China
really does have it all: tranquil countrysides offering jaw-dropping natural
scenery and invigorating hikes, neon cities boasting incredible food and
scintillating nightlife and points of historical, artistic and cultural
interest at every turn. Get acquainted with this country's complexities and
contrasts on this fascinating 16-day adventure. Jam-packed with colour, culture
and zeal, China will astonish you with the levels of diversity and distinction
contained within its borders.
Duration: 16 days
Start/Finish City: Beijing to Shanghai
Service Level: Premium
Physical Grading: 2
Travel Style: comfort
Trip Type: Small Group
Itinerary
Hotel info (1 nights)
Depart
for China to begin your exotic adventure in Asia!
Hotel info (1 nights)
Welcome
to Beijing! After you arrive, you’ll
meet your PKT Tours representative and transfer to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy an Indian dinner and
retire for the night. [D]
Hotel info (1 nights)
After breakfast set out for a full day city tour that will include Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, and Summer Palace.
Tour the Summer Palace, once a retreat for the Forbidden City
emperors. The immaculate grounds cover over 700 acres with temples, shrines, ceremonial halls,
bridges, and extensive gardens bordering Kunming Lake. Climb aboard a dragon boat for a lake
cruise and palace views from across the water.
In the evening have dinner and return to the hotel. [B,L,D]
Hotel info (1 nights)
Today
you’ll travel to the Great Wall, finished in 210 BC and running for
thousands of miles. Ride a cable car to the highest point, and walk along the ancient ramparts
that
wind over the hilltops. Return to town and have dinner, followed by a
return to the hotel. [B,L,D]
Hotel info (1 nights)
In
the morning, visit the 15th-century
Temple of Heaven, a round, three-tiered wood structure that is
intricately decorated with gold leaf and colorful designs. It’s considered one of
China’s best examples of traditional architecture. Take the Hutong Tour and enjoy an Indian dinner. [B,L,D]
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Bullet Train to Xi’an, the ancient seat of power for
thousands of years at the eastern end of the Silk Road. Upon arrival, visit the
Ancient City Wall and then take in the Tang Dynasty Show. [B,L,D]
Hotel infoToday you will get to see
the Big Wild goose Pagoda, visit the Provincial History Museum, and see the Terra
Cotta Warriors. As the symbol of the old- line Xian, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda is
a well-preserved ancient building and a holy place for Buddhists. It attracts numerous
visitors for its fame in the Buddhist religion, its simple but appealing style of
construction, and its new square in front of the temple. [B,L,D]
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Today visit the inside of a water-eroded cave - a spectacular world of various stalactites, stone pillars and rock formations created by carbonate deposition. Elephant-trunk Hill stands majestically at the confluence of the Li River and Taohua River. The green water of Li River in front of it and the clear spring at the foot made the Elephant Hill one of the most famous hills in Guilin City. [B,L,D]
Guilin is a unique city because it is surrounded by karst formations. Karst formations are made of limestone. Years ago, the entire area was under water and as water began to flow, the karst formations were formed. Visit Seven Star Park today and the rest of the day is at leisure. Enjoy a vegetarian dinner in the evening. [B,L,D]
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This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Chongqing to board your Yangtze River Cruise boat! [B,L,D]
Hotel info (1 nights)
Visions of knobby, mist-shrouded mountains steeped in the mystique of old China travel with you, as you experience the Yangtze from dawn to dusk aboard one of the finest ships on the river. Start your day with Tai Chi exercises, and attend on-board lectures about the river and China's healing arts as you cruise. A shore excursion to Fengdu is a highlight today. Cruising and calligraphy While cruising the Yangtze, view centuries-old pagodas and temples built against steep-sided cliffs, ancient roads and terraced fields along the river’s edge. Explore Daning River on a shore excursion and enjoy the views as you pass through all three gorges of the Yangtze today, Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge. On-board activities include Chinese 101 and a fresh-water pearl lecture. Have fun with the ship's crew tonight during a farewell banquet and an entertaining cabaret. [B,L,D]
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Disembark from the ship in Yichang, site of the Three Gorges Dam; one of the world’s largest dams. Then board your flight to Shanghai. Enjoy an vegetarian dinner in the evening. [B,L,D]
Hotel info (1 nights)
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Shanghai, dynamic home to more than
16 million people. Explore classical Yu Gardens, featuring over 30
pavilions and tour the impressive Shanghai Museum.
See
a spellbinding performance by the world- renowned Shanghai
Acrobat Troupe after dinner. [B, L,
D]
Hotel info (1 nights)
Explore Zhu Jia Jiao today. The best-preserved of Shanghai's four ancient towns, it dates back over
1,700 years. Stroll along its lovely willow-lined streets and centuries-old bridges, then visit
a silk weaving factory to learn
how silk is collected and woven. Return to Shanghai
to enjoy the city
as you wish. [B, L, D]
Hotel infoDepart Shanghai with a heart full of wonderful memories! [B]