China Highlights - Discovery Your Way! (Since 1959)

 

Classical China Tour and Yangtze Combo

Day 1

Place & Transport: Arrive in Beijing, Flight not included
Today's Activities: Airport to Hotel Transfer (Beijing)

Day 2

Place & Transport: Beijing
Today's Activities: Great Wall at Mutianyu, Mutianyu Cable Car(round trip), Lama Temple
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

- Great Wall at Mutianyu: This less-crowded section of the Great Wall is a pleasant drive 90km NE of Beijing. A cable car takes you to a good section (avoiding a very steep climb), where you can walk along the wall, through the watch towers and enjoy superb views as it snakes across the hills and mountains. You can return by cable car, walk down or walk along the wall for about an hour to descend by chairlift. Wear good walking shoes and protection from the weather.
- Mutianyu Cable Car(round trip): It is a challenging climb up to the Mutianyu Great Wall for it is much steeper than Badaling section. Here you have the option of taking the Cable car to the highest point or down to the foot in a few minutes instead of climbing more than 1,400 steps, while you can also have a bird view of the wall.
- Lama Temple: The colourful Yonghe Lamasery is the largest and most famous Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet. It's still very active, and the beautiful halls and courtyards are thronged with devotees come to worship or seek good luck.You can see the world's largest wooden statue (the Matreiya Buddha)and Tibetan exhibitions.

Day 3

Place & Transport: Beijing
Today's Activities: The Forbidden City, Hall of Clocks and Watches, The Tian'anmen Square
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch, Chinese Dinner at Roasted Duck at Hepingmen

- The Forbidden City: The Imperial Palace, home to 24 Emperors between 1420 and 1911. Great squares, halls and gates contrast with the intricate networks of side halls, gardens, courtyards and quarters for those who lived in this 'city within a city'. The exhibitions, both permanent and temporary, are also absolutely fascinating. Expect to spend at least 2-3 hours, wear good walking shoes and protection from the weather.
- Hall of Clocks and Watches: Hall of Clocks and Watches set in the Forbidden City,2208 square meters,show us the clock history of the past 200 years.
- The Tian'anmen Square: The world's largest city square and enduring symbol of China's national pride, surrounded by many imposing buildings including the Heavenly Gate (entry to the Forbidden City), Museums, government buildings and Chairman Mao's Mausoleum.
- Roasted Duck at Hepingmen: In the evening enjoy the Peking Roasted Duck which is renowned as the most delicious food of Beijing

Day 4

Place & Transport: Beijing
Today's Activities: Taichi Experience at Temple of Heaven, Kungfu Show, Hutong Tours in Rickshaw, Summer Palace
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

- Taichi Experience at Temple of Heaven:
- Kungfu Show: You don't have to be a martial arts enthusiast to appreciate the incredible feats of strength, with fists, feet, swords, and other weapons. Kungfu expert display their kicks, punches and use of weapons with uncanny speed, power and agility.Red Theater, who present an amazing theatrical performance, which has been called “an audiovisual feast that is colourful, exciting and dramatic, the combination of raw power, imaginative theatrics and a strong story line will leave the audience gasping in wonder.”Reservation Neeeded.
- Hutong Tours in Rickshaw: A maze of historic alleyways and old single storey traditional courtyard houses, now fast disappearing. Dotted around the hutong are the Drum and Bell Towers, Kindergarten, Tea House, and local people's houses. Your tour includes a visit with a local family.
- Summer Palace : Much-loved summer retreat of the Imperial families, the lovely landscaped gardens, halls, pavilions and corridors are set around the lake and rivers in natural harmony. You can expect to spend 2-3 hours here, including a 10 minute boat ride. Renovations (complete in 2010) mean that an individual section or building may be closed at any one time, but this is a huge site. Wear good walking shoes and protection from the weather.

Day 5

Place & Transport: Beijing to Xian, Flight No. TBA
Today's Activities: Hotel to airport Transfer (Beijing), Airport to Hotel Transfer (Xian), Terracotta Warriors, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Gao's Courtyard(includes Shadow Play), Tang Dynasty show and dinner
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

- Terracotta Warriors: Discovered accidentally in 1974, this incredible army of over 7000 soldiers, archers, horses and chariots in full battle array has guarded Emperor Qin's tomb since 210BC. Each figure is unique, and the painstaking repair and excavation continues in 3 pits which are protected inside huge hangars. 1.5 hours from Xian, there is also an excellent museum and film about the history of the vaults. Photos (no flash) are allowed. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Big Wild Goose Pagoda: A major Buddhist site, the simple, elegant brick Pagoda stands in the grounds of the attractive Da Ci'en Temple. The Pagoda was built in the 7th century to house the Buddhist materials that Xuanzang (Tripitaka) brought back from his epic journey to India. The Temple complex has several large halls with some great Buddhist statues and murals.
- Gao's Courtyard(includes Shadow Play): A traditional Chinese dwelling in the Muslim quarter that belonged to the founder of the successful Gao family, who produced many officials, officers and businessmen. The repairs won the 2002 UNESCO Asia-Pacific prize for cultural heritage protection. The courtyard buildings have exhibitions of period furniture, paintings, pottery, porcelain, photos and demonstrations of folk art, including a ‘shadow puppet’ play with traditional music.
- Tang Dynasty show and dinner: The show that presents the palace dances and sings in the Tang Dynasty when Xian was the capital of China.

