24 Days The Best Scenic China

Day 1

Arrive Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, the capital city of China, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Free at leisure for the rest of the day.
Meals: No Meals
Accommodation: In Beijing

Day 2

Beijing
Depart from your hotel in the morning to visit Tian'anmen Square, the World's largest urban square and the Forbidden City, the largest and most complete ancient imperial palace in the world. Then visit the Temple of Heaven in the afternoon. Peking Opera is available for your optional night entertainment.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Beijing

Day 3

Beijing
The star attraction of China is its Great Wall, a massive defensive structure built to keep intruders from entering the mainland. Today you will have the opportunity to traverse the ancient steps of Mutianyu Great Wall. But before this exciting experience, you will first take a short visit to the Ming Tombs (Changling Tomb). Peking Roasted Duck is available for your optional dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Beijing

Day 4

Beijing    Xian
In the morning, take a Hutong Tour by rickshaw to visit the ancient lanes and alleyways of Beijing. Be transferred to the airport for the flight to Xian in the afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Xian 

Day 5

Xian
Today enjoy your full day visit to the Terracotta Warriors, one of the world's most important archaeological finds, with troops, horses and carriages in battle formation and then to see the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and the massive Xian City Wall. Either Jiaozi Banquet or Tang Dynasty Show with Dinner is available for your optional meal.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Xian

Day 6

Xian   Jiuzhaigou Airport    Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area 
Take a morning fly to Jiuhuang Airport. On arrival, your local guide will meet you at the airport and accompany you for a half day visit to Huanglong Scenic Area, the fairyland (about 3.5 hours). After the tour, be transferred to Jiuzhaigou Reserve area for overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: In Jiuzhaigou Town

Day 7

Jiuzhaigou Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: On Yangtze cruise boat

Day 13

Disembark, Yichang  Shanghai
When finish your breakfast on the cruise ship, you could really feel the might of the dam by having an excursion to Three Gorges Dam, After the visiting, you can still appreciate the Xiling Gorge on the deck. After the lunch,, disembark at Yichang and be transferred to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Arrive in Shanghai and be transferred to the hotel to catch up on some rest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Shanghai

Day 14

Shanghai
Today, you will have a half day relaxing tour to Zhujiajiao, a famous water town near Shanghai. Then back to downtown for a visit to Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Climb up the its sightseeing floor you can take a bird view of the place around. After that, there will be a good idea to have a walk along the Bund, Shanghai’s famed waterfront promenade. Breathtaking Acrobatics Show is a good optional night entertainment.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Shanghai

Day 15

Shanghai  Huangshan
Before heading to Mt. Huangshan in the afternoon, Shanghai French Concession is also a fantastic place for spending leisure time. After lunch, be transferred to the airport for the flight to Huangshan City and check in at the hotel in the city.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Huangshan city

Day 16

Downtown    Mt. Huangshan
In the morning, you will be transferred to well-known Mt. Huangshan scenic area and climb up the mountain by cable car to have your exploration. Lunch and dinner will be served at the restaurant on mountain. Stay overnight at the top of the mountain.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: On Mt. Huangshan

Day 17

Huangshan
If you are interested, just get up early, you may have the chance to enjoy the fantastic sunrise amidst a sea of clouds in the summits. Then, go down the mountain and drive back to downtown. You can then take a leisure stroll along Tunxi Old Street, the witness of the flourish of Anhui merchant's for a period of time.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Huangshan city

Day 18

Huangshan    Hangzhou
Enjoy your own free time then you will take about 3 hours driving to reach Hangzhou. On arrival, enjoy your own free exploration of this city. If you are interested, you can take a leisure stroll along the Hefang Ancient Street to get a first impression of this city, which is a cobble street lined with traditional shops selling herbal medicines, handicrafts and silk products.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Hangzhou

Day 19

Hangzhou
Enjoy your full day relaxing tour that covers the visit to West Lake, the most famous attraction in Hangzhou, Lingyin Temple, Six Harmonies Pagod and Tea Museum. Huaiyang Cuisine is available for your optional dinner (at your own expense).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hangzhou

Day 20

Hangzhou  Guilin
Take a morning flight to Guilin. On arrival, your local guide will meet you at the airport then transfer you to the hotel. On the way, you will have chance to visit the gorgeous Reed Flute Cave and Elephant Trunk Hill, the symbol of Guilin City. The Rice Noodle Banquet will be a good choice as an optional dinner if you wanna have a try.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Guilin

