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/Lhasa                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. This afternoon, we fly to Lhasa. Stay at hotel and adapt to the high altitude condition for the rest of the day. Lhasa, the Capital of Tibet Autonomous Region while the same time an ancient city with a history of 1300 years, is a place where the traditions meet modernity, the religious blends secularity and a place where you see its past, future and present. [B/L/D]

Lhasa
This morning, we visit Jokang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar where can see traditional Tibetan handicrafts. Jokang temple with its golden roofs was built in the 7th century where house the most valued Buddhist relic, Shakyamuni Buddha, which was brought to Tibet by Princess Wencheng.  Afternoon visit Sera Monastery, one of  the three largest Gelukpa monasteries, where you can see the monks’ debating. [B/L/D]

Lhasa
Today’s highlight is Potala Palace. The Potala Palace was the residence of successive Dalailama and Songtsan Gampo, the 34th Tibetan king. Today you can see the tombs of former Dalai Lamas, and frescoes, murals, artwork in it. Afternoon, we visit Norbulingka Palace, also known as Jewel Park. Norbulingka is the summer palace of former Dalai Lamas. [B/L/D]

Lhasa/Gyantse            Overland
After an early breakfast, we take a transfer by coach for the beautiful drive to Gyantse via Yamdrok lake, the Turquoise lake en route.  A picnic lunch will be served by the lake if weather permits. We visit the famous Kunbum Stupa, standing 9 story’s high and housing 77chapels. The pagoda is said to have 100,000 images either sculpted or painted in its walls. [B/L/D]

Gyantse/Shigatse                    Overland
In the morning, we drive to Shigatse, which is about 90 km. Later, we start for Tashihunpo Monastery, the largest Gelukpa monastery in this region. The monastery was founded in 1477 by Gedun Drupa, a disciple of Tsongkapa and the founder of Gelukpa Sect. Gedun Drupa was recognized as the first Dalai Lama. Inside, you can see Matreya statue, which was erected in 1914 by Panchen Lama, and tombs of former Panchen Lamas. [B/L/D]

Shigatse/Lhasa                        Overland

After breakfast, we drive back to Lhasa, 280km, four and half hours for driving. If time permits, we will visit the school for the blind children. Tibetan farewell dinner will be prepared in Yak Restaurant. [B/L/D]

Lhasa/Shanghai                      Flight

Today, we fly to Shanghai. The cosmopolitan port city of Shanghai is a treat to the senses with its mix of ancient and modern influence. [B]

Shanghai

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 $99.00 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/Lhasa/ Shanghai
• Tibet entry permit
• 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 $99.00 per person
• Travel insurance
• Visa fee
• Personal expenses, laundry, telephone, minibar…
• Gratuities to guide, driver & porter