11 Day China in Depth Private Tour

The Tiananmen Square: The worlds largest city square and enduring symbol of Chinas national pride, surrounded by many imposing buildings including the Tiananmen (Heavenly Peace) Gate Tower the Museums of Chinese Revolution History, the Great Hall of People’s Congress (the parliament building) the Monument to the People’s Hero, and Chairman Maos Mausoleum, and the Zhenyangmen Gate Tower

The Forbidden City: The Imperial Palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasty, home to 24 Emperors from 1420 to 1911, afterwards known as The Palace Museum. This 960-meter –long and 670-meter –wide rectangle complex is encircled by 10-meter –high city wall and 25-meter-wide moat, consists of 999 rooms, great squares, gates contrast with the intricate networks of side halls, gardens, courtyards and quarters for those who lived in this city within a city. Our tour includes the visit to the Hall of Imperial Jewelry and the Hall of Watches and Clocks.

Stop for lunch at local restaurant, continue our tour to the 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 the place where the local do the morning exercises, including Taichi, social dancing, peking opera singing, traditional bamboo & String Music performing, chess-playing, etc.

At the gate of the Temple of Heaven, we will stop at The Pearl market, or Hongqiao Market, is a modern market where Chinese authentic items can be purchased. Standing near the Temple of Heaven, this is the largest venue selling pearls in Beijing. Along with pearls, a variety of other items are also sold inside the market.

Proceed to the Summer Palace: the largest and best preserved imperial garden in China, the much-loved summer retreat of the Imperial families, located in the outskirt of the city, this lovely beautiful landscaped gardens, halls, pavilions and corridors are set around the lake and rivers in natural harmony. Our tour includes a boat ride crossing the lake. ( B, L )

The Great Wall in the Mutianyu section: This less-crowded section of the Great Wall is a pleasant drive 90km NE of Beijing. A cable car takes you up 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.

Continue to The site of the Ming Dynasty Imperial Tombs was carefully chosen according to Feng Shui (geomancy) principles. According to these, bad spirits and evil winds descending from the North must be deflected therefore, an arc-shaped area at the foot of the Jundu Mountains north of Beijing was ed. This 40 square kilometer area — enclosed by the mountains in a pristine, quiet valley full of dark earth, tranquil water and other necessities as per Feng Shui — would become the necropolis of the Ming Dynasty.

Stop for lunch at local restaurant, proceed to visit the Cloisonne Ware Factory, Founded in 1956, Beijing Enamel Factory is the biggest and most professional factory in making cloisonné ware all over the country of China. It is the assigned tourist handicraft making enterprise which is named by the National Tourist Bureau. ( B, L )

The Hutong Tours in Rickshaw: The old Beijing city was consist of a maze of historic alleyways and old single storey traditional courtyard houses, now fast disappearing, today we will experience the real daily life of the local in the traditional courtyard houses by taking a 3-wheeled rickshaw, including a visit of the courtyards, the Drum and Bell Towers, local fresh food market and primary school on the schooling day. Evening will be free at leisure, overnight in Beijing. ( B, L )

The Han Yangling Museum and Archaeological sites: The Yangling Mausoleum, the tome of the Han Emperor, to view the recent archaeological finds on the excavation sites thru the glass floors inside of the tombs, there are thousands of small terracotta figures, daily used articles, chariots, etc and other beautifully sculptures representing the high artistry and fine taste of the Han Dynasty ( 202BC – 220AD)

Stop for lunch at local restaurant, than proceed to The 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 side.

The Shaanxi Historical Museum: The history of Shaanxi is said to be the history of China, and this museum is quite simply one of the nations 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. ( B, L )

The Terracotta Warriors Museum: Discovered accidentally in 1974, this incredible army of over 7000 soldiers, archers, horses and chariots in full battle array has guarded Emperor Qins 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.