Day 21

Guilin  Yangshuo
The highlight of today's sightseeing is a leisurely cruise down the Li River to Yangshuo. Meandering through valleys, bamboo groves and mysterious Karst rock formations, the cruise will affords you a glimpse of a life far removed from the concrete jungle. Stay overnight in Yangshuo. In the evening, if you are interested, you can enjoy the night show called Impression of Liu San Jie as an optional activity.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Yangshuo

Day 22

Yangshuo  Guilin  Hong Kong
Enjoy your relaxing tour in this peaceful place. You will have a bus driving around to enjoy the countryside view (if you are interested, you can even choose take a cycling around the countryside and visit Moon Hill and the Big Banyan Tree, etc). After lunch, be transferred to the airport for your afternoon flight to Hong Kong.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Hong Kong

Day 23

Hong Kong
Today, enjoy your half day city tour that including a visiting to Victoria Peak, Aberdeen (no sampan) - home to hundreds of people living on fishing junks, and the largest jewelry factory in Hong Kong. After the tour, enjoy your own free exploration in this city.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: In Hong Kong

Day 24

Departure Hong Kong
The vacation is over all too soon as you're transferred to the airport to board the homebound flight, bidding a fond farewell to China, and we know you'll be back.
Meals: Breakfast

Service Ends

Day 1

Arrive Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, the capital city of China, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Free at leisure for the rest of the day.
Meals: No Meals
Accommodation: In Beijing

Beijing, China's capital and one of the great travel destinations of the World, offers sights and cultural relics found no where else on Earth. The city has a character all its own; there are quadrangles, small alleys, tricycle, boiled mutton, roasted duck, arts and crafts, Peking Opera, The Great Wall, the 2008 Olympics venue and a vibrancy that is the distinctive flavor of Beijing.

Day 2

Beijing
Depart from your hotel in the morning to visit Tian'anmen Square, the World's largest urban square and the Forbidden City, the largest and most complete ancient imperial palace in the world. Then visit the Temple of Heaven in the afternoon. Peking Opera is available for your optional night entertainment.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Beijing

As the biggest city center square in the world, Tian’anmen Square covering 44 hectares in the heart of Beijing. It is the place where history-changing events and ceremonies occurred. A few steps away, come to visit the Forbidden City, which was the Imperial Palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing Dynasties and, it is one of the largest, and certainly the most completely restored, ancient architectural complex in the world. Walk in the footsteps of Emperors; come to the museum and see with your eyes, and feel with your hearts; you’ll begin understand what life in this richest of feudal realms was like for the Imperial Rulers, their concubines and their slaves.

After enjoying a delicious lunch, continue on to the Temple of Heaven. Departing from the Imperial vermilion and gold hues of the Forbidden City, The Temple of Heaven is decorated in blue, the color of the Heavens. The perfect harmony between the architectural environment and nature can be felt here; you might easily imagine the vivid spectacle of a great sacrifice to the Heavens for a good harvest. The magnificent Hall of Prayer of Good Harvest is one of the most important and impressive building in China.

In the evening, you can enjoy the famous Peking Opera as an optional night entertainment. Expert performers convey powerful emotions to the audience through song, dance, facial make-up, exquisite masks and costume, skilled use of body language and sympathetically integrated musical accompaniment.

Day 3

Beijing
The star attraction of China is its Great Wall, a massive defensive structure built to keep intruders from entering the mainland. Today you will have the opportunity to traverse the ancient steps of Mutianyu Great Wall. But before this exciting experience, you will first take a short visit to the Ming Tombs (Changling Tomb). Peking Roasted Duck is available for your optional dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Beijing

The Ming Tombs are located in the northern suburbs of Beijing. Altogether there are thirteen tombs of Ming Dynasty Emperors from the period after the capital was moved from Nanjing to Beijing. You’ll visit the Changling Tomb, burial site of Emperor Yong Le, the biggest and first built at this historic site.

Mutianyu Great Wall was first built in the mid-6th century during the Northern Qi, making it older than the Badaling section. In 1569, the Mutianyu Great Wall was rebuilt and till today most parts of it are well preserved. The Mutianyu Great Wall has the largest construction scale and best quality among all sections of Great Wall.

