Life Experience 2010 (LE10) - 12 Day Tour

1. Day 1 - Depart SFO/JFK to Beijing

   Meals: In-Flight (IM)
   An exciting adventure awaits you as you embark on a non-stop flight to Beijing via Air China. En route, cross the International Dateline and lose one day.
   
   Flight detail: 12-hour non-stop flight from SFO to Beijing/ 13 ½ hour non-stop flight from JFK to Beijing. Please click on the following link for details on Air China’s Flight Schedule.

2. Day 2 - Arrive Beijing

   Meals: In-Flight (IM)
   Upon arrival Terminal 3, the second largest terminal building in the world, Beijing Capital International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide(s) and transferred to the hotel in the evening. Observe and revel at the amazing city lights and make sure to be well rested for tomorrow, which is your official first day of exploring Beijing and all of its beauty. Chang An Grand Hotel (5 stars)

3. Day 3 - Beijing

   Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Special Dinner (SD)
   The first day of your journey begins with a wake-up call arranged by the tour guide. Enjoy an American breakfast 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 - Tian’anmen 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). Thereafter, you will 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.
   
   

4. Day 4 - Beijing

   Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D)
   Today you will begin the morning by setting out to 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 borders 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. After lunch, you will tour the exterior portion of the Beijing National Stadium, also familiar to the world as the Bird’s Nest and the home to the 2008 Olympics. The stadium designed by an architecture firm in Switzerland implemented the world’s largest structure built out of steel. 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.
   

5. Day 5 - Beijing to Xi'an

   Meals: Breakfast (B), In-Flight (IM), Dinner (D)
   Another spectacular day is here! Today you will visit the Temple of Heaven where the Chinese Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties would go to pray for bountiful harvests. It was a critical task for all emperors to perform rituals and tasks in order for his empire to reap successful harvests and good fortune. 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. A plane will then whisk you away to your next destination Xi’an, which was the ancient capital for 11 dynasties and east end of the Silk Road. It was the worlds 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. Make sure to get some rest and relaxation and prepare for the next day’s adventure. Empark Grand Hotel (5 stars)

6. Day 6 - Xi'an

   Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Special Dinner (SD)
   Today you will be given ample time to tour the exhibit of the historical Terracotta Warriors belonging to the era when the infamous Emperor Qin Shihuang had 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 lead 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 see not only the existing warriors and horses but also can be lucky to witness some of the greatest new discoveries while the archeologists are digging the vaults in front of you. 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!
   
   

7. Day 7 - Xi'an to Guilin

   Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), In-Flight (IM)
   Today your day will start with a spectacular city tour of Xi’an ancient City Wall. The City Wall is one of the oldest walls in 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 airport and there will be a flight scheduled to take you to Guilin. Be prepared for a city recognized for its stunning landscapes and captivating lifestyles of the people who call this enchanting place “home.” Tourists will regret for missing to be soaked with Guilin's most amazing beauty if their China vacation just only left a wonderful memories of thousands-year historic Great Wall in Beijing and Terracotta Warriors and Horses in Xian. Guilin is a must see!  Guilin Plaza Hotel (4 stars)

8. Day 8 - Guilin to Yangshuo

   Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D)
   Guilin is said as "the best scenery under heaven" for its unique karst limestone creating the picturesque beauty. 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 cruise passing through the scenic landscapes of Yangshuo which allows you to witness the unique Elephant Trunk Hill and the exact location of where the image of the $20 Yuan note was photographed along the Li River. 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 for you 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 your bargaining skills and have fun! There is also an 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. New West Street International Hotel (5 stars)
   
   Disclosure: The “Liu Sa Jie” evening show choreographed by Zhang Yimou will be unavailable if weather does not permit.
   
   

9. Day 9 - Yangshuo to Guilin to Shanghai

   Meals: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), In-Flight (IM)
   A deluxe motor coach will take you to Guilin . Enjoy more of the city's beautiful parks and lakes. You will visit the Reed Flute Caves and Solitary Beauty Peak which is located at the center of Guilin. The climb up the 306 stone steps to the top of the peak is brief and gives you a panoramic view of the great splendor of Guilin. Thereafter, an arranged flight will whisk you away to Shanghai. Regal East Asia Hotel (4 Stars)

10. Day 10 - Shanghai

    Meals: Breakfast (B), Special Lunch (SL), Dinner (D)

    After breakfast, tour the Bund, Oriental Pearl TV Tower plus the Shanghai Municipal History (Wax) Museum. Enjoy a special Mongolian BBQ Lunch. Then after dinner, attend the famous and memorable Shanghai Acrobatic Show. The talented pool of performers will captivate you with their mind-blowing craft.

11. Day 11 - Free Day in Shanghai

    Meals: Breakfast (B)
    Today is a free day to explore the vibrant culture and lifestyle of Shanghai. Relax and indulge yourself by shopping at the stores along the Nanjing Road. Have a great time and enjoy the splendors of this magnificent city. It is also recommended to take a spectacular tour of the World Expo in Shanghai. Expo 2010 Shanghai China will center on innovation and interaction. Innovation is the soul, while cultural interaction is an important mission of the World Expositions. In the new era, Expo 2010 Shanghai China will contribute to human-centered development, scientific and technological innovation, cultural diversity and win-win cooperation for a better future, thus composing a melody with the key notes of highlighting innovation and interaction in the new century. About 192 nations and international organizations will take part in the exhibition as well as 70 million visitors from home and abroad.You will never forget the experience of attending this largest  World Expo in history!

    
    Optional Tour During Your Free Day in Shanghai Between May 1 - October 31, 2010
    We offer an optional tour that includes private bus, entrance fee to the World Expo, a Huangpu River Cruise in the evening, which is splendid when the lights are on the Bund (Old Shanghai) & the new developed Pudong District. Dinner will be included, but lunch will be on your own inside the World Expo.
    
    $95/person for 6 or more participants.   $150/person for participants between 2-5 people. 
    * Payments must be in USD cash and to be paid for to your national or local guide while in China.

12. Day 12 - Farewell to China - Shanghai to SFO/JFK

    Meals: Breakfast (B), In-Flight (IM)
    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  Maglev train at the max speed of 287 mph (available only for SFO departures). Air China will take you home the same day.
    
    Flight detail: 16-hour flight of Air China
    to SFO with a stopover in  Beijing,
    171/2 hours to JFK with a
    stopover in Beijing. Your luggage will be automatically transferred from
    Beijing to SFO/JFK (depending on your final destination). Click
    on the following link for details on Air China’s Flight
    Schedule.