Summary The same beginning, but different ending. As usual, you will feel the first sight of China starting from the two ancient capitals Beijing and Xi¡¯an. However, you will be touched down on one of our planet's ultra-modern cities - Shanghai and its nearby beautiful cities-Suzhou and Hangzhou, which are famed as the terrestrial paradises. Tiger Hill, Six Harmonious Pagoda, West Lake and Lingyin Temple, you name it and Elite Tour has it. Features Local specialties and night shows listed at the bottom for your delight Fine selected hotels at wide range of choices for your comfort Comprehensive and unique program Knowledgeable guides, experienced drivers and vans in good-condition
Day 01 Arrival, Beijing (No meals)
Arrive in Beijing, your gateway city of China tour. Be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Free at leisure for the rest of the day.
[ Itinerary Description ]
Beijing, China's capital and a well-known tourist city of the world, offers sights and cultural relics found no where on earth. The city has its own individuality, that's the flavor of Beijing. The quadrangle, small alley, tricycle, boiled mutton, roasted duck, Peking Opera, arts and crafts you can see, hear and feel them all only when you come to the city yourself. After a good rest in a comfortable hotel TCT recommended, you are ready for the incoming exciting tour with full energy.
Day 02 Beijing(B/L)
Depart from hotel in the morning to visit Tian'anmen Square, the largest urban square and Forbidden City, the largest and most complete ancient imperial palace in the world. Then visit Temple of Heaven in the afternoon. Peking Opera is available for your optional night entertainment.
[ Itinerary Description ]
As the biggest public square in the world, Tian¡¯anmen Square conquers you with its grandeur at the first sight. You are quite glad to begin your first-day tour here. Then you are leaded to Forbidden City. It is the imperial palace for 24 emperors during Ming and Qing Dynasties and the biggest ancient architecture complex in the world. You walk in the museum to see with your eyes, to touch with your hands and fell with your hearts. Thanks to this wonderful visiting, you know how the richest feudal country was and how the top rulers and their concubines lived. After enjoyed a nice Chinese lunch , you continue your trip to Temple of Heaven. Different from the red and golden in the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heave is based on a color of blue, which stands the color of sky. You feel the perfect harmony between the architecture and nature and a circle and peace spirit of Chinese people. You even could imagine the vivid pictures of a great sacrifice to the Heaven for good harvest through the description of local guide.
At night, it is lucky that you'll have an opportunity to enjoy the opera of nation- Peking Opera. Skillful performers convey their exact feelings to you through various facial making-ups and featured musical instruments. The Chinese culture is completely revealed.
Day 03 Beijing (B/L)
In the morning drive 75km to visit the Great Wall (Badaling Section) first and Ming Tombs (Changling Tomb), the once lavish burial chambers of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty. Peking Roasted Duck is available for your optional dinner.
[ Itinerary Description ]
The Great Wall (Badaling Section) is located in the suburb 75km northwest of Beijing. The highway from Beijing to the Great Wall is smooth and comfortable. The Great Wall is the symbol of China and the wisdom of Chinese people. It is very unbelievable that Chinese succeeded in building such a great architecture with simple tools in ancient time. The construction of the Great Wall began in the 5th century BC. The wall has a total length of 6,700km, traveling up and down over numerous mountains and valleys. Starting in the east at Shanhaiguan Pass, it crosses Heibei Province, Beijing, Shanxi Province, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Shaanxi Province, and ending up in Jiayuguan at Gansu Province. It is said the Great Wall is the only man-made project which is visible from the moon. Badaling Section is one of the best preserved and most accessible parts with the essence of the whole Great Wall.
The Ming Tombs are located in the northern suburbs of Beijing, consisting of 13 tombs of the emperors of the Ming Dynasty after the capital was moved from Nanjing to Beijing. Now there are only two tombs, Changling and Dingling, open to the visitors. The Lingsi Palace in Changling Tomb's second yard as really deserves a visit. This is unique as it is the only huge palace made of camphor wood. The ceiling is colorfully painted and supported by sixteen solid camphor posts. The floor is decorated with gold bricks.
Today's dinner should be a highlight of your tour if you desire to taste the most famous Peking Roasted Duck. From the whole roasted duck to the soup of duck tones, you'll enjoy a banquet of every part of duck. Moreover, the chef shows his skill of cutting the skin of duck on live. Not only your taste is fulfilled but also your eyes are entertained.
