Shanghai-Yichang-Yangtze River Cruise (Upstream)-Chongqing-Xi'an-Beijing
Tour Code:
TCT-Highlights-06
Type of Organization:
Independent Private
Summary What¡¯s the first symbol will flash into your mind when you are going to China for the first time? The mysterious Great Wall in Beijing? The remarkable Qin Terra-cotta Army Museum in Xi¡¯an? Or the lovely Panda in Sichuan? You will see them all in this 14-day tour. And of course, we will offer you a splendid 3-night cruise along the legendary Yangtze River on one of the Three Gorges' top-rated floating hotels. 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, Shanghai (No meals)
Arrive in Shanghai, 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 ]
Among the big cities in China, Shanghai maintains the look of a Western metropolis. It is fascinating and sophisticated. The city started out in the 4th century as a fishing village and became a town till the middle of the 13th century. After the Opium War, Shanghai was gradually opened as a 'treaty port' in the mid year of the 19th century when it had been opened to the foreign trade and led to its partition into British, French and later Japanese concessions. From that time on, foreigners began to flood into this paradise for adventurers. Covering out their own sphere of influence, England, France, the US and Japan settled here by seizing their respective concessions which was known as the territory of each country. It was considered as the colonial period with number of the featured buildings and architectures of cosmopolitan by those owners of the concessions which made Shanghai as a fascinating mixture of East and West. After a good rest in a comfortable hotel TCT recommended, you are ready for the incoming exciting tour with full energy.
Day 02 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 03 Shanghai--Yichang, Embark(B/L)
In the morning, visit Shanghai Museum and take an afternoon flight to Yichang. Upon arrival, be transferred to pier to embark the Yangtze cruiser.
[ Itinerary Description ]
As a museum of ancient Chinese art, Shanghai Museum possesses a collection of 120,000 precious works of art. Its rich and high-quality collection of ancient Chinese bronze, ceramics, painting and calligraphy is specially celebrated in the world.
The new site of the Shanghai Museum has a construction space of 38,000 square meters with two floors underground and five floors above the ground with a height of 29.5 meters. This grand new building, structured with a square base and a circular top with four arch-shaped handles erected on it, symbolizes the perfect fusion of China¡¯s traditional cultural and the spirit of modern times. When viewed from above, the circular top with a glass dome in the center looks like a huge bronze mirror of the Han Dynasty. When viewed at a distance, the whole building resembles an ancient bronze Ding tripod, shouldering in silence the heavy weight of the 5,000-year Chinese history and civilization.
After a nice local lunch, you will take a flight to Yichang, where is the beginning of your Yangtze River Cruise.
Tonight you don¡¯t stay in hotel and wait for the next morning boarding. Instead of, you could be on board before 9:00 pm. The ship TCT recommended is luxurious 5-star ship of Victoria Cruises. The cruiser looks quite new and clean. All the stuffs are waiting along two sides to welcome you with sweet smile and fluent English. The standard two-bed sharing cabin is about 21 squarer meters with private balcony and bathroom. A good cabin is very vital for your cruise.
The 6300 kilometer-long Yangtze is China's longest river, and third longest in the world. It originates in Qinghai Province and cuts its way through Tibet. It passes 7 other provinces before emptying itself into the East Sea just north of Shanghai. Between the towns of Fengjie (Sichuan Province) and Yichang (Hubei Province) lie three gorges regarded as some of the best scenic attractions in China.
Day 04 Yangtze River Cruise (B/L/D)
Depart from Yichang and visit Three Gorges Dam firstly at Sandouping, the largest project of its kind in the world. Then sail through Xiling Gorge, the longest and deepest one among the three.
[ Itinerary Description ]
You depart from Yichang at 9 o¡¯clock in the morning. Sumptuous Western and Chinese buffet are offered as breakfast.
The first spot you have today is the Three Gorges Dam. You need to get off the boat to see the great construction. It is no doubt that the highlight of the cruise is not only nature made (the Three Gorges) but also man made (the Dam). The dam is so enormous and impressive. It is the largest water conservancy project ever undertaken on this planet. With the completion of Three Gorges Dam in 2009, the water levels will raise to a level of 175m above the sea level. It will create a 600 km long reservoir extending from the dame site all the way to Chongqing. Markers along the route indicate that there is only around 20m of rise to go now. The building of this huge dam is for the purpose of flood control, hydroelectricity, navigation and irrigation. Although about 1.5 million people in the process as well as countless historical and cultural sites will be displaced, it is lucky that all historical and cultural cites will be reserved by rebuilding to a higher position above the required level.
Then it is time to pass through the locks of Three Gorge Dam that is the climax. You could really feel the might of the dam. Since the water level before the dam is much higher than that after the dam, the boats have to pass through 5 sections of locks step by step to lift itself up as the water. By closing and opening the locks, the water goes up and the boats are floating and going up with the water. The 5 sections are about 1.5 km long and it takes you about several hours to pass. Among you, there are some other boats that pass together and this is another reason that it takes a long time. With all the ship and the surrounding illuminated it is very beautiful scenery to watch. It is amazing and fantastic to see all in the daytime.
