People find relaxation in Temple of Heaven, Beijing

Day 01Arrival in Beijing

You'll be met outside the baggage claim area at Beijing airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free.

Tips: If you are a “foodie”, head for Guijie Street.  The street got its name 'Ghost Street' for being the place where taxi drivers enjoyed their snacks till the wee hours of the morning.  Today, it's Beijing's gourmet hub featuring dishes from all over China.  At 1500 meters long, the street hosts more than 100 restaurants offering a wide range of cuisine, with hotpot and barbeques being the most popular.  The most convenient way to get to Guijie is by taxi.

Local vegetable market

Day 02Beijing

Thrill to the sight of Tiananmen Square - one of the largest city square in the world; the Forbidden City of Ming and Qing Dynasties and the Temple of Heaven - formerly the royal temple. Tonight, you'll feast on a Beijing Duck Dinner at  a well-known restaurant. The colorful Peking Opera (the national opera of China) is the evening's entertainment.(B+L+D)

Descriptions: 
Forbidden City - Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, is the largest and best preserved imperial palace complex in the world.  It was built from 1406 to 1420 as a wooden structure.  Twenty-four emperors including fourteen from the Ming Dynasty and ten from the Qing Dynasty lived here.  Forbidden City is divided into two parts:  the Outer Court to the south was  where the emperor and his ministers discussed state affairs and held ceremonies; the Inner Court to the north was where the royal family lived. 
 
Temple of Heaven - In China, holding sacrificial ceremonies in honor of heaven has appeared in the slavery Zhou Dynasty and has been handed down by the following emperors. The Temple of Heaven in Beijing is the imperial altar in the whole Ming and Qin Dynasties. In the Ming Dynasty, the emperors came here for worship heaven and prayer for a good harvest on winter solstice annually. In the Qing Dynasty, the emperors usually held ceremonies three times a year, respectively on winter solstice, the beginning of the first lunar month and the fourth lunar month.

Tiananmen Square, Beijing

Day 03Beijing

This morning your guide will take you to the greatest world heritage sites - the Great Wall at Badaling. Later, you will have a Sichuan lunch at a local popular restaurant. Visits to the Sacred Way and the Ming Tomb highlight  the afternoon. Your tour concludes after seeing the appearance of the Bird's Nest (Olympic National Stadium) at a distance on the way back to the downtown. (B+L, D is included for luxury series.)

Differences:
Luxury series: We will arrange an a la carte dinner of Cantonese cuisine at a nice restaurant at Wangfujing Street.
Standard series: Dinner is on your own. Your guide will be happy to make restaurant recommendations. 
 
Descriptions:
Great Wall - The beacon tower is one of the most important parts along the huge military fortification-the Great Wall of China. This communication facility has existed as soon as the wall was firstly constructed, and was well used and developed year by year. Usually, a beacon tower is laid at some advantageous strategic fort so that the military information could arrive at its nearby towers promptly. And, these beacon towers should stand at closer intervals, about 2.5 kilometers to 5 kilometers between each other. Later, these towers also supplied protection and accommodation for envoys.

Day 04Beijing - Xian

After visiting the Summer Palace and the Lama Temple, you will board a flight to China's ancient capital Xian. Upon arrival, you will be met by our local professional guide and transferred to the hotel. (B+L, D is included for luxury series.)

Differences:
Luxury series: We will reserve you a sumptuous buffet dinner at your hotel upon your arrival in Xian.
Standard series: Dinner is on your own. Your guide will be happy to make restaurant recommendations. 

Descriptions:
Summer Palace - The Summer Palace is not only wonderful resort for visitors to admire the picturesque scenery but also a good place to learn the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) of Chinese history. Almost every scenic site contains an interesting story about the emperor and the imperial family. To illustrate, the Hall of Jade Ripples (Yulantang) used to be the hall for Emperor Qianlong, while later after the failure of the Reform Movement in 1898 it became the place where Emperor Guangxu was under house arrested.

Pit of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, Xian

Day 05Xian

Today you will experience the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, said to be the Eighth Wonder of the world. Return downtown for a delightful lunch at a well-known Cantonese cuisine restaurant. After lunch, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the City Wall.(B+L+D)

Differences:
Luxury series: we will arrange the marvelous Tang Dynasty Dinner Show at the splendid Tang Dynasty Palace (Address: No.75 Chang'an Road, Xian).
Standard series: We will arrange the local speciality Dumpling Banquet and Tang Dynasty Dance and Music Show at Shaanxi Opera Theater. (Address: No. 165, Wenyi Road, Xian)

Descriptions:
Terracotta Warriors Museum - The Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses are no doubt the common wealth of man kind. Its significance can rival the Egyptian Pyramid and ancient Greek sculptures. They amply demonstrate the artistic talent and wonderful workmanship of Chinese people living over 2,000 years ago. They provide most precious physical materials to the study of politics, economy, science, culture, art and military in the Qin Dynasty. The discovery of it is the most spectacular archaeological finds in China in the 20th Century. Chinese people always consider it as the pride of the Chinese nation and priceless assert.
 
