Day
1
| USA-Beijing
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AB:
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Full American Breakfast
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B:
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Breakfast at hotel or on cruise
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D :
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Dinner at Local Restaurant
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DH:
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International Buffet Dinner at Hotel
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Anticipation fills the air as you board an international jetliner to embark on your Ritz Tours Premiere vacation to China. The widebody jet traverses the Pacific, crossing the international date line to arrive at Beijing.
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Day
2
| Arrive-Beijing
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AB:
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Full American Breakfast
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B:
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Breakfast at hotel or on cruise
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D :
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Dinner at Local Restaurant
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DH:
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International Buffet Dinner at Hotel
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The flight arrives at Beijing, the capital city of modern day China. Please ensure all of the required customs forms have been filled out before deplaning. After baggage retrieval anc clearing customs, meet your Ritz Tours guide in the arrival hall. Please look for a red Ritz Tours flag! Beijing hosted the 2008 Olympics and has seen much change. Your accommodations in Beijing are one of the city s newest and most luxurious hotels. After checking in, settle in to the plush surroundings and get some rest; sightseeing will begin in earnest tomorrow.
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Day
3
| Beijing
(AB,L,DP)
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AB:
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Full American Breakfast
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B:
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Breakfast at hotel or on cruise
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D :
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Dinner at Local Restaurant
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DH:
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International Buffet Dinner at Hotel
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As the capital of the People s Republic of China (PRC), Beijing is the nation s center of government and culture. The latest population report shows that Beijing is home to over 13 million residents. Established in 1045 B.C., it is an ancient cultural city that served as the capital for five dynasties. Start the city tour by visiting the Ming Dynasty Tiananmen Square, which means "Gate of Heavenly Peace." It is the world s largest urban square, even larger than the Red Square in Moscow. Walk through the square and across the street just north to the Forbidden City, home to Ming and Qing emperors. Construction of the Forbidden City was started in 1406 under Ming emperor Yongle and was completed in 1420. Comprised of 800 buildings covering 720,000 sq. meters, it is the world s largest palace complex. Located inside the Forbidden City is the Palace Museum, which you will visit as well. Rounding out the day s sightseeing will be a visit to the emperor s Summer Palace. Return to your hotel to rest and wash up before this evening s special activity - a savory Peking Duck Feast!
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Day
4
| Beijing
(AB,L,DH)
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AB:
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Full American Breakfast
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B:
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Breakfast at hotel or on cruise
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D :
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Dinner at Local Restaurant
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DH:
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International Buffet Dinner at Hotel
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The star attraction of China is its Great Wall, a massive defensive structure built to keep northern intruders from entering the mainland. At once a symbol of national pride and ingenuity, the Great Wall stretches an impossible 4000 miles across China s north, covering nine provinces. An enormous undertaking that originated under Qin Shi Huang (first emperor of China) in 200 B.C., the Great Wall was not completed until the Ming Dynasty in 1640. Afterwards, descend to walk the path of the nearby Sacred Way to the Ming Tombs, resting place to 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty. The Ming Tomb Museum will be visited. Returning to the city where dinner is served at the hotel.
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Day
5
| Beijing-Xian
(AB,L,DH)
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AB:
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Full American Breakfast
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B:
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Breakfast at hotel or on cruise
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D :
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Dinner at Local Restaurant
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DH:
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International Buffet Dinner at Hotel
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Before catching the short flight to Xian, the group will stop at the Temple of Heaven for a visit. In China s imperial era, the emperor was considered the "Son of Heaven" and ruled the nation under the mandate of heaven. Each year, the emperor would fast and come to the Temple of Heaven and pray for a bountiful harvest. A proud city with 5000 years of history and population of 8 million, Xian is capital of the Shaanxi Province and is an important hub commercial hub. Driving into town from Xianyang Airport, the bus will pass through the massive City Wall, the best preserved ancient wall structure on earth. Time permitting, stop here for an opportunity to go atop the City Wall as well as visit the nearby Big Wild Goose Pagoda; if not these will be visited tomorrow. Dinner is served at the hotel this evening.
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Day
6
| Xian
(AB,L,DS)
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AB:
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Full American Breakfast
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B:
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Breakfast at hotel or on cruise
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D :
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Dinner at Local Restaurant
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DH:
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International Buffet Dinner at Hotel
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The fortuitous discovery by farmers of the Terra Cotta Warriors in 1974 have drawn throngs of visitors to Xian each year. The discovery ranks as one of the world s most important recent archaeological finds. Three excavation pits have been opened to the public and as the dig continues, a fourth pit shall be opened soon. Spend ample time reviewing the fine troops, horses and carriages in battle formation. Take a break for lunch, making sure to attend the traditional noodle making demonstration. Later in the afternoon the motorcoach takes us back to the city. This evening, the group attends the spectacular, world reknowned Tang Dynasty Stage Show featuring performances of music and dance as well as traditional Tang costumes. Dinner will be served at the show.
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Day
7
| Xian-Guilin
(AB,L,DS)
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AB:
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Full American Breakfast
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B:
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Breakfast at hotel or on cruise
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D :
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Dinner at Local Restaurant
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DH:
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International Buffet Dinner at Hotel
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Before departing Xian today, the group will attend a delightful Imperial Dumpling Banquet lunch, tasting local Xian specialties before flying to Guilin. Guilin is a city of great natural beauty located on the banks of the Li River that enjoys the reputation of possessing the most picturesque landscapes in all of China. As the old Chinese saying goes, "The scenery of Guilin is unrivalled under heaven." Karst limestone formations imbue Guilin s landscape with a mystical quality. Explore Elephant Trunk Hill and the Reed Flute Cave where fantastic stalactite and stalagmite formations impress us as magical and otherworldly. In the evening, we will attend a Minority Folk Dance performance after dinner.