For today’s optional dinner, how about taste the famous Peking Roasted Duck, as it is the best-known dish in Beijing. It is very tender and unforgettably delicious. You’ll visit a local restaurant to enjoy a full meal and learn the proper way to experience Peking Roasted Duck. From the whole roasted duck to the soup of duck bones, you'll enjoy a banquet made from every part of the duck. Moreover, the chef will demonstrate his skill of cutting the skin of the duck for your entertainment.

Day 4

Beijing    Xian
In the morning, take a Hutong Tour by rickshaw to visit the ancient lanes and alleyways of Beijing. Be transferred to the airport for the flight to Xian in the afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Xian

If exploring the Forbidden City has improved your understanding of the lifestyles of China’s ancient Imperial Court, then this Hutong Tour will give you an insight into the lives of ordinary Chinese people and reveal their social culture in today's Beijing City. The narrow streets of old Beijing are known as Hutongs. You’ll take a pedicab tour along the Hutongs and see the 100-year-old houses, courtyards and a vanishing way of life in today’s Beijing.

Wonderful time always passes so quickly, in the afternoon, you have to take a flight to Xian, the city that steeped in history and still giving up secrets, is your gateway to ancient Chinese civilization. In its 3,100 recorded years of evolution, it has been home to 13 dynasties. Xi'an was also the end of civilization for those setting out on the famous Silk Road. Today's Xi'an is a vibrant, modern city, but surrounded by history, even underfoot! So there can be no underground railways due to the obligation to preserve the wealth of ancient treasure still awaiting discovery.

Day 5

Xian
Today enjoy your full day visit to the Terracotta Warriors, one of the world's most important archaeological finds, with troops, horses and carriages in battle formation and then to see the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and the massive Xian City Wall. Either Jiaozi Banquet or Tang Dynasty Show with Dinner is available for your optional meal.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Xian

As an ancient capital city to 13 dynasties, Xian has a rich recorded history, frequently enhanced by the evidence of new discoveries, like the 1974 unearthing of the fabulous Terracotta Warriors, the long forgotten army created to guard Emperor Qin Shihuang's tomb. In accordance with ancient beliefs, this grand project was mounted at enormous cost by the cruel and tyrannical Emperor, only to be attacked, plundered, burnt and buried after his funeral by the peasants who’d labored under the whip to build it. Then, over two thousand years later, this “Eighth Wonder of the World” was rediscovered by farmers digging a well. The fine troops, horses and carriages in battle formation are a National ancient art treasure. Three excavation pits are now opened to the public and a fourth is nearing completion. You can, like US President Clinton, now gaze in wonder upon this historic site, listed by UNESCO in 1987 as a world cultural heritage.

The first landmark visitors will encounter in Xian is the ancient city wall, which stretches round the old city. Xian was always a walled city, and today’s wall represents one of the oldest and best preserved Chinese city walls, as well being one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world. The first city wall of Chang'an was begun in 194 BCE. The existing wall was started during the Ming Dynasty in 1370; it is massive, measuring 13.7 km in circumference, 12 m in height, and 15–18 m in thickness at the base. The South Gate and North Gate are the two main entrances to the inner city. The city itself is neatly arranged along the city wall. This impressive structure is just a precursor to the remarkable discoveries awaiting visitors to Xian.

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda was built in 652 during the Tang Dynasty and originally had five stories, although the structure was rebuilt in 704 during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian and its exterior brick facade renovated during the Ming Dynasty. One of the pagoda's many functions was to hold sutras and figurines of the Buddha that were brought to China from India by the Buddhist translator and travelers Xuanzang. Now this well-preserved holy place for Buddhist has been the symbol of Xi'an.

This evening you could choose Jiaozi Banquet as a local flavor experience. It includes over 10 kinds of Jiaozi, whose shapes and flavours vary, such as rabbit, duck, shrimp, peanuts and so on.

Or if you more interested in dancing show, choose a Tang Dynasty Show with Dinner would be a good idea. You'll enjoy the sumptuous dinner while watching a fabulous dancing and singing performance of the Tang Dynasty. This is not only a performance of Chinese traditional dancing and singing, but a re-enactment of Chinese ancient ceremony and culture.

