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 in the evening at Terminal 3, the second largest terminal building in the world, Beijing Capital International Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel by your tour guide(s). Make sure to take a look at the amazing city lights that surrounds you and get some rest for tomorrow’s exciting activities. Chang An Grand Hotel (5 stars)
Day 3 - Free Day in Beijing (B)
Day 3 - Free Day in Beijing
Meals: Breakfast(B)
Enjoy a free day after breakfast to explore the city at your own pace, go shopping or simply relax.
Day 4 - Beijing (B, L, SD)
Day 4 - 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 - Tiananmen 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 5 - Beijing (B, L, D)
Day 5 - 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 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.
Day 6 - Beijing to Urumqi (B, IM, D)
Day 6 - Beijing to Urumqi
Meals: Breakfast(B), In-Flight(IM), Dinner(D)
Today you have a scheduled trip to Urumqi, widely known as “beautiful pasture” and also a major industrial center and the capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Xinjiang is a large (comparable in size of Iran), sparsely populated area. There you will not only observe Islamic culture of Uygur people and daily life style of many other ethnic groups but also vast natural scenery and Gobi Desert. Urumqi Zhonghe Hotel (5 stars)
Day 7 - Urumqi (B, L, D)
Day 7 - Urumqi
Meals: Breakfast(B), Lunch(L), Dinner(D)
This morning will entail a full day of activities in Urumqi. The inland city is considered furthest away from the ocean and has also played an intricate role in the northern pathway of the Silk Road. You will start by visiting the surreal Heavenly Lake, local name Tian Chi, which is surrounded by the vastness of mountain peaks and alpine meadows. Thereafter, you will explore the nomadic Khazak community and witness the lifestyle of people who call this place home. In the afternoon you will visit the International Grand Bazaar, which has a Middle-Eastern feel and is a highly frequented local hotspot for shopping at a bargain price.
Day 8 - Urumqi to Turpan (B, L, D)
Day 8 - Urumqi to Turpan
Meals: Breakfast(B), Lunch(L), Dinner(D)
Prior to your next visit to the city of Turpan, you will spend your last hours in Urumqi by touring the Xinjiang Autonomous Region Museum. The museum is worth a visit as the place holds interesting and rare visual exhibits highlighting the lifestyle of the minority groups of Xinjiang. Marvel at the exhibits and the local arts of the city. Then you will have a bus ride o you to Turpan, also known as Oasis in the Gobi Desert. You will be brought to the Jiaohe Ruins where remains of ancient Chinese ruins are found along with an ancient monastery and a palace. The Jiaohe Ruins is also a marked historical highlight recorded in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Turpan, prevalent of grape orchards and fields of grains is considered the hottest place in China and has a record of having more than a 100 summer days annually. The scorching weather tends to be beneficial for the growth of most of the city’s fruits widely known as the “Hometown of grapes" and an important producer of tasteful wine. In the evening you will be invited to see an exotic Uygur singing and dancing show. Tulufan Huozhou Hotel (4 stars)
*UNESCO: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
Day 9 - Turpan to Dunhuang (B, L, D)
Day 9 - Turpan to Dunhuang
Meals: Breakfast(B), Lunch(L), Dinner(D)
Today’s excursion entails a full day of visits to several main attractions. In the morning you will visit the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves located in the legendary Flaming Mountain, where Monkey King was badly burned when he tried to extinguish the flame by using a false fan borrowed from Fan Princess. On the premises there are 77 artificial caves and inside each cave is a rural of the Buddha painted on the ceiling along with hundreds of Buddhist sculptures and figures protected over hundreds of years. Thereafter, you’ll visit the western front of the Flaming Mountain, where the Grape Valley lies. There are acres upon acres of sweet and delectable grapes that exist here. Next, awaits the Karez Underground Irrigation Channels, a 2,000-year-old system that its main function is to deliver water from nearby snow capped mountains to Turpan and its agricultural fields. Prior to an overnight train that will transport you to the next destination of Dunhuang you will have the chance to visit the local Uygur People’s Family to witness the daily lifestyle of the Muslims in Turpan.
