Three Gorges Expedition 2012 (YR12) - 14 Day

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 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.

Tiananmen Square	Summer Palace	Forbidden City

Day 5 - Beijing to Xian

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Visit the Temple of Heaven, built during 1406 to 1420, it was used by Chinese Emperors of Ming and Qing dynasties to pray for bountiful harvests. The Temple of Heaven is a complex of Taoist buildings with some of the most exquisite architectures in Beijing. Capture the detailed essence of all the rich colors blended together on the hand painted tiles and roofing of the structures. This remarkable construction is pledged highest level of Chinese traditional architecture. Today, it has become a popular leisure activity center for the local elders. You will likely bypass people engaged in exercise, tai chi, martial arts, and Chinese opera, as you make your way from the tour bus to the main buildings.  After lunch, 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. A plane will then whisk you away to your next destination of Xian, which 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 also considered a favorite to tourists for experiencing and understanding of this amazing city with its glorious past and splendid progress of today.

Temple of Heaven	Ribbon Dance in Temple of Heaven Park	The Historic Hutong

Day 7 - Xian to Chengdu

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, you will take a brief flight to Chengdu, the city located in the agriculture province of Sichuan. What would a trip to China be without a visit to see those adorable pandas? Upon arrival, tour the Panda Research Institute and Breeding Center to 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.

Panda Breeding Center	Panda Research Institute	Panda Feeding

Day 9 -

Meals:

Day 11 - Yichang to Shanghai

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, 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. Board the ship to sail through Xiling Gorge (the longest at 41 miles). Disembark in Yichang and fly to Shanghai.

Three Gorges Dam	Xiling Gorge	Shanghai Aerial View

Day 13 - Shanghai

Meals: Breakfast

Today is a free day to explore the vibrant culture and lifestyle of Shanghai. Indulge yourself by shopping at the stores along Nanjing Road, which is the main shopping street of Shanghai and one of the world's busiest shopping streets. If you're interested in more sightseeing, then visit the Jade Buddha Temple. It is still an active temple with 70 resident monks who live and work there. Another option is the Yuyuan Garden & Bazaar, which is believed to have been built in the Ming Dynasty over 400 years ago.  One of the highlights is the Exquisite Jade Rock that resembles the appearance of jade with its translucent nature and numerous holes caused by water erosion. If you're just looking for a relaxing time, stop by the famous Old Jazz Bar at Peace Hotel. It's open daily from 8pm to 2am where you can enjoy jazz music dating back to the 30's and 40's and experience specially prepared cocktails and Irish or Italian coffee. The local guide will be available to give you directions and advice if you cannot decide what to do. Whatever you choose, you will enjoy the splendors of this magnificent city!

Yu Garden	Old French Concession	Shanghai Museum