Arrive in Shanghai (Friday)
Welcome to Shanghai-the economic center of China, a comprehensive industrial base and a famous historical and cultural city. On arrival, you will be met by your friendly local tour guide and transferred to your hotel.

Shanghai
We will have a full day city tour in Shanghai. Start the exploration form The Bund, a waterfront promenade lined with a mile-long of European buildings. Later, visit the small yet exquisite Yu Yuan Garden. After lunch, we will visit the marvelous Shanghai Museum. Its galleries contain world-class collections of ancient arts and artifacts. The Bronze Gallery is a must-see section. Enjoy an exciting Acrobatic Show in the evening. [B/L/D]

Shanghai/Suzhou Overland
This morning, we tour to French Concession (the area has been newly renovated). Then, we will visit Oriental Pearl TV Tower for a bird’s eye view of Shanghai. Continue our trip to Jade Buddha Temple, a venerable and famous Buddhist temple, which was built in 1882 to keep two precious jade Buddha statues. Late afternoon, we drive to Suzhou, a renowned city in Chinese history. We check in deluxe Gateway International Hotel.  [B/L/SD]

Suzhou
Suzhou is one of the first groups of the 24 famous historical and cultural cities and one of the first group of top tourist cities in China. To the east of the Yangtze River, Suzhou is a land of water, with crisscrossed rivers and lakes, picturesque scenery and a large number of historical sites and celebrities. Today, we will start our venture with a visit to the beautiful surroundings of Golden Rooster Lakeside, the new developing zoon. Master of Nets Garden, used to be the residence of vice-minister of Shi Zhengzhi of the Southern Song Dynasty (420-589), called “Wanjuan Hall” or “Yuyin”, as the former owner, professing to be above politics, styled himself a fisherman. Remains of the 14th century man-made mountains, covering 1,152 sq.m. and being the largest of all at Suzhou, Garden of Lion Rock Forest can be still seen today. Noted for its labyrinthine mountains with winding pathways and caverns, old pines and cypress trees, awesome peaks and jogged rocks of grotesque shapes resembling dancing lions with striking and unusual poses, it possesses with pride the true delights of mountain and forest scenery in limited space. Panmen Water Gate is the best-preserved part of the ruined ancient city of Suzhou. Then, we cruise on the Grand Canal. The Silk Embroidery Institute is where we learn much about the silk producing process. [B/L/D]

Suzhou/Hangzhou Overland
Today, we drive to Hangzhou. With a time-honored history, Hangzhou is one of the famous historical and cultural cities in China, and one of the country’s seven major ancient capitals. As a renowned garden-like city and a top tourist city in China, Hangzhou lies by the waters and hills, showing natural, exquisite and picturesque scenery. Afternoon, we take a cruise on small sampan on West Lake to Yanggong Causeway and visit Garden of Guo Zhuang Villa by lakeside and have a tea break while enjoying the view. Tea is popular everywhere in China, but few places enjoy Hangzhou's reputation for tea culture - an undefined element that seems to encompass all things related to tea. [B/L/D]

Hangzhou
Today, we start exploration with a visit to the Ancient Ink & Calligraphy Society, Xiling Seal-engravers’ Society. Situated at the southwest foot of Solitary Hill, Xiling Seal-engraver’s Society was founded in 1904 by a group of Chinese seal artists for the study of bronze and stone seal-engraving. Here you can find the Stone Chamber of the Three Venerables (who were famous seal-engraving arties) where a stone carving-monument to the Three Venerables-that was cut in 52 A.D., during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220), is preserved as a valuable cultural relic. The whole place is graced by pavilions and towers skillfully laid out on the hillside, and these, together with winding paths and ponds, present scenery typical of south China. Then visit Qinghefang Ancient Street to a Chinese Herb Medicine Museum and Store, and an ancient rich man’s large Garden House Name: HuXueyan Mansion. China boasts two best-known traditional medicine stores - one in Beijing and the other in Hangzhou - as the saying goes, "While there is Tong Ren Tang in the Nroth, there is Huqingyutang in the South." Huqingyutang was founded in 1878 by the famous Qing businessman Hu Xueyan. It is a 120 - year - old business preparing herbal medications, known as a court-style pharmacy. Whoever visits the place is likely to be as much impressed by its unique building as by the medications its produce, simple, tasteful and unsophisticated.[B/L/D]

