China
Tour Length : 5 Nights / 6 Days

Day 1 : Arrive in Beijing, China
Welcome to China’s capital city. Hotel rooms are available for immediate check-in.

Day 2 : Beijing
Your full-day sightseeing starts with a visit to the FORBIDDEN CITY and its IMPERIAL PALACE, once the home of China’s great emperors. Nearby is TIAN’ANMEN SQUARE, the largest public square in the world spanning 100 acres. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and continue to the former SUMMER PALACE, a complex of pavilions, temples, and galleries set among beautifully landscaped grounds and situated on Kunming Lake. This evening’s special Chinese WELCOME DINNER features delectable Peking Duck. (B,L,D)

Day 3 : Beijing
The GREAT WALL OF CHINA once stretched 4,000 miles across China’s barren northern terrain from the Bohai Sea to the Gobi Desert. Head north to a village where the Great Wall is well preserved and walk along the wall to enjoy sweeping vistas of this mammoth fortress. Then, visit a CLOISONNE WORKSHOP where you will see local artisans use the techniques of this ancient art form to turn pieces of copper into colorful decorative items. After lunch in a local restaurant, take a leisurely walk down the SACRED WAY of the Ming Tombs and marvel at the impressive hand-carved stone statues. Tonight, experience local culture at the PEKING OPERA, including a behind-the-scenes look at the colorful make-up being applied to the performers. (B,L)

Day 4 : Beijing–Xi’an
This morning, enjoy a rickshaw ride through one of Beijing’s HUTONGS, the city’s ancient alleys. During this visit you’re welcomed into the courtyard of a family’s home and a daycare center to experience life in this historic neighborhood. A short flight brings you to the city of Xi’an in central China. Look forward to this evening’s highlight, “The Tang Dynasty” DINNER SHOW, featuring a colorful assemblage of classical performances.

Day 5 : Xi’an
One of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world when China dominated the silk trade, Xi’an today is an archaeological treasure-trove. Sightseeing begins with a visit to the DAYAN PAGODA, built in 652 A.D. During lunch, enjoy a NOODLE-MAKING DEMONSTRATION by a master chef and learn how Chinese noodles are made by hand. In 1974 the TOMB of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi was accidentally discovered by local farmers. Marvel at the legion of terracotta warriors that has been guarding the burial site for 2,000 years. (B,L)

Day 6 : Xi’an–Hangzhou
Fly to Hangzhou with its beautiful gardens and picturesque surroundings. Sightseeing includes visits to the PAGODA OF SIX HARMONIES and LINGYIN TEMPLE. (B,L,D)

Day 7 : Hangzhou–Wuzhen–Suzhou
Enjoy a leisurely morning CRUISE on the West Lake; sights include a collection of ancient bridges, causeways, temples, and palaces with well-manicured gardens and rock sculptures. View Three Moon Reflection Island prior to traveling by motorcoach to Wuzhen, a 1,000-year-old water town with ancient homes, workshops, and stores still standing on the banks of the rivers. Continue on to Suzhou, renowned for its silk factories. Here you’ll visit the INSTITUTE OF EMBROIDERY to witness local artists making vibrant and elegant Chinese silk embroidery and marvel at the display of stunning Ming Dynasty Imperial Robes. (B,L,D)

Day 8 : Suzhou–Shanghai
This morning’s sightseeing includes a visit to the tranquil GARDEN OF THE MASTER’S FISHING NET, designed during the Song Dynasty (960–1279 A.D.). The garden is an architectural achievement for its illusionary use of space, making it seem much larger than its actual size. Then, enjoy a boat ride on the OLD CANAL and visit a SILK REELING FACTORY. Continue by motorcoach to Shanghai, China’s most populous city and center of trade and industry. Tonight there will be plenty of time to enjoy the city, shop some of the 400 stores on Nanjing Road and the famous Friendship Store on the Bund, or be amazed at the fabulous acrobatic show optional tour. (B,L)

Day 9 : Shanghai
Full day of sightseeing. Stroll along the Bund, the city’s riverfront boulevard lined with historic buildings, housing, banks, and trade houses. You’ll visit the SHANGHAI MUSEUM and experience the YU YUAN GARDENS. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and visit the CHILDREN’S PALACE, one of China’s famous kindergartens. This evening special FAREWELL DINNER (B, L, D)

Day 10 :THE TRIP ENDS TODAY. (B)