“MAGNIFICENT CHINA"
a 20-day land and river tour. From the
ancient capital of Xi’an to the remote UNESCO World Natural Heritage
Site, from China’s largest river on which is built the world’s largest
hydro power station to the quiet scenery of the mountains, you will
take in the dramatic changes that have occurred throughout more than
5,000 years of Chinese history. This trip covers many of China’s
highlights. We believe that this is the best tour for those people who
need a once in a lifetime trip to China. It is also an ideal trip for
professional photographers.
This long journey covers Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou, Chongqing, the Yangtze River, Three Gorges Dam Site, Wuhan, Mt. Yellow and Shanghai. Optional tours, three more days, to Suzhou, Hangzhou, Guilin or Hong Kong are available upon requests.
Detailed Itinerary
*ABF - American Buffet Breakfast; B – Breakfast; L – Lunch; D –Dinner; SD –Banquet;
** Time – All times listed in the itinerary are LOCAL TIME;
Day 01
International Gateway / Pacific Ocean
Depart from any international departure city of the United States or Canada. You will travel across the Pacific Ocean today.
Day 02
Beijing (ABF, L, SD)
By the time you fly across the international date-line, you will lose 12 hours. Arrive in Beijing today. Beijing is a world-class capital with an incredible mix of historic and modern landmarks. Upon arrival you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to Prime Hotel (5 stars - located 15 minutes’ walking distance to the Royal Palace – the Forbidden City & the Tiananmen Square). You will be at leisure for rest of the day.
Day 03 Beijing (ABF, L, SD)
After breakfast, you will start your tour from the largest public square in the world - Tiananmen Square, and then enter the intriguing Forbidden City, home of Chinese emperors for more than 500 years. In the afternoon, you will visit the harmonious Temple of Heaven, one of the best examples of Ming Dynasty architecture in China, also an ornate sanctuary where Chinese Emperors worshipped the Gods. Tonight, feast on the emperor’s cuisine -- a Beijing Roast Duck Banquet will be arranged at a leading city restaurant.
Day 04 Beijing (ABF, L, D)
An unforgettable outing includes a walking tour of the wondrous Great Wall. You will have the chance to climb a portion in the Mutianyu section of this 3,700-mile marvel. The Great Wall’s dramatic and descending steep ridges and narrow valleys offer various picturesque vistas for your camera. You will finish the evening with a traditional performance of Peking Opera.
Day 05
Beijing / Xi’an (ABF, L, D)
Today, you will enjoy a Pedi cab tour of the Hutong, the "old city" neighborhoods of narrow alleyways and courtyard gardens hidden behind Beijing's modern facade. Visit Prince Gong's Palace, the Drum Tower, and old-style courtyard houses still inhabited by Beijing residents. After lunch, visit the majestic Summer Palace, the royal summer resort of 100 years ago.
This evening, fly to Xi’an. Upon arrival, you will be transfer to Sheraton Hotel (5 star or equivalent).
Day 06
Xi’an (ABF, L, SD)
Xi’an is a city of unsurpassed importance in China history; it is filled with archeological wonders and served as the capital for eleven dynasties. Explore Xi’an’s astounding antiquities on today’s tour, highlighted by the great archaeological find of our time: the ancient life-like Terra Cotta Soldiers guarding the tomb of China’s first emperor. Also trace the beginnings of Chinese civilization at the Provincial Museum, and tour the City Gate and Wild Goose Pagoda, the most famous Buddhist Temple in the world. A Tang Dynasty banquet and stage show will complete the day.
Day 07
Xian / Chengdu (ABF, L, SD)
Today, you will tour the Great Mosque, a haven of tranquility tucked into the bustling market areas of Xi’an. Also in today’s itinerary, you will tour the Grand Wild Goose Pagoda, the Stone Tablets, and the Ancient City Wall.
