| DAY .1 | BEIJING |
| | We arrive in Beijing where our local guides will meet us. We check into our hotel and have time to get acquainted with our fellow travelers. |
| DAY .2 | BEIJING Sightseeing Tour |
| Today's sightseeing starts at the Great Wall. A stirring sight as it winds like a dragon into the hills, we walk along its famous path. After lunch, we will explore the magnificent tombs of 13 of the Ming Emperors. We pass through the famous "Spirit Way", lined with stele of stone animals, to visit the only open tomb, that of Emperor Shen Zong and his two empresses, with displays of the emperor's crown and robe. Tonight we enjoy a spectacular performance of the Peking Opera. | |
| DAY .3 | BEIJING Sightseeing Tour |
| We continue our sightseeing in Beijing with a tour of the Forbidden City. Through the Meridian Gate, we enter a world of incredible extravagance and intrigue as we stroll the walled city. Later, we visit the Tian'anmen Square with Mao's Tomb. This afternoon we go out to the Summer Palace, which is followed by a spectacular Peking Duck dinner. | |
| DAY .4 | Beijing Sightseeing Tour, BEIJING - HOHHOT |
| This morning we will see the beautiful Temple of Heaven. An afternoon flight will bring us to Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia. At a little more than a mile above sea level the air is fresh and climate is pleasant. The traditional religion of the Mongols, who make up only 15% of the population of this autonomous region is Tibetan Buddhism. Before we proceed to our hotel we visit the old part of town with the Dazhao Temple, Five Pagoda Temple and The Inner Mongolian Museum. After dinner we will attend a Mongolian Singing and Dance performance. | |
| DAY .5 | HOHHOT - GRASSLAND Sightseeing Tour |
| Our coach takes us out into the Mongolian steppe, dotted by obos or shaman shrines - stone piles gathered by nomads who come here for their mid May festivals and each brings a stone and lays it here - yurts and herds of sheep, camels and horses. A special Mongolian dinner of baozi (steamed meat buns) and different meat dishes awaits us this evening before we retreat for the night into our yurts, covered by a spectacular star covered firmament.. | |
| DAY .6 | GRASSLAND - DONGSHENG Sightseeing Tour |
| After breakfast we journey on along peaceful dirt paths across the vast grassland past more yurts and herds of animals. After a banquet style lunch of barbecued sheep served by a friendly Mongol family we continue our trip. Before we reach our days destination, Dongsheng, we tour little known Meidaizhao Monastery of the Gelukpa (Yellow Hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism). | |
| DAY .7 | DONGSHENG - HOHHOT Sightseeing Tour |
| The main language spoken in Dongsheng is Mongolian. The locals are extremely friendly. The city has an attractive market and is the staging post for the site of Genghis Khan's Mausoleum, which we visit this morning. With newly awakened Mongolian nationalism the mausoleum became a pilgrimage site for both Inner and Outer Mongolians. To meet true Mongolians this is one of the best places in China to do so. This evening brings us back to Hohhot. | |
| DAY .8 | HOHHOT - XIAN , Xian Sightseeing Tour |
| A morning flight, via Beijing, brings us to Xian, for eleven dynasties the capital of ancient China. It was the starting point for the famous Silk Routes on which the precious material was carried all the way to ancient Rome (the Romans however never knew from where exactly it came from). Xian is one of China's major attractions, due to its unique 2000 years history, testimony of which can be found throughout the area. Afternoon sightseeing includes a visit to the Shaanxi Provincial Museum and the well preserved city walls. After dinner we attend a special Tang Dynasty Music and Dance show. | |
| DAY .9 | XIAN Sightseeing Tour |
| One of the absolute highlights of any visit to China is the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the First Emperor of China. An extraordinary army of over 6000 Terra cotta warriors (no two alike!) with their horses and chariots have protected the dead Emperor for over 2000 years. Next we tour the Banpo Neolithic Village with the first traces of the Yangshao culture, dating to 4500 BC. The striking Ming Dynasty Bell Tower and Drum Tower further underline Xian's historical significance. | |
| DAY .10 | XIAN - CHENGDU , Sightseeing Tour |
