China Highlights - Discovery Your Way! (Since 1959)

 

Hong Kong, Chengdu and Yangtze Combo

Day 1

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

Day 2

Place & Transport: Hong Kong
Today's Activities: HK Island Orientation Drive
Meals: Breakfast

--HK Island Orientation Drive: Pick up from hotel to traverse the World-renowned Victoria Harbor via the Cross-Harbor Tunnel. We then drive by Wanchai, the well-known R & R destination for sailors to reach Victoria Peak for a breath-taking 360-degree view of the bustling harbor, Hong Kong Island and Kowloon as far as the eye can see. From Victoria Peak, the tour continues to Aberdeen village to see the many fishing junks and floating restaurants moored there passing by the scenic resort areas of Repulse Bay and Deep Water Bay. The tour will continue with a visit to HK's largest jewelry factory where artists are at work to create some of the best prize winning designs using semi precious stones.

Day 3

Place & Transport: Hong Kong to Chengdu, Flight No. TBA
Today's Activities: Hotel to airport Transfer (Hong Kong), Airport to Hotel Transfer (Chengdu)
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4

Place & Transport: Chengdu to Chongqing, Flight No. TBA
Today's Activities: Hotel to airport Transfer (Chengdu), Airport to Hotel Transfer (Chongqing), Wu Hou Temple, Panda Breeding and Research Centre, Jingli Street
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

- Wu Hou Temple: The Marquis of Wu, Zhuge Liang (181-234) was the outstanding military strategist immortalised in "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms" and in the saying wise as "the Marquis of Wu". Peaceful and attractive gardens surround several halls, including one dedicated to his memory and another to that of his emperor Liu Bei, some impressive statues, a small museum, a famous Tang Dynasty stele and the classic red wall leading to Liu Bei's tomb. A delightful complex.
- Panda Breeding and Research Centre: 10km north of Chengdu this beautifully laid-out 230 hectare park is home to giant pandas, the endearing red, or lesser panda, and other endangered species. Visit the nursery to see the highly successful breeding programme, and the many enclosures among lakes, bamboo groves and shady walkways, to view the pandas at rest and play. There's a wealth of information, a panda museum, and of course the engaging animals themselves.
- Jingli Street: Once the commercial heart of the old kingdoms this ancient street has been fully restored in traditional Sichuan style. Picturesque, bustling, and cheerful, you can sample local arts and craft, traditional Chinese goods, food and delicacies, and even a Starbucks, local style.

Day 5

Place & Transport: Chongqing to Yangtze
Today's Activities: Cruise pier Transfer (Chongqing), Three Gorges Museum, Hanging Village, Ciqikou Old Town, One day tour in Chongqing, Board the ship from 5:00pm to 8:00pm and departs Chongqing at 10:00pm.(Dinner is not included)
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

- Three Gorges Museum: The best exhibits are those on the history of the Yangtze and, of course, the Dam. It also houses some excellent stone and terracotta sculptures, art and interesting artefacts, items from the war years, and temporary exhibitions. The museum faces the impressive People's Hall, built to resemble the Temple of Heaven, across a lively square, itself a hub of activity.
- Hanging Village: 13 floors of shops cling to the cliff face beside the river, built in traditional style. There are arts and crafts, clothing, modern shops and of course a lot of food and snack stalls and souvenirs. Much of it is under cover, and there's a theatre at the top which puts on some spectacular shows, both traditional and modern.
- Ciqikou Old Town: This lively old area has been partly restored, and remains an authentic and busy community. The old wooden houses and narrow streets furthest from the river are mostly unimproved, closer to the river there are craft and souvenir shops, teahouses and music, and lots of local food and snacks. The locals certainly love their food – this is a good chance to try some.
--One day tour in Chongqing: An air-conditioned van with driver and private guide are at your disposal for the day(Chongqing)

