12 Days China Discovery Tour
Day By Day Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Beijing
You'll be met on arrival in Beijing. On the way to your Hotel, your guide will explain tomorrow's arrangements. Spend the rest of the day exploring the nearby streets, or resting and catching up on your jetlag. Beijing is a city of amazing contrasts - an ancient capital with some incredible historical sites, and a bustling modern metropolis. Moreover, Beijing has successfully hosted the 2008 Olympics.
Day 2 Beijing
This exciting day starts by visiting Tian'an men Square, the biggest square in the world that lies in the center of the city. If you like, we can stop and let you have a walk on the square. Then you will have the privilege to experience ancient emperor's daily life. We will visit the Forbidden City, from which the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties governed for over 500 years. It is the essence and a must for sightseeing in Beijing, the magnificent and solemn palaces arouse your imagination of the life of Chinese emperors. Afternoon you will take a rickshaw ride to Hutong to have a unique experience of living a common life in Beijing. Viewing the local flea market, appreciating the most typical architecture this region owns. You can also have a rest in the house of Hutong and talk to the family members to gain a true understanding of life in this region.
Day 3 Beijing
Today you will firstly visit Summer Palace for 3 hours. Much-loved summer retreat of the Imperial families, the lovely landscaped gardens, halls, pavilions and corridors are set around the lake and rivers in natural harmony. You can expect to spend 2-3 hours here. Renovations (complete in 2010) mean that an individual section or building may be closed at any one time, but this is a huge site. Wear good walking shoes and protection from the weather. After lunch, you will go to Temple of Heaven. Situated in the southern part of the city, the temple of heaven covers the total area of 2,700,000 square meters. The temple was built in 1420A.D. It is the place where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties would offer sacrifice to heaven and pray for good harvests. The main buildings of the temple including the Circular Mound Altar, Imperial Vault of Heaven and Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest. The surrounding gardens are full of interesting activities, particularly weekend mornings.
Day 4 Beijing to Xian
Today we will first visit the Summer Palace, which is equally famous as the Forbidden City. It is up to now the best preserved and the largest imperial gardens in China. You may regret it if you come to Beijing without visiting this grand imperial garden. Then we step onto Beijing Olympic Green to have a glimpse of Bird's Nest and Water Cube. Later you will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight to Xi'an, one of the most ancient cities in China, which was the national capital for over 1,000 years, and the starting point of the Silk Road. Despite a lot of modern development Xi'an remains a charming city. You’ll have the evening to yourself.
Day 5 Xian
Today youi will see Qianling Tomb: Built in 684 AD, the mausoleum is the joint tomb of Emperor Tang Gaozong (Li Zhi, 628 A.D.-683 A.D.) and Empress Wu Zetian (624 A.D.-705 A.D.), the only Empress in Chinese history. Then you will go to the Maoling Mausoleum: The tomb of Emperor Wudi (140 B.C. - 87 B.C.) - Liu Che, the fifth emperor of the Western Han. After that, you will visit Famensi Temple. This Buddhist temple, which records mention as far back as 67AD, contains a 13-storied brick pagoda as part of the monastery. This pagoda fell down in the rain in August, 1981 and revealed a 1000 year old underground vault full with 2,400 treasures of the Tang and previous dynasties given as offerings. These included gold and silver utensils, glazed wares, porcelains, pearls, precious stones and textiles, as well as religious items. The biggest treasure is a finger bone of Buddha offered to the Emperor of China during the Tang dynasty.
Day 6 Xian
After breakfast in the hotel, you will set off for one of today's highlights - the incredible 2000 year-old Terra cotta warriors. Each one is part of the underground tomb of the Emperor Qin. Well over 7000 figures were drawn up in full battle array in several large pits.After lunch, we visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda where widely renowned Master Xuanzang (Monk Tripitaka) stored his collection of classic Buddhist artifacts brought from India.
Day 7 Xian to Guilin
Today you will be transferred to Guilin from Xian. The best way to visit Guilin is from the deck of a Li River Cruise boat. The boats leave from various wharves, according to river height at different times of the year, and you'll be transferred to the appropriate pier for an unforgettable trip downriver to the lovely old town of Yangshuo. The afternoon will give you time to explore the area which is famous for its shopping.
Day 8 Guilin to Yangshuo
Today you will take a day tour from Guilin to Yangshuo. Today's Activities is Li River Cruise, along the Li River between Guilin and Yangshuo is an unforgettable experience. As you take in the stunning scenery there's something interesting to see at almost every bend in the river. Between spectacular limestone peaks you'll see graceful bamboo groves, farmers tending rice paddies, and lumbering water buffaloes pulling carts or cooling off in the river. You will also see Moon Hill: Moon Cave is named for its giant archway (about 50 meters, 980steps). Then you will go back to Guilin.
Day 9 Guilin to Shanghai
After you arrival in Shanghai, you will go to visit Yuyuan Garden (1 hour), located at a very busy marketplace in a complex of traditional-style buildings, backing onto Yu Gardens, you can find everything there from popular local snacks and food, crafts, antiques and souvenirs to Starbucks, teahouses and some great restaurants. Afterwards you will go to Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall (1 hour): A short walk across Renmin Square from the Shanghai Museum, this is a fascinating insight into Shanghai's future. The 2nd floor has a giant walkaround model of the city, and other floors have great displays, interactive exhibitions and walkthroughs of aspects such as the ports, greening, leisure etc.
Day 10 Shanghai
Today you will visit The Bund, once the home of the foreign traders and major banks, the embankment has taken on a new vitality; lovely old European-style buildings mix with futuristic developments, chic restaurants, top end shops and bars offer plenty to see and do – and by night it's magic! Then you will go to Old Shanghai Restaurant: Old Shanghai Restaurant is a old and famous local restaurant which serves typical Shanghai Food as well as different flavors from other parts of China.
Day 11 Shanghai to Suzhou,
Today you will be transferred from your hotel to train station. Then you will take a rickshaw ride for 1.5 hours through the old streets & Hutongs in Suzhou, you will see local people's life. Suzhou is famous for its gardens. Lingering Garden is an elaborate succession of small gardens. Lingering in a garden you will marvel at its unique architecture and art. It is located on No.338 Liuyuan Road, Suzhou City. At 5 hectares the largest of these beautiful gardens, it is one of the most famous one. It provides everyone with pleasure. Don't miss the Garden Museum - actually don't miss any of these lovely placeS. Tourists may wear comfortable shoes, as there's a lot of walking here.
Day 12 Departure from Shanghai
Today you will take a train back to Shanghai and get home on a flight.
