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CHINA TRAVEL

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BEST OF CHINA - Beijing / Xian / Guilin / Hongzhou / Suzhou / Shanghai / (option) Hong Kong / Macau

Itinerary:

Day 1: This afternoon we fly from North America, crossing the International Date Line.

Day 2: Arrive in Beijing.

We arrive this afternoon in Beijing, where we transfer to our hotel and rest up after our trans-Pacific flight. First of 4 nights in Beijing. 5 Star Millennium Hotel or similar.

Day 3: Beijing (B,L,D)

Beijing has been inhabited since 1,000 BC and was the capital during numerous Dynasties. After a relaxed start, we visit the Forbidden City ( Palace Museum), former home to the Emperors, their wives, concubines and eunuchs. This area was forbidden to the ordinary person for 500 years. The 24 emperors who ruled from the Dragon Throne here were known as Sons of Heaven Built between 1406 and 1420 by Emperor Yong Li, the palace has 999 rooms and covers an area of 7,200 square metres (3 square miles). We visit the Hall of Supreme Harmony - the most prestigious of the buildings - the Nine Dragon Screen and the exhibition halls displaying many of China's greatest treasures.

Outside the Forbidden City we visit Tiananmen Square, home of Mao's Mausoleum, the Monument to the People's Heroes and Great Hall of the People.Today it is the largest public square in the world and can hold a million people. After lunch this afternoon is free for you to relax before we go out for dinner tonight. If you are feeling energetic, you may choose to explore the 700 year old streets of Old Beijing at your own pace or visit some of the modern shopping centres of New Beijing. You may like to visit Lui Li Chang Street, a mecca for the arts and artists, or the Xiushui Silk Market. Evening enjoy Beijing Roast Duck Dinner. Second of 4 nights in Beijing. Millennium Hotel

Day 4: Beijing (B,L,D)

This morning a 2 hour drive north from Beijing brings us to the Great Wall, the largest manmade structure on earth and the only one visible from the moon. Here we wander along part of the 4,000 mile long wall listening to the echoes of soldiers who patrolled here and the peasants who built the wall. We visit a cloisonné factory to see the process involved in making these beautiful enamelled art pieces. This afternoon, on our way back to Beijing, we visit the Sacred Way and Ming Tombs, burial site for 13 Ming Dynasty Emperors and their families. Third of 4 nights in Millennium Hotel or similar.

Day 5: Beijing (B,L,D)

This morning we visit the magnificent Temple of Heaven. This perfection of Ming Dynasty architecture has come to symbolize Beijing. Set in a park of 267 hectares (660 acres), this temple is comprised of three parts. The main building is the impressive Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. It is a 3-tiered structure with a deep blue tile roof. The second building is the Imperial Vault of Heaven. The final structure is an open-air round Temple. Built in 1530, it is made of multiple rings of white marble and its geometry revolves around the number 9, the most sacred number in Chinese mythology. This temple was visited by the Emperor each Spring to pray for a good harvest and then in Fall to thank the Gods for that good harvest. This afternoon we visit the Summer Palace, the former summer home of the Emperors and their courts. Situated around the man-made Kunming Lake, it was built in 1888. The pagodas, temples and pavilions are scattered throughout a beautiful park. Not to be missed is the 700 meter (2,300 foot) Long Corridor, decorated with hundreds of paintings depicting various aspects of Chinese history and legends. After dinner tonight you may choose to visit a performance of the classical Beijing Opera (optional.) Fourth of 4 nights in Beijing. Millennium Hotel or similar. Breakfast,

Day 6: Beijing – Xian (B,L,D)

This morning we take CA1231 （ 8:25/10:15 ） flying from Beijing to Xian, one of China’s oldest and most illustrious cities. This afternoon we explore Xian, a city which has played a strategic role in Chinese history for over 3,000 years. On our driving and walking tour of the old city we see the Bell Tower, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, built as a Buddhist retreat in the 7th Century, and the Ming Dynasty City Wall - the only complete Medieval city wall surviving in China today. We also visit the Shaanxi Provincial Museum. First of 2 nights in Xian. Diamond International Hotel or similar.

