Our clients at the Forbidden City, Beijing

Day 01Arrival in Beijing

You'll be met upon arrival at the Beijing Capital Airport and transferred to the 5-star Crowne Plaza (Address: No. 48 Wangfujing Avenue, Beijing, 100006). The remainder of the day is free for individual activities.

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza

Tips: If you are so excited to start seeing Beijing as soon as possible, Beihai is recommended as a place to look around on your own. Located in the center of Beijing City, Beihai Park is one of the oldest, largest and best-preserved imperial gardens. In this park, you can be absorbed by not only picturesque scenery and long history, but also solemn religious constructions. The admission fee is CNY10 yuan in high season and CNY5 yuan in low season.  It is generally open 06:30-20:00 in winter, 06:00-22:00 in summer. Beihai Park sits northwest of your hotel, about 2.5 kilometers away. Take a taxi and you will get there within 5 minutes at a cost of CNY10-15 yuan. It is wise to have a piece of paper with your destination in Chinese on it since the taxi drivers usually cannot understand English very well.

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 the royal temple. A Beijing Duck Dinner is served as youre Welcome Dinner at a well-known restaurant. The upbeat Peking Opera (the national opera) is scheduled as your evening delight after dinner.(B+L+D)

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza

Tips: Peking Opera is the quintessence of Chinese folk culture and history. It is a comprehensive art form, incorporating singing, reciting, acting, martial arts and dancing. You cannot miss it when visit Beijing. Before enjoying the brilliant performance, you will have a chance to enter the theatre through the tiring room where you can see how the actors wear facial make-up. The color painted on the face usually symbolizes the disposition and status of the character. It is also a key point to understand the whole story. Generally speaking, red color has a complimentary sense, meaning valor; black signifies wise; yellow and white have derogatory sense, symbolizing duplicity.

Descriptions:
Tiananmen Square - In front of the Tiananmen Rostrum, there are two pairs of lively stone lions, one on each side, guarding the imperial palace. These four 2.2-meter-high stone lions were sculptured in the Emperor Yong Le of the Ming Dynasty, about 500 years ago. All of them are gazing toward the emperor's walkway in front of the rostrum, so they are considered to be the emperor's loyal guarders. By convention, the male lion on the left rests his paw on a ball, and the female one is on the right with her paw fondling a cub.
 
Forbidden City - In the Forbidden City, besides the most three important halls in the Outer Court and the four famous palaces in the Inner Court, you are recommended to visit the Imperial Kitchen for emperors. The kitchen in the Hall of Mental Cultivation is especially designed for emperors. The various table wares like golden dishes silver cups and jade spoons will probably give you an eye feast. Emperors were afraid of being murdered. In order to avoid food poisoning, they usually asked chefs and eunuchs to try the food first.

Great Wall of China

Day 03Beijing

You will be accompanied by our local professional guide to one of the greatest world heritage sites - the Great Wall, Badaling section. A drive will enable you to have a decent lunch of Sichuan food at a popular local restaurant. The tour continues to the Sacred Way and the Ming Tomb in the afternoon. Conclude the day's sights with a visit to  the appearance of the the Bird's Nest (Olympic National Stadium) in the distance on the way back to the downtown. You will sample Cantonese cuisine for dinner at a top restaurant in Wangfujing Street, a la carte style.(B+L+D)

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza

Tips: It will be an energy consuming day for you as you will climb lots of steps on the Great Wall and walk a long distance along the Sacred Way. A pair of shoes suitable for walking may ease you somewhat. When climbing the Great Wall, bringing a bottle of water is a wise idea, especially if you are traveling in summer.  Along the way in front of the Great Wall, there are many vendors selling various souvenirs who are always aggressive. They will keep saying hello to you, waving their goods in hand. If you are not interested or have no intention of buying, you can just ignore them and walk on by.

Descriptions:
Great Wall - Badaling is the most well-preserved section of the Great Wall, built during the Ming Dynasty and was also the earliest part of the Great Wall opened to tourists. The steep mountain slope and the tortuous roads made it once a military stronghold. Nowadays, it has already become one of the most famous tourist sites of all over the world. Standing on the Great Wall, you will see the long wall under your feet go along with the mountain ranges, just like a huge dragon creeping on the ondulations of the mountains, what a spectacular view!