Day 04 Beijing-- Xi'an (B/L)
In the morning, take a half-day Hutong Tour by rickshaw to visit the ancient lanes and alleyways of Beijing. Be transferred to the airport for the flight to Xi'an in the afternoon.
[ Itinerary Description ]
If sightseeing at the Forbidden City and Ming Tombs in the past two days is helpful for you in learning about the lives of China¡¯s emperors, the half-day Hutong Tour reflects the lives of ordinary Chinese and the history of Beijing as a whole. You have dreamed of visiting Beijing¡¯s lanes and experiencing life, history and culture first-hand in this city for a long time. The Hutong Tour makes it come true.
Xi 'an is a city with time-honored history. It is the city can bring you back in time to ancient Chinese civilization. During its 3,100 years development, 13 dynasties have occupied the region. Besides, the city was the start point of the famous Silk Road. You'll find Xi 'an a large city with a much more relaxed atmosphere than that of Beijing. There are lots of cars but without the traffic pace of Shanghai. One of the important reason for no subway in the city is that there is large part of the wealth of ancient treasures buried here.
Day 05 Xi'an (B/L)
Ample time will be provided for the visits of those famous spots, including the Qin Terror-cotta Army Museum, one of the world's most important archaeological finds with troops, horses and carriages in battle formation and Banpo Neolithic Village Museum. Either Jiaozi Banquet or Tang Dynasty Show with Dinner is available for your optional.
[ Itinerary Description ]
Being a capital of 13 dynasties, Xi¡¯an has so much to offer. Today¡¯s attractions are the best of the best. From your hotel, your local guide directs you to the site where local farmers drilling a series of wells in search of water found excavations of Qin Terror-cotta Army Museum by accident in 1974. It has been regarded as the '8th Wonder of the World.' It was created to guard Emperor Qin Shihuang's tomb that's to protect him in his afterlife in the mind of ancient Chinese. Three excavation pits have been opened to the public with a fourth underway. During his visit to China, US former President Clinton came to visit the dig. The fine troops, horses and carriages in battle formation are ancient art treasure and complete illustration of the history of Qin Dynasty.
Then set forth to Banpo Neolithic Village Museum located east Xi'an. It is one of the most important sites of the Neolithic culture that existed 6,000-7,000 years ago. Archeologists have uncovered a residential area, a pottery workshop and a cemetery in an area that covers some 50,000 square meters of ancient ruins.
This evening you could choose Jiaozi Banquet which covers over 10 kinds of Jiaozi in China as your dinner. The shapes of Jiaozi various from one to another, such as rabbit, duck, shrimp, peanuts and so on. Or you can enjoy Tang Dynasty Show with Dinnerthat was made for emperors only in ancient China. You'll enjoy the sumptuous dinner while watching a fabulous dancing and singing performance of Tang Dynasty. This is not only a performance of Chinese traditional dancing and singing but also a recurrence of Chinese ancient society and culture.
Day 06 Xi'an -- Shanghai(B/L)
In the morning, you will visit the Shaanxi History Museum and Ancient City Wall, one of the oldest and best-preserved walls in China. Then be transferred to airport for your flight to Shanghai in the afternoon.
[ Itinerary Description ]
In the ancient city like Xi'an, the museum should be an indispensable part of your visit. Shaanxi History Museum is a showcase of the civilization from Emperor Qin Shihuang to the present day. The museum is housed in a striking Tang Dynasty-style pavilion and features an enormous collection of 113,000 historic and cultural relics. You continue the trip to the nearby Ancient City Wall. It is the most complete city wall that has survived in China as well as one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world.
Wonderful time always passes so quickly that you need to take a flight to Shanghai in the afternoon. From ancient Xi'an to modern Shanghai, you have a lot to expect. Although Shanghai is a busy city lined up by tall buildings and one of the most populated cities in the country, it still has scenic ancient sites reminding the rich history of old Shanghai.
Day 07 Shanghai (B/L)
Depart from hotel in the morning to have a whole-day trip of Jade Buddha Temple, Yuyuan Garden, the Old Street, Oriental TV Tower and the Bund, Shanghai's famed waterfront promenade. Traditional Dim-sum Banquet and Acrobatics are available for your optional lunch and night entertainment.