Day 6

Place & Transport: Xian to Chongqing to Yangtze, Flight No. TBA
Today's Activities: Hotel to airport Transfer (Xian), Forest of Stone Steles Museum, Xian City Wall, Board the ship from 5:00pm to 8:00pm and departs Chongqing at 10:00pm.
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

- Forest of Stone Steles Museum: A fascinating collection of inscribed stone tablets (steles), from very ancient to quite modern (Han-Qing Dynasties, 206BC-1911). All kinds of calligraphies and scripts tell stories, poems, classics, reports from around the Empire. Other exhibits include early sculptures and objects from Imperial tombs. This was once a Confucian temple, and the architecture and grounds are well worth a visit on their own account.
- Xian City Wall: It is a major landmark, and the best preserved, as well as the oldest and largest of the city defence systems in China.You also can bike along the city wall (the rental fee is included).

Day 7

Place & Transport: Yangtze
Today's Activities: Shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City (8:00-10:00am).

Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch, Chinese Dinner

--Fengdu is where the devil lives, according to Chinese legend. They say that spirits go to heaven, and evil goes to Fengdu. The town is overlooked by Ming Shan Hill, home of Tianzi, the King of the Dead. The whole place has an eerie feel to it with deserted streets, tower blocks, empty shops and banks. The only people here are those who make a living from visiting cruise boats.

Day 8

Place & Transport: Yangtze
Today's Activities: Shore excursion to Shennong Stream(1:30pm-5:30pm).

Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch, Chinese Dinner

--Shennong Stream is another tributary of the Yangtze River, and its fast-flowing, crystal clear water runs southwards through deep gorges. The stream races past large and small karst caves, flocks of swallows, sheer cliffs, deep gorges, waterfalls, three-colored springs, rapids, the ancient plank path, a suspended coffin in the cliff, groups of ancient tombs and marvelous karst formations.

Day 9

Place & Transport: Yangtze to Yichang to Wuhan, Express Bus
Today's Activities: Express bus station to Hotel Transfer (Wuhan), Shore excursion to The Three Gorges Dam Site. Arrive in Yichang at 1:00pm.
Meals: Breakfast

--Three Gorges Dam, the largest water conservancy project ever undertaken by man and it has been a dream for several generations of Chinese people. The construction of the dam formally began in 1994. The body of the dam was completed in 2003, and the whole construction will be competed in 2009. It will be 2,335 meters long, 185 meters high, 18 meters wide on the top and 130 meters wide at the bottom.The tourists can get access to the top of the dam and enjoy different kinds of photo opportunities.

Day 10

Place & Transport: Wuhan to Guilin, Flight No. TBA
Today's Activities: Hotel to airport Transfer (Wuhan), Airport to Hotel Transfer (Guilin), The Yellow Crane Tower, East Lake Park, One day tour in Wuhan
Meals: Breakfast

- The Yellow Crane Tower: The Yellow Crane Tower is situated on Snake Hill of wuchang District.
It's one of "Three Major Towers in the South of the Yangtze River". It's the most famous representative building in Wuhan.
- East Lake Park: The East Lake Park is located by East Lake in the eastern suburbs of Wuchang District. It’s the provincial key scenic spots.
--One day tour in Wuhan: During your one-day tour by our offering car/van, our guide will accompany you all through your trip towards Wuhan.

Day 11

Place & Transport: Guilin to Yangshuo
Today's Activities: Li River Cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

- Li River Cruise: A cruise along the Li River between Guilin and Yangshuo is an unforgettable experience. As you take in the stunning scenery there's something interesting to see at almost every bend in the river. Between spectacular limestone peaks you'll see graceful bamboo groves, farmers tending rice paddies, and lumbering water buffaloes pulling carts or cooling off in the river. You may see fishermen gliding along on their narrow bamboo rafts, and if you're very lucky you might see one of the famous fishing cormorants. Boats depart from various wharves, according to the height of the river at different times of the year.

Day 12

Place & Transport: Yangshuo to Guilin
Today's Activities: Yangshuo Big Banyan Tree, Yangshuo Moon Mountain, Biking in Beautiful Yangshuo
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

- Yangshuo Big Banyan Tree: Big Banyan Tree, located 7.5km south of Yangshuo, is one of the main scenic attractions of Yangshuo County. It is said that the banyan was planted in the Jin Dynasty and is famous for its age and towering beauty. The banyan tree is now 17 meters high, 7.1 meters around the trunk, and covers an area of 1000 square meters.
- Yangshuo Moon Mountain: Moon Cave is named for its giant archway (about 50 meters, 980steps). Be prepared for the local hawkers, who will pester you to buy water, and are very persistent and don't forget to wear your hiking shoes, for it's so many steps to climb.
- Biking in Beautiful Yangshuo: Experience the hustle & bustle of the Yangshou traffic for 5 minutes before you escape onto the country roads, lanes and tracks of the distinctive and beautiful Yangshou countryside. Biking through the paddy field and orchards that surround the famous mountains will give a fascinating insight into life in rural China. Centuries old farming methods sit side by side with mobile phones and satellite dishes.

