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Beijing-Xi'an-Chengdu-Guilin-Yangshuo-Shanghai 13 Days Tour
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Day 1. Arrive in Beijing (Dinner) |
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Wangfujing Park Plaza ★★★★ | ||
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We arrive in Beijing, the fascinating capital of the nation, it has presided china since 13th century.Ages of ruling under the emperors of different dynasties have given Beijing undeniable mark in every corner of the city. Even though the last quarter a century has transformed Beijing into a modern city filled with skyscrapers and heaving flyovers, still just few steps away people are living peacefully in the ancient hutongs. This city mirrors the whole of China’s fast-growing economy, while at the meantime struggling to keep her own tradition and culture; all these, and much more, make Beijing one of the world’s most impressive cities to visit. From the airport, we directly drive to the Summer Palace. Served as the playground of the royal family during the summer heat, the enormous park comprises various temples, gardens, pavilions, lakes and the world’s longest decorated corridor, and today it offers Beijingers a place where they can escape the hustle and bustle of the city. We tour the site on foot and enjoy a boat ride on the man-made Kunming Lake. We then drive to our hotel and check in. | ||
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Day 2. Beijing (Breakfast, Dinner) |
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Wangfujing Park Plaza ★★★★ | ||
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We have an early start and leave for the Temple of Heaven. As the world largest heaven worship architectural complex, it used to be where the emperors, considered to be directly descended from heaven and representing the heavenly spirit on earth, asked for blessings for the Imperial Family and for the entire nation. The ceremony lasted three days during which he did not leave the compound. Nowadays the grounds surrounding the temple are filled with Beijingers of all ages, who come to practice tai chi and dancing, and take part in all kinds of recreational activities. We join them for morning exercise before proceeding on a tour of the temple itself. From there, we go to the Tiananmen Square. As the world’s largest central city square, it is a symbolic center of China universe, it is said that no one could rule China without first gaining control of the square. It is surrounded by important buildings, among them the National Museum and the Great Hall of the People (the Chinese parliament), both were build in 1959 to celebrate 10 years foundation of the people’s republic of China. At the heart of the square there is a mausoleum for Chairman Mao, who reshaped the country, leading the People’s Republic of China from its foundation in 1949 until his death in 1976. After that we proceed on foot to the Forbidden City, so called are because it is off-limit to common people in ancient time; it is home to 24 emperors in 505 years in Ming and Qing dynasty. The compound was forbidden to all but the Imperial Family and their servants, and has been the place from which the emperors of China ruled the country for hundreds of years. We will stop at some of the more significant halls, and we will also explore more authentic small courtyard, from where is the royal family’s honor as well as misery really happened. Leaving the Forbidden City, we continue to Coal Hill, an artificial hill built in the Ming dynasty. It is worth us to spend 10 minutes at a fine weather to climb to the top for a breathtaking view over the Forbidden City. From there, we will make a visit to the hutongs, which are alleys formed by lines of traditional courtyard, today have been preserved and protected as a living evidence of how Beijing looked during imperial times. We will take a rickshaw through the calm alleys, and get a glimpse of the local life here. With dozens of families living in one courtyard, sharing public toilets, and facilities, this way of life has been lasted for centuries. We will also have a calligraphy class at local family. | ||
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Day 3. Beijing (Breakfast, Dinner) |
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Wangfujing Park Plaza ★★★★ | ||
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Today we drive out of the city to the famous Mutianyu Great Wall, China’s most prominent landmark and must-see site. Begun the construction 2000 years ago, the efforts required to build the wall through the history is phenomenal, some people call it the longest cemetery in the world, but it is better to be named as the accumulation of Chinese culture and history. The total length of all the walls built in different dynasties around china exceed 20,000 km, however lengthy sections of it has returned to dust in the history, the wall remained today is less than 2500 km. We will take the cable car up, and walk on part of the Wall, and hear about its history and how it failed to fulfill its main goal of stopping the Mongols from invading the country, and then we take slide way down. On our way back to the city, we stop for an outside view over the famous Bird’s Nest and the Water Bubble, the two main venues of the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008. From there we will make a visit to Zone 798, a modern art compound, in which artists from all over the city create and exhibit their work. We get to talk to some of the artists, hearing from them about what it is like to express yourself in a country where self-expression was taboo until not so long ago. | ||
