Arrive in Beijing (Friday)
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 deluxe 5 star city center hotel.

Beijing
This morning, we will walk from our hotel to Tiananmen Square across a small park seeing local people doing morning excises like Tai Chi. Tiananmen Square is the largest public square in the world and the symbolic center for all of China. We will 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 take a tour to Hutong. Hutong is an ancient urban alley peculiar to Beijing. Most of them were formed in Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, and 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. Enjoy the famous Peking Duck Dinner in a very localized restaurant in the evening. [B/L/SD]

Beijing
Today, we will visit Beijing Urban Planning Museum. From here, we will get an overall view on Beijing’s past, present and future. From ancient history to Olympic Gold, Beijing is forever a fascinating city to all travelers around the world. Later, we will visit Summer Palace. 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. As a paragon of Chinese gardens, this huge garden includes Longevity Hill, whose beauty is set off by a multitude of halls, kiosks and trees, and Kunming Lake, a vast man-made construction with water filled by a large reservoir north of Beijing. In the afternoon, we will stop at National Stadium (Bird Nest or Water Cube) for photo stop. Then, we will shop at Panjiayuan Flea Market. This evening Chinese Marshal Arts Show is optional if favorable. [B/L/D]

Beijing
Today, we take a full day excursion 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). [B/L]

Beijing/Xi'an Flight
After breakfast, we will visit Temple of Heaven. Built in 1420, it 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. Late afternoon, we fly to Xi’an. [B/L]

Xi'an
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. 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. It is the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century and regarded as “the eighth wonder of the world”. A stroll on the ancient City Wall will draw us back to the Chinese golden ear 1300 years ago. Later visit Shaanxi Provincial History Museum, a striking Tang-Dynasty style pavilion, houses a large collection of 113,000 historic and cultural artifacts unearthed in Shanxi. This evening, we will enjoy a Chinese dumpling dinner followed by spectacular Tang Dynasty Dancing show. [B/L/SD]

Xi'an/Guilin Flight
This morning, we will follow our local guide for a walk through colorful Muslim  Quarter and 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, from India. Late afternoon, we fly to Guilin. 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. Enjoy yourself in the pleasant surroundings. [B/L]

Guilin/Yangshuo
Today, enjoy a scenic boat cruise down the Li-Jiang 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. Afternoon, we arrive at Yangshuo, one of the most picturesque towns in China. The rest of the day is at leisure. Evening optional singing and dancing show of “Impression of Sister Liu San Jie” which was directed by Zhang-Yi-Mo, the director of the opening ceremony of Beijing Olympic Games. [B/L]

Yangshuo/Guilin
This afternoon, we drive back to Guilin and tour Reed Flute Caves. It is one of the most extraordinary caves in Guilin. [B/L]

Guilin/Chongqing                                  Flight

Today, we fly to Chongqing, the embarkation point of fascinating Yangtze River cruise. If time permits, we visit Chongqing Zoo to see lovely Chinese Giant Pandas and a local Market in old town before boarding the cruise. After dinner, board Yangtze River cruiser and start our venture on the Yangtze River. 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. [B/L/D]

Yangtze River Cruise
The cruiser sails downstream. Shore excursion to Shibaozhai temple, which is one of the most spectacular along the Yangtze. This 12-story wooden pagoda was build against the side of a sheer rectangular cliff. Today, this 400- year old temple has one of the best views of Yangtze River. Shibaozhai is ranked as one of the eight strangest architectural structures of the world, and is renowned as the pearl 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. Afternoon transfer to smaller boats to see the Shennongxi Stream or the Lessor Three Gorges along the Daning River. [B/L/D]

Yichang/Shanghai                                Flight

The cruiser sails downstream, arriving at Sandouping and shore excursion to visit the Three Gorges Dam, the largest project of China. 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. At 12:30, disembarkation in Yichang, continue your trip to shanghai, the largest commercial and financial center of China. [B/L]

Shanghai

The cosmopolitan port city of Shanghai is a treat to the senses with its mix of ancient and modern influence. This morning, we tour the marvelous Shanghai Museum. Its galleries contain world-class collections of ancient arts and artifacts. Afternoon tour to Chenghuangmiao, the old township of Shanghai City. Stroll on the Bund, a waterfront promenade lined with a mile-long of European buildings. Shop at elegant stores in Xintiandi. Evening dinner on own in Xintiandi or the Bund area followed by a celebrating Chinese Acrobatic Show. [B/L]

Shanghai
Today is free for your own exploration. Evening farewell dinner at a decent garden restaurant. [B/D]

Depart Shanghai (Saturday)
Departure transfer to airport for flight back home. [B]

*Price per person in US dollars, minimum 2 passengers traveling together *Price excluding domestic airport taxes and fuel surcharge, USD $109.00 per person *Canadian travelers please click here (www.xe.com)  for price in Canadian dollars

Includes:

• 15 nights accommodation at default hotels based on twin sharing
• Meals at listed in itinerary, B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner, SD-special dinner
• Sightseeing tours with lunch & dinner listed in the above itinerary, including
  • Peking Duck Dinner in Beijing
  • Chinese Dumpling Dinner & Tang Dynasty Show in Xian
  • Acrobatic Show in Shanghai
  • Lunch & dinner at local restaurants with one glass of soft drink or local beer
  • Special dinner at local restaurants with soft drinks or local beer
• 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/Guilin/Chongqing-Yichang/Shanghai
• Fully escorted by a national guide from Beijing to Shanghai if group size is over 10 passenger

Excludes:

• International flights & airport taxes
• Domestic airport taxed and fuel surcharge, USD $109.00 per person
• Travel insurance
• Visa fee
• Cabin upgrade on Yangtze River cruise
• Personal expenses, laundry, telephone, minibar…
• Gratuities to guide, driver & porter