[ Itinerary Description ]
Today you'll find a Buddhism shrine - Jade Buddha Temple, located in a crowd of Shanghai City. It was first built in 1882 in Jiangwan on the southern outskirts of Shanghai. In order to make it convenient for the adherents to visit , it was bodily moved to Shanghai City at the present sire in 1918. It is named for its two bejeweled white jade Buddha. It receives thousands of visitors and worshipers everyday while keeps its sanctity and charming. Carved from a whole piece of white jade, the sitting jade Buddha statue is translucent with a solemn expression, displaying the excellent skill and extraordinary art of Chinese people. Yuyuan Garden has a lot of stories for it was severely damaged in the 19 th century and was restored in 1961. This garden was first built in the 16th century by provincial governor, Pan Yunduan, in honor of his father who was the then government minister. It has many scenic courtyards decorated with baroque rockery, pools, and flora that are all connected by corridors and passageways. The delicate design and exquisite layout of the whole garden reveals a strong impression of 'garden in the garden, whole in the part.' Coming back from the nature, the shopping trip will begin in Nanjing Road which is starts at the Bund and runs westward, with People's Square in the middle. Renown for its bustling and modernization, Nanjing Road earns its reputation as the 'First Commercial Road in China', which is the good shopping heaven for your trip as the same as the Fifth Avenue in New York and Avenue des Champs-Elys¨¦es in Paris. Some of the traditional food and handicrafts of Shanghai can be found here. Then we 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. Standing at Pudong New Area at the east side of Huangpu River, Oriental TV Tower was completed on October 1, 1994. The tower has a height of 468 meters. With multi-functions of sightseeing, catering, shopping, amusement and accommodations, this tower has become the symbol of the city and a popular tourist attraction in Shanghai.
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 08 Shanghai -- Suzhou(B/L)
In the morning, say goodbye to Shanghai and take bullet train to graceful Suzhou. Then begin your visit of Silk Factory where you can see firsthand how the excellent Chinese silk is produced. Then visit Canglang Pavilion.
[ Itinerary Description ]
Founded in 514 BC, Suzhou is one of the oldest towns in the Yangtze Basin, founded in about 600 BC. It achieved its fame 1000 years later when the Grand Canal was constructed. Suzhou remains one of the most beautiful cities in China with its blue web of interlocking canals and classical gardens as well as famous silk industry that inspired the Chinese to name this area 'paradise on earth'. Upon arrival, you see there are many canals in Suzhou, and it¡®s easy to understand why Marco Polo called the city the 'Venice of the East' during his visit. Built for drainage rather than transport purposes, the canals nevertheless offer a romantic and lazy way to get around the city.
Suzhou has long been known as an important center of silk trade since the Song Dynasty. You can see a display of the life-cycle of the silk worm, as well as demonstrations of how the silk is harvested from the cocoons and eventually woven into fabric in Silk Factory. Silk has a history of some 4,500 years in China, so they have become adapted to producing many different types of silk, as well as dyeing it and weaving different patterns into the fabric. It is quite mind-blowing to learn that one cocoon can produce about 2 km of silk strand, and that several of these strands are twined together to make a single thread. The process is so slow and painstaking; it is no wonder that genuine hand-made silk articles are so expensive.
Different from some Western gardens where the entire garden unfolds before one¡¯s eyes, Suzhou gardens reveal themselves step by step along a winding route. Canglang Pavilion with the longest history among other gardens in Suzhou is a typical example. Another feature of Suzhou Gardens is contrast. Tress, bushes, architectures and oddly shaped rocks are arranged in a way to create interesting and elements.
Day 09 Suzhou- -Hangzhou (B/L)
Depart from hotel in the morning and be transferred to Tiger Hill, Panmen Gate and Humble Administrator's Garden, the masterpiece of Suzhou classic garden. Then take a soft-seated train to Hangzhou.
[ Itinerary Description ]
Today, you leave your hotel in the morning to begin your trip of Tiger Hill, also known as the Surging Sea Hill. It is amazing since it was used to be an isolated island caused by volcano eruption. It is a large hillock, standing 36 meters high and covering an area of some 14,100 square meters. Going up to the hill, you find a number of historical sites, including some from 2,500 years ago, which are as old as the city of Suzhou.
Near the Tiger Hill, you have another important spot to view. Suzhou, like many other Chinese cities, was once surrounded by a ring of walls and gates from ancient time. Since commence and transport of entire city depended heavily on its canal network, land transportation of the city was impractical. As a result Suzhou created a system of ' water gate'- small forts that opened for both land and water tarrif. The three scenic gates of Panmen Gate are the oldest gate as a fortification still preserved today.
