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)
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.
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.
Another spectacular day is here! Today 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. 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
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.
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.
After breakfast, disembark in Chongqing, the picturesque “Mountain City,” previously known as China’s wartime capital during the Second World War. You will 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. You will have a visit to Chongqing Zoo and see the lovable Giant pandas, which are considered one of the most rare survived animal species in the world and so they are called living fossils. You will fly 3 hours to Hong Kong , the pearl of orient. Hyatt Regency Sha Tin Hotel (5 stars)
Today starts with a half-day tour of the dynamic cityscape of Hong Kong Island which sits on the southern coast of China. You will then be driven up by deluxe motor coach to the summit of Victoria Peak where you will revel in the stunning landscapes and architecture of Hong Kong. The tour will end with your local guide escorting you to several sightseeing destinations including the quaint footpaths of the Stanley Market, fashionable Repulse Bay, and the Historic Fishing Village at Aberdeen. The remainder of the day is for you to venture off on your own. Indulge on some of the best and authentic Dim Sum in this city or perhaps hail a taxi and head over to the waterfront and view a magnificent light show titled “A Symphony of Lights” which is staged daily at 8pm. The evening spectacle comprises of 44 prime buildings along the harbor of Hong Kong and Kowloon. Experience the vibrant energy and diversity of Hong Kong and watch how the narration of the musical effects plays according to each strike of laser beam sweeping across the night sky.
Disclosure: “Symphony of Lights” is best viewed during clear weather
After breakfast, enjoy some free time to finish any last minute shipping before flying to Guilin. Be prepared for a city recognized for its stunning landscapes and captivating lifestyles of the people who call this enchanting place “home." Guilin Royal Garden Hotel (5 Stars)
Guilin is said as "the best scenery under heaven" for its unique karst 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.
This morning you will travel by a deluxe motor coach to the Reed Flute Cave, Lu Di Yan, 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. You will fly to the next captivating and history-filled city of Xi’an. 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)
ENJOY! You will visit the Bund which 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 abilities.
By popular demand, we now offer the scenic splendor of the Three Gorges plus the cosmopolitan bustle of Hong Kong! Your voyage will be aboard one of the top Five-Star cruisers, The Blue Whale. The perfect cruisers from which to experience the overwhelming beauty of the Three Gorges. While staying in Hong Kong, you will be able to experience all of the unique sights, sounds and activities that have helped make this international city one of the most popular destinations for travelers to Asia. This tour also features in depth visits to the historical cities of Beijing with highlights such as the Great Wall as well as a stop in Guilin for an exploration of its idyllic subtropical countryside. Your tour ends in Shanghai, a city of chic modernity with non-stop activity.
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Tour Fare Includes:
* Air China round trip from SFO or JFK, China domestic flights and transportation between cities.
* All luxury 5 star hotels . All outside cabin with private balcony on one of the best 5-star cruise.
* Comprehensive tours including entrance fees.
* American buffet breakfast, Chinese lunch and dinner daily except free days (American breakfast only) in Hong Kong 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.
The Bund at Night, Shanghai
