Royal Family’s China and Yangtze River Dream
TRIP OVERVIEW:
Emperor’s China and his Yangtze River Dream is a 13-day trip to Bejing, Xián and Shanghai. It also includes a cruise on the Yangtze River on one of Yangtze’s finest ships, the East Queen. The tour presents the highlights of China’s landmarks, history and people.
HIGHLIGHTS:
· Beijing: Great Wall, the Forbidden City [Imperial Palace], the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace, the Ming Tombs, the Peking Opera and the Pedicab Hutong tour;
· Xi’an: the Terra-Cotta Warriors, the 1500 year-old Ancient City Wall, the largest Grant Mosque in the world, the Yangling Museum and the Ancient Royal Dinner Show;
· Shanghai: the Bund, the Yu Garden, the Jade Buddha Temple, the National Museum and the Acrobatic Show;
· Deluxe Hotels at the best locations in each city;
· Local Cuisine & Choice Entertainment: Peking Roast Duck Banquet, Temple Kitchen of Jin-feng-gu-yun, Peking Opera, Xi’an Royal Dinner & Show, Shanghai Museum, Shanghai “Three on the Bund” Special Dinner.
Detailed Itinerary
*ABF - American Buffet Breakfast; B – Breakfast; L – Lunch; D –Dinner; SD –Banquet;
** Time – All times listed in the itinerary are the LOCAL TIME;
*** Based on your agenda, the whole itinerary could be reversed;
Emperor’s China and his Yangtze River Dream (12 days)
Day 1
-United States / Beijing, China
Your journey starts from one of the international gateways from United States to Beijing
Day 2
– Beijing (D)
Hotel: Peninsula Palace Hotel
You will meet your escort and be taken to the Peninsula Palace Hotel located in the center of Beijing. Beijing has been the capital of China for over 700 years beginning in 1279 during the Yuan. The city now has a population of 13 million people, and it is the political and economic center of China.
Your welcome dinner will be held at the Beijing Teple Kitchen:
Day3
– Beijing (AB<L<D)
Hotel: Peninsula Palace Hotel
In the morning you will pay a visit to the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City was once a palace for the emperors and their royal families from the early 1400's until 1911. Now it is a national museum. The palace complex covers more than 240 acres and purportedly has 9,999 rooms - a symbolic representation for the emperor's longevity.
Enjoy lunch at the Fangshan Restaurant, situated along the shores of picturesque Beihai Lake. The site was once part of the imperial gardens of the royal palace of the Jin (1115-1234) and Yuan (1279-1368) dynasties.
The afternoon tour will start with a tour in the Hou Hai District, one of the city's older residential neighborhoods by pedicab, once a traditional means of transport in old Beijing. These older neighborhoods retain the charm and atmosphere that once distinguished Beijing over all other Chinese cities. Old Beijing retains a labyrinth of alleys, known as Hutongs, which date to the Mongol period of rule some 700 years ago. A 118-foot wide road was called a big street, a 59-foot-wide one was called a small street, and a 29-foot-wide lane was called a Hutong.
This evening you will be welcomed with a dinner at the elegant China Club Beijing, a private members’ club housed in a beautiful palace from the 16th-century. The palace was built for a prince descended from Emperor Kang Xi of the Qing Dynasty.
Day 4
– Beijing (AB<L<D)
Hotel: Peninsula Palace Hotel
This morning, continue your exploration of Beijing, captivating the rich tapestry of tradition, despite its rapid transition into an ultra modern, international capital city, Beijing still wears its mantle of historic wonders.
You will visit the Temple of Heaven, a structure that is amongst the most aesthetically pleasing of all ancient monuments in China and an exquisite example of Chinese wooden buildings (constructed without the use of a single nail). Each part of the building is deeply symbolic. It was here that the Emperor came twice a year, once to offer thanks for a successful harvest and then to ask that the coming harvest be blessed as well. With its unique circular shape, azure blue roof and intricate gold inlay work, the Temple of Heaven has been called the single most outstanding example of ancient Chinese architecture.
Next stop after the Temple of Heaven is to Liulichang, a delightful maze of alleys fronted by Beijing's oldest and most celebrated shops. During the Yuan dynasty (1279-1368), this area became the established "artisans area" drawing on a myriad of traditional craftsmen - seal carvers, paper makers, calligraphers, painters, etc. We will also visit Beijing #798 Factory
Lunch this afternoon is at the Chef Dong's Roast Duck Restaurant, considered by most Beijing connoisseurs of traditional roast duck to be the finest duck restaurant in the city.