Own to the extensive canal network, Suzhou has been an area where high-ranking officials stationed. As a result, all kinds of delicious food were cooked in various ways to delight the rich politicians. You enjoy a typical lunch with cook style of Huaiyang Cuisine in a local restaurant. Then you continue your trip to one of Four Famous Classic Gardens in China-Humble Administrator¡¯s Garden. From your point of view, it is not humble at all. On the contrary, it is the best representative of Chinese classical gardens in the Ming dynasty. Its design is duplicated in many gardens throughout China, and there¡®s even a replica in the New York Metropolitan Museum. Focused on a central pond with pavilions, terraces, chambers, and towers located nearby, the garden is divided into three parts: the east, middle and west.
When you are indulging in the exquisite garden, you are informed that you have to leave for next destination- Hangzhou, known as the heaven on earth. The soft-seat train is perfect for you. You arrive in Hangzhou on time and have a good rest in your hotel. From Suzhou to Hangzhou, what seems the same is the quietness and elegance of two cities, but what is the difference? You will find the answer tomorrow by yourselves.
Day 10 Hangzhou (B/L)
A trip to Hangzhou would be incomplete without a visit to West Lake. Then visit Lingyin Temple, Six Harmonies Pagoda, Huqingyu's Traditional Pharmacy and Tea Museum. Optional Huaiyang Cuisine is available for your dinner.
[ Itinerary Description ]
Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province, is by the Qiantang River at the Southern end of the Grand Canal on the east coast of China. It is one of the most beautiful cities in China with its West Lake and almost year-round green surroundings. You believe that what made Hangzhou so famous is West Lake at great extend since you cannot say a proper word to describe the beauty of West Lake at the first sight. The picturesque lake deserves its fame, with ten scenic views adding natural beauty to the unique cultural value of the environment. This lake was originally a shallow bay where the Qiantang River met the sea. It is surrounded on three sides by mountains and on the fourth by the city. In whose western region it now sits, hence the name 'West Lake'. You board a boat to some islands in the lake. One called Small Yingzhou Islet built in 1607, impresses you most. The concept of this island is: 'an island within the lake and a lake within an island'. The layout of the whole island is quite impressive and reflected a huge amount of planning and forethought by those who constructed it. Just off the southern shore of this island are three gourd-shaped pagodas. Each is about two meters high, erected since 1621. Each pagoda has five round holes in it and when lit candles are placed into each pagoda, the light from these candles together with the moonlight reflecting off the water give rise to the naming of this feature as 'Three Pools Mirroring the Moon'.
Next you move to Lingyin Temple, truly a spot to behold. It is said that in 326 A.D. a monk named Hui Li came to Hangzhou for the sake of finding an ideal valley for a soul retreat. He built a temple there, naming it the 'Monastery of the Soul¡¯s Retreat'. The Chinese word for soul is 'ling 'and retreat is 'yin', therefore the monastery came to be known as Lingyin Temple. In one of the temples you see China¡®s largest sitting statue of Buddha. Carved out of 24 pieces of camphor wood and gilded with 104 ounces of gold, it measures an impressive 19.6 meters high.
In the afternoon Six Harmonies Pagoda is waiting for you. It is one of the most prominent wood-and-brick structures of ancient China. The name of the pagoda relates to the six codes of Buddhism. Huqingyu's Traditional Pharmacy and Tea Museum display you two Chinese traditional cultures: Chinese Traditional Medicine and Tea Culture.
Hangzhou Dish belongs to Huaiyang Cuisine as well. When you enjoy the beautiful sightseeing, you continue our food trip too because Hangzhou is also a heaven of delicious food. Huaiyang Cuisine is a style prevailing in Shanghai, Hangzhou, Ningbo and Suzhou. The basin of the lower reaches of the Yangtze and the coast are blessed with the produce of rivers, lakes and the sea- everything for seekers of fine food. Huiyang dishes are characterized by the addition of a relatively high proportion of soy sauce. You can have a taste of nice food while enjoy the beautiful view at the same time.
Day 11 Hangzhou -- Shanghai, Departure(B)
In the morning you take a train back to Shanghai and then go to the Pudong International Airport for flight home. Bid a fond farewell to this ancient land.
