Best of China Tour

Day 1 ARRIVE IN BEIJING

Upon arrival in Beijing; our tour guide will meet you at the customs exit of Beijing airport holding a welcome sign board with your name on it. The guide will assist your transfer to the hotel and help you check in. The rest of the day is on your own and can be used for relaxing or exploring the city.

Day 02  BEIJING (AB, L, SD)

After breakfast at the hotel, your adventure starts with visiting Tiananmen Square, the heart of Beijing and the largest public space in the world. Step back in time as you pass through the Gate of Heavenly Peace and enter the Forbidden City, home to the Imperial Courts of the Ming and Qing Dynasty for more than 500 years. The Forbidden City is an enormous complex of perfectly preserved palaces, temples, magnificent squares and formal gardens.You can take a stroll along the cobblestone paths which were once only used by the Emperor’s most intimate advisors, visit the private apartments of Imperial concubines and see stunning collections of priceless art, furnishings, and jewelry. After lunch you’ll visit the Summer Palace, a fairyland of pagodas, pavilions and stone bridges on the outskirts of the city. Tonight's special dinner will be Beijing Duck, served at an original century-old restaurant.
Optional program: A lively Peking Opera performance at the Liyuan Theatre.

	Temple of Heaven in the sunshine

Day 03 BEIJING (AB, L, SD)

This morning you will leave the bustle and traffic of Beijing behind and journey through the countryside to see The Great Wall in Mutianyu, where you will experience at first hand one of the Wonders of the World (a cable car ride is included). There will be plenty of time to walk along a portion of this 3700-mile long marvel or to simply sit and contemplate the wonders of China’s past. Compared with the other normal tours having lunch at the shopping site restaurant, we specially arrange your lunch to be served at a local popular Sichuan food restaurant. Later the journey will take you to the Ming Tomb in the peaceful shadow of Longevity Mountain,where you’ll walk along the “Sacred Way” passing between pairs of huge stone sculptures. We arrange a special a la carte dinner at a famous restaurant in the Wangfujing area, so bring you a good appetite.

Day 04 BEIJING / XI’AN (AB, L, SD)

This morning you’ll visit the Temple of Heaven, one of China's most photographed attractions and the landmarks of Beijing. This ornate wooden structure was where the "Sons of Heaven", as the Chinese Emperors were known, worshipped the gods and prayed for good harvests. It is the largest temple complex in China and the lovely park surrounding the ancient tower is a popular spot for morning Tai Chi. After lunch transfer to the airport and take a flight to Xi'an, the ancient capital city for 11 dynasties in Chinese history. Upon arrival in Xi’an, you will visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, built in 652 AD to house Buddhist scriptures from India. Tonight you will be served a delicious dumpling dinner banquet.
Optional program: Enjoy the on-stage performance of Tang Dynasty dance and music in the evening.

Day 05 XI’AN  (AB, L, -)

Today you’ll visit the excavation site of the Terra-Cotta Warriors, which many people consider the high point of their trip to China. More than 6000 soldiers, ministers and horses, each individually sculpted from a real life model, stand guarding Emperor Qin Shi Huang's still unopened tomb. You'll have plenty of time to explore the site, get a good look at the warriors from various vantage points and visit the excellent museum. You will then take a tour of the well-preserved ancient City Wall and the Bell Tower, the emblem of Xi'an city.
The rest of the day is yours to explore.

	Nightfall of Guilin Country

Day 06 XI’AN / GUILIN (AB, L, SD)

Today you will take a flight to Guilin, famous for its picturesque limestone peaks and rivers. Upon your arrival, take a tour of Elephant Trunk Hill and the Reed Flute Cave, a fairyland of limestone and known as the "Art Gallery of Nature".
Optional program: Enjoy a Night folk dance and music performance with a backdrop of limestone peaks and rivers accompanied by light and sound in the evening.

Day 07 GUILIN (AB, L, -)

Today you will take a relaxing cruise on the Li River, from Guilin to Yangshuo. Depart from your hotel in the morning. Be transferred to the Zhujiang Pier for a 4 hours wonderful cruise.
Enjoy the picturesque mountains, peaceful green fields, farms and villages with water buffalos, cows wondering around on both sides of the river bank. Disembark at the one-thousand-year-old town Yangshuo in the afternoon and explore the local market lined with stalls and souvenir shops selling traditional ornaments and paintings of landscapes. The street is also featured with various bars and cafes which attract tourists from every corner of the world. Transfer back to Guilin City.
Optional program: countryside tour by Sightseeing Electric Car. You will visit plantings fields, market and the beautiful villages and a local villager's home to experience the farmer's lifestyle.

Day 08 GUILIN / SHANGHAI (AB, L, -)

This morning have a free time in Guilin, then you will take a flight to Shanghai, China's most cosmopolitan city, often regarded as the Paris of the East. Upon your arrival at Shanghai, China's most cosmopolitan city, your personal guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel. Then you will walk down Nanjing Road to the Bund and have a Cruise on Huangpu River, along the river, you can see row upon row of high-rises standing on both banks of the river and ships cruising one after another on the river. Then get a bird's eye view of Shanghai from the Jinmao Tower.

	Taking a stroll on the Bund of Shanghai

Day 09 SHANGHAI (AB, L, SD) 

Today's excursion you will visit the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, which chronicles Shanghai's past, present and future, then take a stroll through the Yuyuan Garden, one of the best Suzhou-style gardens in southern China, and after get a taste of Shanghai's local life in the Yuyuan Market, then immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere of the Jade Buddha Temple.
In the evening you will sample the traditional Dim-sum Banquet, and then you will enjoy a wonderful Acrobatic Show.

Day 10 DEPART FROM SHANGHAI(AB)

Today you will be transported to the airport for your flight home.

Itinerary: AB: American Breakfast   L: Lunch   D: Dinner   SD: Special Dinner