Afternoon tour is Yi He Yuan (The Garden for the Cultivation of Harmony), the former Summer Palace of the Qing dynasty (1644-1911), one of the most pleasant of historic sites in Beijing. This was a tranquil summer retreat of the royal families and originally a royal garden for the Chinese Emperor. The area was enlarged in the 18th century by Emperor Qianlong, and extensively rebuilt in 1888 by the Dowager Cixi.
Later in the evening evening, after independent dinner arrangements, meet your guide to enjoy the color and movement of the Peking Opera. The opera presents the audience with an encyclopedia of Chinese culture as well as unfolding stories, beautiful painting, exquisite costumes, graceful gestures and acrobatic fighting.
Day 5
– Beijing (AB<L<D)
Hotel: Peninsula Palace Hotel
Leave the hotel early this morning, traveling to the northeast, outside the city, to the Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall.
The Wall has been built up in myth and legend but despite the many inaccuracies written about it, it remains one of the great wonders of the world. This section of the wall was refortified during the Ming dynasty when the capital was constantly on guard against punishing raids made by the fierce Mongol tribes. Straddling the rugged peaks of the Yan Mountains, the wall seems to defy logic, its sheer size and the difficulty of construction arguing against its location here. There are two ways up the wall: a new cable car or the traditional route, 1,156 steps and once astride the wall itself it is easy to understand Chairman Mao's adage, "If you have not walked on the Great Wall then you cannot consider yourself a hero". Once you are at the wall, you will raise a glass for a champagne toast on what is the world's most stunning landmark, providing some stunning views of the countryside.
Next stop is the Ming Tombs, where a special lunch is prepared beneath the cool pine glades of a closed mausoleum. The drive takes you across a swath of the Yan Mountains and through a series of charming rural villages, where the pace of life is still dedicated by the cycle of the seasons. There are 13 tombs of the Ming Emperors in total dotting the forested landscape, all laid out in accordance to the dictates of Feng Shui, the ancient art of divination that sets out the parameters for a proper burial. Your visit to the tombs will include a walk along the Sacred Way, where a line of marble statues once paid homage to the emperor on his final journey, and the Changling Mausoleum display the fine exhibit of funerary objects removed from the Dingling Tomb.
This evening, enjoy dinner at the Temple of Kitchen of Jinfengguyun.
Day 6
- Beijing / Xian (AB<L)
Hotel: Grand Hyatt
In the morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Xian. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to the Hyatt Grand Hotel with an enroute visit to the Yangling Museum.
It is a small museum that represents the culmination of nearly 10 years of excavation work on the area around the tomb of the Han Emperor Jingdi (died 141 B.C.). While the actual imperial tomb of the emperor and chief consort has yet to be opened, archeologists have excavated more than 90 "satellite tombs" which have yielded a treasure throve of exquisite funerary pieces.
Later this afternoon, check in at the Hotel and the remainder of the day is at leisure.
Dinner this evening is on independent arrangements.
Day 7
– Xian
Hotel: Grand Hyatt
Xian (which means "Peace in the west") is a city rich in history and in character. The region in and around the city is among the most ancient in China in terms of human settlement - Xian can trace its earliest foundations back some 6,000 years to Neolithic villages that represented the first flowering of Chinese civilization. Over the millenniums Xian grew and prospered, a city of achievement, riches and civilization. Contemporary to the great civilizations of the West, Xian's grandeur outshone them all - it was at one time the greatest city on earth - the terminus of the fabled "Silk Road", the ancient capital of fabled, "Sere" the land of Silk.
This morning's sightseeing begins with a visit to what is rightfully called the greatest of all archeological sites in China, the Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses Dig located in Ling tong County, which represents a mere fraction of the vast funerary wealth of the tomb of the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty, the Qinshihuangdi (220BC - 207 BC).
First unearthed (by accident) by local farmers in 1974 the site has grown to include three massive excavation pits, a museum exhibiting additional discoveries and a theatre showing a comprehensive film presentation on the history of the warriors. UNESCO has designated the area as a World Heritage Site while the Chinese government has chartered the immediate site as a Museum. The greater imperial tomb believed to cover an area of 21 square miles, making it the largest imperial tomb on earth. Currently the Chinese government has announced that no excavation work will be allowed on the main tomb site due to the critical problems of protecting such sites once opened.
Enjoy lunch at the Museum restaurant before returning to the city for visits to the Great Mosque and old city quarter and the Shaanxi Provincial Museum.
