| |
Highlights
of the Tour
·
Visit the Great Wall of China along with
Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City
·
Visit a local Chinese home to sample
authentic Chinese feed
·
Enjoy the Peking Opera
·
See the Terra Cotta Warriors of Xian
·
Tang Dynasty Dinner Show
·
Visit the Wolong Panda Reserve
·
Stone Forest of Kunming
·
Cruise on the River Li in Guilin
·
Visit the temples and beautiful gardens
of Hangzhou and Suzhou
·
Yu
Garden and jade Buddha Temple of Shanghai
ITINERARY
FOR GRAND CHINA TOUR
Day
1 Departure from
Toronto
Board
your flight from Toronto this morning.
Day
2 Beijing
Arrive
Beijing in late afternoon. You are greeted and
transferred to Guangzhou Hotel or similar.
Beijing is China’s Capital and its most
modern city. This bustling city is home to over 10
million people, while remaining steeped in China's rich,
royal past. China's two final dynasties (1368-1911) and
26 emperors have bestowed Beijing with the richest
dynastic heritage in the world. Beijing is also home to
an incredible cultural display of artistic and
historical artifacts in more than 50 museums, while folk
traditions flourish in theaters, delicious dining can be
found in exotic settings, and cultural centres offer
fascinating demonstrations of centuries old art and
craft making.
Day
3 Beijing
Begin the day with a visit to Tiananmen Square,
known as the Gate of Heavenly Peace, is located across
the street from the main entrance to the Forbidden City.
Then, move on to the Imperial Palace, also known as the "Forbidden
City" that symbolizes the imperial and
traditional China. In the heart of the capital lies the
Forbidden City, built during the Ming dynasty in 1406.
The Forbidden City is actually a city-within-a-city;
with 999 rooms spread over 250 acres. During the Ming
and Qing dynasty, 24 emperors made their home in the
Forbidden City and forbade commoners from entering. The
Emperor's Palace has been transformed into a museum that
holds many treasures of the Imperial Family. Puyi, the
last Emperor, occupied the Inner Palace as a royal
residence until 1924. After lunch, you will go to visit
the enchanting Summer Palace, one of China's
largest and best-preserved imperial gardens built in
1750, the Palace overlooks tranquil Kunming Lake.there
you can stroll along corridors where royal families
spent their summers hundreds of years ago. A Peking Duck
banquet concludes your first full day activities in
China. (B, L, D)
Day
4 Beijing
Head
for Yonghegong Lamasery and the Confucius Temple this
morning. After lunch, visit Temple of Heaven,
this masterpiece of Ming architecture is one of the most
photographed buildings in the world due to its elegant
beauty and symmetry. Built in 1420, it was the place
where Ming and Qing emperors (Sons of Heaven) prayed to
heaven for a good harvest. Music plays softly through
the day in a 660-acre park surrounding the temple.
Tonight's dinner is the Royal Cuisine at Fangshan
Restaurant in Beihai Park. Enjoy short episode of
classic Peking Opera after dinner in a nearby theatre.
(B, L, D)
Day
5 Beijing
Today's
highlight is your visit to the Great Wall, symbol
of Chinese civilization. As you first look upon the
Great Wall, it is impossible not to be awestruck at this
man-made structure. Construction started in the 7th
century BC, with additions and rebuilding continuing
until the 16th century AD. The Great Wall was built to
keep out the warring invaders of the north, but
additional sections were extended eastward for nearly
6,700 kilometres. The Badaling section is the most
well-preserved section of the Wall. Climb to its top and
walk for a mile in either direction: the Great Wall
snakes ahead though the mountains as far as you can see.
At the rugged, beautiful Mutianyu section, a cable car
whisks you quickly to the top of the Wall. On your way
back to the city, stop by Shenlu (Holy Road) to see some
marvelous stone sculptures. Rest of the day is free. (B,
L)
Day
6 Beijing - Xian
After
a relaxed breakfast at hotel this morning, you will take
a walk through some old "hutongs", a kind of
ancient-city compound, to see traditional style
courtyards and locals doing their daily chores. Sample
some authentic Chinese family food in their home before
heading for Xian, just one-and-a-half hours by air from
Beijing, Xi'an city is home of the world-famous
life-size Terra Cotta Army, unearthed in 1974 after
being buried with the first Qin emperor for 22
centuries. Xi'an was the cradle of ancient Chinese
civilization dating back to 4000 BC, and the capital
city for 11 dynasties up to the 9th century. It is from
here that caravans started on the Silk Road to Europe,
changing the Western world forever. The massive City
Wall and Moat that surround the city are a monument to
the importance of Xi'an. Today, modern hotels complement
a rich cultural heritage that invites exploration. Check
in Li Garden
Hotel or similar upon arrival. Dinner is at a local
restaurant. (B, L, D).
