Yangtze River Cruise

DAY .1 Beijing

Arrive in Beijing today. Met by your guide and transferred to the Hotel. DAY .2 Beijing Sightseeing Tour   Today we have a full day excursion to the magnificent Great Wall, the only man-made object visible from moon by naked eyes. After a very traditional northern Chinese style lunch served at local restaurant, we return the city via the valley of Ming Tombs. DAY .3 Beijing Sightseeing Tour   After breakfast, you are off for sightseeing tour of Beijing, the tour includes the vast Tian An Men Square, and Ming treasures adorning the imperial palace in the once Forbidden City. In the afternoon, more Ming extravagances are evident as you tour the exquisite architecture and vivid embellishment of the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace. DAY .4 Beijing/Xian   Explore this exciting city on your own today. Transfer to the train station for your overnight train trip to Xian. DAY .5 Xian   In 1974, a group of local farmers made "the archaeological discovery of the century" while attempting to dig a well near Xian. Our first priority today is a stop at their find, the First Emperor of China's tomb complex with its army of terra cotta warriors. DAY .6 Xian - Chongqing   Later this afternoon, we fly to Chongqing. As we settle into our comfortable cabins, our cruise director and staff members are on hand to assist with information about shipboard facilities. DAY .7-8 Yangtze River   The appeal of the Yangtze lies not only in the river's great natural beauty, but in the cultural and historical ties which link nearby communities with its life-giving waters. Our cruise takes us through the legendary Three Gorges, an inspiration for Chinese poetry and painting for centuries. We travel through Qutang Gorge, the "Devil's Gate," renowned for its treacherous currents, precipitous heights and narrow width; Wu, or "Witches" Gorge, with its 12 towering peaks; and the rapids, whirlpools and seven small gorges of Xiling Gorge, longest and most exciting of the Three. DAY .9 Yangtze River - Beijing   We depart for Beijing, capital and cultural heart of both modern and historic China. After settling in at our hotel, an afternoon of sightseeing includes a visit to the magnificent Temple of Heaven, one of the most beautiful architectural structures in all of China. DAY .10-11 Beijing Sightseeing Tour   Spend two days exploring the treasures of this fabled city. Later, we visit the heart of Beijing, Tiananmen Square, site of the mausoleum of Chairman Mao Zedong. We pass through the Gate of Heavenly Peace as we venture into the Forbidden City; and visit the breathtaking sight of the Great Wall of China. Other Beijing highlights include the quaint Liu Li Chang district. Our farewell dinner is at the exclusive China Club. DAY .12 Beijing/Home   Today we board a homebound flight or travel on to another destinatiosn in the Orient. 

