An exciting adventure awaits as you embark on a flight to Shanghai via of Air China. En route, cross the International Dateline and lose one day. Flight detail: 16½ hour flight from SFO to Shanghai with a connection in Beijing. 18-hour flight from JFK to Shanghai with a connection in Beijing. Cross International Dateline Please click on the following link for details on Air China’s Flight Schedule..
Day 2 - Arrive Shanghai (IM)
Day 2 - Arrive Shanghai
Meals: In-Flight(IM)
Your connecting flight from Beijing will land in Shanghai in the evening. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by your guide(s) and transferred to the hotel. Central View Suites Hotel(4 stars)
Day 3 - Shanghai (B, SL, D)
Day 3 - Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast(B), Special Lunch(SL), Dinner(D)
Explore the vibrant culture and lifestyle of Shanghai. The day will first begin with a visit to the world renowned Shanghai Bund. Take a glimpse into Shanghai’s architecture and see 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.” After feasting on a delicious and special Mongolian BBQ meal, you will then tour the Pearl Tower and Shanghai History Museum and thereafter a visit to the emporium-lined Nanjiing Road. In the evening you will attend a mesmerizing Shanghai Acrobatic Show which will conclude the night.
Day 4 - Free Day in Shanghai (B)
Day 4 - 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.
Day 5 - Shanghai to Hangzhou (B, L, D)
Day 5 - Shanghai to Hangzhou
Meals: Breakfast(B), Lunch(L), Dinner(D)
In the morning you will travel by deluxe motor coach to visit an exclusive Tea Plantation. Here you will get a chance to learn the tea brewing techniques, taste the popular Dragon Well Tea and meet the infamous “Number ONE tea packer” in Hangzhou and possibly all of China. Shortly after lunch you will 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. Although the name claims that it is a “cave,” it is actually a yard encompassed of half natural and half artificial scenery. Search for the stone beside a pond that reveals eight Chinese characters inscribed which portrays the significant meaning “If there is a dragon pond, it will be charming. So, the depth of the pond is unimportant.” Culture Plaza Hotel (4 stars)
Day 6 - Hangzhou to Suzhou (B, L, D)
Day 6 - Hangzhou to Suzhou
Meals: Breakfast(B), Lunch(L), Dinner(D)
This morning entails an exciting visit to the city of Suzhou via deluxe motor coach. Indulge in the magnificent waterside architecture along with gorgeous gardens prevalent in Suzhou. Enjoy a canal ride on the Grand Canal. Upon arrival, you will visit the Garden of the Master of the Nets the smallest and most proportional of all the beautiful gardens in Suzhou. Shortly after, you will be taken to the original Silk Spinning Factory, where you will learn the true art form of silk production. Su Yuan Hotel (4 stars)
Day 7 - Suzhou to Tongli to Suzhou (B, L, D)
Day 7 - Suzhou to Tongli to Suzhou
Meals: Breakfast(B), Lunch(L), Dinner(D)
Today’s agenda for the morning consists of a half-day excursion to a nearby water town by the name of Tongli. Enjoy the mirror image resembling Venice, Italy which is surrounded by astonishing traditional architecture and 49 exquisitely designed bridges. The day will then conclude with a return to Suzhou by deluxe motor coach for a City Tour adventure!
Day 8 - Suzhou to Shanghai to Beijing (B, L, D)
Day 8 - Suzhou to Shanghai to Beijing
Meals: Breakfast(B), Lunch(L), Dinner(D)
After having your power breakfast, you will travel by motor coach to Shanghai where you will then take a flight to the Capital of China, Beijing. Holiday Inn Express Hotel
Transportation Details: Motor coach to Shanghai: 1½ hrs. Flight to Beijing: 1½ hrs.
Day 9 - Beijing (B, L, D)
Day 9 - Beijing
Meals: Breakfast(B), Lunch(L), Dinner(D)
Today begins with a tour to 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. Then you will visit 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 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.
Day 10 - Beijing (B, L, SD)
Day 10 - Beijing
Meals: Breakfast(B), Lunch(L), Special Dinner(SD)
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 soldier’s 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. 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 11 - Free Day in Beijing (B)
Day 11 - Free Day in Beijing
Meals: Breakfast(B)
The entire day is free for exploring, shopping or simply experiencing the wonders of Beijing on your own.
Day 12 - Farewell to China - Beijing to SFO/JFK (B, IM)
Day 12 - Farewell to China - Beijing to SFO/JFK
Meals: Breakfast(B), In-Flight(IM)
The journey finally comes to an end as the 11th day has now come for us to part ways with China. 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. Air China will take you home the same day. Flight detail: 12-hour nonstop flight from Beijing to SFO or 13 ½ hour nonstop flight to JFK. You will arrive SFO or JFK the same day. Please click on the following link for details on Air China’s Flight Schedule.
This tour offers a splendid triangular view of Hangzhou, Suzhou and Tongli. 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.
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. * Luxury 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 Shanghai and Beijing. * Delicious culinary events: Peking Duck dinner, Shanghai Mongolian Barbecue buffet lunch. * Special evening show includes: breathtaking Shanghai Acrobatic Show. * Professional tour manager throughout China for a group of 10 participants or more. * Professional local guide service. * Baggage handling service throughout trip.
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT up to $400 per person off listing price. View Tour Dates & Prices for more detail.