Transportation Detail: Overnight Train approximate travel time of 7½ hours. There are sleeping compartments on the overnight train with 4 berths per compartment. The guide in China will be the one to assign a berth to each passenger. You may request to share a compartment with another person/couple on the tour, but you cannot pay extra to have one compartment per couple or to oneself. Also be sure to have an overnight bag in your carry-on because your check-in bag will be stored in cargo.
Day 10 - Dunhuang (B, L, D)
Day 10 - Dunhuang
Meals: Breakfast(B), Lunch(L), Dinner(D)
Upon arrival, you will tour the Crescent Moon Lake in the Singing Sand Dunes. From a distance make sure to keep your ears peeled for the whistling tunes among the sand dunes. The sounds are created by the winds cascading in a downward direction of the sand dunes at a low frequency mostly during dry and hot weather conditions. If you are feeling adventurous, take up on an optional camel ride if it sounds enticing. An entertaining Cultural Performance awaits you in the evening. Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel (4 stars)
Day 11 - Dunhuang (B, L, D)
Day 11 - Dunhuang
Meals: Breakfast(B), Lunch(L), Dinner(D)
Today is primarily devoted to tour the Mogao Grottoes, also widely referred to as the “Caves of the Thousand Buddhas.” The attractive cave that swarms of tourists contains the most impressive and well-preserved examples of ancient Buddhist cave art aging over 1,000 years. The treasure house contains hundreds of sandstone caves holding more than 2,000 statues and 45,000 brilliantly bright paintings of Buddha and Chinese mythological figures.
Day 12 - Dunhuang to Jiayuguan (B, L, D)
Day 12 - Dunhuang to Jiayuguan
Meals: Breakfast(B), Lunch(L), Dinner(D)
After breakfast, travel by motor coach to Jiayuguan. In transit, you may have an opportunity to see a mirage. Lodging at Jiugang Hotel (4 stars)
Day 13 - Jiayuguan to Xi'an (B, L, D)
Day 13 - Jiayuguan to Xi'an
Meals: Breakfast(B), Lunch(L), Dinner(D)
After breakfast, you will visit Jiayuguan Pass, the western end of the Great Wall. At the base of Jiayu Mountains, situates the legendary Jiayuguan Pass, known as the most strategic point along the ancient Silk Road. The whole fortress was built in 1372 during the Ming Dynasty and is encompassed by magnificently designed towers that exude landscape views from every direction. After lunch, you will fly to the next captivating and history-filled city of Xi’an. A plane will then whisk you away to your next destination. Xi’an 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. Make sure to get some rest and relaxation and prepare for the next day’s adventure. Empark Grand Hotel (5 stars)
Flight Detail: Approximately 2-hour flight
Day 14 - Xi'an (B, L, SD)
Day 14 - 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 15 - Xi'an to Yichang (B, L, D)
Day 15 - Xi'an to Yichang
Meals: Breakfast(B), Lunch(L), Dinner(D)
After breakfast, take a City Tour. After lunch, you will fly to Yichang and board MS Blue Whale, one of the best luxurious 5-star cruise ships on the river. The MS Blue Whale is currently being renovated and will be completed sometime in February of 2010. All cabins are outside cabins with a private balcony.
Flight Detail: Approximate flight time via Air China is 2 hours
Day 16 - Yangtze River (B, L, SD)
Day 16 - Yangtze River
Meals: Breakfast(B), Lunch(L), Special Dinner(SD)
In the morning, depart from Yichang and set sail into Xiling Gorge (the longest at 41 miles). Then take a land excursion to the Three Gorges Dam Site. It is the world's largest dam, 1.7 mile long and 220 feet high, and the largest electricity-generating plant of any kind. The dam body was completed in 2006. All of the originally planned components of the project were completed on October 30, 2008. The project produces hydroelectricity, increases the river's navigation capacity, and reduces the potential for floods downstream by providing flood storage
space. From completion until September 2009 the dam has generated 348.4 TWh of electricity, covering more than one third of its project cost. There were over 1.2 million people immigrated to other parts of the country in order to complete the project.
