Crown of China
 

Itinerary
Day 1  Arrive at Beijing

Your tour guide will meet you at Peking (Beijing) Capital International Airport and escort you to your deluxe hotel located near historic sites in the city center.

Day 2  Beijing                                                                            B, L, SD       

Our adventure begins in the heart of Beijing, Tiananmen Square, the largest public space on earth. View the massive monuments to the heroes of the Chinese Revolution, the Great Hall of the People and the memorial to Chairman Mao Zedong. Then step back in time as we pass through the Gate of Heavenly Peace and enter the Forbidden City, more than 200 acres of perfectly preserved palaces, temples, elaborate squares and formal gardens. We’ll stroll cobblestone paths once known only to the Emperor’s most intimate advisors, visit the private apartments of Imperial concubines and see stunning collections of priceless art, furnishings, and jewelry. Later this afternoon we’ll visit the Summer Palace, a fairyland of pagodas and stone sculptures on the outskirts of the city. This evening enjoy the capital’s most famous dining experience - a Peking duck dinner.    

Day 3  Beijing                                                                            B, L

Leave the bustle and traffic of Beijing behind and journey through the countryside to see one of the Wonders of the World – The Great Wall. There will be plenty of time to walk along a portion of this 3700-mile long marvel or to simply sit and contemplate the wonders of China’s past. On our way back to the city, we’ll tour the burial complex of the Ming Emperors. Tonight we’ll attend a special performance of the Peking opera.     

Day 4  Beijing  / Xian                                                                 B, L, D

This morning we’ll visit the Temple of Heaven, one of Beijing’s most photographed ancient structures. This ornate wooden tower was where the “Sons of Heaven”, as the Chinese Emperors were known, worshipped the gods and prayed for good harvests. Later today, we’ll fly to China’s interior and the ancient Imperial capital of Xian.

Day 5  Xian                                                                                B, L, SD

As one of the primary cities of the Silk Road, Xian has a long tradition of welcoming foreign visitors. We’ll begin the day with a visit to the Wild Goose Pagoda, one of the most famous Buddhist Temples in the world, then continue to the Great Mosque, an island of tranquility in the midst of Xian’s bustling markets. We’ll learn how handicrafts are produced at a jade carving factory before stopping at a local restaurant to sample the regional specialty - Xian dumplings. After lunch we’ll visit what many people believe is the high point of their trip to China - the excavation site of the Terra-cotta Warriors. Xian’s fascinating history is celebrated tonight with dinner and entertainment at the Tang Dynasty show.        

Day 6  Xian / Guilin                                                                    B, L, D

An afternoon flight brings us to Guilin with its bright green gumdrop hills and limestone pinnacles covered with lush vegetation.    

Day 7 Guilin                                                                              B, L

If you like, this morning you may participate in one of the oldest and most revered Chinese traditions - Tai Chi. You will experience peace and tranquility as you are guided through the flowing movements in a private Tai Chi lesson. Next, relax as we cruise along the Li River and behold the beauty of Guilin’s unique scenery. You will understand why this mystical landscape has inspired generations of Chinese artists. Later there will be free time to walk through Guilin on your own or to visit the markets and bargain with the locals for souvenirs.         

Day 8  Guilin / Shanghai                                                            B, L

This morning you tour Elephant Trunk Hill for spectacular views of the magical landscape that surrounds the city. Next we’ll visit the Reed Flute Caves and discover that Guilin’s underground scenery is wonderful too. We’ll also stop at the Chinese Art Institute before we depart for Shanghai, arguably the most modern city in Asia. Evening tour of Xin Tian Di, Shanghai’s hottest and most stylist entertainment district.

Day 9 Shanghai                                                                         B, L, D

Your tour will recall Shanghai’s past as you visit the Bund and see the remains of the banks and other colonial institutions of the 19th century. Then tour the fascinating Shanghai National History Museum to see artifacts from every period of China’s past. The remainder of the day is at leisure to shop, discover more of the city on your own or revisit your favorite sites. Later this evening, bid farewell to your fellow travelers at a gala dinner and enjoy a thrilling Acrobatic Show.

Day 10          Shanghai / Hong Kong                                          B

Fly to the "The Pearl of the Orient" - Hong Kong. After checking into you hotel, explore this great city on your own.

Day 11          Hong Kong                                                             B

Today's half-day tour introduces you to some of Hong Kong’s best sites - Stanley Market, the Aberdeen Fishing Village, and Victoria Peak for a breathtaking view of the city and its harbor.

Day 12          Depart Hong Kong                                                   B

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home or to your next destination.