14-day China Vacation Package for Families (2010)

Beijing - Xi'an - Suzhou - Shanghai

Day 1: 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: 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: 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.  (B/L)

Day 4: 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 5 - Day 6: Beijing
Free days to explore on your own. We recommend the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace, Beijing Zoo, Hongqiao Pearl Market, Xiushui Street Silk Market, Peking Opera show,  and dinner at one of the top Peking roast duck restaurants. The guide will be happy to assist you. (B)

Day 7: Beijing - Xi'an
Free morning to explore on your own. Why not go to Tian'anmen Square to fly a kite as many locals do? Meet your guide in hotel lobby at 2:00 PM. Afternoon sightseeing at Beijing Ancient Observatory and Lama Temple. Board the overnight train after dinner and depart Beijing around 9:30 PM. The air-conditioned sleeper train is very comfortable and accommodates 4 passengers in each private compartment. The journey covering 1,200 kilometres takes 11 hours to complete. (B/D) 

Day 8: Xi’an
Meet your guide on arrival at 8:30 AM and transfer to the hotel. Check-in may not be possible till 2:00 PM but you are allowed to leave the luggage with the concierge.  Morning schedule takes in the City Wall and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, an ancient structure on the grounds of a Buddhist monastery. We spend the rest of the day exploring  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: 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 10: Xi'an
Free day to explore on your own. We recommend the Bell and Drum Towers, the vibrant Muslim Quarter and the Stele Forest Museum. Please feel free to ask your guide for advice and assistance. (B)

 Day 11: Xi'an - Shanghai
Morning flight to 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. (B/L)

Day 12: Shanghai - Suzhou - Shanghai
We drive to Suzhou (85 km) after breakfast. 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. Return to Shanghai in late afternoon. Evening entertainment is a dazzling acrobatic show. (B/L/D)

Day 13: Shanghai
Free day to explore on your own. Our recommended to-do list includes Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Centre, shopping at the old town centre, a ride aboard the world's only commercially run Maglev train, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, and the popular evening cruise on Huangpu River. (B)

Day 14: 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)

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