Classical Highlights of China Tour

This morning, arrive at the gate of the Forbidden City, the abiding symbol of imperial China. Truly one of the great achievements of civilization, its construction employed hundreds of thousands of workers between 1406 and 1420. Marvel at its expansive architecture, magnificent imperial gardens, and many museums of Chinese antiquities and treasures. Enjoy a delicious lunch at the lovely Hua’s Garden Restaurant. Explore the Temple of Heaven, one of the finest creations of the Ming dynasty. This stunning architecture realizes the eternal Chinese desire to incarnate heaven in material form and represents the most advanced principles of mechanics and geometry of the time.

• Accommodations:  New World Beijing Hotel
• Meals Included: B,L

Tour the picturesque Houhai district, where well-preserved courtyard homes and narrow hutong alleys border tree-lined lakes. Tour the district by “pedicab” for a closer and more engaging experience of traditional Chinese life. Visit with a local family in their home. Head northeast for the Great Wall of China. Encounter this extraordinary rampart at Mutianyu, a rugged section of the wall that offers easy access by foot or cable car. The Great Wall presents a visual experience that dramatically exceeds visitors’ expectations every time. Construction of a few miles of the wall on such jagged peaks seems nearly miraculous, but the rampart stretches for 3,700 miles and passes through 16 provinces. Enjoy lunch at Xiaolongpu Restaurant at the foothills of the wall, famous for farmers’ fresh produce and unique local cuisine. This evening, savor the imperial city’s most famous delicacy, Peking duck, along with other Beijing specialties.

• Accommodations: New World Beijing Hotel
• Meals Included: B,L,D

This morning fly to the ancient Tang dynasty capital of Xian. Upon arrival, tour the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, home to the extraordinary 2,300-year-old terracotta warriors. The warriors still stand on the original site of the emperor’s burial complex, where peasants discovered them in 1974. Enjoy lunch at the museum restaurant with a noodle making demonstration. Before dinner, explore Xian’s Muslim quarter. Chinese Muslim culture traces its heritage from the once flourishing Silk Road culture of the Tang dynasty. Dinner is on own. There is an optional Tang Dynasty dinner show for those interested.

• Accommodations: Gran Melia Xian
• Meals Included: B,L

This morning, enjoy a private tour of Shanxi Provincial Archaeological Institute. After lunch, stop at the Han emperor’s tomb, Yangling, to view the Han archaeological finds recently unearthed. Although not on as grand a scale as Qin Shi Huang, the Han emperor sought the same power in the after-life. Take a flight to Chengdu. Chengdu is the hub of classical Chinese culture with a vision towards the future. Above all Chengdu is known for its unbelievable Sichuan cuisine and the adorable Giant Pandas.

• Accommodations: Sheraton Lido Chengdu
• Included Meals: B,L

This morning, visit Chengdu Panda Breeding Center beautifully landscaped with lush plants and lakes. Meet with 60 some pandas and their caregivers. The highlight comes at the kindergarten where panda cubs play with each other, climbing up and down trees, rolling and pushing and kicking like Kungfu masters. The Atlanta Zoo’s panda girl was returned to China in 2010 and has lived here since. Also, visit the Small Red Panda Center with 40 small pandas in residence who roam freely. Lunch at Kuanxi Restaurant nearby. Afternoon wonder People’s Park where throngs of locals gather to practice Taiji, fly kites, or do synchronized dance. Wonder the lovely Bonsai Garden in the park with beautiful tropical and native plants grown for decades in large ceramic pots. Visit Kuanzhaixianzi, a traditional district with restored courtyard houses from Qing dynasty. Lining the old alleyway, beautiful teahouses, art galleries, bookstores, boutique shops, and restaurants make this area a popular destination for locals. Dinner at the famous Sichuan hot pot restaurant-Tanyutou. Afterwards watch a fascinating Sichuan opera performance including mask changing and fire spitting traditional pieces.

• Accommodations: Sheraton Lido Chengdu
• Meals Included: B,L,D

This morning, visit Chengdu Panda Breeding Center beautifully landscaped with lush plants and lakes. Meet with 60 some pandas and their caregivers. The highlight comes at the kindergarten where panda cubs play with each other, climbing up and down trees, rolling and pushing and kicking like Kungfu masters. The Atlanta Zoo’s panda girl was returned to China in 2010 and has lived here since. Also, visit the Small Red Panda Center with 40 small pandas in residence who roam freely. Lunch at Kuanxi Restaurant nearby. Afternoon wonder People’s Park where throngs of locals gather to practice Taiji, fly kites, or do synchronized dance. Wonder the lovely Bonsai Garden in the park with beautiful tropical and native plants grown for decades in large ceramic pots. Visit Kuanzhaixianzi, a traditional district with restored courtyard houses from Qing dynasty. Lining the old alleyway, beautiful teahouses, art galleries, bookstores, boutique shops, and restaurants make this area a popular destination for locals. Dinner at the famous Sichuan hot pot restaurant-Tanyutou. Afterwards watch a fascinating Sichuan opera performance including mask changing and fire spitting traditional pieces.

• Accommodations: Sheraton Lido Chengdu
• Meals Included: B,L,D

In the morning visit Dujiangyan Panda Park. Operated by Wolong Panda Preserve, this is the only place in China that allows panda volunteer work. Volunteers can spend a morning working side by side with the panda caretakers. Cleaning the panda enclosures, preparing panda cakes, and feeding the pandas. At 11:00am, people can take photos with a panda cub. We will send you health exam form to your checkup and doctor’s signature required by the Center. After lunch, bus to Chengdu Train Station for high speed train to Chongqing. Dinner at local restaurant. Board Victoria Cruises after dinner.

• Accommodations: Victoria Cruises
• Meals Included: B,L,D (both days)

Spend these two days on the Yangtze River cruise.

• Accommodations: Victoria Cruises (superior rooms with amenity packages)
• Meals Included: B,L,D (both days)

Disembark the cruise and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Take a city tour of Yichang before the evening flight to Shanghai. Arrive in Shanghai late this evening and transfer to the hotel.

• Accommodations: Shanghai Marriot City Centre
• Meals Included: B,L,D

In the morning, tour the French Concession in historic district and stop by Taikanglu Road with galleries and fine boutique shops. Next, visit the Shanghai Museum and view its wonderful collection of Chinese ceramics, paintings and furniture.

After lunch at a local restaurant, tour Yuyuan Gardens, designed in six unique parts, making the garden seem much larger than it really is. You will find one of the best Ming rockeries here, and wending the zigzag bridge to Huxingting Teahouse is a delight.

Cross the Huangpu River and visit the Pudong economic district. Ride the elevator to the top of the tallest building in Asia, the new Shanghai Tower, for a bird’s-eye view of the old and new Shanghai by the Huangpu River.

Enjoy your farewell banquet for a fine Shanghai cuisine.

• Accommodations: Shanghai Marriot City Centre
• Meals Included: B,L,D

Transfer to the Shanghai airport for your flight home or continue onto one of our post-tour extensions.

• Meals Included: B