Our clients at the Temple of Heaven, Beijing

Day 01Arrival in Beijing

You'll be greeted outside the baggage claim area at Beijing Capital Airport and transferred to the 5-star Crowne Plaza (Address: No. 48 Wangfujing Avenue, Beijing, 100006). The remainming hours of the day are free for individual activities.

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza

Tips: Your hotel is well located in the downtown area of Beijing and is about a 50 minute drive from the airport without traffic delays. After picking you up, we intend to leave the day free for you to recover from the long journey and the jet lag. If you still feel energetic, you can explore the city on your own. For your information, the traffic in Beijing is terribly busy during the rush hours and is best to avoid driving during that period. There are two traffic peaks everyday, 7:00-9:00 in the morning and 17:00-19:00 in the evening. If you want to go out during these periods, the best way is on foot.

Day 02Beijing

You will be thrilled the entire day when you visit Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. The famous local Beijing Duck Dinner is served as a Welcome Dinner at a well-known restaurant. The cheering Peking Opera (the National Opera) is scheduled as the evening delight after dinner.(B+L+D)

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza

Descriptions:
Forbidden City - The Forbidden City is divided into two portions by the Gate of Heavenly Purity, Qianqingmen in Chinese. The southern part is the Outer Court and the northern part is the Inner Court. The first hall behind Qianqingmen is the Palace of Heavenly Purity, called Qianqinggong. Qianqinggong was originally the bedroom for emperor as well as his office. Also emperor had banquets there. Behind this palace lies a smaller hall, named the Hall of Celestial and Terrestrial Union, Jiaotaidian in Chinese, where empress received greetings from other concubines.
 
Temple of Heaven - was where Emperors in Ming and Qing Dynasty offered sacrifice to Heaven and prayed for good harvest for the country. Built in 1402, it is even larger than the Forbidden City. The northern part within the wall is circular meaning the Heaven and the southern part is square symbolizing the earth. As the most representative work in Chinese religious architectures, it perfectly annotates the relationship between heaven and earth.

Our clients at Forbidden City, Beijing Photo by our client Mr. John Hollar

Day 03Beijing

You will be accompanied by our local professional guide to one of the greatest world heritage sites - the Great Wall, Badaling section. Have a pleasant lunch of Sichuan cuisine at a popular local restaurant. The visits continue to the Sacred Way and the Ming Tomb in the afternoon. The day's tour concludes with a visit to the Bird's Nest (Olympic National Stadium) and the Water Cube (Olympic Aquatic Center). You will sample Cantonese cuisine for dinner at a top restaurant in the Wangfujing Street, a la carte style.(B+L+D)

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza

Descriptions:
Great Wall - From the Qin Dynasty in 221 BC, the Great Wall of China was constructed in large-scale. However, without any technological support, the heavy building materials were difficult to transport, so the builders were required to use the local resources, such as stones of mountains and rammed earth along rivers. In this sense, the wall of the Qin Dynasty has a marked feature that most of them were built of stones and earth. This solid fortification was still used by the following Han Dyansty to defend the opposing army, but few were left nowadays.
 
Ming Tomb - In front of each Emperor's tomb except Siling, there stands a tablet which is called Gui Tuo Bei (a tablet carried by a tortoise). It is mainly used to praise the Emperor's accomplishments during his reign. According to a Chinese legend, the dragon has nine sons and each son has a strong personality. As one of the dragon's nine sons, the tortoise likes carry things. The Emperor always says that he is the real dragon and the Son of Heaven. Therefore, it is reasonable for the son (the tortoise) to carry his father's tablet.
 
Tips: You may have heard of another section of the Great Wall - Mutianyu. Compared with Badaling, the Mutianyu section is gentle with fewer steps and less crowded with people. If your travel dates come across the holiday period in China, we suggest you visit Mutianyu section instead of Badaling. The Badaling section will likely be congested with people and you would be in no mood for enjoying. What's more, as the Mutianyu section is much gentler and with fewer steps, it is more convenient for elder visitors. The two sections are both majestic and worthy of visit.

Day 04Beijing - Xian

After spending the morning at the Summer Palace and the Lama Temple, you will be flown to Xian. Upon arrival, you will be met by a local professional tour guide and transferred to the well appointed Sheraton Xian Hotel (Address: No. 262 Feng Hao East Road, Xi'an, 710077) where a luxurious buffet dinner is served.(B+L+D)

Accommodation: Sheraton Xian Hotel

Descriptions:
Summer Palace - Although the Summer Palace is a royal garden built in Beijing, the architectural style of its most attractions belong to the typical style of gardens in South China. Lying to the west of the Kunming Lake, the West Bank was constructed imitating the Su Bank in Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province. The bank was created to adorn the lake it surrounds, making it even more charming and enchanting. Thus, when visitors stroll along the bank, they often feel as if they are walking beside the West Lake.
 
