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23-day China Panorama (2008)

Shanghai - Yichang - Yangtze Cruise - Chongqing - Guilin - Yangshuo - Kunming - Dali - Lijiang - Xi'an - Beijing

Combining China's must-see cities with exotic Yunnan Province (Kunming, Dali & Lijiang) and a Yangtze cruise aboard one of the most luxurious ships on the river, this meticulously designed and well tested itinerary gives you as complete an introduction to China as possible in 3 weeks.

Scroll down for departure dates and prices.

Day 1/Sun: 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/Mon: Arrival in Shanghai
Meet your guide upon arrival in late afternoon and transfer to hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure.

Day 3/Tue: 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 Yu Garden. Evening entertainment is a dazzling acrobatic show. (B/L/D)

Day 4/Wed: 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/Thu: Shanghai - Yichang
Free morning. After a tour of Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center we fly to Yichang. Upon arrival we tour a local food market and board the ship to start our 3-day/4-night Yangtze cruise. (B/L/D)

Day 6/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 7/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. (B/L/D)

Day 8/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 9/Mon: Chongqing - Guilin
Our cruise comes to an end in Chongqing this morning. 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. Late afternoon flight to Guilin. (B/L/D)

Day 10/Tue: Guilin - Yangshuo - 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 after lunch and spend some time exploring the local market before driving back to Guilin. (B/L)

Day 11/Wed: Guilin - Kunming
Morning sightseeing at scenic Fubo Hill and Reed Flute Cave. Afternoon flight to Kunming, capital of Yunnan Province. (B/L/D)

Day 12/Thu: Kunming
Kunming is widely known as the "city of eternal spring" due to its temperate climate year-round. Morning excursion to Stone Forest. Located 126km southeast of Kunming, the Stone Forest is a massive collection of gray limestone pillars created by water erosion. In the afternoon we visit a bird and flower market and the historic Western Hill Scenic Area. (B/L) 

Day 13/Fri: Kunming - Dali
Morning flight to Dali. Once the capital of Nanzhao Kingdom, Dali is a charming town built on the shores of Erhai Lake, with a large population of the ethnic Bai nationality. Today's schedule features the Old Town of Dali, the Triple Pagodas and a short cruise on Erhai. (B/L/D)

Day 14/Sat: Dali - Lijiang
Free morning for some well deserved rest and relaxation. Following lunch on our own, we travel 190km by first-class motor coach through high mountains of mesmerizing scenery. (B/D)

Day 15/Sun: Lijiang
Lijiang is home to the ethnic Naxi people whose intriguing Dongba religion and unique customs coupled with the region's enchanting scenery combine to make Lijiang and its vicinity a fascinating place to explore. The old town known as Dayan is protected as a UNESCO-designated World Cultural Heritage Site. A walking tour of the old town is followed by an excursion to Yunshanping or Spruce Meadow, an alpine pasture surrounded by virgin forests at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. En route we stop by an ancient village. The evening concert of classical Naxi music is optional if available. (B/L)

Day 16/Mon: Lijiang
Today is a free day. You may spend the time exploring the old town or join us on an optional full-day excursion to the Tiger Leaping Gorge Scenic Area (also known as the First Bend of the Yangtze). (B)

Day 17/Tue: Lijiang - Xi'an
Morning flight to Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi Province. Eastern terminus of the fabled Silk Road and one of the ancient capitals of China, Xi’an is home to the famous Terracotta Army. Afternoon sightseeing introduces us to the centuries-old city wall. A music and dance show of Tang Dynasty (618-907 A.D.) style follows a delicious dumpling banquet. (B/L/D)

Day 18/Wed: Xi'an
We enjoy a full-day visit to the excavation site of the Terracotta Army. In 1974, a group of villagers while digging a well made what was to become the greatest archaeological find of the 20th Century when they unearthed fragments of a life-sized terra cotta warrior. Further excavation revealed thousands of warriors and their horses, an army designed to follow the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) into eternity. (B/L)

Day 19/Thu: Xi’an - Beijing
Early morning flight to Beijing, capital of China and host of 2008 Summer Olympics. Visit Tian'anmen Square and the Forbidden City upon arrival. (B/L)

Day 20/Fri: 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 21/Sat: Beijing
Today we visit Temple of Heaven, a hutong (alleyway flanked with traditional residential courtyards) and the sprawling complex of Summer Palace. Our sumptuous farewell banquet features Peking roast duck, a famous local delicacy. (B/L/D)

Day 22/Sun: 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 23/Mon: Beijing - Home City
Free morning to pack and relax. Transfer to airport to board return flight. Arrive home the same day. (B)

Hotels & Cruise Ship
City	Nights	Hotels/Ship	Star Rating
Shanghai	3	Sheraton Shanghai Pudong
Yangtze Cruise	4	Victoria Cruises
Guilin	2	Sheraton Guilin
Kunming	2	Bank Hotel
Dali	1	Asia Star Hotel	- best available
Lijiang	3	Guanfang Hotel
Xi'an	2	Sheraton Xi'an
Beijing	4	Sheraton Beijing

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