ARRIVE IN BEIJING, CHINA. Welcome to China's capital city. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.
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BEIJING. Your full-day sightseeing starts with a visit to the FORBIDDEN CITY and its IMPERIAL PALACE, once the home of China's great emperors. Nearby is 100-acre TIAN'ANMEN SQUARE, the largest public square in the world. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and continue to the former SUMMER PALACE, a complex of pavilions, temples, and galleries set among beautifully landscaped grounds and situated on Kunming Lake. This evening, savour a special PEKING DUCK WELCOME DINNER. (B,L,D)
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BEIJING. GREAT WALL EXCURSION. The GREAT WALL OF CHINA once stretched 6,437 kilometres(4,000 miles) across China's barren northern terrain from the Bohai Sea to the Gobi Desert. Head north to a village where the Great Wall is well preserved and walk along the wall to enjoy sweeping vistas of this mammoth fortress. Then, visit a CLOISONNE WORKSHOP and see local artisans use the techniques of this ancient art form to turn pieces of copper into colourful decorative items. After lunch at a local restaurant, take a leisurely walk down the SACRED WAY of the Ming Tombs and marvel at the impressive hand-carved stone statues. Tonight, experience local culture at the PEKING OPERA, including a behind-the-scenes look at the colourful makeup being applied to the performers. (B,L)
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BEIJING - XI'AN. This morning, enjoy a rickshaw ride through one of Beijing's HUTONGS, the city's ancient alleys. Experience life in this historic neighbourhood as you are invited into the courtyard of a family's home for tea. A short flight brings you to the city of Xi'an in central China. Look forward to this evening's highlight, the "Tang Dynasty" DINNER SHOW, featuring a colourful assemblage of classical performances. (B,D)
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XI'AN. One of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world when China dominated the silk trade, Xi'an today is an archaeological treasure trove. Sightseeing begins with a visit to the DAYAN PAGODA, built in 652 AD. During lunch, enjoy a NOODLE-MAKING DEMONSTRATION by a master chef and learn how Chinese noodles are made by hand. In 1974, the tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, was accidentally discovered by local farmers. Marvel at the legion of TERRACOTTA WARRIORS that has been guarding the burial site for 2,000 years. (B,L)
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XI'AN - SHANGHAI. Fly to Shanghai, China's most populous city and centre of trade and industry. This afternoon, stroll along the Bund, the city's riverfront boulevard that is lined with historic buildings, housing, banks, and trade houses. This evening, consider joining an optional tour to see a spectacular acrobatic show. (B,L)
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SHANGHAI. This morning, visit the SHANGHAI MUSEUM and experience the YU YUAN GARDENS before lunch at a local restaurant. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure. Perhaps join an optional tour to a nearby ancient water town or shop some of the 400 stores on Nanjing Road. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner. (B,L,D)
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SHANGHAI - HONG KONG. Fly to Hong Kong, Asia's vibrant commercial capital. Your approach is a memorable experience, sweeping views of the countless islands dotting the South China Sea. Check into your hotel. Evening at leisure. (B)
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HONG KONG. During today's sightseeing, take a cable tramcar up VICTORIA PEAK for a panoramic view of this one-of-a-kind port city. Drive by Repulse Bay, a popular beach area, then to the Aberdeen fishing village where you will enjoy a SAMPAN RIDE on the harbour. Next stop is STANLEY MARKET and its narrow streets filled with inexpensive clothing and arts and crafts stalls. The remainder of the day is free for you to experience the city at your own pace. (B)
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HONG KONG. A free day to explore this exciting city. You may wish to sign up for an optional excursion to learn about Hong Kong's history. Perhaps a full-day outing to visit Macau. Shopping is always a highlight of Hong Kong. There are markets, malls, and shops to fit any budget and taste. For those who want to try out some of the local fare, head over to Lan Kwai Fong Street. (B)
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HONG KONG. Your holiday ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
BEIJING: Sightseeing with a Local Guide including headsets; visit the Forbidden City, Imperial Palace, Tian'anmen Square, the Summer Palace, the Great Wall, cloisonne workshop, Sacred Way of the Ming Tombs, and Peking Opera; Hutong tour by rickshaw; enjoy a Peking Duck welcome dinner
XI'AN: Enjoy the "Tang Dynasty" dinner show; sightseeing with a Local Guide including headsets; visit the Dayan Pagoda and Terracotta Warriors; noodle-making demonstration
SHANGHAI: Sightseeing with a Local Guide including headsets; visit the Bund, the Shanghai Museum, and Yu Yuan Gardens; farewell dinner
HONG KONG EXTENSION: Sightseeing with a Local Guide; take a cable-car ride up Victoria Peak; sampan ride on the harbour; visit Stanley Market; Host service during your stay
ALL INTRA-TOUR FLIGHTS
MEALS: American breakfast daily (B), 5 lunches (L), 3 dinners (D) including a Peking Duck welcome dinner in Beijing and a farewell dinner in Shanghai; Hong Kong Extension: breakfast daily (B)
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable
Meals Breakfast - 10 Lunch - 5 Dinner - 3
Optional Excursions
To help plan your leisure time, as well as your pre-tour budgeting, here is a list of optional excursions that may be offered on this tour.
Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, group interests, and general feasibility for your tour. Please note prices may be based on the previous year and are subject to change. Full terms and conditions are contained in the important travel documents.
Optional Excursions
