12-day China Delight Tour (2009)

Shanghai - Hangzhou - Wuzhen - Suzhou - Beijing

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

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 - Beijing
Free morning to explore on your own. After lunch we transfer to Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (80km) to fly to Beijing. Transfer to the hotel on arrival and spend the rest of the day at leisure. (B/L)

Day 9/Fri: Beijing
Beijing, capital of China, is the country's second largest city in terms of population. Today we visit Tian'anmen Square, the Forbidden City and an old hutong - alleyway flanked with traditional residential courtyards. Enjoy a delicious Beijing roast duck dinner at a famous local restaurant. (B/L/D)

Day 10/Sat: Beijing
Enjoy a full-day excursion to the legendary Great Wall, 70km northeast 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 11/Sun: Beijing
After a tour of the Temple of Heaven, we spend the rest of the day exploring the ancient capital on our own. For souvenir shopping, Panjiayuan flea market is highly recommended. The market becomes most exciting on Sundays. Your guide will be happy to recommend a list of places to visit if you are not into shopping.  (B/L)

Day 12/Mon: 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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Hotel list
City	Nights	Hotel	Star Rating
Shanghai	3	Sheraton Shanghai Pudong
Hangzhou	1	Zhejiang Narada Grand Hotel
Suzhou	2	Sheraton Suzhou
Beijing	4	Sheraton Beijing

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