CT-04
Day 1. Hometown to Beijing
Take overnight flight to Beijing. Meals & drinks are included.
Day 2. Beijing (IM)
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, Lunch )
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 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 man made object visible from the moon, and as 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 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/Chengdu ( AB, )
Fly to 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 8 Chengdu ( AB, L )
In the morning, go to visit the Giant Panda Research Base, here is thebest place to see Chengdu's most famous residents. The Museum Here graphically details the panda reproductive problems and there is also alarge breeding ground at the site. In the afternoon go to visit the famousDujiangyan Irrigation System, which is a miracle of ancient Chinese ingenuity. Optional : Optional Sichuan flavor dinner & folklore show, including mask-changing magic.
Hotel : Tibet Hotel Chengdu or similar 4Star
Day 9 Chengdu Chongqing ThreeGorges(B/L/D) M.V. Yangtze No.2 or similar 5Star
Take a High-speed train (2 hours) to the mountain city of Chongqing, the birthplace of Ba and Yu culture with the history of 3000 years. After dinner around 17:00 board the deluxe Yangtze River cruise ship and start you venture 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.
Day 10 ThreeGorges Fengdu (B/L/D) M.V. Yangtze No.2 or similar 5Star
Optional Shore excursion to【Fengdu Ghost City】(09:00-12:00) Shore excursion to 【Shibaozhai】(15:30-18:00)
Captain's Welcome Party at 18:00 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. Disembark at Fengdu, the "Ghost City" for an excursion. Around 18:00 Captain's Welcome Party, after that 18:30 is dinner buffet.
Day 11 Three Gorges ( B/L/D ) M.V. Yangtze No.2. or similar 5Star
Optional Shore excursion to【White Emperor City】( 07:30-10:00 ) Shore excursion to 【Shennong Stream】( 13:30-17:00) Captain’s Farewell Banquet ( 19:00 ) & Crew show at 20:00
Begin the passage with Qutang Gorge, the shortest and the grandest of the Three Gorges. Later we will pass thru the Wu Gorge with its famous lofty and misty peaks. Disembark at Badong for an excursion to 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. Captain’s Farewell Banquet ( 19:00 ) & Crew show at 20:00
Day 12: Three Gorges Yichang-Wuhan/Kunming(AB, L)
Shore Excursion to the Three Gorges Dam ( 07:30-10:30) 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 Kunming as the capital city of Yunnan, has the best climate of all Chinese cities, popularly known as the “Spring City”. The long history, many minority nationalities and the unique natural resources help to make the city rich and colorful, filled with historical and cultural relics as well as exquisite natural beauty.
Hotel : Kunming Grand Park Hotel or similar 4Star
Day 13 Kunming Stone Forest Kunming(B/L/D)
Visit the Stone Forest after breakfast. Due to a process of weathering and erosion, nature has created an art gallery of stone sculptures here. This typical karst takes the form of a forest of stone pillars and boulders. It is as if the countless stone shapes have sprung from the ground, assuming different shapes as if vying to surpass each other in grandeur and sublime beauty. After that,sightsee the Western Hills and the Dragon Gate. The Hills resemble a reclining maiden lying on the banks of Dianchi Lake with her long hair flowing down into the lake. As a result, the Western Hills have the nickname of the “A Sleeping Beauty Hills”. Enjoy local cuisine dinner.
Hotel : Kunming Grand Park Hotel or similar 4Star
Day 14.Kunming Dali (B/L/D)
Early morning take coach to Dali, home of the Bai Minority Group. Dali is a 600-year-old town featuring stone walls, grey-tilted roofs, doors and windows carved with dragon and phoenix patterns. It also features beautiful gardens, and the entire town is
covered by a maze of streams fed by runoffs from Cangshan Mountains. Take an excursion to Butterfly Spring followed by a cruise of Erhai Lake. Get first hand experience of local daily life as we visit a Bai Minority Village, tasting famous "Three Course Tea." On the way back into town, we stop at the famous "Three Elegant Pagodas," an outstanding landmark of the region
Hotel : Dali Hotel Landscape or similar 4Star
Day 15.Dali Lijiang (B/L/D)
This morning we journey by bus to Lijiang, the cultural center of the Naxi Minority. Lijiang has beautiful landscapes and has been designated by the UN as a World Cultural Heritage Site. Gaze in wonder at the sights and sounds of this ancient city as you walk down the cobblestone streets preserved for over 700 years. We see that the Naxi way of life has changed very little over time. A short bus ride away is Black Dragon Pond, where we take a leisurely stroll around the pristine surroundings.
Hotel : Lijiang Jinfu Hotel or similar 4Star
Day 16.Lijiang(B/L/D)
The highlight of the day must be Jade Dragon Mountain, the mythical mountain worshipped by the Naxi people. The bus drops us off at the base where we board chair lifts to access higher regions that afford a beautiful view of the famed Thirteen Peaks. Our rest stop on the way to Jade Dragon Mountain is Baisha Village, the ancient capital of the Naxi Kingdom. The Baisha Frescoes with their fine and smooth lines, bright colors, vivid pattern and balanced and harmonious composition are a wonderful sight. They are not only crucial to the history of Chinese painting, but are important cultural heritage relics too.
Hotel : Lijiang Jinfu Hotel or similar 4Star
Day 17. Lijiang/Shanghai (AB, L)
We will 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 18. Shanghai (AB, L )
Today, we visit the magnificent Yu Garden, were 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 ,as they have unique architecture style combined with 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 19 Shanghai-Suzhou-Shanghai (AB, L)
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 20 Shanghai (AB)
Free
Hotel: Shanghai Salvo Hotel or similar 4Star
Day 21. 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 )
Chengdu Tibet Hotel (www.tibethotelchengdu.cn )
M.S. Yangtze 2 (5-star) (http://www.ccotc.com/cruise.do?method=queryCruiseById&id=27&menu=0)
Kunming Grand Park Hotel (www.parkhotelgroup.com )
Dali Hotel Landscape (www.landscapehotel.com )
Lijiang Jinfu Hotel( www.ljjinfuhotel.com )
M.S. Yangtze 2 (5-star) (http://www.ccotc.com/cruise.do?method=queryCruiseById&id=27&menu=0)
Shanghai Salvo Hotel (www.salvohotelshanghai.com)
