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DAY 1, Friday - Depart for China
Depart for China
DAY 2, Saturday - Arrive in Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, sprawling capital of modern China; meeting and transfer to your hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure to rest, relax and acclimate to your new surroundings
Overnight: Beijing
DAY 3, Sunday - Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven
In the morning, following breakfast, join your Tour Manager and fellow travelers for an orientation meeting about the extraordinary journey that lies ahead. After, your exploration of Beijing begins at huge Tiananmen Square, the largest public plaza in the world, built at the height of the Ming Dynasty. The square's Gate of Heavenly Peace was once used as a staging ground for imperial edicts and by Mao Zedong himself to declare the founding of the People's Republic in 1949. Enter the Forbidden City, once a residence of Chinese emperors from the Ming to the Qing dynasties. This extraordinary walled complex, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is truly a masterpiece of Chinese architecture; its complex consists of 800 buildings with more than 9,000 rooms. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant and visit a pearl shop to learn about the popular Chinese pearls. After, travel to the massive Temple of Heaven, a Ming dynasty complex where emperors held their ritual prayer ceremony, paying homage to heaven
Overnight: Beijing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4, Monday - Great Wall of China & Summer Palace Tour
Travel to the 2000-year-old Great Wall of China, one of the most amazing structures ever built by man, spanning nearly 4,000 miles of China's northern frontier. En route you will stop at a local jade shop to admire wares crafted with one of China's most famous materials. After lunch at a nearby restaurant, continue to the fabled Summer Palace, former resort of the Empress Dowager and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a relaxing boat ride across the lake and admire the stunning scenery. Stroll along the sprawling palace with its lakes and gardens before returning to Beijing
Overnight: Beijing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 5, Tuesday - Flight to Xian
Morning flight to Xian, ancient capital of eleven dynasties and an archaeological treasure trove. Lunch is at a local restaurant upon arrival. Later this afternoon, trace the beginnings of Chinese civilization at the Shaanxi Provincial Museum, home to a wealth of historical artifacts and treasures dating back to the Han and Tang dynasties; view the remarkable Tang Dynasty murals dramatically depicting life in ancient China. This evening, attend the optional Tang Dynasty 6-course dinner followed by a historical dance performance by the Tang Dynasty Troupe
Optional: Tang Dynasty Dinner with Entertainment
Overnight: Xian
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 6, Wednesday - Xian and the Terracotta Warriors
Morning visit to Xingqing park, center of the city's lively activities, where you may have the chance to join the residents in their morning exercise, singing and dancing. Afterward, stop at a lacquer furniture shop to learn more about this ancient technique that is still used today. After lunch at a local restaurant, an unforgettable experience awaits! Visit the archaeological site of the magnificent Terracotta Warriors, a vast collection of life-size soldiers, horses and chariots that were entombed with China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. This world-famous site, discovered by local farmers in 1974, is still being excavated today, more than forty years since the time of its first unearthing. At tonight's optional dumpling banquet, you can sample 15 delicious varieties of dumplings
Optional: Dumpling Dinner
Overnight: Xian
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 7, Thursday - High-Speed Train to Chengdu
This morning, visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, one of the most famous Buddhist pagodas in China, constructed during the Tang Dynasty. It was moderately damaged during the major earthquake in 1556 and still stands today as a compelling symbol of Xian. Lunch is at a local restaurant. Afterward, board a high-speed train to Chengdu, capital city of Sichuan Province with its distinctive culture and very spicy food. Tonight, gather together for dinnerat a local restaurant
Overnight: Chengdu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8, Friday - Leshan Stone Buddha and Huanglongxi Village
Begin the day with a visit to Leshan, home of the famous stone Buddha which stands at nearly 230 feet high and dates back from 713 AD. Board a boat to approach the base of this impressive, larger than life statue carved into a cliff face along the river. Have lunch at a local restaurant and then travel back to Chengdu via Huanglongxi. Stop here to explore the stone paved streets and ancient, wooden houses of this traditional village, constructed during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Later attend the optional Sichuan Opera Show. Be swept away and mesmerized by a colorful Sichuan Opera as performers take the stage in elaborate costumes to enact various performances
Optional: Sichuan Opera Show (PM)
Overnight: Chengdu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 9, Saturday - Chengdu Panda Research Center
