Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Beijing. Free day or half-day city tour to the local markets.
Day 2: Beijing. Today we visit the incomparable Forbidden City, with special access to Qianlong Garden, built between 1771 and 1776 for the anticipated retirement of Emperor Qianlong. Following lunch, continue to the Urban Planning Museum and Ke Yuan Garden.
Day 3: Beijing. We spend the morning touring Yuan Ming Yuan Garden, also known as the Garden of Perfection and Brightness. See Prince Gong’s mansion, one of the few surviving aristocratic residences from the Qing Dynasty. Here, we have the opportunity to explore the landscaped garden within the complex. This afternoon, local art expert Carol Lu leads us through the contemporary art area known as 798, including a trip to the Furniture Museum, and a private visit with a local art collector.
Day 4: Beijing to Suzhou. Enjoy the grounds and architecture of the Great Wall Commune and visit a wild part of the Great Wall, then return to Beijing for a flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival in Shanghai, proceed by coach to the charming canal-laced city of Suzhou.
Day 5: Suzhou. Special visits have been arranged to view gardens that are closed to the public. Huanxiu Shangzhuang is an embroidery research center, but our focus is on the private garden known for its art of rocketry. Following lunch we visit one of two private gardens, either Tingfeng Yuan or Changyuan. This evening we are invited to dine with local Suzhou artist and antique collector Ye Fang at his private garden house, known as Nan Shi Bi Ji, built in the Qing Dynasty.
Day 6: Suzhou to Hangzhou. This morning we visit Suzhou’s new museum designed by world-renowned architect I.M. Pei. Following lunch in a local restaurant, board a century-old private boat for a relaxing cruise on beautiful Tai Lake. Visit Si Tao Temple on Xishan Island and explore the seldom-visited Shan Shandao Island, two beautiful places that have greatly influenced Chinese garden design. Later this afternoon board our private coach for a two-hour drive through the rich agricultural region that includes the vast tea plantations surrounding Hangzhou.
Day 7: Shao Xing, The main attraction of Shao Xing, one of the oldest cities in the Zhejiang province, lays in its rich history. We tour the former residence of Lu Xun, one of China’s most celebrated modern writers. Continue to Green Vine Studio, the former home of Xu Wei, a Ming-dynasty writer, calligrapher and painter. In front of the studio lies a square pond with water that never dries or overflows its bank, and a literati garden which consists of a bamboo grove, artificial mountain and a winding path. We will also visit the famed Orchid Pavilion, considered a sacred site for calligraphers. The area is surrounded by gently flowing rivers and bamboo forests.
Day 8: Fly back home, trip ends.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- All hotel accommodations (Atmospheric Boutique Hotel) based on double occupancy, including tax and breakfast
- All meals as stated in the itinerary highlighting the local cuisine with water, tea, local beer, and soft drinks.
- Airport arrival and departure transfers
- All ground transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water and snacks on coach
- All admissions and activity expenses as noted on itinerary
- Services of local guides, site experts, and other support staff
Price Excludes:
- International airfare
- Any en route stopovers, hotels, and meals to and from China
- Excess baggage charges and airport taxes
- Passport and visa fees
- Normal level of gratuities for local guides and drivers
- Travel insurance for trip cancellation, travel delay or baggage lose/damage
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
China
Garden Tours
Cultural Journey
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