Treasures of China with Hong Kong

Welcome to China! Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Your full-day sightseeing starts with a visit to TIAN'ANMEN SQUARE, the largest public square in the world. Next, explore the FORBIDDEN CITY, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's largest palace complex. Once the home of China's great emperors, today it showcases ancient Chinese architecture, landscaped gardens, and displays of rare art and artifacts. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant, followed by free time to explore on your own. This evening, savour a special PEKING DUCK WELCOME DINNER. (B/L/D)

The GREAT WALL OF CHINA once stretched 4,000 miles across China's barren northern terrain from the Bohai Sea to the Gobi Desert. Head north to a village where the Great Wall is well preserved and walk along the wall to enjoy sweeping vistas of this mammoth fortress. Return to Beijing for some time at your leisure. Tonight, you may choose to attend a performance of the Peking Opera, a traditional form of Chinese theatre, or attend the Legend of Kung Fu Show, with a fusion of kung fu, dance, and acrobatics. (B/L)

This morning, visit the TEMPLE OF HEAVEN and enjoy a rickshaw ride through one of Beijing's HUTONGS, the city's ancient alleys. Experience life in this historic neighbourhood as you are invited into the courtyard of a family's home to learn more about their life. A short flight brings you to Xi'an. (B)

One of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world when China dominated the silk trade, Xi'an today is an archaeological treasure trove. Sightseeing begins with the enormous tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, accidentally discovered by local farmers in 1974. Marvel at the legion of TERRACOTTA WARRIORS that has been guarding the burial site for 2,000 years. During lunch, enjoy a NOODLE-MAKING DEMONSTRATION by a master chef and learn how Chinese noodles are made by hand. Next, visit the DAYAN PAGODA, built in 652 AD. Enjoy your evening at leisure. Perhaps attend the "Tang Dynasty" dinner show, featuring a colourful assemblage of classical performances. (B/L)

Today, fly to Guilin, one of China's most beautiful areas. Tonight, you may choose to join our optional trip to see trained cormorants dive for fish, the traditional Lijiang fishing method. (B)

Savour unique vistas during a leisurely CRUISE on the Li River, where limestone mountains rise sharply from the surrounding plain. The scene conveys a sense of mystery that for centuries artists have tried to capture. Afterward, visit a local TEA FARM for a hands-on demonstration of the tea-making process, followed by a tea ceremony. (B/L/D)

Fly to Shanghai, China's most populous city and centre of trade and industry. This evening, consider an optional cruise on the Huangpu River for stunning views of the Bund. (B)

This morning, your sightseeing starts with a stroll along the Bund, the city's riverfront boulevard lined with historic buildings, housing, banks, and trade houses. Visit YU YUAN GARDENS, dating back to the Ming Dynasty, and a SILK FACTORY to learn about the silk-making process. Then, take a WALKING TOUR of the former French Concession, once Shanghai's leading residential and retail area. Today, the qualities that made the area so popular endure-from quaint, tree-lined streets and exquisite architecture to charming shops and fashionable restaurants and bars. Stop at a local restaurant for lunch featuring XIAOLONGBAO, Shanghai's most famous dumpling dish. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. You may consider joining an optional tour to see a spectacular acrobatic show. (B/L)

Today, travel to the ancient watertown of Suzhou. Start your sightseeing with a BOAT RIDE on the Old Canal, followed by a visit to the tranquil GARDEN OF THE MASTER OF THE FISHING NETS, designed during the Song Dynasty. Enjoy a bit of free time to explore on your own before returning to Shanghai. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner. (B/D)

Fly to Hong Kong, Asia's vibrant commercial capital. (B)

Your sightseeing tour begins with a ride on the popular STAR FERRY from Kowloon Island to Hong Kong Island. On arrival, take a CABLE-CAR RIDE up Victoria Peak for panoramic vistas. Then, explore the old Sheung Wan neighbourhood and visit the DRIED SEAFOOD MARKET. Savour a DIM SUM feast for lunch before traversing the Central District aboard the historic DOUBLE-DECKER TRAM, commonly referred to as the "Ding Ding" due to the sound of its bell. The evening is at your leisure. (B/L)

A free day to explore this exciting city. You may take an optional excursion to learn about Hong Kong's history, view the Giant Buddha on Lantau Island, or take a full-day outing to historic Macau. (B)

Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)