Day 6

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

Meals: 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 7

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 8

Place & Transport: Yangtze to Yichang to Xian, Flight No. TBA
Today's Activities: Airport Transfer (Yichang), Airport to Hotel Transfer (Xian), Airport to Hotel Transfer (Yichang), Cruise pier to airport Transfer (Yichang), Cruise pier to Hotel Transfer (Yichang), Shore excursion to The Three Gorges Dam Site. Arrive in Yichang at 1:00pm.
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

--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 9

Place & Transport: Xian
Today's Activities: Terracotta Warriors, Shaanxi Historical Museum, Forest of Stone Steles Museum, Big Wild Goose Pagoda
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.
- Shaanxi Historical Museum: The history of Shaanxi is said to be the history of China, and this museum is quite simply one of the nation's best. Four major galleries in large, Tang-style buildings house a vast and impressive collection, beautifully displayed. Most of the item labels are in English, although some other information on the exhibitions is not, but your guide can help here. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- 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.
- 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.

Day 10

Place & Transport: Xian
Today's Activities: Xian City Wall, Gao's Courtyard(includes Shadow Play), Muslim Quarters of Xi'an, TangyueGong Imitating sings and dancing
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

- 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).
- 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.
- Muslim Quarters of Xi'an: The Muslim quarters lies 100 meters west of the Bell tower in downtown Xi'an.The 500 meters long avenue paved by bluestones are dotted with many unique stall, souvenir shop, café and bars which are mostly run by Muslim people. Tourists, especially from overseas come and shop here.
- TangyueGong Imitating sings and dancing: It’s a must for each tourist to Xi’an to experience the local color and pageantry of Tang Dynasty Show in the evening. According to various historical records and ancient arts and relics discovered in Xian, the performance holds the mirror up to the music, dance and colorful costumes that are originated in the Tang Dynasty over a thousand years ago. Enjoy this stunning optical and acoustic feast and you will immerse in the glory and richness of the Tang Dynasty.
Time: After 8:30pm

Day 11

Place & Transport: Xian to Beijing, Flight No. TBA
Today's Activities: Hotel to airport Transfer (Xian), Airport to Hotel Transfer (Beijing), Mutianyu Cable Car(One way)
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch, Chinese Dinner at Roasted Duck at Hepingmen

- Mutianyu Cable Car(One way): 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.
- Roasted Duck at Hepingmen: In the evening enjoy the Peking Roasted Duck which is renowned as the most delicious food of Beijing

Day 12

Place & Transport: Beijing
Today's Activities: Temple of Heaven, The Forbidden City, Hall of Clocks and Watches, The Tian'anmen Square
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

- Temple of Heaven: One of the most famous sites in Beijing, this is Ming architecture at its best: beautiful, controlled, and highly symbolic. The surrounding gardens are full of interesting activity, particularly weekend mornings. Wear good walking shoes and protection from the weather.
- 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.

Day 13

Place & Transport: Depart Beijing, Flight No. TBA
Today's Activities: Hotel to airport Transfer (Beijing), Hutong Tours in Rickshaw
Meals: Breakfast

- 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, Tea House, and local people's houses. Your tour includes a visit with a local family.

 

Featured Hotels

City Superior Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
Hong Kong HARBOUR PLAZA H.K. HOTEL(KLN) Salisbury YMCA Hotel The Cityview Hotel
Chengdu Crowne Plaza Chengdu Green Land Hotel Chengdu Quanxing Hotel
Chongqing Hilton Hotel Chongqing Eling Park Hotel Chongqing Baifu Hotel
Xian Sofitel on Renmin Square Xian Meihua-Goldentang International Hotel Xian Citylion International Hotel
Beijing Crowne Plaza Beijing Sunworld Hotel Beijing Days Inn Forbidden City Beijing

 

Price of this tour

Tour ClassYour Group Size 1 person 2-5 persons 6-9 persons Single room supplement
Superior Class 5280* 3604 3264 1067
Deluxe Class 4104 2949 2609 546
Tourist Class 3933 2862 2513 436

* 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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