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. This remarkable construction is pledged highest level of Chinese traditional architecture. A plane will then whisk you away to your next destination Xi’an, which was the ancient capital for 11 dynasties and east end of the Silk Road. It was the world’s 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)
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!
This morning will our of Xi’an before departing to your next destination of Chengdu. After the tour has concluded, you will take a brief flight to Chengdu, the city located in the agriculture province of Sichuan. Tibet Hotel (5 stars)
Your morning will begin with a tour at the Panda Research Institute and Breeding Center, established in the year 1987. Enjoy the view of these lovable and charismatic creatures live their life. You will catch 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. You will then take a flight to the city of Lijiang and get ready to explore the Shangrila Land . You will lodge in Hexi Hotel (4 stars)
This morning you will have a chance to explore this ancient city. Tour the Baisha Fresco situated in the northern part of Lijiang. Here at the old town of Baisha, which is also translated as "white sand," you will find an assortment of over 600-year old preserved murals. What is most unique and rare about the Fresco is that there are painted figures representative of Buddhism, Lamaism and Taoism intertwined together as one. Soon after a visit to the captivating Black Dragon Pool awaits where the crystal clear water flows throughout the old town. Marked as a favorite nature location for the Naxi community, you will realize why they enjoy living in an area where nature is their everyday backdrop. You will then take a tour to the Shuhe Village and the Jade Lake Village. The 900-year old Shuhe Village is recognized and protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tonight a Naxi Classical Music concert will wrap up your evening.
*UNESCO: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
Prepare to travel by deluxe motor coach to the quaint and popular tourist destination city of Dali in the morning. Dali is surrounded by mountains in all directions while the Erhai Lake sits at the epicenter of the city. Next, you will then visit the farm town of Xizhou Village which is mostly dominated by the Bai Minority group. Enjoy the collection of wonderful Bai-style architecture along with the rich culture that resonates all around you. Asia Star Hotel (4 stars)
In the morning you will tour the famous Three Pagodas of Dali. The set of three individual brick constructed pagodas are formed as a triangle and has for years been a precious treasure and main landmark in Dali. There is a pond that is located behind the three structures which you will notice a displayed mirror reflection of the unique pagodas. Shortly after, you will be taken on a walking tour of the Old Town to capture the true essence and classic history of this city. The remainder of the day is free for exploring and relaxing.
It is time to bid farewell to Dali. A flight to the capital of Yunnan Province awaits you this morning. Upon the arrival to Kunming, also known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” you will transfer to a deluxe motor coach and tour the first main natural attraction: The Stone Forest. Explore the captivating karst rock formation that covers an area of approximately 2,670 square kilometers. Collectively, the standing stones resemble a forest of trees and are dated in history as being nearly over 270 million years old! Kunming Golden Dragon Hotel (4 stars)
Before departing the city of Kunming, you will take a visit to the Bamboo Temple which is also widely known as the Qiongzhu Temple. Here, you will find a showcase of 500 brightly colored clay models portraying monks with different facial expressions and body gesture. Initially built during the Yuan Dynasty, there have been several renovations done to the structure due to fire. Next, you will take a flight to the next destination of Guilin, a city filled with surreal and breathtaking landscapes. Guilin Plaza Hotel (4 stars)
This morning you will travel by deluxe motor coach to the Reed Flute Cave, Lu Di Yan, another 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. Thereafter, you will visit the Solitary Peak. The climb up to the peak is brief and the view from the very top gives you a panoramic view of the great splendor of Guilin. Soon after, a special Tea Banquet awaits you.
Guilin is said to be "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.
A deluxe motor coach will take you to Guilin in the morning. Thereafter, an arranged flight will whisk you away to Shanghai. Upon arrival, you will do a bit of sightseeing at some of the biggest main attractions in this sensational city. First of the two is a visit to the renowned Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Today the TV tower is ranked the third tallest tower in the world and the tallest tower created in all of Asia. Afterwards, your next visit to the Shanghai Municipal History Museum awaits you. In the evening you will attend a mesmerizing Shanghai Acrobatic Show. Central View Suites Hotel (4 stars)
This tour features the biologically diverse Yunnan Province (Kunming, Dali and Lijiang), home to 24 of China's 55 ethnic minorities. The province's intriguing tribal cultures and mesmerizing landscape first caught the attention of the West a century ago when National Geographic featured the northern part of Yunnan. It has now become the focal point for tourists of the world. Included with this tour are visits to Guilin, Beijing and Shanghai, which are some important highlights of China.
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Tour Fare Includes:
* Air China round trop from SFO or JFK, China domestic flights and transportation between cities.
* Luxury and first class 4 or 5 star hotel accommodation.
* Comprehensive tours including entrance fees.
* American buffet breakfast, Chinese lunch and dinner daily except free days (American breakfast only) in Dali and Shanghai.
* Your delicious culinary events: Peking Duck dinner, Guilin Tea Banquet, Xian Dumpling Banquet.
* Special evening shows include: 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 up to $200 per person off listing price. View Tour Dates & Prices for more detail.
Bai Nationality Women, Dali