Travel to the Chengdu Panda Research Base of giant panda breeding, a facility dedicated to the preservation and protection of the pandas, to view and learn about Chengdu's most famous, furry celebrities. Due to many factors, including habitat destruction, pandas have become an endangered species. Housing more than 80 giant pandas, the center is one of the largest panda breeding facilities in the world. Visit the Giant Panda Museum to learn more about the conservation efforts conducted at the center. After lunch at a local restaurant, drive back into town and visit the peaceful and serene People's Park, a popular destination for the locals and their leisure activities. Afterward, stroll along pedestrianized Jinli street, one of the oldest streets that was once the center of Chengdu's thriving embroidery industry. The shops, tea houses and residences, now renovated, are modeled after an ancient architectural style dating back to the Qin Dynasty. Dinner together tonight at a local restaurant
Overnight: Chengdu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10, Sunday - Flight to Shanghai
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to cosmopolitan Shanghai, the fastest growing city in Asia, with its dramatic ever-changing skyline. Have lunch at a local restaurant, then visit the classical Yuyuan Garden (Garden of Happiness) built during the Ming dynasty. This beautiful and serene sanctuary features pagodas, lakes, and magnificent pavilions. Tonight, perhaps explore some of the city's world-class international restaurants on your own. This evening, be sure to attend the optional Acrobatic Show with dinner. The Shanghai Circus death defiers will amaze and astound you with their high-flying versatility, fearlessness, and flexibility
Optional: Acrobatic Show with Dinner
Overnight: Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 11, Monday - Shanghai City Tour
This morning, experience the old world charm of the Bund, as you walk along the park-like waterfront promenade with gorgeous vistas of old and new Shanghai. After lunch, stop at a local silk carpet and embroidery shop to learn more about this ancient Chinese craft and see some of the beautiful creations. Next, visit the Jade Buddha Temple, built during the Qing Dynasty to enshrine two beautiful jade Buddha statues given as a gift from Burma. These precious statues are rare cultural relics carved with sparkling and crystal-clear white jade, giving them an aura of sanctity and purity. The rest of the afternoon is yours to discover the rhythm of this vivacious city on your own. Tonight, gather together for a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight: Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12, Tuesday - Depart China
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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DAY 1, Sunday - Depart for China
Depart for China
DAY 2, Monday - Arrive in Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, sprawling capital of modern China; meeting and transfer to your hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure to rest, relax and acclimate to your new surroundings
Overnight: Beijing
DAY 3, Tuesday - Great Wall of China & Summer Palace Tour
In the morning, following breakfast, join your Tour Manager and fellow travelers for an orientation meeting about the extraordinary journey that lies ahead. After, travel to the 2000-year-old Great Wall of China, one of the most amazing structures ever built by man, spanning nearly 4,000 miles of China's northern frontier. En route you will stop at a local jade shop to admire wares crafted with one of China's most famous materials. After lunch at a nearby restaurant, continue to the fabled Summer Palace, former resort of the Empress Dowager and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a relaxing boat ride across the lake and admire the stunning scenery. Stroll along the sprawling palace with its lakes and gardens before returning to Beijing
Overnight: Beijing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4, Wednesday - Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven
Your exploration of Beijing begins at huge Tiananmen Square, the largest public plaza in the world, built at the height of the Ming Dynasty. The square's Gate of Heavenly Peace was once used as a staging ground for imperial edicts and by Mao Zedong himself to declare the founding of the People's Republic in 1949. Enter the Forbidden City, once a residence of Chinese emperors from the Ming to the Qing dynasties. This extraordinary walled complex, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is truly a masterpiece of Chinese architecture; its complex consists of 800 buildings with more than 9,000 rooms. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant and visit a pearl shop to learn about the popular Chinese pearls. After, travel to the massive Temple of Heaven, a Ming dynasty complex where emperors held their ritual prayer ceremony, paying homage to heaven
Overnight: Beijing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 5, Thursday - Flight to Xian
Morning flight to Xian, ancient capital of eleven dynasties and an archaeological treasure trove. Lunch is at a local restaurant upon arrival. Later this afternoon, trace the beginnings of Chinese civilization at the Shaanxi Provincial Museum, home to a wealth of historical artifacts and treasures dating back to the Han and Tang dynasties; view the remarkable Tang Dynasty murals dramatically depicting life in ancient China. This evening, attend the optional Tang Dynasty 6-course dinner followed by a historical dance performance by the Tang Dynasty Troupe
