Essential China and Beautiful West

Itinerary

• Day 1: Shanghai, Arrival

  Welcome to Shanghai! Upon your arrival at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, you will be met and taken to experience the high-tech Maglev Train, the world's fastest train running 430 km per hour. Eight minutes later, you will reach Longyang Road Station where your driver is ready to pick you up and take you to your hotel.

  • Shanghai

• Day 2: Shanghai, Yu Garden & Shanghai History Tour

  Today, you first visit the Shanghai Museum with an audio guide. Continue to take a leisurely walk in the beautiful Yu Garden, sample some flavorful local snacks at the bustling Yuyuan Market and drop by a silk workshop. Later, you will head to the former French Concession to appreciate its old French-style villas and special colonial culture. The last stop will be the Bund.

  Optional: The acrobatics show could bring you a memorable experience in Shanghai.

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  • Shanghai

• Day 3: Shanghai, Zhujiajiao Water Town

  In the morning, a comfortable transfer will take you to Zhujiajiao, China's largest water town. In this fan-shaped town, you will step on Fangsheng Bridge, walk through Beida Street and visit the Kezhi Garden. Or you could take a sampan to see traditional residences, peculiar stone bridges, charming waterscape and local simple countryside life along the winding canals.

  After the tour, be driven back to Shanghai.

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  • Shanghai

• Day 4: Shanghai - Guilin, Reed Flute Cave

  After breakfast, you will be escorted to the airport for your flight to Guilin, a city known for its fine scenery. After arrival, your local guide will pick you up at the airport and escort you to visit the Reed Flute Cave and a pearl store before sending you to the hotel.

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  • Guilin

• Day 5: Guilin - Longsheng - Guilin, Longji Terraced Fields

  This morning, you will take an excursion to see the beautiful Longji Rice Terraces. Originated in the Yuan Dynasty, the terraces showed the advanced technology in China's mountainous agriculture. Their two ethnic farming groups, Zhuang People and Miao People, began to make their living in these fertile terraces 700 years ago. You will trek along the quiet field paths, see the beautiful idyllic views, explore minority villages, admire their colorful clothes, taste some self-made delicacies and even try their primitive farm work.

  Transfer back to Guilin after the excursion.

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  • Guilin

• Day 6: Guilin - Yangshuo, Li River & West Street

  After breakfast, you will be driven to Zhujiang Pier to start your Li River cruise, the highlight of Guilin. Along the journey, you will feast your eyes with stunning scenery comprised of reflections of peculiarly-shaped peaks, crystal clear water, bamboo groves, and fantastic idyllic views.

  After disembarkation, you will be transferred to your hotel in Yangshuo. After check-in, you may spend some time roaming the well-known West Street.

  Optional: In the evening, you could watch a night show of Impression Sanjie Liu at your expense.

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  • Guilin

• Day 7: Guilin - Chengdu, Lost Plate Food Tour

  Be transferred to the airport for your flight to Chengdu. Upon arriving in Chengdu, your personal guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel. Enjoy some free time and then join in the Lost Plate Food Tour at night to explore the well-noted Sichuan cuisine.

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  • Chengdu

• Day 8: Chengdu, Giant Pandas & City Highlights

  Today, you visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to have a memorable close-up encounter with pandas. You will see pandas enjoying their lives in this sanctuary and learn more about this lovable but endangered species via documentary film and exhibition. After that, you will visit the city's oldest Wenshu Temple, sip a cup of genuine Chinese tea in its tea house, and walk along Jinli Old Street to absorb the relaxing atmosphere of Chengdu.

  Optional: The evening is free, you may want to enjoy the melodious Sichuan Opera with an additional cost.

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  • Chengdu

• Day 9: Chengdu - Leshan - Mt. Emei

  On this day, you will be driven to Leshan (about 2 hours) to visit the Leshan Giant Buddha. Carved out of the cliffs at the confluence of Mingjiang and Qingyi River, it is the largest stone Buddha colossus in the world. Continue to drive to Mt. Emei to visit the ancient Baoguo Monastery to see its three treasures including a 2.4-meter-high porcelain Buddha, a 25-ton bronze bell, and an exquisite Huanyan bronze tower carved with 4,700 tiny Buddha statues. Stay overnight at the foot of Mt. Emei.

