13 Days Essence of China

Highlights: Welcome to Beijing, the capital of China! Your local guide will escort you to your hotel in a private vehicle. The rest of today is free for you to explore the vast metropolis on your own.

Highlights: Today you will visit Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace. Evening is a Kungfu Show for you to learn Chinese martial art culture. 

Tian'anmen Square: Literally means Gate of Heavenly Peace, is great cultural significance as several important events of Chinese history happened here. With 440,000 m² - 880 m by 500 m, the Tiananmen Square is the largest city square in the world . 

Forbidden City: As the seat of Imperial power, the Forbidden City was built between 1406 and 1420 by the 3rd Emperor of Ming Dynasty, it is also known as the Imperial Palace Museum. Being ruined and renovated for many time, what you can see today is the buildings date from the 1700’s and onwards. The complex is totally 183 acres, there are total 9999.5 rooms in the Museum, some of them are not open for visitors yet. 

Summer Palace: As the largest and best preserved imperial garden, the Summer Palace is also known as the Royal Garden Museum. It was used by royal family for 800 years, in 19th century, the famous Empress Dowager Cixi ordered massive renovations and restore by using the funds of Chinese navy. The garden is totally 293 hectares, of which the water takes 220 hectares, the highlights are Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake. 

Kungfu Show: Which a great show telling a story of Chin Yu entering the monastery and making his way through life to finally becoming the Abbott. The show are with many demonstrations of Kungfu and various costumes. The show lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes, visitors are not allowed to take photos or videos, but DVD of the show are available to be purchased.

Highlights: This morning tour will take you to size up the world-famous Great Wall (Mutianyu section which is less crowded, round-way cable car fee is INCLUDED), the key symbol of China. Flexible visiting time allows you to enjoy a lifetime trekking trip (1-2 hours' hiking). On the way to the Great Wall, you may have a distant view of the Olympic sites--Brid's Nest and Water Cube. Afterwards is a visit to the Changling Tomb and Sacred Road. In the evening, try the flavorful dish of Peking Roast Duck Dinner.

Great Wall of Mutianyu section: In the northern part of Huairou County some 70 kilometers north-east of Beijing City, the Mutianyu (Mu Tian Yu) section of the Great Wall stretches its way for over 2 kilometers. This section is well preserved and is a good alternative for visitors who would like to avoid crowds along the highly popular Badaling (Ba Da Ling) section during holiday and peak seasons.

Bird's Nest:  Which is also known as the National Stadium, due to its iconic design was the key competition venue of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and the 13th Paralympic Games. The opening and closing ceremonies of the two Games have taken place here, together with the football, and track and field competitions. The stadium is the world's largest steel structure

Water Cube: which is also called the National Aquatics Centre, is one of the dramatic and amazing venues to host Beijing Olympics in 2008. This is the first building of its kind in China and it is also an economical and water-saving creation. The structural design is based on the natural formation of soap bubbles which give a random, organic appearance and helping to link the structure to its aquatic function.The swimming pool is deeper than most Olympic swimming pools, allowing swimming at faster speeds, while the gutters to the side of the pool disperse wave energy.  A consequence of this was the breaking of 25 world records during the 2008 Olympics.

Sacred Road: Affiliated with the Ming Tombs, the Sacred Road was originally built to lead to the Changling mausoleum. It was considered to be the road leading to heaven. Chinese emperors were known as the Son of Heaven. During their reign they often passed through the sacred road to the sacrificial altar in order to converse with heaven. After their death, the funeral procession also took the path through the Sacred Road as a symbol of the passed emperor 's journey to heaven in the afterlife.

Changling Tomb: Fifty kilometers northwest from Beijing City lies the Ming Tombs – the general name given to the mausoleums of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644). The mausoleums have been perfectly preserved, as has the necropolis of each of the many emperors. Because of its long history, palatial and integrated architecture, the site has a high cultural and historic value. The layout and arrangement of all thirteen mausoleums are very similar but vary in size as well as in the complexity of their structures.

Peking Duck Dinner: Peking Duck or Beijing Roast Duck is regarded as one of the most delicious dishes throughout the world; It is a must for most visitors coming to Beijing to have a bite.

Highlights: Today you’ll visit the Temple of Heaven where the emperors worshipped heaven and prayed for peace and harvest. Then you will be escorted to the train station for the bullet train Xian. Upon arriving in Xian, your local guide will meet you and take you to your hotel.Rest of the day is free for you to explore the city on your own.

Temple of Heaven: Located in southeastern urban Beijing, Temple of Heaven is a dignified complex of fine cult buildings set in gardens and surrounded by historic pine woods,. The Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties visited the complex annually and prayed to Heaven for good harvest. Now, the Temple of Heaven, as a symbol of the city, is one of the must-see attractions in Beijing and has been listed as an UNESCO'S World Cultural Heritage site in 1998.