Terracotta army, Xian

Day 04Beijing - Xian

After the morning spent at the Royal Garden - Summer Palace and the Lama Temple, head for Xian by plane. Upon arrival, you will be met by your local professional tour guide and transferred to the well selected 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 - Summer Palace is one largest and best preserved royal garden in the world. The whole garden mainly consists of the Longevity Hill and the Kunming Lake. The Long Gallery, 728 meters (796.2 yards) in length, boasts as the longest gallery in China's gardens. Beginning from the Yaoyue (Inviting-Moon) Gate and ending at Shizhang Pavilion, the Long Gallery ingeniously links Longevity Hill with Kunming Lake. It is divided into 273 pavilions, and on the architraves and the girders there are more than 8000 pieces of various kinds of colored pictures, such as characters, landscape, flowers and birds. It is an ideal museum combined the natural scenery and rich culture.

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. Drive back by highway to downtown to have a decent lunch at a well known Cantonese cuisine restaurant. Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the City Wall afterwards. 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

Tips: To offer you a chance to get a close touch of local people's life, we especially arrange a local family visit in your itinerary. The host will welcome you at home and talk with you about their daily life. Of course, the guide will be with your for interpretation. If it happened that the host is making dumplings for meal that day, you will be invited to learn and have a taste. If you are fond of them, you can take a photo with them for memory. We are sure you will feel the friendliness and hospitality of the local people when you are there.
 
Descriptions:
Terracotta Warriors Museum - Reputed as the Eighth Wonder of the World, the Terracotta Warriors is essential for travelers who love to explore this mystical land of China, its rich history and culture. As the former President of France Jacques Shirac said 'one can't claim to have visited China unless one has seen these terracotta warriors.' Enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987, Qin Terra Cotta Warriors have drawn millions of visitors from home and abroad. These terra cotta figures standing in the underground pits remind people of the past glory of the 'Middle Kingdom'.
 
Big Wild Goose Pagoda - The Big Wild Goose Pagoda, also called Ci'en Temple Pagoda, is not only a famed Buddhist pagoda, but also a symbol of ladder of success. In the Tang Dynasty, many new successful candidates in the highest imperial examination would climb the pagoda and inscribed their poems and names on the brick wall of the pagoda, showing their hope for soaring higher and higher. The great poet Bai Juyi had once written: 'Here under the Ci'en Pagoda I wrote my name as the youngest among the seventeen candidates'.

Our clients enjoying their a la cart meal, Xian

Day 06Xian

The morning tour leads you to stop at the Provincial History Museum which is a grand complex of buildings imitating the architectural style of the Tang Dynasty. After having an a la carte lunch at a well-chosen restaurant, continue the tour with a visit to a local family and the Great Mosque in the afternoon. Make use of a short period of free time given there and explore the bazzar around the Mosque.(B+L)

Accommodation: Sheraton Xian Hotel

Tips: As famed as Sanlitun Street in Beijing, Dove Lane (De-Fu-Xiang in Chinese) in Xian is worthy of the recommendation. Along the street, there are over 20 cafes, teahouses, and bars, with name like Roman Holiday, Blue Heart, Captain, Old Tree and etc. The appearance of the buildings still keeps the style of the Tang Dynasty; however they are decorated in totally in western style inside. Dove Lane lies on the most flourishing South Street in the inner city. It has become the ideal recreational place for young people and a place for relaxation for the white collar workers. Foreigners living in Xian are also fond of spending their spare time here. It is only 1 kilometer away from your hotel. It will be a bit hard for you to find the way on foot so we suggest you take a taxi there at a cost of no more than CNY10 yuan from your hotel.
 
Descriptions:
Shaanxi History Museum - Shaanxi History Museum is one of the most renowned history museums in China with abundant cultural relics. In its main exhibition hall, there three thousand antiquities carefully selected from all its nearly four hundred thousand pieces. It will be more interesting if coming upon some temporary exhibitions in the east display area of the central hall. In addition, the museum is visited free of charge but ticket will be given while showing valid certificate. As for the Tang tomb paintings, they are not for free and there are limitations on visitors and time.

