9 DAYS Beijing, Xian, Shanghai

Day 1 Sat: North America / China
Depart today and begin your fascinating tour of the ancient wonders of mysterious China.

Day 2 Sun: Arrive Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, the capital city of the People’s Republic of China. You are welcomed at the airport and escorted to HILTON BEIJING HOTEL. The afternoon is at leisure.

Day 3 Mon: 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. Tonight you are welcomed to the Middle Kingdom with a Peking Opera show, including a backstage visit. (BL)

Day 4 Tue: Great Wall Excursion
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. Also visit the Tomb of Emperor Zhudi, founder of the Forbidden City. Tonight you will enjoy a Beijing Roast Duck Dinner. (BLD)

Day 5 Wed: Temple of Heaven, Beijing / Xian
Visit the Temple of Heaven this morning, possibly the country’s most popular symbol. It was believed to be the closest place to heaven and is where the emperors would communicate with the gods. Later, you are flown to another ancient capital, Xian, formerly Changan, once the largest city in the world. In the evening, you will be treated to a traditional Tang Dynasty Show with dinner, focusing on the ancient culture of the period. SOFITEL ON RENMIN SQUARE XIAN. (BD)

Day 6 Thu: Terra Cotta Warriors
Visit the archaeological site of the Terra Cotta Warriors, which have been standing guard over the Imperial Tomb for more than 2,000 years. Also visit the Shan’xi Provincial Historical Museum. (BL)

Day 7 Fri: Xian / Shanghai Sightseeing
Fly to Shanghai, “the Paris of the East,” and China’s most westernized and largest city. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to HILTON SHNAGHAI. Your tour of Shanghai includes a visit to Yu Yuan Garden, and a night view of the famous Bund, the wide, tree-lined avenue along the Huangpo River and the former “Wall Street” of foreign powers. Later, enjoy a performance by famous Chinese Acrobats. (BD)

Day 8 Sat: Shanghai
The day is at leisure to relax and pursue independent activities. (B)

Day 9 Sun: Shanghai / North America
Leave the Orient behind today and board your flight home, filled with memories of your exciting tour of the many marvelous treasures of ancient China. (B)