Tour Type: Luxurious Small Group
Tour Code:LSSC17
Application deadline: 60 days before departure dates
Land package: $5,899
Departure Dates: Daily
Includes: domestic air; upscale hotels; daily escorted tour; listed sites; English-speaking tour guides; listed meals.
*All tips, all optional tours are included,
Hotels:
*Note following hotels are subject to change*
The Ritz-Carlton, Beijing (3 nights)
Sofitel Legend Peoples Grand Hotel, Xi'an (2 nights)
The Ritz-Carlton, Chengdu(1 night)
Yangtze River Cruise: President 8 Balcony Room (3 nights)
Waldorf Astoria on the Bund, Shanghai (2 nights)
Tonino Lamborghini Hotel, Suzhou (2 nights)
Four Seasons at West Lake, Hangzhou (2 nights)
Tour Code:LSSC17
Application deadline: 60 days before departure dates
Land package: $5,899
Departure Dates: Daily
Includes: domestic air; upscale hotels; daily escorted tour; listed sites; English-speaking tour guides; listed meals.
*All tips, all optional tours are included,
Hotels:
*Note following hotels are subject to change*
The Ritz-Carlton, Beijing (3 nights)
Sofitel Legend Peoples Grand Hotel, Xi'an (2 nights)
The Ritz-Carlton, Chengdu(1 night)
Yangtze River Cruise: President 8 Balcony Room (3 nights)
Waldorf Astoria on the Bund, Shanghai (2 nights)
Tonino Lamborghini Hotel, Suzhou (2 nights)
Four Seasons at West Lake, Hangzhou (2 nights)
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.
Overnight: Crowne Plaza U-Town or similar
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 (included) to see Beijing’s 700 year old Hutongs (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.
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” (included).
Day 5: Beijing - Xi'an(flight) (B)
Today depart from Beijing for China's ancient capital-Xi'an. Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet you at the airport and then escort you to check into your hotel.
Day 6: 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. 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.
Today depart from Beijing for China's ancient capital-Xi'an. Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet you at the airport and then escort you to check into your hotel.
Day 6: 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. 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.
Day 7:Xian-Chengdu(B,L)
Today you will be transferred to Xian airport to take your flight to Chengdu. Your guide will pick you up at the airport and then transfer to the hotel.
You'll visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and have a close-enough encounters with the adorable national treasure. Then drive back to downtown Chengdu to take a relaxing stroll at Jinli Street where got loads of the most authentic Chengdu snacks and fine crafts; and the Kuan Zhai Xiangzi (Wide and Narrow Alleys), the trendiest neighborhood in Chengdu, featuring myriad ancient architects, museums, eateries, cafés, shops and the likes.
Day 8: Chengdu-Chongqing-Yangtzer River Cruise(B)
Today we fly to Chongqing in the early morning. Chongqing is the “Mountain City” situated on the southwest of China. It is also the start point of our downstream 4 days 3 nights Yangtze River cruise. We board the ship in the afternoon.
Day 9: Yangtze River Cruise(B,L,D)
Shibaozhai - Take a shore excursion to Shibaozhai, with its impressive wooden pagoda, appropriately named “The Pearl of the Yangtze”. Depending on river conditions, an alternate excursion may be substituted to Fengdu, visiting the new relocation village built for families who have moved as a result of the Yangtze’s rising waters brought about by the Three Gorges Dam. Additional optional Shore Excursion to Fengdu’s “Ghost City” (river conditions permitting), known for its statues of ghosts and devils on Mingshan Hill.
Day 10: Yangtze River Cruise(B,L,D)
Enter the Three Gorges/“Small Gorges”/Shiplocks
Enter the Three Gorges, one of nature’s most extraordinary sculptures. Today you will pass through the first two—Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge. Qutang Gorge is the shortest (5 miles), narrowest (500 feet), and most dramatic. The 25-mile long Wu Gorge is known for its quiet beauty, forest-covered mountains, and cliffs so sheer that the sun barely penetrates the precipices. Transfer to another vessel for a relaxing excursion through the attractive gorges of Goddess Stream. Depending on river conditions, an alternate excursion may be substituted to the gorges of Shennong Stream. Enter Xiling Gorge, the longest (41 miles), and the deepest of the Three Gorges. In the evening, sail through the Three Gorges Dam ship locks. Additional optional Shore Excursion to White Emperor City (river conditions permitting), an ancient city overlooking the western end of Qutang Gorge.
Day 11: Yangtze River Cruise-Wuhan-Shanghai(B)
Three Gorges Dam/Yichang - Morning visit to the Three Gorges Dam at Sandouping, the largest in the world. Arrive Yichang in late morning and disembark.
From Yichang board a coach bus to Wuhan. Along the road appreciate China’s countryside scenery and the local’s life style. Then take a flight to Shanghai.
Upon arrivial you will be taken to hotel for rest.
Tonight there is an optional activity to watch a superb and thrilling Chinese Acrobatic Show “ERA: The Intersection of Time”
Optional tour: “ERA: The Intersection of Time”: Included
Day 12: Shanghai-Hangzhou(B)
In the morning visit the famous Bund. Shanghai is divided by the Huang Pu 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.
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. This morning start this amazing day with 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. Next, follow your guide on a walk through the plantation and see firsthand the process of farming tea trees and picking tea leaves (the walk through is subject to the plantation’s operational conditions and requirements, weather conditions and guests’ fitness levels and may not be always available).
Today you will be transferred to Xian airport to take your flight to Chengdu. Your guide will pick you up at the airport and then transfer to the hotel.
You'll visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and have a close-enough encounters with the adorable national treasure. Then drive back to downtown Chengdu to take a relaxing stroll at Jinli Street where got loads of the most authentic Chengdu snacks and fine crafts; and the Kuan Zhai Xiangzi (Wide and Narrow Alleys), the trendiest neighborhood in Chengdu, featuring myriad ancient architects, museums, eateries, cafés, shops and the likes.