Day 6

Xian   Jiuzhaigou Airport    Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area 
Finish up your Xian tour by visiting the famous Shaanxi History Museum. After lunch, you will be transferred to the airport to board a flight from Xian to the Jiuzhaigou Airport, Upon arrival, be transferred to your hotel in Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic Area (1.5 hours dirving).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: In Jiuzhaigou Town

The famous Shaanxi History Museum introduces the visitor to area’s rich culture, from Emperor Qin Shihuang to the present day in this walled city. The museum is house in a striking Tang Dynasty-style pavilion and features an enormous collection of 113,000 historic and cultural relics. This is where you experience history, with chronological dynasties exhibits that take you through the dynasties.

Jiuzhai Valley (Jiuzhaigou) is a nature reserve in the north of Sichuan. Jiuzhai Valley took the name from the nine Tibetan villages living in the valley which is composed of three valleys in a Y shape. The Rize and Zechawa valleys flow from the south and meet at the centre of the site where they form the Shuzheng valley, flowing north to the mouth of the valley. Jiuzhaigou's best-known feature is its dozens of blue, green and turquoise-colored lakes. The local Tibetan people call them “Haizi”, meaning “son of the sea”.

Day 7

Jiuzhaigou Valley

Day 8

Jiuzhaigou Valley    Jiuahaigou Airport    Chengdu
In the morning, be transferred to the airport for your flight to Chengdu. On arrival, you can take a short visit to Thatched Cottage of Dufu, a beautiful garden and museum to honor Du Fu, one of the greatest Chinese poets. Optional Hot Pot in Sichuan style is available for a dinner if you are interested.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Chengdu

Chengdu is the capital city of Sichuan Province. With a population of 11 million, it is an important commercial transportation, and communications hub of south-western China. The locals have a reputation for a laid back attitude and knowing how to enjoy life. Historically, Chengdu has a special place in the annals of finance. The world's first paper money, the 'Jiao Zi' was minted in Chengdu in the year 1023.

Thatched Cottage of Du Fu is the former residence of the famous Tang Dynasty poet, Du Fu. Compelled by poverty and social upheaval in the year of 759 A.D., Du Fu moved from Gansu Province to the outskirts of Chengdu and built a thatched hut.

The big draw of Chengdu is delicious Sichuan Cuisine. Sichuan is famous for its spicy food, and one of its delicacies is the hot pot. Fortunately, you will have a chance to taste Sichuan Hot Pot today. The Sichuan Hot Pot is a bubbling cauldron of extremely hot oil and water. Dip your choice of the variety of supplied foods into the pot: meats, vegetables or tofu. It's a very social meal. People sit around to enjoy food and make a long evening out of it.

Day 9

Chengdu
Today, you will start your one day tour with a visit to the famous Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (about 40min driving), where you may have chance to see cute pandas. Then continue your tour to Sanxingdui Museum (about 40min driving), which is recognized as one of world's most important ancient remains. After the tour, be transferred back to your hotel. In the evening, it will be a good idea for you to appreciate the Sichuan Opera for an optional activity.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Chengdu

Day 10

Chengdu    Chongqing, Embark 
Today after breakfast, you can have a visit to the Chengdu cultural and historical relics – Kuan Zhai Alley, a site for you to see both the old and the modern Chengdu. After that, you can shopping in the famous Chengdu commercial street – Jinli Old Street. After lunch, you will be transferred to the train station for the train to Chongqing (about 2.5 hours for D train), the so called ‘Mountain City’ and the start point of the Yangtze River Cruise.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: On Yangtze cruise boat

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: On Yangtze cruise boat

This morning, rise early to see the dawn light the Yangtze River before the boat enters the first gorge - Qutang Gorge, the shortest (8 km), narrowest and the most dramatic one of the three gorges. Two mountains, Chijia (Red Passage) and Baiyan (White Salt), guard the entrance to this gorge like giant castle doors.

A few hours later you see the second gorge - Wu Gorge, the middle gorge which is best known for its quiet beauty, sheer cliffs and twelve unique peaks. Often veiled in swirls of mist, six line the north side of the river and six staggered peaks stand to the south. The most famous, Goddess Peak, resembles a kneeling maiden.