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Day
8
| Guilin
(AB,L,DH)
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AB:
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Full American Breakfast
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B:
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Breakfast at hotel or on cruise
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D :
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Dinner at Local Restaurant
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DH:
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International Buffet Dinner at Hotel
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A leisurely, meandering cruise down the Li River is a delightful way to savor the serene, fairy-tale scenery of Southern China as it passes by. It is not uncommon to catch the fascinating sight of men fishing with cormorant birds! Lunch is served aboard the ship. The riverboat arrives at the little town of Yangshuo, where you disembark. Take some time to walk along Xijie, the main boulevard of Yangshuo lined by numerous coffee shops and stores. Later in the day, board the motorcoach which will take you back to Guilin; dinner is served at the hotel.
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Day
9
| Guilin-Shanghai
(AB,L,DH)
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AB:
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Full American Breakfast
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B:
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Breakfast at hotel or on cruise
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D :
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Dinner at Local Restaurant
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DH:
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International Buffet Dinner at Hotel
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Depart Guilin for Shanghai, China s most populous city and also its most modern. It is one of only four cities in China that enjoys provincial-level status. Its ever growing skyline bears testament to its position at the forefront of the explosive Chinese economy. Upon arrival today, the group is transferred to the fabulous St. Regis Shanghai. Use the free time to catch up on some rest or use the luxuries facilities afforded.
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Day
10
| Shanghai
(AB,L,DS)
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AB:
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Full American Breakfast
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B:
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Breakfast at hotel or on cruise
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D :
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Dinner at Local Restaurant
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DH:
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International Buffet Dinner at Hotel
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Dazzling and dynamic, Shanghai today shows many signs of ample international influences since the turn of the 20th century. Nowhere is this more apparent than at the Bund, a mile-long stretch along the Huangpu River. Lined by architecture of European design, the area shows off the flair with which Shanghainese live life. The city tour also includes a visit to the Ming Dynasty Yu Garden, considered to be one of the four great Chinese gardens. The bus takes a slow drive through Nanjing Road, the bustling favorite shopping district for locals. The rest of the afternoon is free at leisure. Tonight, the group attends a performance of Chinese Acrobatics before retiring for the evening.
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Day
11
| Shanghai
(AB)
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AB:
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Full American Breakfast
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B:
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Breakfast at hotel or on cruise
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D :
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Dinner at Local Restaurant
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DH:
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International Buffet Dinner at Hotel
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After breakfast this morning, the group will visit the Shanghai Museum and view the exhibits of ancient Chinese art. Designed by a local Shanghai architect, the current building was completed in 1996 and resembles the shape of a ancient bronze cooking vessel. Spend as much time as you desire today admiring the numerous exhibits as there will be no pre-set schedule today. The Shanghai Museum is comprised of 11 galleries of bronze, sculpture, jade, calligraphy, paintings, ceramics, seals, and minority artwork. The bus will return at appointed times in the afternoon, providing pick up service back to the St. Regis. Should you wish to shop, Nanjing Road is just a short stroll away.
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Day
12
| Shanghai-Hong Kong
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AB:
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Full American Breakfast
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B:
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Breakfast at hotel or on cruise
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D :
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Dinner at Local Restaurant
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DH:
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International Buffet Dinner at Hotel
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Today, board the short flight to Hong Kong. Among its many nicknames are "Asia s World City" and "Asia s Shopping Paradise." Once a sleepy fishing village, Hong Kong was ceded to Great Britain in the 19th century and just recently (1997) was returned to Chinese control. Hong Kong continues to prosper as a busy international port and center of finance. Upon arriving at Hong Kong, the group is met by the Ritz Hong Kong tour leader and transferred to the luxury hotel.
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Day
13
| Hong Kong
(AB)
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AB:
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Full American Breakfast
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B:
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Breakfast at hotel or on cruise
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D :
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Dinner at Local Restaurant
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DH:
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International Buffet Dinner at Hotel
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Recognizing that Hong Kong is a destination that begs to be explored on your own, we have planned just a half day city tour this morning. Scenic spots visited include the large open-air Stanley Market, Repulse Bay and the Aberdeen Floating Community. Finally, take a cable car ride up to Victoria Peak where you are presented with a jaw-dropping, panoramic view of Hong Kong and its harbor. The rest of the day is free at this point!
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Day
14
| Hong Kong
(AB)
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AB:
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Full American Breakfast
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B:
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Breakfast at hotel or on cruise
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D :
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Dinner at Local Restaurant
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DH:
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International Buffet Dinner at Hotel
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No activities have been scheduled for this day. Take the time to do some last minute souvenir and gift shopping, explore the city on your own, or even take the ferry to Macau for a day visit. Optional free time activities are numerous and can be scheduled with the Ritz Tours Hong Kong office.
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Day
15
| Hong Kong -USA
(AB)
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AB:
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Full American Breakfast
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B:
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Breakfast at hotel or on cruise
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D :
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Dinner at Local Restaurant
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DH:
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International Buffet Dinner at Hotel
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Your vacation is over all too soon as you board your homebound international jetliner, bidding China and Hong Kong a fond farewell. The plane re-crosses the international date line to arrive back in the United States. The trip is over, but the memories will certainly last for a lifetime!
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