China Discovery: Xian, Beijing, Shanghai, Yangtze River, Guilin, Yangshuo, and Hong Kong

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1 18 Days/17 Nights Departs Daily from Xian China Discovery: Xian, Beijing, Shanghai, Yangtze River, Guilin, Yangshuo, and Hong Kong Explore ancient tombs and iconic pagodas in Xian before traveling to Beijing by high-speed rail, where you will visit the largest public square in the world. Then, experience the bright lights and futuristic skyline of Shanghai. Once you've had your fill of city living, sail through stunning gorges before transferring to Guilin where you will delight in spectacular limestone karst scenery before ending in fascinating Hong Kong. ACCOMMODATIONS 2 Nights Xian 3 Nights Beijing 4 Nights Yangtze River Cruise plus Meals 1 Night Yangshuo 3 Nights Hong Kong

2 3 Nights Shanghai 1 Night Guilin INCLUSIONS Private Arrival & Departure Transfers Per City Private Terracotta Warriors Tour Private Mutianyu Great Wall Private Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City Tour Private Shanghai Essentials Tour ERA Acrobatic Show Li River Cruise Tour from Guilin Private Biking in Yangshuo Tour Symphony of Lights Cruise 1st-Class Bullet Trains Between Xian to Beijing & Beijing to Shanghai Daily Breakfast ARRIVE XIAN Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel of choice. Xian Unlock the secrets of China's ancient civilizations in a city that countless emperors once called home. See the rows upon rows of Terracotta Warriors with your own eyes, and walk along the glass floors of the Hanyang Tombs to see the treasures archaeologists have unearthed below. Evening free at leisure and dinner on your own. (Accommodations, Xian) XIAN Terracotta Warriors Tour + Lunch Uncovered in 1974 by peasants digging a well, the terra cotta warriors and Xian's greatest and most important attraction. The first emperor of the Qin Dynast, Qin Shi Huangdi, ordered the making of the warriors. During his reign, he undertook military programs to the far corners of the known world. The estimated 8,000 terra cotta soldiers are a testament to his power and megalomania. In the main and most impressive vault, the figures are arranged in typical battle formation in 11 columns comprised of officers, soldiers holding spears and swords and others steering horse-drawn chariots. Enjoy lunch at a local Chinese restaurant. Evening free at leisure and dinner on your own. (Breakfast, Lunch, Accommodations, Xian)

3 XIAN TO BEIJING Depart from Xian to Beijing on the High Speed Bullet Train. Beijing Beijing, the capital of China, lies just south of the rim of the Central Asian Steppes and is separated from the Gobi Desert by a green chain of mountains, over which The Great Wall runs. Modern Beijing lies on the site of countless human settlements that date back half a million years. It is China's second largest city in terms of population and the largest in administrative territory. The name Beijing - or Northern Capital - is a modern term by Chinese standards. It first became a capital in the Jin Dynasty ( ), but it experienced its first phase of grandiose city planning in the Yuan Dynasty under the rule of the Mongol emperor, Kublai Khan, who made the city his winter capital in the late 13th-century. Little of it remains in today's Beijing. Most of what the visitor sees today dates from either the Ming or later Qing dynasties. (Breakfast, Xian; Accommodations, Beijing) BEIJING Private Mutianyu Great Wall Explore the much quieter Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, which was first begun in the Northern Qi Dynasty ( ) and finished in the 17th century. The 1.5 mile stretch of the Wall allows you to walk along its storied length for over an hour and visit twenty-two watchtowers, should you so choose. Not only will you walk along this wonder of the world yourself, but you also have the opportunity to see it from above during a breathtaking cable car ride to the top. (Breakfast, Accommodations, Beijing) BEIJING Visit Tiananmen Square, one of the world`s largest public squares Prepare to be overwhelmed by the sheer size of one of the world`s largest public squares, measuring in at 4,700,000 square feet (over 109 acres). As you walk from the southernmost part of the square all the way down its length, you will pass several monuments, including the mausoleum that houses Chairman Maos remains. The northern gate of the square features a portrait of the PRC's founding father, and is also the gate through which you will enter the Forbidden City. Enter the Forbidden City and walk in the steps of emperors The Forbidden City was completed in 1420, and was home to 24 emperors, the last of which left Beijing in The entire imperial complex is reputed to have 9999 rooms, which at its peak housed up to 10,000 people, including the imperial family, 3000 eunuchs, as well as maids and concubines. Discover for yourself why the 170 acres were forbidden to common people as you stroll through what is arguably the best-preserved example of classical Chinese architecture in the world. (Breakfast, Accommodations, Beijing)