Day 13

Disembark, Yichang  Shanghai
When finish your breakfast on the cruise ship, you could really feel the might of the dam by having an excursion to Three Gorges Dam, After the visiting, you can still appreciate the Xiling Gorge on the deck. After the lunch,, disembark at Yichang and be transferred to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Arrive in Shanghai and be transferred to the hotel to catch up on some rest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Shanghai

Today you will take a visit to the great Three Gorges Dam. It is 2,335-meter long, 185-meter high, 18-meter wide on the top and 130-meter wide at the bottom. The dam will raise the river to a level of 175 meters above sea level, creating a 600km long reservoir with storage capacity of 39.9 billion cubic meters extending from the dam site all the way to Chongqing. It is the largest water conservancy project ever undertaken.
Then, return to your boat, it is really the time for you to say goodbye to the crews. You will take a flight from Yichang airport to Shanghai. For Shanghai, you have a lot to expect.

Shanghai is a city unlike any other in China. It is the bustling economic heartbeat of China that enjoys all of the comforts and amenities of a fully modern metropolis. Shanghai today looks to regain its former position at the turn of 20th of being one of the largest financial centers in the world behind New York and London. It is a city that seamlessly blends East and West.

Day 14

Shanghai
Today, you will have a half day relaxing tour to Zhujiajiao, a famous water town near Shanghai. Then back to downtown for a visit to Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Climb up the its sightseeing floor you can take a bird view of the place around. After that, there will be a good idea to have a walk along the Bund, Shanghai’s famed waterfront promenade. Breathtaking Acrobatics Show is a good optional night entertainment.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Shanghai

Located in a suburb of Shanghai city, Zhujiajiao is a water town with a history of more than 1,700 years. Endowed with another elegant name - 'Pearl Stream' - the little town is the best-preserved among the four ancient towns in Shanghai. Unique old bridges across bubbling streams, small rivers shaded by willow trees, and houses with courtyards attached all transport people who have been living amidst the bustle and hustle of the modern big city to a brand-new world full of antiquity, leisure and tranquility.

Completed in 1995 to a highly innovative design, Shanghai Oriental Pearl TV Tower has become a symbol of excellence in architecture and is a favourite sight for tourists in Shanghai. At 468 meters, it is the third tallest TV and radio tower in the World.
The tower is composed of the tower base with three batter posts, and three standing pillars, within which are elevators, holding 11 steel-structures creates the poetic conception as described in the old line "large and small pearls dropping onto a jade plate".

Then it comes to the Bund, the showcase with the old buildings of colonial-era leftover along Huangpu River. The renowned waterfront district is the city's most famous landmark. The word BUND is of Anglo-India origin meaning embankment on the waterfront. It is also the popular site to enjoy the night view of the city.

Shanghai offers colorful recreations with rich contents and creative form. Your night may be filled with an interactive old form of art known as the Acrobatics. Those professional performers have been trained of as early as age six or seven so that they can play so well and excellent. It definitely will be an unforgettable night in your memory.

Day 15

Shanghai  Huangshan
Before heading to Mt. Huangshan in the afternoon, Shanghai French Concession is also a fantastic place for spending leisure time. After lunch, be transferred to the airport for the flight to Huangshan City and check in at the hotel in the city.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Huangshan city

Shanghai French Concession, also known as French town, is a famous place for its historical factors. During the period from 1849 to 1946, it is a foreign concession in Shanghai. Due to its location covers the districts of Lukawei and Xujiahui, the main police depot and prison of the French concession is in Lukawei area, while Xujiahui is the centre of Catholic Shanghai. So Shanghai French Concession is also the centre of Catholicism in Shanghai.

After one hour's flight, the plane will land at Huangshan City, which located at the south of Anhui Province and famous for the Mt. Huangshan and the scattered serene villages. Tomorrow we'll find out more.

Day 16

Downtown    Mt. Huangshan
In the morning, you will be transferred to well-known Mt. Huangshan scenic area and climb up the mountain by cable car to have your exploration. Lunch and dinner will be served at the restaurant on mountain. Stay overnight at the top of the mountain.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: On Mt. Huangshan

Mt. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is one of China's ten best-known scenic spots. It is characterized by the four wonders, namely, odd-shaped pines, grotesque rock formation, seas of clouds and crystal-clear hot springs. Having all the features of mountain scenery, Mt. Huangshan is known as the No. 1 Mountain under the Heaven. Because of the mists and clouds, natural scenery in the area changes beyond prediction. Xu Xiake, a noted Chinese geologist and traveler in Ming Dynasty, praised Mt. Huangshan as the best of all mountains.

