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Beijing-Xi'an-Guilin-Yangshuo-Hangzhou-Suzhou-Shanghai 14 Days Tour

Day 1. Arrive in Beijing (Dinner)

 
Wangfujing Park Plaza  ★★★
   
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.

 

 

 

 

Day 2.  Beijing (Breakfast, Dinner)

 
Wangfujing Park Plaza  ★★★
   
In the morning we go to 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. We then proceed on foot to the Forbidden City, so called is 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 arickshaw 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. In the evening, we enjoy a magnificent show by monks of the famous Shaulin Temple, displaying breathtaking kung fu maneuvers.

 

 

 

 

Day 3. Beijing (Breakfast, Dinner)

 
Wangfujing Park Plaza  ★★★
   
After breakfast at the hotel, we drive out of the city to the famous MutianyuGreat 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 can choose to take cable car or slide way down. On our way back to the city, we visit theSacred Road& Ding Tomb, where the Imperial Families were given their last resting place. The name derives from the fact that the Chinese believed that a road with several gates leads the souls of the ‘heavenly families’ back to the sky.In the late afternoon, we walk from Houhaito Nanluoguxiang. With a history of more than 700 years, Nanluoguxiang is one of the best preserved historical areas of Beijing downtown. Running north and south, the street is packed with bars, cafes, and shops selling souvenirs and traditional crafts. Thus it’s considered as an ideal place to hang out in the afternoon and in the evening. We stroll around the old however trendy street to enjoy the unique surrounding architecture and witness local people’s lives.

 

 

 

 

 

Day 4. Beijing (Breakfast, Dinner)

 
Wangfujing Park Plaza  ★★★
   
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.Leaving there, we go to the Lama Temple. Built in 1694, it served as the residence of Emperor Yongzheng of the Qing Dynasty. Then, in 1744, it became the center of Lamaism in Beijing, and since then it has served the large community of Lamaists in the city. Leaving the there, we will stroll around WudaoyingHutong, an originally tranquil alley, only these days becoming popular and busy with shops and bars. We then continue to Confucius Temple, Beijing’s largest Confucian temple, where our guide will introduce the main principles of this ancient set of beliefs that spread throughout China way before Buddhism was introduced into the ‘middle kingdom’.Leavingthere, 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.

 

 

 

 

Day 5.  BeijingQXi'an (Breakfast, Dinner)

 
Grand Noble Hotel  ★★★
   

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. 

 

 

 

  

Day 6. Xi'an (Breakfast, Dinner)

 
Grand Noble Hotel  ★★★
   
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. Leaving the museum, we proceed into the bustling Muslim Quarter. The Muslims settled in Xi’an during the glory days of the Silk Road, which connected East and West for trading purposes. Originating in Central Asia, the Muslims arrived to trade in the exotic goods they brought to the then capital of the Chinese Empire. Over time, a huge community of Muslims became assimilated into the population and has recreated its traditional way of life. They brought with them their delicious food, their clothes and customs, and built a beautiful Mosque at the heart of the once cosmopolitan capital. We roam the colorful market and visit the Great Mosque, which is a blend of Chinese style and Muslim architecture. We then go to the Eight Immortals Temple which is the biggest Taoist temple in Xi’an and is a famous Taoist architecture in northwest China.

 

 

 

 

Day 7.  Xi'anQGuilin (Breakfast, Dinner)

 
Guilin Bravo Hotel ★★★
   
In the morning we transfer to the airport for our 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.

 

 

 

 

Day 8. Guilin/Longsheng/Yangshuo (Breakfast, Dinner)

 
Yangshuo Green Lotus ★★★
   
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

 

 

 

 

 

Day 9.  Yangshuo (Breakfast, Dinner)

 
Yangshuo Green Lotus ★★★
   
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.

 

 

 

  
 

Day 10. Yangshuo/GuilinQ Hangzhou (Dinner)

 
Hangzhou International Hotel  ★★★
   
Today we meet our chef early in the morning and join him for a trip to the local market to buy fresh ingredients for our cookery class. During the next few hours, we shall be learning some of the secrets of traditional Chinese cookery, and for lunch we shall enjoy the results of our labors.Then we take a slow bamboo raft ride down the Yulong River, if we are luckyenough, we may get a chance to see the traditional fishing with cormorants.In the afternoon, we go to explore the local villages by bicycle, where we meet the local farmers as they cultivate their small rice plots just outside the town.In the late afternoon, we transfer to airport for our evening flight Hangzhou.Upon arrival,we transfer to our hotel.

 

 

 

 

Day 11.  Hangzhou/Suzhou (Breakfast, Dinner)

 
Holiday Inn Suzhou Jasmine   ★★★
   

After breakfast we go to the Hidden Souls Temple, which dates back to the very early Eastern Jin Dynasty. It is said that the temple was built by an Indian monk who believed that the breathtaking scenery could only be the final retreat of all souls. Leave there, we go for a boat ride on the West Lake, probably Hangzhou’s most prominent landmark. And we will also stroll around the local parks around the lake. Then we drive to Wuzhen. Located on the outskirts of Hangzhou, Wuzhen Water Town is famous for a canal system and has been described as the “Venice of the East". After enjoying the amazing view, we drive to Suzhou.

 

 

 

 

 

Day 12. Suzhou/Shanghai (Breakfast, Lunch)

 
Shanghai Central Hotel  ★★★
   
Today we start to explore the small city by visiting the Lingering Garden. Occupying an area of 23,300 square meters (about 5.8 acres), the Lingering Garden is located outside Changmen Gate in Suzhou. Originally a classical private garden, it is one of the four most famous gardens in China, possessing typical Qing style, it is well-known for the exquisite beauty of its magnificent halls, and the various sizes, shapes, and colors of the buildings. Leaving the garden, we continue to Hanshan Temple. Hanshan Temple, literally "Cold Mountain Temple", is famed in East Asia because of the poem "A Night Mooring by Maple Bridge", by a famous Tang Dynasty poet,Zhangji. Covering an area of about 10,600 square meters, it presents the architectural style of the Qing Dynasty. There are many more historical relics in the temple, such as the Grand Prayer Hall, Sutra-Collection Building, Bell Tower, Fengjiang Pavilion and Tablets Corridor. After that, we have some free time in the beautifulShantang Old Street. The street was originally built by BaiJuyi, a famous Chinese poet in Tang dynasty. As one of the most antiquated communities in Suzhou, the street has retained its original layout for more than 1000 years. Strolling around the street, we are able to see houses with white washed walls and black tiles as well as a canal that runs along the street. Leaving Suzhou, we drive to Shanghai, the most populous city in China. The city is located in eastern China and sits at the mouth of the Yangtze River. Due to its rapid growth in the last two decades, it has again become one of the world's leading cities, exerting influence over finance, commerce, fashion, and culture. Shanghai is also a popular tourist destination renowned for its historical landmarks such as The Bund, Peoples Square and Yuyuan Garden, and its extensive yet growing Pudong  skyline. Upon arrival, we take a Cruise on the Huangpu River to enjoy the wonderful night view of Shanghai.

 

 

 

 

 

Day 13. Shanghai (Dinner)

 
Shanghai Central Hotel  ★★★
   
In the morning 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.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. Then we make a 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. We explore XinTian Di& French Quarter, 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. In the evening we enjoy a traditional Era Acrobatics Show, which displays an art developed and performed in China for the past 2000 years.

 

 

 

 

Day 14. Shanghai/Depart (Breakfast)

 
None
   
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. Then we transfer to the airport for our international depart flight.

 

 

 

 

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