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Day 4. BeijingQXi'an (Breakfast, Dinner) |
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Grand Noble Hotel ★★★★ | ||
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With an early transfer to Beijing’s airport, we take the first available flight to Xi’an. Known as ‘The Eternal Peace’ during the Tang Dynasty, Xi’an was the center of the ‘old world’ and also the center of the first Chinese Empire after the first Qin emperor conquered the nearby feudal kingdoms and laid the foundations of the great united Chinese empire. On arriving in the city, we head towards the Terracotta Army Site. Discovered accidentally in 1974 by two farmers plowing their plot, one of the most amazing historical discoveries of our time was made. An entire army made of terracotta, each of the soldiers with different characteristics and fully armored, was created to protect the tomb of the first Qin emperor. We explore this breathtaking site and then visit the nearby museum to see the permanent exhibition displaying the rare artifacts found in the site and also describing its discovery, excavation, and the restoration works. After that, we take a walk along the City Wall, which dates from the Ming Dynasty. It's the most complete city wall that has survived in China, as well as one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world. |
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Day 5. Xi'anQ Chengdu (Breakfast, Dinner) |
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Celebrity Hotel ★★★★ | ||
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In the morning we first visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Built in AD 647, it was originally constructed to house holy scripts brought from India, which contributed to the adoption of Buddhism as the main religion in China many years later. Then we proceed to the Shanxi History Museum. Because of the significant role Xi’an played during the Tang Dynasty, the museum has numerous archeological finds from this era. After that, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Chengdu. Upon arrival, we roam the bustling Chunxi Lu, a pedestrian street well known for its shops selling internationally known brands and its brightly lit advertisements. This is a great place to try the local food from stalls scattered throughout the street. | ||
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Day 6. Chengdu/Emeishan (Breakfast, Dinner) |
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Hongzhushan Hotel ★★★★ | ||
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Today we visit one of the world’s largest wildlife rescue operations, the Panda Research and Breeding Center. We visit the station in which researchers from all over the world have joined forces to save this rapidly declining species. We shall learn about the rescue efforts and get to see these cuddly, playful bears.After that, we drive to Leshan. On our arrival, we take a short boat trip to see the Giant Buddha, the world’s tallest statue of a seated Buddha. It is believed that the statue, carved into the mountain, was built by ancient sailors to protect them from the turbulent waters of the swiftly flowing rivers. Indeed, once the statue was built, the turbulence stopped, and, when we are on site, we shall understand how this mysterious change came about. After that, we continue to Emeishan. On the way there, we will stop atHuanglongxi Ancient Town. | ||
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Day 7. Emeishan/Chengdu (Breakfast, Dinner) |
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Celebrity Hotel ★★★★ | ||
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In the morning, wevisit the sacred Buddhism Mountain –Emeishan Mountain. We will take cable car up to visit the WanniansiTemple. Then we walk down the mountain, and pass by the monkey area&Qingyinge. After that, we drive back to Chengdu. If time permits, wevisit the Wenshu Temple, the most popular Buddhism temple in Chengdu, where we can see the local come to pray.After having a cup of tea at the local Tea House, we go to visit Jinli Old Street. Being one of the oldest commercial streets in China, Jinli Old Street is not only a wonderful reminder of China's past, but also a great place for people to fully appreciate Sichuan's customs, folk arts and snacks. | ||
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Day 8. ChengduQGuilin (Breakfast, Dinner) |
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Guilin Bravo Hotel ★★★★ | ||
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Today we take the morning flight to Guilin. Famous for its wonderful scenery, rivers and karst peaks covered in lush greenery, Guilin has a long history as the most beautiful place in China.Upon arrival, we begin to view the city by visiting the city’s own landmark—the Elephant Trunk Hill.We then go to visit the famousReed Flute Cave, which sheltered the locals from aerial bombardments during World War II, and which contains an amazing display of stalactites.After that we proceed toFubo Hill, another of Guilin's wonderfully scenic spots.Natural scenery of rocks and stalactites as well as artificial cloister and pavilions compose the fantastic and unique sight of the hill. In the evening, we stroll around the unique Night Market. | ||
