Treasures of China

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 2 BEIJING (AB, L, SD)

This morning you’ll visit the Temple of Heaven, one of China’s most photographed attractions. 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 you’ll forget about the skyscrapers and construction cranes of modern Beijing as you venture into Hutong, where the atmosphere of Old Peking lives on. You’ll bicycle or ride rickshaws down narrow lanes and alleyways, past vegetable markets, traditional medicine shops and wooden teahouses. 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.

	Lhasa Potala Palace

Day 3 BEIJING / LHASA (AB, L, -)

Today you will fly to Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet. It is often referred to as the “City of Sunshine” with more than 3000 hours of sunshine annually. The rest of the day will be free for your leisure and adapting yourself to the high elevation.

Day 4 LHASA (AB, L, D)

Today you will visit the vast and magnificent Potala Palace, the greatest monumental structure of Tibet and perched upon Marpo Ri Hill. Lunch at local restaurant, visit Jokhang Temple, the spirit centre of Tibet. Then visit Barkhor Street filled with various local handicrafts, the oldest street in Lhasa as well as the century old Lhasa. You will then visit a typical Tibetan family to take a glimpse of the local residents’ daily life. Tonight while dining, you will be entertained with an unforgettable Tibetan dance and fashion show performed by a small group of Tibetan people.  

Day 5 LHASA (AB, L, D)

Continuing your tour, you will visit Tsepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, both are great and big ones of this kind. After lunch at local restaurant visit the Norbulingka, which means Jeweled Garden, once served as a summer palace for the Dalai Lama at the beginning and now serves as the government office. Your destination today will be the carpet factory where you will have a general idea of how the local specialty is made.

Day 6 LHASA / CHENGDU / DUJIANGYAN  (AB, L, D)

This morning you will depart Lhasa for Chengdu. Upon your arrival in Chengdu, you will be met and taken to Dujiangyan by bus, where you will visit a famous water conservation and irrigation system- Dujiangyan Dam which was built more than 2000 years ago. Overnight in Dujiangyan.  

	Wolong Panda

Day 7 DUJIANGYAN / WOLONG  (AB, L, D)

This morning you will head for Wolong - the natural reserve for the giant pandas where you will spend most of the day enjoy watching the giant pandas in the natural habitat. You may also have the opportunity to hug and take photos with the lovely giant pandas. Stay overnight in Wolong.

Day 8 WOLONG / CHENGDU / LIJIANG  (AB, L, D)

After breakfast, take a car ride to Chengdu for a flight to Lijiang, seat of the minority Naxi people. Arrive in Lijiang and visit the Black Dragon Pond, where you can see the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain from far and the reflection of the mountain in the pool in a clear day. The most fascinating attraction is the Old Town of Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you walk through the old town, you will immediately get overwhelmed by small bridges, swift streams, cobbled stone streets and grey tiled roofs of the Residential earthen-walled Houses. Tonight you will attend a concert of traditional Naxi music played by the local senior performers of more than 65 years old.

Day 9 LIJIANG (AB, L, SD)

The highlights today will include the Yufeng Monastery, known for its 14th century religious frescoes and the ancient Camellia tree (over 500-year-old) and the snow-covered Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, which is 5,600 m (18,400 ft) in altitude and is famous for its danger, beauty and strangeness. You will take cable car and visit the beauty of the Dragon Spruce Meadow. The tour continues with a trip to the ancient capital of the Naxi Kingdom, Baisha Naxi village, and visit the Baisha Ancient Frescos, a unique blend of Han, Tibetan, Bai, Naxi,and Daoism Buddhism.
Enjoy the famous local cuisine for dinner.  

Day 10 LIJIANG / KUNMING  (AB, L, D)

Today you will take a flight to Kunming, the capital city of Yunnan Province, often referred to as the “City of Eternal Spring” due to its temperate climate. Kunming is especially well known for its numerous ethnic minority populations and stunning cultural diversity. Upon arrival in Kunming, you will take an excursion to the geological wonders of the Stone Forest – the woods-like karst formation of 270-million-year-old rocky gray outcroppings. You may also visit a Sani tribal village to experience the lifestyle and unique culture of this minority population.

	The sea of clouds on the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Day 11 KUNMING / SHANGHAI (AB, L, D)

This morning you will take a flight to Shanghai, China's most cosmopolitan city, often regarded as the "Paris of the East." Upon your arrival in Shanghai, you will take an excursion to Zhujiajiao, a water village near Shanghai with a history of more than 1000 years. You will experience the serene country lifestyle of the local residents, and immerse yourself in the “old world” architecture and the local customs that have been well preserved.
Optional program:In the evening you enjoy a wonderful Acrobatic Show.

Day 12 SHANGHAI (AB, L, SD)

Today’s excursion takes you to Yuyuan Garden, the Bund, the bustling Nanjing Road, and the well-known Shanghai Museum of Art and History, which ranks among the great museums of the world. In the evening, attend a farewell dinner of Shanghai cuisine, followed by a cruise on Huangpu River to enjoy a fascinating night view of Shanghai.

Day 13 DEPART FROM SHANGHAI (AB)

You will be free on this day until be transported to the airport for your flight home.

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