Cities in Tour:
- Beijing; Xian; Guilin; Chongqing; Yangtze River Cruise; Yichang; Guangzhou; Hong Kong.
Tour price includes:
- Round trip airfare from San Francisco via Cathay Pacific Airways or United Airlines
- First/Deluxe Class hotel accommodation based on double occupancy.
- Meals as in the itinerary (B=Breakfast * L=Lunch * D=Dinner) & Guided sightseeing tours.
- Transportation and all China domestic airfares as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Guided sightseeing tours & Travel Tag/Bag.
Tour Itinerary for 15-Day China Tour of Beijing, Xian, Guilin, Chongqing, Yangtze River Cruise, Yichang, etc:
Day 1 – West Coast USA / Beijing
Your journey begins with your transpacific flight to Beijing. Adjust your watch one day ahead as you cross the International Dateline.
Day 2 – Beijing
Welcome to Beijing, the Capital of China. An incredible mix of ancient landmarks and a modern city, Beijing is the perfect home base for your exploration of China. You will be met by your friendly guide and transferred to the Hotel. After taking a rest in the Hotel, this evening you will get together with your local friendly tour guide and fellow passengers for a WELCOME Dinner. Stay at Pullman Hotel (5*) or similar. (D.)
Day 3 – Beijing
A buffet breakfast & real fresh coffee will start your day. This morning, let’s join local residents in practicing Tai Chi and morning exercises in The Temple of Heaven as you walk to the temple. After that, we will visit Tiananmen Square, the largest public plaza in the world, and The Forbidden City, which is known as Imperial Palace. Consisting of more than 9,999 rooms and spread over 250 acres, this huge palace complex was built in the 15th century and later extensively renovated and restored during the Qing Dynasty in the 18th century. Over twenty emperors lived there from the 15th to the early 20th century. After lunch, make a stop at the Pearl Factory. After dinner, we will take a walk along the Dong Hua Men Night Market before returning back to our hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 4 – Beijing
Today, we will visit the mighty Great Wall – Section Mutian Yu, which is less crowded and with the most spectacular views. On the way, we will take a look at the Bird Nest –the Olympic Stadium which is considered “the most spectacular Stadium in the world”. Lunch will be served in a Special Farmhouse Restaurant in the Mountains. Today we will also visit the Jade Carving Museum and Factory. Tonight, we will enjoy a succulent Peking Duck Dinner with wine—a must during any visit to Beijing. (B.L.D.)
Day 5 – Beijing / Xi’an (Bullet Train G87 1400-1840)
After breakfast in the morning, we will visit the beautiful Summer Palace, once a summer retreat for emperors. You can relax here or stroll around the ancient pavilions, mansions, temples, and bridges. If weather permits, we will take a boat tour on the beautiful Kunming Lake. Today, we will also visit the pearl market. After lunch, we will take the Bullet Train (5 hours) to Xi’an, China’s ancient capital for 13 dynasties. Upon arrival, we will check in the hotel after dinner. Stay at Grand Noble (5*) or similar. (B.L.D.)
Day 6 – Xi’an
In the morning, we’ll visit the spectacular sight of Terracotta Warriors and Horses, One of the most significant archaeological discoveries in the world. This 16,300 square meters excavation reveals more than 7,000 life-size Terracotta figures of Warriors and Horses in battle formations. After lunch, we then return to the hotel for a rest before we leave for the unique Dumplings Dinner, followed by the amazing Tang Dynasty Show. (B.L.D.)
Day 7 – Xi’an/Guilin
After breakfast, visit the Ancient City in Xian, then we will stroll around the Muslim Market, a live market full of flavors and smells and colorful spices and jewelry and silks. Then we will fly out to Guilin. Upon arrival, transfer to Royal Garden Hotel (4*) or similar. (B.L.D.)
Day 8 – Guilin / Yangshuo / Guilin
Begin your day by a boat ride on the Li River, marvel at the beautiful needle-like limestone hills surrounded by lush tropical growth. Pay a visit to Reed Flute Cave. Stop at the Gorgeous Tea Plantation. (B.L.D.)
Day 9 & 10 – Guilin / Chongqing (Air CZ3859 0940-1105) / Yangtze River Cruise
We will fly out to Chongqing, the largest city in China by populations. After dinner, we will enjoy the shining twinkling lights of this mountainous city. You will be amazed by the bird’s eye view of the city in the evening that awaits you. After dinner, we will board the Yangtze River 5-Star Cruise – M.S.YANGTZE 2 River Cruise 2. (B/L/D)
In the morning, the cruise will stop at Wanxian. The highlight of today’s shore excursion is a visit to Fengdu, “The Ghost City”. (B.L.D.)
Day 11 – Three Gorges
We’ll sail through Qutang Gorge/Wu Gorge. Take a short tour to Daning River Small Gorges or Shennong Stream. Optional excursion: White Emperor City (river conditions permitting). Sail through Three Gorges Dam Ship Locks. (B.L.D.)
Day 12 – Three Gorges / Yichang / Guangzhou (Air CZ2858 1540-1730)
After breakfast, we will visit one of the largest projects in the world—the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest power station. After lunch, we will fly to Guangzhou. Upon arrival, transfer to our hotel (4*). (B.L.D.)
Day 13 – Guangzhou / Hong Kong
Visit Cue Xiu Park, Five-Goat Sculpture and Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall, After Lunch, you will transfer to the train station for an express train through the countryside to Hong Kong. Upon arrival at the train station, you will meet a guide and transfer to Hotel Rosedale Kowloon. (B.L.)
Day 14 – Hong Kong
After breakfast in the hotel, enjoy a morning half-day island tour to Victoria Peak, Repulse Bay, Deep-Water Bay, Stanley Market and Aberdeen Fishing Village. And then the rest of the day is free for leisure. (B.)
Day 15 – Hong Kong / West Coast USA
After breakfast in the hotel, you will transfer to the airport by shuttle in the late afternoon and then bid farewell to the Orient returning to the United States by Air Canada via Vancouver in the evening, recrossing the International Date Line for same day arrival. (B.)