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Day 9. Guilin/Longsheng/Yangshuo (Breakfast, Dinner) |
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Yangshuo Green Lotus ★★★★★ | ||
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In the morning we drive to Longsheng. The Dragon Ridgeback Mountain (Longji Rice Terrace) features one of the world’s largest manmade creations. In the endless slopes of the mountain, the local peasants have carved with their bare hands thousands and thousands of terraces to capture water streaming down the mountain and use it for crop cultivation. We climb to the top of the terraces to take in their enormous extent and to enjoy the great view over the beautiful landscape. The region of Longsheng is also known for the diversified minority groups living there and we stop at some of their villages to learn about their traditions and customs. We will hike from the old Zhuang village to 7 stars in Ping’an village. Leaving Longsheng, we drive to Yangshuo. | ||
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Day 10. Yangshuo (Breakfast, Dinner) |
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Yangshuo Green Lotus ★★★★★ | ||
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In the morning we embark on a cruise ride along the Li (Crystal) River from Yangshuo to Fuli. Along the way we get a glimpse of life on the riverbanks. In the small villages, the locals depend totally on the river to sustain their way of life. The river is not only their main mean of transportation but also the source of water for their fields and washing their clothes, and even of drinking water. After visiting the Fuli Ancient Town, we go to explore the local villages and local market by bicycle, where we meet the local farmers as they cultivate their small rice plots just outside the town. Then we have some free time at the unique West Street. In the evening, we enjoy the unique “Yangshuo Impressions” (Vice-vip seat) performance directed by the very same director who was responsible for the Beijing Olympic Games opening ceremony in 2008, when hundreds of actors performed in the world’s largest outdoor theater—with the waters of the Li River serving as their stage. This breathtaking show is not to be missed. | ||
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Day 11. Yangshuo/GuilinQ Shanghai (Dinner) |
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Shanghai Central Hotel ★★★★ | ||
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Leaving Yangshuo, we head back to Guilin’ airport for our flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, we proceed to Shanghai’s old town to visit the Yu Yuan Garden& Chinese Bazaar. Perfectly maintained to the present day, the gardens were built by a Chinese mandarin in the 16th century in honor of his beloved parents. With their six very distinctive areas, these gardens are a true marvel and a great escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Then we make a late afternoon visit to the Bund. Since the middle of the 19th century, this street has played a major role in opening up China to the rest of the world. Built on the bank of the Huang Pu River, the Bund served as the main trading area for merchants coming to Shanghai from all over the world to trade for exotic goods and take them to their native countries. It is still a bustling street that offers a great view of the magnificent buildings along the river. Afterwards we stop at Nanjing Road. With more than 600 shops extending over 5.5 km, this is probably Asia’s busiest trading street, visited daily by more than 1.5 million people—locals and tourists alike—looking for a good bargain, and here you can see the best of the Chinese trading and bargaining customs as they take place. In the evening, we explore XinTian Di, the new hot spot in town. This pedestrian street offers a mixture of traditional architecture alongside contemporary design. Here you can get a real sense of the fusion of two cultures that sometimes clash but most of the time peacefully coexist in this rapidly changing city. | ||
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Day 12. Shanghai (Breakfast, Lunch) |
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Shanghai Central Hotel ★★★★ | ||
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In the morning we start with the Jewish quarter, the shelter of hundreds of Jews during 2ed world war. We visit the Synagogue Museum and Rabin Park.We then proceed to the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, whichrises to 468 meters and offers a great view over the city and its harbor. With its unique design, the tower has become the city’s own trademark.From there, we go to the Cricket Market; here you can see people selling and buying cricket as a pet as well as a mean of gambling. After that, we have a walk in Taikang road, also called Tianzifang art area, is a romantic street present the Young china with contemporary art, design and fashion. In the evening we enjoy a traditional Era Acrobatics Show, which displays an art developed and performed in China for the past 2000 years. | ||
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Day 13. Shanghai/Depart (Breakfast) |
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Today we transfer to the airport for our international depart flight. | ||
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