Day 7: Xian (B,L,D)

Today we visit one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological finds - the Terra-cotta Warriors. This site is often referred to as the A Eighth Wonder of the World@. Here more than 6,000 life-size clay figures of soldiers and their horses have been guarding the tomb of Emperor Quin Shi Huang for over 2,000 years. Each soldier has a unique face modelled from a real person. They are buried in huge pits covering over 3 acres! The discovery was made in 1974 by accident when a farmer was digging a well. This afternoon we visit the Bampo Museum, a reconstruction of a 6,000 year old Neolithic village. This evening we enjoy a special Dumpling Dinner. Second of 2 nights in Xian. Diamond International Hotel or similar. .

Day 8: Xian – Guilin (B,L,D)

This afternoon we take flight HU7829( 17:00/18:40) flying from Xian to Guilin. Guilin is famous for its mountain scenery and has been the inspiration for Chinese artists for centuries. The city was founded in the Qin Dynasty in 111 B.C. and developed as a cultural crossroads. Guilin lies on the western bank of the Li River nestled in the limestone karst mountains. First of 2 nights in Guilin . Bravo Hotel or similar.

Day 9: Guilin (B,L,D)

Our 83 Km (51 mile) boat trip this morning takes us gently past bamboo forests lining the river bank. We pass mountain pinnacles with fanciful names like “Paint Brush Hill”, “Cock Fighting Hill” and “ Green Lotus Peak.” We enjoy watching life on the river and along its banks on our journey to Yangshou. In the town of Yangshou we have time to explore the streets before we return to Guilin by our own bus. Once back in Guilin, you may wish to visit the Solitary Beauty Peak in the centre of town, Elephant Trunk Hill on the south side of town. Second of 2 nights in Guilin. Bravo Hotel or similar.

Day 10: Guilin – Hangzhou (B,L,D)

This morning we visit the Reed Flute Cave. This afternoon we take flight MU2314 (17:35/19:20) flying from Guilin to Hangzhou, a city with a rich history and culture. Marco Polo described this place as “the most beautiful and magnificent city in the world”. Overnight in Hangzhou. Best Western Meiyuan Hotel or similar.

Day 11: Hangzhou – Suzhou (B,L,D)

This morning we take a boat cruise on the West Lake, located in the centre of Hangzhou. Later we travel by our coach through the countryside passing rural villages and visit the Yellow Dragon Cave before driving to Tongli, a quiet water town with over 1,000 years of history and small bridgeseverywhere. Further out into the typical countryside we drive to Suzhou. Overnight in Suzhou. Holiday Inn or similar.

Day 12: Suzhou – Shanghai (B,L,D)

Know as the “ Venice of the East”, Suzhou is built around the Grand Canal . The city has many excellent classical gardens, so Suzhou is also called the “Garden City”. It is a sister city of Victoria, BC. We visit Tiger Hill, the Garden of the Master of the Nets and the Lingering Garden.This afternoon we drive the short distance to Shanghai, known as the AQueen of the Orient. Today a city of over 14 million people, Shanghai began its life as a small fishing village. In the 13th Century it developed into a bustling trading centre. By the mid-1800's foreign powers had, as a result of the Opium Wars, forced the Qing government to open Shanghai. It was at this time that the British established the first foreign trade concession in China. Over the next 50 years concessions were established by France and Japan and an international settlement developed. This afternoon we visit the famous Bund along the Huang Po River. Here we see all the activity on the river and look across to the new area of Pudong. This is a special economic zone larger than Shanghai itself. First planned in 1990, by 1998 Pudong had 49 skyscrapers and is now an economic powerhouse of the "New China". First of 2 nights in Shanghai. New Century Hotel or similar.

Day 13: Shanghai (B,L,D)

This morning we visit the world-class Shanghai Museum. Built in the late 1990's, the building itself is a work of art. This is the largest museum in China with an outstanding collection of over 120,000 treasures, including jade, ivory, bronzes, porcelain and paintings representing all of China’s main dynasties. We continue our tour with a visit to the old Chinese section of Shanghai. Lunch today is on your own so that you can choose from the many styles of cuisine available in Shanghai. This afternoon is free for you to relax and explore Shanghai at your own pace. Shanghai is China’s best shopping city, particularly along Nanjing Road, More energetic members of the group may like to visit the Jade Buddha Temple. This temple is famous for its 2 rare statues of Buddha, each carved out of a single piece of Burmese white jade. The main Buddha is 1.9 metres (6 feet) high and was brought from Burma by a monk in 1882. Other halls contain a jewel-encrusted Buddha and three gold-plated Buddhas. You might also like to visit the Yu Yuan Gardens. These gardens were originally built by the Pan family between 1559 and 1577. The gardens were destroyed in 1842 during the Opium Wars and subsequently rebuilt in classical Ming Dynasty style. You may like to stroll through Xi Jiao, Shanghai’s largest park. Here you can enjoy Swan Lake and the impressive gardens. After dinner you may choose to attend a traditional Chinese Acrobatic Show (optional.) Second of 2 nights in Shanghai.New Century Hotel or similar.