Optional: Tang Dynasty Dinner with Entertainment
Overnight: Xian
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 6, Friday - Xian and the Terracotta Warriors
Morning visit to Xingqing park, center of the city's lively activities, where you may have the chance to join the residents in their morning exercise, singing and dancing. Afterward, stop at a lacquer furniture shop to learn more about this ancient technique that is still used today. After lunch at a local restaurant, an unforgettable experience awaits! Visit the archaeological site of the magnificent Terracotta Warriors, a vast collection of life-size soldiers, horses and chariots that were entombed with China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. This world-famous site, discovered by local farmers in 1974, is still being excavated today, more than forty years since the time of its first unearthing. At tonight's optional dumpling banquet, you can sample 15 delicious varieties of dumplings
Optional: Dumpling Dinner
Overnight: Xian
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 7, Saturday - High-Speed Train to Chengdu
This morning, visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, one of the most famous Buddhist pagodas in China, constructed during the Tang Dynasty. It was moderately damaged during the major earthquake in 1556 and still stands today as a compelling symbol of Xian. Lunch is at a local restaurant. Afterward, board a high-speed train to Chengdu, capital city of Sichuan Province with its distinctive culture and very spicy food. Tonight, gather together for dinnerat a local restaurant
Overnight: Chengdu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8, Sunday - Leshan Stone Buddha and Huanglongxi Village
Begin the day with a visit to Leshan, home of the famous stone Buddha which stands at nearly 230 feet high and dates back from 713 AD. Board a boat to approach the base of this impressive, larger than life statue carved into a cliff face along the river. Have lunch at a local restaurant and then travel back to Chengdu via Huanglongxi. Stop here to explore the stone paved streets and ancient, wooden houses of this traditional village, constructed during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Later attend the optional Sichuan Opera Show. Be swept away and mesmerized by a colorful Sichuan Opera as performers take the stage in elaborate costumes to enact various performances
Optional: Sichuan Opera Show (PM)
Overnight: Chengdu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 9, Monday - Chengdu Panda Research Center
Travel to the Chengdu Panda Research Base of giant panda breeding, a facility dedicated to the preservation and protection of the pandas, to view and learn about Chengdu's most famous, furry celebrities. Due to many factors, including habitat destruction, pandas have become an endangered species. Housing more than 80 giant pandas, the center is one of the largest panda breeding facilities in the world. Visit the Giant Panda Museum to learn more about the conservation efforts conducted at the center. After lunch at a local restaurant, drive back into town and visit the peaceful and serene People's Park, a popular destination for the locals and their leisure activities. Afterward, stroll along pedestrianized Jinli street, one of the oldest streets that was once the center of Chengdu's thriving embroidery industry. The shops, tea houses and residences, now renovated, are modeled after an ancient architectural style dating back to the Qin Dynasty. Dinner together tonight at a local restaurant
Overnight: Chengdu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10, Tuesday - Flight to Shanghai
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to cosmopolitan Shanghai, the fastest growing city in Asia, with its dramatic ever-changing skyline. Have lunch at a local restaurant and spend the balance of the day is at leisure. Tonight, perhaps explore some of the city's world-class international restaurants on your own. This evening, be sure to attend the optional Acrobatic Show with dinner. The Shanghai Circus death defiers will amaze and astound you with their high-flying versatility, fearlessness, and flexibility
Optional: Acrobatic Show with Dinner
Overnight: Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 11, Wednesday - Shanghai City Tour
This morning, experience the old world charm of the Bund, as you walk along the park-like waterfront promenade with gorgeous vistas of old and new Shanghai. Next, visit the classical Yuyuan Garden (Garden of Happiness) built during the Ming dynasty. This beautiful and serene sanctuary features pagodas, lakes, and magnificent pavilions. After lunch, stop at a local silk carpet and embroidery shop to learn more about this ancient Chinese craft and see some of the beautiful creations. Next, visit the Jade Buddha Temple, built during the Qing Dynasty to enshrine two beautiful jade Buddha statues given as a gift from Burma. These precious statues are rare cultural relics carved with sparkling and crystal-clear white jade, giving them an aura of sanctity and purity. The rest of the afternoon is yours to discover the rhythm of this vivacious city on your own. Tonight, gather together for a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight: Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12, Thursday - Depart China
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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DAY 1, Tuesday - Depart for China
