HIGHLIGHTS: You will experience “Classical China” on this two-week adventure that follows the footsteps of ancient emperors through China’s Imperial cities.

DAY 1: ARRIVE BEIJING
Upon arrival in Beijing, you will be greeted and transferred to your choice of hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure to explore this exciting city. Overnight: Beijing, Park Plaza Hotel (Standard), Crowne Plaza (First Class) or Peninsula Palace (Deluxe) for 4 nights.

DAY 2: TIANANMEN SQUARE& FORBIDDEN CITY
After breakfast, travel with your guide to Tiananmen Square—an historical and aweinspiring icon. Walk to the Forbidden City, the sacred heart of this empire for over 500 years. In the afternoon, see the Summer Palace. (B,L)

DAY 3: MING TOMBS & THE GREAT WALL
Head north today towards the Ming Tombs and walk The Sacred Way, lined with ancient statues. The Changling Tomb tells you how the Chinese select sites for their afterlife. Later this afternoon, visit China’s most famous attraction— the Great Wall, built over 2000 years ago. (B,L)

DAY 4: HUTONG CULTURAL TOUR& BEIJING DUCK DINNER
Travel by bicycle rickshaw through the historic Hutong district for a chance to meet local villagers. Continue on to the Lama Temple and the Temple of Heaven, where you will see locals practicing Tai Chi, dancing or playing cards. A treat awaits you tonight, as you sample Beijing Duck! (B,L,D)

DAY 5: BEIJING – XI’AN
Transfer to the Beijing Airport for your short morning flight to Xi’an (flight included), where civilization dates back over 2000 years and 13 empires made their home. This rich history now provides cultural relics, and ruins are plentiful. Visit the Shaanxi Historical Museum in the afternoon to wander through vivid displays from the ancient Silk Road. Next stop is the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, originally constructed in the 7th century. Overnight: Xi’an, Bell Tower Hotel (Standard), Grand Mercure (First Class) or Sofitel Renmin Square (Deluxe) for 2 nights. (B,L)

DAY 6: TERRA COTTA WARRIORS & TANG DYNASTY DINNER SHOW
Travel by road to the eastern parts of Xi’an to see the army of 6,000 Terra Cotta Warriors. It is hard to believe it was once buried underground for over 2,000 years and found by accident, thanks to a local farmer thirsty for well water. Visit China’s best preserved and most intact city wall in the afternoon. The Great Mosque at the Muslim quarter is as attractive as the many shopping stands around. Enjoy the Tang Dynasty Dinner Show in the evening. (B,L,D)

DAY 7: XI’AN – KUNMING
If most of what you see in Xi’an is yellow, a morning flight (flight included) will lead you to Kunming, which is lush and green all year round. Your afternoon tour includes a visit to the West Hill and the Golden Palace, where everything is carved out of bronze. Overnight: Kunming, Kunming Hotel (Standard), Bank Hotel (First Class and Deluxe) for 2 nights. (B,L)

DAY 8: KUNMING STONE FOREST & VILLAGE
Today you will spend a full day on an excursion to the Stone Forest, one of China’s most amazing natural phenomena. On the way back to the city, visit a local village and get a glimpse of their special customs. (B,L)

DAY 9: KUNMING – GUILIN
Before leaving Kunming, you will find the city not only has natural scenery, but also a rich history and culture. Visit the Provincial Museum with its amazing bronze ware and then tour a local flower and bird market. Transfer to the airport for your afternoon flight (flight included). Arrive at Guilin where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight: Guilin, Bravo Hotel (Standard) or Sheraton Hotel (First Class and Deluxe) for 3 nights. (B,L)

DAY 10: GUILIN
Guilin is a compact city, located on the Li River with breathtaking scenery. Today you will visit the sites including Reed Flute Cave, Elephant Trunk Hill, Fubo Hill and Seven Star Park. (B,L)

DAY 11: GUILIN – LONGSHENG TRIBAL VILLAGES
The Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region has many ethnic groups. Today, venture to Longsheng, where you will meet the local tribes. The two-hour drive along the hilly roads might be bumpy, but is truly rewarding. The Dragon Bone Terraced Fields offer marvelous snapshots into this rural community. They also practice a local custom which is a unique method of long hair combing. (B,L)

DAY 12: GUILIN – SHANGHAI
This morning, you will be met and transferred to the Li River. Board your cruise vessel for a 5 hour journey, covering the most scenic part of the river, with views of steep hills and lush fields. Afterwards, visit the town of Yangshuo on the banks of the Li River, and transfer to the airport for your late afternoon flight to Shanghai (flight included). Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight: Shanghai, Holiday Inn Downtown Hotel (Standard), Jinjiang Hotel (First Class) or JC Mandarin (Deluxe) for 3 nights. (B,L)

DAY 13: SHANGHAI’S HIGHLIGHTS
See traditional highlights of the city such as the Shanghai Museum — the best in China— and the Yu Garden, which is a fine example of private gardens south of the Yangtze River. Shopping at Nanjing Street is rewarding. Tonight, enjoy a one-hour Huangpu River cruise to enjoy the best part of the night scene. (B,L)

DAY 14: JADE BUDDHA TEMPLE & ACROBATIC SHOW
In the morning, take part in the “Being Shanghainese for half a day” program, including a visit to a local residential area. In the afternoon, explore the Jade Buddha Temple, named after its two pieces of jade statues brought back from Myanmar (Burma). Tonight enjoy one of Shanghai’s famous acrobatic shows. (B,L)

DAY 15: DEPART SHANGHAI
You will be transferred to the Pudong Airport for your onward flight (flight not included). (B)

Our flexible independent vacations include transfers, sightseeing tours and many meals. We also offer small goup escorted tours. Ask for details.

Best of China (Tour Code: BESTCH15)  Departs Daily
Price per person US$	Double	Single
Standard	$2879	$4229
First Class	$3169	$4705
Deluxe	$3415	$5229

Not Included: Arrival/departure air or train tickets, gratuities, incidental expenses, drinks for Beijing Duck Dinner, Government bed tax in Guilin, departure airport tax in Shanghai. Prices are “from” and seasonal surcharges may apply. The Best of China suggested itinerary is based on minimum two (2) adult passengers, itinerary subject to change for single passengers.

Note: Prices are “from” and seasonal surcharges may apply. Not included: international or domestic air, gratuities or incidentals.