Shanghai/Beijing/Xian/Shanghai

Brief Introduction
China, the "Middle Kingdom", is a vast country with a long history and splendid culture. China is a great country that has undergone dramatic changes in the last two decades. It might not be the China you see in your imagination any longer. Come join us and feel the real China; feel its past and its present, by standing on the majestic Great Wall, by visiting the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors, and of course the dynamic metropolis of Shanghai.

Trip Highlights:

• Explore the arcane secrets of the Forbidden City, which was off limits for over 500 years
• Lose yourself in contemplate as you stand in front of the imposing Army of Terra-cotta Warriors
• Stroll along the Bund, and feel the unique glamour of Shanghai

Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive / Shanghai
Arrive at cosmopolitan Shanghai, China's financial capital, our local guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel.

Day 2 Shanghai / Beijing (B, L)
You will be free to rest until our local guide escorts you to the airport for your flight to Beijing. Arrive at the China's capital, Beijing, our guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel. In the afternoon, you will tour the exquisite Summer Palace, the most splendid imperial garden in China.

Day 3 Beijing (B, L)
Historic Beijing has long been China's political and cultural center. On this day we will escort you to explore some of Beijing's greatest sights. Your first stop will be to Tiananmen Square, where in 1949, Chairman Mao declared the founding of People's Republic of China before 3 million onlookers. Next, stroll through the magnificent Forbidden City, the largest integral imperial palace in the world with a history of over 600 years. In the afternoon, you will marvel at another of Beijing's landmarks - the splendid Temple of Heaven built in 15th century.

Day 4 Beijing (B, L)
A full-day excursion will take you to the majestic Great Wall, which was built over 2,000 years ago and stretches over 6,400 kilometers. You will have plenty of time to linger at this world wonder and contemplate how ancient Chinese people built the wall by using only manpower and rudimentary tools. Before returning to the city, you will visit the famous Sacred Road.

Day 5 Beijing / Xian (B, L)
After breakfast, you will visit the narrow alleys and courtyard homes of Beijing's Hutongs by rickshaw. In the afternoon, you will fly to Xian, once the largest city in the world and the capital for 11 Chinese dynasties for a period of over 1,180 years.

Day 6 Xian (B, L, SD)
Start your Xian exploration with visits to the incredible life-size Terracotta Warriors arranged in battle formation to protect the mausoleum of the China's first emperor, Emperor QinShihuang for over 2,200. In the afternoon, enjoy strolling along the Ancient City Walls, considered as the largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in the world, and then the Bell Tower built in 1582 that stands in the center of the city. Your exciting day will conclude with a savory dumpling dinner and the colorful Tang Dynasty show.

Day 7 Xian / Shanghai (B, L)
Continue to explore the marvels of this ancient city including the Big Wild Goose Pagoda which houses the Buddhist sutras brought back from India by the famous monk Xuan-zang in the Tang Dynasty. Later take the afternoon flight to Shanghai, where our local guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to enjoy at your leisure.

Day 8 Shanghai (B, L, D)
Enjoy a thrilling day of sightseeing featuring Shanghai's unique charm. Stroll along the waterfront Bund and the crowded Nanjing Road. Visit the elaborate Yu Garden and bustling Yuyuan Market. Your thrilling day will be concluded with a wonderful Acrobatic Show at the Shanghai Centre Theatre.

Day 9 Shanghai / Departure (B)
It is time to say goodbye to the ancient and beautiful country of China and return home with lifetime of unforgettable memories.