Type of Tour: FAM trip
Departure Date: Multiple
Tour Code: FMBC16
Visit:Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Yangtze River and Xi'an
7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Great Wall, The Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Classic Gardens of Suzhou, The Grand Canal, West Lake, Terra Cotta Army
Hotels: 4.5 star
Group size: around 20
Agent Rate: Please contact us for travel agent FAM rates
Included:
Airport pickups and drop-offs;
English-speaking tour guides;
High Speed Train(Beijing-Suzhou)
Daily escorted tour to listed tourists sites;
Admission Fees to tourists sites;
4.5 star Hotels with breakfasts
Departure Days:
May 20th ; June 10th ; July 1st ; September 16th ; October 21st ; November 10th
(All of the departure days are Saturdays, so guests only need to take 5 weekdays off)
Departure Date: Multiple
Tour Code: FMBC16
Visit:Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Yangtze River and Xi'an
7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Great Wall, The Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Classic Gardens of Suzhou, The Grand Canal, West Lake, Terra Cotta Army
Hotels: 4.5 star
Group size: around 20
Agent Rate: Please contact us for travel agent FAM rates
Included:
Airport pickups and drop-offs;
English-speaking tour guides;
High Speed Train(Beijing-Suzhou)
Daily escorted tour to listed tourists sites;
Admission Fees to tourists sites;
4.5 star Hotels with breakfasts
Departure Days:
May 20th ; June 10th ; July 1st ; September 16th ; October 21st ; November 10th
(All of the departure days are Saturdays, so guests only need to take 5 weekdays off)
Day 1: U.S. – Beijing, China (In-Flight Meals)
Today depart from the U.S. for Beijing.
Day 2: Arrival in Beijing
Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet you at the airport and then escort you to check into your hotel.
Hotel : Holiday Inn Central Plaza or Four Points by Sheraton TripAdvisor Reviews
Day 3: Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City (B)
Your exploration of Beijing begins with a visit to Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world, and then takes in the Imperial Palace in the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City, also known officially as the Imperial Palace Museum, was originally constructed by the third Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Yong Le, where 24 emperors once lived successionally. The palace was built between 1406 and 1420, but was burnt down, rebuilt, sacked and renovated countless times, so most of the architecture you can see today dates from the 1700’s and onwards. Afterwards, visit a Pearl Factory to gain a little knowledge of fresh pearls.
In the afternoon, take the opportunity to join an optional tour (optional tours) to see Beijing’s 700 year old Hutong's (narrow lanes) area by old fashioned pedicab as well as visit a local family living in a courtyard style home to experience the local customs of old Beijing people and their unique architectural structure. The optional tour also includes a visit to Shichahai, a historic scenic area consisting of three lakes (Qianhai, meaning Front Sea; Houhai, meaning Back Sea and Xihai, meaning West Sea), surrounding places of historic interest and scenic beauty and remnants of old-style local residences, Hutong and Courtyard.
Optional Tours: Hutongs and lunch with local family $50
Hotel: Holiday Inn Central Plaza or Four Points by Sheraton TripAdvisor Reviews
Day 4: Great Wall Of China (B,L)
On the way to the Great Wall you will make a stop at a Jade Museum to learn the history of Jade. In Chinese, jade is pronounced as "Yu", and it has a history in China of at least four thousand years. Observe the skilled artisans at work as they create their intricate designs. Afterwards take a scenic drive through the countryside and mountains to reach China's most renowned monument—the Great Wall. Visit the less-visited and more original Juyong Pass and try to avoid other sections which are the most accessible and consequently the most crowded. The Great Wall meanders through China's northern mountain ranges from the Yellow Sea to the Gobi Desert—a distance of over 3500 miles!
Tonight, take the opportunity to attend an optional large scale dramatic musical, “The Golden Mask Dynasty” (optional tour).
Optional Tours: The Golden Mask Dynasty $50
Hotel: Holiday Inn Central Plaza or Four Points by Sheraton TripAdvisor Reviews
Today depart from the U.S. for Beijing.
Day 2: Arrival in Beijing
Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet you at the airport and then escort you to check into your hotel.
Hotel : Holiday Inn Central Plaza or Four Points by Sheraton TripAdvisor Reviews
Day 3: Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City (B)
Your exploration of Beijing begins with a visit to Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world, and then takes in the Imperial Palace in the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City, also known officially as the Imperial Palace Museum, was originally constructed by the third Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Yong Le, where 24 emperors once lived successionally. The palace was built between 1406 and 1420, but was burnt down, rebuilt, sacked and renovated countless times, so most of the architecture you can see today dates from the 1700’s and onwards. Afterwards, visit a Pearl Factory to gain a little knowledge of fresh pearls.