Koknoor Lake, Fairland and Panda Tour

DAY .1 Arrive Beijing

Evening arrival in Beijing with check into the Hotel. DAY .2 Beijing Sightseeing Tour   In the afternoon visit the Temple of Heaven, the biggest and most important imperial temple in China where emperors of Ming and Qing Dynasties would go twice a year to carry out ritual ceremonies of sacrifice, expressing gratitude to the previous harvest and praying for it to bless the next one DAY .3 Beijing Sightseeing Tour   After the breakfast go to the Great Wall, one of the eight ancient wonders of the world and the only man-made construction on earth that the astronauts can see in the moon. Starting out in the east on the banks of Yalu River in Liaoning Province, the Wall stretches westwards for 12,700 kilometers to Jiayuguan in the Gobi Desert. It was built as a defensive structure and gradually become the symbol of the ancient Chinese civilization. Then visit the Ming Tombs, which is a group of mausoleums of 13 Ming emperors and their empresses and concubines. Two of the toms are opens to the public. The most famous is the Dingling, an underground palace. As an saying goes "Who is in Peking and has never eaten Peking-duck, he has not ever been in Peking". In the evening enjoy the famous specialty: Peking-duck. DAY .4 Beijing - Chengdu   Transit to Chengdu - capital of Sichuan Province. DAY .5 Chengdu - Dujiangyan - Wolong - Wenchuan   Today we start our 10-day-jouney by visiting Dujiangyan Irrigation System first. The Dam was first built for irrigation on Chengdu plain in the year of 250BC. Then we drive to Wolong Natural Reserve. There are about 20 giant pandas at the breeding research centre you can't miss as this is the very highlight today.The Reserve, first set up in 1983 with the assistance from WWF, has long been playing an very unsubstitutive role in Chinese rare animals and plants protection project. DAY .6 Wenchuan - Huanglong - Jiuzhaigou   Drive to Jiuzhaigou via Huanglong in the very early morning. On the way you'll see many Tibetan and Qing Nationality villages and enjoy their unique local feature. You'll also see the Diexi lakes formed by the earthquake in 1930. Arrive at Huanglong before noon. You'll enjoy the beautiful scenery of more than 3000 colourful terraced pools. Then drive to Jiuzhaigou in the afternoon. DAY .7 Jiuzhaigou Sightseeing Tour   With the colourful pools, waterfalls, snow-covered mountains and primeval forest, Jiuzhaigou has long been the most well-known scenic spot worldwide. It got its name because of the nine Tibetan villages along the valley. The place has also won the title as "the Fairyland" on earth DAY .8 Jiuzhaigou - Ruoergai   On the way you'll meet many Tibetan herdsman moving from one place to another. Ruoergai is the place of Chinese war-horse production as the local Hequ horse is vrey famous. DAY .9 Ruoergai - Xiahe   Today you'll leave for Xiahe in Gansu Province. DAY .10 Xiahe Sightseeing Tour   With a elevation of 2900 m above sea level, Xiahe is located at the edge of northeast Qinghai-Tibet plateau. Most of the residents are Tibetan. You'll visit the most siginificant Lamaist Monastery in the northeast of Tibetan civilization - Labrang Monastery. The monastery is one of the six most siginificant Yellow-hat-sect lamaist monasteris which has long been known as an improtant link between Tibetan and Mongolian lamaism. DAY .11 Xiahe - Xining   Drive to Xining today. Xining is the capital of Qinghai province with the elevation of 3000 m above sea level. The city is also the economy and cultural centre of the province. DAY .12 Xining - Ta'er Si - Koko Nor Lake   On the way to Koko Nor Lake you'll stop at visit Ta'er monastery at Huangzhong county. The monastery is one of the six most siginificant Yellow-hat-sect Lamaist monasteries, also the birthplace of Tsongkaba, founder of Yellow-hat sect. The 14th Dalai Lama's former residence is nearby. Lots of Mongolian people also come here pay their respects because the monastery has played a very important role in the process when the mongolians came to belive in Lamaism. You'll reach Qinghai lake after pass over the Riyue mountain (sun & moon mountain). DAY .13 Koknoor Lake - Xining   You'll have a short trekking along the lake in the morning. The lake is the largest inland salt water lake in China and covers an area of 4500 sqk, and 3193 m above sea level. Then drive back to Xining in the afternoon. DAY .14 Xining - Beijing   Transfer to the airport then fly to Beijing, free in the afternoon. DAY .15 Beijing - home   Today transfer to airport for flying back home. 

