Tiananmen Square, Beijing

Day 01Entry Beijing

You'll be met upon arrival outside the baggage claim area at the Beijing Capital Airport and transferred to the 4-star Holiday Inn Central Plaza (Address: No. 1 Caiyuanjie, Xuanwu District, Beijing, 100053). The rest of the day is free on your own. 
 
Meals: We do not arrange any meals for you today because of the different arrival flights.

Day 02Beijing

You will be thrilled the whole day when you visit the Tiananmen Square - one of the largest and grandest city squares in the world; the Forbidden City of Ming and Qing Dynasties and the Temple of Heaven - once was the royal temple.  
 
Specials: Peking Roast Duck Banquet & Peking Opera Performance 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Descriptions:
Forbidden City - The construction of the Forbidden City started in 1407, the fifth year of the second emperor of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It was finished fourteen years later in 1420. According to historical record, a million workers including one hundred thousand craftsmen were driven to do the long-term hard work. Stones used in the construction were collected from Fangshan, a place in the suburb of Beijing. It's said that a well was dug every fifty meters along the road so as to pour water onto the road in winter and take advantage of ice to move huge stones.
 
Tiananmen Square - The daily National Flag-raising Ceremony in the front of the Tiananmen Square assembles a large number of people as a must Beijing morning travel. At the beginning of the ceremony, the national flag guards start from the Tiananmen Tower and march across the Chang'an Avenue to the Tiananmen Square. The national flag is hoisted when the sun is about to rise from the horizon and reaches the top of flag staff when the sun ascending over the horizon. The whole process just takes 2 minutes and 7 seconds.

Chinese festival celebration

Day 03Beijing

You will be accompanied by our local professional guide to one of the greatest world heritage sites - the Great Wall, Badaling section. Drive to have a decent lunch at a local popular Sichuan food restaurant. The visits continue to the Sacred Way and the Ming Tomb in the afternoon. Conclude the day tour after visiting the appearance of the the Bird's Nest (Olympic National Stadium) in the distance on the way to the downtown. 
  
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Descriptions:
Bird's Nest - It looks like a huge nest of bird woven by tree branches. It hosts both the opening and closing ceremony of 2008 Olympics. The designer of the Bird's Nest said that the stadium was designed as a container, with a fluctuant appearance easing the sense of big size and also giving a dramatic and powerful visual effect.  

Sacred Way - The Sacred Way is the first scenic spot in the Ming Tombs scenic area. It consists of the stone memorial archway, the red gate, the stele pavilion, the stone statues and the Dragon and Phoenix Gate etc. The stone memorial archway is the biggest one currently existing in China. From the stele pavilion to the Dragon and Phoenix Gate, there are 9 pairs of stone statues along the road. The statues are very lively and the sculpture is delicate, so they have the high value of historical relic and art.

Day 04Beijing - Xian

After the morning duration at the Royal Garden - Summer Palace, set off for Xian by air. Upon arrival, you will be met by your local professional tour guide. Visit the ancient City Wall on the way, which is a typically representative of this ancient city.  You will then be transferred to the well selected 4-star hotel - Grand New World Hotel (Address: No. 172 Lianhu Road., Xi'an, 710002) 
 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Descriptions:
Summer Palace - The Summer Palace is wonderful natural and cultural site for people to learn the rich Chinese culture. Nearly each scenic spot contains an incredible legend or an interesting story. Just have a look at the Bronze Ox sitting on the eastern shore of the Kunming Lake. It is said that Emperor Qianlong wanted to build it according to the Chinese legend 'Niulang (cowboy) and Zhinu (weaver girl)'. The Bronze Ox was built to symbolize the cowboy while a marble tablet caved 'Zhi Geng Tu' (picture of farming and weaving) stands for the weaver girl.
 
City Wall - Having a circumference of 13.7 kilometers (8.5 miles), it was initially constructed by Zhu Yuanzhang, the first Emperor of Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It was baptized by the age of changes and it has stood witness the vicissitudes of imperial dynasties. As the best preserved one, it boasts as the largest and the most complete city wall in the world.

Figures of terracotta army, Xian

Day 05Xian

You will have a visit to the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum which is said to be the Eighth Wonder of the world. Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the Great Mosque after lunch. 
  
Specials: A la carte lunch, Dumpling Banquet and Tang Dynasty Music and Dances Show (Address: No. 165, Wenyi Road, Xian, 710054)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Descriptions:
Terracotta Soldiers Museum - Located in Lintong District in Xian City, the Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses is a huge military museum underground, famed as the 'eighth wonder in the world'. In the spring of 1974, the local peasants discovered some fragment of the heads of terracotta warriors which attracted the attention of the archaeological department. The cultural treasure dusted off for over 2,000 years has been opened to the public. It is said that if you miss visiting the Museum of Terracotta Warriors, you cannot claim to have visited China.
 
