China Garden & Waterways

As the Chinese proverb states, “Above there is Heaven, below there are Suzhou and Hangzhou”.

Suzhou is a major tourist attraction known for its many famous gardens and long history of silk production. Lakes, streams, canals, bridges and boats create a scene like a beautiful Chinese scroll painting.  Hangzhou with its scenic West Lake is known also for its artistic and historic significance.

These two cities are very popular scenic destinations, not only for Chinese, but for many tourists from around the world.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1.                          Departure Day from USA
You will depart today from the U.S. on your connecting trans-continental flight to Shanghai.  

Day 2.                          Arrival in Shanghai  

Upon arrival in Shanghai, your guide will escort you to your hotel.  Your company is requested at our welcome dinner arranged especially for you, at a lovely local restaurant featuring Shanghai local cuisine. D

Day 3                           Shanghai

Our tour of Shanghai begins today with the Shanghai National Museum, known for it’s comprehensive displays of Chinese art; from the ancient to the modern day, you will see ceramics, jades, furniture, chop seals, paintings and much, much more.

You will then travel to the French Concession for lunch, where poplar-lined boulevards add a distinctive French panache to this “Paris of the Orient”. After lunch you will visit one of Shanghai’s quaint outdoor antique markets.  Dinner at a famous Sichuan restaurant, followed by an Acrobatics Show at the Opera House. (B, L, D)

Day 4                            Shanghai
This morning you will explore the Yu Yuan Garden, featuring the garden design and the architectural styles of the southern part of China during the Ming and Qing dynasties.  The pavilions, ponds, and man-made stone formations form the many scenic spots in this small garden. In the afternoon you will enjoy The Children’s Palace. It was first built in 1953, by China's honorary president, Soong Ching-ling, Children can participate in a wide variety of extracurricular activities like music, dance, art, model making, science, technology and computer science.  Your evening is free to enjoy dinner on your own. (B.L.)

Day 5                             Hangzhou
Today you will travel by train to Hangzhou, which is located on the north bank of the lower reaches of the Qiantang River.  This famous scenic city is known as “paradise on earth”.  Visit the breathtakingly beautiful West Lake and take a relaxing boat cruise. Your evening is free to explore more of this beautiful area and enjoy dinner on your own. (B,L)

Day 6                             Hangzhou/Suzhou

Today your sightseeing tour of Hangzhou will include the Six Harmony Pagoda and the Tea Museum where you can learn about the famous Dragon Well Tea grown in this area. You may also take an afternoon train ride to the 2,500 year old city of Suzhou, world renown for having the most elegant gardens in all of China. (B.L)

Day 7                             Suzhou

Today you will see the Surging Wave Pavilion, the Humble Administrator Garden and the Garden of Harmony, some of the more than 150 gardens that are criss-crossed by natural ponds and canals in this picturesque area. There will also be a visit to the Silk Museum and the local Embroidery Institute where you learn about the history of silk and how it is manufactured. (B,L)

Day 8                             Suzhou/Shanghai

This day will begin with a visit to a local elementary school. You will be given the opportunity to see campus life first hand and even interact with students.  You will be amazed at the many Chinese students that can communicate with you in English. They will be most eager to practice their English with you and your children.  Later in the day you will return by train to Shanghai where again your evening is free for your family to explore more of Shanghai and enjoy dinner on your own.  (B.L.)

Day 9                             Shanghai/US

Today you may begin your journey back to U.S. or continue your China tour by flying to the province where you wish to visit that special orphanage with your adopted child.  (B)

Please note that B, L, D denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

What's Included

• Escorted by professional tour leader

• Land transportation

• English-speaking guides      

• Meals per itinerary        

• Top 4 star hotels, hotel taxes and dining taxes

• Admissions and cultural events              

• Acrobatic Show

• Shanghai Children's Palace

• Cruise on the West Lake

• Silk Museum & Embroidery Institute

• Visit to a local elementary school

• Transfer between airport, hotels   

• Two bottles of water per day

• Baggage handling for one piece of luggage per person

Tour Dates:

• June 13 - June 21, 2009

• June 19 - June 27, 2009

• July 5 - July 13, 2009

Cities:         

• Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, orphanage city

Tour Cost:

 (Children over 12 are considered as adults)

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

      $1199 x 2 + $959 x 2 =

      2 adults & 1 child (w. one roll-away bed)
      $1199 x 2 + $999 =

      1 adult & 2 children w. one roll-away bed
      $1199 + 959 x 2 =

      1 adult & 1 child
      $1199 + $999 =

      1 adult (single room)

      $1199+ $420 =

Notes: 

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