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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.
Destination & Sightseeing
ITINERARY
ITINERARYArrive 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
