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.
Day 2 - Arrive Beijing (IM)
Day 2 - Arrive Beijing
Meals: In-Flight(IM)
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)
Day 3 - Beijing (B, L, SD)
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.
Day 4 - Beijing (B, L, D)
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 Hutongs 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.
Day 5 - Beijing to Xi'an (B,)
Day 5 - Beijing to Xi'an
Meals: Breakfast(B)
Another spectacular day is here! This morning 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. This afternoon you will have your free exploration of the city at your own pace, view the people"s daily life with your own eyes, make fun of shopping by yourself in the streets, choose the food you like most and enjoy this spectacular opportunity of people to people experience. Empark Grand Hotel (5-star)
Day 6 - Xi'an (B, L, SD)
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!
Day 7 - Xi'an to Shanghai (B, IM, D)
Day 7 - Xi'an to Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast(B), In-Flight(IM), Dinner(D)
After breakfast, you will take a flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, you will tour the renowned Oriental Pearl TV Tower along with a visit to the Shanghai Municipal History Museum. Today the TV tower is ranked the third tallest tower in the world and the tallest tower created in all of Asia. In the evening, you will attend a mesmerizing Shanghai Acrobatic Show. Central View Suites Hotel (4 stars)
Day 8 - Free Day in Shanghai (B)
Day 8 - 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 or perhaps visit The Bund and take a glimpse into Shanghai’s architecture and how it looked centuries ago. This landmark known for its distinct neo-classic architecture of 52 European style buildings not only lined the Huangpu River but at one time in the past housed most financial institutions including national banks that were considered part of the “Big Four.” 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.
Day 9 - Farewell to China - Shanghai to SFO/JFK (B, IM)
Day 9 - 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 17 1/2 hours to JFK with a stopover in Beijing .Your luggage will be checked through all the way from Shanghai
Compare with any other tour operators, no matter what they claim
themselves as the unbeatable value,easily you will find this tour has
beaten them in every way: better hotel accommodation, better coverage ,
no overnight train and no hidden charges of so called optional tours.
It's perfect for those of you with a career plus a family to care for,
but want to getaway for less than 10 days and hit all the highlights in
China.This tour is specifically designed with you in
mind since it departs on a Saturday and returns on a Sunday, so you
only need to request 5 days off from work! This getaway offers an
opportunity to visit the Forbidden City, climb the Great Wall and view
the spectacular Terracotta Warriors before reaching the booming
metropolis of Shanghai.
Check out our unique Quality Control System Tour Fare Includes: * Air China round trip from SFO or JFK, China domestic flights and transportation between cities. * Deluxe 5 star and first class 4 star hotel accommodation. * Comprehensive tours including entrance fees. * American buffet breakfast, Chinese lunch and dinner daily except free days (American breakfast only) in Xian and Shanghai. * Delicious culinary events: Peking Duck dinner and Xian Dumpling Banquet. * Special evening shows include: Tang Dynasty Music & Dance Show plus a breathtaking Shanghai Acrobatic Show. * Memorable experience of maglev train ride in Shanghai for SFO departures only. * Professional English speaking local guide service for all transfers and sightseeing. * Baggage handling service throughout trip.
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT up to $400 per person off listing price. View Tour Dates & Prices for more detail.
