| DAY
.1 |
BEIJING |
|
We
arrive in Beijing where our local guides will meet us. We check into
our hotel and have time to get acquainted with our fellow travelers. |
| DAY
.2 |
BEIJING
Sightseeing Tour |
| |
Today's
sightseeing starts at the Great Wall. A stirring sight as it winds
like a dragon into the hills, we walk along its famous path. After
lunch, we will explore the magnificent tombs of 13 of the Ming Emperors.
We pass through the famous "Spirit Way", lined with stele
of stone animals, to visit the only open tomb, that of Emperor Shen
Zong and his two empresses, with displays of the emperor's crown and
robe. Tonight we enjoy a spectacular performance of the Peking Opera. |
| DAY
.3 |
BEIJING
Sightseeing Tour |
| |
We
continue our sightseeing in Beijing with a tour of the Forbidden City.
Through the Meridian Gate, we enter a world of incredible extravagance
and intrigue as we stroll the walled city. Later, we visit the Tian'anmen
Square with Mao's Tomb. This afternoon we go out to the Summer Palace,
which is followed by a spectacular Peking Duck dinner. |
| DAY
.4 |
Beijing
Sightseeing Tour, BEIJING - HOHHOT |
| |
This
morning we will see the beautiful Temple of Heaven. An afternoon flight
will bring us to Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia. At a little
more than a mile above sea level the air is fresh and climate is pleasant.
The traditional religion of the Mongols, who make up only 15% of the
population of this autonomous region is Tibetan Buddhism. Before we
proceed to our hotel we visit the old part of town with the Dazhao
Temple, Five Pagoda Temple and The Inner Mongolian Museum. After dinner
we will attend a Mongolian Singing and Dance performance. |
| DAY
.5 |
HOHHOT
- GRASSLAND Sightseeing Tour |
| |
Our
coach takes us out into the Mongolian steppe, dotted by obos or shaman
shrines - stone piles gathered by nomads who come here for their mid
May festivals and each brings a stone and lays it here - yurts and
herds of sheep, camels and horses. A special Mongolian dinner of baozi
(steamed meat buns) and different meat dishes awaits us this evening
before we retreat for the night into our yurts, covered by a spectacular
star covered firmament.. |
| DAY
.6 |
GRASSLAND
- DONGSHENG Sightseeing Tour |
| |
After
breakfast we journey on along peaceful dirt paths across the vast
grassland past more yurts and herds of animals. After a banquet style
lunch of barbecued sheep served by a friendly Mongol family we continue
our trip. Before we reach our days destination, Dongsheng, we tour
little known Meidaizhao Monastery of the Gelukpa (Yellow Hat sect
of Tibetan Buddhism). |
| DAY
.7 |
DONGSHENG
- HOHHOT Sightseeing Tour |
| |
The
main language spoken in Dongsheng is Mongolian. The locals are extremely
friendly. The city has an attractive market and is the staging post
for the site of Genghis Khan's Mausoleum, which we visit this morning.
With newly awakened Mongolian nationalism the mausoleum became a pilgrimage
site for both Inner and Outer Mongolians. To meet true Mongolians
this is one of the best places in China to do so. This evening brings
us back to Hohhot. |
| DAY
.8 |
HOHHOT
- XIAN , Xian Sightseeing Tour |
| |
A
morning flight, via Beijing, brings us to Xian, for eleven dynasties
the capital of ancient China. It was the starting point for the famous
Silk Routes on which the precious material was carried all the way
to ancient Rome (the Romans however never knew from where exactly
it came from). Xian is one of China's major attractions, due to its
unique 2000 years history, testimony of which can be found throughout
the area. Afternoon sightseeing includes a visit to the Shaanxi Provincial
Museum and the well preserved city walls. After dinner we attend a
special Tang Dynasty Music and Dance show. |
| DAY
.9 |
XIAN
Sightseeing Tour |
| |
One
of the absolute highlights of any visit to China is the tomb of Qin
Shi Huang, the First Emperor of China. An extraordinary army of over
6000 Terra cotta warriors (no two alike!) with their horses and chariots
have protected the dead Emperor for over 2000 years. Next we tour
the Banpo Neolithic Village with the first traces of the Yangshao
culture, dating to 4500 BC. The striking Ming Dynasty Bell Tower and
Drum Tower further underline Xian's historical significance. |
| DAY
.10 |
XIAN
- CHENGDU , Sightseeing Tour |
| |
This
morning is free to explore the many exotic and interesting markets
in Xian. An afternoon flight brings us to Chengdu, the capital of
Sichuan, China's most populous province. Chinese often refer to it
as the "Heavenly Kingdom" in reference to its resources,
prosperity and rich cultural heritage. Chengdu is known for its artisans:
small time basket weavers, cobblers, tailors, house ware merchants
and snack hawkers who swarm the streets and contribute to the bustling
energy of the city. Its 2500 year history is closely linked with the
arts and crafts trade. A city tour will show us the tomb of Wang Jiang
with its 24 statues of musicians, all playing a different instrument.