Best of Southern China

DAY .1 ARRIVAL IN HONG KONG

You will be met on arrival this evening in Hong Kong by our representative and transferred by private car to the Hotel. DAY .2 HONG KONG   The morning will commence with a briefing on your onward trip to China and you will depart on your day of sightseeing to witness the bustling modern city with a rich Chinese culture laced with a 150 year old British colonial history. The Western a district rather older and more exotic in character than other parts of Hong Kong. Its crowded residential streets and traditional shops form a character contrast to Central. DAY .3 HONG KONG   The morning will commence with a briefing on your onward trip to China and you will depart on your day of sightseeing to witness the bustling modern city with a rich Chinese culture laced with a 150 year old British colonial history. The Western a district rather older and more exotic in character than other parts of Hong Kong. Its crowded residential streets and traditional shops form a character contrast to Central. Man Mo Temple, located in a deeply traditional area is one of the most atmospheric small temples to visit. This 150 year old temple is notable for its great hanging coils of incense suspended from the ceiling. The two figures on the main alter are the Taoist gods of Literature (Man) and the Martial Arts (Mo). Hong Kong Park in Central acts as a green lung which provide a peaceful breathing space to the bustling community. A 24.7 acre parkland facility which include a visual arts center, greenhouse areas replicating desert and tropical jungle environment. You may also find Hong Kong`s largest aviary, designed as a tropical rainforest for more than 150 species of birds. The flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware is also located here. The Peak 1,811 feet above sea level on the back of the Dragon provides impressive harbor and south island sea views. You will take a ride on The Peak Tram, a funicular railway up this hill and will be passing through the area which was quintessentially colonial with upper-class expats in expensive houses, though Chinese were not allowed to set up home on the hill until relatively recently. Reaching the top, you will find a new observation deck, shopping and entertainment area. Lunch this afternoon will be at the Peak Cafe The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy some time for your own independent activities. DAY .4 HONG KONG / GUILIN   After breakfast you will have the morning at leisure to complete your last minute shopping. Afternoon you will be transferred to the airport for your evening flight to Guilin. Upon arrival into Guilin you will be transferred to hotel, the ride from the airport to the hotel will take approximately 1 hour. The hotel is nestled on the banks of the Li River amid lush and tree lined avenues. Guilin city is South China`s shining pearl with verdant mountains, elegant waters, magnificent crags and fantastic caverns with a history of more than 2,000 years. DAY .5 GUILIN   Today you will embark on a private riverboat and cruise along Li River to the rural village of Yangshuo and enjoy a tasty luncheon aboard. This trip passes the most exquisite stretch of Guilin`s famed scenery and the experience is like to travel through a verdant landscapes straight off a Chinese scroll painting. Every poem has a painting and every painting has a poem this Chinese adage best describes the remarkable natural beauty of Guilin; a living painting that is a poem to the wonders of nature. Towering limestone pinnacles, formed from the erosion and geologic upheaval of an ancient seabed, cloaked in a mantle of forest green are scattered along the shores of the Li River. The crystalline waters and the verdant belt of green vegetation inspired the Tang poet, Han Yu (8th century) to write: The river forms a green gauze belt, the mountains are like blue jade hairpins. After berthing at Yangshuo you will disembark and spend some time wandering through its free market before returning by road to Guilin. Yangshuo is a charming town of white-washed shops lining cobbled street, a lively market center for the surrounding farming communities. This evening, experience one of the more unique practices of Guilin`s fishing people when you view night cormorant fishing. While you are seated in a viewing boat a local fisherman on a traditional bamboo kampan (three plank boat) will release his trained cormorants (tethered to the boat by rope) into the river. The birds dive into the water and track the schools of fish that thrive in the clear river water. Once the cormorant has caught a fish, they return to the boat where the fisherman removes the catch. A ring around the bird`s neck prevents the cormorant from swallowing any of its catch. The fisherman will, however reward his faithful companion. This is an unusual and highly popular method of fishing along the Li River. DAY .6 GUILIN / XISHUANGBANNA   Your morning today will begin with some city sightseeing that includes Fubo Shan, a hill where the giant Jie Die fought a demon that was descending on Guilin with a vanguard of deadly animals. The demon was vanquished and the city never troubled by evil spirits again. Climb to Fubo's summit and you pass three hundred Buddha images, carved into the rock during the Tang and Song dynasties. Visit Tunnel Cave, one of the region`s distinctive caves with a 2,624 feet long spacious tunnel, is a gallery of sparkling stalactites and stalagmites with myriad of shapes and forms with no limit to imagination. It became a sightseeing spot as in the Sui and Tang dynasties (581-907), and since then many poems and other inscriptions have been left behind on its walls by visiting writers and scholars. In the afternoon you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Xishuangbanna, Yunnan via Kunming. On arrival you will be transferred to Hotel. Xishuangbanna is the Southernmost part of Yunnan Province, bordering on Myanmar (Burma) and Laos has a tropical rain forest climate. With abundant sunshine, plentiful rain and frequent dense fog, it has a reputation for beautiful subtropical scenery and unique folk-culture attractions. On this land live more than 13 ethnic groups such as Dai, Hani and Yao, all with colorful customs and rich historical traditions. It also enjoys great fame as "the kingdom of plants and animals," because of its rich resources of flora and fauna. The rest of the day is at leisure for