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Discover China’s past and present – from the bustling capital, Beijing, to the myriad faces of the Terra Cotta Warriors in Xian and the rising skyscrapers of Shanghai. Explore the storied Yangtze River on an all-balcony river cruiser, the luxurious
Depart the USA on any regularly scheduled flight to Shanghai, China.
Transfer to the Fairmont Shanghai Peace Hotel~5* overlooking Huangpu River and “The Bund” – noted for its unique styles of architecture and one of the most famous tourist sites in Shanghai. Evening is free for you to relax from your flight.
Today, start with a visit to Shanghai’s Old Town (“Nanshi”) – originally built in 1553AD as a walled enclosure to fend off Japanese pirates – now the most ancient section of Shanghai, noted for its maze of small, winding streets, traditional Chinese architecture, and the ever-bustling Yu (“Pleasing and Satisfying”) Bazaar. Next, wander the landscaped paths and enjoy the solitude of Yuyuan (“Peace and Health”) Garden – originally built in 1577AD, it has remained a welcoming and calming mecca for Shanghai’s populace for generations. Enjoy Lunch at a local restaurant.
Founded over 1,700 years ago, Zhujiajiao (“Water Town”) started out as an ancient fishing village, and became a small, canal-linked hamlet that would, over the centuries, emerge as a bustling trading hub within Shanghai proper. Stroll along its centuries-old streets and explore the many ancient bridges crisscrossing its canals, or take a boat ride to discover the town’s unique character and charm. Enjoy lunch at a local Chinese restaurant. Return to the hotel to relax before dinner and a night at the theatre.
Check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for flight to Yichang, an ancient, yet thoroughly modernized city, lying along both banks of the Yangtze River. Upon arrival, board the luxurious river ship, the
Start your morning with a traditional Chinese exercise and work up an appetite for the international buffet breakfast. After breakfast, view the Xiling Gorge or choose the ‘Tribe of Three Gorges’ tour – a 2.5 hour walk through stunning landscapes where you can experience an ancient wedding ceremony (tour at an additional cost and subject to availability). After lunch, visit the Three Gorges Project Dam Site and Exhibition Centre. The project was started in 1992, partially completed in 2009 and is due to be finished in 2015. The dam spans 1.2 miles in width and 600 feet in height, and is the largest and most expensive engineering project in the world.
Start your morning with a traditional Chinese exercise and work up an appetite for the international buffet breakfast. This morning cruise the Shennong Stream and disembark at Badong and transfer to a local longboat (sampan) poled by Tujia boatmen before an international lunch buffet on board.
Start your morning with traditional Chinese exercise and work up an appetite for the buffet breakfast. Afterwards there will be a shore excursion to Fengdu, where you can visit the Relocated Village, local Kindergarten or local market. After lunch join our wheelhouse tour and arts & craft presentation.
Arrive Chongqing and disembark the ship. We will transfer to the airport and fly to Xian.
In the morning, visit the elaborate necropolis of the Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi, guarded by his personal army of Terra Cotta Warriors. Discovered in 1974 by peasants digging a well in the Xi’an countryside, the collection (of over 8,000 clay soldiers, 130 chariots and 670 horses) is one of the most amazing artistic and archeological sites in the world.
This morning, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda – one of the largest and oldest of China’s temples , it consecrates the “Indian Sanskrit Classics” brought from India to Xi’an in 652BC. An artistic and architectual masterpiece, it is a major temple listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on“The Silk Road Network of Chang’an -Tianshan Corridor”. Dim Sum Lunch at the local De Fa Chang Restaurant.
This morning we begin our exploration of Chinese art, archictecture and history at The Temple of Heaven, a sequence of magnificent temples and sacrificial altars first erected in 1420AD, and the site of the semi-annual planting/harvest ‘Heaven Worship Ceremony’. After Lunch, continue to Tiananmen Square – known as the ‘Gate to Heavenly Peace’ – located adjacent to The Forbidden City.
Travel to Mutianyu (“Grand Pass on the Precipitous Ridge”), an excellent, less congested section of the Great Wall, featuring 23 original-style watchtowers and their breath-taking views. Walk along the top of ‘The Wall’, explore the individual watchtowers and enjoy the stunning vistas of the valleys below. Lunch at the Schoolhouse Restaurant located at Mtuianyu.
At scheduled time, transfer to airport for your onward flight.
Dates on request · Bhutan, Myanmar · with Coda Tours
Last departure 21 Jan – 3 Feb 2016 · India · with Coda Tours
Last departure 4–16 Dec 2015 · Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam · with Coda Tours