Lama Temple - The Hall of the Dharma Wheel in the Lama Temple is an outstanding effort of the Han and the Tibetan architectural style. In the center of the Hall, there is a 6.1-meter-high bronze statue of Tsong Khapa who is the father of the Yellow Hat Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Behind the statue, you may find a treasure of the temple, an excellent woodcarving in a shape of hill including 500 statues of Arhats. It is said that all of the 500 Arhats in different postures and expressions are the followers of Sakyamuni.

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. Afterwards, a drive back along the highway to downtown for a superb lunch at a well known  Cantonese cuisine restaurant. A visit to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the City Wall is scheduled after lunch. In the evening, we will arrange the marvelous Tang Dynasty Dinner Show at the splendid Tang Dynasty Palace. (Add: No.75, Chang'an Road, Xian)(B+L+D)

Accommodation: Sheraton Xian Hotel

Descriptions:
Terracotta Warriors Museum - The Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses is actually a part of the unexcavated Mausoleum of the Emperor Qin Shihuang, the first emperor of a united China. The imperial tomb is bigger than the Egyptian Great Pyramid. It is a hill covered with trees when seen from afar. The study of it proved that it is composed of an inner city and an outer city. To complete such a big project in that remote dynasty, many laboring people lost their lives because of hardship.
 
Big Wild Goose Pagoda - The Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the masterpiece of the Buddhist architecture, was located in the ancient Da Ci'en Temple. It was built with bricks layer upon layer with a mixture of lime, earth, and sand, so it was very firmly. In fact, it modeled the wild goose pagoda in India. However, the distinctive style of bracket in traditional Chinese wooden architecture was also applied into the brick construction. The pagoda looks stately and simple, greatly displaying the wisdom and talent of Chinese ancient people.
 
City Wall - The ancient City Wall of Xian is said to be the most brilliant architectural remains at this capital of 13 dynasties in China, which is of incomparable value. Every climber on the city wall will be shocked by the grandeur of fortification of nearly 14 kilometers long, dotted with upright towers.

Day 06Xian

A visit to the Provincial History Museum before an a la carte lunch is served at a well selected local restaurant, then a visit to the Great Mosque and on to meet a local family.(B+L)

Accommodation: Sheraton Xian Hotel

Tips: Xian is not only famous for its long history and rich culture, but also for its delicious and flavorful food. There are two places in Xian best for sampling the local snacks. One is the Muslim street near the Great Mosque, while the other is the Wu-Yi (May 1st) Restaurant near the Bell Tower. The classical local specialities include the shredded pancakes in mutton and beef soup, various barbeques, Chinese hamburgers, stuffed buns (Baozi), dumplings and many more. We leave the dinner today for your own selection and you may take the chance to enjoy it. Please be cautious about hygienic conditions before eating in case of diarrhea. Perhaps cooked food may be better for you.
  
Descriptions:
Shaanxi Provincial History Museum - For the remarkable murals of the Tang Dynasty, Shaanxi History Museum ranks the top for its total circa 1,000-square-meter storage among all museums in China. In the exhibition area, there are tomb frescoes unearthed respectively in 1950s, 1970s and 1980s. They came from the graves of the Empress Wu Zetian's second son, her granddaughter and several others. The contents described in those paintings include gods, stars, religion, architecture, patrolling scene, hunting, normal life and friendly intercourse. Bright colors and vividly scenes reproduce the real social life at that time.

Shibaozhai, Yangtze River cruise

Day 07Xian - Chongqing

You will visit the Hanyangling Museum and the Mausoleum of Western Han Emperor Liu Qi on the way to the airport. After lunch, we will see you off on your flight to Chongqing and 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 and enjoy a buffet dinner at a 5-star hotel.Then transfer you on-board the deluxe New Century cruise ship. As the ship departs from Chongqing at about 23:30, your relaxing Yangtze River cruise begins.(B+L+D)

Accommodation: New Century Cruises

Tips: Chongqing falls into tropical moisture monsoon seasonal zone, with warm winter, early spring and short autumn. Summer here lasts four to five months. Even in September, you may feel quite hot in the daytime. Sometimes the daily temperature may go up to 42 degrees Centigrade (107.6 degrees Fahrenheit) in July and August. So it is considered as one of the three “furnaces” in China (along with Nanjing and Wuhan). If your trip occurs in the summer, you must be careful of heatstroke. We suggest you bring some sunscreen cream, a pair of sunglass and some heatstroke preventive medicine. Drinking enough water is definitely essential. It will be much better after you board the ship as the strong river wind may blow away the heat.

