 |
16-Day Tour of Beijing, Urumqi, Turpan, Kashgar, Dunhuang, Jiayuguan, Lanzhou, Xi'an and Shanghai |
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
|
 |
| Arrive
Beijing, the capital of the People's Republic of China. Meet
your guide upon arrival and transfer to your deluxe hotel.
|
|
|
|
| Morning
tour to Tiananmen Square, located in the heart of the capital,
and the Imperial Palace, known as the Forbidden City - one of
the greatest feats of ancient Chinese architecture. Afternoon
sightseeing includes Summer Palace - a former summer resort
area of the royal family. Welcome Peking Duck Banquet in the
evening. |
|
|
|
|
| Full day excursion
to the Great Wall - the landmark of China. It is one of the most amazing
feats of human labour - the only man-made construction on earth visible
from outer space. After lunch, a drive to the Ming Tombs along the
Sacred Way with giant marble figures and animals guarding the tomb
area for deceased emperors of the Ming Dynasty. |
|
|
|
| Morning tour
to the Temple of Heaven where the emperors prayed for good harvest.
Fly to the oasis of Urumqi after lunch, capital of Xinjiang Uygur
Autonomous Region. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your
deluxe hotel. |
|
|
|
| A full day
is spent visiting Heavenly Lake which lies at 1,980m above sea level.
Ice-covered peaks, cypresses, pines, wild flowers, grazing animals
and foggy mountain paths make it a hiker's paradise. Boat ride on
Heavenly Lake. After dinner, a short flight brings you to Kashgar
at the foot of the Pamir Mountains, one of the westernmost points
of China. Kashgar was a key trading point on the Silk Route.
|
|
|
|
| Begin
your discovery today with visits to the Abakh Hoja Tomb and the great
Id Kah Mosque fronted by the busy square. Then roam through Kashgar's
colorful bazaar. Some would say it is the largest bazaar in Central
Asia. Fly back to Urumqi by air in the evening. |
|
Day 10 Dunhuang - Jiayuguan Pass |
|
 |
|
|
| A 5-hour drive
brings you to Jiayuguan Pass, the western end of the Great Wall. Upon
arrival, stroll on the Great Wall. |
|
Day 11 Jiayuguan Pass - Lanzhou |
|
|
|
|
| Drive to Jiuquan
in the morning, 30km east to Jiayuguan Pass. Visit the famous Site
of Wine Spring(Jiuquan) of Western Han (206 B.C.-A.D.24), ancient
Bell and Drum Tower and a factory where world famous luminous wine
cups are made. Board an overnight train to Lanzhou. |
|
|
|
| Arrive Lanzhou
in the morning, the capital of Gansu Province, set on the banks of
the Yellow River. The city has been a main caravan junction for 2,000
years. Visit the Five Springs Park , White Pagoda Hills and the Waterwheel
by the Yellow River. Boat ride on Yellow River. |
|
|
|
|
Take morning
flight to Xi'an, the great ancient capital and the eastern end of
the Silk Road. City tour begins with a ceremony for welcoming guests
into Xi'an city on the ancient City Wall which was built in 1370
A.D. The ceremony in the style of ancients is held there in order
to reproduce the high courteous reception of the prosperous Tang
dynasty according to the historical records. Afternoon visit to
Big Wild Goose Pagoda which was built in 652 A.D. It contains a
large volume of Buddhist scriptures which were obtained from India
by the eminent monk of Xuanzang. Attend a special Tang Dynasty Dinner
and Show in the evening.
|
|
|
|
|
Full day
excursion to the unparalleled highlight Terra-Cotta Warriors and
Horses at the Tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor in China.
Added highlights are a visit to the Huaqing Hot Spring - a former
resort area especially for the emperors and the royal family and
a visit to Banpo Village - the remains of a neolithic village dating
back 6,000 years. Primitive tools and household utensils are displayed
in the Banpo Museum. Time permits, visit factory where copies of
Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses are made. With the introduction
of the workman there, you may try to use clay and mould to make
the copies of Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses yourself.
|
|
|
|
|
Fly to Shanghai,
the bustling commercial heart of China, known as the "Paris
of the East". The tour begins with a stroll along the lively
waterfront "The Bund", then a visit to the Jade Buddha
Temple where two rare jade statues of Sakyamuni Buddha are treasured.
Remainder of the afternoon is free to shop and explore. An acrobatic
show for your evening entertainment.
|
|
|
|
|
Your fascinating
journey comes to an end as you board your international flight home.
|
|
