin. Be prepared for a city recognized for its stunning landscape and captivating lifestyles of the people who call this enchanting place "home." Tourist will regret missing the chance to soak in Guilin's amazing beauty. Guilin is a must see!
Flight Detail: Flight from Xi'an to Guilin is approximately 2 hours.
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| Ancient City Wall | Xian Bell Tower | Guilin Nightview |
Day 14 - Guilin to Yangshuo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Guilin is said to be "the best scenery under heaven" for its unique limestone karsts creating the picturesque of the location. This city of surreal beauty is prevalent of aromatic Osmanthus trees and is famous for its hills along the Li River. You will embark on a memorable 3-hour Li River Cruise passing through the scenic landscape of Yangshuo. As the whimsical cruise docks, you will then hop on a trolley that will transport you to your hotel. Take a glimpse of the lush agriculture that surrounds you. The remainder of the day is free to explore on your own. If you are willing and ready to exit the door of your hotel, you will find yourself immersed in a market full of vendors anxiously waiting for you from all directions. Test you bargaining skills and have fun! There is also the option to rent a bicycle or a tuk-tuk to go around the countryside and get an up close and personal look at the hills of Yangshuo and the life of the Chinese residing in this city. Depending on the weather conditions, you will have the choice to partake in an evening show directed by the famous Zhang Yimou who designed the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
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| Li River | Yangshuo Countryside | Impression Show |
Day 15 - Yangshuo to Guilin to Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast, Special Lunch, Dinner
A deluxe motor coach will take you to Guilin. Enjoy a visit to the Reed Flute Cave. Pay attention to the music the vendors are making as they blow their flutes constructed from the actual reeds that grow outside the cave. Enjoy the radiating lights that illuminate the natural rock formation and stone pillars along the zigzag pathway within the cave. A Special Tea Banquet will be arranged for you. After lunch, you will take a brief tour of the famous Guilin Tea Research Institute. It was once the royal tea garden for the Ming Dynasty known for its high quality and health benefits. You will witness a demonstration of traditional tea manufacturing techniques done by hand. This evening, a flight to Shanghai awaits you as the day comes to a magical end.
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| Reed Flute Cave | Tea Banquet | Tea Farm |
Day 16 - Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
You will first begin the day with a visit to the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai Municipal History Wax Museum. After lunch, you will take a walking tour along the world renowned Shanghai Bund. This landmark known for its district neo-classic architecture of 52 European style buildings not only lined the Huangpu River but once upon a time housed the most influential financial institutions including national banks that were considered part of the "Big Four." Your walking tour will then end in the old town of Shanghai, the most ancient area of the city, still maintaining it's circular shape as it did centuries ago. You will have some time to explore this area on your own. At the old town of Shanghai, you would find the City God Temple, and the famous Yu Garden (Yuyuan). After attending a mesmerizing Shanghai Acrobatic Show. You will visit a Silk Museum today.
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| The Bund | Oriental Pearl TV Tower | Acrobatic Show |
Day 17 - Shanghai to SFO/JFK
Meals: Breakfast, In-Flight Meal
We hope you enjoyed your time in China and will be leaving this country with endless amounts of stories, memories, and captivating pictures of the entire journey. You will be transferred to the airport and experience the Maglev train at the max speed of 287 mph (only available for SFO departures). Air China will take you home on the same day.
Flight Detail: 16-hour flight of Air China to SFO with stopover in Beijing. 17.5 hours to JFK with a stopover in Beijing. Your luggage will be checked through all the way from Shanghai to USA. You will arrive USA on the same day. Air China Flight Schedule
