Visit the canal city of Suzhou famed for its gardens, the bustling avenues of Shanghai, the Terra-Cotta Warriors of Xian and the enchanted hills of Guilin. There is so much to recommend on this grand tour of China especially since present plans for the Yangtze River is destined to change the surrounding landscape forever. This trip gives you the opportunity to cruise the Yangtze in real style on board the first class river vessel, the MV President. We are also pleased to include a visit to Hangzhou, a city in which Marco Polo said, "one of the most splendid cities in the world." This is a richly rewarding trip that is sure to be a once in a lifetime experience.
Your Itinerary
Day 1: USA/Beijing
Relax on your transpacific flight to Beijing.
Day 2: Beijing
Welcome to Beijing, capital of the People's Republic of China. Arrival transfer to the deluxe Tianlun Dynasty Hotel for four nights stay.
Day 3: Beijing
Today we have a full day excursion to the magnificent Great Wall, the only man-made object visible from moon with the naked eye. After a very traditional northern Chinese style lunch served at local restaurant, we return to the city via the valley of Ming Tombs. This evening, you are invited to a Peking duck banquet. Including: (B), (L), (D).
Day 4: Beijing
After breakfast, you are off to see the sights, including the vast Tian An Men Square, and Ming treasures adorning the Imperial Palace in the once Forbidden City. In the afternoon, more Ming extravagances are evident as you tour the exquisite architecture and vivid embellishment of the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace. We end the day with the pleasure of an evening cultural performance of the Beijing Opera. Including: (B), (L), (D).
Day 5: Beijing
In the morning, we take arickshaw for a fascinating tour of Beijing's Hutongs, old narrow lanes lined with ancient courtyard houses, giving us a glimpse into the daily life of Beijing residents. En route, we climb to the top of Drum Tower which was used to report time in Ancient China, for a panoramic view of old Beijing. After lunch at the Imperial Fangshan Restaurant inside the Beihai Park, you are free to explore the city on your own this afternoon. Including: (B), (L).
Day 6: Beijing/Xian
We fly to Xian, a former grand capital of 11 Chinese dynasties, renowned for its wealth of antiquities. A city tour takes us to the 700 year old City Walls and the Shaanxi Provincial Museum, one of the best history museums in the nation. We stay at Shangri-la Golden Flower Hotel for two nights. Including: (B), (L).
Day 7: Xian
We have an excursion to the world renowned Terra-Cotta Warriors, guarding the tomb of the first emperor of Qin Dynasty for over 2000 years. We will also visit Huaqin Hot Springs and Banpo Neolithic Museum. Back in the city, we will visit the Grand Mosque and its nearby Muslim living quarters. In the evening, we enjoy a fabulous Tang Dynasty Dance and Music performance. Including: (B), (L), (D).
Day 8: Xian/Chongqing
Fly to Chongqing, mountainous city at the conjunction of Yangtze and Jialing rivers. A short city tour is arranged before we settle in our outside cabin with private balcony on the luxurious M/V President cruise ship, for a memorable voyage down the mighty Yangtze River. Including: (B), (L), (D).
Day 9: Yangtze River cruises
Sail from Chongqing early morning. Time to explore the ship's amenities, including the restaurant where appetizing meals are served, before your afternoon arrival at Ghost City of Fengdu. Go ashore to view Mingshan Hill's Temple, filled with statues of ghosts and devils. Sail from Fengdu this evening for Wanxian. Including: (B), (L), (D).
Day 10: Yangtze River cruises
Unforgettable experiences begin today as you cruise through the first of the fabled Three gorges, Qutang. Its towering rock formations have names which reflect their bizarre shapes such as Hanging Monk Rock or Rhinoceros Looking at Moon. The ship continue its sailing toward the second gorge, Wu Gorge, celebrated for its lofty Twelve Peaks which almost blots out the sky. Later today, we will be drifting along Shennong Stream where we are poled by local boatmen. Including: (B), (L), (D).
Day 11: Yangtze River cruises
Early this morning, our ship will pass through the massive Gezhouba Dam Ship Lock. After lunch on board, we will go ashore to visit ancient Jinzhou. Browse Jinzhou Museum's relics, highlighted by a well preserved 2000-year-old mummy. Including: (B), (L), (D).
Day 12: Wuhan/Shanghai
Disembark the ship in Wuhan this morning. A guided tour takes you to the excellent Provincial Museum which boasts the finest collection of bronzes and musical instruments excavated from a tomb dating back to the Period of the Warring States. Fly to Shanghai in the afternoon. Arrival transfer to the deluxe JC Mandarin Hotel located in the heart of the city. Including: (B), (L), (D).
