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Wonders Of Imperial China



Tour Description:

China's imperial history covers a gulf of centuries, and this escorted journey reveals what remains of those bygone days. Begin in Shanghai, the financial and economic heart of the country, where you Design Your DaySM. Travel to the "water village" of Zhujiajiao with its stone bridges dating from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lijiang, China's best preserved ancient town, and visit two ethnic Naxi villages. The Terra Cotta Warriors in Xian, dating to 210 BC, are an awe-inspiring site, as is the Great Wall, built during the Ming Dynasty.

Dates & Pricing



ITINERARY

Arrive in Shanghai and settle into this exciting city. Shanghai is actually more populated than the capital, Beijing, and is considered the economic and financial heart of China. Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai

Day 1: USA or Canada/Shanghai, China
Stroll down the historic Bund waterfront, taking in its amazing views of the ultra-modern Pudong skyline across the river. Continue to wind your way through the historic alleyways of the Old Town. Reflect at the Yu Gardens, famous for their beauty and Chinese simplicity. After lunch, visit the Shanghai Museum, home to some of the most remarkable Chinese art in the world, and the intriguing Urban Planning Museum. Tonight, join fellow travellers for welcome cocktails and dinner. Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai B L D

Day 2: Shanghai
This morning, travel to Zhujiajiao, a fan shaped "water village" with ancient stone bridges and buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Later in the afternoon, choose your DESIGN YOUR DAY activity from these options: Travel through the light show tunnel to Pu Dong, explore the Pearl TV Tower, or go on a guided shopping expedition. End your day at a performance by the Shanghai Acrobatic Circus. Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai B L D

Day 3: Shanghai
This morning, fly to picturesque Lijiang in China's mountainous southwest, at the corner of Tibet, Yunnan and Sichuan. The vistas here are tremendous, from snow-capped mountains to bubbling streams. After lunch, take a walking tour of the Old Town of Lijiang, the best preserved ancient town in China and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Banyan Tree Lijiang B L D

Day 4: Shanghai/Zhujiajiao/Shanghai
Today's explorations include two ethnic Naxi villages: Baisha was the first capital of the Naxi Kingdom and Longquan is a traditional rural community with over 800 years of history. After lunch explore Black Dragon Pool Park and the Dongha Museum. This evening, attend a traditional Naxi dance and music performance. Banyan Tree Lijiang B L D

Day 5: Shanghai/Lijiang
Travel to breathtaking Tiger Leaping Gorge, with stops en route at the First Bend of the mighty Yangzi River and the charming Naxi village of Shigu (Stone Drum). Banyan Tree Lijiang B L D

Day 6: Lijiang
Fly to Guilin, whose name means "forest of sweet osmanthus" because of the large number of fragrant sweet osmanthus trees in the city. Located on the west bank of the Li River, Guilin's dedication to its natural surroundings makes this one of the prettiest cities in the country. Sheraton Guilin Hotel B L D

Day 7: Lijiang
A cruise this morning on the Li River brings you to the rural village of Yangshuo. Walk through the Yangshuo Market, built during the Sui Dynasty in AD 590, before visiting the Tunnel Cave, one of the many limestone caverns that dot the hills and pinnacles of the Guilin region. Sheraton Guilin Hotel B L D

Day 8: Lijiang/Kunming/Guilin
This morning, fly to Xian. Spend the afternoon at the Yangling Museum, which features recent archaeological discoveries from Han Dynasty tombs. Shangri-La Hotel B L D

Day 9: Guilin
Visit the Xian Museum and the Ancient Gate of the City Walls before continuing to the site of the Terra Cotta Warriors, one of the most amazing relics from the First Emperor of China, dating back to 210 BC. Over 8,000 life-size statues, of which no two are alike, have been excavated and reassembled, and more are still being discovered. This afternoon, fly to Beijing. Raffles Beijing B L D

Day 10: Guilin/Xian
A full day of sightseeing in Beijing includes Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, considered to be the world's largest palace complex and the Chinese imperial palace from the mid-Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. Later, cruise serene Lake Kunming and explore the Summer Palace. Raffles Beijing B L

Day 11: Xian/Beijing
Explore the less-visited Mutianyu section of the Great Wall with its magnificent countryside views, followed by a visit to the Temple of Heaven. Built in AD 1420 during the Ming Dynasty, the temple was used by emperors to offer a sacrifice to heaven on the day of the Winter Solstice. Spend the remainder of the day shopping at the colorful Hongqiao Market. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner. Raffles Beijing B L D

Day 12: Beijing
Board your onward flight. B

Day 13: Beijing

Day 14: Beijing/USA or Canada