The Middle Kingdom
Beijing, Suzhou, Wuzhen, Hangzhou, Shanghai
9 days from $1149All Inclusive
China was the greatest kingdom... Beijing has been the capital of China for the last 600 years. You can discover the Forbidden city, where the emperors once lived; climb the Great Wall; and explore the largest royal garden. Suzhou and Hangzhou are Marco Polo�s Paradise. They are famous for their lakes and gardens. Mt Huangshan is the most beautiful moutain of China. Shanghai is right now the most prosperous city of China. It has everything you want to see.
Day By Day Itinerary
Day 1. USA / Beijing
Fly to Beijing, the capital of China.
Day 2. Arrive Beijing
You will be met at the airport and escorted to a 4 star hotel.
Day 3. Beijing
Visit Tiananmen Square, the largest public city square in the world. Stroll through the courtyards and palaces of the imposing Forbidden City, once the exclusive enclave of Ming Dynasty Emperors. Explore the landscaped grounds and pavilions of the Summer Palace. Stop to take pictures of the stunning 2008 Olympic venues before returning to hotel. Dinner is served with a Peking Duck Banquet. [Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch,Special Dinner]
Day 4. Beijing
Experience the thrill of walking on the Great Wall. After lunch, tour Beijing�s old Hutong (�narrow lanes�) area by old-fashioned pedicab. Climb up the Drum Tower. Visit a local family living in a courtyard-style home known as Siheyuans. Followed by a walk along the World Trade Streetand enjoy the �Legend of Kungfu� show. [Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]
Day 5. Beijing / Shanghai / Suzhou
Visit the Temple of Heaven, where the Emperor prayed for harvest in Ming and Qing dynasty. Then fly to Shanghai, Stay over night at Suzhou, which is called �Venice of the East'. [Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]
Day 6. Suzhou / Wuzhen / Hangzhou
Visit the Lingering Garden, the Grand Canal with boat ride, and Suzhou Silk Spinning Factory. Take a 2-hours bus to Wuzhen, which is a thousand years old coastal town. The vast majority of the town is still comprised of ancient buildings that have become almost like natural features, perched on the banks of the rivers. It is an excellent example of ancient architecture. Sites of particular note include a local cloth printing workshop, an exhibition of antique beds from the Ming & Qing Dynasties and a museum of local folk culture. There will also be a tranquil cruise in Chinese gondolas. [Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]
Day 7. Hangzhou / Shanghai
Hangzhou is one of the seven capitals of ancient China, known for its tea products and the west lake. Take a small boat cruise on the west lake, revealing the ethereal beauty of Hangzhou�s willow draped islands. Then visit Six Harmony Pagoda, which was built about 1000 years ago in Song dynasty. Private coach ride back to Shanghai in the late afternoon. Hop aboard a cruise off the Huangpu River, enjoy the magnificent Shanghai night. [Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]
Day 8. Shanghai
Today�s sightseeing begins with a walk along the Bund, Shanghai�s graceful and historic water- front boulevard. Then visit the Old City Bazaar and the tranquil Yu YuanGarden, established in the 16th century. Enjoy a traditional Mongolian BBQ Buffet lunch. After which we will visit Shanghai Museum. Today's dinner will be of independent choice. [Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch]
Day 9. Shanghai / US
Fly back to the US, or continue with optional extension. [Meals: American Breakfast]
Optional Extension:
Mt Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) - Guangzhou (Canton) +$499
Day 9. Shanghai / Mt Huangshan
At Leisure in the morning. Fly to Huangshan in the late afternoon. [Meals: American Breakfast]
Day 10. Mt Huangshan
Take a cable car up to the top of Mt Huangshan. Enjoy a whole day breathtaking tour. Mt Huangshan is famous for its scenic beauty, which liesin the peculiar shapes of the granite peaks, in the weather-shaped Huangshan Pine trees, and in views of the clouds from above. The area also has hot springs and natural pools. Mt Huangshan is a frequent subject of traditional Chinese paintings and literature. [Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]
Day 11. Mt Huangshan / Guangzhou
Enjoy the manificent view of morning sun rising. Finish the tour of Mt Huangshan, then visit the ancient streets of Huangshan city and Hongcun, The Village In The Chinese Paintings. Fly to Guangzhou in the evenning. [Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]
Day 12. Guangzhou / US
Fly back to the US, or a later returning, or extend your trip to Hong Kong. [Meals: Breakfast]