Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 July 13, 2009
Place & Transport: Arrive in Beijing, Flight not included
Today's Activities: Airport to Hotel Transfer
Day 2 July 14, 2009
Place & Transport: Beijing
Today's Activities: The Tian'anmen Square, The Forbidden City, Treasure Houses, Hall of Clocks and Watches, National Grand Theater
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch
- The Tian'anmen Square: The world's largest city square and enduring symbol of China's national pride, surrounded by many imposing buildings including the Heavenly Gate (entry to the Forbidden City), Museums, government buildings and Chairman Mao's Mausoleum.
- 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.
- Treasure Houses: Treasure house has undergone 4 time renovations, the present one takes up almost 220 square metres, more than 440 treasures on display belonged to Qing dynasty royalty, half of which have not never been on display in the old one. It's worthy of visiting.
- Hall of Clocks and Watches: It sits in the northeast of the Forbidden City, there are more than 200 clocks and watches belonged to the 18 century on display. Mostly made in Switzerland, England, France, the U.S and Japan, those clocks and watches have been working over 200 years, but they are still working quite well. They are stylish, sophisticated best represents the technical standard at that time. Some Chinese made timepieces are on display as well.
- National Grand Theater: National Grand Theater, designed by French architect Paul Andreu, is an arts complex which people describe as a futuristic signature building. Located to the west of Tiananmen Square and with gorgeous design, it contains three large halls¡ª a 2,416-seat opera house, a 2,017-seat concert hall and a 1,040-seat theater.
Day 3 July 15, 2009
Place & Transport: Beijing
Today's Activities: Great Wall at Mutianyu, Mutianyu Cable Car(round trip), Temple of Heaven
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch, Chinese Dinner at Roasted Duck at Qianmen Quanjude
- 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.
- Mutianyu Cable Car(round trip): It is a challenging climb up to the Mutianyu Great Wall for it is much steeper than Badaling section. Here you have the option of taking the Cable car to the highest point or down to the foot in a few minutes instead of climbing more than 1,400 steps, while you can also have a bird view of the wall.
- Temple of Heaven: Situated in the southern part of the city, the temple of heaven covers the total area of 2,700,000 square meters. The temple was built in 1420A.D. It is the place where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties would offer sacrifice to heaven and pray for good harvests. The main buildings of the temple including the Circular Mound Altar, Imperial Vault of Heaven and Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest.The surrounding gardens are full of interesting activities, particularly weekend mornings.
- Roasted Duck at Qianmen Quanjude: In the evening, enjoy the Peking Roasted Duck which is renowned as the most delicious food of Beijing. Qianmen Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant(Old Duck). As the nickname implies, this is one of the oldest restaurants in the capital, dating back to 1864, and they serve great Peking duck.
Day 4 July 16, 2009
Place & Transport: Beijing to Xian
Today's Activities: Hotel to airport Transfer (Beijing), Airport to Hotel Transfer (Xian), Hutong Tours in Rickshaw, Beijing Olympic Green(exterior visit of Bird Nest and Water Cube)
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch
- Hutong Tours in Rickshaw: A maze of historic alleyways and old single storey traditional courtyard houses, now fast disappearing. Dotted around the hutong are the Drum and Bell Towers, Tea House, and local people's houses. Your tour includes a visit with a local family.
- Beijing Olympic Green(exterior visit of Bird Nest and Water Cube): Located at the north end of the central axis of Beijing City£¬Olympic Green hosts 50% of the competitions in the Olympic Games. With a large area of 1215 hectares, it contains a 760 hectares green forest, National museum, exhibition area, Olympic Village and Olympic competition avenues. Approximately 31 venues are used in Beijing Olympics, including National Stadium, the Bird's Nest and National Aquatics Center.
Day 5 July 17, 2009
Place & Transport: Xian
Today's Activities: Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Gao's Courtyard(includes Shadow Play), Muslim Quarters of Xi'an, Terracotta Warriors
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch
- Big Wild Goose Pagoda: A major Buddhist site, the simple, elegant brick Pagoda stands in the grounds of the attractive Da Ci'en Temple. The Pagoda was built in the 7th century to house the Buddhist materials that Xuanzang (Tripitaka) brought back from his epic journey to India. The Temple complex has several large halls with some great Buddhist statues and murals.