Day 14: Shanghai - North America

Transfer to airport for flight back home.

** Extension tour to Hong Kong and Macau **

Day 15: Shanghai - Hong Kong

This morning we fly from Shanghai to Hong Kong. Upon arrival we transfer to our hotel which is situated in the mainland, Kowloon section of Hong Kong. First of 3 nights in Hong Kong. Stanford Hillview Hotel.

Day 16: Hong Kong (B,L,D)

Today we take a guided tour of Hong Kong Island. We include a visit to lofty Victoria Peak for a anoramic view of the natural beauty of Hong Kong's setting - including the harbour with it’s world-famous skyscraper skyline, the mountains of Kowloon on the Chinese mainland, and the surrounding islands in the South China Sea. From 1,800 foot high Victoria Peak with it=s multi-million dollar mansions, we descend and drive along the island=s picturesque South coast. We stop at the floating fishing village of Aberdeen to see the traditional Sampans and floating restaurants. We travel around beautiful Repulse Bay to the Stanley Peninsula, Hong Kong island's most southerly point. When the British arrived in the 1840's this was the largest of Hong Kong's 16 villages.Today it is a low-key, attractive little town - home to bustling Stanley Market. Also nearby, is the Stanley Military Cemetery, where are buriedmany of those who fought valiantly to defend Hong Kong against the Japanese invasion in December 1941 - including 2 Canadian battalions. From Stanley we drive north across the mountainous island to Victoria Harbour and take the ferry back to Kowloon. Second of 3 nights in Hong Kong. Stanford Hillview Hotel or similar.

Day 17: Hong Kong/Macau/Hong Kong

This morning we take the hydrofoil from the ex-British colony of Hong Kong to the ex-Portuguese colony of Macau on the Chinese mainland, known as the" Monte Carlo of the East." Macau was colonized by the Portuguese in the16th Century and was the first European settlement in the Far East. Portuguese influence is everywhere: narrow cobbled alleys, grand baroque churches, balconied colonial mansions, open plazas and Mediterranean-style cafes filled with palm-readers and caged singing birds. We visit the ruins of the 17th Century Church of St Paul. The facade and majestic stairway are all that remain. However, its wonderful statues, portals andengravings present a 'sermon in stone', which some consider to be the greatest monument to Christianity in Asia. We will see the Guia Fortress, Old City Walls and Grande Prix race course, as well as visiting the Museum of Macau. This afternoon we return to Hong Kong and the rest of the day is free for you to explore Hong Kong at your own pace. Third of 3 nights in Hong Kong. Stanford Hillview Hotel or similar.

Day 18: Hong Kong - North America

Transfer to airport for flight back home.

Welcome tour leader / tour organizer contact us for China Classic Tour Package.

If you think you're ready for your holiday, please tell us your departure date, our China tour specialist will help you book cheap air-tickets from Canada to Shanghai, and arrange your trip. - Low prices guaranteed!. For example, we sell air consolidator's group airtickets from Vancouver to Beijing (in low season) and return from HongKong to Vancouver roundtrip ticekt just C$1180 incl. all taxes. We offer family, and senior discounts. Please send a Email to our China tour operation manager, Foster, and discuss with him about your trip (itinerary and tour cost etc.). Thank you for choosing us! Before you go, each traveller receives a roomy travel bag, a baggage tag, a name badge, a copy of your itinerary, and "China Tour Guide" book published by Lonely Planet in FREE.

Earn A Free Trip Ever thought about getting a group of your friends or your "local club" together for China Classic Tour ? We strongly recommend China Classic Tour Package, because the cost is about C$1090 (China main tour land only). If you have a group of 15 people travelling together, YOU TRAVEL FREE!

 

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