Great Mosque - The Mosque stands at the northwest corner to the Drum Tower and it could be the integration of Islamic culture and Chinese culture. The architectural form of Great Mosque is typically in traditional Chinese style, while the entire layout and positioning inside are in accordance with Islamic principle strictly and the sculpture and decoration in the hall are all engraved in Arabic. Chinese traditional architecture and Islamic construction styles represent such a perfect combination, and it is listed as one of the Islamic Heritages by UNESCO.  

Qutang Gorge, Yangtze River

Day 06Xian - Chongqing

Have the last Xian stop to the Provincial History Museum. Head for Chongqing by an afternoon fligh where your local professional tour guide will expect you with a comfortable transfer service. Have a brief city tour to the Panda House in Chongqing Zoo if time allows. In the zoo, you will see the beautiful scenery comprising rolling hills, lush trees, green grasses and gorgeous flowers. You can also see nearly 200 species of plants and 2,000 animals there. Your memorable Yangtze River cruise begins at 22:00 as you board on the cruise ship (President No. 3 or President No.4). 
 
Specials: A la carte lunch, Buffet dinner at the 5-star hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Descriptions:
Shaanxi Provincial History Museum - Basic exhibition area in the central hall with two floors specializes in the display of Shaanxi's ancient history. Composed of seven parts from prehistoric time to Qing Dynasty, it embodies a concentrated reflection of the local civilization from Lantian Ape Man to the Opium War. In the west side of the central hall stands the theme display area for exhibitions of Shaanxi features, such as the Silk Road and the Yaozhou Porcelain exhibit, while the east side is for exchanging perfect displays and ideas with others.

Day 07Fengdu

At about 08:30 visit the Ghost City of Fengdu. After a brief stop for sightseeing, embark and continue sailing. The Captain's Welcome Party will be held this evening and you are invited to join the fun.  
 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tips: If you have special physical needs such as the use of a wheelchair, please inform us when you book your trip so that we can check if appropriate facilities are available. Many cruise companies have improved their facilities so that travelers who are physically challenged can enjoy their trip as fully as possible. However, on the ships the narrow corridors, lips on the doorways, and steps at public area are unavoidable. Ships cruising along the Yangtze River may inevitably docks at some of the rural area like small towns or village. Elevators or cable cars are not readily available. Wheelchair access may be limited and sometimes impossible. Your notice ahead is important for us if you need this kind of service.

Adventurous Shennong stream floating, Yangtze River

Day 08Badong - Xiling Gorge - Sandouping

The essential part of the Yantze River cruise is coming today. You will appreciate the unique scenery of the Three Gorges. Qutang Gorge is the shortest but the grandest one. The overall length of Qutang Gorge is 8 kilometers (5 miles). Once your ship enters this gorge, you can see Kuimen of power and grandeur. The steep-walled peaks on both sides of Kuimen narrow the roaring Yantze River winding through the deep valley. The breadth of the river here can only reach 200 meters at most. Wu Gorge is famous for its lofty peaks and mountains on both sides. Xiling Gorge is the longest one amongst the three. An interesting junk adventure to Shennong Stream will add much joy to the marvelous day, which lasts about 3-4 hours. After a whole day sailing, the ship will stop at the Sandouping village.  
 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 09Yichang - Shanghai

The final Yangtze onshore excursion is arranged to visit the Three Gorges Dam. After lunch, pack your luggage and follow the check-out procedures. Drive to Yichang and visit the Yichang Museum if time permits. Then head for Shanghai by air and where your local tour guide will expect you with a comfortable transfer service. Check in at the 4-star Ya Fan Long Men Hotel (Address: Hengfeng Road No. 777, Shanghai, China) 
 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Descriptions:
Yangtze River - The Yangtze River, long known as “the Golden Channel”, is one of the main arteries of traffic in China. The total mileage of navigable waterway of the mainstreams of the river reaches up to more than 2, 800 kilometers. It forms a large transport network by connecting inland ports, coastal ports and some big cities, such as Wuhan, Chongqing and Shanghai.

Qibao Old Town in Shanghai

Day 10Shanghai

The first stop in Shanghai is to visit the Shanghai Museum which houses large collections of historical items. Then go ahead to the famous Yuyuan Garden, walk around the Bund area along the Huangpu River and visit a local family.  
 
Specials: Portman Acrobatic Show and a la carte farewell dinner at Wangbaohe restaurant 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Descriptions:
Huangpu River - Flowing through Shanghai city, Huangpu River originates from Dianshan Lake and pours into the Yangtze River at Wusongkou. It possesses the comprehensive function of shipping, drainage, irrigation, fishery, travel, adjusting the climate and so on. It is the mother river of Shanghai, and also the symbol and epitome of Shanghai. On both sides of the river, it assembles the highlights of Shanghai city. The Bund area along the river is the hotspot for both local people and visitors all over the world.