Highlights: This morning you will visit the incredible life-size Terracotta Warriors ---a lifetime view of the extraordinary 2200-year-old terra-cotta Army of China' First Emperor-Qin Shihuang., and then pay a visit to the Ceramics Factory to learn the Chinese ceramics culture. Afterwards you will visit the Ancient City Walls--a symbol of great significance of the famous historic cultural city of Xian, you might have a biking tour on the wall by paying addtional RMB45=USD7/per person, it could be very special experience. 

Terra-Cotta Warriors: As the most important site in Xian and China, the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses are the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century. It took 11 years to finish, a group of peasants uncovered some pottery while digging for a well nearby the royal tomb in 1974. It caught the attention of archeologists immediately. The museum covers an area of 16,300 square meters, divided into three sections: No. 1 Pit, No. 2 Pit, and No. 3 Pit respectively. They were tagged in the order of their discoveries.

Ancient City Walls: As the first landmark you will encounter in Xi'an, the ancient city wall stretches round the old city. Xi'an was originally a walled city, and even today the wall is considered a landmark dividing the city into the inner part and the outer part. The wall is massive - tall, long and thick. The South Gate and North Gate are the two main entrances to the inner city. Having a biking tour on the wall is special experience you should not miss.

Highlights: Today you will visit The Shanxi Provincial Museum---a large modern museum of the national level. Then move to visit the Muslim community before your guide escorts you to the airport for your flight to Chengdu. Upon your arrival in Chengdu, the home of Pandas, your personal guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel.  

Shaanxi Provincial Museum: As the largest comprehensive museum in Shanxi province, the museum was built at the site of a former Confucian temple in the southern of Xian, it occupies an area of 70,000 square meters, and exhibits historical relics and stone carvings of ancient China. If you are history lovers, Shaanxi Provincial Museum is a must on your Xian trip

Muslim Quarter: Xi'an, was the capital in Tang Dynasty (618–907), Muslim merchants followed the silk road and settled down to start their business there, and their traditions and belief have been well preserved. Muslim quarter is the community of the Muslims, and a fascinating area where you can find exotic food, interesting people and great souvenir stalls.

Highlights: Today you will visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, followed by a trip to the Wenshu Temple, then wander around Jinli Old Street for shopping.  Evennig is a hotpot dinner for you.                     

Chengdu Panda Base: Which is 10km from Chengdu downtown, and takes 35 drive to get there. The panda based was founded in 1987 with with 6 giant pandas that rescued from the wild. Through 2015, it has had 161 panda births, and its panda population has grown to 108. Located in the base, the Giant Panda Museum is the world’s only museum that focuses entirely on the critically endangered giant panda.

Wenshu Temple: Located in the northwest of Chengdu, the Wenshu Temple is a famous Buddhist temple in China. The present temple grounds were built in 1697 of the Qing Dynasty. Wenshu is the Chinese word for the future Buddha Maitreya, whose presence was found during the construction of the original temple in the form of persistent lights. Here you can find a fine cup of green tea and the best vegetarian food in the city. A tourist district called Wenshufang is around the temple, it is great place for food, souvenirs ,etc. 

Jinli Old Street: Originally built in Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Jinli Street is 350m long and a concentration of Chengdu nightlife, snacks and folk culture. There are many cafes and bars here - including Starbucks. They blend modern elements with the old buildings harmoniously. It is enjoyable to sit on a wooden or bamboo chair with a cup of delicious coffee. When night falls, the whole street is decorated with beautiful red lanterns on the each eave of the ancient buildings. 

Chengdu Hotpot: Chengdu hotpot is certainly a must-taste in this Panda city. A big pot filled with hot spicy oil and surrounded by plates of raw meats and vegetables. The pieces of meat and vegetables are sliced very small so they will cook very quickly. Most of the pots used in hotpot are divided into two sections. One half is filled with the spicy oil, and the other is filled with a delicious broth for those who are not a big fan of spicy foods. Restaurants are also more than happy to turn down the heat on request.

Highlights: Today is free until your guide escorts you to catch flight to Guilin. Upon your arrival in Guilin, the most scenic city in China, your personal guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax. Evening if time permits, you can walk leisurly around the famous city water system--Two Rivers and Four Lakes for zmazing night views.

Two Rivers and Four Lakes: Which is refers to the water system consisted of Li River, Peach Blossom River, Wooden Dragon Lake, Othmanthus Tree Lake, Banyan Tree Lake and Fir Tree Lake that surrounding the downtown Guilin. A walking tour or a boat tour through the area is definitely a highlight, it is extremely beautiful with evening lights.’

Highlights: Today you will be driven 40 minutes to Zhujiang Pier for the lifetime Li River cruise. After 4 hours cruise, you will disembark at Yangshuo town and walk 20 minutes through the famous West Street and check in your hotel. Rest of the day you will be free to explore the West Street. 

