12 Days / 11 Nights
Operates every Saturday (arrival in Beijing) from Apr’08 – Mar’09. Some black out dates apply

Day 1 Sat: Arrive Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, the capital of the People’s Republic of China, which is over 3,000 years old. You will be transferred to Hotel BEIJING PLAZA ROYAL or SIMILAR.

Day 2 Sun: Forbidden City with Tiananmen Square & Summer Palace
Visit the Forbidden City, the 250-acre palace containing more than 9,000 rooms. Closed to the common people for centuries, it was only opened to the public in 1949. Also visit Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world. Later, explore the Summer Palace, the retreat of China’s royal families for over 2,000 years. (BLD)

Day 3 Mon: Great Wall Excursion & Ming Tombs with Sacred Way
The highlight of your stay in this ancient capital is a visit to the Great Wall. It is easy to see why the Great Wall, built 2,300 years ago and extending 3,750 miles, can be seen by astronauts from space! You will also visit the Ming Tombs, including a nice walk on the Sacred Way, which was regarded as the formal entrance to the Tombs. (BLD)

Day 4 Tue: Hutong Tour / Temple of Heaven
Visit the Temple of Heaven, possibly the country’s most popular symbol. It was believed to be the closest place to heaven and was where the emperors would communicate with the gods, also view locals do Taiji and morning exercises. Visit museum of China Ancient Architecture & History of Beijing. Also tour some of Beijing’s thousands of hutongs, or ancient city alleys. The hutongs were built as part of a city building plan that followed the etiquette systems of the Zhou dynasty, which had specific protocols regarding how residential areas should be set up. Tonight you will enjoy a traditional Peking Duck dinner & Cultural Show. (BLD)

Day 5 Wed: Beijing / Xian
Fly to Xian, once the largest city in the world. Xian was the national capital for eleven Chinese dynasties and a major link between Asia and Europe. You will be met and transferred to KING DYNASTY HOTEL or SIMILAR Later city tour of Xian, including a visit to Big Wild Goose Pagoda & Provincial Historical Museum (BLD).

Day 6 Thu: Terra Cotta Warriors
Full day sight seeing of Terra Cotta Museum, Xian captured the interest of the world in 1974 with the discovery of the astonishing third-century BC burial sites of the first emperor to unite China, Qin Shi Huangdi. Visit to see thousands of Terra Cotta Warriors, which have been standing guard over the Imperial Tomb for 2,000 years. In the evening, enjoy a Tang dynasty show and Dumpling Dinner. (BLD)

Day 7 Fri: Xian / Guilin
Fly to Guilin, one of the most gorgeous areas in China. It is set amidst jagged, vertical limestone mountains and the soft crop-green banks of the Li River. Check in to PARK HOTEL Or SIMILAR. Later visit Elephant Truck Hill & Piled Silk Hill. (BLD)

Day 8 Sat: Li River Excursion
The beauty of this part of China is most fully appreciated from the decks of a slow-moving boat on the Li River as you glimpse some of the mystery of this ancient region. Full day cruise on Li River. (BLD)

Day 9 Sun: Guilin / Shanghai
Fly to Shanghai, “the Paris of the East”—China’s most westernized and largest city. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to GLAXAY HOTEL Or SIMLIAR. Afternoon will be at leisure to pursue independent activities. (B)

Day 10 Mon: Shanghai
Full day city tour of Shanghai, includes a visit to The Bund, Yu Yuan Garden, the Temple of the Jade Buddha and a visit to the carpet factory. Later, enjoy a performance by famous Chinese acrobats. (BLD)

Day 11 Tue: Zhujiajiao Excursion
Morning excursion to Zhujiajiao. Often called the “Venice of the East” because of its network of waterways and canals, which are graced by bridges that date back to the Ming dynasty, afternoon visit the Shanghai Museum. (BLD)

Day 12 Wed: Shanghai / North America
Departure transfer to the airport to board the flight for onward destination. (B)