Service Ends
TCT Optional Local Specialties & Night Shows:
City
Local Specialties
Nights Shows
Beijing
Peking Roasted Duck
Peking Opera
Xi'an
Jiaozi Banquet
Tang Dynasty Show with Dinner
Shanghai
Traditional Dim-sum Banquet
Chinese Acrobatics
Hangzhou
Huaiyang Cuisine
-
TCT Recommended Hotels:
City
Standard Hotels
First Class Hotels
Deluxe Hotels
Beijing
Dongfang Hotel
Holiday Inn Central Plaza
Crowne Plaza
Xi'an
New Henderson Hotel
Aurum International Hotel
Howard Johnson Ginwa Plaza
Shanghai
Pacific Luck Hotel
Golden River View Hotel
Howard Johnson Shanghai
Suzhou
Fuhui Hotel
Bamboo Grove Hotel
Sheraton Hotel
Hangzhou
Lily Hotel
Lake View Hotel
Sofitel Westlake Hangzhou
Price Details (per person in US$) :
Standard hotels
First Class hotels
Deluxe hotels
Standard Class Hotels
Low Season
Shoulder Season
High Season
Twin
S.Supp
Twin
S.Supp
Twin
S.Supp
Above 10 pax
1228
233
1324
302
1364
342
6-9 pax
1531
309
1571
350
1602
380
2-5 pax
1918
309
1958
350
1989
380
1 pax
2853
3030
3091
First Class Hotels
Low Season
Shoulder Season
High Season
Twin
S.Supp
Twin
S.Supp
Twin
S.Supp
Above 10 pax
1339
345
1457
435
1538
516
6-9 pax
1710
488
1778
556
1818
596
2-5 pax
2097
488
2165
556
2204
596
1 pax
3307
3443
3522
Deluxe Class Hotels
Low Season
Standard Season
High Season
Twin
S.Supp
Twin
S.Supp
Twin
S.Supp
Above 10 pax
1598
604
1797
775
2076
1054
6-9 pax
2144
922
2201
980
2394
1173
2-5 pax
2531
922
2588
980
2781
1173
1 pax
4175
4290
4676
* High season: April, May, Sep, Oct, & 1-15 Nov; Shoulder Season: Jun & Jul; Low Season: Jan, Feb, Mar, 16-30 Nov & Dec
* S.Supp: Single Supplement
TCT Member Price :
Remarks:
All the "0" in the above form indicate that the prices to be advised, and S.Supp(Single Supplement)means one client occupying one standard room.
Prices in USD are based on two sharing one twin-bed standard room,exclusive of the price for ONE passenger occupying one twin-bed room of his own.
The prices quoted here are only valid in 2008, period of 2008 Beijing Olympic excepted.
The availabilities of rooms, flights and so on are subject to change until the actual booking is being made. TCT reserves the right to adjust the prices of any portion of the tour due to the reasons beyond our control.
Prices are based on the current exchange rate and are subject to change without prior notice. For the most up to date prices, please contact with the sales.
Children under 12 have discount from above prices. Please advise all details about kids concerned with bookings.
Price includes:
Mentioned domestic air transportation in economy class with airport tax and fuel surcharge. The tax and surcharge are subject to change at any time.
Private transfers between airports/railway stations, hotels and all sightseeing spots. Separate arrivals and departures will incur extra charges.
Hotel or cruiser accommodation based on two adults sharing one standard twin-bed room/cabin; a client who travels alone or desires is required to pay a single supplement rate. A single room is subject to availability based on prior request at an additional cost; if the recommended hotel is not available, it will be substituted by a similar one.
Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are included in the cruise fee as well as the cruise shore excursion in groups and daily activities. The arrangements are subject to the different cruiser companies and subject to change without prior notice.
One driver and one English-speaking guide on normal sightseeing activities in each destination.
All entrance fees to scenic spots as shown in the itinerary. The final arrangement will be determined by local tour guides based on the local circumstances which are beyond the control of TopChinaTravel. TCT will adhere to the original itinerary as accurately as possible.
Tibet Travel Permit application fee in the packages related to Tibet.
Price excludes:
Round International airfare or train tickets.
Visa fee, passport application or renewal fee.
Tips for guides, escort, drives, bellman, etc.
Personal expenses such as excess luggage fees, laundry, postage, communications and beverages.
Travel insurance.
Optional meals and shows mentioned in the itinerary, which will be added up if the clients desire to take the activities.
Applicable taxes or government fees.
Any other changes caused by the acts of God, natural disasters, fires, weather, governmental and local authority orders, political change, strikes, war, riots, quarantine, custom regulations, damages or injury caused by accident beyond the control of TopChinaTravel and that has incurred due to the tourist action violating the laws.
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