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DAY 1: ARRIVE BEIJING Upon arrival in Beijing, you will be met by your guide and driver and transferred to your hotel for a four-night stay. Beijing, which means Northern Capital, is undoubtedly one of the great cities of the world, and offers a magnificent insight into China's past and future. If you are feeling up to it after your long flight, head over to nearby Tiananmen Square late this afternoon to get your first taste of life in China. As the physical center of the city of Beijing and the symbolic heart of the nation, Tiananmen has been the sight of numerous important events in China's modern history, most recently the student protests and subsequent government crackdown in June, 1989. However, on a mild evening there is no better place in the city to see Beijingers gather to socialize, fly their kites and watch the daily flag lowering ceremony. It takes place under the watchful gaze of the famous Mao portrait on the Gate of Heavenly Peace for which the square is named. (If you are too tired to undertake this independent exploration, you will still have the opportunity to visit Tiananmen Square tomorrow with your guide.) DAY 2: BEIJING Depart this morning with your driver and guide for a full day tour of the city, beginning with a walk through Tiananmen Square, which was built on the orders of Mao Zedong and is said to have the capacity to hold over one million people. Continue through the beautiful Gate of Heavenly Peace to enter the splendid Forbidden City. The Forbidden City was the sacred heart of the empire for 500 years and home to the Ming and Qing dynasty imperial courts. Later today visit the spectacular Temple of Heaven, a magnificent example of 15th century mechanics and geometry whose design follows strict numerological symbolism. Before the Emperor was deposed, he was led through the Front Gate of the Forbidden City on his way to the Temple and there he spent the night in meditation and prayer. Later visit the most renowned Tibetan Buddhist temple within China, the Lama Temple. (B) DAY 3: GREAT WALL EXCURSION Journey this morning to the superb Mutianyu section of the 2,000-year-old Great Wall.* The Great Wall of China is the country’s most famous attraction and one of the few sights in the world that is still able to exceed the expectations of visitors: it stretches from the Shanhaiguan Pass on the east coast to the Gobi Desert in the west. Walk along the wall to see the impressive views and reflect on the enormity of the material and labor required for its construction. It is estimated that one million people were used at different stages during the construction periods, and that thousands died building it. On the way back into Beijing, you may wish to visit 798 Art District in Dashanzi, a hip, industrial neighborhood of contemporary art galleries, cafes, and wine bars in converted military factories. Return to your hotel in the afternoon for some time at leisure. (B) *If you would like a more off-the-beaten-path experience, we can arrange a visit to the Simatai or Jin Shan Ling sections of the Great Wall instead. These more remote areas offer active travelers wonderful hiking opportunities and breathtaking landscapes but do require more travel time. Discuss the options with your travel specialist. DAY 4: BEIJING This morning, embark on a pedi-cab tour of the hutongs in Beijing's historic Back Lakes district. These maze-like networks of alleyways containing traditional courtyard homes were built during the Mongol Yuan Dynasty; there used to be many such neighborhoods in Beijing, but in the rush to modernize, all but a few have been torn down to make room for modern buildings. Back Lakes, named for its location behind the Forbidden City, was home to high-ranking officials during the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, but after 1949 the large houses were divided to accommodate several families apiece. On this tour, you will get to visit several homes and chat with the families who reside in them; this is a great opportunity to learn first-hand about life in such a rapidly changing society. Later visit the most renowned Tibetan Buddhist temple within China, the Lama Temple. In the afternoon, visit the Summer Palace, a royal residence set among traditional Chinese gardens on the beautiful Kunming Lake. Stroll along the famous Long Corridor and enjoy the traditional imperial architecture. If time permits, visit the shopping district of Liu Li Chang, a pleasant area with traditional shops along the cobblestone lanes. Tonight enjoy a traditional Peking duck dinner. (B,L,D) DAY 5: BEIJING - XIAN After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Xian. Xian is located close to the banks of the Yellow River and has a history dating back to 1000BC. The city served as the capital for China’s greatest emperor, Emperor Qin Shi Huang, and was also the starting point