Depart San Francisco (SFO Airport) at 2:50pm or New York (JFK Airport) at 4:30pm on Air China's Boeing 747 wide-body aircraft and fly (12 hours from SFO or 13½ hours from JFK) non-stop to Beijing. Cross the International Dateline.
Day 2 - Beijing (IM)
Day 2 - Beijing
Meals: In-Flight(IM)
Arrive into Beijing in the evening. You will be met and transferred to Jiangxi Grand Hotel (4 stars).
Day 3 - Beijing (B, L, D)
Day 3 - Beijing
Meals: Breakfast(B), Lunch(L), Dinner(D)
After breakfast, tour Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest and most famous square. Followed by a tour of the Forbidden City, where exquisite architecture and a vast glimpse of the staggeringly opulent lifestyles of the Chinese emperors and their concubines. After lunch, visit the picturesque Summer Palace on Kunming Lake and the Temple of Heaven, where dynastic Chinese rulers historically worshipped the Emperor of Heaven.
Day 4 - Beijing (B, L, SD)
Day 4 - Beijing
Meals: Breakfast(B), Lunch(L), Special Dinner(SD)
After breakfast, depart Beijing by deluxe motor coach to explore the Great Wall, one of the seven world wonders. After lunch, take a tour to the Historic Hutong, which is protected by the Beijing Cultural Relics Protection Association. This will give you a chance to experience what China was like before high-rises and shopping malls took over a city. Tonight, enjoy a special Peking Duck Dinner.
Day 5 - Beijing (B)
Day 5 - Beijing
Meals: Breakfast(B)
After breakfast, the day is at your own leisure.
Day 6 - Beijing-Shanghai-Suzhou (B, IM, D)
Day 6 - Beijing-Shanghai-Suzhou
Meals: Breakfast(B), In-Flight(IM), Dinner(D)
After breakfast, fly (2 hours) to Shanghai, then travel by motor coach (1 ½ hours) to Suzhou, known as "Venice of the Orient." Lodging at Glamor Hotel (4 stars).
Day 7 - Suzhou-Tongli-Suzhou (B, L, D)
Day 7 - Suzhou-Tongli-Suzhou
Meals: Breakfast(B), Lunch(L), Dinner(D)
After breakfast, travel by motor coach to a nearby water town named Tongli for a half-day excursion. This town is a highly praised historical site in which you will experience a traditional Chinese culture. Return to Suzhou by motor coach for a City Tour.
Day 8 - Suzhou-Hangzhou (B, L, D)
Day 8 - Suzhou-Hangzhou
Meals: Breakfast(B), Lunch(L), Dinner(D)
After breakfast, visit Garden of the Fishing Net Master and Silk Spinning Factory. Travel by motor coach (2 hours) to Hangzhou. Lodging at Culture Plaza Hotel (4 stars).
Day 9 - Hangzhou-Shanghai (B, L, D)
Day 9 - Hangzhou-Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast(B), Lunch(L), Dinner(D)
After breakfast, take a cruise on the West Lake, revealing the ethereal beauty of Hangzhou's willow draped islands. Travel by motor coach into the nearby hills and visit the resplendent Yellow Dragon Cave. Visit a Tea Plantation before going to Shanghai by motor coach. Lodging at Central View Suites Hotel (4 stars) or similar.
Day 10 - Shanghai (B, SL, SD)
Day 10 - Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast(B), Special Lunch(SL), Special Dinner(SD)
After breakfast, visit the Bund, a waterfront promenade known for its landmark, neo-classic architecture of European style. Enjoy a special Mongolian barbecue lunch followed by the Shanghai Museum plus a visit to the emporium-lined Nanjing Road. Attend a breathtaking Shanghai Acrobatic Show before a Special Farewell Dinner.
Day 11 - Shanghai (B)
Day 11 - Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast(B)
After breakfast, enjoy a free day to explore the city at your own pace, shop or simply relax.
Day 12 - Shanghai-Beijing-SFO/JFK (B, IM)
Day 12 - Shanghai-Beijing-SFO/JFK
Meals: Breakfast(B), In-Flight(IM)
After breakfast, depart Shanghai at 8:10am (if out of SHA Airport) or 11:35am (if out of PVG Airport) on Air China and fly (16 hours) to San Francisco (SFOAirport) with a same day arrival at 12:40pm. (Flight time includes a stopover in Beijing. Your luggage will be transferred automatically to SFO). *Some tours will have the opportunity to travel by Maglev Train to the airport, please click on the following link for details on Maglev Train Disclosure.
If your final destination is New York (JFKAirport), it takes 17 ½hours with a same day arrival at 2:30pm. (Flight time includes a custom inspection in Beijing where you must claim and re-check your luggage). *No Maglev Train available for JFK departure due to different airport in Shanghai (SHAAirport).
This tour offers a splendid triangular view of Suzhou, Tongli, and Hangzhou. Tongli is a hidden gem among giants since this little town has existed for over 1,000 years, but not visited by many. It's the perfect spot for some peace and tranquility and not to mention the extra time spent in Shanghai.