In the afternoon, sail through the five-step ship lock. There will be a Captain's Welcoming Party in the early evening. A Crew Cabaret will be hosted after dinner.
Day 17 - Yangtze River (B, L, D)
Day 17 - Yangtze River
Meals: Breakfast(B), Lunch(L), Dinner(D)
In the early morning, sail through Wu Gorge, which is 25 miles long and well known for its 12 forest-covered peaks and quiet beauty with ever-changing sceneries. Then take an exciting excursion through Daning River Lesser Gorge, which is much narrower than the Three Gorges. In the afternoon, sail through Qutang Gorge, the shortest (5 miles), narrowest (500 feet) and the most dramatic one.
Day 18 - Yangtze River (B, L, D)
Day 18 - Yangtze River
Meals: Breakfast(B), Lunch(L), Dinner(D)
Take a land excursion to Fengdu Snow Jade Cave, a newly discovered cave rated as the most beautiful in China by Chinese National Geographic. It’s a budding cave full of snow and jade-like stalactite and stalagmite with amazing shapes. After the land excursion, there are various cultural programs you may attend on the ship. The evening includes a Farewell Dinner.
Day 19 - Chongqing to Lhasa (B, L, D)
Day 19 - Chongqing to Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast(B), Lunch(L), Dinner(D)
After breakfast, disembark in Chongqing, the picturesque “Mountain City,” previously known as China’s wartime capital during the Second World War. Before flying to the capital of Tibet, Lhasa, marked as the “City of Sunshine” and also known as the highest city in the world, visit the Stillwell Museum, which formerly housed General Stillwell, who was commander of the US forces in the China-Burma-India Theater and chief of staff to Chiang Kaishek in 1942. Lhasa, over 12,000 feet in elevation, is predominately home to the Tibetans and the Hans. The remainder of the day is for relaxing and acclimatizing to the altitude.Tibet Hotel (4 stars)
Flight detail: Approximate 2-hour travel
Day 20 - Lhasa (B, L, D)
Day 20 - Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast(B), Lunch(L), Dinner(D)
This morning you will be visiting the famous Potala Palace, past residence of the revered Dalai Lama. King Songtsan Gambo constructed the famed World Heritage Site in the 7th century. Gambo, founder of the Tibetan empire, was well known for his heroic movements and as a result became a nationally worshipped figure by the Tibetans. The current 13-story building today is converted into a museum, which comprise of over 200,000 statues, temples, shrines, and historical Tibetan materials and articles. Enjoy the murals and the harmonious colors displayed on the building and prepare for a sweet serenade from the Tibetan musicians while feasting on the local cuisines.
Day 21 - Lhasa (B, L, D)
Day 21 - Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast(B), Lunch(L), Dinner(D)
Today you will have a 70 miles scenic drive along Lhasa River and across Tsangpo River (Highest River in the word) to visit Yamdrok Yumtso, meaning Jade Lake. You will reach the highest altitude of your life record at Khampa La Pass with 15,668 feet above sea level. You can see here the highest hydroelectric plant on this planet. You will enjoy the stunning beauty of the blue lake reflecting white clouds and snow capped mountains; typical Tibetan shepherd villages and hot springs on this mystic plateau .You will have picnic lunch there. After returning to Lhasa, you will visit the 1,300 years-old Jokhang Temple, declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Built in 647, the temple has been a prime location considered sacred and holy to the Tibetans who have worshiped here.You will also find that in the temple sits the famous Sakyamuni statue, believed to have been a key figure in Buddhism. Thereafter, a visit to the Drepung Monastery awaits you. Founded in the year 1416 by Jamyang Choje, the Drepung Monastery at one time or another was recognized as the world’s largest monastery housing over 10,000 monks.
