Home / About Us / Testimonials / China Tours / General Information / Terms & Conditions / Contact Us

13-day Best of China (2008)

Beijing - Xi'an - Guilin - Shanghai

This small-group tour is a perfect choice for the time-pressed who are looking for a well-rounded introduction to both old and modern China. Post-tour extension to Hong Kong is available.

Scroll down for departure dates and prices.

Day 1/Thu: Departing Home City
The journey begins with our transpacific flight (Air Canada or United Airlines) departing the west coast in early afternoon. Cross the International Date Line.

Day 2/Fri: Arrival in Beijing
Meet our guide upon arrival in late afternoon and transfer to the hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure.

Day 3/Sat: Beijing
Beijing, capital of China and host of 2008 Summer Olympics, is not only the country's second largest city in terms of population but also its cultural and educational centre. Today we visit Tian'anmen Square and the Forbidden City following tour orientation. Welcome dinner features delicious Beijing roast duck, a local delicacy. (B/L/D)

Day 4/Sun: Beijing
Morning visit to the majestic Summer Palace, a royal resort during the Qing Dynasty. After lunch we split from the group to explore China's ancient capital on our own. The suggested to-do list includes Lama Temple and shopping at Silk Alley or Panjiayuan Flea Market. The evening Peking Opera show is optional if available. (B/L)

Day 5/Mon: Beijing
Full-day excursion to the legendary Great Wall, 90km northwest of the city. Zigzagging over 6,000 kilometres from east to west along the undulating mountains, the Great Wall, said to be visible from the moon, was built to hold off tribal invaders from the north. (B/L)

Day 6/Tue: Beijing - Xi'an
Morning sightseeing at the Temple of Heaven. After lunch we tour an old hutong - alleyway flanked with traditional residential courtyards. Late afternoon flight to Xi'an. (B/L)

Day 7/Wed: Xi’an
Eastern terminus of the fabled Silk Road and one of the ancient capitals of China, Xi'an is home to the Terracotta Army designed to follow the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) into eternity. Visit the excavation site of the Terracotta Army located 30km east of the city and the emperor's mausoleum nearby. Tonight we enjoy a music and dance show of Tang Dynasty (618-907 A.D.) style after dinner. (B/L/D)

Day 8/Thu: Xi'an
Today's schedule takes in the ancient City Wall, Wild Goose Pagoda and the provincial History Museum. (B/L)

Day 9/Fri: Xi'an - Guilin
Morning flight to Guilin, a medium-sized city whose name means "forest of sweet osmanthus trees". Visit scenic Fubo Hill and Reed Flute Cave upon arrival. (B/L)

Day 10/Sat: Guilin
Day cruise on Li River. The 83km stretch of the river between Guilin and Yangshuo affords breathtaking scenery as the river snakes through tall karst mountains, gigantic bamboo sprays, and picturesque villages -- sights that have inspired countless poets and painters for generations. Disembark in Yangshuo and drive back to Guilin. (B/L)

Day 11/Sun: Guilin - Shanghai
Morning flight to Shanghai. Paris of China, Pearl of the Orient, city of quick riches, paradise of the adventurers - those were some of the names by which Shanghai was known before the Communists took it over from the Nationalist Government in 1949. Like of the rest of the country Shanghai is currently undergoing one of the fastest economic expansions the world has ever seen, having experienced 19% GDP growth per year for the past 16 years. 

Our sightseeing in Shanghai begins with a stroll on the Bund - a waterfront promenade famous for its landmark neoclassical buildings of European style, followed by Shanghai Museum and shopping at Temple of Town God Bazaar. (B/L)

Day 12/Mon: Shanghai
Today is a free day. Exploring China's most dynamic city on your own is easy and fun. Our recommended to-do list includes a visit to glitzy Pudong New District, a ride aboard the world's only commercially run Maglev train, and the popular evening cruise on Huangpu River to enjoy the city's spectacular neon-lit skyline. (B)

Day 13/Tue: Shanghai - Home City
Free morning to pack and relax. Transfer to airport by taxi (cab fare approx. $20) to board return flight. Arrive home the same day. (B)

Back to top

Hotels
City	Nights	Hotel	Star Rating
Beijing	4	Sheraton Beijing
Xi'an	3	Sheraton Xi'an
Guilin	2	Sheraton Guilin
Shanghai	2	Sheraton Shanghai Pudong

Back to top

Back to top