for the Silk Road. Depart with your driver and guide for Xian’s most famous attraction, the Army of Terracotta Warriors, one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. The Terracotta Army was intended to protect the emperor in the afterlife. Still being excavated, these thousands of life-sized terracotta warriors and horses were unearthed in 1974 after having been buried for 2,000 years. After seeing this impressive sight, drive past the Old City Walls, which date to the 14th century, and the Big Goose Pagoda, designed to house Buddhist scriptures brought back from India by a traveling monk. Time permitting, continue to the heart of the Muslim quarter to visit the Great Mosque, an interesting fusion of Middle Eastern and traditional Chinese architectural styles. Walk through its lively street markets and sample some local food. In the early evening, you will be driven to your hotel for an overnight stay. (B) DAY 6: XIAN - GUILIN This morning visit the Shaanxi Provincial History Museum, which houses a wonderful collection of historic and cultural artifacts. This impressive museum is designed to resemble Tang-dynasty pavilions. You will then be taken to the airport for your flight to Guilin, a pleasant leafy town located on the banks of the Li River in China's southern Guangxi Province, known for its spectacular scenery and diverse population. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel for a two-night stay. This afternoon visit Reed Flute Cave, named after the many reeds that clump together near its entrance (and that were used to make musical flutes). First discovered in the Tang dynasty, the cave was a frequent refuge for the local population when escaping bandits and war. The cave contains a vast grotto capable of holding up to 1,000 people. Time and energy permitting, conclude the day with a climb up to 'Solitary Beauty Peak' for its fine views of town and its many cliffs, caves, bridges, mall pavilions and stone inscriptions. (B) DAY 7: YANGSHUO DAY EXCURSION This morning you will take a ride on the Li River aboard a passenger ferry, a trip that affords close-up views of the stunning karst formations for which Guilin is famous. Pass tranquil farming and fishing scenes and picturesque villages as the boat navigates the watery, winding path of the river. After lunch onboard, disembark at Yangshuo, a bustling town set in the lush rice paddies and surrounded by meandering rivers and limestone peaks. Walk through the cobblestone streets and browse the local street markets; if you wish, you may also explore the countryside just outside town by bicycle or vehicle, including a visit to the home of a family where 13 generations (and counting) have lived. This evening, we recommend attending "Impressions," an extraordinary outdoor performance directed by the legendary filmmaker Zhang Yimou. The show, which takes place on the Li River against a dramatic mountain backdrop, took four years to put together and features a cast of 600 performing the music and dances of local minority tribes.* Return to Guilin very late in the evening. (B,L) Because this performance is subject to cancellation due to weather conditions, Absolute Travel does not pre-book tickets to Impressions. Clients wishing to go should request that their guide make arrangements on the day of the performance. Tickets cost approximately USD$25 per person. Also note that watching the show means returning to Guilin at around 11pm, so it is a very long day, but we can arrange a day room in Yangshuo so you can relax at your convenience. DAY 8: GUILIN - CHONGQING This morning take an early morning flight to Chongqing. The second largest city in Sichuan, Chongqing is situated on the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers with deep gorges dividing the city into three sections. This afternoon enjoy an afternoon tour of the city, including the Luohan Temple and its collection of 500 life-sized figurines of Buddhist saints. Continue on for a brief visit to the Chongqing Museum and then to Pipashan Park, where a short climb to its pavilion offers you a view of town below from the highest point of Chongqing. This evening, you will board your Yangtze River cruise boat. (B) DAY 9: YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE If you wish, rise early to participate in a one-hour Taiji class and then have breakfast. As the ship cruises along the Yangtze River, there will be a host of activities offered, including a calligraphy class or massage demonstration. After lunch, you will likely stop at Fengdu (depending on time and water level). Known as the “City of Ghosts,” Fengdu is the base for a short hike up to a temple complex. Tonight, your captain will host a welcome dinner followed by a performance of Chinese folk songs and traditional dances. (B,L,D) DAY 10: THE THREE GORGES This morning you will pass the first of three gorges, the Qutang Gorge. The Three