The first gorge of this trip is Xiling Gorge, the longest and the deepest gorge with dangerous rapids like Xietan, Qintan and Kongling, collectively known as the Three Rapids of Xiling. It used to be a treacherous place with numerous shoals and dangerous rocks. The river here today has become wide and smooth. As a result, you have more chances to view the wonderful sightseeing on both sides.
Day 05 Yangtze River Cruise (B/L/D)
First take an excursion through Daning River Lesser Three Gorges. Then pass through Wu Gorge which is known for its quiet beauty and Qutang Gorge, the shortest, narrowest but the most dramatic one.
[ Itinerary Description ]
Today you have so many highlights to see. After the first gorge you stop at Mt.Wushan and then change to a smaller boat for the Lesser Three Gorges. This is definitely the favorite part of the journey and the most impressive scenery. They are the 'Dragon Gate Gorge', 'Misty Gorge' and 'Emerald Gorge'. These gorges are far sheerer. You are incredible, majestic, humbling and wonderful to behold. If chances are, you will spot a few monkeys in the trees on both sides and also a few women singing and some guys playing something that sounds a bit like the bagpipes.
Return to the Victoria, you continue your wonderful trip. A few hours later you see the second gorge -Wu Gorge, known for its beauty, forest covered mountains and sheer cliff. The middle gorge is best known for twelve unique peaks. Often hidden in swirls of mist, six lines the north side of the river and six staggered peaks stand to the south. The cliff faces rise up almost 1000m on either side of the boat. You could stand on the deck for minutes to enjoy this pretty breathtaking sightseeing.
You see the third gorge- Qutang Gorge, the shortest, narrowest and the most dramatic one at last. It is impressive with sloping green surfaces, ridges & valleys running down to the water. The gorges rise straight out of the water on either side of you, dwarfing the boat. Two mountains, Mt. Chijiashan and Mt. Baiyanshan, guard the entrance to this gorge like giant castle doors.
Day 06 Yangtze River Cruise (B/L/D)
The ship arrive at Fengdu or Shibaozhai for the final shore excursion of the Yangtze River Cruise.
[ Itinerary Description ]
Today you stop for an exploration of Shibaozhai, which represents one of the gems of Chinese architecture along the Yangtze River. From afar, the protruding 220-meter pagoda abuts against the north bank appears to resemble a jade seal. In Chinese myths, it is said that the creation of the pavilion is attributed to the goddess Nvwa, who caused a rockslide while she was redecorating the sky after a fierce battle between two warring dukes. A red pavilion abuts against one side of this rock. Its tall yellow entrance gate is decorated with lions and dragons. The pavilion itself is really impressive, clinging to the side of a sheer cliff face, as well as spread across the top of the hill. It takes a bit of time to get to the top, and there are some stunning views of Yangtze River when you get there. After return to the boat in the afternoon, you could enjoy your afternoon tea and share tales of today¡¯s adventure with fellow travelers.
Or Fengdu, which is known as the 'Ghost City', remains hundreds of statues of ghosts and devils in a depiction of the afterlife.
The Farewell Dinner invites you to bid a fond goodbye to our new travel company. Thanks to the crews¡¯ hospitality, you still have more fun to enjoy.
Day 07 Disembak, Chongqing (B/L)
Cruiser arrives in Chongqing in the morning. Take a half-day city trip of General Stewell Museum, Erling Park, Zoo and Ciqikou Old Street.
[ Itinerary Description ]
Say goodbye to all the crews with a good memory of the past four-day service. You have a lot to expect for Chongqing, China's fourth municipality. Chongqing is a beautiful mountain city embraced by two rivers-the Yangtze River and the Jialing River. As an important hub of Economical Developmentin Western China, Chongqing has become an excellent entry to all the great wonders all over the southwest China.
First visit General Stewell Museum. Stewell is the chief commander of US forces in the China-Burma-India Theatre during World War II. You learn quite a bit about the aid that was given to the Chinese by volunteer forces (such as the Flying Tigers and their support pilots which flew the supplies and materials over the Himalayas) and the US military once they got involved. You also can take a bird¡¯s eye views of the whole city in Erling Park. After that you visit the Panda at Zoo. It is no doubt that panda is the cutest animal in the world and you are excited to see them in a close distance. Then you come to the Ciqikou Old Street where you take a walk and see local shops, old wooden houses, old pier, tea houses and local Sichuan street performance.
Day 08 Chongqing-- Xi'an (B/L)
Leave for Xi'an in the morning. Then you will visit the Shaanxi History Museum and Ancient City Wall, one of the oldest and best-preserved walls in China.
[ Itinerary Description ]
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.
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.
Day 09 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 meal.
