Upon arrival at 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)
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.
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.
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 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. Make sure to get some rest and relaxation and prepare for the next day’s adventure. Empark Grand Hotel (5 stars)
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!
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 of 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)
Guilin is said to be "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.
This morning, you will travel by a deluxe motor coach to the Reed Flute Cave, Lu Di Yan, another scenic spot in Guilin. Pay attention to the music the vendors make 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. Thereafter, you will visit the Solitary Beauty Peak. The climb up to the peak is brief and the view from the very top gives you a panoramic view of the great splendor of Guilin. A flight to Hong Kong awaits you as the day comes to a magical end. Hyatt Regency Sha Tin Hotel (5 stars)
Today starts with a half-day tour of the dynamic cityscape of Hong Kong Island which sits on the southern coast of China. You will then be driven up by deluxe motor coach to the summit of Victoria Peak where you will revel in the stunning landscapes and architecture of Hong Kong. The tour will end with your local guide escorting you to several sightseeing destinations including the quaint footpaths of the Stanley Market, fashionable Repulse Bay, and the Historic Fishing Village at Aberdeen. The remainder of the day is for you to venture off on your own. Indulge on some of the best and authentic Dim Sum in this city or perhaps hail a taxi and head over to the waterfront and view a magnificent light show titled “A Symphony of Lights” which is staged daily at 8pm. The evening spectacle comprises of 44 prime buildings along the harbor of Hong Kong and Kowloon. Experience the vibrant energy and diversity of Hong Kong and watch how the narration of the musical effects plays according to each strike of laser beam sweeping across the night sky.
Disclosure: “Symphony of Lights” is best viewed during clear weather
The entire day is free for exploring, shopping or simply experiencing Hong Kong on your own. There is also an option to take an approximate hour ride on the Turbo Jet ferry to Hong Kong’s neighbor and highest densely populated region in the world, Macau. Historically, Macau became the last of the Portuguese colonies since the signing between China and Portugal in December 1999. Over the years and up until today, tourists have been Macau’s primary driving force for its booming economy. Tour the city that gives you somewhat of an atmospheric experience similar to Europe or even test your luck at some of the casinos of Macau.
ENJOY! You will have a full day tour beginning with a visit to the Bund, which stretches a mile long at the bank of Huangpu River. The Shanghai Bund consists of 52 buildings with amazing architecture as well as several other historical buildings surrounding the area. After a special Mongolian BBQ Lunch, tour the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and the Shanghai Municipal History Wax Museum. Lastly, shop the emporium-lined Nanjing Road. After dinner, attend the famous and memorable Shanghai Acrobatic Show. The talented pool of performers will captivate you with their mind-blowing abilities.
In one of the most comprehensive 15-day tours offered to the Orient, this tour visits six diverse cities scattered throughout China. In addition to visiting perennial favorites on the Chinese mainland, this tour includes time in the alluring metropolis of Hong Kong, where travelers can enjoy sights, sounds, and experiences found nowhere else. Each of the cities on this tour have importance to a true understanding of China: the vast history of cities such as Beijing and Xi'an are complemented by the natural beauty of Guilin , which iis supplemented by the bustling modernity of Hong Kong and Shanghai. This will be an experience to be remembered always, and a perfect introduction to the many complexities of modern China.
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Tour Fare Includes:
* Air China round trip from SFO or JFK, China domestic flights and transportation between cities.
* Luxury and first class 4 or 5 star hotel accommodation .
* Comprehensive tours including entrance fees.
* American buffet breakfast, Chinese lunch and dinner daily except one free days (American breakfast only) in Hong Kong and Shanghai.
* Delicious culinary events: Peking Duck dinner, Guilin Tea Banquet, Xian Dumpling Banquet and Shanghai Mongolian
Barbecue buffet lunch.
* Special evening shows includes: Tang Dynasty Music & Dance Show plus a breathtaking Shanghai Acrobatic Show.
* Memorable experience of maglev train ride in Shanghai for SFO departures only.
* Professional tour manager from Beijing to Guilin for a group of 10 participants or more.
* Professional local guide service in each city.
* Baggage handling service throughout trip.
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT up to $400 per person off listing price. View Tour Dates & Prices for more detail.
Cityscape, Hong Kong
