14-Day China Discovery Tour

Day 1 (Wed)

Hometown – Beijing

We start our vacation by boarding an international flight bound for Beijing, the capital of China, an ancient city of great splendor. Meals and snacks will be served on the plane.

Day 2 (Thu)

Beijing

Arrive at Beijing Capital Int’l Airport, our representative will greet and escort us to our hotel.

Day 3 (Fri)

Beijing

(AB, L, SD)

We will visit the Temple of Heaven in the morning. It is widely regarded as the noblest example of religious architectures in all of China. This site is where emperors came to worship heaven for a bountiful harvest. Then we will visit a jade workshop, where we will learn about Chinese jade culture. In the afternoon, we proceed to the fabled Great Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a massive defensive structure built to keep off intrusion. Tonight’s welcome dinner features China’s famous Peking duck.

Day 4 (Sat)

Beijing

(AB, L, D)

In the morning, visit the Summer Palace, former summer retreat for the imperial family during the late Qing Dynasty. Now it is China's largest and best-preserved royal garden. Afterwards, enjoy a visit to the fresh-water pearl shop. In the afternoon, we’ll walk around Tiananmen Square, probably the largest and most magnificent public square in the world. We will then explore the Forbidden City, the largest and most well-preserved imperial palace. This vast and exotic palace was brilliantly captured in the movie “The Last Emperor”. Proceed to Tongrentang, China’s most famous traditional pharmacy, where you could learn the mystifying Chinese theory of Yin & Yang balance.

Day 5 (Sun)

Beijing – Xi’an

(AB, SD)

In the morning, board a flight to Xi’an. It is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China. Xi’an held that position under several of the most important dynasties in Chinese history. We will visit City Wall - one of the few ancient city walls still standing in China. It refers to a civic defensive system used to protect towns and cities in China in pre-modern times. The system consisted of walls, towers, and gates, which were often built to a uniform standard throughout the Empire. Enjoy a good night of Dumpling Banquet Dinner and the Tang Dynasty Show.

Day 6 (Mon)

Xi’an

(AB, L, SD)

In the morning, visit the Wild Goose Pagoda, a famous Buddhist pagoda in China. Then we will transfer to one of the most exciting archaeological finds of the 20th Century - Terracotta Warriors and reproduction factory. Current estimates – there were over 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses, the major of which are still buried in the pits. Lastly, indulge in a hot-pot dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 7 (Tue)

Xi’an – Shanghai – Suzhou

(AB, SD)

In the morning, board a short flight to Shanghai, the most populous city in China. Due to its rapid growth in the last two decades, it has again become a global city, exerting influence over finance, commerce, fashion, and culture. Upon arrival, we will explore the Special Economic Zone of Pudong and walk along the East Side of Huangpu River with memorable views of the Bund and the Huangpu River. Then we will visit the famous waterfront, the Bund. In the afternoon, we will drive directly to Suzhou, which is known as ‘Venice of the East’ with its network of canal streets that are criss-crossed by 300 bridges. Tonight enjoy the buffet dinner at hotel.

Day 8 (Wed)

Suzhou

(AB, L, D)

Suzhou has over 2,500 years of rich history, and relics of the past are abundant to this day. In the morning, we will visit the Garden for Lingering In. Then we will take a boat ride to explore the Grand Canal which is second only to the Great Wall as a Chinese ancient engineering feat. Because Suzhou is famous for its delicate and smooth silk and embroidery, we’ve arranged for a visit to a silk factory. Lastly we will visit the Suzhou Museum, a museum of ancient Chinese art, ancient Chinese paintings, calligraphies, and hand-made crafts.

Day 9 (Thu)

Suzhou – Shanghai

(AB, L)

In the morning, we drive back to Shanghai and visit the City God Temple Open Market. We will also make a stop at a Chinese tea house. If time permits, we will go to Tianzifang, a place where we can get the feeling of creative arts, romantic cafe and old Shanghai atmosphere. Tonight we will enjoy the Chinese Acrobatic Show.

Day 10 (Fri)

Shanghai – Guilin

(AB, D)

In the morning, we will fly to Guilin, a prefecture-level city in China. It is situated in the northeast of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on the west bank of the Li River. Its name means “forest of Sweet Osmanthus”, owing to the large number of fragrant Sweet Osmanthus trees located in the city. The city has long been renowned for its unique scenery. Upon arrival, we will visit the Reed Flute Cave and enjoy a picturesque view of the city and countryside. We will also visit the Seven Star Park (Panda Zoo).

Day 11 (Sat)

Guilin – Yangshuo – Guilin

(AB, L, D)

Have a boat ride along Li River where we will have lunch on board. The 40-mile journey to Yangshuo glides through a landscape filled with natural beauty of mist shrouded crags and bamboo groves, which have inspired painter and poets for many centuries. We will also walk around the Open Market for souvenir shopping. Drive back to Guilin after the tour.

Day 12 (Sun)

Guilin – Hong Kong

(AB)

Today we will go to Hong Kong, the Harbor of Fragrance. After checking in at the hotel, you can explore the charm and dynamic beauty of Hong Kong on your own.

Day 13 (Mon)

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a kaleidoscope of life; a sophisticated fusion of East and West; a city of diversity where new and old meet at every turn. It is a unique experience shaped by a distinctive past and dreams of the future; an age-old synthesis of cultures and traditions that opens a window into what will be, while embracing what has passed. Today you will continue exploring Hong Kong on your own or join an optional tour to Macau.

Day 14 (Tue)

Hong Kong – Hometown

Today we will transfer to the airport for our return flight home, taking with us the lasting memories of this wonderful trip to China.

• Evocative ruins of the historic church of St Paul, a grand imposing facade of an early 16th century church designed by Italians and built by Japanese Christian exiles
• Macau Tower, the 11th highest tower in the world. Entry to the observation deck is optional (payable direct)
• A-Ma Temple, a graceful chapel built in 1488
• Lunch
• Roundtrip ferry