Day
7 Xi'an
Begin
the day with a once-in-a-lifetime viewing of the
extraordinary 2,200-year-old Terra Cotta Warriors
of China's . This is one of the greatest archeological
discoveries in the world with three exhibition halls,
the largest of which is 600 feet by 200 feet, housing
the continuing excavation of an army of 6,000
terra-cotta soldiers and horses that guard the tomb of
Qin Shihuang, the first emperor of the unified China. It
is a stunning exhibition of ancient artifacts that is
well laid out and easy to view. After lunch, visit the
superb Shaanxi History Museum, the best of its
kind in China. The museum, covering 60,000 square
meters, was built in the Tang style of architecture with
elegant galleries and courtyards. Its collections amount
to over 115,000 relics representing the periods from
11th century BC to 907 AD. Tonight, you are invited to
enjoy a splendid dinner show with Tang Dynasty style
performances .(B, L, D)
Day
8 Xi'an - Chengdu
Visit
the Great Mosque and bell tower in the Muslim district
this morning. Take a noon flight to Chengdu,
the Capital of China's most populous province - Sichuan Province
in the southwest,
has been the economic and cultural center
of China's most populous province
since 400 BC . Check in Minshan Hotel or similar.
A visit to the poet Du Fu's thatched cottage is a
must. From 759-763 AD, the poet spent four of his most
productive years here, and although the cottage as one
sees it today does not resemble his 8th century abode,
various editions of his works are on display. (B,
L, D)
Day
9 Chengdu
Today's
highlight is to take a full day excursion to Wolong
Panda Preserve to get a behind-the-scenes look at
the current work underway to preserve the Chinese panda.
Meet with Chinese and US experts to learn how they are
making efforts to save this endangered species. Follow
the beautiful hiking trails into the preserve to see
giant panda's habitat. (B, L, D)
Day
10 Chengdu - Kunming
Fly
to Kunming this morning. Kunming is located
640 kilometres from Beijing, at an elevation of 6,600
feet. Known as the "Spring City", Kunming is
ideal for visitors...mild all year long like perpetual
spring. The city is surrounded by unspoiled natural
beauty with flowers that bloom throughout the year.
Kumming is also home to approximately three and a half
million residents, including people representing all 26
ethnic minorities of this province. Kunming has been
designated a Special Tourism centre for its rich
cultural heritage, which dates back 2,000 years. There
is a colourful Nationalities Institute and Provincial
Museum, both worth a visit. Close by is Dianchi Lake, a
national scenic spot and resort with Huatin and Taihua
Temples from the Tang Dynasty nestled in the surrounding
hills. There is also a Yunnan Minorities Village,
featuring the province's colourful ethnic customs and
traditional architecture, where you can experience the
unique folklore and festivals of all ethnic groups
residing in the province. Check in Coutryard
Marriot Hotel or similar. Take a city tour in the
afternoon. Sites you will visit include Daguan Lou
(Grand View Pavilion) and Western Hill, from where you
can get a bird's eye view of the Dianchi Lake and the
city. (B, L, D)
Day
11 Kunming 
Today’s
excursion takes you to the Stone Forest, about
100 kilometers (60 miles) southeast of Kunming.
Located in Lunan Yi Nationality Autonomous County, this
area offers visitors a unique landscape of stark
limestone pillars twisted and sculpted by the elements.
From a distance, these stone pillars look indeed like a
dense forest; hence the name of Stone Forest. It
covers an area of 81,000 acres, yet only about 400 acres
have been developed as scenic landscape open to public.
