11 Days / 10 Nights

Day 1 Fri: Depart Vancouver
Depart from Los Angeles early this morning on board Asiana Airlines for Shanghai via Seoul. Relax and enjoy the excellent service for which this airline is renowned.

Day 2 Sat: Arrive Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, the capital city of the People’s Republic of China. You are welcomed at the airport and escorted to BEIJING GRAND CHANG AN HOTEL. Rest of the afternoon is at leisure.

Day 3 Sun: Forbidden City with Tiananmen Square & Summer Palace
Visit the Forbidden City, the 250-acre palace containing more than 9,000 rooms. Closed to the common people for centuries, it was only opened to the public in 1949. Visit Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world. Later, explore the Summer Palace, the retreat of China’s royal families for over 2,000 years. Evening enjoy the famous Peking Opera. (BLD)

Day 4 Mon: Great Wall Excursion
The highlight of your stay in this ancient capital is a visit to the Great Wall, built 2,300 years ago and extending 3,750 miles. You will also visit the Ming Tombs and Tomb of Emperor Zhudi, founder of the Forbidden City. (BL)

Day 5 Tue: Hutong Tour / Temple of Heaven
Start your tour with the marvelous 15th century Temple of Heaven. It was believed to be the closest place to heaven and was where the emperors would communicate with the gods. Enjoy Hutong excursion by trishaw with a very different look at daily life of old Beijing, stopping for tea at a local family. Tonight you will enjoy a Beijing Duck Dinner. (BLD)

Day 6 Wed: Beijing / Xian
Morning fly to the ancient capital city of Xian, once the largest city in the world. Upon arrival, met and transferred to XIAN AURUM INTERNATIONAL HOTEL. Afternoon enjoy your tour of Xian and visit the Shan’xi Provincial Historical Museum. (BL)

Day 7 Thu: Terra Cotta Warriors
Visit the archaeological site of the Terra Cotta Warriors, which have been standing guard over the Imperial Tomb for more than 2,000 years. In the evening, you will be treated to a traditional Tang Dynasty Show with dinner, focusing on the ancient culture of the period. (BLD)

Day 8 Fri: Xian / Shanghai
Fly to Shanghai, “the Paris of the East,” and China’s most westernized and largest city. Upon arrival, you are met and transferred to GALAXY HOTEL. Rest of the day at leisure to relax and pursue independent activities. (B)

Day 9 Sat: Shanghai Sightseeing
Enjoy your sightseeing tour of Shanghai. Stroll along the Bund, a riverside promenade with grand colonial buildings. Explore the classical Yuyuan Garden, a classic Chinese garden ith traditional red walls, upturned tiles roofs and beautiful pavilions. Discover the Jade Buddha Temple, famous for its two Buddha statues made of white jade. Following lunch, visit Children’s Palace, a comprehensive afterschool educational facility where children learn special skills such as music and dance, Chinese calligraphy and martial arts. Later, enjoy a performance by famous Chinese Acrobats. (BLD)

Day 10 Sun: Zhujiajiao
Travel to the lakeside water town of Zhujiajiao, which preserves the buildings and customs of old China. Explore its meandering streets, famous canals, and its historic buildings, including the Daqing Youju, a post office dating from the Qing Dynasty. Afternoon return to Shanghai to visit the impressive Shanghai Museum. (BL)

Day 11 Mon: Shanghai / North America
Leave the Orient behind today and board your flight home. (B)