Day 13: Shanghai
Shanghai is China's most populous city with 12 million inhabitants and it is the nation's industrial center and a busy port. There is a chance to stroll on the Bund overlooking the Huangpu River with its backdrop of early 20th century buildings, to visit the former concession areas and narrow streets of the Old Town. Also of interest are the Jade Buddha Temple, Yu Garden and Shanghai Museum of Arts. Shanghai style dim-sum lunch will be served in the elegant Lubolang Restaurant. In the evening, enjoy the performance of the city's famous Acrobatics Show. Including: (B), (L), (D).
Day 14: Shanghai/Suzhou
A short enjoyable train ride takes us to Suzhou that the Chinese describe as "a paradise on earth." Take a scenic riverside walk from the Surging Water Pavilion to the Garden of Master of the Nets and enjoy the scenery of traditional houses and small bridges often compared to the canal landscape of Venice. On the way, see Twin Pagodas and Winding Garden for an example of the typical study-style architecture of the late Qing dynasty gardens. We will also visit the delightful Lingering Garden and the Silk Research Institute. Stay at the deluxe Sheraton Hotel for two nights. Including: (B), (L).
Day 15: Tongli & Zhouzhuang
A full day visit to the picturesque canal town of Zhouzhuang, a relic from the elegant old days of 900 years ago, reached from Tongli by a leisurely canal cruise. On our journey back to Suzhou, we will visit Tongli's charming Tuisi Garden and a silk spinning factory. Including: (B), (L), (D).
Day 16: Suzhou/Hangzhou
In the morning, we are transferred to the train station for our comfortable train ride to Hangzhou. Enjoy the beautiful countryside of Eastern China Plain en route. This afternoon, we will take a short cruise on the famous West Lake, surrounded by the idyllic gardens. After visiting the unique Guo Family Garden, we will taste the once world famous Dragon Well Green Tea at a tea plantation. Stay overnight at the Continental Hotel. Including: (B), (L).
Day 17: Hangzhou/Guilin
In the morning, we visit the famous Buddhist Linying Temple. After lunch, we fly to Guilin, one of China's most beautiful cities that bring to life the classical scenery celebrated in Chinese paintings. Transfer to the Royal Garden Hotel by the Li River for two nights stay. Including: (B), (L).
Day 18: Guilin
In the morning, we take a leisurely cruise along the Li River, which winds its way through the pointed, craggy hills, rice paddies, limestone rock formations and be charmed by the romantic effects of mist and cloud. After lunch on board, we spend the afternoon browsing Yangshuo's antique and craft stalls before visiting the stunning Gaotian township and its famous Banyan tree. Drive back to Guilin in the late afternoon. Including: (B), (L).
Day 19: Guilin/Hong Kong
Embark on a unique morning excursion to Yaoshan for a chair-lifted ride and some magnificent views over the undulating hills around Guilin. In the afternoon, visit the extraordinary underground caverns of Reed Flute Cave and Fubo Hill. After a farewell dinner, we board our evening flight to Hong Kong, where we are transferred to New World Renaissance Hotel for two nights stay. Including: (B), (L), (D).
Day 20: Hong Kong
We spend today enjoying this vibrant city's many sights and experiences. A half-day guided orientation tour will take us atop Victoria Peak for a 360-degree view of Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the surrounding harbors and outer islands. Then a scenic drive takes us past Repulse Bay to the colorful floating community of Aberdeen, and vibrant Stanley Market, a favorite bargain shopping area. You are free to explore the other aspects of the city for the remainder of the day. Including: (B).
Day 21: Hong Kong/Home
Transfer to airport for your homeward flight. Arrive home the same day. Including: (B).
Notes:
Airfare is included in the tour price.
Land package price includes: deluxe hotel accommodation (double occupancy) with daily American Breakfast; Yangtze River cruises with all shore excursions; Domestic airfare and train fare; round trip transfers in each city (In Hong Kong, shuttle bus transfers are arranged.); comprehensive guided tours, visits and excursions in a private vehicle with your English-speaking guide. In Hong Kong, seat-in-coach tour will be arranged; admission and entrance fees; lunch and dinner indicated by symbols L, D; evening cultural performances; applicable hotel taxes and domestic airport tax.
Not included in the package price: Trans-pacific airfare (sample airfare on United Airlines coach class from West Coast USA starts from US$780 plus tax.); China Visa fee (US$70 per person); International airport departure tax in Guilin (about US$11); other costs not stated as included.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
China
Hong Kong
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