Essence of China

Tour operates: March until November
No of days: 12 Tour cost from: 1235 US Dollar
Tour Route: Beijing/Xian/Hangzhou/Suzhou/Shanghai
Transport: Private busses, overnight soft sleeper trains, domestic economy flights
Tour starting point: Beijing

Itinerary

Day 1- Beijing
Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Free day to recover from jetlag (D)

Day 2 Beijing
Excursion to the Great Wall at Mutianyue, 70kms northwest of Beijing.
In the afternoon, we visit the Summer Place. (BLD)
Day 3 Beijing
Today we visit Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and the visit the old Hutong by rickshaw. In the evening, we watch the famous Beijing Opera (BLD)

Day 4- Xian
Free morning before transferring to the airport for Xian, one of the 4 great ancient capitals of China. Free afternoon. Overnight in Xian (BLD)

Day 5- Xian
A morning visit to the fascinating Terracotta Warriors. The warriors date back to more than two thousand years and were originally built to protect the Emperor Qin Shi Huan in his afterlife. In the afternoon, we explore Shanxi history museum, and the Great mosque. (BLD)

Day 6- Xian-Hangzhou
Flight to Hangzhou. Hangzhou is infamous for its natural beauty and historical and cultural heritage. On arrival we visit to Lingyin Temple (Monastery of the Hidden Souls). It is one of the most famous ancient Buddhist temples in China and houses a variety of Buddhist literature and treasures.
The next stop is the Meijiawu Tea Plantation where you will experience the unique tea culture, sample fragrant tea and appreciate the beautiful village scenery. Overnight in Hangzhou (BLD)

Day 7- Hangzhou
Today's we cruise the beautiful West Lake and visit Lei Feng Pagoda. The pagoda was originally built in 975AD to celebrate the birth of Emporer’s Qian Chu’s son, Huang Fei. After centuries of disrepair, pillaging by the locals and attacks by Japanese pirates, the pagoda was rebuilt in 2002.
The afternoon is spent at the Huqingyu Tang Chinese Medicine Museum. The Museum of Chinese Traditional Herbal Medicine is a key cultural relic and historic site under the protection of the government. It is housed in the ancient buildings of a famous Hangzhou Chinese herbal medicine shop. The exhibition halls introduce the origin, development and application of traditional Chinese medicine and its role in the history of medicine. Overnight in Hangzhou, (BLD)

Day 8- Suzhou
This morning you'll be transferred to Suzhou by train. The Humble Administrator's Garden (Zhouzheng Yuan) is the first stop in Suzhou. It is one of 4 great gardens in China and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Afterwards, we are head to the Grand Canal, the longest man-made waterway in the world. Cruising on the Canal, you can observe the lifestyle of local people. Suzhou is also famous for its silk production and the last item of the day is a visit to the No.1 silk factory where you can observe the production of silk from the silk worm to the final woven cloth. (BLD)

Day 9- Shanghai
This morning we visit Hanshan Temple or Cold Mountain temple. The temple was made famous throughout East Asia by the Tang dynasty poet, Zhang Ji, who wrote the poem "A Night Mooring by Maple Bridge" referring to the Cold Mountain temple.
Before heading off to Shanghai, we visit the ancient Zhou village where we cruise the town’s canals. The waterways are cris-crossed with stone bridges and old residences with black tiles and white wells line the banks. (BLD)

Day 10- Shanghai
Today we visit the lovely old Yuyuan Garden, the Shanghai Museum, and the famous Oriental TV Tower (also known as the Pearl Tower, for its distinctive shape). The second-highest platform provides wonderful views over Shanghai and the Huang Pu River. Overnight in Shanghai (BLD)

Day 11- Shanghai
A full free day on your own to explore more of Shanghai, with its phenomenal mixture of space-age buildings, glamerous shops, and of course, the old Concession areas of Nanjing Road and the Bund. Shanghai has a buzz that is all its own! We if you would like to organize any activities please talk to your guide for help. (BLD)

Day 12- Onward flight
The tour will end with airport transfer. (B)
(Note) If you would like to extend your trip to other part of China please write to us for more information.

Key- (BLD)
B-Breakfast
L- Lunch
D- Dinner

Guarantee departures: Daily
Minimum 2 people.

Tours Cost

No of Pax.	2	3-5	6-9	10-18	Single Supplement
Price in US Dollar per person	$ 2020	$ 1550	$ 1235	$250	$250

TOUR COST INCLUDES
• All domestic transportation and transfers, train soft seat class, domestic flights mentioned in the itinerary.
• Twin sharing accommodation at hotel 3 star plus with en-suite private facilities
• Meals full board
• All the sightseeing tours as described in the itinerary and entrance fees
• English-speaking guides

TOUR COST EXCLUDES
• Visa Fees.
• Expenses in hotels such as laundry, telephone and room service, etc.
• Optional activities
• Meals not mention above
• Personal expanses
• Tips for Guides and drivers