CT-01
Day 1. Hometown to Beijing
Take an overnight flight to Beijing. Meals & drinks are included.
Day 2. Beijing
Welcome to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), the 2nd busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic. You will be greeted by our tour guide and transferred to check in at your luxurious hotel where you are at your leisure to relax and enjoy the evening.
Hotel: Beijing International Hotel or similar 4Star
Day 3. Beijing (American Breakfast, L, D )
Beijing served as the capital of 5 dynasties over a period of 800 years with each emperor identified as a dragon sent from the heaven. Start your city tour with a visit to the Tiananmen Square, it is the largest public square in the world. Next, we will tour the Forbidden City. This complex, the largest and most intact conglomeration of ancient structures of the imperial palace ever built in the world, features more than 800 buildings with 9999rooms, resplendent golden-glazed roofs, red lacquered pillars and vermilion walls. Next stop is the Temple of Heaven, which was used to pray for good harvest in ancient times. Then a tour to the Summer Palace, the largest ancient preserved garden in China and a former summer retreat for Emperors and the chosen few. Optional: Enjoy the famous 'Legend of Kungfu' show in the evening.
Hotel: Beijing International Hotel or similar 4Star
Day 4. Beijing (AB, L,)
The highlight today is a trip to the astonishing Great Wall at Juyongguan Path. The Great Wall is the most famous image of China throughout the world. It is the only manmade object visible from space, and is one of the Eight Wonders of the world. It is a symbol of Chinese traditional culture and the pride of the Chinese nation. Later visit the Sacred Path of Ming Tombs, 13 of the 16 Ming emperors have their tombs here. This is an attractive destination as much for the natural scenery of the area as for the tombs themselves. Visit the Cloisonne Factory .and admire the beautiful Bird’Nest National Stadium & Water Cube from the outside. Optional Dinner: Enjoy the famous Peking Duck dinner in the evening..
Hotel: Beijing International Hotel or similar 4Star
Day5. Beijing, Xi'an (AB, L, SD)
Visit the historic Hutong Alley of Beijing’s old town via Rickshaw. Here you can sense the many different sights and sounds of historic Beijing. Walk along Lotus Flower Market. Later in the day, you will catch a flight to Xi'an, The first Chinese city to open up its doors to the ancient world during the Tang Dynasty as the first stop on the Silk Road. Over a period of more than 2000 years, Xian was the capital for eleven dynasties. Along with Rome and Constantinople, this city was a world leader in culture and trade and played a vital role in bridging the gap between east and west. Upon arrival sightsee the Bell Tower, and enjoy the Dumpling Banquet dinner in the evening.
Hotel: Xi'an Titan Times Hotel or similar 4Star
Day 6. Xi'an (AB, L,)
Visit the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses, the attached defending army to the first emperor of China, it is regarded as “the eighth wonder of the world” and among the top archaeological excavations of the 20th century. Visit the Large Wild Goose Pagoda, the symbol of the city, it is said to have been built to house and protect Buddhist scriptures collected by the Chinese monk, Xuan Zang. Optional:Enjoy the Tang Dynasty Singing and Dancing Show in the evening.
Hotel: Xi'an Titan Times Hotel or similar 4Star
Day7. Xi'an, Lhasa (AB, D)
Visit the Ancient City Wall, it is not only the most complete city wall that has survived in China, but it’s also one of the largest and most complete ancient military defense systems in the world. After that we'll depart Xi'an by air for Lhasa-the capital city of Tibet Autonomous Region since the 7th Century and is both political and religious heart of Tibet. Although Lhasa is famous for being one of the highest cities in the world, what really knocks you out here is the full scale impact on your senses of the breathtaking beauty, unique landscape and the holy atmosphere of this religious center. Upon arrival, transferred to hotel, and the rest of the day at your leisure.
Hotel: Lhasa Yak Hotel or similar 4Star
Day 8. Lhasa (AB, L, SD)
In the morning sightsee the Potala Palace, the home of the Dalai Lamas, the traditional theological rulers and Buddhism’s highest ranking priests of Tibet. It was the former political heart of Tibet and contains unimaginable treasures. Then visit Lhasa’s holiest temple—Jokhang Temple, the religious center of Tibet. This 1300 year old temple houses a pure gold Buddha statue that was a gift from the Tang Dynasty of China. Sightseeing the Barkhor Market, which is the religious and social focus of Lhasa. Today it is a big free market where you can get a typical Tibetan souvenir here at a good price.
Hotel: Lhasa Yak Hotel or similar 4Star
Day 9. Lhasa (AB, L, D)
Visit to the Sera Monastery, is one of three famous monasteries in the city along with the Drepung Monastery and the Ganden Monastery The monastery was named Sera which means wild rose in the Tibetan language, because the hill behind it was covered with wild roses in bloom when it was built. After that visit Norbulinka, keeping Tibetan culture and values alive, it dedicated to handing down tradition and restoring standards by providing training and education and employment for Tibetan. It supports an environment in which Tibetan community and family values can flourish. Visit Nun Monastery and a local Tibetan family
Hotel: Lhasa Yak Hotel or similar 4Star
Day 10 Lhasa, Chengdu ( AB, )
Fly to Chengdu, upon arrival, transferred to hotel, and the rest of the day at your leisure.
