DAY 3, Sunday - Forbidden City, Home Hosted Lunch in Hutong
Depart for China
DAY 4, Monday - The Great Wall & Ming Tombs
Arrive in Beijing, sprawling capital of modern China and transfer to your hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure to rest, relax and acclimate to the time change
Overnight: Beijing
DAY 5, Tuesday - Flight to Xian, Xian City Wall & Market Visit
Begin at huge Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world, built at the height of the Ming Dynasty. The square's Gate of Heavenly Peace was once used as a staging ground for imperial edicts and by Mao Zedong himself to declare the founding of the People's Republic in 1949. Enter the Forbidden City, once the residence of Chinese emperors from the Ming to the Qing dynasties. This extraordinary walled complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is truly a masterpiece of Chinese architecture, consisting of 800 buildings with more than 9,000 rooms. Then, continue to a typical Hutong neighborhood. Beijing's Hutongs, a community of small residences centered around alleyways and courtyards, are dwindling in number as the city is modernized, but some have been preserved as "protected areas." Special arrangements just for you to meet a local family and share lunch together in their home - they will be delighted to share their secret family recipe for dumplings, complete with demonstration. Next, visit a local pearl shop. This evening, join your Tour Manager for an orientation meeting, followed by dinner, featuring China's world-famous Peking duck
Overnight: Beijing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6, Wednesday - Xian Antiquities with Terracotta Army
Travel to the extraordinary 2000-year-old Great Wall of China, spanning nearly 4,000 miles of China's northern frontier. Mount the ramparts of this ancient wonder to view beautiful mountain passes, plateaus, and grasslands from this 7th century defensive fortification. Stop at a local jade shop to admire wares crafted with one of China's most famous materials. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the Sacred Way lined with mythical stone beasts and statues. Originally built to lead to the mausoleum, it was thought to be the "road leading to heaven." Walk through the huge Memorial Stone Arch guarding its entrance continuing along the road to the 13 Ming Dynasty Tombs. Visit the Dingling Tomb, also known as the Underground Palace, the first Imperial tomb excavated in China, housing the remains of Emperor Wan Li and two of his wives. In the exhibition, you'll also see many of the precious golden crowns and glittering jewels that were uncovered
Overnight: Beijing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 7, Thursday - Small Goose Pagoda, High-Speed Train to Chengdu
This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Xian. Arrive in Xian, the ancient capital of eleven dynasties and an archaeological treasure trove. Have lunch at a local restaurant. Later, visit to the ancient Xian city wall, which was started in 194 B.C. This is the most complete city wall that has survived in China, as well as being one of the largest ancient military defense systems in the world. Then, on to the Muslim Quarter, a hub of the Muslim community in Xian. At the bustling Beiyuanmen Market, you'll find a unique blend of Chinese and Islamic stalls with food and crafts. Tonight, dinner is at a local restaurant featuring Paomo, a local specialty
Overnight: Xian
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8, Friday - View Giant Pandas, Visit Mahjong Parlor
Morning visit to Xingqing Park, a hub of activity and join the residents of Xian in their morning exercise. Next, view the bronze chariot and horses, part of the Terracotta Army Museum. Afterward, visit an arts and crafts workshop gallery. Highlights include finely crafted terracotta figurines inspired by the Terracotta Army and beautifully polished lacquer furniture. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Then, a truly unforgettable experience! Arrive at the archaeological site of the magnificent Terracotta Warriors, a vast collection of more than 7,000 finely sculpted, life-size soldiers, horses and chariots that were entombed with Qin Shi Huang, China's first emperor. This world-famous site discovered by farmers in 1974 is still being excavated today. This evening, attend an optional Tang Dynasty 6-course dinner, followed by a historical dance performance by the Tang Dynasty troupe
Optional: Tang Dynasty Show with Dinner (PM)
Overnight: Xian
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 9, Saturday - Chongqing, Cruise Embarkation
Begin the day with a visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, one of the most famous Buddhist pagodas in China constructed during the Tang Dynasty. This brick and wood structure was only moderately damaged during the major earthquake in 1556 and still stands today as a compelling symbol of Xian. Lunch is at a local restaurant. Afterward, board a high-speed train to Chengdu. Arrive and transfer to your hotel in this capital city of Sichuan Province. Tonight, try the famous China "Hot Pot" for dinner. Created over 1,000 years ago, this dish varies by region and is popular all over the country
Overnight: Chengdu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10, Sunday - Cruise to Fengdu
This morning you'll get to visit some of Chengdu's most relaxed local celebrities - giant panda bears. You'll travel to the Chengdu Panda Research Center* which houses more than 80 giant pandas. The center is one of the largest panda breeding facilities in the world. Their livelihood in the wild is under threat from deforestation. After lunch at a local restaurant, join some residents in a local Mahjong parlor to watch this ancient Chinese game and have a few lessons from the experts. Later, attend the optional Sichuan Opera Show and be swept away and mesmerized by this exciting Sichuan show as artists take the stage in elaborate costumes to enact various performances
*This tour includes interactions with animals. Passengers may choose not to participate. Please note that no substitute or refund is available.
