Beijing

You will begin your official tour of Beijing. First is the imposing Forbidden City, the secluded and guarded home to the emperors of China. From outside you cannot imagine how immense this royal palace really is until you walk through it. The Forbidden City is the abiding symbol of traditional China. Its construction is truly one of the great feats of human history, employing hundreds of thousands of workers between 1406 and 1420. View its imperial gardens, expansive architecture, and many museums of antiques and treasures unrivaled in the world. In front of the Forbidden City is Tiananmen Square, which at 98 acres is the largest public square in the world and site of many history-making events. A visit to the 15th century Temple of Heaven shows you where the emperors made offerings for the harvest. Today it is a popular place for local people to play chess, practice tai chi or listen to the Peking Opera. If time allows, we will arrange a special visit to a Chinese tailor who specializes in designing clothes combined with Western and traditional Chinese styles.  (B.L.D)

 Beijing

A full-day excursion takes you 40 miles north of Beijing to the 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, “Not a real hero until one reaches the Great Wall.” Later, you’ll attend an elegant traditional tea ceremony followed by a warm, colorful Dai minority ethnic dinner party where each member will receive a lucky red thread. An enthralling and famous Chinese Acrobatic Show is scheduled for tonight. (B.L.D)

Urumqi

Fly to Urumqi in the morning. Enjoy an excursion to Tianchi Lake, nestled in the Tianshan Mountain range followed by a city tour, which gives you a glimpse of the major sights of this northwestern city. Populated by Han people and thirteen ethnic minorities, Urumqi is quite different from the usual Chinese street scene. Here you can see nomadic Khazakhs, a Middle Eastern bazaar, a jade-carving center and more. Attend a welcome banquet of local specialties roast lamb in the evening. (B.L.D)

Day Six

Turpan

By coach cross the Tianshan Valley and travel to the oasis town of Turpan, where we will visit the ruins of Gaochan City, ancient tombs of Astanan and Flaming Mountain. A minority music and dance performance is featured for the evening. (B.L.D)

Turpan/Dunhuang

Sightseeing today includes a grape-growing valleys of Turpan, where you will be treated to the latest crop, as well as a look at the Karez-ancient underground irrigation systems. Take an overnight train to Dunhuang in the Evening. (B.L.D)

Dunhuang

Xi’an

Xi’an (The “City of Everlasting Peace), was one of the world’s largest and grandest cities. Capital of China for 11 dynasties, its zenith was during the Tang Reign (618-917). A highlight of your visit here will be to some of Asia’s most significant archeological discoveries. Begin the tour with a once-in-a-lifetime viewing of the extraordinary 2,300 year-old terracotta warriors of China’s first emperor, Qinshihuang. The warriors still stand on the actual site where peasants discovered them in 1974. Visit the 5,000 year-old Banpo Neolithic Museum, a well-preserved center of Yangshao Culture. Visit Muslim Street and the Grand Mosque. You will then enjoy a festival dinner and a Tang Dynasty theater performance. (B.L)

Shanghai

Enjoy your time like an average citizen in Shanghai. Visit Yuyuan Garden, built in 1577 and featuring a magnificent zigzag bridge, see the Jade Buddha Temple, which has two rare Buddha statues, each carved out of a single piece of Burmese jade. Visit the newly opened Shanghai Museum, now considered China’s best museum of art and archaeological artifacts.(B.L)  

Journey Home from Shanghai