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  • Mt.Emei

• Day 10: Mt. Emei - Chengdu, Golden Summit & Wannian Temple

  You will visit Mt. Emei, one of the four most famous Buddhism mountains in China. You will first take a sightseeing bus to Leidongping and then walk to Jieyin Palace to ride a cable car to the Golden Summit where you can have a terrific panoramic view of the mountain's natural beauty. Later, you will tour the Wannian Temple and Qingyin Pavilion to gain an insight of Buddhism perspectives.

  After the tour, be transferred to Chengdu.

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  • Chengdu

• Day 11: Chengdu - Lhasa

  You will be free to pursue your personal interests until your local guide escorts you to the airport for your flight to Lhasa, capital of the mysterious Tibet. Upon your arrival, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to the hotel in Lhasa (2-hour drive). After check-in, you're advised to relax at your hotel to acclimatize to the high altitude and have a good rest for tomorrow's sightseeing.

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  • Lhasa

• Day 12: Lhasa, Potala Palace & Jokhang Temple

  An exciting day begins with the world-famous Potala Palace. The monastery-like palace was the religious and political center of old Tibet and the winter palace of Dalai Lama, the Tibetan Buddhism pope. Overwhelming architectures, priceless cultural relics, red-robed monks and devoted pilgrims make the palace a must-visit. Continue to visit the well-known Jokhang Temple, the spiritual center of Tibetans, and walk the circular pilgrimage route of Barkhor Street together with locals.

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  • Lhasa

• Day 13: Lhasa, City Temple Tour

  This morning, you will tour Norbulingka Park. Built as a summer retreat for the Dalai Lama in 1751, it is known as the "Summer Palace of Tibet" featuring Tibetan-style architectures and charming garden landscaping. Later, you will visit the ancient Drepung Monastery where each reincarnation of Dalai Lama received his training and then come to Sera Monastery to glimpse at its inspiring Buddhism scripture debates.

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  • Lhasa

• Day 14: Lhasa - Xi'an, Great Mosque & Muslim Street

  You will be free until your local guide escorts you to the airport for your flight to Xi'an. Upon arriving in Xi'an, your local guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel.

  After a rest, set out to the Great Mosque and Muslim Street to appreciate the ingenious religious architectures and exotic Muslim food culture.

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  • Xi'an

• Day 15: Xi'an, Terracotta Warriors & City Highlights

  You will visit the incredible life-size Terracotta Warriors. Here you'll see over 8,000 life-size Qin Dynasty-era terracotta soldiers, chariots and horses, an army designed to protect Qin Shihuang, China's first emperor, in the afterlife. Later, go to Xi'an Art Ceramics Factory for knowing how the warriors made in the ancient time. After lunch, pay a visit to the Ancient City Wall and enjoy a cycling experience along the top of it (1-2 hours).

  Optional: In the evening, a Tang Dynasty Show is recommended to you.

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  • Xi'an

• Day 16: Xi'an - Beijing, 798 Dashanzi Art District

  On this day, you will be free to pursue your personal activities until being transferred to the airport for your flight to Beijing. Upon your arrival in Beijing, capital of China, your local guide is ready to greet you and take you to the hotel.

  After a rest, you will tour the 798 Dashanzi Art District where you can see various delicate artworks created by artists from all over the world.

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  • Beijing

• Day 17: Beijing, City Highlights Tour

  Today, you will first visit Tiananmen Square and the splendid Forbidden City. Famous for its impressive royal architectures and imperial legends, the Forbidden City is a must-see of Beijing. In the afternoon, take a pedicab to explore hutongs, the disappearing ancient alleys of Old Beijing, to discover the daily life of Beijing locals and their long-kept traditions. Later, walk along Houhai Bar Street to see how locals enjoy their entertainment.

  Optional: The recommended activity for tonight is the thrilling Chinese Kung Fu Show.

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  • Beijing

• Day 18: Beijing, Great Wall Tour

  The magnificent Great Wall, the 8th Wonder of the World, is your first stop today. You will be transferred to the Mutianyu section, an intact and less touristic part of the wall. Walking along these venerable ramparts provides you with a chance to step back in history. In the afternoon, you will take a leisurely stroll on the Sacred Road, a royal path reputed for its vivid statues and beautiful scenery.

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  • Beijing

• Day 19: Beijing, Departure

  After breakfast, you will marvel at the spectacular Temple of Heaven. Here you will not only see grand imperial temples but also watch locals doing their stylish morning exercises. Even you could learn some from them if you like.

  After the tour, you will be escorted to the airport for your flight back home.

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