An exciting adventure awaits as you embark on a flight to Shanghai via Air China.
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 the international dateline
Day 2 - Arrive in Shanghai (IM)
Day 2 - Arrive in Shanghai
Meals: In-Flight(IM)
Your connecting flight from Beijing will land in Shanghai in the evening. You’ll be welcomed upon arrival and will then be transferred to your hotel. Central View Suites Hotel (4 stars)
Day 3 - Shanghai (B)
Day 3 - Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast(B)
Welcome to Shanghai! Identified as one of the most populated cities in China favored by tourists worldwide and commonly known for its richest collections of Art Deco architecture ever built. Shanghai’s architecture is a cultivation of traditional Chinese homes with a splash of European flare. Enjoy a free day to explore! You may recuperate from your long flight by relaxing in the hotel or perhaps head out on the town and begin your shopping.
Day 4 - Shanghai (B, SL, D)
Day 4 - 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 Shanghai 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 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 including the Garden of the Fishing Net Master. Notice the criss-cross with canals and watch the daily traditional lifestyle of the locals that live in this graceful wonderland. 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-Tongli-Suzhou (B, L, D)
Day 7 - Suzhou-Tongli-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-Shanghai-Beijing (B, L, D)
Day 8 - Suzhou-Shanghai-Beijing
Meals: Breakfast(B), Lunch(L), Dinner(D)
In the morning 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. Joy City Hotel (5 stars).
Transportation detail: Motor coach (1 ½ hrs) to Shanghai/ Flight (1 ½ hrs) to Beijing
Day 9 - Beijing (B, L, D)
Day 9 - Beijing
Meals: Breakfast(B), Lunch(L), Dinner(D)
Your first peek into the capital city of Beijing begins with a tour to the world’s largest and renowned public square where historical events once took place- Tian’anmen Square. Constructed in the early 1400s, you will enter “The Gate of Heavenly Peace” positioned at the front entrance leading into the Forbidden City. Experience the intricate architecture and exquisitely designed layout of The Forbidden City which was once housed by Chinese Emperors who ruled during the period of the Qing and Ming Dynasties. Thereafter, you will partake in a tranquil visit to the picturesque landscape of the Summer Palace situated on the man-made Kunming Lake. Soon after 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.
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 Hutongs by rickshaw. The amazing gray brick courtyard residence is Beijing’s oldest and remains infused with timeless culture and history. In the mid 1900’s, during the declaration of the People’s Republic of China, 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 - Beijing (B)
Day 11 - 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)
We hope that this journey has left a lasting memory with you and has inspired your heart and soul.
Flight detail: 12-hour nonstop flight from SFO to Beijing/ 13 ½ hour nonstop flight from JFK to Beijing
Spaces are limited so book now! You're welcome to compare this with any other tour packages. Get ready to put on some warm clothes and with tthe great care taken by your superb English speaking guides you will be fine and worry free. Bring your entire family for the memorable trip and enjoy this all time lowest price ever! 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.