The Great Mosque is among the most beautiful architectural structures in Xian - its history and the unique design have earned national recognition and protection. The first mosque was built in 742 by Persian merchants who settled in Xian after making the difficult overland journey via the trading routes known to the world as the Silk Road.
The area surrounding the mosque is rich in atmosphere - here the majority of Xian's 50,000 Hui community reside in a community of alleyways and street markets that recall a Middle Eastern Sook.
The Shaanxi Provincial Museum ranks among the finest regional museum facilities in China - it has a fine collection of Zhou (10th century - 7th century BC), Han (206 BC - 220 AD) and Tang (618 - 907) dynasty artifacts that showcase the rich history of Shaanxi province, one of the cradles of early Chinese civilization.
Dinner is at Xian's most popular dumpling restaurant, Defachang. Dumplings are a culinary specialty in Xian and the Defachang Restaurant is considered the leading dumpling restaurant in Xian.
Day 8
- Xian / Congqing / Yangtze River (AB<L<D)
On board Ms. East Queen or East King
This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Chongqing, the key city of southwest China, where upon arrival, you will enjoy lunch at the Marriott Hotel, followed by a brief tour of the city.
Following your tour, you will be transferred to the Yangtze River Pier to embark 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 nighttime view Chongqing. With its thousands of glittering lights illuminating the evening sky, an ethereal atmosphere hints at the wealth of legend that enriches 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 9
- Yangtze River
Hotel: On board Ms. East Queen
This morning the ship will arrive at Shibaozhai (Precious Stone Fortress), you will have a chance to view from afar, the protruding 721 feet 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 the 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% (850 million people) of the population - which is truly 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 10
- Yangtze River
Hotel: On board Ms. East Queen
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 cruises 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 the ship (at Badong) and will board local longboats poled by Tujia boatmen, the traditional mariners of the great junks, which once plied the waters of the Yangtze pulling the great trading junks through the dangerous passages which marked the upstream voyage to Chongqing.
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"
Day 11
- Yichang / Shanghai (AB<L<D)
Hotel: Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai
This morning, you will leave 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 US$ 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 when the ship arrives in Yichang. You will be met and transferred to the airport for your flight to Shanghai where, upon arrival, you are met and escorted to the Hotel with the remainder of the day at leisure.
Day 12
- Shanghai
Hotel: Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai
Shanghai, called the economic powerhouse that represents the future for China, is a city of tremendous appeal. Its 14 million inhabitants enjoy the highest standard of living in China and are the trendsetters for a country fast rising to economic supremacy in Asia.
It is a city of glittering architecture, fashionable shops and a reputation for embracing change. Yet for all its superficial glitter, Shanghai still retains a deep respect for its cultural heritage with its outstanding museum, original Chinese city quarter and delightful markets.
Your sightseeing this morning begins with a visit to the Shanghai Museum, the finest museum of Chinese art in China today. The museum celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2002 and its current facility marks the third building housing the museum. This latest building was opened to great fanfare in 1996 and has earned the respect of experts from around the world. The museum features a varied selection of permanent collections including the world's most complete Chinese bronze collection, a fine stone sculpture gallery, calligraphy, painting, ceramics, antique Ming and Qing furniture, ancient coins, jades and a collection of textiles and handicrafts from China's 55 different ethnic minority cultures. Our visit to the Shanghai Museum will be led by one of the Museum's curators and include a special visit to the VIP Hotoung Room that is only shown to visiting heads of state or patrons of the Museum.
This afternoon enjoy lunch at the Peace Hotel, the grand dame of Shanghai hotels. First constructed in 1926 by the enterprising bon vivant, Victor Sassoon, the hotel became synonymous with Shanghai in its early heyday - the art deco glamour of the 1920s and 1930s. Today, despite its slightly faded façade it continues to stand as a beacon to Shanghai's past glories.
After lunch meet with tour guide and have a tour of Shanghai's former French Concession.
This evening enjoy farewell dinner at "Three on the Bund", Shanghai's newest restaurant sensation, opened by internationally famous chef, Jean George. The restaurant features three dining areas, an art gallery, and the most panoramic views across the Bund.
Day 13
- Shanghai / United States (AB)
Your journey ends today when you are transferred to the airport where your homebound flight awaits.
Luxury Tour -1- Royal Family’s China and Yangtze River Dream
Posted in:
Luxury Travel
Oct 22, 2007 - 5:00:02 PM
Oct 22, 2007 - 5:00:02 PM