Arrive in Beijing (Saturday)
Welcome to Beijing-the capital of China and home to many wonders. On arrival, you will be met by your friendly local tour guide and transferred to your hotel.

Beijing
Today, we will walk across Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world and the symbolic center for all of China. We will then visit the magnificent Forbidden City. This complex, the largest and most intact conglomeration of ancient structures of the imperial palace ever built in the world, features more than 800 buildings with 9999 rooms, resplendent golden-glazed roofs, red lacquered pillars and vermilion walls. Afternoon, we will visit the largest imperial garden in the world, the elegant Summer Palace including cruise on the shimmering waters of Kunming Lake (subject to weather and water condition). The Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) in the northwestern suburb of Beijing was built in 1750, so far the best-preserved imperial garden in China, and was endorsed by the UNESCO in 1998 as a world cultural heritage site. After that we visit the Pandas Garden in Beijing Zoo. It has been breeding the largest numbers of pandas as an institution away from the original habitat areas and it constitutes with other Panda Sanctuaries for being the UNESCO site. [B/L/D]

Beijing
This morning we start tours first to iconic “Beijing 2008 Olympic Center”-the Bird’s Nest & Water Cube, where hosts to many spectacular events. We stroll around the outside for photography. Then, we continue to the Badaling Great Wall, one of the most amazing feats of human labor. The Great Wall is the most famous image of China throughout the world. It is the only man made object visible from the moon, and as one of the Eight Wonders of the world. It is a symbol of Chinese traditional culture and the pride of the Chinese nation. Later visit the Ming Tombs at Changling along the Sacred Way with giant marble figures and animals guarding the tomb area for deceased emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644AD). This is an attractive destination as much for the natural scenery of the area as for the tombs themselves. If time permits, we will visit a Jade stone carving factory en route and observe the skilled artisans at work as they create intricate designs. Enjoy cultural show in the evening. [B/L/D]

Beijing
After breakfast, we will visit Temple of Heaven to see local people doing Taiji and morning exercises. Built in 1420, Temple of Heaven was where Ming and Qing emperors prayed Heaven for good harvests. Major structures are hall of Prayer for good Harvest, Imperial Vault of Heaven, Circular Mound Altar, and Abstinence Palace. UNESCO endorsed Temple of Heaven as a world cultural heritage site in December 1998. Then we visit Beijing City Planning Museum and watch a 3D film which tells the glory history and fast changes of Beijing. Afternoon, we will take a tour to Hutong. Hutong is an ancient urban alley peculiar to Beijing. The ancient city has several thousands of hutong around the Forbidden City. Most of them were formed in Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. Most hutongs in Beijng are mainly located in the area near Shichahai, the most beautiful place in old Beijing, with the oldest water areas, the mansions of the former princes, temples, famous personages’ former residences. Visit and shopping at Pearl work-shop late in the afternoon if time permits. Enjoy the famous Peking Duck dinner in the evening. [B/L/SD]

Beijing/Xi'an Flight
After breakfast, we fly to Xian. Over a period of more than 2000 years, Xian was the capital for eleven dynasties. Along with Rome and Constantinople, this city was a world leader in culture and trade and played a vital role in bridging the gap between east and west. Afternoon, we will visit the Large Wild Goose Pagoda, the symbol of the city, it is said to have been built to house and protect Buddhist scriptures collected by the Chinese monk, Xuan Zang. Later visit Shanxi Provincial History Museum, a striking Tang-Dynasty style pavilion, houses a large collection of 113,000 historic and cultural artifacts unearthed in Shaanxi. [B/L/D]

Xi'an
Today we will visit the spectacular sight of the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang guarded by 8,000 Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses in battle formation. We will see all excavated Exhibition 1, 2, 3, 4, and watch the archaeologists are continuing on the fields for further excavation. It is the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century and regarded as “the eighth wonder of the world”. Then, we watch the Circle Vision Movie of the historical story. After that, we will visit a Ceramics & Pottery Centre.  Enjoy the Dumpling Banquet Dinner & Tang Dynasty Show in the evening. [B/L/SD]

Xi'an/Yichang Flight
Today, we fly to Yichang, the embarkation point of fascinating Yangtze River Cruise. Embark newly upgrade renovated deluxe boat MV President No. 1 China Yangtze River cruise. With a rich Chinese cultural heritage of thousands of years, the Three Gorges is not only a picturesque natural gallery, but also a spectacular treasure house. Overnight on board. [B/L/D]

Yangtze River Cruise
We set sail at 8:00 am. Shore excursion to visit the Three Gorges Dam, One of the largest construction projects ever undertaken in the world, the Three Gorges Project will forever change the face of the Yangtze River as we know today. Possessing comprehensive utilization benefits mainly for flood control, power generation and navigation improvement. It will be vital important and backbone project in harnessing and developing of the Yangtze River. [B/L/D]

Yangtze River Cruise
Today the cruiser will sail into the Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge. Although Qutang Gorge is the smallest among the Three Gorges, it is actually the most powerful one and the water here flows most rapidly at this spot. The Wu Gorge boasts the most immediately beautiful and spectacular scenery of the Three Gorges. Flanking the river is a series of green mountains with precipices and peaks where the water zigzags forward and gives way to some attractive scenery. Transfer to smaller boats to see the Lesser Three Gorges along Shennong Stream. [B/L/D]

