Summary Eager to feel both history and nature in one tour? Join us now! Whether you are an ancient-civilization freak or an extreme-sports fanatic, this trip has something special in store for you. This 9-day tour allows you to fulfill your dream by taking a deep breathing on the majestic Great Wall in Beijing, enjoying the Qin Terra-cotta Warrior Museum in Xi¡¯an, strolling along the Li River in Guilin and having a cycling tour around Yangshuo. 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, the capital city of China. 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 dinner.
[ 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-- Guilin (B/L)
In the morning, you will be transferred to airport for your flight to Guilin and visit Reed Flute Cave, the showcase of distinctly-colored stalactities and stalagmities and Elephant Trunk Hill in the afternoon. Banquet of Rice Noodle and Longji Minority Show are optional for your dinner and night show.
[ Itinerary Description ]
Wonderful time always passes so quick that you need to take a flight to Guilin in the afternoon. 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 your check-in and lunch, you cannot wait to begin your exploration of Guilin right now. The 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, the 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.
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 07 Guilin - -Yangshuo(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 where you'll stay overnight. Impression of Liusanjie show is available for your optional 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.
Tonight you could choose to enjoy a show named Impression of Liusanjie in the open-air theater. The show is performed on the water surface with surrounding 12 famous peaks and river forming a natural backdrop. Epitomizing the beauty of Li River, the cultures of ethnic groups in Guangxi and the creation of outstanding Chinese artists, the performance will give you a vivid picture that you have never saw and imagined before.
Day 08 Yangshuo -- Guilin (B/L)
The first half day is planned to visit Moon Hill and Big Banyan Tree. Besides you can choose to visit a local primary school named Fenglou, which is a part of TopChinaTravel's Giving Back Trip. Be transferred back to Guilin City in the afternoon.
[ Itinerary Description ]
As it is said, Yangshuo is the paradise in the south of China. Today you have a whole day for exploring why it is said so. One delightful road leads to the aptly named Moon Hill - a great limestone pinnacle with a naturally created moon-shaped passage going through just below its summit. On the way to Moon Hill, you firstly visit a symbolized sightseeing of Yangshuo- Big Banyan Tree. Just off the road is the 1500-year-old Big Banyan Tree whose branches and roots spread over a large area close to the river. Reaching the upper section of Moon Hill requires you a steep climb up a well-made path through groves of dense bamboo. Once past the luxuriant vegetation, the path enters the great natural opening that distinguishes it from its neighbors. This landscape is peaceful and stunning viewed from Moon Hill. Further away still, the skyline is lined with peaks of almost equal height - resembling narrow triangles of rock pointing skywards. Most are dark green, being covered with a thick mass of fairly jagged vegetation. A patchwork of fields, in different stages of growth, produces abundant crops of rice and vegetables. The main road back to Yangshuo lies in the distance, cutting a sweeping path through this serene land.
Fenglou Primary School is located on the way between the Moon Hill and Big Banyan Tree. Join us to pay a visit to those lovely kids and bring them some educational gifts. Click to read more about Fenglou Primary School Program.
Day 09 Departure, Guilin(B)
Your China Experience is over all too soon as you transfer 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
Beijing
Peking Roasted Duck
Peking Opera
Xi'an
Jiaozi Banquet
Tang Dynasty Show with Dinner
Guilin
Banquet of Rice Noodle
Longji Minority Dance
Yangshuo
-
Impression of Liusanjie
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
Guilin
Universal Hotel Guilin
Bravo Hotel Guilin
Sheraton Hotel Guilin
Yangshuo
Aiyuan Hotel
Paradesa Hotel
-
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
987
150
1070
214
1093
237
6-9 pax
1241
199
1284
243
1302
260
2-5 pax
1531
199
1574
243
1592
260
1 pax
2221
2308
2343
First Class Hotels
Low Season
Shoulder Season
High Season
Twin
S.Supp
Twin
S.Supp
Twin
S.Supp
Above 10 pax
1093
257
1174
319
1235
379
6-9 pax
1401
359
1433
392
1468
426
2-5 pax
1690
359
1723
392
1758
426
1 pax
2541
2606
2675
Deluxe Class Hotels
Low Season
Standard Season
High Season
Twin
S.Supp
Twin
S.Supp
Twin
S.Supp
Above 10 pax
1158
321
1322
466
1517
661
6-9 pax
1581
539
1623
582
1745
703
2-5 pax
1870
539
1913
582
2035
703
1 pax
2901
2986
3229
* 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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