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda: A major Buddhist site, the simple, elegant brick Pagoda stands in the grounds of the attractive Da Cien 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

Lunch at local restaurant, than end our tour today with a stop at the Xian Jade carving. Chinese have been carving Jade in Xian for five thousand years. Large quantities of jade ornaments have been discovered during archaeological excavations. Exquisitely carved jade articles, such as bowls, bracelets, pendants, etc., are being produced in the Xian Jade Carving Factory. Xian is a great place to do some fantastic Chinese souvenir shopping, especially for cultural items and antiques, which are generally cheaper and more varied than any other cities. ( B, L )

Late afternnon, pick up from your hotel and transfer to the airport for short flight to Guilin, arrival and transfer to your hotel for overnight. ( B )

Red Flute Caves: located in the northwest to Guilin City, the Reed Flute Cave is a brilliant cave marked on almost all travel itineraries. The cave got its name from the verdant reeds growing outside it, with which people make flutes. Inside this water-eroded cave is a spectacular world of various stalactites, stone pillars and rock formations created by carbonate deposition. Illuminated by colored lighting, the fantastic spectacle is found in many variations along this 240-meter-long cave. Walking through the serried stone pillars, tourists feast their eyes on changing spots, feeling they are in a paradise where the Gods live.

Elephant Trunk Hill: originally called Li Hill or Yi Hill , is located at the west bank of the southeast Li River which flows thru Guilin City, it gets its name because it looks like a huge elephant dig its trunk into the river vividly . The hill is 55 meters high, 108 meters long, 100 meters wide and has an elevation of 200 meters above sea level. The Elephant Hill is regarded as the symbol of Guilin City.

Diecui Hill, situated in the northeast of Guilin by the Li River, is one of the most popular attractions in Guilin, a place known for its amazing scenery and stone carvings. Because of the resemblance of its rock formations, piled up layer upon layer on each other, to folded brocade, it is now also known as Folded Brocade Hill. Many other special names have been given to this picturesque spot: the name Gui Hill, derived from the laurels that have spread across the slopes since ancient times, and the name of Wind Cave Hill, due to the remarkable Wind Cave on the hill. Four small hills, Yuyue Hill, Siwang Hill (All-Direction-Looking Hill), Crane Peak and Bright Moon Peak surround Diecai Hill.

Pearl Workshop: Guangxi Province, Guilin City belongs to, is famous for pearl production, the pearl raised and found in the sea south to Guangxi Province is considered as the best salt water pearl in the world, during the visits, you can get some knowledge about pearl oyster raise and have a chance to buy some real good quality of pearl. ( B, L )

Longshen: A county located in the northern mountains area of Guilin, the home to ethnic minority peoples including Dong, Miao,Zhuang and Yao Peoples, the local ethnic peoples built terraced rice fields along the slopes of the mountains from the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), after the untiring works generation after generation, the terraces wind from the foot to the top of the hills, look like great chains or ribbons. A 40 minute walk up the stone covered paths and steps reveal the Dragons Backbone, which is called "The champion of the terrace world". Visit Zhuang village and Yao minority villages, and Pingan village, the architecture is unique as no nails are used in construction. The different minority customs and local peoples dressing style are specially delicate and beautiful.

Late afternoon, transfer to the airport for our flight to Shanghai, arrival and transfer to our hotel for overnight. ( B )

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.

Shanghai Museum: The best of this kind in China, its galleries contain world class collections of archaeological findings, fine arts and historical relics. The Bronze Gallery is a must –see section, the pride of this museum and splendid Chinese history.

Former French Concession: Represented by the leafy Fuxing Park and colonial architecture built in the early year of 20 century, and Xintiandi District which is rebuilt from some old neighborhoods featuring in old style local character buildings and now turning into the one of the most modern & trendy place in Shanghai.

