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18-day China Odyssey (2008)

Beijing - Xi'an - Guilin - Chongqing - Yangtze Cruise - Yichang - Shanghai

Explore ancient sites in Beijing and Xi'an, marvel at the natural beauty of Guilin and Li River, sail through the magnificent Three Gorges of the Yangtze, witness China's robust economic growth - this relaxing tour allows you to achieve all that and much more.

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 - Chongqing
Free morning to explore this beautiful city on your own. Fly to Chongqing in late afternoon.  (B/D)

Day 12/Mon: Chongqing
Our sightseeing in Chongqing takes in the zoo (giant pandas) and General Joseph Stilwell’s former residence - location of the US Forces’ headquarters in China during World War II. After checking in for our 3-day downstream Yangtze cruise we savour a sumptuous hot pot dinner. (B/L/D)

Day 13/Tue: 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. Today’s shore excursion features Shibaozhai or Stone Treasure Fortress, an ancient wooden pagoda built against rock cliffs facing the Yangtze. (B/L/D)

Day 14/Wed: Yangtze Cruise
Admire nature’s grandeur while sailing through spectacular Wu Gorge (44km) and Qutang Gorge (8km) later today. Later 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.  (B/L/D)

Day 15/Thu: Yichang - Shanghai
Morning visit to 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. We disembark in Yichang around noon and fly to Shanghai. (B/L/D)

Day 16/Fri: 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 Yu Garden. Evening entertainment is a dazzling acrobatic show. (B/L/D)

Day 17/Sat: 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/D)

Day 18/Sun: Shanghai - Home City
Free morning to pack and relax. Transfer to airport to board return flight. Arrive home the same day. (B)

Hotels & yangtze Cruise Ship
City	Nights	Hotel/Ship	Star Rating
Beijing	4	Sheraton Beijing
Xi'an	3	Sheraton Xi'an
Guilin	2	Sheraton Guilin
Chongqing	1	Hilton Chongqing
Yangtze Cruise	3	Victoria Cruises
Shanghai	3	Sheraton Shanghai Pudong

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