Day 1
Arrive / Beijing
Upon arrival, be met and transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is at your own leisure.
Day 2
Beijing ( B )
Tour sites: the Great Wall at Mutianyu. the Ming Tombs.
The Great Wall at Mutianyu -- This less-crowded section of the Great Wall is a pleasant drive 90km NE of Beijing. A cable car takes you to a good section (avoiding a very steep climb), where you can walk along the wall, through the watch towers and enjoy superb views as it snakes across the hills and mountains. You can return by cable car, walk down or walk along the wall for about an hour to descend by chairlift. Wear good walking shoes and protection from the weather.
The Ming Tombs -- The imperial cemetery covers an area of 120 square kilometers with 13 Ming emperors, 23 empresses and a number of concubines, princes, and princesses buried there, and thus it is also called 13 Mausoleums. These tombs are the best preserved Chinese imperial tombs and has been nominated by the UNESCO as the world cultural heritages.
Day 3
Beijing ( B )
Tour sites: the forbidden city, the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Place
The Temple of Heaven -- One of the most famous sites in Beijing, this is Ming architecture at its best: beautiful, controlled, and highly symbolic. The surrounding gardens are full of interesting activity, particularly weekend mornings. Wear good walking shoes and protection from the weather.
The Forbidden City -- The Imperial Palace, home to 24 Emperors between 1420 and 1911. Great squares, halls and gates contrast with the intricate networks of side halls, gardens, courtyards and quarters for those who lived in this 'city within a city'. The exhibitions, both permanent and temporary, are also absolutely fascinating. Expect to spend at least 2-3 hours, wear good walking shoes and protection from the weather.
The Summer Palace -- Much-loved summer retreat of the Imperial families, the lovely landscaped gardens, halls, pavilions and corridors are set around the lake and rivers in natural harmony. You can expect to spend 2-3 hours here, including a 10 minute boat ride. Renovations (complete in 2010) mean that an individual section or building may be closed at any one time, but this is a huge site. Wear good walking shoes and protection from the weather.
Day 4
Beijing / Xi'an (B )
Tour sites: the Shanxi Historical Museum. the Forest of Stone Steles Museum.
The Shanxi Historical Museum -- The history of Shaanxi is said to be the history of China, and this museum is quite simply one of the nation's best. Four major galleries in large, Tang-style buildings house a vast and impressive collection, beautifully displayed. Most of the item labels are in English, although some other information on the exhibitions is not, but your guide can help here. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
The Forest of Stone Steles Museum -- A fascinating collection of inscribed stone tablets (steles), from very ancient to quite modern (Han-Qing Dynasties, 206BC-1911). All kinds of calligraphies and scripts tell stories, poems, classics, reports from around the Empire. Other exhibits include early sculptures and objects from Imperial tombs. This was once a Confucian temple, and the architecture and grounds are well worth a visit on their own account.
Day 5
Xi'an ( B )
Tour sites:the Great Mosque, the City Wall, the Terracotta Warriors
The Great Mosque -- In the heart of Xi'an's Muslim quarter, close to the city centre, this is one of the largest Islamic mosques in China. Remarkable for the combination of Chinese architecture with Islamic practice, the courtyards align from east to west facing Mecca. The pavilions, halls and gateways are wonderfully decorated, and this is an active place of worship for the Hui descendants of Silk Road traders and travellers.
The City Wall -- It is a major landmark, and the best preserved, as well as the oldest and largest of the city defence systems in China.You also can bike along the city wall (the rental fee is included).
The Terracotta Warriors -- Discovered accidentally in 1974, this incredible army of over 7000 soldiers, archers, horses and chariots in full battle array has guarded Emperor Qin's tomb since 210BC. Each figure is unique, and the painstaking repair and excavation continues in 3 pits which are protected inside huge hangars. 1.5 hours from Xi'an, there is also an excellent museum and film about the history of the vaults. Photos (no flash) are allowed. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Day 6
Xi'an / Guilin ( B )
Be free until our guide meet you and escort you to the airport for the flight to Guilin. Upon arrival, be met and transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is at your own leisure.
Day 7
Guilin / Yangshuo / Guilin (B, L )
Tour sites: Li River Cruise, the Fubo Hill
Li River Cruise -- A cruise along the Li River between Guilin and Yangshuo is an unforgettable experience. As you take in the stunning scenery there's something interesting to see at almost every bend in the river. Between spectacular limestone peaks you'll see graceful bamboo groves, farmers tending rice paddies, and lumbering water buffaloes pulling carts or cooling off in the river. You may see fishermen gliding along on their narrow bamboo rafts, and if you're very lucky you might see one of the famous fishing cormorants. Boats depart from various wharves, according to the height of the river at different times of the year.
The Fubo(Whirlpool) Hill -- It is located in the city proper. Fubo Hill is a 4A scenic spot of national grade. It is cliffy, propping up from the ground, famous for the Pearl-Returning Cave (nearly 350 steps to enjoy the view).
Day 8
Guilin / Guangzhou ( B )
Tour sites: the Reed Flute Cave, the Elephant Trunk Hill
Today have a city tour before transferred to the airport for the flight to Guangzhou. Upon arrival, be met and transferred to the hotel.
The Reed Flute Cave -- Known as 'the Palace of Natural Arts' this large and well presented cave system has some remarkable formations. Make sure you have some small change for the children who sell flutes for as little as one yuan if you've got nothing less than a dollar you'll end up with their whole stock.
The Elephant Trunk Hill -- At the confluence of Li River and Peach Blossom River in the southwest of Guilin city
It is a national 4A scenery spot. The Water Moon Cave is close to the river. The water flows through it and the cave looks like a moon floating in the water. The stone drooped into the water like an elephant drinking the water of the Li River.
Day 9
Guangzhou / Exit ( B )
Be free until be met and transferred to the airport for the flight to the next destination.
Service ends.
Price: 6370CNY/PAX
About price: the price as above is for reference, only available in 2009.
1). Hotel accommodation base on standard room. With daily breakfast
2). All entrance fee as mentioned in the itinerary above.
3). Meals in the stated itinerary.
B = Hotel Buffet Breakfast;
L = Lunch in local Chinese Restaurant;
D = Dinner in local Chinese Restaurant.
4). Responsibility of travel agency.
5). Private transfers between airport, hotel and tour sites as listed in the itinerary.
6). Private vehicle and English-speaking tour guide service.
1). Tips to tour guide and driver.
2). International air-tickets and airport taxes.
3). Personal expense.
4). Accident insurance.
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