*UNESCO: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
Day 22 - Lhasa to Chengdu (B, L, D)
Day 22 - Lhasa to Chengdu
Meals: Breakfast(B), Lunch(L), Dinner(D)
After breakfast you will take a flight returning to Chengdu, the capital of the Sichuan Province and nicknamed the “Land of Milk and Honey". Chengdu is widely known as the city where the strong tradition of tea drinking still resonates. What would a trip to China be without a visit to see those adorable Pandas? Tour the Panda Research Institute and Breeding Center to watch these lovable and charismatic creatures live their life. You will get a glimpse of the pandas during feeding hours and see them indulge in their favorite past time- sleeping. People have the opportunity to take pictures sitting with the pandas or even holding the baby pandas at additional cost. You will keep these picture as life long memories. Tibet Hotel (5 stars)
Day 23 - Chengdu to Guilin (B, IM, D)
Day 23 - Chengdu to Guilin
Meals: Breakfast(B), In-Flight(IM), Dinner(D)
After breakfast, 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 missing the chance to soak in Guilin's most amazing beauty. Guilin is a must see! Guilin Plaza Hotel (4 stars)
Flight detail: Approximate flight time is 1 hour.
Day 24 - Guilin (B, SL, D)
Day 24 - Guilin
Meals: Breakfast(B), Special Lunch(SL), Dinner(D)
This morning you will travel by a deluxe motor coach to the Reed Flute Cave, Lu Di Yan, and another popular 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. Soon after, a special Tea Banquet lunch awaits you. Thereafter, you will visit the Solitary Beauty Peak, which is located at the center of Guilin. The climb up the 306 stone steps to the top of the peak is brief and gives you a panoramic view of the great splendor of Guilin.
Day 25 - Guilin to Yangshuo (B, L, D)
Day 25 - Guilin to Yangshuo
Meals: Breakfast(B), Lunch(L), Dinner(D)
Guilin is said as "the best scenery under heaven" for its unique karsts 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.
Day 26 - Yangshuo to Guilin to Shanghai (B, L, D)
Day 26 - Yangshuo to Guilin to Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast(B), Lunch(L), Dinner(D)
A deluxe motor coach will take you to Guilin in the morning. Enjoy more of the city's beautiful parks and lakes.Thereafter, an arranged flight will whisk you away to Shanghai. Central View Suites Hotel (4 stars)
Day 27 - Shanghai (B, SL, D)
Day 27 - Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast(B), Special Lunch(SL), Dinner(D)
ENJOY! You will visit the Bund that stretches a mile long 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, 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 craft.
Day 28 - Free Day in Shanghai (B)
Day 28 - 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 29 - Farewell to China - Shanghai to SFO/JFK (B, IM)
Day 29 - 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, 171/2 hours to JFK with a
stopover in Beijing. Your luggage will be checked through all the way from Shanghai to SFO/JFK . Click
on the following link for details on Air China’s Flight
Schedule.
This unique program has all china highlights in one with exceptional value. Your 29 days trip will not only cover the mainstream of Beijing, Xian Guilin and Shanghai, but also world famous Silk Road, one of top luxury cruise for the awesome Three Gorges experience, exotic Tibet and----everything! That is the reason it is called Journey of Lifetime.
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. All outside cabin with private balcony on one of the best 5-star cruise. * Comprehensive tours including entrance fees. * Daily American buffet breakfast, Chinese lunch and dinner except free days (American breakfast only) in Beijing 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 throughout China for a group of 10 participants or more. * Professional local guide service in each city. * Baggage handling service throughout trip.
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT $200 per person off listing price. View Tour Dates & Prices for more detail.
