The Ancient Civilization

As one of the six ancient capitals in China, Xian served as the seat of 12 imperial capitals for 1,120 years and also a world-famous tourist city, a treasure house of cultural relics. The Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses are the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century. It is a sight not to be missed by any visitor to China.

Detailed Itinerary

Day One                                          Departure from US
You will depart today from the U.S. on your connecting trans-continental flight to Beijing.  

Day Two                                          Beijing      
We will be met by our local guide Jason or Wendy at the Beijing International Airport and transfer to our hotel.  The balanced of the day is at leisure. 

Day Three                                       Beijing
After breakfast, visit Tiananmen Square, which at 98 acres, is the largest public square in the world and site of many history-making events. Our kids will fly a kite on Tian’an men followed by walking tour of the impressive Forbidden City, the secluded and guarded home to the Emperors of China. A visit to the 15th century Temple of Heaven shows you where the Emperors made offerings for the harvest. And now it is a popular place for local people to play chess, practice tai chi or sing Peking Opera.  This evening we will attend a Dai ethnic dinner party and enjoy the famous acrobatic show. (B.L.D)

Day Four                                         Beijing

After breakfast at hotel, bus transfer to visit Great Wall, one of history's most remarkable accomplishments that extends over 3,000 miles.  A walk along a section of this enormous wall is a not-to-be-missed experience. According to a famous Chinese saying, "One is not a real hero until one reaches the Great Wall."  Enjoy an authentic tea ceremony before back to hotel.  (B.L)

Day Five                                          Beijing/Xi'an
In the morning, visit the breath-taking Yiheyuan - Imperial Summer Palace. Its resplendently ornate temples, pavilions and corridors, set amidst a graceful landscape along Kunming Lake, epitomize the Northern Chinese Garden.  We will stop by at Beijing Cloisonné Factory, learn the process and making of cloisonné, Beijing’s most traditional handicraft art. In the afternoon, fly to Xi'an (the "City of Everlasting Peace"), one of the world's largest and grandest cities.  Xi'an was the capital of China for 11 dynasties, its zenith during the Tang Reign (618-917).  A highlight of our visit here will be to some of Asia's most significant archeological discoveries.  Enjoy an elegant and graceful Tang Dynasty Theater Performance in the evening.  (This show is a performance of Chang’an music and dances that originated over 1000 years ago.)  Dinner tonight will be a special local Shanxi cuisine.   Xi’an Garden Hotel (B,L,D,)

 
Day Six                                            Xi’an

Today’s excursion takes you to the ancient the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. This newly built square features a statue of Tangseng, the master of the Monkey King in the famous Chinese story “Journey to the West.”  In the afternoon visit Shanxi Gymnastic Team and watch professional athletes training.  This evening you will be treated to a private dumpling-making and noodle-throwing lesson by the local expert chefs.  (B.L.D.)

Day Seven                                       Xi’an

A highlight of our visit this morning will be the extraordinary 2,300 year-old Terra Cotta Warriors of China's first emperor, Qinshihuang.  The warriors still stand on the actual site where peasants discovered them in 1974.  Later visit Shanxi Art and Clay Factory to see how the Terra Cotta Warriors were made.  Afternoon we will arrive at a typical Chinese village. Meeting the local village leader and helping a farmer make soy milk, we will learn about village life so as to better understand the aspirations and life of the majority of China's people who live in rural areas. Evening is as leisure for your family to stroll around park near the hotel.  (B, L)

Day Eight                                         Xi’an

If you prefer, get up early today and join the local crowd to practice Taichi right outside the hotel.  After breakfast, visit Shanxi Fuxiao Elementary School, sister school with Parkway Elementary School in Greenwich, CT. Tour the campus and chat with students and teachers.  Lunch will be at a well known Cantonese Restaurant.   Bike ride on the South Gate of the City Wall will for sure impress you of this most complete ancient city wall in China.  (B)

Day Nine                                         Orphanage city

Morning transfer to the capital city of your child’s orphanage province (please complete the orphanage visit form.)  Our local guide will meet you at the airport, transfer to your hotel and will accompany you throughout the visit to the orphanage. Please e-mail to info@MingsChina.com for cost for orphanage visit. (B)

What's Included:

• Land transportation

• English-speaking guides      

• Meals per itinerary        

• Top 4 star hotels, hotel taxes and dining taxes

• Admissions and cultural events              

• Acrobatic Show,

• Great Wall

• Summer Palace

• Tang Dynasty Dance Show

• Dumpling feast

• Bike Ride on Xi'an City Wall

• Jade Factory

• visit to a Xi'an elementary school

• Shan'xi Gymnastic Team

• visit to a local village

• Transfer between airport, hotels   

• Baggage handling for one piece of luggage per person

Cities:         

• Beijing

• Xi'an

• Orphanage city

Tour Dates:

• June 13 - June 20, 2009

• June 17 - June 25, 2009

• July 5 - July 13, 2009

• July 17 - July 25, 2009

Tour Cost:

 (Children over 12 are considered as adults)

      2 adults & 2 children (w. one roll-away bed)

      $1495 x 2 + $1255 x 2 =

      2 adults & 1 child (w. one roll-away bed)
      $1495 x 2 + $1295 =

      1 adult & 2 children w. one roll-away bed
      $1495 + 1255 x 2 =

      1 adult & 1 child
      $1495 + $1295 =

      1 adult (single room)

      $1495 + $620 =

Notes: 

·         Price does not include international airfare, passport and visa fees.  orphanage visit, transportation to/from orphanage, gratuities to guides, driver, hotel personal and airport taxes.