In the local market, you will see many Yi women selling
their handmade crafts. Dinner is on your own. (B, L)
Day
12 Kunming
Today
you will have a chance to visit the Golden Temple
and the site for '99 Horticulture Expo. This is a
typical combination of old site and n ew
creation. Enjoy the magnificent Temple architecture and
the beautiful scenes around it. (B, L, D)
Thur,
19Sep Kunming - Guilin
After
breakfast, you are transferred to the airport for a
mid-day flight to the beautiful city of Guilin after a
relaxed breakfast at your hotel. Guilin, a
cultural city with a history of over 2,000 years, is
world famous for its serene landscapes, mysterious
limestone formations, mist covered hills and bamboo
groves. The region boasts some of the most beautiful
scenery in the world, and is one of the most
photographed areas of China. The city of Guilin is
located on the Li River, surrounded by the exotic
geographic formations that seem to evoke a mystical
feeling in all who travel here. Although it is a small,
slow-paced town, Guilin has a highly developed tourism
infrastructure. But it is the breathtaking beauty,
peacefulness, and tranquillity in such a magical setting
that rewards those who visit Guilin. You will stay at Guishan
Hotel or similar. In the afternoon, take a city tour
to see the famous Ludi Cave with its elaborate
naturally formed Crystal Palace of the Dragon King. You
will also stop by the Seven-Star Cave Park to
enjoy the nice view of combination of hills, pavilions,
ponds and bridges. (B, L, D)
Day
13 Guilin
Today's
highlight is cruising down the Li River. The Li
River, 160 km long, originates on Cat Hill, the main
peak of Mount Yue cheng
to the north of Guilin. With an elevation of 2141.5
meters, Cat hill is known as the "No.1 Peak in
South China". A boat excursion down the Li River
from Guilin to Yangshou, following an 83 km long belt of
strange landforms, is like travelling along a
traditional Chinese painting. You may be also in luck
and seeing the ospreys catching fish on the river. Have
lunch on the boat. In the afternoon, stroll on
Yangshuo's main street, lined with small hotels,
countless souvenir shops, and restaurants serving such
Guangxi delicacies as fermented bean curd and wild game
in hot chilies, and fish cooked in beer.
Tour the local market and nearby villages dotted
among the rows of mountain peaks. Return to Guilin by
bus for a charming Zhuang ethic song & dance
performance after dinner. (B, L, D)
Day
14 Guilin-Hangzhou
Travel
by air to Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province. Marco
Polo visited Hangzhou in 1280,and he was taken
aback by Hangzhou's natural beauty. You will be, too.
195 km southeast of Shanghai, Hangzhou lies at the south
end of the historic Grand Canal and the lower reaches of
the Qiangtang River. Vegetation here is lush and verdant
and the weather is notably mild. As one of the six
ancient capital cities in China, Hangzhou is also a city
with a great number of cultural relics and heritage
sites.
Check in Wanhu Hotel or similar. In the
afternoon, enjoy a boat ride on the lake. Mountains
with luxuriant trees and flowers surround Hangzhou's West
Lake. Ancient pavilions, terraces, and
gardens-within- gardens have been built on its islets.
Amidst the stone pagodas and teahouses, temples, caves
and hidden
springs within the lake, you'll feel as though you are a
figure in a traditional Chinese painting. Stroll
around the lake’s perimeter and observe how ordinary
Chinese people spend their leisure.
Dinner is on your own. (B, L)
Day
15 Hangzhou
Today
you will be taken the massive and spectacular Lingyin
Temple, one of the ten most celebrated Buddhist
monasteries in China. The Lingyin Monastery was
built in 326 AD, and still stands there. The monastery
enshrines a 64-ft wood-carved Buddha, and an underground
series of caves decorated with Buddhist carvings.
In the afternoon, visit the famous tea plantation and
China Tea Museum. You will have chance to sample the
world renowned Longjing Tea. (B, L, D)
Day
16 Hangzhou-Suzhou
Take
a morning train ride to Suzhou, a garden city on the
Grand Canal. 100 km east of Shanghai, located on the
shores of Taihu Lake in Jiangsu Province, Suzhou
is a renowned historical and cultural city. The gardens
of Suzhou are famous both in and outside China: Canglang
Pavilion, Lion Grove, Wangshi Garden and Liuyuan Garden
are treasures from the Song, Yuan, Ming, Qing dynasties
in southern China. Suzhou also features enchanting
landscapes and is well-known as a gathering place for
cultured and talented people and natural products. There
is a popular Chinese saying describing the beauty of the
city: "In heaven there is a Paradise, on earth
there are Suzhou and Hangzhou."
You will stay at Bamboo Hotel or similar.
The highlight of today’s activities is to
visit Suzhou’s beautiful gardens including Zhuozheng
Garden-The largest private garden of Suzhou,
Zhuozheng Garden in Dongbei Street is a historical site
under key protection in China. The central part of the
garden features a water pond with three mid-water isles
and pavilions and kiosks. The layout, natural and
unsophiscated, is a manifestation of the Ming Dynasty
landscape art.