independent activities. DAY .7 XISHUANGBANNA   A full day of sightseeing begins with a visit to the Hani Village on the Menghai Highway (the road to Myanmar). The Hani are one of the oldest groups in Yunnan Province . They are a cluster of 20+ tribal groups that speak over 10 different languages & dialects. In the 1950s, the central government grouped them all into one category and called them Hani. Return to the hotel for lunch. In the afternoon you will be transferred to the Mekong River Pier to embark on a private boat to cruise down the Mekong to Ganlanba Plain Pier and will be transferred to Shui Dai Village. The visit here will include a Buddhist Temple, local homes and a village performance of traditional Dai dances. The major activity is the cultivation of rice, dry rice in the highlands and wet in the valleys. The usual Dai household consists of a husband, wife (or wives), and unmarried children. The status of women is high. None of the Dai people has a caste system. The basic structure of their villages is similar, with communal leadership being provided by an elected village headman, together with the Buddhist monks and elders. Dinner this evening is at a local restaurant. DAY .8 LIJIANG   Today will be a full morning of activity at the Ye Xiang Gu(Wild Elephant Valley) Nature Reserve. Wild Elephants Valley covers an area of 911 acre with hills rolling gently at an altitude ranging between 2,450 and 3461 feet. The valley is covered by tropical rain forests, crisscrossed by rivers and streams, and teeming with such endangered species as Asian wild elephants, wild oxen, green peacocks and monkeys. You will see a wonderful performances given by the first elephant domesticating school of China followed by a guided rainforest walk and a tram car ride to a to enjoy the scene of elephants bathing, playing water and seeking for food. Visit the aviary where a number of indigenous species of parrots, eagles, peacocks and various birds. After lunch and you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Lijiang. Upon arrival you will be transferred to Hotel. Lijiang is a township of pebbled paths, potted rhododendrons and whimsical architecture. Situated at the foot of the Yue Long Xue Shan Mountains, Lijiang is divided into two very distinctive sections the Han administration and rustic charm of the Naxi part of the city that is often referred to as the "old city. DAY .9 LIJIANG   A full day of sightseeing today includes Baisha Village to view the Baisha Murals painted in the 14th and 15th centuries. These are remarkable visual records of Naxi culture that absorbed Tibetan Buddhist, Chinese Buddhist and Taoist influences and incorporated these with their traditional Dongba`s beliefs. Afterwards visit the home of Dr. Ho, a Chinese herbal medicine doctor who assisted Joseph Rock in his botanical expeditions to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Continue to Longquan Village (Dragon Spring Village), a local Naxi vilage dating back 500 years, retains a wonderful atmosphere of traditional Naxi village life, cobble lanes, stone and abode houses. This afternoon`s visit includes the Black Dragon Spring which was developed around some crystalline springs, the park houses the Dongba Research Center?and the Dongba Museum of Naxi Culture? is the last remaining memorial of the former Taoist temple from the time of the Mongolian Yuan dynasty. Enjoy tea in the park and meet with a living Dongba for a discussion of Naxi beliefs followed with a guided walk to the old Town sof Lijiang, a World Heritage Site protected by UNESCO. It retains a great deal of Yuan, Ming and Qing period architecture. DAY .10 LIJIANG / GYALTHANG   Late this morning you will depart on a pleasant journey to Shigu(Stone Drum Village) to view the first bend in the Yangzi River (the Yangzi flows south from Tibet into Yunnan and then turns north again for approximately 60 miles) at Shigu. Continue to Shigu for a visit to the Red Army Memorial commemorating the crossing of the Red Army during the Long March in 1934-1935. After lunch, continue north on the Tibet Highway (which links northwest Yunnan to Lhasa, Tibet) and make one stop at the entrance of the Tiger Leaping Gorge before continuing north to Zhongdian (Gyalthang in Khampu Tibetan) seat of the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous County, just recently opened to the outside world. Late afternoon, arrive at the Gyalthang. DAY .11 GYALTHANG   Today begins with sightseeing to Napha Reserve for views of Napha Lake and Wetlands (important winter flyway for the Black Necked Crane and other water fowl) as well as time for a short walk to observe wildflowers (including azaleas, rhododendrons, wild roses and blue poppy). Continue to visit the Samsetling Monastery, the largest Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) Tibetan Buddhist Monastery in Yunnan province, dates back to the 15th century and once housed over 4,000 monks; since the Cultural Revolution it has rebuilt and is flourishing with some 700 monks in residence. After the tour of the monastery, meet with the Living Buddha. In the afternoon, visit the central market and Tibetan craft stores and the Zhongdian Museum. DAY .12 GYALTHANG   A full day of sightseeing today includes Gonzho and the upper gorges of the Yangzi River, driving through dramatic scenery, towering mountains, deep gorges and Tibetan villages noted for their crafts (black pottery, wooden offering bowls, etc.). Enjoy a picnic lunch and visit to a local craftsman`s homes. Continue on the confluence of the Yangzi and Gongzhou River for photographs. This evening, your farewell dinner will be accompanied by Tibetan music and dance performance. DAY .13 GYLTHANG / KUNMING / HONG KONG   This morning you depart to Hong Kong via Kunming. Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province, is a city that was once believed so remote that during ancient times, political prisoners were exiled there. Long considered one of China`s most interesting regional centers, Kunming is a city of pleasant surprises, and you will have a short sightseeing tour of Kunming followed by lunch at Harbour Plaza. In the afternoon you will continue with your journey by flight to Hong Kong. Upon arrival into Hong Kong you will be transferred to Hotel. DAY .14 HONG KONG DEPARTURE   Today you will be transferred to the airport by private vehicle and assisted with departure formalities before boarding your homebound flight.