The Bund: A waterfront promenade lined with a mile –long of European art-deco buildings, representing the prosperousness of this city in the early of 20 century, when it was know as “ Paris in the Orient”, nowadays this is an ideal place to experience the rapid development of China’s economy in the past 30 years by witness the imposing skyline of the new development district across the river. ( B, L )

The Tiananmen Square: The worlds largest city square and enduring symbol of Chinas national pride, surrounded by many imposing buildings including the Tiananmen (Heavenly Peace) Gate Tower the Museums of Chinese Revolution History, the Great Hall of People’s Congress (the parliament building) the Monument to the People’s Hero, and Chairman Maos Mausoleum, and the Zhenyangmen Gate Tower

The Forbidden City: The Imperial Palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasty, home to 24 Emperors from 1420 to 1911, afterwards known as The Palace Museum. This 960-meter –long and 670-meter –wide rectangle complex is encircled by 10-meter –high city wall and 25-meter-wide moat, consists of 999 rooms, great squares, gates contrast with the intricate networks of side halls, gardens, courtyards and quarters for those who lived in this city within a city. Our tour includes the visit to the Hall of Imperial Jewelry and the Hall of Watches and Clocks.

Stop for lunch at local restaurant, continue our tour to the 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 the place where the local do the morning exercises, including Taichi, social dancing, peking opera singing, traditional bamboo & String Music performing, chess-playing, etc.

At the gate of the Temple of Heaven, we will stop at The Pearl market, or Hongqiao Market, is a modern market where Chinese authentic items can be purchased. Standing near the Temple of Heaven, this is the largest venue selling pearls in Beijing. Along with pearls, a variety of other items are also sold inside the market.

Proceed to the Summer Palace: the largest and best preserved imperial garden in China, the much-loved summer retreat of the Imperial families, located in the outskirt of the city, this lovely beautiful landscaped gardens, halls, pavilions and corridors are set around the lake and rivers in natural harmony. Our tour includes a boat ride crossing the lake. ( B, L )

The Great Wall in the Mutianyu section: This less-crowded section of the Great Wall is a pleasant drive 90km NE of Beijing. A cable car takes you up 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.

Continue to The site of the Ming Dynasty Imperial Tombs was carefully chosen according to Feng Shui (geomancy) principles. According to these, bad spirits and evil winds descending from the North must be deflected therefore, an arc-shaped area at the foot of the Jundu Mountains north of Beijing was ed. This 40 square kilometer area — enclosed by the mountains in a pristine, quiet valley full of dark earth, tranquil water and other necessities as per Feng Shui — would become the necropolis of the Ming Dynasty.

Stop for lunch at local restaurant, proceed to visit the Cloisonne Ware Factory, Founded in 1956, Beijing Enamel Factory is the biggest and most professional factory in making cloisonné ware all over the country of China. It is the assigned tourist handicraft making enterprise which is named by the National Tourist Bureau. ( B, L )

The Hutong Tours in Rickshaw: The old Beijing city was consist of a maze of historic alleyways and old single storey traditional courtyard houses, now fast disappearing, today we will experience the real daily life of the local in the traditional courtyard houses by taking a 3-wheeled rickshaw, including a visit of the courtyards, the Drum and Bell Towers, local fresh food market and primary school on the schooling day. Evening will be free at leisure, overnight in Beijing. ( B, L )

The Han Yangling Museum and Archaeological sites: The Yangling Mausoleum, the tome of the Han Emperor, to view the recent archaeological finds on the excavation sites thru the glass floors inside of the tombs, there are thousands of small terracotta figures, daily used articles, chariots, etc and other beautifully sculptures representing the high artistry and fine taste of the Han Dynasty ( 202BC – 220AD)

Stop for lunch at local restaurant, than proceed to The 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 side.

The Shaanxi Historical Museum: The history of Shaanxi is said to be the history of China, and this museum is quite simply one of the nations 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. ( B, L )

The Terracotta Warriors Museum: Discovered accidentally in 1974, this incredible army of over 7000 soldiers, archers, horses and chariots in full battle array has guarded Emperor Qins 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.