Day 08Chongqing - Fengdu

The river guide will give a brief introduction of the cruise and the schedule during the process after breakfast. In the afternoon, you will meet the initial onshore excursion to the Snowy Jade Cave. The Captain's Welcome Party will be held tonight.(B+L+D)

Tips: After you disembark at Fengdu, it will take you about one hour from the pier to the gate of Snowy Jade Cave scenic area by coach. Upon arrival, you will also need to walk for about half an hour to reach the Cave. You may climb a little, but the slope is very gentle and with not many steps. Basically speaking, it is not a hard work. However, we suggest you wear a pair of comfortable shoes fit for walking.

Yangtze Shennong stream cruise tour

Day 09Badong - Xiling Gorge - Sandouping

The essential part of the Yangtze River cruise is coming today. You will appreciate the unique scenery of the Three Gorges. An interesting junk adventure along the Shennong Stream will expect you here, which lasts about 3-4 hours. Then sail into the Xiling Gorge and pass the Five Level Ship Lock in the evening.(B+L+D)

Descriptions:
Three Gorges - The Three Gorges on the Yangtze River has become one of the most popular tourist resorts in China, attracting many visitors from both at home and abroad with its picturesque natural scenery and historical sites. It starts at the Baidicheng of Fengjie County and ends at Nanjin Pass of Yichang City, extending for 192 kilometers.

Day 10Yichang - Shanghai

Disembark for an excursion to the newly constructed Three Gorges Dam. Pack your luggage and follow the check-out procedures. After having lunch in Yichang city, visit the Yichang Museum if time allows. Head for Shanghai by flight and your local professional tour guide will expect you with a comfortable transfer service. Check in at the 5-star Ramada Plaza Hotel (Address: No. 700 Jiujiang Road Shanghai, 200001).(B+L)

Accommodation: Majesty Plaza Shanghai

Tips: Today is your last day of the cruise and you will be reminded prior to disembarking. The staff on the ship will collect your baggage before you leave the ship. Please make sure that all your bags are properly tagged. When you disembark on the pier, the porters will carry your luggage to the bank where you can claim your luggage.
 
Descriptions:
Shanghai - Shanghai is a burgeoning poplar tourist destination in China. This large modern city assembles many places of historical interest and modern landmark buildings, such as Town God's Temple, the Bund, Oriental Pearl TV Tower and the Shanghai Tower in the thriving financial and trading center of Lujiazui.

The water town near Shanghai

Day 11Shanghai

The first stop of Shanghai is to visit the Shanghai Museum which houses large collections of historical items. Then go ahead to the famous Yuyuan Garden. After lunch, take a cruise tour on the Huangpu River. The Farewell Dinner is arranged at the Central Hotel as a fitting finale to your discovery of China. The hotel restaurant, named Wang Bao He has a history of over 260 years and is the best place to sample Shanghai Cuisine. You will enjoy an amazing Portman Acrobatic Show at the Shanghai Centre Theatre.(B+L+D)

Accommodation: Majesty Plaza Shanghai

Descriptions:
Huangpu River Cruise - Take a cruise ship and flow down the Huangpu River is a good way to visit Shanghai and experience the old Shanghai flavor. The western historical buildings along the two banks are splendid view for visitors. Especially at night when the colorful lights on, they are more dazzling. Drift down, you will see the Gongqing Forest Park, the pyramid-shaped water tower in Zhabei Power Plant, Wusongkou batteries site, and luckily enough, the spectacle of the gathering of three rivers (the Yangtze, the Huangpu River and the East Sea), will be unfolded before you.

Shanghai Museum - Owning about 120,000 pieces of valuable ancient relics, Shanghai Museum is one of the four greatest museums in China, together with Beijing Palace Museum, Nanjing Museum and Shaanxi Museum. Its main features are ancient bronzes, porcelain and ceramic wares, calligraphy and Chinese paintings.
 
Yuyuan Garden - With its beautiful scenery and renowned historical and cultural relics, Yuyuan Garden has attracted numerous tourists all over the world since it was opened to the public in 1961. After 1980s, many foreign leaders have come to visit Yuyuan. On Oct. 15th, Queen Elizabeth II of the Great Britain paid a visit to Yuyuan Garden in the company of Jiang Zeming, former President of the People's Republic of China, and former vice premier Wu Xueqian (1981-2008). So far, Yuyuan Garden has received more than ten nations' leaders from all over the world.

Day 12Departure from Shanghai

Prepare for your homebound flight. Comfortable private hotel-airport transfer is arranged according to your flight schedule.(B)

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