Architecture

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11 days China cultural tour of Beijing, Datong, Taiyuan, Pingyao, Xi’an. Shanghai

This tour will focus on China’s unique architecture style, 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…. 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: Beijing B,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: Beijing B,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 chance to take a hike along one of the most beautiful sections and examine 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/Datong B,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 family and chat with local people. Then you will be taken to the 2nd Hand Street 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, you will be transferred to railway station. Take soft seat train to Datong. Meet and transfer to hotel.

Day 5: Datong B,L

Today you will visit Yungang Grotto, which is the best preserved in China. They stretch for about a km and are grouped into three main sections: east, central and west. The earliest caves were carved around AD450. Then visit Nine-dragon Wall, Huayan Temple and Shanhua Temple.

Day 6: Datong/Yingxian/Taiyuan B,L,SD (special dinner)

Drive to Yingxian country. Visit one of architectural wonder in the world, the Hanging Temple. Clinging to a sheer cliff, the temple was built in Northern Wei Dynasty, approximately 1,400 years ago. Also visit wooden pagoda before driving to Taiyuan. Enjoy local favour (noodle) for dinner.

Day 7: Taiyuan/Pingyao B,L

Drive to Pingyao ancient town, the best-preserved among the four ancient towns in China. It is the assembly place of folk houses in north China where rows upon rows of buildings in the Ming and Qing Dynasties stand in well-preserved conditions. You will visit Qiao Family's compound, Shuanglin Monastery, the City Wall and the Ming-Qing Street. After lunch, we will return Taiyuan to visit Jinci Temple. It was originally started in the Northern Wei Dynasty (386 - 532 AD) to commemorate the memory of Shu Yu (Zhou Wu), the founder of the state of Jin.

Day 8: Taiyuan/Xi’an B,L,SD (special dinner)

Take morning flight to Xi’an, China's former capital, and gateway to the legendary Silk Road, Meet and transfer hotel. 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 drive 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 Tang Dynasty Palace.

Day 9: Xi'an/Shanghai B,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 the Shanxi provincial museum. The experience of riding bicycle at the top of the wall will be unforgotten. Take afternoon flight 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 10: Shanghai B,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. Then visit Yuyuan Garden, 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 Seagull Palace (Shanghai Cuisine) beside Huangpu River. Afternoon you will visit world-class Shanghai Museum with its many fine exhibits (especially of note is the Chinese Minority exhibit).. Enjoy Portman Acrobatic show after dinner.

Day 11: Leave Shanghai B

Departure transfer to airport. Fly for home

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