13 Day Affordable China with Yangtze River Cruise Private Tour

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 )

Aiming to be a magnet of the worlds finance, the building boasts functions of first class financial centers, able to showcase monetary talents, cultural and art exhibitions and information from all over the world. Modern office facilities, sightseeing floor at 474 meters (about 1,555 feet) above the ground, luxury hotel and multi-function meeting facilities are all available here, and over twenty multinational financial institutions will move into the ultra-modern building. More than forty enterprises from Japan and American invested together to construct this high-rises building.

The construction started in 1997 and continued after a six-year shutdown caused by the Asian financial crisis. With the intention to be the tallest building in the whole world, seven more floors were added after revisions to the previous design. Basement two to F3 is maintained for shopping malls. Meeting facilities and offices are distributed on F3-5 and F7-77. The Park Hyatt Hotel is located on F79-93 and F94-100 is used for sightseeing. The sightseeing hall was opened to public on August 30. It ranked the tallest sightseeing hall in the world by the time it was built.

Like all skyscrapers in the world, security is a major issue of particular concern. The capability to withstand fire, wind, impacts, earthquakes and thunder is considered thoroughly at the very beginning of the design. SWFC can survive a massive 8 magnitude earthquake. There are fireproofed floors for escape a dozen sets of obstacle indicator lights to warn low flying aircraft, as well as two wind dampers to reduce wind acceleration by 40. In addition to lightning conductors covering the building, its glazed glass skin also protects against lightning and looks good too. ( B )

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. ( B, L, D )

The Daning River and 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. ( B, L, D )

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 )

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 )

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 )

Aiming to be a magnet of the worlds finance, the building boasts functions of first class financial centers, able to showcase monetary talents, cultural and art exhibitions and information from all over the world. Modern office facilities, sightseeing floor at 474 meters (about 1,555 feet) above the ground, luxury hotel and multi-function meeting facilities are all available here, and over twenty multinational financial institutions will move into the ultra-modern building. More than forty enterprises from Japan and American invested together to construct this high-rises building.

The construction started in 1997 and continued after a six-year shutdown caused by the Asian financial crisis. With the intention to be the tallest building in the whole world, seven more floors were added after revisions to the previous design. Basement two to F3 is maintained for shopping malls. Meeting facilities and offices are distributed on F3-5 and F7-77. The Park Hyatt Hotel is located on F79-93 and F94-100 is used for sightseeing. The sightseeing hall was opened to public on August 30. It ranked the tallest sightseeing hall in the world by the time it was built.

Like all skyscrapers in the world, security is a major issue of particular concern. The capability to withstand fire, wind, impacts, earthquakes and thunder is considered thoroughly at the very beginning of the design. SWFC can survive a massive 8 magnitude earthquake. There are fireproofed floors for escape a dozen sets of obstacle indicator lights to warn low flying aircraft, as well as two wind dampers to reduce wind acceleration by 40. In addition to lightning conductors covering the building, its glazed glass skin also protects against lightning and looks good too. ( B )

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. ( B, L, D )

The Daning River and 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. ( B, L, D )

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 )

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 )