Our clients on Li River cruise tour, Guilin

Day 07Xian - Guilin

Have the last Xian stop at the Hanyangling Museum, the Mausoleum of the Western Han Emperor Liu Qi. After lunch, proceed to Guilin by an afternoon flight. Your local professional tour guide with a comfortable airport-hotel transfer service will be expecting you. Check in at the Sheraton Hotel. (Address: No. 15 Bin Jiang Road, Guilin, 541001)(B+L)

Accommodation: Sheraton Hotel

Tips: Sheraton Hotel is ideally situated along the Li River, in the heart of this enchanting city. Its good location provides you many options for your free activities. The Zhengyang Road Pedestrian is just on the right side of your hotel, where you can find various shops for souvenirs as well as decent restaurants with authentic local food. The scenic spot Fubo Hill is just within walking distance. Even if walking along the Li River and enjoying the night scenery along the riverside can also bring you a totally pleasant feeling. That's why numerous people choose Guilin for vacation.

Day 08Guilin - Yangshuo

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 somewhere along the road will be expecting your visit. If you are less skillful in riding a bicycle, you can take our electric car instead. (Tips: 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.) Check in at the Paradesa Resort (Address: No.116 West Street, Yangshuo, 541900).(B+L)

Accommodation: Paradesa Resort

Tips: Impression Liu Sanjie is strongly recommended if you would like to enjoy a performance at night. It was directed by the celebrated Chinese director Zhang Yimou, who also directed the opening and closing ceremony of 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Leaning upon the landscape of Li River, culture of ethnic minorities in Guangxi and creativity of elite artists in China, Impression Liu Sanjie is the largest live-action show of landscape in the world. Different natural scene creates endless magic charm to make the show attractive. The prices range from CNY188 to CNY680 per person and the site is only 1 kilometer away from the West Street, where your hotel stands. You may take a taxi or walk there for 10 to 15 minutes as you like.

Descriptions:
Li River - Li River scenic area is the largest lava landscape sightseeing area with the most beautiful scenery in China. A section of its landscape is printed on the back of the Chinese currency (Renmingbi) with denomination of 20 Yuan. The river lies in the east of Guangxi Province, and the most attractive section between Guilin and Yangshuo is 83 kilometers. It is the most typical Karst area in the northeast of Guangxi. According to the different scenery, this section of Li River can be generally divided into three scenic areas. The first one is from Guilin downtown area to the Huangniu Gorge (Cattle Gorge), the second one is from the Guangniu Gorge to the Water-Dropping Village, and the third one is from the Water-Dropping Village to Yangshuo. The waterway of these three scenic areas is reputed as Gallery of Hundred Miles.

Yangshuo rural scenery

Day 09Yangshuo - Guilin

The morning is free. Return to Guilin. Visit the Reed Flute Cave, Seven Star Park and Elephant Trunk Hill in the afternoon.(B+L)

Accommodation: Sheraton Hotel

Tips: For your stay in Yangshuo, two things are highly recommended for your reference. One is cycling around the countryside and enjoying the picturesque scenery along the Yulong River, especially in the morning. You can rent a bicycle beside your hotel and it is at a low price. Or you can wander along the well known West Street and sip a cup of coffee there.  West Street is reputed as "Foreign Street" and "Earth Village in China". Along the street, there are western restaurants decorated in Chinese style, with seats settled outside. Cafes, art crafts, tourist stores, internet centers are standing along both sides. It is regarded as a paradise for tourists. It is an ideal place for your free evening.
 
Descriptions:
Reed Flute Cave - The Reed Flute Cave is artistic beyond description. No matter how many caves you have visited, there is no one as famous as this cave. It has been visited by the presidents and the major government officials from more than 100 countries.
 
Elephant Trunk Hill - In the Elephant Trunk Hill, there is a very beautiful attraction called Water-Moon Cave (Shui Yue Dong). The cave lies on the water, which looks like a moon floating on the river. And its inverted image is a big round moon, hence the name.
 