By late afternoon, you will fly to Chengdu and check into the Galaxy Dynasty Hotel (4 star or equivalent). You will visit the Giant Panda Breeding Centre directly, followed by the visit to Du Jiang Yan – an ancient water irrigation system. A local flavored dinner featuring Sichuan Cuisine will be arranged for you.
Day 08
Chengdu / Jiuzhaigou (ABF, L, D)
You will take a morning flight to Jiuzhaigou. Jiuzhaigou (“Nine Villages Valley”) is about 400 km north of Chengdu. It sits on a carbonate barrier lakebed of high mountains and deep valleys. There are nine ancient Tibetan villages in the valley; this is the origin of the city’s name. Jiuzhaigou’s scenic area is 80 km long and covers an area of 60,000 hectares. It is a unique tourist resort of with varied beautiful scenery, an unpopulated and natural “world of fairy tales”. The Emerald Lake, terraced waterfalls, colorful woods, snow-clad peaks and Tibetan culture are reputed as Five Unique Marvels. This fairyland remained undiscovered by human beings for millions of years until 1970. In 1992, UNESCO selected this area as one of the World’s Natural Heritage spots. You will explore the whole valley today. For two nights, you will be amid the quiet and pristine natural environment.
Day 09
Jiuzhaigou (ABF, L, D)
Connected to the Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong is under the jurisdiction of Song Pan County in Sichuan Province. We can quote the Director of the Western National Park Administration of the United States: “… In Huanglong, we could find the Snow Mountains that can be seen in Alberta, the primitive forests of Wyoming, the canyons of Colorado, and the colorful travertine lakes of Yellowstone National Park. Very few places in this world are in the possession of so many kinds of natural scenery…” You will tour along the Huanglong area with a private vehicle today, walking through at least one of the local villages.
Day 10
Jiuzhaigou/Chengdu/Chongqing (B, L, D)
Boarding Cruise - ORIENT ROYAL CRUISES SHIP (5 star)
This morning, you will fly to Chongqing via Chengdu. Upon arrival, enjoy a tour of the city. Following your tour, you will be transferred to the Yangtze River Pier to embark abord the M.S. East Queen. After settling into your cabin and having dinner, the ship will set sail on its downstream course through the Three Gorges region. The total length of this cruise is 402 miles and is considered by most Chinese to represent the single most scenic area in all of China.
This evening, after settling in, you should take a moment and go up onto the rooftop deck to enjoy the night-time view Chongqing. With its thousands of glittering lights illuminating the evening sky, an ethereal atmosphere hints at the beauty of the Three Gorges.
PLEASE NOTE: Cruising itineraries are subject to last minute changes due to weather and other unpredictable situations. Your ships director and tour escort will keep you informed.
Day 11
- Yangtze River
This morning, the ship will arrive at Shibaozhai (“Precious Stone Fortress”). You will have a chance to view from afar the protruding 721-foot high hill on the north bank which seems to resemble a jade seal, and as such is called "Jade Seal Hill". The creation of the hill is attributed to the goddess Nuwo, who caused a rock slide while she was redecorating the sky after a fierce battle between two warring dukes.
You will disembark for a shore excursion at Shibaozhai. The village ranks as one of the most unspoiled on the river and affords visitors the opportunity to stroll along cobble streets and experience what is best described as the "heartland of China." While the accelerated wave of development is sweeping across China, it is the countryside - home to more than 70% of China’s population (850 million people) that gives the best reflection of China.
Following your excursion to Shibaozhai, you will return to the ship and continue eastward toward the first of the Three Gorges, the mighty Qutang Gorge.
Day 12
Yangtze River
Early this morning your ship will enter the Qutang Gorge, the narrowest stretch of the river on your cruise itinerary, through the majestic Kui Men (two imposing cliffs which resemble a towering door into some other worldly destination). So famous is this imposing scene that its image appears on the Chinese RMB 5.00 Yuan banknote.