- Gao's Courtyard(includes Shadow Play): A traditional Chinese dwelling in the Muslim quarter that belonged to the founder of the successful Gao family, who produced many officials, officers and businessmen. The repairs won the 2002 UNESCO Asia-Pacific prize for cultural heritage protection. The courtyard buildings have exhibitions of period furniture, paintings, pottery, porcelain, photos and demonstrations of folk art, including a ¡®shadow puppet¡¯ play with traditional music.
- Muslim Quarters of Xi'an: The Muslim quarters lies 100 meters west of the Bell tower in downtown Xi'an.The 500 meters long avenue paved by bluestones are dotted with many unique stall, souvenir shop, caf¨¦ and bars which are mostly run by Muslim people. Tourists, especially from overseas come and shop here.
- 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 Xian, 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 July 18, 2009
Place & Transport: Xian
Today's Activities: City Wall, Shaanxi Historical Museum, Forest of Stone Steles Museum
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch
- City Wall: The walls, ramparts, gates and watchtowers form one of the oldest and most complete city defences still around. Built in the 13th century on the foundations of the original Tang Forbidden City surrounding the city centre. You can walk, rent a bike or take an electric cart around the full 14km circuit, with great views of the city on either.
- 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.
- Shaanxi 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.
Day 7 July 19, 2009
Place & Transport: Xian to Chengdu
Today's Activities: Wenshu Monastery, Jinli Old Steet
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch
- Wenshu Monastery: Wenshu Monastery, located in Chengdu downtown, is the best-preserved Buddhist temple in Chengdu. Cultural relics are the highlights of Wenshu Monastery. In addition to its cultural relics, Wenshu Monastery is famous for its exquisite garden and solemn halls. Tourists and locals can enjoy tea in the Tea House while listening to music by folk artists.
- Jinli Old Street: Once the commercial heart of the old kingdoms this ancient street has been fully restored in traditional Sichuan style. Picturesque, bustling, and cheerful, you can sample local arts and craft, traditional Chinese goods, food and delicacies, and even a Starbucks, local style.
Day 8 July 20, 2009
Place & Transport: Chengdu to Emei Shan Town transfer via Leshan City
Today¡¯s Activities: Panda Breeding and Research Center, Leshan Giant Buddha
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch
- Panda Breeding and Research Centre: 10km north of Chengdu this beautifully laid-out 230 hectare park is home to giant pandas, the endearing red, or lesser panda, and other endangered species. Visit the nursery to see the highly successful breeding program, and the many enclosures among lakes, bamboo groves and shady walkways, to view the pandas at rest and play. There's a wealth of information, a panda museum, and of course the engaging animals themselves.
- Leshan Giant Buddha: The Great Buddha in Leshan is located to the east of Leshan City, Sichuan Province and on the Lingyun Mountain where Min River, Qingyi River and Dadu River meet. It has been the largest stone carved sitting Buddhist statue in the world so far.
Day 9 July 21, 2009
Place & Transport: Emei Town to Gold Summit transfer
Today¡¯s Activities: Wannian Monastery, Gold Summit
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch, Chinese Dinner
Cable Car leading to Wannian Monastery: Emei Mountain is one of the most famous mountains for Buddhism in China. It has many temples and beautiful scenery. The Wannian Monastery is the largest of the eight monasteries to be found on Mount Emei. It is dedicated to Bodhisattva Puxian who famous for his preaching.
Gold Summit: Located at an altitude of 3,077 meters, the Gold Summit is an extravagance of natural wonders and Buddhism spiritualism, which comprise of four marvelous spectacles of Sunrise, Cloud Sea, Buddhist Light and sacred lamp. The scenery of a red glowing sun dancing over the sea of clouds in the east is fabulous.
Day 10 July 22, 2009
Place & Transport: Emei Shan to Chengdu Transfer
Today¡¯s Activities: Solar eclipse viewing
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch
Solar eclipse viewing (on your own arrangement): The astronomical phenomenon will start at 08:05AM and finish at 10:22 AM. The maximum time of the total phase will last about 5 minutes.
