World Heritage Tours - World Heritage Tours - Tours in the Middle East, Tours in South America, Tours in Indochina, Tours in Africa,  African Safaris
World Heritage Tours - World Heritage Tours - Tours in the Middle East, Tours in South America, Tours in Indochina, Tours in Africa,  African Safaris
YANGTZE SPECTACULAR
Country visited: China
Experience the best of China on a fifteen day journey throughout Beijing, Xian, Guilin, Chongqing, Three Gorges, Yichang and Shanghai. Reside in exquisite hotels and board 5-star cruise ship. Embark on guided tours and indulge in the finest cuisine as you explore the rich culture and history of China. Visit many great wonders such as the Forbidden Palace, the renowned Great Wall, the mighty terra cotta army and the breathtaking Yangtze.


Tour Summary
Map
Day

Place
01
Arrive Beijing
02-04
Beijing
05 Beijing / Xian
06
Xian
07
Xian / Guilin
08
Guilin
09
Guilin / Chongqing
10-11
Yangtze Cruise
12
Yichang / Shanghai
13-14
Shanghai
15
Depart Shanghai

UNESCO World Heritage Sites Visited
This tour has been tailored to include the following World Heritage Sites

World Heritage Sites in China covered on this tour
The Great Wall (1987) In c. 220 B.C., under Qin Shi Huang, sections of earlier fortifications were joined together to form a united defence system against invasions from the north. Construction continued up to the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), when the Great Wall became the world's largest military structure. Its historic and strategic importance is matched only by its architectural significance.
Imperial Palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1987) The Imperial Palace of the Qing Dynasty in Shenyang consists of 114 buildings, constructed between 1625-26 and 1783. It contains an important library and testifies to the foundation of the last dynasty that ruled China, before it expanded its power to the centre of the country and moved the capital to Beijing. This palace then became auxiliary to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. This remarkable architectural edifice offers important historical testimony to the history of the Qing Dynasty and to the cultural traditions of the Manchu and other tribes in the north of China.
Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing (1998) The Summer Palace in Beijing - first built in 1750, largely destroyed in the war of 1860 and restored on its original foundations in 1886 - is a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. The natural landscape of hills and open water is combined with artificial features such as pavilions, halls, palaces, temples and bridges to form a harmonious ensemble of outstanding aesthetic value.
Temple of Heaven: an Imperial Sacrificial Altar in Beijing (1998) The Temple of Heaven, founded in the first half of the 15th century, is a dignified complex of fine cult buildings set in gardens and surrounded by historic pine woods. In its overall layout and that of its individual buildings, it symbolizes the relationship between earth and heaven - the human world and God's world - which stands at the heart of Chinese cosmogony, and also the special role played by the emperors within that relationship.
Imperial Tombs of the Ming and Qing Dynasties (2000) The Ming and Qing imperial tombs are natural sites modified by human influence, carefully chosen according to the principles of geomancy (Fengshui) to house numerous buildings of traditional architectural design and decoration. They illustrate the continuity over five centuries of a world view and concept of power specific to feudal China.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, the capital and cultural centre of the world's most populous nation. Meet with your friendly guide and transfer to your hotel. Check in time starts from 1500 hrs.
Overnight: New Otani Changfu Gong Hotel (4 nights)

Day 2 Beijing
Embark on a full day city tour. Visit Tian An Men Square, the largest public plaza in the world, and the Forbidden City where two dozen emperors once resided during the 15th and early 20th century and now houses numerous priceless treasures. After, explore the ancient residnetial area of old Beijing on a Hutong tour as you are escorted along its narrow alleys aboard a traditional pedicab. (B/L/D)

Day 3 Beijing
Begin this day's tour with a two-hour excursion to the mighty Great Wall in Badaling. Enjoy lunch at the Badaling Foreign Guest Restaurant. Then visit the Jade Stone Carving Factory and the Sacred Way of Ming Tombs. Stop at the iconic Beijing Olympic Village including the Bird's Nest Stadium and Water Cube Aquatic Center for photo ops before transferring back to your hotel. (B/L)

Day 4 Beijing
In the morning, pay a visit to the Temple of Heaven and observe the local residents practice morning excercises such as Taiji. Tour the Pearl Factory before visiting the adorable Pandas at the Beijing Zoo. Finally, explore the beautiful Summer Palace and its classical-style architecture, imperial gardens and man-made Kunming Lake. In the
evening, a Peking Duck dinner is served. (B/L/D)

Day 5 Beijing - Xian
Take a morning flight to Xian and transfer to hotel. In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the Provincial History Museum to gain insight to the ancient history of China.
Overnight: Titan Times Hotel (2 nights) (B/L)