Once the ship has cleared the Qutang Gorge, it has now entered the treacherous course of the Gorges region, which, without question, is one of the most famous geographic sights in China. Countless painters, poets, travelers and scholars have taken up brush and pen to describe, through painting, poetry and prose, the wondrous nature of this most scenic of landscapes.
Next the ship will cruise through the unusual mountain landscapes of Wu ("Witches) Gorge until reaching Badong, a bustling river port which lies at the confluence of the Yangtze River and the Shennong Xi, an important tributary river. You will disembark at Badong and will board local longboats poled by Tujia boatmen, who once plied the waters of the Yangtze. Boatmen would pull the great trading junks through the dangerous passages during the upstream voyage to Chongqing.
While many visitors to the Yangtze have heard of the Daning River excursion to view the Lesser Gorges, the Shennong Stream excursion is relatively new. This region of Hubei province has only been open to foreign travel in the last 15 years, allowing visitors fortunate enough to take part in the excursion to see a side of China rarely seen by foreign travelers or Chinese citizens.
The scenery is unrivaled anywhere along the middle course of the river. Crystalline waters, rich forests and towering rock formations mark a landscape that has remained unaltered for literally thousands of years. The Shennong region is also home to several species of endangered flora and fauna including the elusive Golden Hair Monkey and many varieties of medicinal plants. Your longboat will travel for approximately two hours before beaching on a bend in the river and allowing you some time to explore the shore before returning to its confluence with the Yangtze. After arriving back at Badong, you will disembark from your longboat and return to the ship.
Continue your downstream passage where, this afternoon, the ship will begin its passage through the majestic Xiling Gorge, the longest of the Gorges, stopping during its course at the site of the Three Gorges Dam, currently the world's largest dam construction project. One of the most memorable passages in the Xiling Gorge is through the Yellow Ox Gorge (Huangniu Xia) where the river widens and sweeps under the Huangling Temple. The temple stands amid groves of orange and pomelo trees (a variety of citrus related to the grapefruit).
The Tang dynasty poet, Du Fu (712 - 772) wrote of this passage,
"Three dawns shine upon the Yellow Ox,
Three sunsets - and we go so slowly,
Three dawns - again three sunsets,
And we do not notice that our hair is white as silk"
End of cruising next morning
Day 13
Yichang / Huangshan
This morning, you will disembark from your ship and transfer to the site of the Three Gorges Dam Project, currently the largest dam construction project on earth. Inaugurated in 1992 by the Central Government, the dam is slated to begin operation in 2009. However, the idea of a major dam on the Yangtze has been debated in China since the early part of the 20th century. The current budget of USD $20 billion (double the original estimate) will probably continue to increase given the unprecedented scale of the project.
Your visit to the dam will include a stop at the highest point above the project for some panoramic views of the site. Continue on to the scale model where a comprehensive description of each phase of construction is given. Finally a stop will be made near the ship locks for a look at how this phase of the project is proceeding. Following your visit to the Dam Site you will return to the pier and re board your ship.
The cruise portion of your journey ends as the ship arrives in Yichang. You will be met and transferred to the airport for your flight to Huangshan. Upon arrival, you will transfer to The International Hotel (4 star or equivalent).
Day 14
Huangshan (B, L, D)
After breakfast, you will drive to the foot of Huangshan, and board a cable car for the summit. Upon arrival, you’ll transfer to the Lion Forrest Hotel (4 star). Known for its knotted pine trees, its rugged rock formations and its mist shrouded vistas, Huangshan has inspired poets and painters for more than a thousand years. The views of the surrounding countryside, with traditional villages and rice paddies, are some of the most beautiful in China. You may have three mornings to enjoy a spectacular sunrise above a sea of clouds and then take in the West Sea and North Sea panoramas. If you feel energetic, you can explore the mountain via one of the numerous hiking trails.
Day 15
Huangshan (B, L, D)
Enjoy your time on top of the mountain. Perhpas enjoy another beautiful sunrise from a different spot.
