Summary As soon as you step off the plane, Guilin¡¯s colorful sights, aromatic smells and people¡¯s gentle smiles conjure up an indescribably magical aura. From the crystal Li River to the scenic nature Reed Flute Cave and the vivid Elephant Hill, every place is an eye-opener for you in Guilin. Then comes to Shanghai, which boasts an impressive range of International-standard city, and Beijing, which is home to a rich and vibrant cultural tradition, rooted in ancient beliefs, will show you the Modern China from their prospects. 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 Hong Kong--Guilin (No meals)
Arrive in Guilin from Hong Kong. Be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Free at leisure for the rest of the day.
[ Itinerary Description ]
Guilin is world-famous for its serene landscape, Karsts limestones formations, mist-covered hills and bamboo groves. Meanwhile it is the home to more than ten ethnic groups, such as Han, Zhuang, Miao, Yao, Hui and Dong. On the way from airport to your hotel, you see dozens of pretty hills everywhere in the city of Guilin. It is a city of hills and green trees and boasts one of the most photographed areas of China. After a good rest in a comfortable hotel TCT recommended, you are ready for the incoming exciting tour with full energy.
Day 02 Guilin (B/L)
Depart from hotel in the morning and be transferred to the Pier for Li River Cruise(about 4 hours and the lunch will be served on board). Savor the fairy-tale scenery when sail down the meandering river to Yangshuo. Be transferred back to Guilin in the late afternoon. Banquet of Rice Noodle and Longji Minority Show are optional for your dinner and night show.
[ Itinerary Description ]
Depart from your hotel in the morning and be transferred to Zhujiang Pier for your Li River Cruise today. A double-decker river boat is waiting for your coming in the pier. The landscape from Guilin to Yangshuo is the masterpiece of nature. The crystal water, picturesque mountains, peaceful farm field, hard-working fishmen and wondering water buffalos compose a poem of Guilin scenery and life. Under the blue sky, your river boat is floating on the river, making you in an unreal dream. After about four and a half hours of sailing, the one-thousand-year-old Yangshuo Town comes into your sight. You disembark and browse around this small oriental but Western-influenced town. The West Street 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 feel no boarder and distance here and fall in love with the town at the first sight. Moreover, it is flanked by small shops and vendor stands selling different kinds of souvenirs, which are the best gifts for your friends and relatives. The West Street becomes more charming when it comes to night. Countless bars, caf¨¦s and bistros open till midnight with night time music and live band. You really have a good fun with your friends. Return to Guilin in the late afternoon.
Guilin Rice Noodles, which can be either in the shape of round or flat, are the most popular snack in Guilin. If you want to know Guilin's culture deeply, you are recommended to choose 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.
Tonight you could choose Longji Minority Show as your optional night show. By taking Longji Terraced Rice Paddies as the cultural background, This grand show of minority nationality songs and dances is made with all great efforts. Combined harmoniously with the minority folk lifestyle and customs from the Miao, Yao, Dong and Zhuang nationalities, the show will be all-side unfolded before your eyes.
Day 03 Guilin- -Shanghai (B/L)
Visit Reed Flute Cave, the showcase of distinctly-colored stalactities and stalagmities and Elephant Trunk Hill in the morning and be transferred to Shanghai in the afternoon.
[ Itinerary Description ]
Reed Flute Cave is named after a certain kind of reed grown near the carve gate, which is used for making a flute instrument. There are too many things for your eyes to take in. The natural beauty of a large amount of stalactites and stalagmites, with their endless variety of remarkable scenes in the cave could undoubtedly evoke breathless admiration from you. Thus, the cave is highly praised as the Huge Art Palace of the Nature. Then you return to the city center to your next spot, Elephant Trunk Hill, the symbol of Guilin. Looking from a far distance, you see an elephant-like hill stand majestically at the confluence of the Li River and Yang River. Arching its long trunk into the river, this seeming elephant sucks water ceaselessly, lifelike in shape and full of energy in posture.
Wonderful time always passes so quickly that you need to take a flight to Shanghai in the afternoon. From natural Guilin 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 04 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 05 Shanghai-- Beijing (B/L)
Leave for Beijing in the morning. Upon arrival, 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 06 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 07 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 08 Departure, Beijing(B)
Your Golden China Explore is over all too soon as you drive to the airport and board the homebound International flight, bidding a fond farewell to this ancient land.
Service Ends
TCT Optional Local Specialties & Night Shows:
City
Local Specialties
Nights Shows
Guilin
Banquet of Rice Noodle
Longji Minority Dance
Shanghai
Traditional Dim-sum Banquet
Chinese Acrobatic
Beijing
Peking Roasted Duck
Peking Opera
TCT Recommended Hotels:
City
Standard Hotels
First Class Hotels
Deluxe Hotels
Guilin
Universal Hotel Guilin
Bravo Hotel Guilin
Sheraton Hotel Guilin
Shanghai
Pacific Luck Hotel
Golden River View Hotel
Howard Johnson Shanghai
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
1275
175
1357
240
1397
280
6-9 pax
1575
225
1607
257
1641
291
2-5 pax
1840
225
1872
257
1906
291
1 pax
2556
2620
2688
First Class Hotels
Low Season
Shoulder Season
High Season
Twin
S.Supp
Twin
S.Supp
Twin
S.Supp
Above 10 pax
1365
266
1454
337
1519
402
6-9 pax
1707
357
1755
405
1793
443
2-5 pax
1972
357
2020
405
2058
443
1 pax
2819
2916
2992
Deluxe Class Hotels
Low Season
Standard Season
High Season
Twin
S.Supp
Twin
S.Supp
Twin
S.Supp
Above 10 pax
1487
387
1646
529
1880
763
6-9 pax
1947
597
1999
649
2168
818
2-5 pax
2212
597
2265
649
2433
818
1 pax
3301
3405
3742
* 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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