22-day China in Depth (2008)

Shanghai - Hangzhou - Wuzhen - Suzhou - Yichang - Yangtze Cruise - Chongqing - Xi'an - Tai'an - Qufu - Jinan - Beijing

This leisurely paced tour introduces you to China's largest metropolises of Shanghai and Beijing as well as off-the-beaten-path towns of Qufu and Tai'an. Highlights of the tour include a cruise on the mighty Yangtze, Terracotta Warriors, classic Chinese gardens, Forbidden City and the Great Wall.

Scroll down for departure dates and prices.

Day 1/Thu: Departing from North America
Depart home city and cross the International Date Line.

Day 2/Fri: Arrival in Shanghai
Arrive in late afternoon and transfer to hotel upon meeting your guide.   

Day 3/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 4/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 5/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 6/Tue: Hangzhou - Wuzhen - 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 7/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 8/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 9/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 10/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 11/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 12/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 13/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 14/Wed: Xi'an - Tai'an
Morning sightseeing takes in the ancient city wall. We fly to Jinan in the afternoon and transfer to Tai'an (80km) upon arrival. (B/L/D)

Day 15/Thu: Tai'an
We dedicate the whole morning to exploring the historic Mt. Tai or Taishan. The most revered of the five sacred Taoist mountains of China, Mt. Tai has since the dawn of Chinese history been a great source of inspiration for poets, writers and painters. In 1982, the UNESCO designated Mt. Tai a World Natural and Cultural Heritage Site. We ride the cable car and then walk about an hour to the summit for a rewarding view of the surrounding countryside. The energetic may choose to skip the cable car and conquer the entire 6000 steps on foot. The climb can be hard work but the central route's bewildering catalogue of bridges, trees, towers, statues, inscribed stones, caves, pavilions and temples combine to take your mind off your aching calves. (B/L)

Day 16/Fri: Tai'an - Qufu - Jinan
Drive to Qufu (100km) after breakfast. Qufu is hometown of Confucius whose philosophy, known as Confucianism, played and continues to play a vital role in the evolution of the Chinese civilization. We visit the mansions inhabited by Confucius' descendants, now a museum, the sage's last resting place at Confucian Forest, and finally the massive Confucius Temple, which features a series of impressive gateways, clusters of twisted pines and cypresses, inscribed steles and tortoise tablets recording ancient events. We return to Jinan later in the day and arrive around dinnertime. (B/L/D)

Day 17/Sat: Jinan
 Jinan is the capital of Shandong Province and best known for its hundreds of gushing springs. Visit Baotu Springs Park and the Provincial Museum before exploring the city on your own. (B/L)

Day 18/Sun: Jinan - Beijing
Travel to Beijing in the morning by air-conditioned express train (3 1/2 hours) and arrive in Beijing around lunchtime. Visit Tian'anmen Square and adjacent Forbidden City following lunch. (B/L)

Day 19/Mon: Beijing
After breakfast we embark on a full-day excursion to the Great Wall, 85km outside 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 20/Tue: Beijing
Today we visit the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace, and a hutong - traditional alleyway flanked with courtyard residences. We then wrap up the day with a sumptuous Peking Roast Duck dinner. (B/L/D)

Day 21/Wed: Beijing
Today is a free day. You may use it to relax, go souvenir shopping or do whatever that interests you. Your guide will be happy to provide you with a list of recommended things to do if you need one. (B)

Day 22/Thu: Beijing - North America
Spend the morning packing and relaxing. Transfer to airport by taxi (cab fare approx. $15) to board return flight in the afternoon. Cross the International Date Line and arrive home the same day. (B)

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Hotels & Yangtze Cruise Ship
City	Nights	Hotel/Ship	Star Rating
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
Tai'an	2	Ramada Plaza Taian
Jinan	2	Sofitel Silver Plaza Jinan
Beijing	4	Sheraton Beijing

Please scroll down to bottom for post-tour Guilin extension.

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Post-tour Guilin Extension

Day 22/Thu: Beijing - Guilin
Morning flight to Guilin. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to 5-star Sheraton Guilin. Afternoon sightseeing at scenic Fubo Hill and Reed Flute Cave. (B)

Day 23/Fri: 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 24/Sat: Guilin - Beijing - Home City
Fly to Beijing to connect return flight departing in the afternoon. Cross the International Date Line and regain a day, arriving home the same day. (B)

Price from $795
Price is per person based on double occupancy and requires a minimum of 2 adults to operate. 

Price includes:

• Beijing/Guilin roundtrip economy class airfare
• Hotel accommodations as specified
• Airport transfers in Guilin
• Li River cruise and sightseeing per itinerary with private guide
• Meals as specified

Price excludes:

• Gratuities to guide and driver
• Any item or service not specifically listed in the itinerary as included

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