4 BEIJING TO SHANGHAI Transfer to Beijing South Railway Station and take high speed train to Shanghai. Upon arrival at Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel of choice. Shanghai Shanghai, Hu for short, is situated on the estuary of Yangtze River of China. It is the largest industrial city in China. Covering an area of 5,800 square kilometers (2,239 square miles), Shanghai has a population of 18.7 million, including 2 million floating population. Originally, Shanghai was a seaside fishing village and in time its gradual development led to it being granted County status on August 19th, 1291 during the time of the Yuan Dynasty ( ). Hence this day became the anniversary of the founding of Shanghai. Today's Shanghai is a multi-cultural metropolis with both modern and traditional Chinese features. Bubbling Shanghai shows off every aspect of her unique glamour. Dinner on your own. (Breakfast, Beijing; Accommodations, Shanghai) SHANGHAI Jade Buddha Temple This is one of Shanghai's few Buddhist temples, and was built between 1911 and It houses 70 resident monks, and the centerpiece is a sitting Buddha carved out of white jade and encrusted with jewels, measuring over two meters tall and rumored to weigh over 2200 pounds. Yu Garden and, Old Town Bazaar Over the past several centuries, the Yu Garden has been restored and reopened several times, but has almost always been in disarray. In 1956, the Shanghai city government took over and restored it to its former splendour, making it a peaceful oasis in the heart of bustling Shanghai. Outside the garden gates, the Old Bazaar is the perfect place to strike a bargain or chat with locals selling a variety of wares and souvenirs. Enjoy Shanghainese cuisine at a local restaurant. Take in the most amazing view of your life from Shanghai's worldfamous Bund The Bund is the famous waterfront regarded for hundreds of years as the symbol of Shanghai. On the Bund side of the river, magnificent colonial architecture represents the splendor of old Shanghai. Across the water, enormous skyscrapers rise up to create a futuristic skyline that has to be seen to be believed. Xintiandi and Tianzifang

5 Tianzifang, once an unassuming laneway in a factory area, has been transformed into the art district of Shanghai. Here you will find many art galleries, private studios, craft shops, and some of the most charming bars and cafes in Shanghai. Shikumen Open House Museum Shikumen-style houses were once the main type of residence in Shanghai, but are disappearing slowly with the modernization of the city. The Shikumen Open House Museum is a well-preserved Shikumen house from the 1920s that displays furniture and articles for daily use during that time. (Breakfast, Lunch, Accommodations, Shanghai) SHANGHAI Acrobatic show at Shanghai Era Acrobatics theatre The multimedia theatrical spectacular Era - Intersection of Time mixes traditional Chinese acrobatics, a 2,000-year-old art form, with high technology, using multimedia effects to enhance sound, create smells, and add wind, light and fog. (Breakfast, Accommodations, Shanghai) SHANGHAI Depart from Shanghai to Yichang. Dinner on your own. Begin your cruise. (Breakfast, Shanghai; Accommodations, Yangtze River Cruise) YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE (This day's tour and meals will be arranged by Cruise Company, the itinerary below just for reference, may subject to change) A day of touring and excursions. Sail through the Three Gorges ship locks & Xiling Gorge. Arrive at the Three Gorges Dam Project Site and embark on a tour of the area (this tour will serve as a general introduction to the project site, which, currently, is the world's largest engineering project). Xiling Gorge starts at Xiang Xi and zigzags for 47 miles down to Yichang. It is the longest and historically the most dangerous of the Yangtze gorges. Before the passage was made safe in the l950, 'the whole surface of the water was a swirling mass of whirlpools sucking the froth they created into their centres'. Xiling comprises seven small gorges and two of the fiercest rapids in the stretch of the Yangtze between Chongqing and Yichang.