[ 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 Dinner that 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 10 Xi'an--Beijing(B/L)
Leave for Beijing in the morning. Take a half-day Hutong Tour by rickshaw to visit the ancient lanes and alleyways of Beijing for your first impression of the city.
[ 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. You know this old and new city from its typical building- Hutong. 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.
Day 11 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 12 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 13 Departure, Beijing(B)
Feel at leisure untill be transferred to the airport for your International flight home. Bid a fond farewell to this ancient land.
Service Ends
TCT Optional Local Specialties & Night Shows:
City
Local Specialties
Nights Shows
Shanghai
Traditional Dim-sum Banquet
Chinese Acrobatics
Xi'an
Jiaozi Banquet
Tang Dynasty Show with Dinner
Beijing
Peking Roasted Duck
Peking Opera
TCT Recommended Hotels:
City
Standard Hotels
First Class Hotels
Deluxe Hotels
Shanghai
Pacific Luck Hotel
Golden River View Hotel
Howard Johnson Shanghai
Yangtze River Cruise
-
Victoria Rose
Victoria Katarina or Anna
Xi'an
New Henderson Hotel
Aurum International Hotel
Howard Johnson Ginwa Plaza
Beijing
Dongfang Hotel
Holiday Inn Central Plaza
Crowne Plaza
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
1546
474
1637
543
1798
673
6-9 pax
1843
533
1884
573
2038
697
2-5 pax
2167
533
2207
573
2361
697
1 pax
3349
3430
3707
First Class Hotels
Low Season
Shoulder Season
High Season
Twin
S.Supp
Twin
S.Supp
Twin
S.Supp
Above 10 pax
1638
566
1730
635
1915
790
6-9 pax
1980
670
2021
711
2176
835
2-5 pax
2303
670
2345
711
2499
835
1 pax
3622
3705
3983
Deluxe Class Hotels
Low Season
Standard Season
High Season
Twin
S.Supp
Twin
S.Supp
Twin
S.Supp
Above 10 pax
1991
866
2152
1004
2595
1399
6-9 pax
2478
1114
2509
1145
2887
1475
2-5 pax
2801
1114
2832
1145
3211
1475
1 pax
4565
4627
5335
* 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.
Contact us : sales@topchinatravel.com
Tel: (86)773-2885326 , 2828304 , 2825759 , Fax: (86)773-2805303
Copyright 2004 All Rights Reserved. Top China Travel
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What¡¯s the first symbol will flash into your mind when you are going to China for the first time? The mysterious Great Wall in Beijing? The remarkable Qin Terra-cotta Army Museum in Xi¡¯an? Or the lovely Panda in Sichuan? You will see them all in this 14-day tour. And of course, we will offer you a splendid 3-night cruise along the legendary Yangtze River on one of the Three Gorges' top-rated floating hotels. 
Day-by-day Itinerary-m.jpg)
-Yichang, Embark(B/L)-m.jpg)
-m.jpg)
You depart from Yichang at 9 o¡¯clock in the morning. Sumptuous Western and Chinese buffet are offered as breakfast. -m.jpg)
Today you have so many highlights to see. After the first gorge you stop at Mt.Wushan and then change to a smaller boat for the Lesser Three Gorges. This is definitely the favorite part of the journey and the most impressive scenery. They are the 'Dragon Gate Gorge', 'Misty Gorge' and 'Emerald Gorge'. These gorges are far sheerer. You are incredible, majestic, humbling and wonderful to behold. If chances are, you will spot a few monkeys in the trees on both sides and also a few women singing and some guys playing something that sounds a bit like the bagpipes. -m.jpg)
Today you stop for an exploration of Shibaozhai, which represents one of the gems of Chinese architecture along the Yangtze River. From afar, the protruding 220-meter pagoda abuts against the north bank appears to resemble a jade seal. In Chinese myths, it is said that the creation of the pavilion is attributed to the goddess Nvwa, who caused a rockslide while she was redecorating the sky after a fierce battle between two warring dukes. A red pavilion abuts against one side of this rock. Its tall yellow entrance gate is decorated with lions and dragons. The pavilion itself is really impressive, clinging to the side of a sheer cliff face, as well as spread across the top of the hill. It takes a bit of time to get to the top, and there are some stunning views of Yangtze River when you get there. After return to the boat in the afternoon, you could enjoy your afternoon tea and share tales of today¡¯s adventure with fellow travelers. -m.jpg)
Say goodbye to all the crews with a good memory of the past four-day service. You have a lot to expect for Chongqing, China's fourth municipality. Chongqing is a beautiful mountain city embraced by two rivers-the Yangtze River and the Jialing River. As an important hub of Economical Developmentin Western China, Chongqing has become an excellent entry to all the great wonders all over the southwest China. -m.jpg)
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.-m.jpg)
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.-m.jpg)
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. You know this old and new city from its typical building- Hutong. 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. -m.jpg)
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.-m.jpg)
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.