Depart for China
DAY 2, Wednesday - Arrive in Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, sprawling capital of modern China; meeting and transfer to your hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure to rest, relax and acclimate to your new surroundings
Overnight: Beijing
DAY 3, Thursday - Great Wall of China & Summer Palace Tour
In the morning, following breakfast, join your Tour Manager and fellow travelers for an orientation meeting about the extraordinary journey that lies ahead. After, travel to the 2000-year-old Great Wall of China, one of the most amazing structures ever built by man, spanning nearly 4,000 miles of China's northern frontier. En route you will stop at a local jade shop to admire wares crafted with one of China's most famous materials. After lunch at a nearby restaurant, continue to the fabled Summer Palace, former resort of the Empress Dowager and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a relaxing boat ride across the lake and admire the stunning scenery. Stroll along the sprawling palace with its lakes and gardens before returning to Beijing
Overnight: Beijing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4, Friday - Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven
Your exploration of Beijing begins at huge Tiananmen Square, the largest public plaza in the world, built at the height of the Ming Dynasty. The square's Gate of Heavenly Peace was once used as a staging ground for imperial edicts and by Mao Zedong himself to declare the founding of the People's Republic in 1949. Enter the Forbidden City, once a residence of Chinese emperors from the Ming to the Qing dynasties. This extraordinary walled complex, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is truly a masterpiece of Chinese architecture; its complex consists of 800 buildings with more than 9,000 rooms. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant and visit a pearl shop to learn about the popular Chinese pearls. After, travel to the massive Temple of Heaven, a Ming dynasty complex where emperors held their ritual prayer ceremony, paying homage to heaven
Overnight: Beijing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 5, Saturday - Flight to Xian
Morning flight to Xian, ancient capital of eleven dynasties and an archaeological treasure trove. Lunch is at a local restaurant upon arrival. Later this afternoon, trace the beginnings of Chinese civilization at the Shaanxi Provincial Museum, home to a wealth of historical artifacts and treasures dating back to the Han and Tang dynasties; view the remarkable Tang Dynasty murals dramatically depicting life in ancient China. This evening, attend the optional Tang Dynasty 6-course dinner followed by a historical dance performance by the Tang Dynasty Troupe
Optional: Tang Dynasty Dinner with Entertainment
Overnight: Xian
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 6, Sunday - Xian and the Terracotta Warriors
Morning visit to Xingqing park, center of the city's lively activities, where you may have the chance to join the residents in their morning exercise, singing and dancing. Afterward, stop at a lacquer furniture shop to learn more about this ancient technique that is still used today. After lunch at a local restaurant, an unforgettable experience awaits! Visit the archaeological site of the magnificent Terracotta Warriors, a vast collection of life-size soldiers, horses and chariots that were entombed with China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. This world-famous site, discovered by local farmers in 1974, is still being excavated today, more than forty years since the time of its first unearthing. At tonight's optional dumpling banquet, you can sample 15 delicious varieties of dumplings
Optional: Dumpling Dinner
Overnight: Xian
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 7, Monday - High-Speed Train to Chengdu
This morning, visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, one of the most famous Buddhist pagodas in China, constructed during the Tang Dynasty. It was moderately damaged during the major earthquake in 1556 and still stands today as a compelling symbol of Xian. Lunch is at a local restaurant. Afterward, board a high-speed train to Chengdu, capital city of Sichuan Province with its distinctive culture and very spicy food. Tonight, gather together for dinnerat a local restaurant
Overnight: Chengdu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8, Tuesday - Leshan Stone Buddha and Huanglongxi Village
Begin the day with a visit to Leshan, home of the famous stone Buddha which stands at nearly 230 feet high and dates back from 713 AD. Board a boat to approach the base of this impressive, larger than life statue carved into a cliff face along the river. Have lunch at a local restaurant and then travel back to Chengdu via Huanglongxi. Stop here to explore the stone paved streets and ancient, wooden houses of this traditional village, constructed during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Later attend the optional Sichuan Opera Show. Be swept away and mesmerized by a colorful Sichuan Opera as performers take the stage in elaborate costumes to enact various performances
Optional: Sichuan Opera Show (PM)
Overnight: Chengdu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 9, Wednesday - Chengdu Panda Research Center