| This morning is free to explore the many exotic and interesting markets in Xian. An afternoon flight brings us to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan, China's most populous province. Chinese often refer to it as the "Heavenly Kingdom" in reference to its resources, prosperity and rich cultural heritage. Chengdu is known for its artisans: small time basket weavers, cobblers, tailors, house ware merchants and snack hawkers who swarm the streets and contribute to the bustling energy of the city. Its 2500 year history is closely linked with the arts and crafts trade. A city tour will show us the tomb of Wang Jiang with its 24 statues of musicians, all playing a different instrument. It is considered to be the best surviving record of a Tang Dynasty musical group. We will also see Zhaojue Temple, which served as a model for many Japanese and south-east Asian Buddhist temples and the Sichuan Museum with its extensive collection of ancient tiled murals. | |
| DAY .11 | CHENGDU - LHASA |
| Locked away in its mountain fortress of the Himalayas, Tibet has long exercised a unique hold on the imagination of the West: 'Shangri-La', 'The Land of Snow', 'the Rooftop of the World', Tibet is mysterious in a way few other places are. Its history begins in the 7th century A.D. After the 9th century the monasteries became increasingly politicized and in 1641 the Gelukpa (Yellow Hat sect) used the support of the Buddhist Mongols to crush the Red Hats, their rivals. The Yellow Hats' leader adopted the title Dalai Lama; or Ocean of Wisdom. We arrive in Lhasa early afternoon and visit the Dalai Lama's summer palace Norbu Lingka before we check into our hotel. | |
| DAY .12 | LHASA Sightseeing Tour |
| Our full day of sightseeing includes magnificent Potala Palace, former winter residence of the Dalai Lama, the location of their tombs and once the seat of the Tibetan government. The imposing 17th century structure dominates the skyline of Lhasa, and was built on the site of a structure 1000 years older. We will also visit Jokhang Temple, one of Tibet's holiest shrines, built to commemorate the marriage of the Chinese Tang Princess Wen Cheng to King Songtsen Gampo. | |
| DAY .13 | LHASA Sightseeing Tour |
| Today's sightseeing will show us Drepung Monastery, once the largest cloister in the world and still an active lamasery. After lunch we will visit with a Tibetan family and gain some insight about Tibetan life. This afternoon, we continue our adventure in Lhasa with a tour of Barkhor Street, a colorful Tibetan style bazaar. | |
| DAY .14 | LHASA - CHENGDU - SHANGHAI |
| A morning flight brings us back to Chengdu. If time allows, we'll visit the Temple or Marguis Wu which was built for Zhuge Liang, the famous strategist and statesman of the kingdom of Shu during the period of the Warring Three Kingdoms in the 2nd century A.D. Then we leave for Shanghai, the fifth largest city in the world and China's most cosmopolitan metropolis. | |
| DAY .15 | SHANGHAI Sightseeing Tour |
| A full day of sightseeing introduces us to Shanghai's intriguing past which embraces both the notoriety of its corruption and decadence during the 40's and the birth of the Communist party. Enjoy the tranquillity of Yu Garden (the Mandarin's Garden which served as the model for the famous Blue Willow China) and the Jade Buddha Temple housing two beautiful white Jade Buddha images. After dinner, we applaud a show of Chinese acrobats. | |
| DAY .16 | SHANGHAI - SUZHOU, Suzhou Sightseeing Tour |
| This morning a first class train brings us to Suzhou, the "Venice of the East." Suzhou's classical gardens, canals and bridges are one of China's most visited scenic wonders. There are many places worth seeing in this beautiful garden city: Liu Garden, Master of Fishing Net Garden, Tiger Hill, the Silk Reeling Factory, the National Embroidery Research Institute. | |
| DAY .17 | Suzhou Sightseeing Tour, SUZHOU - SHANGHAI |
| Drive back to Shanghai after city sightseeing tour of Suzhou. | |
| DAY .18 | SHANGHAI |
| All day free for shopping along famous Nanjing Road or explore the old Chinese city with its maze of narrow lanes. Just north of it was the French Concession, one of the most interesting parts of Shanghai with lots of restaurants and Western style cafes. For souvenirs check out the Shanghai Arts and Crafts Service Center on Nanjing Xilu or the Shanghai Arts & Crafts Store at the Shanghai Exhibition Center. Well worth a visit is Sun Yatzen's Residence. Listening to the ancient, famous jazz band and having a drink at the Peace Hotel or enjoying a dinner cruise on the Huangpu River might be a suitable conclusion of a memorable trip. | |
| DAY .19 | DEPARTURE FROM SHANGHAI |
| Today we bid farewell to Shanghai and China, when we transfer to the airport to board our flight back home |
2008/09/07
Splendid China, Inner Mongolia & Tibet
Splendid China, Inner Mongolia & Tibet
This carefully designed itinerary shows you China's major cities and best known sights, highlighted by mystery enshrouded Tibet and the soul expanding vastness of the Mongolian grasslands. Over 30 included special attractions, froma Peking Opera performance to Genghis Kahn's Mausoleum and the Dalai Lama's Potala palace in Lhasa, make this tour an unforgettable experience.