Day 13

Place & Transport: Guilin to Shanghai, Flight No. TBA
Today's Activities: Hotel to airport Transfer (Guilin), Airport to Hotel Transfer (Shanghai), Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave, Piled Silk Hill (Folded Brocade Hill)
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

- Elephant Trunk Hill: At the confluence of Li River and Peach Blossom River in the southwest of Guilin city
It is a national 4A scenery spot. The Water Moon Cave is close to the river. The water flows through it and the cave looks like a moon floating in the water. The stone drooped into the water like an elephant drinking the water of the Li River.
- Reed Flute Cave: Known as 'the Palace of Natural Arts' this large and well-presented cave system has some remarkable formations. Make sure you have some small change for the children who sell flutes for as little as one yuan if you've got nothing less than a dollar you'll end up with their whole stock.
- Piled Silk Hill (Folded Brocade Hill): It is in the city centre. It's national 4A scenic spot. The traversed stone blocks piled one after another just like the colorful folded silk, that's how the name of the hill came into being.

Day 14

Place & Transport: Shanghai
Today's Activities: Shanghai Old Street, Jinmao Tower, Nanjing Road, The Bund
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

- Shanghai Old Street: Shanghai Old Street is the best place to bring you back to the old Shanghai of the early period of 20century.Like the name suggests , many century old buildings and shops are here. Shanghai Old Street is famous for its antique shops, Chinese style memorabilia shops, and tea shops.
- Jinmao Tower: 88 storeys high, this stunning building is one of the tallest in the world. There’s an observation deck on the 88th, bars and coffee shops in the Grand Hyatt (on the 53rd-87th).
- Nanjing Road: One of the most famous shopping streets in the world. Giant shopping centres, specialist boutiques, international brands, local upmarket goods, it’s all here, it's all busy and at night it really glitters. A fascinating glimpse of modern, commercial China.
- The Bund: Once the home of the foreign traders and major banks, the embankment has taken on a new vitality; lovely old European-style buildings mix with futuristic developments, chic restaurants, top end shops and bars offer plenty to see and do – and by night it's magic!

Day 15

Place & Transport: Shanghai
Today's Activities: Shanghai Museum, Yuyuan Garden, Children's Palace, Oriental Pearl TV Tower
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

- Shanghai Museum: The biggest, and many think the best museum in China. The galleries in this outstanding building display stunning collections of bronzes, sculptures, ceramics and porcelain, paintings, calligraphy, seals, jade, coins, furniture, ethnic artefacts from minority groups, temporary travelling exhibitions from places like the Guggenheim, and so much more ... give yourself time to enjoy it.
- Yuyuan Garden: In the centre of Shanghai next to the Yuyuan Bazaar, this exquisite old 5-acre garden is famous for its design. The paths wander across bridges, past rockeries and miniature lakes, and through pretty halls and pavilions. The trees and shrubs are planted with an eye to providing charming views, and a sense of peace and harmony.
- Children's Palace: Children’s Palaces provide tuition in extracurricular activities such as music, dance, art, model making, science, technology and computer science. Visitors are welcome to watch classes, rehearsals or performances, depending on the day’s timetable.
- Oriental Pearl TV Tower: One of the tallest TV towers in the world, known for its distinctive spheres, or "pearls", it stands across the river from the Bund, among the exciting architecture of the east bank. On a rare clear day you can see to the mouth of the Yangtze, but even in normal conditions there are great views of Shanghai's dramatic cityscape.

Day 16

Place & Transport: Depart Shanghai, Flight No. TBA
Today's Activities: Hotel to airport Transfer (Shanghai)
Meals: Breakfast

 

Featured Hotels

City Superior Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
Beijing Crowne Plaza Beijing Sunworld Hotel Beijing Days Inn Forbidden City Beijing
Xian Sofitel on Renmin Square Xian Meihua-Goldentang International Hotel Xian Citylion International Hotel
Wuhan SHANGRI-LA HOTEL WUHAN Guilin Bravo Hotel Crown Hotel
Guilin Sheraton Guilin Paradesa Resort Guilin Osmanthus Hotel
Yangshuo Paradesa Resort Guilin Bravo Hotel Aiyuan Hotel
Guilin Sheraton Guilin The Bund Hotel Shanghai Guilin Osmanthus Hotel
Shanghai Radisson Shanghai New World The Bund Hotel Shanghai Pacific Luck Hotel Shanghai

 

Price of this tour

Tour ClassYour Group Size 1 person 2-5 persons 6-9 persons Single room supplement
Superior Class 6430* 4223 3771 1398
Deluxe Class 5011 3447 2995 755
Tourist Class 4472 3174 2722 489

* Prices are in US dollars, for one person. Prices are for references only and may vary according to your travel time . Click here to change prices to your Currency

* Better discounts are available when traveling in low season (from November to March) or when traveling in a large group. Please Contact Us for more details.

* The Price quoted for one person includes the single "Single room supplement".

 

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