In the afternoon, take the opportunity to join an optional tour (optional tours) to see Beijing’s 700 year old Hutong's (narrow lanes) area by old fashioned pedicab as well as visit a local family living in a courtyard style home to experience the local customs of old Beijing people and their unique architectural structure. The optional tour also includes a visit to Shichahai, a historic scenic area consisting of three lakes (Qianhai, meaning Front Sea; Houhai, meaning Back Sea and Xihai, meaning West Sea), surrounding places of historic interest and scenic beauty and remnants of old-style local residences, Hutong and Courtyard.
Optional Tours: Hutongs and lunch with local family $50
Hotel: Holiday Inn Central Plaza or Four Points by Sheraton TripAdvisor Reviews
Day 4: Great Wall Of China (B,L)
On the way to the Great Wall you will make a stop at a Jade Museum to learn the history of Jade. In Chinese, jade is pronounced as "Yu", and it has a history in China of at least four thousand years. Observe the skilled artisans at work as they create their intricate designs. Afterwards take a scenic drive through the countryside and mountains to reach China's most renowned monument—the Great Wall. Visit the less-visited and more original Juyong Pass and try to avoid other sections which are the most accessible and consequently the most crowded. The Great Wall meanders through China's northern mountain ranges from the Yellow Sea to the Gobi Desert—a distance of over 3500 miles!
Tonight, take the opportunity to attend an optional large scale dramatic musical, “The Golden Mask Dynasty” (optional tour).
Optional Tours: The Golden Mask Dynasty $50
Hotel: Holiday Inn Central Plaza or Four Points by Sheraton TripAdvisor Reviews
Day 5: Beijing - Suzhou (High speed bullet train experience) (B)
Enjoy a high speed bullet train experience from Beijing to Suzhou (approximately a 5-hour journey). Suzhou, which dates back to 514 BC, is sometimes called the "Venice of the East". Visit Shan Tang Street, which has always been regarded as the first name of Suzhou ancient streets. It has a long history of about 1,100 years, its layout and architecture are the best to represent the characteristics of Suzhou's old alleys, and it has connections to many ancient Chinese celebrities and anecdotes. Take the opportunity to cruise along the Grand Canal (optional tours) to view life along China’s ancient waterway.
Optional Tours: Grand Canal Cruise $30
Hotel: Grand Metropark Suzhou or similar TripAdvisor Reviews
Day 6: Suzhou - Hangzhou (B)
Today visit the famous Lingering Garden. The Lingering Garden is a renowned classical Chinese garden and is recognised with other classical Suzhou gardens as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. China is known for its silk, so of course a visit to the Silk Spinning Factory is in order.
Afterwards drive to Hangzhou (approximately a 2-hour coach ride). Hangzhou is considered the tea capital of China, so a visit to the city just isn’t complete without a trip to a local tea house. Make a special visit to the Tea House at Meijiawu Tea Village located at the hinterland of West Lake Park which is considered one of the most important Longjing tea productions in China. Enjoy the natural environment and beautiful village scenery while learning more about their special tea culture and how to appreciate the sophisticated taste and aroma of Longjing tea. At the Tea House, learn how to make the Longjing Tea including tea leaves picking, frying and tasting.
Hotel: Zheshang New Century Grand Hotel or similar TripAdvisor Reviews
Day 7: Hangzhou – Shanghai (B)
This morning start this amazing day with a small boat ride on the West Lake another UNESCO World Heritage Site, which reveals the ethereal beauty of Hangzhou's willow draped islands. Afterwards drive to Shanghai (approximately a 2-hour coach ride) to visit the famous Bund. Shanghai is divided by the Huangpu River into eastern and western sections. Modern mega high rises are seen on the eastern side while traditional European style architecture may be seen on the western side. The Bund is a five-block riverfront promenade with many of Shanghai's banks and trading houses. Tonight take the opportunity to watch a superb and thrilling Chinese Acrobatic Show “ERA: The Intersection of Time” (optional tours).
Optional tours: Chinese Acrobatic Show “ERA: The Intersection of Time” $50
Hotel: Eton Hotel or Guoman Hotel TripAdvisor Reviews
Enjoy a high speed bullet train experience from Beijing to Suzhou (approximately a 5-hour journey). Suzhou, which dates back to 514 BC, is sometimes called the "Venice of the East". Visit Shan Tang Street, which has always been regarded as the first name of Suzhou ancient streets. It has a long history of about 1,100 years, its layout and architecture are the best to represent the characteristics of Suzhou's old alleys, and it has connections to many ancient Chinese celebrities and anecdotes. Take the opportunity to cruise along the Grand Canal (optional tours) to view life along China’s ancient waterway.
