DAY 1   ARRIVE BEIJING

Arrive in Beijing. Transfer from the airport is provided. Meet our tour manager and fellow travellers tonight at the hotel

DAY 2   BEIJING    (B/L/D)

This morning we will visit the Temple of Heaven, a vast temple complex used by past emperors for annual ceremonies of prayer for a good harvest. Walk through the temple park and observe the locals exercising, singing and dancing. Then its onto the Pearl Market located nearby, get lost in two floors of pearls and bargain away.  Lunch at a local restaurant.  In the afternoon we see the Summer Palace, a beautiful park-like retreat that was once the summer home of emperors. Dinner later at a local restaurant.

DAY 3   BEIJING   (B/L)

See the magnificent Forbidden City via the less used north entrance.  We will have a little time to ourselves to explore this vast complex before we meet the crowds coming from the main south entrance.  Exit the south entrance and see Tiananmen Square.  After lunch we will explore an historic street with many traditional stores before finishing the day at the Olympic Bird's Nest Stadium and Watercube for a photostop.

 DAY 4   BEIJING   (B/L)

Morning Hutong (traditional area of Beijing) backstreets tour by richshaw visiting the home of a local family and the Bell Tower.  It is worth the climb to the top for the views.  Visit a cooking school nearby and observe 6 dishes being prepared for us which will be our lunch.  Transfer to the Silk Market.  This huge multi story complex has many small booths selling everything from silk, jade, chopsticks and fans to clothing, handbags, watches and sunglasses, just to name a few.  Shop around first and then bargain hard! Early evening we will transfer to an acrobatic show at Chaoyang Theatre for an amazing performance.

DAY 5   BEIJING   (B/L)

Today we visit one of the highlights of China, The Great Wall.  We see Mitianyu section which is a little quieter than other areas.  This well preserved wall with 22 watchtowers makes an interesting walk with impressive scenic views.  After lunch we visit one of the Thirteen Ming Tombs before returning to Beijing.

DAY 6   BEIJING – XIAN   (B/D)

Late morning flight to Xian and transfer to our hotel located in the heart of city.  China’s oldest city and the starting point of the Silk Road, it possesses a rich mix of culture and people. Later meet our guide for a walking tour to the Great Mosque passing many food, dried fruit and souvenir stalls on the way. Tang Dynasty dinner/show in the evening.

DAY 7   XIAN   (B/L)

See the impressive Terracotta Warriors this morning. Lunch at a local restaurant. Afternoon visit to the ancient City Wall and Wild Goose Pagoda. Enjoy some free time.  The area around our hotel has some very interesting shops and a large square where locals gather, fly kites and relax.

DAY 8   XIAN – GUILIN   (B/D)

Lunchtime flight to Guilin, one of China’s most picturesque destinations famed for its unusual scenery of tall limestone outcroppings and green environment. In the afternoon see Reed Flute Cave, Fubo Hill and Elephant Trunk Hill. Dinner at a local restaurant.

DAY 9   GUILIN – LONGSHENG   (B/L)

Today we visit the Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces north of Guilin. Located high on a mountain side, these were first cultivated in the 13th century and are an amazing site stretching layer upon layer up the mountain. The Zhuang and Yao nationalities live here, the Yao women well known for their very long hair. Lunch will be in Pingan Village. You will have the option of walking between scenic lookout points behind the village, well worth it for the views.

DAY 10   GUILIN – YANGSHUO   (B/L)

River cruise down the Li River (lunch included) to the town of Yangshuo. This tourist friendly town with beautiful countryside is a favourite with many travellers. Check into our hotel and later meet with our guide for a town orientation tour to get your bearings.

DAY 11   YANGSHUO   (B)

Transfer by electric vehicle for countryside tour. Amazing scenery of rice fields, karsks and small villages.  Return to the hotel for a free afternoon.  Feeling energetic?  Hire a bike and ride around the countryside or if you love to shop, Yangshuo has many small stores and stalls selling all sorts of souvenirs. In the evening transfer to see  "Impression Liu Sanjie", perhaps the most breathtaking show you will have ever seen.  With 500 local performers, and the mountains and river used as the setting, this is something not to be missed! 

DAY 12   YANGSHUO – GUILIN – SHANGHAI   (B)

Transfer back to Guilin for our flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival in Shanghai check into our hotel. Free time for the rest of the day.  Our hotel is located right in the main pedestrian shopping district and not far from the Bund (river area), so there is plenty to see.

DAY 13   SHANGHAI   (B)

Drive  to Jinmao Tower for 360 degree views of Shanghai. We then spend time shopping in the markets nearby for handbags, clothing, shoes, jewellery and souveniers. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon visit Yuyuan Gardens, a beautiful 400 year old Chinese garden and then some free time in the interesting bazaar nearby. Later transfer for an evening farewell dinner cruise which really captures Shanghai's kaleidoscope of lights.

DAY 14   SHANGHAI – DEPARTURE   (B)

Hotel rooms are available until 12 noon. Tour services finish here.

Transfer to Pudong Airport provided.

We can assist with an extended stay if you wish (Shanghai Expo is on) in China.

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