Seven Star Park - In the Seven-Star Park, there are very beautiful mountains, limpid waters, rare rocks, deep caves, exquisite pavilion and valuable cultural relics. The main attractions in the park include the Huaqiao Bridge (Flower Bridge), Putuo Mountain, Seven-Star Cave, Tuofeng Hill (Hump Hill), Yueya Mountain (Crescent Moon), Longyin Cave, Guihai Stone Steles Forest and the Square of Hua-Xia-Zhi-Guang. Among them, the Mt. Putuo is the principal part of the Seven-Star Park.

Day 10Guilin - Chongqing

Take a morning flight to Chongqing. After having lunch at a famous restaurant, visit the Panda House in Chongqing Zoo, the Residence of General Joseph W. Stilwell and Ci Qi Kou. Check in on the deluxe Century Star cruise ship. As the cruise ship departs from Chongqing at about 23:30, your relaxing Yangtze River cruise begins.(B+L)

Accommodation: New Century Cruises

Descriptions:
Chongqing Zoo - Chongqing Zoo, situated in the west of Chongqing, was firstly built in 1953 and occupies the area of 45 hektares. In the zoo, there are over 200 species and 2000 animals. It is the protection and breeding base for some endangered animals like the giant pandas, the red pandas and the South China tigers. Also, the other rare animals, such as the golden monkey, the white-headed leaf monkey, the takin, the gnu and the cassowary etc, can be found here.

Preparation for the Shennong excursion

Day 11Chongqing - Fengdu

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

Tips: It takes you about 1.5 hours from the pier to the Snow Jade Cave, 1 hour by bus and half an hour on foot. As a group of stalactite grottos, the whole scenic area is very large, covering 15 square kilometers (5.8 square miles). After you enter caves, you must follow your guide carefully to avoid losing your way since there are so many caves and maze-like paths. Furthermore, do not forget to watch your step when you appreciate the beautiful view of stalactites because the floor is usually wet and slippery.

Day 12Badong - 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 of 3-4 hours along Shennong Stream will be awaiting you here. Then sail into the Xiling Gorge and pass the Five Level Ship Lock in the evening.(B+L+D)

Tips: Today a pea-boat floating along the verdant Shennong Stream is scheduled for you, which can be quite a different experience. As the whole junk adventure will last about 3-4 hours, you will have lunch a bit late in the afternoon. We suggest you have a big breakfast today or bring some snacks with you. When you disembark for the excursion, you can also buy some fruits from the vendors along the way, which you can take to the ship for eating.

Three Gorges Dam, Yangtze River tour

Day 13Yichang - Shanghai

Disembark for an excursion to the under-construction Three Gorges Dam. Then pack your luggage and follow the check-out procedures. After having lunch at Yichang downtown, visit the Yichang Museum if time allows. Head for Shanghai by plane and your local professional tour guide will expect you with a comfortable transfer service. Check in at the 5-star hotel.

Accommodation: Majesty Plaza Shanghai

Tips: If you would like to find a recreational area for relaxation after you arrive in Shanghai, the newly constructed Xin Tian Di may meet your needs. This new hotspot was rebuilt from old Shanghai residences. The buildings still keep the old Shanghai Shikumen style in appearance, but have been renovated to be cafes, pubs, boutiques, restaurants, stores and decorated modernly inside. Here is where "Shanghai's yesterday and today meets”. It takes you about 10 minutes by taxi from your hotel and costs no more than 10 RMB.

Huangpu River cruise, Shanghai

Day 14Shanghai

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, transfer you to the Bund area, where you will take a cruise tour on the Huangpu River. The cruise will start at 14:00, reach the Wusongkou pier and then get back to the Bund at 17:00. Leave you some free time to explore the Bund area on your own. Tonight an a la carte farewell dinner is served at Central Hotel, whose restaurant Wang Bao He has a history of around 260 years and is the best place to serve Shanghai Cuisine. The memorable dinner will be followed by the Portman Acrobatic Show at the Shanghai Centre Theatre later.(B+L+D)

Accommodation: Majesty Plaza Shanghai

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.
 
Shanghai Museum - As one of the most renowned museums in China, Shanghai Museum is equipped with advanced safety measures and electronic interpreters of different languages. Visitors can choose explanation of every single exhibit. Relative knowledge and images are introduced by video in the exhibition hall. The museum is not only an open venue to display its rich collection, but also a vital organization for the research and appraisal of cultural relics.

Day 15Departure from Shanghai

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

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