Because of the limited water and food resources, the price climbs high on mountain. Please be careful while sight-seeing and environmental-friendly to the beautiful scenery. Take a good rest for tomorrow's soul-stunning sunrise.

Note: During the winter season, heavey snow may occasionally block the way to Mt. Huangshan. We will then offer you an alternitive route just in case.

Day 17

Huangshan
If you are interested, just get up early, you may have the chance to enjoy the fantastic sunrise amidst a sea of clouds in the summits. Then, go down the mountain and drive back to downtown. You can then take a leisure stroll along Tunxi Old Street, the witness of the flourish of Anhui merchant's for a period of time.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Huangshan city

Tunxi Old Street, located at the center of Tunxi District of Huangshan City, has been the distribution center of south Anhui Province knowing for the production of green tea and ink. It is the witness of the flourish of Anhui merchant's for a period of time. The street is 1.5 kilometers long and 7 meters wide with double-floor wooden houses built during the Ming and Qing dynasties at two sides. So far, over 100 movies have been shot in the old street. Here you can buy featured souvenirs such as traditional Chinese medicine, Qimen Black Tea, Anhui ink stick, Shexian ink stone and Anhui Four Carvings.

Day 18

Huangshan    Hangzhou
Enjoy your own free time then you will take about 3 hours driving to reach Hangzhou. On arrival, enjoy your own free exploration of this city. If you are interested, you can take a leisure stroll along the Hefang Ancient Street to get a first impression of this city, which is a cobble street lined with traditional shops selling herbal medicines, handicrafts and silk products.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Hangzhou

Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province, is located by the Qiantang River at the Southern end of the Grand Canal. As one of the most renowned and prosperous cities of China for much of the last 1,000 years, Hangzhou is also well-known for its beautiful natural scenery, with the West Lake as the most well-known location. The Venetian Marco Polo supposedly visited Hangzhou in the late 13th century. His book refers to the city as "beyond dispute the finest and the noblest in the world."

Hefang Street is a well-designed old pedestrian street, which is the epitome of old Hangzhou. The original street has been ruined and it recently takes on a completely new look after lager-scale of restoration. Shops selling art crafts, souvenirs, silk, teahouses, and restaurants line on both sides of the street. Many famous century-old shops can be found along the street, such as Hu Qing Yu Pharmacy and Wang Xing Ji Fans. Hefang Street is otherwise known as the Snack Street for the diverse food it serves. The street clearly concentrates food from all around the country, while at some time highlighting the local flavors.

Day 19

Hangzhou
Enjoy your full day relaxing tour that covers the visit to West Lake, the most famous attraction in Hangzhou, Lingyin Temple, Six Harmonies Pagod and Tea Museum. Huaiyang Cuisine is available for your optional dinner (at your own expense).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hangzhou

"Rippling waters shimmering on a sunny day,
Misty mountains shrouded by the rain;
Plain or gaily decked out like Xizi;
West Lake is always alluring.”

These sentiments by the famous poet Su Dongpo, comparing West Lake with Xizi, the most renowned beauty of the Song Dynasty, leave one in no doubt of the splendor of the scenery that inspired them. Enclosed by the hills on three sides, the West Lake mirrors the surrounding landscape to form a panorama of great beauty. The lake was originally part of the Qitang River until its outlet became silted up. It is now 15km in circumference with an average depth of 1.8 meters.

The Lingyin Temple is regarded as one of the four temples by the side of the West Lake. The main hall, 33.6 meters high, is one of China's tallest single-story buildings, further distinguished by double eaves. Within, a statue of Sakyamuni, carved out of 24 pieces of camphor wood and gilded with 104 ounces of gold, stands an impressive 19.6 meters high.

Standing by the Qiantang River in Hangzhou, the Six Harmonies Pagod (Liuhe Tower) has for hundreds of years been praised by poets and men of letters. The pagoda was constructed first in 970 during the Northern Song Dynasty to suppress the tidewaters. It is nearly 60 meters tall with 13 stories outside and seven inside. From here you can have a good view of the Qiantang River meandering far into the distance.