Optional Tours: Grand Canal Cruise $30
Hotel: Grand Metropark Suzhou or similar TripAdvisor Reviews
Day 6: Suzhou - Hangzhou (B)
Today visit the famous Lingering Garden. The Lingering Garden is a renowned classical Chinese garden and is recognised with other classical Suzhou gardens as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. China is known for its silk, so of course a visit to the Silk Spinning Factory is in order.
Afterwards drive to Hangzhou (approximately a 2-hour coach ride). Hangzhou is considered the tea capital of China, so a visit to the city just isn’t complete without a trip to a local tea house. Make a special visit to the Tea House at Meijiawu Tea Village located at the hinterland of West Lake Park which is considered one of the most important Longjing tea productions in China. Enjoy the natural environment and beautiful village scenery while learning more about their special tea culture and how to appreciate the sophisticated taste and aroma of Longjing tea. At the Tea House, learn how to make the Longjing Tea including tea leaves picking, frying and tasting.
Hotel: Zheshang New Century Grand Hotel or similar TripAdvisor Reviews
Day 7: Hangzhou – Shanghai (B)
This morning start this amazing day with a small boat ride on the West Lake another UNESCO World Heritage Site, which reveals the ethereal beauty of Hangzhou's willow draped islands. Afterwards drive to Shanghai (approximately a 2-hour coach ride) to visit the famous Bund. Shanghai is divided by the Huangpu River into eastern and western sections. Modern mega high rises are seen on the eastern side while traditional European style architecture may be seen on the western side. The Bund is a five-block riverfront promenade with many of Shanghai's banks and trading houses. Tonight take the opportunity to watch a superb and thrilling Chinese Acrobatic Show “ERA: The Intersection of Time” (optional tours).
Optional tours: Chinese Acrobatic Show “ERA: The Intersection of Time” $50
Hotel: Eton Hotel or Guoman Hotel TripAdvisor Reviews
Day 8: Shanghai (B)
This morning step back in time at the Shanghai Museum with more than 120,000 art objects on show, including a priceless collection of jade, bronze, ceramics, paintings, and furniture. Enjoy some free time at leisure this afternoon or join an optional half-day tour of Shanghai (not included) including Yu Garden, believed to have been built in the Ming Dynasty, more than 400 years ago. The exquisite layout, beautiful scenery, and the artistic style of the garden architecture have made the garden one of the highlights of Shanghai. Other attractions include Xintiandi, Old Town and Nanjing Road. In the evening, take the opportunity to join the optional “Night Cruise on the Huangpu River” (optional tours).
Optional Tours: Night Cruise on Huangpu River $30
Hotel: Eton Hotel or Guoman Hotel TripAdvisor Reviews
Day 9: Shanghai - Wuhan - Yichang (Yangtze) (B)
Today fly from Shanghai to Wuhan. Upon arrival board a coach for Yichang (approximately a 3 hour bus ride) and drive through the scenic countryside, see different landscapes and learn what Chinese people's lives are like. This evening, embark on the luxury cruise ship at Yichang Port. Your fabulous Yangtze River tour begins.
Overnight: Victoria Cruise Ship, Balcony Cabin
Day 10: Cruise the Yangtze, Three Gorges (B, L, D)
The ship sails through Xiling Gorge, the longest one of the Three Gorges. Pass through the ship lock of the new three gorges dam. Disembark to visit the massive Three Gorges Dam Project in the morning, the world's largest dam, measuring 606 feet high and 6,500 feet long. In 1997, the cofferdam was completed and the main structure begun. The dam has two five stage locks to raise and lower ships to the different river levels. Each lock in the five stages is 65 feet high and 910 feet long.
Overnight: Victoria Cruise Ship, Balcony Cabin
This morning step back in time at the Shanghai Museum with more than 120,000 art objects on show, including a priceless collection of jade, bronze, ceramics, paintings, and furniture. Enjoy some free time at leisure this afternoon or join an optional half-day tour of Shanghai (not included) including Yu Garden, believed to have been built in the Ming Dynasty, more than 400 years ago. The exquisite layout, beautiful scenery, and the artistic style of the garden architecture have made the garden one of the highlights of Shanghai. Other attractions include Xintiandi, Old Town and Nanjing Road. In the evening, take the opportunity to join the optional “Night Cruise on the Huangpu River” (optional tours).
