BEST OF CHINA

Arrive in Beijing, the ancient capital city of People’s Republic of China. Beijing has been a capital city for over 3,000 years. The remainder of the day is free to relax and adjust to time difference. QIANMEN JIANGUO HOTEL

Commence with a tour of the Badaling Great Wall. Construction began more than 2,000 years ago that meanders more than 6,000 kilometers across the country. The Ming Tombs represents the addition of three Imperial Tombs of the Qing Dynasty in Liaoning to the Ming tombs inscribed in 2000 and 2003. They were built for the founding emperors of the Qing Dynasty and their ancestors, constructed on the principles of traditional Chinese geometry and fengshui. The Tombs are masterpieces of human artistic brilliance. The Sacred Way is part of the Ming Tombs complex, Located in the front part of the royal cemetery, which means the path leading to heaven. On return to Beijing option to drop off at Bejing Olympic Green or at Hotel. QIANMEN JIANGUO HOTEL; BL

Many buildings were demolished to create Tian’an men Square, since 1949 square has been the venue of major rallies held during the Cultural Revolution. Visit Forbidden City, A Tang Dynasty poet wrote “Without seeing the magnificence of the royal palace, one can never sense the dignity of the emperor. Completed in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty, it was the home of 24 emperors and scene of many important events affecting the course of Chinese history. In the afternoon visit the 700 acre Summer palace & enjoy boat ride and scenice views of the lake. Later this evening and after dinner, you will enjoy an exciting Chinese Kung Fu Show at Red Theater. QIANMEN JIANGUO HOTEL; BLD

Enjoy a pedi cab ride to the Hutongs, developed around the Forbidden City as early as the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368). To strengthen their authority, emperors planned city housing according to an etiquette system. Hutongs follow a strict quadrangular layout with four buildings arranged around an open inner courtyard. There were 3,600 hutongs at the beginning of this century and today only 2,000 exist. In the afternoon visit the Temple of Heaven or Altar of Heaven is a complex of Taoist buildings. It was visited by the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer to Heaven for good harvest. Time free at Hongqiao Parl Market. In the evening fly to Xi’an, called Chang’an in ancient times. It is one of the six ancient capital sites in China. GRAND NEW WORLD HOTEL; BL

Spring of 1974 peasant workers unearthed an archeological find hidden for 2,200 years. Semi buried in the soil were hundreds of battered but beautiful terra-cotta statues of armed warriors, servants and horses pulling manned war chariots, retinue of unified first emperor, Qin Shi Huang Ti. See the excavated exhibition 1, 2, 3 and 4. You will see archeologists at work at the actual sites. Tour the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, one of the famous Buddhist pagodas. When Zhu Yuanzhang, the first Ming dynasty emperor (1368-1644) captured Huizhou, a hermit, Zhu Sheng, advised him to enlarge the wall built initially during the old Tang dynasty (618-907), creating modern Xi’An city wall. GRAND NEW WORLD HOTEL; BL

Fly to Guilin. Guilin means forest of Sweet Osmanthus, owing to the large number of fragrant Sweet Osmanthus trees located in the city. The city has long been renowned for its unique scenery. In 314 BC, a small settlement was established along the banks of the Li River. In 111 BC, during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, Shi An County was established, which could be regarded as the beginning of the city. Reed Flute Cave referred to as “the Palace of Natural Arts” is one of the most amazing scenic spots in Guilin. According to legend, the cave was so name as people believed the reed by the cave’s mouth could be made into flutes. Visit the Crystal Palace of the Dragon King, which can hold about 1,000 people. During the war, the grotto served as an air-raid shelter. The cave’s highlight is a great slab of white rock hanging from a ledge like a cataract, with a human-shaped stalactite on the opposite side. It is said that a visiting scholar tried to write a poem depicting the beauty of the cave. It took him so long to find the right words that he finally turned to stone. Next visit the Elephant Trunk Hill and a Tea Plantation garden. GUILIN PLAZA HOTEL; BL

Today’s excursion transports you deep into the ethereal mountain landscapes that have inspired artists and poets for generations. Explore on foot or by bicycle alongside emerald green rice paddies to visit with a local farmer and his family. Return back to Guilin for overnight. GUILIN PLAZA HOTEL; BL

A Cruise on the Li River is one of the highlights in China. From Guilin to Yang Shuo, the river meander its way through 52 miles of beautiful countryside with bamboo forests, dense reed-beds and incredibly bizarre rock formations. One might sight a fishing boat with two or more cormorants on board. Many fishermen use these birds to assist with catching fish. Indulge in a stroll at Yangshuo before overnight at Hotel. YANGSHUO NEW CENTURY HOTEL; BL

Time free to explore the market and shop for handicrafts before transfers to airport in Guilin. Fly to Shanghai, the largest and most populated city in China. It is also China’s main center for industry, commerce, foreign trade, science and technology located at the spot where the mighty Yangtze meets the East China Sea. JINJIANG TOWER HOTEL; BL

Yuyuan Garden is one of the most finest and lavish gardens in China. It was first established in 1559 as a private garden developed by Pan Yunduan, spending almost 20 years to please his father Pan En, a high-ranking official in the Ming Dynasty, during his father’s old age. Next visit the famous Shanghai Museum, constructed in 1952, one of the larges and comprehensive art museum of China and renowned for its collection of Chinese art. Take a stroll through the Bund & Nanjing road to see the modern Shanghai. JINJIANG TOWER HOTEL, BL

Leave Shanghai and board your homeward flight filled with memories of your exciting journey through ancient China.