While you are enjoying the beautiful sightseeing of Hangzhou, you can also try the well-known Huaiyang Cuisine which is the style prevailing in Shanghai, Hangzhou, Ningbo and Suzhou. The basin of the lower reaches of the Yangtze and the coast are blessed with the products of rivers, lakes and the sea; everything for seekers of fine food. Huaiyang dishes are characterized by the addition of a relatively high proportion of soy sauce.

Day 20

Hangzhou  Guilin
Take a morning flight to Guilin. On arrival, your local guide will meet you at the airport then transfer you to the hotel. On the way, you will have chance to visit the gorgeous Reed Flute Cave and Elephant Trunk Hill, the symbol of Guilin City. The Rice Noodle Banquet will be a good choice as an optional dinner if you wanna have a try.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Guilin

Reed Flute Cave is named for the special reeds, used for making flute instruments, that grow near the cave entrance. The caves are a feast for the eyes. The natural beauty of a profusion of stalactites and stalagmites, stele, stone pillars, stone curtains and stone flowers creating an infinite variety of extraordinary scenes, creatively illuminated, is bound to evoke gasps of admiration. It is fitting then, that Reed Flute Cave is commonly praised as Nature’s Grand Art Palace.

Elephant Trunk Hill, or Xiangbishan, is the symbol of Guilin. Observed from a distance, you’ll see an elephant-like form standing majestically at the confluence of the Li and Yang Rivers, with its trunk arching into the clear waters, a fantasy elephant eternally quenching a gargantuan thirst; lifelike in shape and energetic in posture.

Guilin Rice Noodle is the most popular snack in Guilin. If you want to know Guilin's culture deeply, it’s a recommended choice for you to taste the Banquet of Rice Noodle as your optional dinner. The thing that sets one dish apart from another is the soup, which is made of pork, steak, Lo Han Kuo, and other seasonings. Depending on different kinds of ingredients used in the soup, rice noodles can be divided into vegetable, three-fresh, original soup, spicy and sour, beef, and horse meat ones.

Day 21

Guilin  Yangshuo
The highlight of today's sightseeing is a leisurely cruise down the Li River to Yangshuo. Meandering through valleys, bamboo groves and mysterious Karst rock formations, the cruise will affords you a glimpse of a life far removed from the concrete jungle. Stay overnight in Yangshuo. In the evening, if you are interested, you can enjoy the night show called Impression of Liu San Jie as an optional activity.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Yangshuo

In the morning, be driven to Pier for your Li River Cruise. A double-decker river boat is waiting for you. The landscape from Guilin to Yangshuo is truly a masterpiece of nature. The crystal waters, straight-out-of-a-painting mountains, peaceful farm fields, hard-working-but- ever-smiling fishermen and wandering water buffaloes inspire poetic musings of Guilin’s charming life. Under the blue sky, your river boat transports you in an unending daydream.

After cruising for about four and a half hours, the one-thousand-year-old Yangshuo Town comes into sight. Yangshuo is a small oriental but Western-influenced town with a history of 1000 years. The West Street in the town earns its name since almost every one in West Street can speak fluent English and every restaurant or bar offers menus in several languages. You’ll feel no borders or distance here and will soon fall under the spell of this charismatic, welcoming small-town atmosphere. Moreover, West Street is flanked by fascinating little shops and vendor stands selling a broad variety of superior quality souvenirs, perfect gifts for friends and relatives.

Some guests may also hear about the night show- Impressions of Liu San Jie performance. The site is only one mile from West Street in the world’s largest natural theatre which utilizes the waters of the Li River as its stage, flanked by twelve mist shrouded hills and the heavens as its backdrop. Mist, rain, moonlight, the hills and their inverted reflections in the river all become the ever-changing natural background, so you will enjoy a unique experience each time you attend.

Day 22

Yangshuo  Guilin  Hong Kong
Enjoy your relaxing tour in this peaceful place. You will have a bus driving around to enjoy the countryside view (if you are interested, you can even choose take a cycling around the countryside and visit Moon Hill and the Big Banyan Tree, etc). After lunch, be transferred to the airport for your afternoon flight to Hong Kong.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Hong Kong

From Yangshuo, take a short, pleasant drive to the Moon Hill, a great limestone peak with a naturally created moon-shaped cavern passing through just below its summit. If you are interested, you can make a steep climb to the upper section of Moon Hill. The landscape is stunning viewed from Moon Hill; the skyline is lined with peaks of almost equal height – resembling a jumble of giant rock traffic-cones pointing skywards.

