21-day China Highlights (2008)

Beijing - Shanghai - Hangzhou - Wuzhen - Suzhou - Yichang - Yangtze Cruise - Chongqing - Xi'an - Guilin - Hong Kong

This trip takes in China's most popular cities plus a 3-day cruise on the mighty Yangtze. From world-class historic sites in Beijing to the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong, the sensual overload is simply overwhelming.

Scroll down for departure dates and prices.

Day 1/Mon: Departing North America
Depart North America and lose a day after crossing the International Date Line.

Day 2/Tue: Arrival in Beijing
We land at Beijing Capital International Airport in mid-afternoon local time. Meet our guide and transfer to the hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure. 

Day 3/Wed: 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's schedule features Tian'anmen Square, the Forbidden City, and a hutong (traditional alleyway flanked with courtyard residences). Enjoy a delicious Peking roast duck dinner. (B/L/D)

Day 4/Thu: Beijing
After breakfast we embark on a full-day excursion to the Great Wall, 85km outside the city. (B/L)

Day 5/Fri: Beijing - Shanghai
The morning is set aside for us to explore on our own. Afternoon sightseeing at the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace. Evening flight to Shanghai. (B/D)

Day 6/Sat: 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 today begins with a walk on the Bund, a waterfront promenade famous for its landmark neoclassical buildings of European style. We then visit Shanghai Museum and the bazaar at the Temple of Town God. Evening entertainment is a dazzling acrobatic show. (B/L/D)

Day 7/Sun: 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 8/Mon: Shanghai - Hangzhou
We travel to Hangzhou by deluxe motor coach this morning. With a history of 2200 years, scenic Hangzhou has often been referred to as "Paradise on Earth" by Chinese poets and writers. A refreshing cruise on serene West Lake is followed by a visit to the Silk Museum. (B/L)

Day 9/Tue: Hangzhou - Suzhou
Free morning to explore on your own. We stop by Longjing Team Farm where the much treasured Chinese green tea is made before driving to Wuzhen (1 hr). The 12-century-old water town boasts many well-preserved ancient residential and commercial buildings. Tour the major sites before continuing on to Suzhou (2 hours). (B/L)

Day 10/Wed: Suzhou
The 25-century-old city is best known for its traditional Chinese gardens, silk industry and well-preserved Grand Canal. Our schedule today includes Master-of-Nets Garden, a short cruise on the Grand Canal, the Silk Embroidery Research Institute and a silk spinning mill. (B/L)

Day 11/Thu: Suzhou - Yichang
Free morning. After lunch we transfer to Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (80km) to fly to Yichang where we set out for a 4-night Yangtze cruise. (B/L/D)

Day 12/Fri: Yangtze Cruise
At 6,380km the Yangtze is the longest river in China and the third longest in the world after the Nile and the Amazon. The most impressive section of the Yangtze is the Three Gorges.

This morning we tour the site of the Three Gorges Dam. Construction of the dam began in 1992 and is scheduled to be completed by 2009. Estimated to cost over $24 billion, the project upon completion will become the largest hydroelectric dam in the world with a reservoir stretching hundreds of kilometres upstream. (B/L/D)

Day 13/Sat: Yangtze Cruise
This morning we navigate Shennong Stream on a small vessel. Originating in the southern slopes of Shennongjia Nature Reserve, the crystal clear river twists and turns 60 kilometres through forested mountains before emptying into the mighty Yangtze. Admire nature’s grandeur while sailing through spectacular Wu Gorge (44km) and Qutang Gorge (8km) later today. Please note the excursion may be substituted by a motorized sampan ride through equally impressive Lesser Three Gorges of Daning River, another Yangtze tributary. (B/L/D)

Day 14/Sun: Yangtze Cruise
Today’s onshore visit features Shibaozhai or Stone Treasure Fortress, an ancient wooden pagoda built against rock cliffs facing the Yangtze. For the captain-hosted farewell dinner tonight we advise smart casual dress. (B/L/D)

Day 15/Mon: Chongqing - Xi'an
Our cruise ends this morning. City tour in Chongqing includes the local zoo (giant pandas) and General Joseph Stilwell’s former residence, location of the US Forces’ headquarters in China during World War II. Fly to Xi'an in late afternoon. (B/L) 

Day 16/Tue: Xi'an
Eastern terminus of the fabled Silk Road and one of the ancient capitals of China, Xi'an is home to the famous Terracotta Army, designed to follow the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) into eternity.  Full-day excursion to the excavation site of the Terracotta Army. Tonight we enjoy a music and dance show of Tang Dynasty (618-907 A.D.) style following dinner. (B/L/D)

Day 17/Wed: Xi'an - Guilin
Morning schedule features the ancient city wall. Fly to Guilin after lunch and visit Fubo Hill and Reed Flute Cave upon arrival. (B/L)

Day 18/Thu: 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 after lunch and drive back to Guilin. (B/L)

Day 19/Fri: Guilin - Hong Kong
Free morning. Enjoy a leisurely walk through Seven Star Park before transfer to the airport to board flight for Hong Kong. Meet the local guide upon arrival and transfer to the hotel. (B/L)

Day 20/Sat: Hong Kong
The half-day morning tour of Hong Kong Island includes Aberdeen Village, Repulse Bay and Victoria Peak. Free afternoon to explore the former British colony on your own.

Hong Kong is one of the two special administrative regions of the People's Republic of China, along with Macau. Comprising more than 260 islands, the territory is located on the eastern side of the Pearl River Delta, bordering Guangdong province in the north and facing the South China Sea in the east, west and south. Hong Kong was a dependent territory of the United Kingdom from 1842 until the transfer of sovereignty to the People's Republic of China in 1997. The Sino-British Joint Declaration and the Basic Law of Hong Kong stipulate that Hong Kong operate with a high degree of autonomy until at least 2047, fifty years after the transfer. Under the policy of "one country, two systems", the Central People's Government is responsible for the territory's defence and foreign affairs, while Hong Kong maintains its own legal system based on English common law, police force, monetary system, customs policy, immigration policy, and delegates to international organisations and events. (B)

Day 21/Sun: Hong Kong - North America
Free morning. Transfer to airport on your own to board return flight and arrive home the same day. (B)

Hotels & Yangtze Cruise Ship
City	Nights	Hotel/Ship	Star Rating
Beijing	3	Sheraton Beijing
Shanghai	3	Sheraton Shanghai Pudong
Hangzhou	1	Zhejiang World Trade Centre Hotel
Suzhou	2	Sheraton Suzhou
Yangtze Cruise	4	Victoria Cruises
Xi'an	2	Sheraton Xi'an
Guilin	2	Sheraton Guilin
Hong Kong	2	Harbour Plaza Hong Kong

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