Day 11Shanghai - Guilin

No escorted tour is scheduled in the morning so you can explore the city on your own. Head for Guilin by an afternoon flight, where your local professional tour guide will expect you with a comfortable airport-hotel transfer service. Check in at the 4-star Guilin Bravo Hotel (Address: No. 14 Ronghu Nan Road, Guilin, 541002). 
 
Meals: Breakfast

Tips: After having a first sight view of Shanghai by wondering around the famous Bund area and the bustling Nanjing Road, you can take a taxi to the newly rising Xin Tian Di (New World area) where the buildings are perfectly combined in both classical and western styles. The pubs and cafes there are very popular with local residence as well as foreign travelers. You can find a nice Shanghai cuisine restaurant there and enjoy your first dinner in China. Your guide may also give you some guidance, like what the taxi fee is, good restaurant recommendation, etc. The people at Xin Tian Di can almost speak some English, so basic communications will be no problem.

Our clients in rural Yangshuo, Guilin

Day 12Guilin - Yangshuo - Guilin

Travel to Yangshuo by cruising along the magnificent Li River which itself is the highlight of today. Upon arrival in Yangshuo, a brief country-road tour by bicycle will be arranged. A local family will be somewhere along the road expecting your visit. If you are less skillful at riding a bicycle, you can take our electric car instead. Transfer back to Guilin.  
 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 
Tips: 1. Lunch will be provided on the cruise today and since it may not meet your expectations, TCG suggests that you have a larger breakfast at the hotel.

2. Li River Cruise is the highlight of your tour in Guilin. Different sceneries are present in different seasons, but you are not recommended to take the cruise from December to February in the following year since Li River is in its dry period. While April is the rainy season in Guilin, rain gear is very necessary. After 3.5 - 4 hours cruise, you will finally reach Yangshuo. At the dock some aged farmers wear a bamboo hat and carry a shoulder pole with some cormorants standing on it. You may feel like taking a picture with them, but you need to pay for it. RMB5-10 yuan is enough, just for aiding their living.

Day 13Guilin - Hongkong

The highlight Guilin tour continues to the Reed Flute Cave, the Seven Star Park and the Elephant Trunk Hill. See you off by flight to Hong Kong and please arrange the airport-hotel transfer on your own upon arrival. The 4-star Regal Kowloon Hotel (Address: No. 71 Mody Road, Tsimshatsui East, Hong Kong China) is reserved for you in advance.  
 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 
Tips: Since English signs are available everywhere in Hong Kong and many people speak English, the transfer to your hotel should be simple to arrange. Hong Kong airport is well serviced by Airport Express coaches ans trains, as welll as ferries and taxi's. We only book the hotel with breakfast for you.

Descriptions:
Reed Flute Cave - The Reed Flute Cave, called Lu Di Yan in Chinese, is located in the northwestern suburb of Guilin City. Five kilometers from the downtown of Guilin, it has been developed well as a popular scenic area consisting of the karst cave and the rural landscape. The Reed Flute Cave is 240 meters deep, pouch-shaped. The entrance of the cave is next to the exit. It appeared naturally while the exit was excavated by human power. It's said that the reeds growing outside the cave can be made from flutes, hence the name.

Repulse Bay, Hong Kong

Day 14Hong Kong

The full day is free to explore on your own and we only book the hotel with breakfast for you. You are recommended to take a half day visit to  Victoria Peak, the Repulse Bay, Aberdeen and Stanley Market. Take a taxi to the Pier and take Star Ferry to Kowloon side, and walk along the waterfront promenade back to your Hotel.  
 
Meals: Breakfast

Tips: 1. Upon your arrival at Hong Kong airport, you will find many materials and maps providing information on transportation, accommodation, dining and entertainment, which are very useful for your trip here. You can take some and they are free of charge. Hong Kong offers many great upscale shopping districts that rival the high-class streets in London or Paris. It is also a nice attempt to shop in those small stores lining the roads. It is wise to look around the various shops to compare the quality and prices before buying anything. Most shopping centers open everyday throughout the year from 10:00 am to 9:30 pm.
 
2. Hong Kong is a city of great events. It was called Dream Factory of Asian pop music. Pop concerts are held from time to time. If you are lucky enough, you may happen to meet your favorite pop star and enjoy his or her pop concert.

Day 15Hongkong Exit

After breakfast, arrange the hotel-airport transfer on your own to board your homebound flight. 

Meals: Breakfast

Tips: If you will go back to the mainland of China after you visit Hong Kong, please remember to apply for the double-entry visa before you come to China.

B-- Breakfast     L-- Lunch     D-- Dinner