Optional Tours: Night Cruise on Huangpu River $30
Hotel: Eton Hotel or Guoman Hotel TripAdvisor Reviews
Day 9: Shanghai - Wuhan - Yichang (Yangtze) (B)
Today fly from Shanghai to Wuhan. Upon arrival board a coach for Yichang (approximately a 3 hour bus ride) and drive through the scenic countryside, see different landscapes and learn what Chinese people's lives are like. This evening, embark on the luxury cruise ship at Yichang Port. Your fabulous Yangtze River tour begins.
Overnight: Victoria Cruise Ship, Balcony Cabin
Day 10: Cruise the Yangtze, Three Gorges (B, L, D)
The ship sails through Xiling Gorge, the longest one of the Three Gorges. Pass through the ship lock of the new three gorges dam. Disembark to visit the massive Three Gorges Dam Project in the morning, the world's largest dam, measuring 606 feet high and 6,500 feet long. In 1997, the cofferdam was completed and the main structure begun. The dam has two five stage locks to raise and lower ships to the different river levels. Each lock in the five stages is 65 feet high and 910 feet long.
Overnight: Victoria Cruise Ship, Balcony Cabin
Day 11: Cruise the Yangtze - Wushan (B, L, D)
Disembark at Wushan and board a small riverboat for a leisurely ride through Shennong Stream, which offers clear running waters, picturesque rock formations, and even monkeys and goat along its banks. Drifting along the Shennong Stream in sampan is the unique way experiencing the beauty of Shennong Stream, a sampan is about 40 feet long, 6 feet wide, usually steered by six boatmen. Then Sail through Qutang Gorge, the shortest and most dramatic one of the Three Gorges. Wu Gorge is famous for its quiet beauty.
Overnight: Victoria Cruise Ship, Balcony Cabin
Day 12: Cruise the Yangtze (B, L, D)
Today's shore excursion will be 'Ghost City' Fengdu (optional), which contains numerous statues of devils and ghosts that roam the afterworld. Fengdu model after the Chinese Hell in Taoist mythology, built over 1800 years ago.
Overnight: Victoria Cruise Ship, Balcony Cabin
Day 13: Cruise the Yangtze – Chongqing-Xi’an(B)
Disembark in Chongqing port, and finish your splendid Yangtze Tour. Enjoy an introductory tour of Chongqing and transfer to the airport for your homebound flight!
For clients who have chosen Xi’an extension, you will fly to Xi’an to continue with your tour in China.
Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet you at the airport and then escort you to check into your hotel.
Hotel: Grand Noble Hotel, Xi'an TripAdvisor Reviews
Day 14: Xi’an sightseeing and Terracotta Warriors & Horses (B, L)
This morning first visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a major tourist site located on the central axis of the Jianfu Temple in south Xi’an. The Small Wild Goose Pagoda in the temple is very delicate in appearance and is completely built of stone. The top three floors have been damaged, and it really adds to the appeal of the pagoda. As a national AAAA scenic spot and a world heritage site, the Buddhist pagoda survives from the Tang Dynasty.
Afterwards visit the Terracotta Warriors Reproduction Factory. At the factory, talented craftsmen make these life-size replicas in the same manner as their counterparts did 2,200 years ago – with just their hands, a few tools, and clay. In addition to learning about the process, you will also have a great opportunity to make your own miniature reproduction of the famous artefact and bring it home.
The highlight today is a visit to the Terracotta Warriors & Horses Museum to see the life-sized defending army to the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. Unearthed near Xi’an, the hundreds of life size sculptures of soldiers, chariots, and horses are considered a world wonder. With different facial expressions and weaponry adorning each soldier, the Terracotta Warriors were intended to convey the Qin Emperor into the afterlife. This site is among the top archaeological excavations of the 20th century. You will be definitely amazed by the scale of the Terracotta Warriors Army.
Hotel: Grand Noble Hotel, Xi'an TripAdvisor Reviews
Day 15: Xi’an-Beijing(B)
Today you will be escorted to the airport for your flight to Beijing. Upon arrival you will transferred to hotel for rest. The rest of your day will be on your own to explore the city.
Hotel : Holiday Inn Central Plaza or Four Points by Sheraton TripAdvisor Reviews
Day 16: Beijing-Home(B)
Today you will be transferred to airport for you flight home.
Notes:
The order of attractions might be adjusted for a better tour experience.
Excluded:
China visa fees;
International airfares;
Tips to guides and driver($8/day);
Single room supplement when applied;
Personal expenses.
