Classic China & Yangtze

This morning, visit the Tiananmen Square, which is surrounded by a variety of significant edifices namely, the Chinese Revolution History Museum, Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, the Great Hall of the People, and the Qianmen (Front Gate). Then walk a few minutes to reach the solemn Forbidden City which is also called the Palace Museum. It ranks among the most famous five palaces in the world in addition to the Versailles Palace, the Buckingham Palace, the White House and the Kremlin. The place itself is not to be missed by any visitors to Beijing. Then you will enjoy your a la carte lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, you will be taken to visit the Temple of Heaven. It was a place for emperors to offer sacrifice to the heaven. The entire complex is a treasure trove of ancient Chinese architectural designs and arts. This evening you will witness a wonderful Chinese Kung Fu Show at the Red Theatre. (B+L)

The first exciting scenic site today is the Badaling Great Wall. Nowadays, some of the sections of the great wall are in ruins or even entirely disappeared, while the Badaling segment is the best-preserved part among them. It is one of the most appealing attractions owing to its architectural grandeur and historical significance. To avoid the tourist eateries at the wall, we would like to offer you a rich lunch at a local popular Sichuan restaurant. After lunch, you will visit the Sacred Way and the Ming Tomb. The Ming Tomb is the only mausoleum which has completely discovered so far, so it always appears as a must tourist place for travelers. And the Sacred Way is a long path with stone statues in each side, leading to the tomb. On the way back to downtown, we will offer you an opportunity to take photos with the Bird's Nest (Olympic National Stadium). (B+L) 

Today you will visit the ornate Summer Palace, which plays a significant role in the history of Chinese gardens. Containing examples of the ancient arts, it also has graceful landscapes and magnificent constructions. We will serve you an a la carte lunch at a fancy restaurant at noon. Have a Hutong tour to experience the original Beijing culture by taking a special rickshaw riding through the various Hutongs and to know about Old Beijing's manners and customs. Then you will take a flight to Xian and transfer to the hotel. Get a first impression of this ancient city from your local amiable guide and stay in the fine hotel to relax. (B+L)

Visit the astounding Museum of Qin Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses. It is regarded as the Eighth Wonder of the World and features life-sized sculptures of warriors and horses all with different facial expressions and postures. Afterwards, you will have an a la carte lunch at a popular local hotel. In the afternoon, explore the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. It stands in the Da Ci'en Temple complex, a Buddhist temple, which is located in the southern suburb of the City. Then pay a visit to the the Provincial Hisitory Museum. (B+L+D)  
 

Differences:
Luxury series: we would like to arrange the fabulous Tang Dynasty Dinner Show at the magnificent Tang Dynasty Palace (Address: No.75 Chang'an Road, Xian).
Standard series: we would like to arrange the local speciality Dumpling Dinner and the lively Tang Dynasty Dance and Music Show at Shaanxi Opera Theater. (Address: No. 165, Wenyi Road, Xian)

Today, you will stop at the town of Badong and take a small boat up the Shennong Stream and enjoy the breath-taking natural scenery. En route, you may enjoy the canzonet by the boat tracker. The cruise will resume sailing into the western section of Xiling Gorge and passing through the five-step ship lock in the afternoon. (B+L+D)

Morning's visit is a short excursion to the monumental Three Gorges Dam Project at Sandouping. It is the largest reinforced concrete hydroelectric dam in the world. Now there are five scenic zones opening to the public including three gorges exhibition hall, the Tanziling area, the 185 area, the Jinba area and the damming memorial. Then pack your luggage and follow the check-out procedures. After having lunch at Yichang city, visit the Yichang Museum if time permits. Take a flight to the prosperous Shanghai and transfer to the classy hotel. (B+L)

The first stop of Shanghai is to visit the Shanghai Museum. Today's Shanghai is a multi-cultural metropolis with both modern and traditional Chinese features. The museum is just like a showcase to display the city’s unique glamour. Then go ahead to the noted Yuyuan Garden that gives prominence to quietness and elegance. The large rockwork, Yulinglong Stone Peak, Jiuquqiao Bridge, Huxinting Pavilion and Lotus Pool are the most distinctive scenery there. After an a la carte lunch at a famous restaurant, you will take a short cruise tour along the Huangpu River. You will have some time to walk along the Bund area and an old street in Shanghai. (B+L)

Morning is free for you to explore the superb city by yourselves. You are suggested to taste the local flavor as lunch on your own. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the airport to take a flight to Guilin. The local guide will wait for you at the airport. (B)

Today you will take a cruise down the Li River to Yangshuo. With its breathtaking scenery and taste of a life far removed from the concrete metropolis, the scenery along the Li River become one of China's top tourist destinations. After arrival in Yangshuo, you can take a short bicycle trip to the countryside where you will visit a local villager's home and experience his rural lifestyle. Alternatively, we will transfer you there instead of riding bicycles. You will be transferred back to Guilin. (Usually the food served on the cruise is not the best, so you are advised to have a hearty breakfast at the hotel this morning.) (B+L)

Today's visit covers the Reed Flute Cave, the Seven Star Park and the Elephant Trunk Hill. The water-eroded cave got its name from the verdant reeds growing outside it, with which people make flutes. The Seven Star Park boasts a Stone Museum where amazing geological finds are displayed. And the Elephant Trunk Hill is supposed to be the landmark of Guilin landscape. In the afternoon, take a flight to the international metropolis, Hong Kong. Upon arrival, please take a taxi to the hotel we have booked for you by yourselves. (B+L)

We intended to leave the day free for you as it is very convenient to reach your destinations there. The hotel accommodation with breakfast is provided. You are suggested to have a half-day Hongkong Island Tour. Peak tram ride to mid-level of Central District, and then to the Victoria Peak which is called the Peak by local people. Visit the prestigious Repulse Bay, Aberdeen, a distinctive residential complex, and the busy Stanley Market. (B)

You will travel to the airport to board your homeward flight by yourselves. A memorable tour ends. (B)