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China offers a world of variety and experiences—almost too much to explore in one vacation. This 10-day tour provides the perfect introduction to this vast nation by visiting three of its greatest cities and many of its signature sights in one enjoyable journey. Step out on the Great Wall and walk in the footsteps of China’s grand emperors at Beijing’s Forbidden Palace. Gaze into the inscrutable faces of the Terracotta Warriors in ancient, walled Xian. And finally, dive into exciting Shanghai, the country’s economic powerhouse, to experience its 21st-century skyscrapers, colonial architecture, and classical bazaars and gardens.
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Itinerary at a glance:
Xian (2 nts) Shanghai (3 nts)
Fly to Beijing, China’s extraordinary capital.
On arrival , meet your guide at Beijing airport and relax with a convenient transfer to your hotel. The rest of today is yours to take things easy at your hotel or get acquainted with this captivating and eclectic city.
Today enjoy an introductory tour of Beijing, whose origins extend back 3,000 years. The seat of the Ming and Qing emperors until the early 20th century, China’s capital fuses gleaming temples with austere public monuments built by Chairman Mao. Ogle Tiananmen Square, the world’s biggest public square, and visit the Forbidden City, the secret-steeped residence of 24 emperors. This UNESCO World Heritage site is girded by 10-metre high walls and consists of more than 8,000 rooms, all exuding imperial mystique. Later, visit the gorgeous UNESCO-protected Summer Palace. Walk around this entrancing park, a vision of Chinese landscaping, to view the elaborate bridges, temples and pagodas that flank Kunming Lake. Cap your day with photo stops at the impressive Bird’s Nest and Water Cube stadiums, built for the 2008 Olympics.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner at hotel
After breakfast at your hotel, travel to the Great Wall or ‘Long Wall of Ten Thousand Li’ as it’s named in old Chinese. Built over 2,000 years ago to stave off nomadic invasions from the north, the gargantuan wall trails for over 5,500 miles across China like an imperial dragon. Stride along the battlements and behold the views over the mountains and valleys stretching into the distance. Next, continue to the Sacred Way and walk along this stone pathway or ‘Divine Way’, inspecting the richly carved marble figures of animals, humans and mythical creatures, including a lion, unicorn and dragon that line the route. Tonight, indulge yourself in the famous Peking Duck.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today’s sightseeing starts at the Temple of Heaven, a fascinating complex of imperial cult buildings centered on a sacrificial altar pavilion. Constructed in the early 15th century, the temple compound was used by China’s emperors to perform animal sacrifices that they believed would secure bountiful harvests. Admire the halls and pavilions before catching an afternoon flight to Xian and arriving at your hotel in time for dinner tonight.
Included: Breakfast, Dinner at hotel
Once China’s capital and eastern terminus of the Silk Road, the vibrant city of Xian dates back 3,000 years and is best known as the home of the Terracotta Warriors. Unwittingly unearthed by farm workers in 1974, this 6,00o-strong mass of carved life-size soldiers and horses represent the real army that guarded China’s first emperor, Qin Shih Huang, and were interred with his tomb in 200 BC. After viewing the ranks of warriors, neatly arranged in the battle order of the time, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. This afternoon, visit Xian’s ancient City Wall and ornate Big Wild Goose Pagoda . Enjoy the Tang Dynasty dinner show at night.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and show
Take a flight to Shanghai, China’s largest city, after breakfast this morning. Located where the Yangtze River empties into the East China Sea, and sometimes referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, this exciting city mixes 21st-century skyscrapers with elegant 1930s architecture, old world teahouses and traditional pagodas and pavilions. See its highlights on our sightseeing tour, taking in everything from the handsome Bund waterfront to the City God Temple Bazaar and the teeming shopping avenue of Nanjing Road.
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, set out on a sightseeing tour along the Bund, Shanghai’s riverside boulevard. Lined by grand colonial buildings built by foreign powers in the 1930s and 1940s, this imperious promenade bustles with activity and affords stirring views over the glass high-rises of the Pudong district. After exploring here, continue your sightseeing at Shanghai Museum where you’ll view its fascinating collections of Chinese art and antiquities. The rest of the afternoon is free to spend as you wish. Enjoy the farewell dinner at the local restaurant.
Included: Breakfast, Dinner
A free day today gives you the opportunity to explore dynamic Shanghai independently, perhaps browsing for souvenirs and enjoying its tempting restaurants. Alternatively, book our optional excursion to Suzhou, often called the ‘Venice of the East’. Strategically situated on ancient trade route, Suzhou has been an epicenter of silk production for centuries and serves up photogenic canals, stone bridges and ornamental gardens. Discover its highlights on a guided tour, which includes a cruise on the Grand Canal and time at the Master of the Nets Garden and a silk factory.
Included: Breakfast
Bid a fond farewell to China as you board your homebound international flight. Re-cross the expansive Pacific Ocean once again to arrive back in the United States.
Included: Breakfast
Beijing - New Otani Hotel (5*)
Xian - Hilton Xian (5*)
Shanghai - Portman Ritz-Carlton (5*)
8 hotel buffet breakfasts, 3 restaurant lunches, 5 hotel or restaurant Chinese or Western dinners
Beijing : Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square and Great Wall
Xian : Terracotta Warriors Museum
Shanghai : The Bund, Shanghai Museum
Comprehensive sightseeing tours including entrance fees as per itinerary
Services of an expert tour manager throughout China (for groups of 10 or more)
Specialist English-speaking local guides
Group airport transfers in China
Deluxe air-conditioned coach touring
Special entertainment: Xian - Tang Dynasty Dinner Show
All hotel taxes, duties and surcharges
Guaranteed departure with a minimum of 10 guests
Private airport transfers on arrival in Beijing and departure from Shanghai with purchase of Land+Air Package
Private air-conditioned coach touring
Private tour for 2 Passengers: Additional $300 per person
Private tour for 3-5 Passengers: Additional $200 per person
Private tour for 6-9 Passengers: Additional $100 per person
Private tour for 10+ Passengers: No Additional cost. Please Contact US for booking
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Hotel New Otani Chang Fu Gong, a five-star international hotel with a distinctive exterior, is located in the heart of Beijing, China. A long history of exceptional service assured by the New Otani Hotel Management of Japan, your Beijing experience begins at the moment you enter the oriental garden designed courtyard adjacent to the lobby.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Find us within the ancient city walls of Xi'an, directly opposite the popular Dongxin Street Night Market. Wulukou metro station is 900 meters from our hotel, and historic sites such as the Bell Tower and Big Wild Goose Pagoda are within seven kilometers. We have landscaped roof gardens, an indoor pool, and a spa.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The award-winning Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai is a landmark located in a retail, dining and entertainment complex on the famous West Nanjing Road. Situated in the heart of the commercial, shopping and entertainment district of the city, our luxury hotel features unparalleled service, exquisite dining experiences and spacious accommodations. Business center and extensive health club with swimming pool and 24-hour gym are also featured at our downtown Shanghai hotel. The Club Level features relaxed lounging, internet connection and sumptuous delicacies served throughout the day.