Start of partial eclipse: 08:05
Start of total eclipse: 09:07
Maximum eclipse : 09:10
End of total eclipse: 9:12
End of partial eclipse: 10:22
Day 11 July 23, 2009
Place & Transport: Chengdu to Chongqing to Yangtze, High speed train
Today¡¯s Activities: Board the ship from 5:00pm to 8:00pm and departs Chongqing at 10:00pm.
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch
Day 12 July 24, 2009
Place & Transport: Yangtze
Today¡¯s Activities: Shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch, Chinese Dinner
- Fengdu is where the devil lives, according to Chinese legend. They say that spirits go to heaven, and evil goes to Fengdu. The town is overlooked by Ming Shan Hill, home of Tianzi, the King of the Dead. The whole place has an eerie feel to it with deserted streets, tower blocks, empty shops and banks. The only people here are those who make a living from visiting cruise boats.
Day 13 July 25, 2009
Place & Transport: Yangtze
Today's Activities: Shore excursion to Shennong Stream.
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch, Chinese Dinner
- Shennong Stream is another tributary of the Yangtze River, and its fast-flowing, crystal clear water runs southwards through deep gorges. The stream races past large and small karst caves, flocks of swallows, sheer cliffs, deep gorges, waterfalls, three-colored springs, rapids, the ancient plank path, a suspended coffin in the cliff, groups of ancient tombs and marvelous karst formations.
Day 14 July 26, 2009
Place & Transport: Yangtze to Yichang to Shanghai
Today's Activities: Shore excursion to The Three Gorges Dam Site. Arrive in Yichang at 1:00pm, Airport Transfer (Yichang), Airport to Hotel Transfer (Shanghai)
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch
- Three Gorges Dam, the largest water conservancy project ever undertaken by man and it has been a dream for several generations of Chinese people. The construction of the dam formally began in 1994. The body of the dam was completed in 2003, and the whole construction will be competed in 2009. It will be 2,335 meters long, 185 meters high, 18 meters wide on the top and 130 meters wide at the bottom.The tourists can get access to the top of the dam and enjoy different kinds of photo opportunities.
Day 15 July 27, 2009
Place & Transport: Shanghai
Today's Activities: The Shanghai World Financial Center, Yuyuan Garden, Jade Buddha Temple, Yuyuan Market, The Bund
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch
- The Shanghai World Financial Center: The Shanghai World Financial Center is a supertall skyscraper under construction in Shanghai, China. It is a mixed use skyscraper which will consist of offices, hotels, conference rooms, observation decks, and shopping malls on the ground floors. The hotel component will open with 175 rooms and suites in mid-2008 as the Park Hyatt Shanghai. On September 14, 2007 the skyscraper was topped out at 492.3 meters (1,615.2 ft) and became the tallest structure on mainland China, including Hong Kong, as well as the world's third tallest building (including unfinished ones), after the Burj Dubai and Taipei 101.
- Yuyuan Garden: In the centre of Shanghai next to the Yuyuan Bazaar, this exquisite old 5-acre garden is famous for its design. The paths wander across bridges, past rockeries and miniature lakes, and through pretty halls and pavilions. The trees and shrubs are planted with an eye to providing charming views, and a sense of peace and harmony.
- Jade Buddha Temple: An active Buddhist temple, and one of the richest in Shanghai. The main treasures are two statues of Buddha, carved from rare single blocks of white jade adorned with precious stones. The temple is a hive of activity with monks, worshippers and visitors, and photos of the Buddhas are forbidden.
- Yuyuan Market: Located at a very busy marketplace in a complex of traditional-style buildings, backing onto Yuyuan Gardens.You can find everything there from popular local snacks and food, crafts, antiques and souvenirs to Starbucks, tea-houses and some great restaurants. There is a small (reconstructed) Temple (Chenhuang: Temple of the City Gods) in there as well.
- The Bund: Once the home of the foreign traders and major banks, the embankment has taken on a new vitality; lovely old European-style buildings mix with futuristic developments, chic restaurants, top end shops and bars offer plenty to see and do ¨C and by night it's magic!
Day 16 July 28, 2009
Place & Transport: Depart Shanghai
Today's Activities: Hotel to Airport Transfer |