Day 8: Chengdu-Chongqing-Yangtzer River Cruise(B)
Today we fly to Chongqing in the early morning. Chongqing is the “Mountain City” situated on the southwest of China. It is also the start point of our downstream 4 days 3 nights Yangtze River cruise. We board the ship in the afternoon.
Day 9: Yangtze River Cruise(B,L,D)
Shibaozhai - Take a shore excursion to Shibaozhai, with its impressive wooden pagoda, appropriately named “The Pearl of the Yangtze”. Depending on river conditions, an alternate excursion may be substituted to Fengdu, visiting the new relocation village built for families who have moved as a result of the Yangtze’s rising waters brought about by the Three Gorges Dam. Additional optional Shore Excursion to Fengdu’s “Ghost City” (river conditions permitting), known for its statues of ghosts and devils on Mingshan Hill.
Day 10: Yangtze River Cruise(B,L,D)
Enter the Three Gorges/“Small Gorges”/Shiplocks
Enter the Three Gorges, one of nature’s most extraordinary sculptures. Today you will pass through the first two—Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge. Qutang Gorge is the shortest (5 miles), narrowest (500 feet), and most dramatic. The 25-mile long Wu Gorge is known for its quiet beauty, forest-covered mountains, and cliffs so sheer that the sun barely penetrates the precipices. Transfer to another vessel for a relaxing excursion through the attractive gorges of Goddess Stream. Depending on river conditions, an alternate excursion may be substituted to the gorges of Shennong Stream. Enter Xiling Gorge, the longest (41 miles), and the deepest of the Three Gorges. In the evening, sail through the Three Gorges Dam ship locks. Additional optional Shore Excursion to White Emperor City (river conditions permitting), an ancient city overlooking the western end of Qutang Gorge.
Day 11: Yangtze River Cruise-Wuhan-Shanghai(B)
Three Gorges Dam/Yichang - Morning visit to the Three Gorges Dam at Sandouping, the largest in the world. Arrive Yichang in late morning and disembark.
From Yichang board a coach bus to Wuhan. Along the road appreciate China’s countryside scenery and the local’s life style. Then take a flight to Shanghai.
Upon arrivial you will be taken to hotel for rest.
Tonight there is an optional activity to watch a superb and thrilling Chinese Acrobatic Show “ERA: The Intersection of Time”
Optional tour: “ERA: The Intersection of Time”: Included
Day 12: Shanghai-Hangzhou(B)
In the morning visit the famous Bund. Shanghai is divided by the Huang Pu 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.
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. This morning start this amazing day with 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. Next, follow your guide on a walk through the plantation and see firsthand the process of farming tea trees and picking tea leaves (the walk through is subject to the plantation’s operational conditions and requirements, weather conditions and guests’ fitness levels and may not be always available).
Day 13: Hangzhou(B)
Enjoy a free day at leisure in Hangzhou.
Day 14: Hangzhou - Suzhou (B, L)
Hangzhou is where the 2016 G20 Summit was held in September 2016. Take a small boat ride on the West Lake another UNESCO World Heritage Site, which reveals the ethereal beauty of Hangzhou's willow draped islands. This evening, why not enjoy an optional open-air performance, “Impression West Lake” (included).
Today visit the famous Lingering Garden. The Lingering Garden is a renowned classical Chinese garden and is recognized 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
Optional tour: Impression West Lake:included
Day 15: Suzhou(B)
Enjoy a free day at leisure in Suzhou.
Day 16: Suzhou-Shanghai(B)
Suzhou, which dates back to 514 BC, is sometimes called the "Venice of the East". And 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. There is an option to take a cruise along the Grand Canal (at your own expense) to view life along China’s ancient waterway.
Return to Shanghai later and stay for the night.
Optional tour: cruise at Grand Canal: included
Day 17: Shanghai-Home(B)
Today board the international flights and fly back home. Your fabulous China tour ends here.
Notes:
The order of attractions might be adjusted for a better tour experience.
Included:
Transportation as specified in itinerary;
Meals as specified;
English-speaking tour guide;
Upscale hotels.
Excluded:
China visa fees;
International airfares;
Tips to guides and driver($8/day);
Single room supplement when applied;
Personal expenses.
Enjoy a free day at leisure in Hangzhou.
Day 14: Hangzhou - Suzhou (B, L)
Hangzhou is where the 2016 G20 Summit was held in September 2016. Take a small boat ride on the West Lake another UNESCO World Heritage Site, which reveals the ethereal beauty of Hangzhou's willow draped islands. This evening, why not enjoy an optional open-air performance, “Impression West Lake” (included).
Today visit the famous Lingering Garden. The Lingering Garden is a renowned classical Chinese garden and is recognized 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
Optional tour: Impression West Lake:included
Day 15: Suzhou(B)
Enjoy a free day at leisure in Suzhou.
Day 16: Suzhou-Shanghai(B)
Suzhou, which dates back to 514 BC, is sometimes called the "Venice of the East". And 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. There is an option to take a cruise along the Grand Canal (at your own expense) to view life along China’s ancient waterway.
Return to Shanghai later and stay for the night.
Optional tour: cruise at Grand Canal: included
Day 17: Shanghai-Home(B)
Today board the international flights and fly back home. Your fabulous China tour ends here.
Notes:
The order of attractions might be adjusted for a better tour experience.
Included:
Transportation as specified in itinerary;
Meals as specified;
English-speaking tour guide;
Upscale hotels.
Excluded:
China visa fees;
International airfares;
Tips to guides and driver($8/day);
Single room supplement when applied;
Personal expenses.