Day 6 Xian
Take on a full day excursion to the Terra Cotta Warriors & Bronze Chariots site to marvel at the ancient sculptures and witness the ongoing excavation of the buried army. Then view a Circle-Vision movie of the exhibit before visiting the mausoleum of Emperor Qin. En route back to the city, stop at the Ceramics & Pottery Center to learn how they are made and purchase souvenirs. Enjoy a Dumpling Dinner and Tang Dynasty Show at night. (B/L/D)

Day 7 Xian - Guilin
Board a morning flight to Guilin and transfer to your designated hotel upon arrival. Enjoy a Chinese lunch at the hotel. After you have settled, visit the mysterious Reed Flute cave in the afternoon and head to Piling Silk Hill for a stunning panoramic view of Guilin. Overnight: Bravo Hotel (2 nights) (B/L)

Day 8 Guilin
Set out on a cruise along Lijiang and gaze at the breathtaking scenes while sailing down the river. The course of Li River is flanked by green hills and peaks rising into the sky. Take an excursion to Yangshuo Village, a town resting among the cragged peaks on the side of Li River, before ending the day with a tour of the local art gallery. (B/L/D)

Day 9 Guilin - Chongqing
In the morning, fly to Chongqing and tour the Three Gorges Museum and city square. Relish a locally flavored hot pot lunch. Then board the Yangtze cruise.
Overnight: M/V President Prime Cruise (3 nights) (B/L/D)

Day 10 Yangtze Cruise
Begin sailing a distance of 430 miles in all the great gorges and deep mountan valleys. Arrive at the ghost city of Fengdu by afternoon and embark on a shore excursion to see the temples and legendary ghost statures such as Shibozai Pagoda, situated on the cliff, which local people use for luck praying. Have a glimpse at the new settlement town by the relocation of the new dam construction before returning to the ship and continue sailing. (B/L/D)

Day 11 Yangtze Cruise
Sail into the first two of the magnificent Three Gorges, the Qutang Gorge followed by Wu Gorge and admire the breathtaking sight of the narrow cliff walls and dramatic vistas. After lunch, embark on a shore excursion to the scenic Shennong Stream, a natural habitat of mandarin ducks and golden hair monkeys. Hanging Coffins can also be spotted on the high surrounding cliffs. In the late afternoon, pass through the Xiling Gorge and the Three Gorges Dam 5-stage Shiplocks as the ship is lowered 412 feet. (B/L/D)

Day 12 Yichang - Shanghai
Disembark in Yichang and board a domestic flight to Shanghai. Transfer to your hotel once arrived. Enjoy the rest of the day free at leisure in this legendary seaport and most populous city of the world.
Overnight: Ramada Plaza Gateway Hotel (3 nights) (B/L)

Day 13 Shanghai
Explore Yu Garden and Chenghuangmiao area. Then visit Shanghai Museum and wonder at the ancient Chinese paintings and furnitures it holds. A visit to the Carpet Factory is also scheduled. Attend the famous Shanghai Acrobatic Show in the evening. (B/L/D)

Day 14 Shanghai
Take a tour excursion to a well-preserved historical site, the ancient water-town of Zhujiajiao, to see another unchanged face of Shanghai where EPEC leaders visited. Then stroll along the Bund and Xiantiandi Area, a well known district full of entertainment and shopping boutiques. At night, a farewell dinner serving Shanghai dishes will be held at a local restaurant. (B/L/D)

Day 15 Depart Shanghai

Say goodbye to Shanghai as you are transferred to the airport for your flight out. Check out time is by 1100 hrs. (B)
B = Breakfast
L = Lunch
D = Dinner

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Departure Dates
2012
Please call for details - 1-800-663-0844 / 604-264-7378

Prices
Departure Tour Price US$ Single Sup US$
2012
Please call for details
Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include:
  • Accommodation as mentioned or similar, including hotel taxes
  • Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner )
  • All sightseeing and transfers
  • Services of local English speaking guide
  • Entrance fees to museums and sites included in the itinerary
  • Domestic air/cruise tickets
  • International air ticket
  • China AIF (approx $120.00) – to be invoiced regardless.
  • Insurance / Visas
  • Tips (approx $180)


Estimated International Airfare(included in tour price)
East Coast US $ N/A
West Coast US $ N/A
Please note: This tour operates with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of - participants.

Other Dates / Customized Itinerary / Languages
In addition to our set programs we are also pleased to offer customized tours.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your individual needs.

Customized tours can be conducted in English, French, German, Spanish or Italian. Each departure is conducted in the designated language only.

Contact Information
Bestway Tours & Safaris
Fax: +1-604-264-7774
206–8678 Greenall Ave Phone: +1-604-264-7378
Burnaby B.C., Canada Toll Free (US & Canada): 1-800-663-0844
V5J 3M6 Email: bestway@bestway.com
33 years in small group journeys

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photographs © Peter Langer
Site updated Nov 07, 2011
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