Best of China Tour with Suzhou

Itinerary

• Day 1: Beijing, Arrival

  Say Hello to China! When your flight lands in Beijing, your local guide is ready to meet you at the customs exit, holding a placard with your name. Later, you will be escorted to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to recover from the jet lag or to ramble around on your own.

  • Beijing

• Day 2: Beijing, City Highlights Tour

  In the morning, you will first visit the iconic Tiananmen Square. Walking through Tiananmen Gate, you will enter the splendid Forbidden City. With a history of 600 years, this royal palace continuously delights its visitors with imposing pavilions, elegant ornaments, and lively historic stories.

  In the afternoon, you will admire the Temple of Heaven, where emperors in ancient times worship Heaven for a good national harvest. Later, visit the Longing Pearl Store.

  Optional: Making Chinese Kung Fu Show as your night entertainment, you can learn more about the Chinese martial art.

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  • Beijing

• Day 3: Beijing, Great Wall Tour

  The Great Wall, the 8th Wonder of the World, is your first stop today. As a popular symbol of Chinese civilization, the wall winds its way through the mountains, grasslands, and deserts for 4,000 miles across northern China. Descending the wall, you will take a leisurely stroll along the Sacred Road, a tranquil royal path lined with various statues of divine beasts and officials that serve emperors' afterlife.

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  • Beijing

• Day 4: Beijing - Xi'an, Summer Palace

  After breakfast, you will visit the exquisite Summer Palace. As a World Heritage Site, it is an imperial summer resort famed for its beautiful garden landscapes and fascinating legends of the late Qing Dynasty.

  In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Xi'an. Upon your arrival, your local guide will meet and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free at your own leisure.

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  • Xi'an

• Day 5: Xi'an, Terracotta Warriors & City Highlights

  On this day, you'll first visit the incredible Terracotta Warriors. More than 8,000 life-size terra soldiers and horses in battle formation have guarded Emperor Qin Shihuang's mausoleum for 2,200 years. You will then proceed to a jade gallery.

  In the afternoon, you will tour the Ancient City Wall, the largest city walls on the earth. Strolling and cycling along the wall is quite an experience. After that, you will proceed to the ancient Bell Tower.

  Optional: If you prefer, the dancing performance Tang Dynasty Show will bring you a memorable night in Xi'an.

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  • Xi'an

• Day 6: Xi'an - Chongqing, Big Wild Goose Pagoda & Muslim Street

  This morning, set out to the Great Mosque to appreciate the exotic Muslim architecture and culture, and then visit the Muslim Community, where you can see the daily life of Xi'an Muslims. Continue to visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the city symbol of Xi'an, before transferring to the airport for the flight to Chongqing.

  Upon your arrival in Chongqing, you will be greeted and escorted to your Yangtze cruise ship, which leaves at 9:00 pm.

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  • Yangtze River Cruise

• Day 7: Yangtze River Cruise, Shibaozhai

  Built during the reign of Emperor Kangxi of Ch'ing Dynasty, the peculiar Shibaozhai serves as your morning shore excursion today. As an architectural marvel in Chinese history, it has been classified as one of the "eight strange structures of the world".

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  • Yangtze River Cruise

• Day 8: Yangtze River Cruise, Shennong Stream

  Besides the enchanting landscape along the Yangtze River, today's sightseeing will be highlighted by the shore excursion to the picturesque Shennong Stream at about 1:00 pm. When you take a sampan drifting along it, you will be absorbed by its crystal clear stream flowing swiftly from north to south through deep gorges; you will also be enchanted by the steep ridges and peaks, thick vegetation and wild flowers, along with the minorities singing their sweet love songs.

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  • Yangtze River Cruise

• Day 9: Yangtze River Cruise, Yichang - Shanghai

  Today, the last shore excursion is the Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest hydroelectric complex. Disembark the cruiser at around 12:00 noon and meet your local guide at the pier. Continue on to stroll around Yiling Square and a local market to get an insight into the lives of the locals.

  After that, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai, known as the "Paris in the East". Upon arrival, be met and transferred to the hotel.

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  • Shanghai

• Day 10: Shanghai, Shanghai Museum & Shanghai Tower

  After breakfast, walk along the Bund, the historic waterfront promenade on the Huangpu River. Across the water, the skyscrapers of Pudong create a striking contrast with the grand buildings along the riverfront. Visit the Shanghai Museum East and explore its collection of ancient Chinese art, including ceramics, bronzes, calligraphy, and paintings. Continue to the Jade Buddha Temple, a peaceful Buddhist temple known for its jade Buddha statues.

  The afternoon brings a more local perspective through a walking tour around Fuxing Park, Bugaoli, and the surrounding streets. Stop at a local market, browse the stalls, and sample a few traditional Shanghai snacks along the way. End the day at Shanghai Tower, with panoramic views across the city from the observation deck.

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  • Shanghai

• Day 11: Suzhou, Classical Gardens & Canal Tour

  Today, you will head for Suzhou for a wonderful day tour. Begin with the Lingering Garden, celebrated for its elegant design, intricate carvings, and serene courtyards. Continue your day with a cruise along the Suzhou Canal, where you can enjoy the peaceful waters and glimpse traditional waterside life. Finally, stroll through Pingjiang Old Street, a charming historic street lined with shops, teahouses, and canals, reflecting the cultural heritage of Suzhou.

  After the tour, get back to Shanghai for an overnight stay.

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  • Shanghai

• Day 12: Shanghai, Departure

  You will enjoy some free time before your guide escorts to the airport for your flight back home.

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