Li River Cruise: As one of the most famous river cruise in China, the Li River has attracted millions of visitors and celebrities from all parts of the world. During the 4 hours cruise, you will be inspired by breathtaking views of peaks and pinnacles, crystal-clear water and picturesque pastoral views of rice paddies, bamboo trees and water buffaloes. Visitors feel they have stepped into a traditional Chinese painting

Yangshuo Beer Fish: It is hard to believe that “beer fish” is one of the most iconic dishes served in Yangshuo. Normally the dish is made with an entire fresh water river fish chopped up into chunks and simmered in a sauce filled with tomatoes, chili peppers, onions, and a splash of beer to liven-up the sauce. Beer fish is one of the most popular Chinese dishes to enjoy in Yangshuo!.

Recommended paid add-on show:“Impression Third Sister Liu>”, Price: RMB268=USD45/per person for basic seat. (we do not include it because the availability is subject to the weather.)  Website:www.yxlsj.com/english/index.asp. 

Highlights: This morning you will have a countryside biking tour (4-5 hours) with the guide. You firstly will cycle along the main road to the famous Moon Hill, climb 20 minutes up to the top is the breathtaking view of the limestone peaks, farmland, etc. Then keep cycling along the beautiful Yulong River all the way upstream to Jiuxian Village from where you may see some traditional Chinese building.  Afterward you will cycle to the Yulong Bridage, this ancient and the surrendings will present you a tranditional Chinese Painting.  In the afternoon, cycle along the main road back to Yangshuo county. Rest of the day is free for you to relax. 

Highlights: Drive 1.5 hours back to Guilin and visit the Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave. After the tour, be escorted to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Welcome to Shanghai, the most metropolis of China! Upon arrival, you’ll be met by our guide and escorted to your hotel. The rest of today is at your leisure.

Elephant Hill: Which is situated at the junction of the Li River and Taohuajiang Rivers. Rising 55 meters above the water, the hill is a spectacular limestone karst formation with a naturally-shaped cave at the bottom. Look from distance, the hill is like a huge elephant drinking water from the river. As a symbol of Guilin, it is definitely a must see when visiting Guilin.

Reed Flute Cave: known as "the Palace of Natural Arts ” , Reed flute cave is located 5km away from downtown Guilin, and considered as one of the most extraordinary scenic spots in China. As "must-see" sights in Guilin, the cave is 240m long and 19 degrees centigrade all the year round. It is a magic fairyland of stalactites, stalagmites, stone pillars, stone curtains, etc. The cave is now equipped with artificial lighting system to emphasize visual effect.

Highlights: Today visit the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, Yu Garden, Yu Garden Bazaar. Then ascend the Jinmao Tower to get an amazing bird’s eye view of this metropolis. 

Note: Recommended optional night show---Acrobatics Opera (RMB260=USD43/per)

Urban Planning and Exhibition Center: Completed in 2000， Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center will show you Shanghai’s past and future. This five-story building is made of microlite glass, is the first kind in China showcasing a city’s development. On the third floor, an awesome vast scale model of urban Shanghai will help you to look into a couple of decades. This exhibition center provides a perfect platform for the citizens to learn the official urban planning as well as a bridge for communication between citizens and government.

Yu Garden: Also called Happy Garden, was built 400 years ago in the Ming Dynasty, with an exquisite layout and beautiful scenery, Yuyuan Garden is one of the highlights of Shanghai. The inner and outer gardens were both designed in the Ming Dynasty style, with numerous rock and trees, ponds, dragon-lined walls and zigzagging bridges separating various garden areas and pavilions. The surrounding bazaar area is full of traditional Chinese products, gold, and jewels, which offers good shopping opportunities for shoppers. 

Jinmao Tower: It was the highest building in China and 3rd in the world until 2007 before the World Financial Center was finished. Jin Mao follows a multi-use model, offering retail shopping at its base, offices above, and the Grand Hyatt Hotel occupies the upper 38 floors. If you are not afraid of heights, going to the top of the Jinmao Tower is an interesting experience. The 88th floor offers an illusion that Shanghai is a glittering light ball. The Cloud Nine Bard on the 88th floor gives you the feeling of being in the clouds.

Highlights: After breakfast, head to the famous Bund to witness Shanghai’s skyline, and stroll along China's No.1 shopping street, Nanjing Road. Then be escorted to the airport for the flight to next city. 

The Bund: Which is a 1.5 km waterfront area of in Huangpu District of downtown Shanghai. The Bund usually refers to the buildings and wharves on this section of the road, as well as some adjacent areas. It is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Shanghai, on the east of this area, you can see the mother river of Shanghai----Huangpu River; and on the west of it, you will see rows of western architectures from 1930s. Building heights are restricted in this area. 

Nanjing Road: Starts at the Bund in the east and ends in the west, Nanjing Road is 3.4 miles and regarded as China's premier shopping street, it is a must-see metropolitan destination for shoppers from all over the world. Buildings with distinctive features erect on both sides of the street, huge signboards and advertisements show prosperity, and when the night falls, dazzling neon lights flicker with bright colors.