The Big Banyan Tree is located on the west bank of Jinbao River approximately 7.5km south of Yangshuo. It is said to have a history of nearly 1,400 years and has survived centuries of wind and rain. The Big Banyan Tree is now 17 meters high, 7.1 meters around the main trunk, and spans an area of 1000 square meters. As a major tourist attraction, the enormous Banyan is famous for its age and towering beauty. It is also noted because the Chinese film ‘The legend of Liu Sanjie’ was partly shot here. The beautiful love story adds to the magic of this centuries-old tree.

Hong Kong is a bustling and vibrant destination boasting a rich blend of Chinese and European traditions. Visitors to this “Pearl of the Orient” will experience breathtaking views from Victoria Peak, the uniqueness of Aberdeen’s Floating Community, and the offerings at Stanley Market. It would be hard to find a more exiting city than Hong Kong. Set among beautiful natural surroundings it has all the benefits of a thriving and vibrant commercial center home to shopping like no place

Day 23

Hong Kong
Today, enjoy your half day city tour that including a visiting to Victoria Peak, Aberdeen (no sampan) - home to hundreds of people living on fishing junks, and the largest jewelry factory in Hong Kong. After the tour, enjoy your own free exploration in this city.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: In Hong Kong

Victoria Peak is Hong Kong’s premier visitor attraction, providing magnificent harbor and city views. You will experience the dazzling panorama of Hong Kong Island, the Victoria Harbor, the Kowloon Peninsula and hills beyond. By night, you are thrilled to the neon-light skyline. What’s more, the Peak offers visitors a multitude of fantastic entertainment, dining and shopping options.

Aberdeen is also located on the southern side of Hong Kong Island. It is home to hundreds of people living on fishing junks. The traditional lifestyle is dramatically juxtaposed against a modern high-rise community that spreads up the nearby hillsides. To get a close-up look at the Aberdeen way of life, many visitors take a sampan ride. In the evenings, any others prefer to take in the view from the floating seafood restaurant anchored there.

Day 24

Departure Hong Kong
The vacation is over all too soon as you're transferred to the airport to board the homebound flight, bidding a fond farewell to China, and we know you'll be back.
Meals: Breakfast

Service Ends

Full price of this tour (per person in US$):

Recommended Hotels:

City	Standard Hotel ★★★	First Class Hotel ★★★★	Deluxe Hotel ★★★★★
Beijing	Holiday Inn Express Beijing Temple of Heaven	Royal Phoenix Hotel Beijing	Crowne Plaza Hotel Beijing
Xian	Skytel Hotel Xian	Days Hotel & Suites Xinxing Xian	Sofitel Xian on Renmin Square
Jiuzhaigou Valley	Jiuzhaigou Xingyu Hotel	Jiuzhaigou Xingyu Hotel	Sheraton Jiuzhaigou Resort
Chengdu	Chengdu Binjiang Hotel	Tianfu Sunshine Hotel	Sofitel Wanda Chengdu
Shanghai	Holiday Inn Express Shanghai Putuo	Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai Puxi Hotel	Sheraton Shanghai Hotel, Hongkou
Hangzhou	Hangzhou Enjoyor Hotel	West Lake Golden Plaza Hotel	Shangri-La Hotel Hangzhou
Guilin	Guilin Eva Inn	Guilin Bravo Hotel	Sheraton Guilin Hotel
Yangshuo	Yangshuo Aiyuan Hotel	Yangshuo New Century Hotel	Green Lotus Hotel Yangshuo
Hong Kong	Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees	Metropark Hotel Causeway Bay Hong Kong	Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel

Optional Local Specialties & Night Shows:

City	Local Specialties	Nights Shows
Beijing	Beijing Roasted Duck	See the Peking Opera
Xian	Dumpling Banquet	Tang Dynasty Show with Dinner
Chengdu	Chengdu Hot Pot	Chuan Opera
Shanghai	Tea Ceremony	Acrobatics Show
Hangzhou	Dragon Well (Lonhjing) Tea	Impression of West Lake
Guilin	Rice Noodle Banquet	See the Cormorant Fishing Show
Yangshuo	Yangshuo Beer Fish	Impression of Liusanjie