Arrive at Beijing. After clearing customs and retrieving our baggage, we meet the tour guide and transfer to the luxury hotel for well-deserved rest and relaxation.

Our Beijing tour begins with a visit to the Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square. From here, we proceed to Forbidden City*, where for over 500 years commoners were forbidden to enter. Then the Summer Palace*, the summer home of the emperors and royal families, is also visited. On our way back to the city, we make a stop for photo at Qianmen Street. This evening we enjoy a Beijing local

Built to protect its people from northern marauders, the Great Wall* snakes its way thousands of miles across Northern China. Spend time walking atop this man-made wonder of the world, then descending to visit other attractions like the “Bird’s Nest” National Stadium and the amazing “Water Cube” Aquatics Centre. Tonight we indulge our plates with the famed Peking Duck Banquet for dinner.

After breakfast we are off to the airport. On the way, we finally stop at the Temple of Heaven* to experience the place of prayer to the emperors. Then we board a flight to Guilin, a lush city renowned for its remarkable natural scenery. Check into hotel upon arrival at Guilin.

A meandering river cruise* down the Li River is a delightful way to savor the serene, fairytale scenery of Southern China. We may even catch the fascinating sight of fishermen fishing with cormorant birds! The cruise ends at Yangshuo. We disembark and wander around the town with visit to the ancient West Street. When the sun sets, we enjoy the local cuisine – Rice Noodles for dinner followed by the fantastic Minority Musical Stage Performance on Li River – “Yingxiang Liusanjie”. The show is directed by Chinese famous director Yimou Zhang. (The admission will be fully refunded if the show is canceled due to any nature elements).

After breakfast, we head back to Guilin by motorcoach. The city tour of Guilin first takes us to the Reed Flute Cave* where fantastic stalactite and stalagmite formations impress us as magical and otherworldly. Board a domestic flight to Xian, the home to the life-sized Terracotta Warriors and Horses, we transfer to hotel and enjoy dinner at hotel tonight.

Made to protect China’s first emperor Qin Shi Huang even in death, the Terracotta Warriors* was found by a farmer in 1974 and attracts thousands of visitors each year. After viewing the fine troops, we head to the nearby Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor*. Tonight we watch a Stage Opera of the Tang Dynasty after we are served the Imperial Dumpling Banquet for dinner.

Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda*, one of the bestpreserved Buddhist temples in China. Pass by the massive Old City Wall and Bell Tower. Then we board a flight to the cosmopolitan city, Shanghai, China’s largest city.

Our morning tour of Shanghai features a visit to the 16th century classical Ming garden, Yu Garden, followed by a walk along Shanghai’s famous waterfront boulevard, the Bund. Enjoy the dramatic skyline along the Huangpu River, then board our coach and drive through the famous shopping district, Nanjing Road. After visiting the Shanghai Museum (no audio service), the remainder of the day is free at leisure to venture into the city on your own.

Our vacation is over all too soon as we board the homebound flight and bid a fond farewell to China.

Meal Code:
AB=American Breakfast, B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner at Local Restaurant, DH=Dinner at Hotel, DP=Dinner Party, DS=Dinner & Show