GOLDEN CITIES 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
Optional – Beijing Opera show and/or Peking duck dinner.

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. After dinner this evening, 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 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. Tour Zhujiajiao, which means Zhu Family Settlement, is an ancient town, a water village on the outskirts of Shanghai, formed about 1,700 years ago. Archaeological findings have been discovered that date back 5,000. 36 stone bridges and numerous rivers line Zhujiajiao along thousands of ancient buildings. Many centuries old stone buildings are home to residents as they were for many dynasties. The village prospered through clothing and rice businesses. Even today, old historical buildings such as rice shops, banks, spice stores and a Qing dynasty post office can be seen. Explore the markets and enjoy a boatride through the town. On return to Shangahi learn silk making at a local factory. 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. B