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Beijing - Xi'an - Guilin - Shanghai

Scroll down to bottom for departure dates, prices and hotel list.

Day 1/Thu: Departing Home City
The journey begins with your transpacific flight departing from a city of your choice. We lose a day upon crossing the International Date Line.

Day 2/Fri: Arrival in Beijing
Meet our guide on 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, is the country's second largest city in terms of population. Following a brief orientation we visit Tian'anmen Square, the Forbidden City and an old hutong - alleyway flanked with traditional residential courtyards. 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 tour the National Stadium, nicknamed the "Bird nest", where the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games were held. Those who have no interest in the Olympic venue may want to spend the afternoon exploring Panjiayuan flea market on their own. The evening Peking Opera show is optional if available. (B/L)

Day 5/Mon: Beijing
Enjoy a 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. On the way back to the city in the afternoon we stop by at the Spirit Way at Ming Tombs. The Spirit Way, serving at the entrance to the Ming Tombs, is lined with statues of guardian animals and officials. (B/L)

Day 6/Tue: Beijing - Xi'an
Morning sightseeing at the Temple of Heaven. Built for emperors to worship Heaven, the Temple of Heaven is China's largest existing complex of ancient sacrificial buildings occupying an area of 273 hectares and three times the area of the Forbidden City. We fly to Xi'an in late afternoon. (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. A stroll on the ancient wall before dinner is also on our schedule. Tonight we enjoy a spectacular music and dance show reminiscent of the Tang Dynasty (618-907 A.D.), a period generally considered a golden era of the Chinese civilization. (B/L/D)

Day 8/Thu: Xi'an
Today's schedule takes in the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, an ancient structure on the grounds of a Buddhist monastery. We spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring on our own after a tour of the provincial History Museum. The modern, well-organized museum was completed in 1992 and traces the history of Xi'an from prehistory to the Qing dynasty (1644-1911). The extensive galleries and exhibitions offer the visitor an excellent introduction to the area that greatly improves understanding of the numerous historical sites in and around the city. (B/L)

Day 9/Fri: Xi'an - Guilin
Morning flight to Guilin. A medium-sized city by Chinese standard, the city has long been renowned for its unique scenery. The name Guilin literally means "forest of sweet osmanthus", owing to the large number of fragrant Sweet Osmanthus trees in the city. Upon arrival we visit the scenic Fubo Hill and Reed Flute Cave. (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
Enjoy an optional excursion (cost depending on number of participants) to the amazing terraced fields at Mount Longji (Back of Dragon). Located about 80 km (2 hours drive) from Guilin, the spectacular landscape has made Longji a popular tourist attraction. Built by the local farmers of different ethnic groups from Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) to Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the fields spread 500 meters from the foot of Mount Longji to the mountaintop covering an area of 66 square kilometres. Evening flight to Shanghai. (B/L/D)

Day 12/Mon: 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 13/Tue: Shanghai
Today is a free day. Exploring China's most dynamic city on your own has never been easier. Our recommended 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 14/Wed: Shanghai - Home City
Free morning to pack and relax. Transfer to airport by taxi (cab fare approx. $18) to board return flight. Arrive home the same day. (B)

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

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