6 Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Accommodations, Yangtze River Cruise) YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE (This day's tour and meals will be arranged by Cruise Company, the itinerary below just for reference, may subject to change) A day of touring and excursions. Excursion to Daning River or Shennong Stream, pass through Wu Gorge/Qutang Gorge, plus optional excursion to White Emperor City. Daning River is a breathtakingly beautiful area only been open to overseas tourists since 1985 and for this reason it remains largely unspoilt. Sail up the crystal-clear river through its magnificent Three Little Gorges to experience the excitement and awe of bygone days of river travel in China. Shennong Stream is on the border between Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge. Cruising along the stream by boat, visitors will become immersed in the wonders of zigzagging watercourses, the primitive environment, the canzonet by the boat tracker, and the mysterious culture along the banks. White Emperor City is located at the north bank of Yangtze River and features a temple that is over 1,950 years perched at the top of Baidi Mountain. Also known as Kui, Qutang Gorge is the first point that visitors traveling eastward reach in the Three Gorges. High cliffs and steep precipices with sharp edges rise one after another on either side of the narrow gorge. The poet Bai Juyi described the gorge by writing, "The shore looks like two screens. The sky has been cut out." The Wu Gorge is the second gorge of the Three Gorges of Yangtze River and is famous for its elegance. Because of the long and deep canyons in the Wu Gorge, the daily period of sunlight is short which impedes the dispersal of air borne moisture within the gorge and creates clouds and fog in a variety of fantastic shapes. Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Accommodations, Yangtze River Cruise) YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE (This day's tour and meals will be arranged by Cruise Company, the itinerary below just for reference, may subject to change) Optional excursion to Fengdu When traveling the Three Gorges of Yangtze River, if you start from Chongqing, then the first scenic spot you encounter is Fengdu - a ghost town between county of

7 Zhong and Peling. It is a little graceful town lying at the foothill of the mountains and right by the river. There are 75 Buddha and Tao temples in the town of Fengdu, most of them gathered on a famous hill named Ming Mountain. Legends said that Ming Mountain is one of the 72 graveyards for Taoism. Tao believes when people die, their spirits will gather there (also called "spirit world"). All the temples on the hill were built at Western Jin period (265 ~ 420A.D.) and rebuilt in Ming and Ch'ing Dynasty (1386 ~ 1911A.D.). Excursion to Shibaozhai Shibaozhai: Literally means Stone Treasure Fortress, Located in ZhongCounty, at the south bank of the Yangtze River, 278 km away from Chongqing, it was first built in Qing Dynasty in Shibaozhai is one historic site that will look much different in When the lake formed by the Three Gorges Dam is completed, most of this bluff will be under water and the temple will sit close to the lake's edge on a newly formed island. The wooden architecture stands on the riverside. It is built by catch upon a rectangular rock with sheer cliffs with a height of 56 meters and 12 stories. And every floor of the wooden structure contains interesting artifacts. Each of the 12 floors of Shibaozhai is dedicated to a famous general of the Three Kingdoms period ( AD), a local scholar or a renowned Chinese poet. Breakfast, lunch and dinner on board. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Accommodations, Yangtze River Cruise) YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE TO CHONGQING TO GUILIN (This day's tour and meals will be arranged by Cruise Company, the itinerary below just for reference, may subject to change) Your guide will pick up you on the boat, then transfer to visit Chongqing Zoo to see Pandas and visit Ci Qi Kou. Fourteen kilometers to the west of Chongqing Municipality lies the ancient village of Ci Qi Kou (Porcelain Village) situated on the bank of the Jialing River. It was recognized as a protected cultural site by the State Council in There are many shops lining the twelve flag stoned paved lanes that form the main routes. Tourists will find many outlets for craftwork, groceries, teashops and the like as well as a horologist, photography supplies, drugstore and a tempting supply of roasted nuts and seeds.chongqing attracts visitors from home and abroad. Lunch at local Chinese restaurant. In the afternoon transfer to Chongqing Airport and take flight to Guilin. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel.