Travel to the Chengdu Panda Research Base of giant panda breeding, a facility dedicated to the preservation and protection of the pandas, to view and learn about Chengdu's most famous, furry celebrities. Due to many factors, including habitat destruction, pandas have become an endangered species. Housing more than 80 giant pandas, the center is one of the largest panda breeding facilities in the world. Visit the Giant Panda Museum to learn more about the conservation efforts conducted at the center. After lunch at a local restaurant, drive back into town and visit the peaceful and serene People's Park, a popular destination for the locals and their leisure activities. Afterward, stroll along pedestrianized Jinli street, one of the oldest streets that was once the center of Chengdu's thriving embroidery industry. The shops, tea houses and residences, now renovated, are modeled after an ancient architectural style dating back to the Qin Dynasty. Dinner together tonight at a local restaurant
Overnight: Chengdu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10, Thursday - Flight to Shanghai
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to cosmopolitan Shanghai, the fastest growing city in Asia, with its dramatic ever-changing skyline. Have lunch at a local restaurant and spend the balance of the day is at leisure. Tonight, perhaps explore some of the city's world-class international restaurants on your own. This evening, be sure to attend the optional Acrobatic Show with dinner. The Shanghai Circus death defiers will amaze and astound you with their high-flying versatility, fearlessness, and flexibility
Optional: Acrobatic Show with Dinner
Overnight: Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 11, Friday - Shanghai City Tour
This morning, experience the old world charm of the Bund, as you walk along the park-like waterfront promenade with gorgeous vistas of old and new Shanghai. Next, visit the classical Yuyuan Garden (Garden of Happiness) built during the Ming dynasty. This beautiful and serene sanctuary features pagodas, lakes, and magnificent pavilions. After lunch, stop at a local silk carpet and embroidery shop to learn more about this ancient Chinese craft and see some of the beautiful creations. Next, visit the Jade Buddha Temple, built during the Qing Dynasty to enshrine two beautiful jade Buddha statues given as a gift from Burma. These precious statues are rare cultural relics carved with sparkling and crystal-clear white jade, giving them an aura of sanctity and purity. The rest of the afternoon is yours to discover the rhythm of this vivacious city on your own. Tonight, gather together for a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight: Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12, Saturday - Depart China
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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DAY 1, Wednesday - Depart for China
Depart for China
DAY 2, Thursday - Arrive in Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, sprawling capital of modern China; meeting and transfer to your hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure to rest, relax and acclimate to your new surroundings
Overnight: Beijing
DAY 3, Friday - Great Wall of China & Summer Palace Tour
In the morning, following breakfast, join your Tour Manager and fellow travelers for an orientation meeting about the extraordinary journey that lies ahead. After, travel to the 2000-year-old Great Wall of China, one of the most amazing structures ever built by man, spanning nearly 4,000 miles of China's northern frontier. En route you will stop at a local jade shop to admire wares crafted with one of China's most famous materials. After lunch at a nearby restaurant, continue to the fabled Summer Palace, former resort of the Empress Dowager and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a relaxing boat ride across the lake and admire the stunning scenery. Stroll along the sprawling palace with its lakes and gardens before returning to Beijing
Overnight: Beijing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4, Saturday - Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven
Your exploration of Beijing begins at huge Tiananmen Square, the largest public plaza in the world, built at the height of the Ming Dynasty. The square's Gate of Heavenly Peace was once used as a staging ground for imperial edicts and by Mao Zedong himself to declare the founding of the People's Republic in 1949. Enter the Forbidden City, once a residence of Chinese emperors from the Ming to the Qing dynasties. This extraordinary walled complex, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is truly a masterpiece of Chinese architecture; its complex consists of 800 buildings with more than 9,000 rooms. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant and visit a pearl shop to learn about the popular Chinese pearls. After, travel to the massive Temple of Heaven, a Ming dynasty complex where emperors held their ritual prayer ceremony, paying homage to heaven
Overnight: Beijing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 5, Sunday - Flight to Xian
Morning flight to Xian, ancient capital of eleven dynasties and an archaeological treasure trove. Lunch is at a local restaurant upon arrival. Later this afternoon, visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, one of the most famous Buddhist pagodas in China, constructed during the Tang Dynasty. It was moderately damaged during the major earthquake in 1556 and still stands today as a compelling symbol of Xian. This evening, attend the optional Tang Dynasty 6-course dinner followed by a historical dance performance by the Tang Dynasty Troupe