Day 16
Huangshan / Shanghai (B, L, D)
This morning you'll have some more time to enjoy the spectacular scenery and then take the cable car back down the mountain to Tunxi, the gateway of Huangshan. You will visit the ancient town nearby where most of the dwellings date to the Ming and Qing dynasties. In the afternoon, fly to Shanghai and enjoy accommodations at the Salvo Hotel (4 star, located within five-minutes’ walking distance to Nanjing Road & the Bund).
Day 17
Shanghai (ABF, L,D)
Your first day of sightseeing in Shanghai will start from the Bund. Along the waterfront you will see the European-Style architecture of the buildings that once housed the institutions of the colonial powers in the 19th century. The tour will continue with a visit to the Old Town. Walk down its narrow lanes past traditional buildings to the once private Yu Yuan Gardens. After lunch, you will make a visit to the Shanghai National Museum. There you will find artifacts that span the length of China’s history, and reveal its cultural traditions. You will end your full day of sightseeing with a stop at the Jade Buddha Temple. Tonight, you are sure to enjoy the amazing contortions and acrobatic show in Ritz Carlton Hotel.
Day 18
Shanghai (ABF)
You will be free for your own exploration of this metropolitan city.
Day 19
Shanghai / USA or CANADA (ABF)
You will be escorted to the airport for your back home flight to the United States or Canada. You will arrive home the same day.
OPTIONAL- EXTENSION TOUR TO SUZHOU & HANGZHOU:
Day 20
Shanghai / Suzhou (ABF)
A short ride* brings you to the “Venice of the East”, the city of Suzhou. Take a relaxing stroll through one of Suzhou’s beautiful gardens, like the Humble Administrator’s Garden, one of the largest classical gardens in Suzhou and one the four best gardens in China. Then experience an educational visit to a silk spinning factory. See the artistry of the students at the Institute of Silk Embroidery. Enjoy a boat cruise along the Grand Canal, which is over 1,500 years old and connects Beijing to the rich coastal areas around Shanghai. You will also visit the Garden to Linger In, the Garden of Master Fishing Net, the Tiger Hill, and Mt. Chilly Temple. Accommodations are at Garden View Hotel (5 stars).
* If you request a tour to Zhou Zhuang, you may book with your local tour guide and pay the admission fee. Please consider leaving some time for Suzhou programs.
Day 21
Suzhou / Hangzhou (ABF, L, D)
With a private van, you will be transferred to Hangzhou. Accommodations in Hai Hua Hotel (4 star or equivalent). Hangzhou, one of the seven ancient capitals in China, was called “the Paradise on Earth” 1,300 years ago. The Venetian traveler Marco Polo, after visiting Hangzhou, called it “the most beautiful and splendid city in the world.” You will visit the nation’s famous West Lake Garden, lingering along the zigzag path. You may find the same settings that can be found in traditional Chinese paintings. After a short boat tour on the West Lake, you will also climb the Flying Peak, a typical Chinese pagoda on top of the hill that enables you to have a magnificent birds-eye view of the city. Your last stop at the Dragon Well Tea Plantation will let the farmers demonstrate to you how they prepare the world- famous “Dragon Well Tea.” After sunset, you may dwell along the lakeshore to enjoy the spectacular night view of the West Lake. Your tour in Hangzhou will also include the Lingyin Monastery, the Tiger Spring, and the Six Harmony Pagoda.
Day 22
Hangzhou (ABF)
You will be free for the whole day.
Day 23
Hangzhou / Shanghai/ USA or CANADA (ABF)
Go back to Shanghai in the morning and be transferred to the Shanghai Pu Dong International Airport for your flight back home. You will arrive home the same day.
General Tour - Magnificent China
Posted in:
General Tours
Oct 21, 2007 - 1:19:59 AM
Oct 21, 2007 - 1:19:59 AM