8 Guilin If you are interested in the idyllic scenery, Guilin is your best choice. It is never far to the next colorfully named karst hills or charming vista. You will find a paradise to relax in and colorful minority culture to enjoy. Rest time of the day free at leisure. (Breakfast, Yangtze River Cruise; Lunch, Chongqing; Accommodations, Guilin) GUILIN TO YANGSHUO Experience the picturistic Li River Cruise A day to enjoy an upstream cruise on the Lijiang River and be exposed to the indescribable beauty and scenery surrounding it Disembark at a small village, where you will have chance to visit a local family. Continue drive up to Yangshuo, a small town, which has become something of the tourists. The relaxing pace of life here, friendly people, good food, scenic beauty, rice fields and clear streams, country roads for cycling, all make it the paradise for those who wish to get a rest from the harsher aspects of life in the big cities. You'll have some free time to shop at the "Biggest Market of the World". Buffet lunch on the boat Take a walk on West Street West Street (Xi Jie) is situated in Yangshuo, the most beautiful town along the Li River. Built in 590 during the Sui Dynasty with the Li River passing by on the east, the street, which has experienced much wind and rain, is still well preserved, revealing the resplendence of past days. Offering not only elegant scenery, but also superior dining and Chinese and western snacks, Xijie, has become a good place for those who have been wandering around China for a while to have a break from oily stir-fried vegetables and grab a cup of coffee. Then transfer to your hotel at Yangshuo and enjoy your free time. Dinner on your own. (Breakfast, Guilin; Lunch, Li River Cruise; Accommodations, Yangshuo) YANGSHUO In the morning, meet your guide and let's bike to the countryside! Bike along the rice paddies in Yangshuo The best way to see the breathtaking scenery of Yangshuo is by bike. Rice paddies, centuries-old farmhouses, limestone karst formations, orchards, and of course the stunning mountains serve as your backdrop as you ride along narrow country roads and the banks of the beautiful Li River. Lush bamboo groves grow rampant along the banks of the river, and impossibly steep limestone karst frames the horizon as you pedal by. Please note: Pricing for this tour is based on clients staying in Yangshuo.

9 Transfer to Guilin Airport for your flight to Hong Kong. (Breakfast, Yangshuo; Accommodations, Hong Kong) HONG KONG Symphony of Lights Cruise Board the authentic Chinese sightseeing cruise boat as she sails around the Victoria Harbor, one of the world's most impressive natural harbors. At night time, the spectacular Hong Kong's skyline on both side of the harbor will fire your imagination as the dazzling neon cityscape emerges. The synchronized 20-minute Symphony of Lights display depicts the growth of Hong Kong from a sleepy fishing village to dynamic world city it is today. Enjoy uninterrupted view of the dazzling show with unlimited drinks on board for an unforgettable Hong Kong by night. Includes: Unlimited free drinks onboard including cocktails, whiskey, gin, beer, soft drinks, and house red/white wine. Note: Seat-in-coach tour does not include roundtrip transfer between hotel and the pier and guests need to make their own way to the pier. (Breakfast, Accommodations, Hong Kong) HONG KONG Enjoy a leisurely morning on your own after breakfast or get out and see the sites and experience the energy of Hong Kong in the early morning. You'll have the day to enjoy the many sights and sounds of Hong Kong on your own. If you're staying in Kowloon, be sure to visit the Temple Street Night Market, where you can shop and enjoy some of the local cuisine. (Breakfast, Accommodations, Hong Kong) DEPART HONG KONG Get your last taste of Hong Kong at breakfast before you transfer to the airport to continue to your next Avanti destination or to return home after an amazing adventure! (Breakfast, Hong Kong)

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