Hotel : Tibet Hotel Chengdu or similar 4Star
Day 11 Chengdu ( AB, L, )
In the morning, go to visit the Giant Panda Research Base, here is the best place to see Chengdu's most famous residents. The Museum Here graphically details the panda reproductive problems and there is also a large breeding ground at the site. After a few hours with the pandas, drive to Wenshu Temple, a typical ancient monastery of Qing Dynasty in downtown Chengdu. You can also spend some time sitting in its tea house enjoying a cup of traditional Chinese tea and absorb the special atmosphere of Chengdu. Then drive to Jinli Old Street, you’ll roam through one of the oldest streets and experience the local snacks and artifacts. Experience here may bring you back to Shu KingdomOptional : Sichuan flavor dinner & folklore show, including mask-changing magic.
Hotel: Tibet Hotel Chengdu or similar 4Star
Day 12 Chengdu, Chongqing, ThreeGorges (B/L/D) Yangtze Gold 7 or similar 5Star
Visit the famous Dujiangyan Irrigation System, which is a miracle of ancient Chinese ingenuity.After that, take a High-speed train (2 hours) to the mountain city of Chongqing, board the deluxe Yangtze River cruise ship around 20:00 after dinner and start you adventure tour on the Yangtze River. With a rich Chinese cultural heritage of thousands of years, the Three Gorges is not only a picturesque natural gallery, but also a spectacular treasure house. On a Yangtze River cruise you can participate in the onboard cultural activities, go exploring the riverside ancient towns, or simply relax on deck, breathe some fresh air, view the stunning passing scenery and take photos.Yangtze River cruise ,that's what we specialize in.
Day13 ThreeGorges, Fengdu (B/L/D) Yangtze Gold 7 or similar 5Star
Shore excursion to the Ghost City of Fengdu (14:00-17:00) Captain's Welcome Party (18:20-19:00)
In the early morning, the cruise leaves Chongqing, your memorable Yangtze River tour begins. And you will have a Safety orientation & River Briefing. You will learn the geography & river lore of China. After lunch, disembark at Fengdu, the "Ghost City" for an excursion. Around 18:20-19:00, Captain's Welcome Party presents Chinese folk dancing and music performance. You can also join in the fun. 19:00-20:30 is dinner (buffet). 21:00 is the entertainment show
Day 14: ThreeGorges(B/L/D) Yangtze Gold 7 or similar 5Star
Optional Shore excursion to White Emperor City (07:30-10:00) (optional)Shore excursion to the Lesser Three Gorges by boat (1300-17:00)Begin the passage with Qutang Gorge, the shortest and the grandest of the Three Gorges. Later we will pass the Wu Gorge with its famous lofty and misty peaks. Disembark at Badong for an excursion to the Lesser Three Gorges, but it's always subject to change according to water level & weather condition. The trip features natural beauty and an exciting boat ride drifting along the crystal stream. The speed boat allows you to experience a speedy adventure and have a close look at mossy rocks, verdant plants, plank roads, ancient coffins and precious animals. The unique songs of the local Tujia people are very impressive. The continue sailing into the western section of Xiling Gorge. Pass the five-step ship lock. Dock overnight at Sandouping, close to the Three Gorges Dam.
Day 15: Three Gorges, Yichang, Shanghai (AB, L, D)
Shore Excursion to the Three Gorges Dam (08:00-11:00) After breakfast visit the Three Gorges Dam. Afterwards pass the eastern section of Xiling Gorge，the longest one of the Three Gorges.Disembark at Yichang around 12:00 the terminus of our memorable Yangtze cruise, then fly to Shanghai, the largest commercial and financial center of China. Upon arrival, transferred to hotel, and the rest of the day at your leisure.
Hotel: Shanghai Salvo Hotel or similar 4Star
Day 16. Shanghai (AB, L,)
Today, we visit the magnificent Yu Garden. Right out of the Yu Garden, you can observe local people's life at the Yuyuan Market (Yu Garden Market). Proceed to the Temple of Jade Buddha. Take a stroll or shop in the famed Nanjing Road and then down to the Bund alongside the Huangpu River to explore the modern aspect of Shanghai, and People's Square , they have a unique architecture style combine western and Chinese style. After shopping, we go to Shanghai Museum. With special exhibits and a collection of 120,000 precious works of art, this has become a favorite destination for tourists and local people. You can easily spend a few hours to examine its rich quality collection of ancient Chinese bronze, ceramics, painting and calligraphy Optional: We will enjoy the world famous Acrobatic Show tonight
Hotel: Shanghai Salvo Hotel or similar 4Star
Day 17 Shanghai, Suzhou, Shanghai (AB)
Excursion to the water town Suzhou, including the Garden of Master of Nets, Silk Spinning Factory, cruise on the Grand Canal and Pingjiang Road Old Town Area.
Hotel: Shanghai Salvo Hotel or similar 4Star
Day 18 Shanghai (AB)
Free
Hotel: Shanghai Salvo Hotel or similar 4Star
Day 19. Shanghai/Hometown (AB)
Transfer to the airport for your flight home, or begin optional Post-Trip Extension.
Hotel List:
Beijing International Hotel ( www.bih.com.cn )
Xi’an Titan Times Hotel ( www.titantimeshotel.com )
Lhasa Yak Hotel or similar
Chengdu Tibet Hotel (www.tibethotelchengdu.cn )
Yangtze Gold 7 (http://www.yangtze-gold.com )
Shanghai Salvo Hotel (www.salvohotelshanghai.com)
