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. 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)
This morning you will be visiting the famous Potala Palace, past residence of the revered Dalai Lama. The famed World Heritage Site was constructed by King Songtsan Gambo in the 7th century. Gambo, founder of the Tibetan empire, was well-known for his heroic movements and as a result became a national figure worshipped by the Tibetans. The current 13-story building is converted into a museum, which is comprised of over 200,000 statues, temples, shrines, and historical Tibetan 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.
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 the earth. 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 mystical 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
After breakfast, fly to Chengdu. 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)
After breakfast, most of the day is free to explore on your own or get plenty of rest and relaxation to prepare for the next day’s adventure. Fly to Xi'an in the afternoon. Xi’an 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 ecomomic 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. 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 you take a flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival you will then be transferred to a deluxe motor coach to a city nicknamed the “Venice of the Orient.” The remainder of the day is free to explore the city at your own pace, go shopping or simply relax. Garden Hotel (5 stars)
Flight Detail: Approximate flight time via Air China is 2 hours
Enjoy a canal ride on the Grand Canal. Then, visit the majestic and most eloquent gardens in China, the Garden of the Master of the Nets, also recorded as a World Heritage Site according to UNESCO*. Constructed during the Song Dynasty, this whimsical garden was inspired by the simple life of a fisherman living in China and was considered the most “balanced” and proportioned of all the gardens in Suzhou. Afterwards you will have a chance to witness the true art of silk production at the original Silk Spinning Factory. Explore and examine the elaborate process of the manufacturing of silk! Soon after lunch you will embark via motor coach to the next astounding and cosmopolitan city of Shanghai. Lexington Plaza Hotel (5 stars)
After breakfast, a visit to the Bund will take place. The famous Shanghai Bund is a mile stretch along the bank of Huangpu River that consists of 52 buildings with amazing architecture as well as several other historical buildings surrounding the area. After a special Mongolian BBQ Lunch, you will tour the renowned Oriental Pearl TV Tower along with a visit to the Shanghai Municipal History Museum. Today the TV tower is ranked the third tallest tower in the world and the tallest tower created in all of Asia. In the evening you will attend a mesmerizing Shanghai Acrobatic Show.
Join us for a deluxe journey of the Three Gorges, where you will behold nature's rugged grandeur as you travel through the immense chasms that dominate the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. Your voyage will be aboard a luxurious Five-Star cruise ship, either Century Star or Century Sky. Upon disembarking in Chongqing, travel to Chengdu and then on to Tibet, the distant and mysterious land that you may have been dreaming to visit your entire life. Also included in this tour is a visit to one of the most amazing historical sites in China: the army of 6,000 Terracotta Warriors. As its bookends, this tour features stays in the fascinating cities of Beijing and Shanghai.
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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 except in Lhasa Tibet Hotel, which is a best available 4 star. 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 one free day (American breakfast only) in Shanghai.
* Delicious culinary events: Peking Duck dinner, 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 up to $200 per person off listing price. View Tour Dates & Prices for more detail.
Potala Palace, Lhasa
