Magnificent China

For centuries, travelers to China have told tales of magical landscapes and surprising creatures. Chinese civilization is the world’s oldest and today’s largest. The world’s highest peak, vast deserts ranging from searing hot to numbing cold, misty forests harboring rare creatures, grassy plains beneath vast horizons and rich tropical seas, all contribute to China’s breathtaking beauty. Through this tour, you will explore the hidden beauty of this glorious land and experience its many landscapes.

Daily Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Shanghai: Arrive in Shanghai, China’s most cosmopolitan city. In the evening, enjoy the panoramic Huangpu River, with its colonial architecture, juxtaposed against the modern Oriental Pearl TV Tower and Jinmao Tower.

Day 2

Shanghai: Stroll through the beautiful Yuyuan Garden and the Old Town as well as a visit to the Shanghai Museum. Explore the restored Xintiandi area with its unique 1920′s style Shikumen buildings.

Day 3

Shanghai – Suzhou (Bus):’start the day in Suzhou’s Chinese gardens and silk factories. In the past, it was the national silk center. Many silk masterpieces for the royal family were produced here. You ll have the chance to see the whole process of making silk at the Suzhou First Silk Mill which has been in operation for than 80 years. Visit the Humble Administrator’s Garden, one of the finest Chinese gardens in the country.

Day 4-5

Suzhou Hangzhou (Bus): Depart Suzhou for Hangzhou and enjoy the beautiful West Lake. Have a cup of comforting Longjing tea, as you soak in its beautiful natural scenery.

Day 6

Hangzhou Wu Zhen ‘shanghai (Bus): Enjoy some relaxing moments in Wu Zhen, a beautiful and quiet water town near Hangzhou city. Walk on a marked path among traditional architecture in southern China before returning to the bustling Shanghai. Return to Shanghai later in the day.

Day 7-8

Shanghai Guilin: Walk along the famous Bund with its colonial architecture and do some shopping on the Nanjing Road. Enjoy a cruise on the panoramic Huangpu River in the evening. The next day visit the Pudong New District with its modern landmark buildings before your flight to Guilin.

Day 9-10

Guilin Yangshuo Guilin(Bus): Take a cruise down the stunning Li River, through its beautiful canyon and gorges, to Yangshuo. On the cruise, enjoy the breathtaking landscape of beautiful limestone hills, bamboo rafts sailing on the tranquil rivers, and birds catching fish in the clear water. Arrive at the small town of Yangshuo and explore the colorful life in the West Street. Learn Chinese culture including calligraphy, Tai Chi, cooking and chess with local people.

Day 11

Guilin Chengdu: Visit the Reed Flute Cave which is famous for its fantastic stalactites and stalagmites formations which create a Natural Art Gallery.

Day 12

Chengdu: Fly to Chengdu. As the capital of Sichuan Province, Chengdu is a famous historical and cultural city. It is the hometown of the giant pandas, and the pace there is relaxed and leisurely. Visit the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Base and get in close touch with the adorable Treasures of China. In the evening watch the Chuan Opera which is famous for its stunning skill of Bianlian. The master can change 14 face masks in 25 seconds.

Day 13

Chengdu Xian: Visit a local Tea House and enjoy the Tea Ceremony. Then fly to Xian.

Day 14-15

Xian: Xian was once the ancient capital of China and the cradle of its civilization. On your first day, you will visit the Wild Goose Pagoda and enjoy a dumpling meal for dinner. After dinner, you ll attend a Tang Dynasty dance performance.

Day 16

Visit one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century the Terracotta Warriors and in the evening, walk along the Ancient City Wall.

Day 17

Xian Beijing:’shaanxi History Museum is an artistic hall which displays Shaanxi history, culture and Chinese imperial artifacts. Later, stand on the top of the world’s most protected ancient city wall, and appreciate the rise and fall of an ancient capital city. Visit the Beilin Museum, where you will meet a Chinese calligraphy tutor, and learn to write your favorite Chinese characters.

Day 18

Drum Tower, Hutong tour, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Wang Fujing Street:’starting from the ancient landmark of Beijing the Drum Tower, you will have a traditional Beijing breakfast at the famous Yao’s Restaurant. The driver of a manpowered tricycle will take you through old Hutongs and tell you stories about each of them. You are welcome to stop and meet local families to experience their daily life. In the afternoon, visit the Forbidden City while being accompanied by a certified Chinese history teacher. The guide will tell you about the life of Chinese emperors, their historical legacies, and their secrets. South of the Forbidden City is Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world. Not far from Tiananmen’square is Wang Fujing Street, the commercial center of Beijing and home to a myriad of shops and restaurants. Take the opportunity to try Quanjude Roast Duck, Dong Laishun Hotpot, stop by China Photo Studio, Hengdeli Watch and Clock Shop. Each of these stores has been a landmark during the rapid development of this city. In the evening, enjoy nightly entertainment at the Beijing Opera, an acrobatic show and a Kung Fu demonstration.

Day 19

Huailai Great Wall, Summer Palace: Beijing is adjacent to different portions of the Great Wall like Badaling, Juyongguan and Mutianyu, but what you will visit is better preserved than any of those. This portion was built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and used to protect China from Mongrel raids. On the way to the Great Wall, there are many villages and towns which have several hundred years of history and have yet to be developed as tourist attractions. Every antiquated house harkens back to a simpler times. You will have excellent views to take photos of the Great Wall and because this area is more remote, you may examine the wall or sit on the beacon tower before heading back to lunch. In the afternoon, you will visit the most protected royal garden in Beijing the Summer Palace. At sunset, sailing on Kunming Lake followed by a royal feast to complete your day of travel. After dinner, you ll be treated to a Chinese medical massage.

Day 20

Temple of Heaven, Liulichang Antique Street, 798 Art Zone If you want to experience local morning exercises, you cannot miss the Temple of Heaven. Badminton, daibolo, Tai Chi, Kung Fu, singing Beijing Opera, flying kites and dancing, are all popular morning exercises in Beijing. You will have the chance to learn from local practitioners who will gladly teach you about each one. After breakfast, you will visit the Liulichang antique street and have a chance to write Chinese characters with the traditional Chinese Four Treasures of the Study. After that, you will experience the art of fashion in Beijing by visiting the 798 Art Zone and talking with artists.

Day 21

Departure