Gorges actually start in Badicheng in Fengile, Sichuan Province in the west and extend eastward to the Nanjin Pass of western Hubei province. Qutang is the smallest of the three gorges. After passing this imposing structure, enjoy your breakfast in the dining room. You will then pass the second and most charming of the Three Gorges, the Wu Gorge. Your cruiseliner will then drift towards Shennong Stream. The stream starts at Mount Shennong Jia in Hubei province, north of the Yangtze and continues onto Parrot Gorge and Dragon Boat Gorge, with breathtaking scenery along the way. After lunch the ship will pass along the last and largest of the gorges, the Xiling Gorge. Shortly, you will disembark your boat for the Three Gorges Dam site, where you will have the opportunity to visit the largest hydroelectric project in the world. Upon re-boarding, the Captain will host a farewell dinner for all passengers, followed by a live band performance. (B,L,D) DAY 11: YICHANG - SHANGHAI After breakfast, arrive at the Muzhuzui Pier for a tour of the Three Gorges Dam project, where you will have an opportunity to learn about the largest hydroelectric project in the world. You will then reboard the boat for the one-hour sail to Yichang, where our representative will meet you and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, you will be met and driven to your hotel for a three-night stay. Shanghai, China 's resurgent economic and cultural powerhouse, features a wondrous mix of elegant colonial architecture along the west bank of the river. On the eastern side, the space age post-modern skyline is a stirring testament to the transformative power of the economic reforms of the past several decades. The afternoon is at leisure. Tonight attend a performance of the famous Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe. (B) DAY 12: SHANGHAI Today you will have a full day of privately guided touring. There is so much to do in Shanghai that we like to suggest a “must-see” morning and then offer ideas for how you might spend the afternoon depending on your interests. We recommend starting the day early with a visit to the lively People’s Square, a popular area for Shanghai residents to do morning stretching exercises and a good spot to take in a panoramic vista of the city. Continue to the Yu Yuan Garden; built in 1577, the Garden Complex is a delightful maze of pavilions, ponds, and grassy knolls. We also highly recommend a visit the superb Shanghai Museum followed by a drive along the famous Bund. In the afternoon, choose your own adventure in Shanghai, depending on your interest. To learn more about the city’s future and past, you may wish to see a scale model of how Shanghai will look in 2020 at the Urban Planning Museum and then stop in at the Shikumen Museum, where a traditional courtyard home is decorated as it would have been in the 1920s. Families and kids will enjoy the Children’s Palace, where young Chinese study and practice traditional arts. Shoppers always love to visit the trendy boutiques and restaurants in the Xintiandi district, while art and architecture buffs might prefer to see the French Concession, with its distinctly Parisian feel, and then check out the thriving contemporary art scene in the galleries of M50 at 50 Moganshan Road. You will be returned to your hotel in the evening. We recommend dining at one of the restaurants on the Bund that offers wonderful views across the river of the Pudong skyline. After, you may also wish to stop by the Peace Hotel to hear its famous jazz band. (B) DAY 13: SUZHOU DAY EXCURSION Today’s day trip takes you out of ultra-modern Shanghai for a look into China’s rich artistic history. Early this morning you will be met at your hotel and transferred by private car to Suzhou, known for its lovely public gardens connected by canals, arching bridges, and winding paths. Enjoy a visit to some of the following gardens: the Humble Administrator’s Garden, the Lingering Garden, Lion Forest Garden and the Master of Nets Garden. Other activities include a visit to a silk factory, a boat ride on the canals, and a visit to the new I.M. Pei-designed museum. You may decide to spend the whole day in Suzhou or, after visiting a few of the highlights, you may choose to also visit nearby Luzhi, a very different style water town. Much smaller than Suzhou, Luzhi features well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty houses and buildings, and its intricate system of canals is connected by a number of stone bridges – in fact, the town’s nickname is “the Capital of Bridges.” Luzhi also boasts a collection of ancient gingko trees, the oldest of which is about 1,300 years old! In the afternoon, return to Shanghai by private car. (B) *If you prefer, this trip can be done by private car but traffic can be an issue. DAY 14: DEPART SHANGHAI Today you will be transferred to the airport for your international flight. (B) |