Greatwall,Gorges and Panda Tour

Greatwall,Gorges and Panda Tour

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Day 1	Arrive at Beijing
	Our guide will meet you at the Beijing airport and arrange transportation to your hotel.
Day 2	Beijing Sightseeing Tour
	We explore the Forbidden City of Beijing today as well as the capital's massive Tiananmen Square. Later this afternoon, we'll hear tales of Empress Dowager Cixi as we stroll through her Summer Palace, China's best-preserved royal garden. Tonight Peking Duck is on the menu, followed by a show of daring and agile acrobatics.¡¡
Day 3	Beijing Sightseeing Tour
	Walking the Great Wall of China is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and this morning we head to the small town of Huanghua to begin this incredible adventure. After a picnic lunch on the Wall we return to Beijing via the equally impressive Ming Tombs, and cruise canals in boats lit with traditional red lanterns. We'll disembark in time to enjoy dinner with a local family.
Day 4	Beijing/Xi'an
	We fly today to Xi'an, a former Chinese capital and important stop on the Silk Road as early as the third century BC. Our afternoon tour visits the Old City Wall and Shaanxi Provincial Museum, whose Forest of Steles boasts over 1000 carved stone tablets. Later, we'll take a gander at the Little Wild Goose Pagoda, a place of magic healing.
Day 5	Xi'an Sightseeing Tour
	The Terra Cotta Soldiers of Xi'an are one of the most important archaeological finds in the world, and we devote an entire day to exploring the site and surrounding area. After lunch with a noodle maker, we'll take a cable car ride over Huaqing Hot Springs Park and visit Banpo, a 6000-year-old Neolithic (and possibly matriarchal) village.
Day 6	Xian /Chengdu
	You have a free morning to explore before your flight to Chengdu.
Day 7	Chengdu/Wolong Nature Reserve
	The Wolong Nature Reserve protects the habitat of China's famous and loveable pandas. Employees of the reserve lead a tour of the facilities emphasizing the ongoing conservation and breeding efforts.
Day 8	Wolong Nature Reserve
	Nature Reserve Hike! With luck we could spot a panda today as we embark on a hike through the lush, hilly reserve with a naturalist who introduces us to the native flora and fauna. This afternoon, we picnic among bamboo and rare dove trees.
Day 9 - 11	Wolong/Chonqing/Yangtze River : Yangtze River Cruise and Excursions
	One of the world's most exciting river trips is a cruise down the historic Yangtze River. We'll have three unforgettable days on the water, cruising through the Three Gorges; stopping at villages along the way; and viewing the massive dam construction that will soon flood much of the area.
Day 12	Beijing Sightseeing Tour
	Temple of Heaven, Meet Pen Pals in Beijing
Day 13	Departure from Beijing.
	Transfer to airport for home-bound flight.

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.

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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