Day 1: Arrive in Beijing
Upon arrival in Beijing, you are greeted at the airport by our English speaking guide and then transferred to your hotel by private van. The rest of the day is for you to recover from jetlag.
Meals: None
Day 2: Beijing
A full day city tour to soak up the atmosphere of Beijing. This includes visiting historical sites such as the Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. Then we will go to watch an entertaining acrobatic show. Enjoy the famous Peking Roasted Duck dinner before back to the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Day 3: Beijing
The highlights of today include a visit to the Great Wall, the only man-made wonder on earth visible from the moon. Then travel to the Ming Tombs to see the resting place of thirteen Chinese Emperors of the Ming Dynasty. Our memorable date continues with an outside view to the Beijing Olympic Park (Bird’s Nest & Water Cube) for picture opportunities.
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch
Day 4: Beijing-Xian
After breakfast, we will take a morning flight to Xian (2 hours), the former capital of China starting point of the ancient Silk Road. A city tour which includes visiting Xian’s well preserved Ancient City Walls, built in the early Ming Dynasty (about 600 years ago),and the historic Bell Tower where you can overlook the entire city. In the evening we attend a re-enactment of the royal arts performance of a 7th century Tang Dynasty Show, with a special banquet dinner of dumplings included.
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Day 5: Xian
Today, the highlights include Terra-cotta Warriors. You will visit the luxury underground palace of Emperor Qinshihuang, the Archaeological Museum of 6,000 life-size Terracotta Warriors and horses. The warriors were the soul protectors of the first emperor who united China (221BC-206BC). After that we will visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, built as a Buddhist Monastery during the Tang Dynasty.
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch
Day 6: Xian-Lhasa
Transfer to take the flight to Lhasa (3 hours). Meet by the guide at the airport and transfer to the hotel in Lhasa with 1.5 hour drive. For the rest of the day you will be at leisure for acclimatization or visit local bazaar on your own.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Lhasa
Highlight of the day is the mysterious and sacred Potala Palace, former living quarters of the Dalai Lama and also is the highest palace in the world. Afterwards you will proceed to the Jokhang monastery, the most holy place in every single believer’s eyes. Afterwards you can have a nice walk around the oldest commercial Barkhor Street, a big free market with its prolific stalls selling local specialties.
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch
Day 8: Lhasa
This morning you will visit the Dalai Lama’s summer palace, Norbulingka. It is also known as the Jewel Park, unfortunately there isn’t much jewel now. In the afternoon you will go to the Sera monastery appreciating debate by hundreds of monks and lamas. Debating is a unique method of Buddhist philosophy studies. It is open to tourists every Monday through Saturday, and you are welcome to have free photos with them! You can also visit a Tibetan Traditional Carpet Factory if time permits.
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch
Day 9: Lhasa-Chengdu
Morning take a flight to Chengdu(2 hours). Transfer to hotel to check in and then visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in the afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch
Day 10: Chengdu-Guilin
Morning take a flight to Guilin(1.5 hour), one of the most beautiful cities of China, upon arrival, transfer to check in the hotel. Then take a visit to Elephant Trunk Hill, the symbol of Guilin, which really looks like an elephant drinking from the river. Then move to visit the Reed Flute Cave, one of the most egregious underground scenery in China.
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch
Day 11: Guilin-Li River Cruise-Yangshuo-Guilin
Today you will enjoy a cruise down the Li River and view the limestone rock formations along the banks. You will agree that “Guilin waters and mountains are the most beautiful under heaven.” Lunch is served on board. After you arrive in Yangshuo you can stroll through the Yangshuo West Street to find some interesting souvenirs. Transfer back to Guilin after the tour.
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch
Day 12: Guilin-Shanghai
Take a flight to Shanghai(2 hours). Today our visit includes the Yu Garden, famous for its rock gardens, pavilions, halls and ponds. Sightseeing to the famous area along the Huangpu River, the Bund, Nanjing Road, and the local bazaar around the Temple of City Deity. Then we will go to Xin Tian Di (Bar Area), a conservation area of traditional homes, and former French quarter.
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch
Day 13: Shanghai
We leave today free for you to explore the cosmopolitan city, or join an optional tour to village of Zhujiajiao, the watertown unspoiled for hundreds of years. There you have the opportunity to take a boat ride through the village canals whilst being serenaded. Lunch included. Drive back to Shanghai in the afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch
Day 14: Depart Shanghai
Your guide will meet you at the hotel and see you off at Shanghai airport. (Service Ends)
Meals: Breakfast
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