Optional: Sichuan Opera Show (PM)
Overnight: Chengdu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 11, Monday - Qutang and Wuxia Gorges
Depart by bus for Chongqing, gateway to the Yangtze River. Continue to Eling Park, located on a hill near the heart of the city. The park was established at the end of the Qing Dynasty in 1909 by a wealthy businessman. Discover hundreds of plant species during a stroll through the different parts of the well-tended gardens. Ascend to the lookout tower for stunning views of the Chongqing skyline. This evening, have dinner on your cruise ship and begin the scenic journey on the Yangtze River
Overnight: Yangtze River
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 12, Tuesday - Three Gorges Dam & Cruise Disembarkation, Train to Shanghai
Awake this morning to the beautiful vistas on the river. Today, head to Fendu Ghost City, located on the northern bank of the river. Explore the complex consisting of temples, shrines, and statues. Gain insight into Chinese ghost culture and afterlife. Later, return back to the ship
Overnight: Yangtze River
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 13, Wednesday - Yu Yuan Gardens
Wondrous views await you today. Sail through Qutang Gorge, the smallest of the three Yangtze Gorges followed by spectacular views of the surrounding mountain passes as you sail through the 25-mile long Wuxia (Witches) Gorge, famous for its fabled Twelve Peaks. According to legend, the peaks are believed to be the spirits of 12 fairies, the most famous of them being the Shennu Feng (Goddess) Peak, topped by a huge rock resembling a kneeling maiden. The shore excursion takes you to visit the natural scenic wonders of the Shennv or Shennong Stream*. Finally, begin sailing downstream through Xiling Gorge. The longest and deepest section of the Three Gorges system, it comprises the Xietan, Qintan, and Kongling rapids in what is known as the Three Rapids of Xiling
*The visit of Shennong or Shennv stream is dependent upon water levels
Overnight: Yangtze River
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 14, Thursday - Explore Fengjing Ancient Town
After breakfast, this morning's excursion provides you with impressive panoramic views of the Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest and most ambitious hydroelectric project ever undertaken by man, nearly six times the size of the Hoover Dam. This project has forever changed the landscape surrounding the Yangtze River. After disembarkation, have lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, transfer to the train station to board the train to cosmopolitan Shanghai, the fastest growing city in Asia, with its dramatic ever-changing skyline. Box dinner will be provided onboard the train
Overnight: Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 15, Friday - Depart China
Stroll this morning along the famous Bund walkway, with its gorgeous vistas of old and new Shanghai. Stop at a local silk carpet & embroidery shop and see how the fabric is woven into stunning designs by local craftspeople. Afterward, visit the classical Yu Yuan Gardens (Garden of Happiness) in the Old Quarter, built during the Ming Dynasty. This beautiful and serene sanctuary features pagodas, lakes, and magnificent pavilions. Next, proceed to the splendid Jade Buddha Temple, known for its impressive jade Buddha statues imported from Myanmar. Time at leisure for lunch and shopping in Shanghai. Tonight perhaps, explore some of the city's world-class restaurants on your own
Overnight: Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast
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