Traditional China

A diverse overview of China's most popular cities, landscapes, gardens and waterways

Included Highlights

• All domestic airfares included within China
• Deluxe accommodations throughout
• 13 breakfasts (B), 10 lunches (L), 4 dinners (D or SD-special dinner)
• 5 gala evening events, including Shanghai Acrobats, classical music and dance concert at Suzhou¹s finest garden, Peking Duck dinner, Tang Dynasty Theater and Guilin cultural show
• See the astounding art of the acclaimed Shanghai Museum.
• Full-day Great Wall and Ming Tombs outing
• Pedicab tour of the seldom-visited Hutong quarter of Old Beijing
• Comprehensive sightseeing
• Explore exciting new attractions of postcolonial Hong Kong

Itinerary

Day 1 Depart USA
Depart on an overnight flight to China¹s largest city, Shanghai, the landing point for many international arrivals.

Day 2 Shanghai
Arrive at one of the great seaports of the world, an exciting starting point for your China adventure. Your deluxe hotel is a comfortable place to rest or set off shopping at the Arts & Crafts Center.

Day 3 Shanghai
Immerse yourself in the culture and sophistication of Shanghai on a full day tour of the city's premier attractions. View all aspects of Chinese arts, beautifully displayed in the astounding galleries of the Shanghai Museum. Explore the paths and pavilions of Yuyuan Gardens; stroll the waterfront Bund; visit the endearing Children's Palace, then return to your hotel to prepare for a thrilling evening at the Shanghai Acrobatics Show. Shanghai is at the forefront of China¹s massive economic, scientific and educational expansion. (B,L)

Day 4 Shanghai/Zhouzhuang/Grand Canal Cruise/Suzhou
China's glorious history unfolds on your excursion to Zhouzhuang, a remarkably intact, 900-year-old Song Dynasty town. See the graceful stone bridges and mansions of this little-traveled living museum. Next, cruise along one of the oldest sections of the 1000 mile Grand Canal to the garden city of Suzhou. Experience the many moods of the intimate Garden of the Master of Nets on an evening visit, enhanced by classical music and dances performed by the city's finest artists. (B,L,SD)

Day 5 Suzhou/Shanghai/Beijing
Suzhou's inspiring gardens and silk-weaving traditions are showcased on a morning tour with a stop at the Embroidery Institute. Then return to Shanghai and fly to Beijing, where your hotel offers consummate luxury in the heart of the city. (B,L)

Day 6 Beijing
Walk in the steps of ancient emperors today as you tour the powerful Forbidden City, hidden from public view for over 500 years; and the masterpiece Temple of Heaven, the embodiment of grace and harmony. Enjoy glorious aerial views during lunch at a fine revolving restaurant, before continuing to the Summer Palace, now a favorite recreational spot for locals. The pomp and grandeur of imperial China lives on in these historic landmarks so integral to the nation's soul. (B,L)

Day 7 Beijing
A walk along the Great Wall of China ranks high on the wish lists of many travelers, and your excursion today will confirm that this, indeed, is one of the world's great travel experiences. Linger at the towers and broad promenades, contemplate the spectacular scenery and the lives lost in building this monumental world wonder, which never truly fulfilled its purpose. Also visit the Ming Tombs, before returning to Beijing to crown your day with an unforgettable Peking Duck dinner at a prestigious city venue. (B,L,SD)

Day 8 Beijing/Xian
The hutongs of old Beijing offer a rare glimpse of pre-Revolutionary China and the lives of citizens today. Tour them in appropriate style this morning as you are driven on traditional three wheel cycle taxis through the hutongs' teeming maze of alleyways, past courtyard homes and gracious old mansions. In the 15th century Drum Tower, enjoy panoramas of this unusual historic quarter before flying to Xian, gateway to the Silk Road. (B,L)

Day 9 Xian
Walk in the steps of ancient traders and travelers on today's sightseeing tour of Xian, the head of the great caravan route once used for shipping silk and other prized Chinese goods to the West. Tour the archaeological site which so far has yielded some 8000 ancient terra cotta soldiers and horses, each a unique, finely detailed sculpture. Also tour the Provincial Museum, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and City Gate, and then enjoy a delicious dumpling banquet and stage show at Tang Dynasty Theater. (B,L,SD)

Day 10 Xian/Guilin
Fly south to the green hills of Guilin, whose ethereal landscapes have been immortalized by poets and painters through the ages. This afternoon, tour the city sights and the immense Reed Flute Cave, filled with impressive grottos, pillars, and inscriptions over 1000 years old. (B,L)

Day 11 Guilin
A-full day cruise on the crystalline Li River will immerse you in the extraordinary natural beauty of this unique area. Sail in air conditioned comfort, as every turn yields new views of towering stone pinnacles, unusual rock formations, quaint country villages, and fishermen casting their nets or bringing in the catch the traditional way, with cormorants. Return ashore in the late afternoon. Complete the day with a dinner, followed by an entertaining cultural performance. (B,L,SD)

Day 12 Guilin/Guangzhou/Hong Kong
Your exploration of southern China continues with a short flight to Guangzhou, the famous old seaport of Canton. If time permits, enjoy an overview of the city's elegant temples, old European estates, and boulevards teeming with shops and famous restaurants. Then board a hydrofoil and sail from the Pearl River Delta to nearby Hong Kong. Now rejoined with China, this former British colony remains as vibrant and forward-looking as ever. (B,L)

Day 13 Hong Kong
This morning, explore Hong Kong's unique blend of Chinese heritage and colonial influences. Travel via coach to one of its newest attractions, the distinctive Peak Tower Complex, with its array of shops, restaurants, and viewing decks for taking in the superb panoramas. Continue around the island to scenic Repulse Bay, the floating community of Aberdeen, and the shopping mecca of Stanley. The afternoon is at leisure. (B)

Day 14 Hong Kong
The day is yours to shop or perhaps venture out on optional excursions to Kowloon, Macau, the outer islands, night markets, or other favorites of this exciting region. Bestours staff will be on-hand to offer recommendations and assist with your plans. (B)

Day 15 Hong Kong/USA
Bid farewell to China as you transfer to the new international airport and depart on your selected airline to the United States. (B)

Hotels

Departures & Pricing

For Information & Reservations
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Departs: Monday	Land Only	Single Supplement	Western   LAX/SFO*
2002
Jul 15, 29	$2370	$680	$940
Aug 12, 26	$2370	$680	$940
Sep 09, 23, 30	$2710	$950	$905
Oct 07, 14, 21, 28	$2710	$950	$905
Nov 04	$2710	$950	$800
Nov 18	$2710	$950	$740
Dec 02	$2400	$700	$740
Dec 30	$2400	$700	$740
2003
Jan 13, 27	$2400	$700	$740
Feb 10, 24	$2400	$700	$740
Mar 03, 10, 24	$2400	$700	$765