* Land prices are per person, double occupancy in luxury hotels. Prices include coach class China domestic airfare, most meals, all transfers, and Chinese visa processing. As of Jan 21, 2008, the Chinese authority has increased visa processing  fees for all US citizens by $80 US dollars, this fee will be added as extra  to your total land price.

* This tour is fully escorted* within mainland China by an English-speaking professional tour manager and is guided by an English-speaking local tour guide in each city.

* For international airfare, please contact your own travel agent or Access China Tours.

** The itinerary for this departure varies. Please contact us for details.

Day 1   Beijing

Upon arrival at Beijing Airport, meet your Beijing tour guide and transfer to your hotel in the heart of city. Get acquainted with your fellow travelers at the Evening Reception and receive updates on activity schedules.
Grand Hotel Beijing

Day 2   Beijing Your exploration in Beijing starts from Tiananmen Square - the world's largest. Next, visit the Forbidden City, the imperial palaces of Ming and Qing Dynasties. After lunch, explore some of Beijing's old 'Hutongs' - the traditional courtyard residences cut into blocks by narrow alleyways. Later, visit the small but elegant Ancient Observatory. Return to hotel for relaxation. Enjoy a welcome banquet featuring Peking Duck this evening. Grand Hotel Beijing   <B-L-D>

Day 3   Beijing

Visit the Temple of Heaven in the morning. See Chinese doing Taiji in the park and examine the beautiful structure of the Hall of Prayer. Stop by the lively Panjiayuan Market where antiques and other goods are sold.

In the afternoon, visit the enchanting Summer Palace, the renowned imperial retreat of the Qing royals. The Long Corridor, Marble Boat, Seventeen-Arch Bridge, and Longevity Hill are all very impressive.

Tonight's dinner is the Imperial Cuisine at an elite local restaurant.
Grand Hotel Beijing   <B-L-D>

Day 4   Beijing

Today, you will take an excursion to the extraordinary Great Wall of China. Explore the more scenic Mutianyu section, where the Wall winds across the wooded green mountains. Stop by a mountain village for lunch and meet local residents.

Return to the city, and the rest of the day is free.
Grand Hotel Beijing  <B-L>

Day 5   Beijing g Xi'an Transfer to airport this morning and fly to Xi'an, an ancient capital of China. After checking in at the hotel, go to visit the massive City Wall and the Shaanxi History Museum, one of the best in the country. You are invited to a characteristic Dumpling Dinner tonight. Sofitel on Renmin Square   <B-D> Day 6   Xi'an See the extraordinary 2,200-year-old Terracotta Warriors of China's first Emperor - Qin Shihuang, discovered in 1974. It is a stunning exhibit of ancient artifacts that is well laid-out and easy to view. Upon returning to the city, visit the elegant Big Goose Pagoda and take a stroll on the lively Market next to the South Gate. In the evening, enjoy a special local cuisine dinner followed by a glamorous and colorful Tang Style Stage Show. Sofitel on Renmin Square   <B-L-D>

Day 7   Xi'an g Shanghai

Fly to Shanghai, China's financial center and economic powerhouse.  Start the exploration from the Bund, a waterfront promenade lined with a mile-long of European buildings.

In the afternoon, visit the small yet exquisite Yuyuan Garden and the old town area.
Four Seasons Shanghai  <B-L>

 

Day 8   Shanghai Today, visit the marvelous Shanghai Museum. Its galleries contain world-class collections of ancient arts and artifacts. The Bronze Gallery is a must-see section.  Wander around the former French Concession, represented by the leafy Fuxing Park and European architecture in the area. Enjoy a Shanghai Cuisine Dinner followed by a fabulous Acrobatic Show tonight.  Four Seasons Shanghai  <B-L-D> Day 9   Shanghai g Yichang Morning excursion to Zhujiajiao, a waterway town criss-crossed by canals and rivers.  Its narrow streets lined with characteristic Qing-era buildings. Take an afternoon flight to Yichang and transfer to board the cruise ship after a local cuisine dinner.  Victoria Anna  <B-L-D>
Day 10   Yangzi River Cruise After a night's sailing, take a morning excursion to Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest hydroelectric project and the newest attraction on the Yangzi River today. Later in the day, the ship later sails through Three Gorges Shiplocks and the first gorge - Xiling Gorge.  Tonight you will join with other travelers at the Captain's Cocktail Party and enjoy a Welcome Banquet. Victoria Anna   <B-L-D> Day 11   Yangzi River Cruise The extraordinary Three Gorges of the Yangzi River, featuring towering peaks and sheer cliffs, began to form 70 million years ago when two mountain ranges collided and the river began to erode the gorges to their present state. Sail through the Qutang and Wu Gorges, each having its own visual power. Discover the hidden charm in the Lesser Gorges by boating on the fabled Daning River. Victoria Anna   <B-L-D>

Day 12   Yangzi River Cruise Your port of call today is Baidicheng or Wanxian depending on the docking conditions. Both towns have a rich history and interesting local culture. A Farewell Banquet and Talent Show tonight lead to a climax of your Yangzi experience. Victoria Anna   <B-L-D>

Day 13   Chongqing g Guilin

Cruise ends in Chongqing.  Transfer to airport and fly to Guilin, one of China's most beautiful cities.

Visit Fubo Hill nad Ludi Cave in the afternoon and take a nice walk along the Li River before a Sichuan Cuisine Dinner in the evening.
Sheraton Hotel Guilin   <B-L-D>

Day 14   Guilin n Longsheng Travel by vehicle to the mountainous Longsheng to see beautiful rice terraces and to visit villages of ethnic Dong and Yao peoples. It is definitely one of the highlights of touring in China. Sheraton Hotel Guilin   <B-L> Day 15   Guilin g Hong Kong Today, you get on a motorboat for a 4-hour Li River Cruise. The cruise will give you a chance to savor the lovely views of the area's extraordinary limestone peaks. Get off the boat in Yangshuo, a charming small town with its main street lined with small hotels, boutiques, and countless souvenir shops.

Board a late afternoon flight to Hong Kong.  Upon arrival, transfer to hotel and balance of the day is free.  
Kowloon Shangri-La Hong Kong   <B-L>

Day 16   Hong Kong

Take a half-day guided tour, which features the panoramic Victoria Peak, the tranquil Aberdeen Fishing Village, and the beautiful Repulse Bay.

Afternoon is at leisure.
Kowloon Shangri-La Hong Kong   <B-L-D>

Day 17   Return Home

Transfer to the airport and board your homebound flight.
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