Yangtze River Cruise
Shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City or Shibaozhai. By the legend, Fengdu was a ghost city and the entrance of heaven or hell for passing through the Celestial Being’s Judgment here. It reveals ancient Chinese religion and believing with their imaged constructions and the ghost statures for people lucky praying. It is subject to visit Shibaozhai Pagoda on the cliff which has been always regarded a pearl along the river for praying for good luck in the ancient. [B/L/D]

Chongqing/ Dazu/Chongqing
Arrival in Chongqing in the morning. Enjoy a tour to Dazu, home of the most fascinating stone carvings in China. The stone carvings in Dazu are a great masterpiece of arts for their large scale, profound significance and rich contents. [B/L/D]

Chongqing/Guilin                                Flight
This morning, after a city tour to Great Hall of People and the Second World War Museum, we fly to Guilin. Upon arrival, you will be met by your friendly local tour guide and transferred to your hotel. According to a popular Chinese saying, Guilin’s scenery bests all others in the world. Its shapely rising limestone towers and crystal clear waters are often portrayed in Chinese artworks. Afternoon we have a city tour to Reed Flute Cave and Piling Silk Hill. Enjoy yourself in the pleasant surroundings.[B/L/D]

Guilin
Today, enjoy a scenic boat cruise down the LiJing River to the small town of Yang Shuo. Along the route, experience an endless variety of spectacular scenery and colorful river traffic which ranges from one man bamboo rafts to large junks plus an occasional wading water buffalo. Later afternoon, transfer back to Guilin. [B/L/D]

Guilin/Shanghai                                 Flight
Today, we fly to Shanghai and transfer to your hotel. The cosmopolitan port city of Shanghai is a treat to the senses with its mix of ancient and modern influence. Afternoon we take a city tour to colonial European past at The Bund, the window of Shanghai history and modern changes. Then, we visit Xintiandi area, a very well-known boutique area composed together with fashion and tradition. [B/L]

Shanghai
We will have a full day city tour in Shanghai. Start the exploration from Old Downtown and classical Yu Garden. Another UNESCO site, the Yu Garden, built 400 years ago, is a famous ancient private garden with architectures of Ming and Qing dynasties. After lunch, we will visit the marvelous Shanghai Museum. Its galleries contain world-class collections of ancient arts and artifacts. After that, we stroll to the People Square. The surroundings are the best collection of modern architecture.  If time permits, we visit the Carpet Factory. Enjoy an exciting Acrobatic Show in the evening. [B/L/D]

ShanghaiToday’s highlight is to visit Shanghai World Exhibition (Shanghai EXPO). The Exhibition covers a large area of over 5.6 Square KM with 27 master halls. The theme is to show all new creational hopes, concepts, designs, technologies, and present to the world a full potential of urban life in the 21st century as a significant one for urban evolution, a New Approaches of Human Habitat, Beautiful Lifestyle. (Shanghai EXPO is on May 01 – Oct.31, but on Feb.1-Apr.29, Nov.1-Dec31 are pre & post exhibition also available for visit). If Shanghai EXPO is unavailable before and after exhibition, we take tour excursion to a well-preserved historical site, the ancient water-town of Zhujiajiao to see another unchanged face of Shanghai. Wander around well-preserved Ming and Qing architecture, ancient stone bridges and streets.  Then we return back to the city and visit the Jade Buddha Temple, a venerable and famous Buddhist temple, which was built in 1882 to keep two precious jade Buddha statues. [B/L]

Depart Shanghai (Monday)
You will be transferred to airport for flight to your sweet home. [B]

*Price per person in US dollars, minimum 2 passengers traveling together *Canadian travelers please click here (www.xe.com)  for price in Canadian dollars

Includes:

• 16 nights accommodation based on twin sharing with buffet breakfast
  • Beijing Chang An Grand Hotel or similar (Superior first class)
  • Xi'an Aurum International Hotel or similar (First class)
  • Chongqing Harbor Plaza Hotel or similar (First class)
  • Guilin Park Hotel or similar (First class)
  • Shanghai Galaxy Hotel or similar (First class)
  • Yangtze River Cruiser newly upgrade renovated Deluxe Cruise MV President No.1
• Sightseeing tours with lunch and dinner as listed, including
  • Peking Duck Dinner & Cultural Show in Beijing
  • Chinese Dumpling Dinner & Tang Dynasty Show in Xian
  • Acrobatic Show in Shanghai
  • B: Full board western buffet breakfast at hotel
  • L/D: Lunch & dinner in selected restaurants with one glass of soft drinks
  • SD: Chinese special dinner in selected restaurants with soft drinks & local wine
  • SL: Chinese special cuisine lunch with one glass of soft drinks
• Professional English speaking tour guide service in each city
• Admission to sightseeing spots listed in itinerary
• Round trip airport/hotel transfers in each city
• Domestic airfare Beijing/ Xi’an/Yichang-Chongqing/ Guilin/ Shanghai with airport tax and fuel surcharge

Excludes:

• International flights & airport taxes
• Domestic flight fuel surcharge is based on government published price in August 2009, if any increase afterwards, we keep right to adjust it accordingly
• Travel insurance
• Visa fee
• Personal expenses, laundry, telephone, minibar…
• Gratuities to guide, driver & porter

***Note*** Flight Xi'an/Yichang is a small plane holding 40 passengers and this flight may possibly be cancelled due to lack of passengers. If the flight is cancelled, the group needs to fly Xi'an/Wuhan and be transferred from Wuhan to Yichang by 4.5 hours' driving to board the cruise.