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14 days Ancient capitals tour of Beijing, Zhengzhou, Kaifeng, Luoyang
Xi’an, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Shanghai
This tour will focus on the major capitals of Imperial China, making order of its complicated history. We will experience the warm welcome of the Chinese people as we visit their charming country and colorful vibrant cities. We begin in Beijing, capital almost without interruption since the 12th century, and today the cultural and political center where the Imperial past and the dynamic present converge. Xian most vividly exemplifies the extraordinary continuity of Chinese civilization. Once the largest city in the world, it served as capital during eleven dynasties. Luoyang, capital of the Zhou Dynasty, is known today for the LongmenCaves, whose art marks the high point of Buddhist culture in China…We will also explore Shanghai, China's largest city and vibrant commercial heart. Our time in Shanghai will give us a sense of emerging China and provide a lovely ending to the tour.
Day 1: Arrive Beijing
Arrive at Beijing, China's exciting and cultural heart. The local guide will meet you at airport and transfer to hotel. Rest day is free for jet-leg.
Day 2: BeijingB,L,D (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
The day begins at Tiananmen Square, the largest City Square in the world. From there you will enter the Forbidden City, a powerful maze of ancient palaces and courtyards from which the emperor ruled the land for 500 years. Also visit the Emperor's Clock Collection and the Jewelry and Relic collection (which westerners rarely see). After lunch at local Chinese restaurant, we will take you to the Temple of Heaven, where the emperors of the Ming and the Qing Dynasties prayed for good harvests. The temple is not only especially glamorous, it is an architectural wonder because not a single nail was used for its construction. Enjoy Chinese Kongfu or Peking Opera show after dinner.
Day 3:BeijingB,L,SD (special dinner)
Today's excursion to the Great Wall (Juyong Guan section) of China promise to be a highlights of our travels. We'll have a chanceto take a hike along one of the most beautiful sections andexamine first-hand one of the most scenic portions of its 3700 miles length. Then visit the workshops of a Cloisonne factory to see workers practice this unique art. After lunch, you will be taken to The Summer Palace, a vast and beautiful landscape of elegant garden, lakes and pavilions. We’ll admire the famous Marble Boat and take a Kunming lake cruise during the visit. The Peking Duck banquet will be at famous Duck King Restaurant.
Day 4: Beijing/ZhengzhouB,L
This morning you will take trishaw into Hutong, which is an ancient city alley, to experience the life of the local people. Visit the old quadrangles inhabited by Beijing residents. Tour in the Prince Gong’s Palace and have a cup of tea. You also have an opportunity to visit a local familyand chat with local people. Then you will be taken to the Silk Market or Hongqiao Market, which is where the Beijingers shop. Here, you can find many incredible deals on things, if you know what you are looking for and you know how to bargain. After buffet lunch at four star CTS hotel, we take afternoon flight to Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan province.Meet and transfer to hotel.
Day 5:Zhengzhou/Kaifeng/ZhengzhouB,L
Drive to Kaifeng and visit the ancient cobbled streets and the typical ancient Chinese-style buildings, then to visit DragonPavilionPark, Iron Pagoda and QingmingPark. You may also want to stroll along the lively open-air market. Return Zhengzhou after tour.
Day 6:Zhengzhou/LuoyangB,L
After a leisurely breakfast at hotel, travels through the tranquil countryside to the holy mountain Songshan to visit Shaolin Monastery with an opportunity to appreciate the world-famous Kung Fu
performance by Shaolin monks. Visit Yellow River Scenic Area on the way to Cultural scenic spots include YueshanTemple, Mt.Wulongfeng, Battlefield of King Liubang and King Xiangyu, Huayuankou scenic zone and etc, which are different in styles, but reveal the same tune of the Yellow River culture.
Day 7:Luoyang/Xi’anB,L
Today you will visit Dragon Buddhist Grottoes (Longmen Grottoes), situated alongside the banks of Yi River this long buried Buddhist grotto is considered as one of the most exquisite in China. Then visit the legendary White Horse Temple, which was believed to be the first Buddhist temple built by the government in China when the Buddhism began to spread all over the country and the underground Ancient Tombs Museum.Take afternoon train to China's former capital, and gateway to the legendary Silk Road.Inside train, you may take this opportunity to socialise with your fellow travellers with complimentary drinks and plenty of snacks offered. Upon arrival, meet and transfer to your hotel.
Day 8: Xi'anB,L,SD (special dinner)
Today's highlights is the most spectacular and important places in China: the Archaeological Museum with more than 6000 life-size Terra-cotta warriors and horses excavated from the tomb of the first emperor of Qin Dynasty. Oftentimes, one of the farmers who discovered the site is actually there. You could possibly ask him some questions through your guide. Then visit Relics of BanpoVillage, a civilization of well over 6,000 years old, an entire chapter of Chinese history.Also walk to get to know the Moslem Quarter of this ancient city, including the Great Mosque, and open-air food markets under the ancient city walls. Enjoy Tang Dynasty dinner show at TangDynastyPalace.
Day 9: Xi'an/NanjingB,L
This morning, you will stroll along the South Gate, a lively pedestrian quarter where you'll see locals practising Tai Chi exercises, street artists demonstrating their wonderful skills. Sightseeing today features the ancient city wall, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and theShanxi provincial museum. The experience of riding bicycle at the top of the wall will be unforgotten. After lunch, take afternoon flight to Nanjing, southern capital of ancient China.Meet and transfer to hotel.
Day 10:NanjingB,L
Today you will visit Zhonghua Gate, means Chinese gate, was the biggest and most splendid city gate of Nanjing city wall in the Ming Dynasty(1368-1644). Follow with the Confucius Temple, was originally built in 1034. It has been the center of culture, commerce and life for the citizens of the city since then. Sun Yat -Sen Mausoleum. Then you will visit the QinhuaiRiver. a branch of the Yangtze River. The inner branch of the river used to be the most flourishing place of Nanjing since it was the red-light district famous throughout the nation.
Day
11:Nanjing/Hangzhou B,L,SD (special dinner)
Take soft seat morning train to Hangzhou. There is an old Chinese saying: “Paradise in Heaven, on earth Hangzhou.After settling in at hotel, you'll tour the Six Harmonies Pagoda followed by a scenic drive through lush hills to a tea field where we will sample the Hangzhou famous Longjiang green tea as well as acquaint yourself with the ancient refining process of tea. Enjoy Hangzhou cuisine at Louwailou Restaurant.
Day 12:Hangzhou/Shanghai B,L
Begin today with a cruise on magnificent West Lake and watch various kinds of fish at FlowerHarbor. Visit General Yu Fei’s Mausoleum and LingyinTemple. After lunch, take train to Shanghai, China's largest city and vibrant commercial heart. After finishing checking-in, our guide will take you to visit the Xin Tian Di, which is a newly developed recreation area in Shanghai with old styled buildings. You may find a cafe or western-styled restaurant to have your own dinner.
Day 13:ShanghaiB,L,D
Today our guide will take you for a walk along the Bund, the city's landmark, to view the neo-Classical and Art Deco buildings from Shanghai's heyday of 1930's and do some shopping through the bustling Nanjing Road for some shopping. Then visit YuyuanGarden, formerly a private garden with rookies, pavilions, halls and ponds. Also walk around the Chenghuangmiao Area (old town), the most-lively place in Shanghai. Lunch will be at SeagullPalace (Shanghai Cuisine) beside HuangpuRiver.Afternoon you will visit world-class ShanghaiMuseum with its many fine exhibits (especially of note is the Chinese Minority exhibit).. Enjoy Portman Acrobatic show after dinner.