Optional: Tang Dynasty Dinner with Entertainment
Overnight: Xian
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 6, Monday - Xian and the Terracotta Warriors
Morning visit to Xingqing park, center of the city's lively activities, where you may have the chance to join the residents in their morning exercise, singing and dancing. Afterward, stop at a lacquer furniture shop to learn more about this ancient technique that is still used today. After lunch at a local restaurant, an unforgettable experience awaits! Visit the archaeological site of the magnificent Terracotta Warriors, a vast collection of life-size soldiers, horses and chariots that were entombed with China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. This world-famous site, discovered by local farmers in 1974, is still being excavated today, more than forty years since the time of its first unearthing. At tonight's optional dumpling banquet, you can sample 15 delicious varieties of dumplings
Optional: Dumpling Dinner
Overnight: Xian
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 7, Tuesday - High-Speed Train to Chengdu
This morning, trace the beginnings of Chinese civilization at the Shaanxi Provincial Museum, home to a wealth of historical artifacts and treasures dating back to the Han and Tang dynasties; view the remarkable Tang Dynasty murals dramatically depicting life in ancient China. Lunch is at a local restaurant. Afterward, board a high-speed train to Chengdu, capital city of Sichuan Province with its distinctive culture and very spicy food. Tonight, gather together for dinnerat a local restaurant
Overnight: Chengdu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8, Wednesday - Leshan Stone Buddha and Huanglongxi Village
Begin the day with a visit to Leshan, home of the famous stone Buddha which stands at nearly 230 feet high and dates back from 713 AD. Board a boat to approach the base of this impressive, larger than life statue carved into a cliff face along the river. Have lunch at a local restaurant and then travel back to Chengdu via Huanglongxi. Stop here to explore the stone paved streets and ancient, wooden houses of this traditional village, constructed during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Later attend the optional Sichuan Opera Show. Be swept away and mesmerized by a colorful Sichuan Opera as performers take the stage in elaborate costumes to enact various performances
Optional: Sichuan Opera Show (PM)
Overnight: Chengdu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 9, Thursday - Chengdu Panda Research Center
Travel to the Chengdu Panda Research Base of giant panda breeding, a facility dedicated to the preservation and protection of the pandas, to view and learn about Chengdu's most famous, furry celebrities. Due to many factors, including habitat destruction, pandas have become an endangered species. Housing more than 80 giant pandas, the center is one of the largest panda breeding facilities in the world. Visit the Giant Panda Museum to learn more about the conservation efforts conducted at the center. After lunch at a local restaurant, drive back into town and visit the peaceful and serene People's Park, a popular destination for the locals and their leisure activities. Afterward, stroll along pedestrianized Jinli street, one of the oldest streets that was once the center of Chengdu's thriving embroidery industry. The shops, tea houses and residences, now renovated, are modeled after an ancient architectural style dating back to the Qin Dynasty. Dinner together tonight at a local restaurant
Overnight: Chengdu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10, Friday - Flight to Shanghai
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to cosmopolitan Shanghai, the fastest growing city in Asia, with its dramatic ever-changing skyline. Have lunch at a local restaurant and spend the balance of the day is at leisure. Tonight, perhaps explore some of the city's world-class international restaurants on your own. This evening, be sure to attend the optional Acrobatic Show with dinner. The Shanghai Circus death defiers will amaze and astound you with their high-flying versatility, fearlessness, and flexibility
Optional: Acrobatic Show with Dinner
Overnight: Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 11, Saturday - Shanghai City Tour
This morning, experience the old world charm of the Bund, as you walk along the park-like waterfront promenade with gorgeous vistas of old and new Shanghai. Next, visit the classical Yuyuan Garden (Garden of Happiness) built during the Ming dynasty. This beautiful and serene sanctuary features pagodas, lakes, and magnificent pavilions. After lunch, stop at a local silk carpet and embroidery shop to learn more about this ancient Chinese craft and see some of the beautiful creations. Next, visit the Jade Buddha Temple, built during the Qing Dynasty to enshrine two beautiful jade Buddha statues given as a gift from Burma. These precious statues are rare cultural relics carved with sparkling and crystal-clear white jade, giving them an aura of sanctity and purity. The rest of the afternoon is yours to discover the rhythm of this vivacious city on your own. Tonight, gather together for a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight: Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12, Sunday - Depart China
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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