Huqiu
Hill (Tiger Hill)-Rising
36 metres above the groud in northwest Suzhou, Huqiu
Hill boasts
18 scenic spots, including the Duanliang Hall, Hanhan
Spring, Shijian Rock, Qianren Rock, and Jianchi Pond.
Zhouzhuang-ZhouZhuang
is an ancient water village situated south of the
Yangtze River. The Twin Bridges, the Shen Family Hall,
and the Zhang Family Hall are well featured, displaying
ancient Chinese architecture and life style. (B, L, D)
Day
17 Suzhou-Shanghai
After visiting the National Embroidery Institute this
morning, you will take a motor coach and drive to
wonderful Shanghai and check in Holiday Inn Downtown
or similar upon arrival. Overlooking the Huangpu
River, Shanghai is home to 14 million people and
is one of China's largest, most cosmopolitan cities. It
is a beautiful city mixing traditional Chinese and 21st
century architecture. And at night, the city comes alive
with lights which line highways, buildings and the
Huangpu River. Shanghai began as a tiny fishing village
during the Warring States period
(475-221 BC). It has risen to become China's centre for
business and finance, and is one of its most active
ports.
Shanghai boasts a rich nightlife. To see Shanghai's
spectacular skyline by night, take an overnight cruise
around the harbour. Or, head out to theatre, opera,
discos, acrobat shows, karaoke clubs and upscale
lounges, or bargain with the designer boutiques that are
open day and night along Nanjing Road. Shanghai enjoys
an international reputation for excellent cuisine, with
more than 10,000 specialty dishes found here. You have a
wide range of dining choices in some of the finest
restaurants in China, or you can opt to eat on the
streets from one of the many vendors that instantly
appear at meal times.
Take
a stroll on the Bund-Stretching about a 1.6 km
along the Huangpu River, once known as the Wall Street
of Asia, China's most famous waterfront is lined with
1930's-era buildings. One of the most elegant and famous
of these is the Peace Hotel, recently remodelled; it
towers over the harbour and offers wonderful views. The
water front park along the Bund is a popular meeting
place for Chinese and foreign visitors, as well as
occasional performers. Early morning visitors will see
young and old practising Tai Ji, martial arts, and
ballroom dancing. Side streets in the area have charming
20's and 30's style shops and restaurants. before
heading for an exciting acrobatic show in the evening.
(B, L, D)
Day
18 Shanghai
This
morning you will visit Yuyuan Garden-This 16th
century garden is a maze of colourful pavilions, ponds,
stone dragons, arching trees and flowers, surrounding
the instantly recognizable zigzag bridge. It is one of
China's finest examples of Ming Dynasty gardens and
architecture. Then move on to Jade Buddha
Temple-Two of China's most famous Jade Buddhas are
housed within these temple walls. Each figure is carved
from a single piece of white jade, with one carved in a
rarely found reclining position. After lunch head for
the remodeled Renmin Square, a showcase of modern
architecture. The focus of your exploration will be the
marvelous Shanghai Museum, a leading attraction of the
city since it opened in 1994. Opposite the museum is the
gorgeous crystal palace, Shanghai Grand Theatre. Later,
you will be taken to Nanjing Road, the best-known
shopping street in China, for your own exploration. The
ultimate shoppers' Mecca and Shanghai's "Fifth
Avenue" offers China's greatest variety of retail
stores, restaurants, sweets shops, gift boutiques, and
cozy night clubs. Dinner will be on your own tonight.
(B, L)
Day
19 Shanghai
Enjoy a relaxing day in Shanghai on your own.
Taxi service in the city is both convenient and
inexpensive and gets you to anywhere you want to go.
Lunch is on your own. Tonight, you will enjoy a
farewell banquet dinner. (B, D)
Day
20 Shanghai-Toronto
No
scheduled activity in the morning. Afternoon you will
fly home and arrive Canada on the same day. (B)
Tour
cost includes:
All Domestic airfare and train within China
PLUS Airport / Hotel transfers
PLUS Porterage of one bag per person at airports and
hotels
PLUS accommodation in hotels mentioned based on twin
sharing basis
PLUS Almost all meals (as mentioned)
PLUS All applicable sightseeing and entrance fees
PLUS Services of a driver and local English Speaking
guides
Tour does not include:
Departures taxes (International and domestic), passport
and Visa Fees, excess baggage charges, meals other than
those specified, beverages, items of personal nature,
optional excursions, laundry, tips and gratuities for
drivers and guides.
|