Hangzhou/Wuzhen Overland
This morning, we drive deep into a green forest valley to Dragon Well Tea Plantation. Dragon Well Tea is well known worldwide, the water of dragon well is sweet and nice. The green tea here enjoys very high reputation since Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 A.D) for its four special features: green color, fragrant aroma, sweet taste and smooth even appearance. Then we drive along Fuchun River to Six Harmony Pagoda. It was first constructed in 970. The existing pagoda was reconstructed in 1153 in the Soughern Song Dynasty. Built of wood and brick, this 60-m-high pagoda has 13 upturned eaves which become progressively narrower toward the top. Then, we drive to Wuzhen -one of the best reserved water-town by the ancient Grand Canal. We take a boat to our deluxe Wuzhen Waterside Hotel in the mid of water-town. Free in the afternoon after lunch for own exploration. A local banquet will be served in Wuzhen. [B/L/SD]

Wuzhen/Shanghai Overland
This morning is free for you to continue your exploration in this lovely river town. Afternoon, you will be transferred to Shanghai. [B/L]

Shanghai/Yichang Flight
Today, we fly to Yichang, the embarkation point of fascinating Yangtze River Cruise. If time permits, we will visit Wild Fish Protection Base. Embark the 5 Star Boat MV Splendid China. 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, 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. [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 Shennongxi Stream or the Lessor Three Gorges along the Daning River. [B/L/D]

Yangtze River Cruise
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]

Disembarkation in Chongqing/Xi’an Flight
Morning arrival in Chongqing at 9:00 am & disembark. Sightseeing in Chongqing, the birthplace of Ba and Yu culture with the history of 3000 years. 2nd World War & Stillwell Museum is housed in the former VIP guest house of the Guomingdang and residence of General Stillwell. Since 1991, the Chongqing Municipal Government has turned it into a museum, housing exhibits on General Stillwell and Americans in Chongqing during World War II. Painter’s Village is an art organization run by professional artists of the Chinese Artist Association, where some of the countries most talented painters are rewarded by the government with a tranquil place to work and live. Afternoon, we fly to Xi'an. [B/L/D]

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” and among the top archaeological excavations of the 20th century. Later, we visit ancient Huaqing Hot Spring Palace. Afternoon, we will visit the Ancient Huaqing Hot Spring & 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. Enjoy the Dumpling Banquet dinner & Tang Dynasty Show in the evening. [B/L/SD]

Xi'an/Beijing Flight
This morning, we fly to Beijing. Afternoon, 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. [B/L/D]

Beijing
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. The highest is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. 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. [B/L/D]

Beijing
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). 13 of the 16 Ming emperors have their tombs here. This is an attractive destination as much for the natural scenery of the area as for the tombs themselves. Enjoy the famous Peking Duck farewell dinner & Cultural show in the evening. [B/L/SD]

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

*Price per person in Canadian dollars, minimum 2 passengers traveling together

Includes:

• 17 nights accommodation based on twin sharing with buffet breakfast:
  • Beijing Plaza Royal or Chang An Grand Hotel or Oriental Bay Hotel (all 5 star)
  • Xi'an King Dynasty Hotel or Aurum International Hotel (Superior or 4 star)
  • Shanghai Galaxy Hotel or similar (4 star)
  • Suzhou Gateway International Hotel or similar (deluxe)
  • Hangzhou Ramada Hotel or similar (4 star by West Lake)
  • Wuzhen Waterside Hotel (deluxe)
  • Yangtze River Cruise: MV Splendid China standard cabin (5 star)
• Sightseeing tours with lunch & dinner listed in the above itinerary, including
  • Peking Duck Dinner & Cultural Show in Beijing
  • Chinese Dumpling Dinner & Tang Dynasty Show in Xian
  • Acrobatic Show in Shanghai
  • Lunch & dinner at local restaurant with one glass of soft drink
  • Special lunch at local restaurant with soft drinks
  • Special dinner at local restaurant with soft drinks & local wine
• National guide service from Shanghai to Beijing
• Professional English speaking tour guide service in each city
• Round trip airport/hotel transfers in each city
• Domestic airfare Shanghai/Yichang-Chongqing/Xian/Beijing with airport tax and fuel surcharge
• Baggage handling

Excludes:

• International flights & airport taxes
• Travel insurance
• Visa fee
• Personal expenses
• Gratuities to guide, driver & porters