China 11 Nights / 12 Days

On arrival at Beijing International Airport, our local representative will be waiting outside the customs area to welcome you and to take you to your hotel (Check-in time is 3.00 pm). Being capital of the People’s Republic of China, it is the nation’s political, economic, cultural, educational and international trade and communication center. As one of the six ancient cities in China, it has been the heart and soul of politics and society throughout its long history and consequently there is an unparalleled wealth of discovery to delight and intrigue you as you explore the city’s ancient past and exciting modern development. The evening is free for shopping and to explore the city on your own. Enjoy dinner at the hotel prepared by our chef. Overnight at the hotel in Beijing. (Dinner).

Today, we take you on a tour of the Great Wall of China. The Great Wall, one of the greatest wonders of the world, was listed as a World Heritage by UNESCO in 1987. Just like a gigantic dragon, the Great Wall winds up and down across deserts, grasslands, mountains and plateaus, stretching approximately 8,851.8 kilometers (5,500 miles) from east to west of China. It is one of the most appealing attractions all around the world owing to its architectural grandeur and historical significance. Later we stop for a photo opportunity of the ‘Olympic Park’ – the symbolic stadium where the 2008 Olympics were held. Affectionately known as Bird’s Nest, it was designed as the main stadium of 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Enjoy a local vegetarian lunch at a restaurant In the afternoon, we continue our tour to Summer Palace and its immense gardens, where the imperial court resided during summer. Situated in the Haidian District northwest of Beijing City, the Summer Palace is the largest and most well preserved royal park in China, it greatly influences Chinese horticulture and landscape with its famous natural views and cultural interests, which also has long since been recognized as ‘The Museum of Royal Gardens’. Enjoy dinner at the hotel prepared by our chef. Overnight at the hotel in Beijing. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Today, we take you on a guided city tour of Beijing conducted by an English speaking guide. We go on a visit to the Temple of Heaven. The Temple of Heaven was the place where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties came to worship the God of Heaven and pray for good harvests. The highlight of this tour is the blue tile-roofed Hall of prayer. It is China’s largest and most representative existing masterpiece among China’s ancient sacrificial buildings. Covering an area of 2,700,000 square meters the Temple of Heaven is larger than the Forbidden City. See Tian’anmen Square, the largest square in the world. The present square has an area of 440,000 square meters and has become a relaxing place for the common people to fly kites and walk. On a holiday, the whole square is covered with fresh flowers. Visit the Forbidden City, an awesome 250-acre complex of palaces, pavilions and gardens. Lying at the city center and called Gu Gong in Chinese, it was the imperial palace for twenty-four emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Enjoy lunch and dinner at the hotel prepared by our chef. Overnight the hotel in Beijing. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Today we drive to the airport for our flight to Xian. On arrival we check-in to the hotel (Check-in time is 3.00 pm). Later, we take a stop for a photo opportunity of the City Wall of Xi’an, built during the Tang dynasty. We also drive past the Big Wild Goose Pagoda built in 652 AD. Enjoy a packed vegetarian lunch. Next, see the ‘Musical Fountain Show’. Dubbed the ‘largest musical fountain square in Asia’, this beautiful symphony of water, music and light is set against a dramatic backdrop of the thousand year old Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Enjoy dinner at the hotel prepared by our chef. Overnight at the hotel in Xi’an. (Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner).

Today, we begin the day with a tour of Xi’an. See the Terracotta Warriors – the tomb of the First Emperor of China. See more than 6000 moulded soldiers, officers, horses and wagons of this famed army. The Terracotta Army is one of the top attractions in China. It is significant because the hundreds of detailed life-size models represent the army that triumphed over all other Chinese armies and who were the decisive factor in forming a united China 2,200 years ago. It is considered one of the greatest archaeological sites in the world, and one of the greatest discoveries of the 20th century. Enjoy lunch and dinner at the hotel prepared by our chef. Overnight at the hotel in Xi’an. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Today we drive to the airport for our flight to Guilin. One of China’s most beautiful areas. Tonight you may choose to join our optional trip to see trained cormorants dive for fish, the traditional Lijiang fishing method. The rest of the evening is free to relax. Enjoy dinner at the hotel prepared by our chef. Overnight at the hotel in Guilin. (Breakfast,  Dinner).

Limestone mountains, their needle peaks hidden in the mist, rise from the green plain surrounding Guilin. The scene conveys a sense of mystery that for centuries artists have tried to capture. Savor unique vistas during a leisurely CRUISE on the Li River, where you’ll enjoy a light lunch. Afterward, visit a local [LF] TEA FARM for a hands-on demonstration of the tea-making process, followed by a tea ceremony.  (Breakfast, Lunch,  Dinner).

Today we drive to the airport for our flight to Shanghai. On arrival we check-in to the hotel (Check-in time is 3.00 pm). Enjoy a packed vegetarian lunch. Situated on the estuary of Yangtze River, Shanghai serves as the most influential economic, financial, international trade, cultural, science and technology center in East China. In addition to its modernization, the city’s multicultural flair endows it with a unique glamour. Here, you will find the perfect blend of cultures, the modern and the traditional , the western and the oriental. New skyscrapers and old Shikumen together draw the skyline of the city. The rest of the evening is free to relax. Enjoy dinner at the hotel prepared by our chef. Overnight at the hotel in Shanghai. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Today, we take you on a guided city tour of Shanghai. We take a photo Stop at the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Visit the Yu Yuan Garden, a traditional Chinese park with beautiful pavilions, miniature lakes and bridges. See the famous Jade Buddha Temple. Built in 1882, the temple has two Jade statues of the Sakyamuni Buddha and houses various ancient sculptures, rare paintings and Buddhist scriptures. We also make a photostop at the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Enjoy lunch and dinner at the hotel prepared by our chef. Overnight at the hotel in Shanghai. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Morning take a ride on the Maglev train, the world’s fastest… en route to the airport. Take flight to Kunming .On arrival check into the hotel. Take lunch   Dinner at restaurant.

Breakfast . Proceed for Stone forest tour. Which is about 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Kunming and requires only a three-hour drive. It covers an area of 400 square kilometers (96,000 acres) and includes both large and small stone forests, as well as many other scenic spots. An old local saying says that ‘If you have visited Kunming without seeing the Stone Forest, you have wasted your time. Overnight at the hotel in Shanghai.(Breakfast, Dinner).

Today, we check out and drive to the airport for your flight back home. It’s time to say goodbye to all the new friends you have made. We hope you take back many happy memories of your tour. We would like you to spare a few minutes of your time to write and tell us how you enjoyed your holiday and any suggestions you may have for the future.(Breakfast).