City Wall - Xian, as a famous civilized city in the world, created brilliant culture with some one thousand years of history as a capital. The City Wall is most symbolic sign of the city, which contains rich historical and cultural remains. It plays as the indispensable part of all festivities and great moment of Xian.

Chinese people and life

Day 06Xian - Lhasa

On the way to the airport, stop to visit the Hanyangling Museum and the Mausoleum of Western Han Emperor Liu Qi if time is available. Fly to Lhasa where the altitude is 3,650 meters above sea level. You'll be met by your local guide and transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to rest and adapt to the high altitude. Dinner will be served at your hotel.(B+L+D)

Descriptions: Hanyangling Museum includes a joint tomb of the aforementioned Liu Qi and his empress combined with a museum featuring a large number of figurines unearthed from this area.  The figurines are about 60 cm high, about the one-third the size of an actual human.  They are unclothed and armless.  Research indicates that at the time these ceramic figurines were competed, they had wooden arms which were hinged to their torso and could thus be turned.  They were also clad in beautiful costumes.  Thousands of years of exposure caused the clothing and the arms to erode.  Compared to the solemnity and military bearing of the Terracotta Warriors, these figurines appear to be calm and peaceful reflecting a harmonious social environment.

Tibetan pupils

Day 07Lhasa

Spend the whole day visiting the Tibet Museum and the Carpet Factory. After having a western-style lunch, go head to visit the Sera Monastery and the Norbulingka Park. We will arrange a Western style lunch for you. Tonight, an a la carte dinner will be served at a top end local Sichuan cuisine restaurant, a la carte style.(B+L+D)

Tips: When touring around the temples in Tibet, you may wonder what the lamas are carrying in their kettles.  It is actually butter which is used as a fuel for the lamps in the temple.  Tibetans esteem these lamps highly for their brightness.  Anyone lighting the lamp must wash their hands first.  While the lamps have religious connotations, they are also commonly used in family homes for illumination. 
 
Descriptions: 
Tibet Museum - The Tibet Museum was built from 1994 to 1888 is the first modern museum in the Tibet Autonomous Region.  Its main building is separated into an exhibition hall and a reservoir area.  The third floor of the exhibition area contains Thangka, flora and fauna, jade and temporary exhibitions; the second floor features a display that traces the history of Tibet; the first floor houses a souvenir shop.  The museum is a treasure trove of Tibetan cultural relics and gems of Tibetan civilization.  It has over 30,00- items on view.  Exhibit descriptions are available in Japanese, English, Tibetan and Chinese.
  
Norbulingka Park -Norbulingka Park is the largest man-made garden in Tibet.  It  previously was used as the Summer Palace by the Lamas for political affairs and meetings with officials and the clergy.  Norbulingka creates a unique mood synthesizing the characteristics of the Tibetan Plateau with traditional gardening techniques using buildings, rocks, water, and trees.  A new palace housing rare art works, including colorful frescoes, now stands in the center of the park

Ganden Monastery, Lhasa

Day 08Lhasa

Today's tour covers more highlights of Lhasa including the magnificent Potala Palace, the Jokhang Temple, the thriving bazaar of the Barkhor Street and the Tibetan Traditional Medicine Hospital. We will arrange a Western style lunch for you. Enjoy your dinner at the hotel.(B+L+D)

Descriptions: 
Situated in the center of Lhasa, the Jokhang Temple is a typical Tibetan Buddhist temple, which bears unparalleled status in the Tibetan Buddhism. Constructed in 647 during the Tang Dynasty, the Jokhang Temple was built as a memorial to the Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal and Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty. As the oldest wooden complex of Tibet, the temple covers an area of over 25,100 square meters (6.2 acres). The main hall has four floors and a gold-plating roof, looking rather spectacular.