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda: A major Buddhist site, the simple, elegant brick Pagoda stands in the grounds of the attractive Da Cien 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

Lunch at local restaurant, than end our tour today with a stop at the Xian Jade carving. Chinese have been carving Jade in Xian for five thousand years. Large quantities of jade ornaments have been discovered during archaeological excavations. Exquisitely carved jade articles, such as bowls, bracelets, pendants, etc., are being produced in the Xian Jade Carving Factory. Xian is a great place to do some fantastic Chinese souvenir shopping, especially for cultural items and antiques, which are generally cheaper and more varied than any other cities. ( B, L )

Late afternnon, pick up from your hotel and transfer to the airport for short flight to Guilin, arrival and transfer to your hotel for overnight. ( B )

Red Flute Caves: located in the northwest to Guilin City, the Reed Flute Cave is a brilliant cave marked on almost all travel itineraries. The cave got its name from the verdant reeds growing outside it, with which people make flutes. Inside this water-eroded cave is a spectacular world of various stalactites, stone pillars and rock formations created by carbonate deposition. Illuminated by colored lighting, the fantastic spectacle is found in many variations along this 240-meter-long cave. Walking through the serried stone pillars, tourists feast their eyes on changing spots, feeling they are in a paradise where the Gods live.

Elephant Trunk Hill: originally called Li Hill or Yi Hill , is located at the west bank of the southeast Li River which flows thru Guilin City, it gets its name because it looks like a huge elephant dig its trunk into the river vividly . The hill is 55 meters high, 108 meters long, 100 meters wide and has an elevation of 200 meters above sea level. The Elephant Hill is regarded as the symbol of Guilin City.

Diecui Hill, situated in the northeast of Guilin by the Li River, is one of the most popular attractions in Guilin, a place known for its amazing scenery and stone carvings. Because of the resemblance of its rock formations, piled up layer upon layer on each other, to folded brocade, it is now also known as Folded Brocade Hill. Many other special names have been given to this picturesque spot: the name Gui Hill, derived from the laurels that have spread across the slopes since ancient times, and the name of Wind Cave Hill, due to the remarkable Wind Cave on the hill. Four small hills, Yuyue Hill, Siwang Hill (All-Direction-Looking Hill), Crane Peak and Bright Moon Peak surround Diecai Hill.

Pearl Workshop: Guangxi Province, Guilin City belongs to, is famous for pearl production, the pearl raised and found in the sea south to Guangxi Province is considered as the best salt water pearl in the world, during the visits, you can get some knowledge about pearl oyster raise and have a chance to buy some real good quality of pearl. ( B, L )

Longshen: A county located in the northern mountains area of Guilin, the home to ethnic minority peoples including Dong, Miao,Zhuang and Yao Peoples, the local ethnic peoples built terraced rice fields along the slopes of the mountains from the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), after the untiring works generation after generation, the terraces wind from the foot to the top of the hills, look like great chains or ribbons. A 40 minute walk up the stone covered paths and steps reveal the Dragons Backbone, which is called "The champion of the terrace world". Visit Zhuang village and Yao minority villages, and Pingan village, the architecture is unique as no nails are used in construction. The different minority customs and local peoples dressing style are specially delicate and beautiful.

Late afternoon, transfer to the airport for our flight to Shanghai, arrival and transfer to our hotel for overnight. ( B )

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.

Shanghai Museum: The best of this kind in China, its galleries contain world class collections of archaeological findings, fine arts and historical relics. The Bronze Gallery is a must –see section, the pride of this museum and splendid Chinese history.

Former French Concession: Represented by the leafy Fuxing Park and colonial architecture built in the early year of 20 century, and Xintiandi District which is rebuilt from some old neighborhoods featuring in old style local character buildings and now turning into the one of the most modern & trendy place in Shanghai.

The Bund: A waterfront promenade lined with a mile –long of European art-deco buildings, representing the prosperousness of this city in the early of 20 century, when it was know as “ Paris in the Orient”, nowadays this is an ideal place to experience the rapid development of China’s economy in the past 30 years by witness the imposing skyline of the new development district across the river. ( B, L )