12-Day Beijing, Xian, Kunming, Dali, Lijiang and Guangzhou Tour
Day 01 Arrive Beijing (D)
Arrive Beijing, the capital of the Peoples Republic of China. Meet your guide upon arrival and transfer to your deluxe hotel.
Day 02 Beijing (BLD)
Morning tour to Tiananmen Square, located in the heart of the capital, and the Imperial Palace, known as the Forbidden City - one of the greatest feats of ancient Chinese architecture. Afternoon sightseeing includes Summer Palace - a former summer resort area of the royal family. Welcome Peking Duck Banquet in the evening.
Day 03 Beijing (BLD)
Full day excursion to the Great Wall - the landmark of China. It is one of the most amazing feats of human labour - the only man-made construction on earth visible from outer space. After lunch, a drive to the Ming Tombs along the Sacred Way with giant marble figures and animals guarding the tomb area for deceased emperors of the Ming Dynasty.
Day 04 Beijing - Xian (BLD)
Take morning flight to Xian, the great ancient capital and the eastern end of the Silk Road. City tour begins with the ancient City Wall which was built in 1370 A.D. Afternoon visit to Big Wild Goose Pagoda which was built in 652 A.D. It contains a large volume of Buddhist scriptures which were obtained from India by the eminent monk of Xuanzang. Attend a special Tang Dynasty Dinner and Show in the evening.
Day 05 Xian (BLD)
Full day excursion to the unparalleled highlight Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses at the Tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor in China. Added highlights are a visit to the Huaqing Hot Spring - a former resort area especially for the emperors and the royal family and a visit to Banpo Village - the remains of a neolithic village dating back 6,000 years. Primitive tools and household utensils are displayed in the Banpo Museum. Time permits, visit factory where copies of Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses are made. With the introduction of the workman there, you may try to use clay and mould to make the copies of Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses yourself.
Day 06 Xian - Kunming (BLD)
Take a morning flight to Kunming, capital of Yunnan Province and a place known as "Spring City" in China. Afternoon excursion to the Western Hill. "Sleeping Beauties" , Yuantong Temple and Bird &Flower Market.
Day 07 Kunming (BLD)
Full day tour to the Stone Forest which is 89km east of Kunming and a 90 minute bus ride will take you there. You can appreciate not only the karst mountains, rivers, forests and caves, but also the local folklore of the Yi, Zhuang, Miao and Yao ethnic groups. Also visit the Yi village en route.
Day 08 Kunming - Dali (BLD)
Fly to Dali in the morning. Upon arrival, visit the Three Pagodas, and tour to Erhai Lake by boat. Spending balance of the day exploring Old Town.
Day 09 Dali - Lijiang (BLD)
Drive to Lijiang(about 4 hours). Stop en route for an up-close visit to Xizhou, a well-preserved Bai National Ethnic Minority village with traditional architecture and friendly people. Afterward tour to Zhoucheng village to explore Bai-style houses and laneways that are paved with flagstone. Upon arrival visit the Black Dragon Pool where you will get fantastic view of the Snow Nountain. Also visit Lijiang Old Town, which is charming with its cobblestone streets, woolden buildings and flowing canals. Enjoy Naxi Nationality Concert in the evening, which is performed with 28 different types of ancient music instruments.
Day 10 Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Excursion (BLD)
Tour to Baisha village to look at the amazing murals and visit Dr. Ho’s Naxi medicine clinic. Also stop by Dr. Joseph Rock’s Old Residence, which is now converted to a small museum and photo gallery. Afterwards, visit the Jade Dragon Snow Mountains, named because the 5000 meter(16667 feet) high mountains are in the shape of a dragon, and are covered with snow year-round. Take the chairlift to a large meadow. You will be greeted by a stunning view of the Snow Mountains and probably by a group of Naxi women enthusiastically waving at you.
Day 11 Lijiang - Guangzhou (BLD)
Leave for Guangzhou, the southern gateway to China. Sightseeing features the Memorial Hall of Dr.Sun Yat-sen, the Six Banyan Pagoda and Temple. Time permitting, visit the Yue Xiu Park and the Pearl River.
Day 12 Depart Guangzhou (B)
Your exciting journey draws to a close as you board an express train for Hong Kong or your international flight home.