Yangtze River Three Gorges cruise tour

Day 09Lhasa - Chongqing

Fly to Chongqing and meet your guide outside the baggage claim area. You will have a brief tour of the Panda House at Chongqing Zoo time permitting. After enjoying the appetizing buffet dinner at the 5-star hotel, you will transfer to the cruise ship. There you will depart Chongqing and begin your relaxing Yangtze River cruise.(B+L+D)

Tips: We would like to remind you that there is no cruise ship equipped with elevator or escalator. If someone is not convenient in moving, you could request to stay at the lower floors when checking in. FYI, the daily schedule will be pasted at the reception or sent to your room the day before. In the morning, there is Tai-ji boxing teaching on the sun deck of the sixth floor. If you are interested, please get up early and you are invited to join in.

Day 10Chongqing - Fengdu

The river guide will give a brief introduction of the cruise and the daily schedule after breakfast. In the afternoon, you will make your first onshore excursion to either the Snowy Jade Cave or the "Ghost City". The Captain's Welcome Party will be held tonight.(B+L+D)

Differences:
Luxury series: You will take an onshore excursion to the Snowy Jade Cave.
Standard series: You will take an excursion to Fengdu "Ghost City".

Descriptions:
Three Gorges - Since ancient times, the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River had become one great attraction to the Chinese People. The beautiful and majestic scenery made many poets wrote lines for it. Li Bai, one of the greatest poets in the Tang Dynasty had once written: “Lonely sail in a distant shadow, fading into the blue sky; all I can see is the Yangtze River, flowing into the far horizon”.

Cruising along the verdant Shennong stream

Day 11Badong - Xiling Gorge - Sandouping

The essential part of your cruise occurs today. You will be in awe of the unique scenery of the Three Gorges: Qutang Gorge is the shortest but the most impressive of the three; Wu Gorge is famous for its lofty peaks and mountains on the both sides. Here you will experience an interesting junk adventure along Shennong Stream that lasts for 3-4 hours. Finally, you will sail into the longest Gorge, Xiling. In the evening, you will pass through the Five Level Ship Lock.(B+L+D)

Tips: The junk adventure will likely be the highlight of your Yangtze River experience.  It includes a one-hour float trip on a pea-boat rowed by local boatmen.  As the pea-boat is narrow and has no railings, please take care of your camera and other property and refrain from extending your arms outside of the ship when taking pictures.

Day 12Yichang - Shanghai

Disembark for an excursion to the Three Gorges Dam which is currently under construction. Be sure to pack your luggage and follow the checkout procedures. After lunch at Yichang, you will visit Yichang Museum, time permitting. Take a flight to Shanghai and meet your guide who will transfer you to your hotel.(B+L)

Differences:
Luxury series: You will have a lunch at a famous restaurant at Yichang city.
Standard series: The lunch will be provided by the cruise company.
 
Descriptions: 
Shanghai - Shanghai is also a famous city with historical sites. There are many ancient buildings in this modern city. The Town God's Temple in Shanghai was built in the Ming Dynasty and has a history of about 600 years. In the Bund, there are a group of foreign banks and restaurants with European style, such as Citibank, Peace Hotel. A large race course still remains in the center of Shanghai.

Shanghai Bund

Day 13Shanghai

The first stop today is the Shanghai Museum which houses extensive collections of historical artifacts. Then, you will walk though the famous Yuyuan Garden. After lunch, different schedules are arranged for luxury and standard series. Your Farewell Dinner is at Central Hotel as a fitting finale to your discovery of China. The hotel's restaurant, Wang Bao He, is over 260 years old and is the premier location in the city for Shanghai Cuisine. After dinner, enjoy the amazing Portman Acrobatic Show at the Shanghai Centre Theatre.(B+L+D)

Differences:
Luxury series: We will arrange a short cruise tour along the Huangpu River in the afternoon.
Standard series: You will join your guide for a walk along the Bund including a visit with a local family in the afternoon.

Descriptions:
The Bund -The landmark Bund is located in the central area of Shanghai and is a must-see for tourists.  Here stand more than twenty buildings built in different eras with architectural styles from all over the world.  When evening falls, the colorful, brilliant lights resemble a shimmering crystal palace much to the onlookers' amazement.  The Bund is only a short distance from your hotel and is a delightful place for an after-dinner stroll.
  
Yuyuan Garden - Built in 1559, Yuyuan Garden has a long history of more than 400 years. Designed as a private garden, Yuyuan occupies an area of about 5 acres. Composed of pavilions, gloriettes, winding verandahs, zigzag paths, rockeries, ponds, springs, flowers and shade trees, and so on, the garden is magnificent in size and the scenery inside is like a beautiful landscape painting. Yuyuan Garden also collects hundreds of ancient steles and stone inscriptions, most authors of which are well known.

Day 14Departure from Shanghai

Today,you will be transferred to the airport for your homebound flight.(B)

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