It is considered to be the best surviving record of a Tang Dynasty
musical group. We will also see Zhaojue Temple, which served as a
model for many Japanese and south-east Asian Buddhist temples and
the Sichuan Museum with its extensive collection of ancient tiled
murals. |
| DAY
.11 |
CHENGDU
- LHASA |
| |
Locked
away in its mountain fortress of the Himalayas, Tibet has long exercised
a unique hold on the imagination of the West: 'Shangri-La', 'The Land
of Snow', 'the Rooftop of the World', Tibet is mysterious in a way
few other places are. Its history begins in the 7th century A.D. After
the 9th century the monasteries became increasingly politicized and
in 1641 the Gelukpa (Yellow Hat sect) used the support of the Buddhist
Mongols to crush the Red Hats, their rivals. The Yellow Hats' leader
adopted the title Dalai Lama; or Ocean of Wisdom. We arrive in Lhasa
early afternoon and visit the Dalai Lama's summer palace Norbu Lingka
before we check into our hotel. |
| DAY
.12 |
LHASA
Sightseeing Tour |
| |
Our
full day of sightseeing includes magnificent Potala Palace, former
winter residence of the Dalai Lama, the location of their tombs and
once the seat of the Tibetan government. The imposing 17th century
structure dominates the skyline of Lhasa, and was built on the site
of a structure 1000 years older. We will also visit Jokhang Temple,
one of Tibet's holiest shrines, built to commemorate the marriage
of the Chinese Tang Princess Wen Cheng to King Songtsen Gampo. |
| DAY
.13 |
LHASA
Sightseeing Tour |
| |
Today's
sightseeing will show us Drepung Monastery, once the largest cloister
in the world and still an active lamasery. After lunch we will visit
with a Tibetan family and gain some insight about Tibetan life. This
afternoon, we continue our adventure in Lhasa with a tour of Barkhor
Street, a colorful Tibetan style bazaar. |
| DAY
.14 |
LHASA
- CHENGDU - SHANGHAI |
| |
A
morning flight brings us back to Chengdu. If time allows, we'll visit
the Temple or Marguis Wu which was built for Zhuge Liang, the famous
strategist and statesman of the kingdom of Shu during the period of
the Warring Three Kingdoms in the 2nd century A.D. Then we leave for
Shanghai, the fifth largest city in the world and China's most cosmopolitan
metropolis. |
| DAY
.15 |
SHANGHAI
Sightseeing Tour |
| |
A
full day of sightseeing introduces us to Shanghai's intriguing past
which embraces both the notoriety of its corruption and decadence
during the 40's and the birth of the Communist party. Enjoy the tranquillity
of Yu Garden (the Mandarin's Garden which served as the model for
the famous Blue Willow China) and the Jade Buddha Temple housing two
beautiful white Jade Buddha images. After dinner, we applaud a show
of Chinese acrobats. |
| DAY
.16 |
SHANGHAI
- SUZHOU, Suzhou Sightseeing Tour |
| |
This
morning a first class train brings us to Suzhou, the "Venice
of the East." Suzhou's classical gardens, canals and bridges
are one of China's most visited scenic wonders. There are many places
worth seeing in this beautiful garden city: Liu Garden, Master of
Fishing Net Garden, Tiger Hill, the Silk Reeling Factory, the National
Embroidery Research Institute. |
| DAY
.17 |
Suzhou
Sightseeing Tour, SUZHOU - SHANGHAI |
| |
Drive
back to Shanghai after city sightseeing tour of Suzhou. |
| DAY
.18 |
SHANGHAI |
| |
All
day free for shopping along famous Nanjing Road or explore the old
Chinese city with its maze of narrow lanes. Just north of it was the
French Concession, one of the most interesting parts of Shanghai with
lots of restaurants and Western style cafes. For souvenirs check out
the Shanghai Arts and Crafts Service Center on Nanjing Xilu or the
Shanghai Arts & Crafts Store at the Shanghai Exhibition Center.
Well worth a visit is Sun Yatzen's Residence. Listening to the ancient,
famous jazz band and having a drink at the Peace Hotel or enjoying
a dinner cruise on the Huangpu River might be a suitable conclusion
of a memorable trip. |
| DAY
.19 |
DEPARTURE
FROM SHANGHAI |
| |
Today
we bid farewell to Shanghai and China, when we transfer to the airport
to board our flight back home. |
