China
Beautifully manicured tea gardens cascading down the hillside. Futuristic buildings which stretch towards the sky. The panorama over the countryside from a battlement of the Great Wall. Superfast trains that swallow up great distances. Yaks browsing peaceably by mirror-like lakes. China, with its vast distances, multiple cultures and geographical diversity, is a land of startling contrasts. Cities like Shanghai, Beijing and Tianjin offer all the excitement of world-class shopping, stylish eateries and unique sightseeing experiences. But after a few days here, you may well agree that the countryside, the beaches and the mountains offer a truer, more intoxicating flavour of this country.
Beijing:
The seat of power in the most populous country in the world, Beijing’s energy is palpable. The neat, orderly streets are filled with the buzz of conversation and traffic. High-speed trains snake across the landscape, while ancient palaces and temples patiently observe the changing face of the city. Art and culture are showcased beautifully here, in the galleries that dot the city, and in the magnificent Opera House. Universities abound, with students converging upon Beijing every July. Spend a few days here. You will discover that the city casts a unique, timeless spell.
Xi’an:
The beginning and end of the silk route, Xi’an is a city that soared in merit and fame in past centuries, and was tragically crushed by war in the 10th century. Today the largest metropolis in north-western China, its history lives on in the amazing spectacles of the Terracotta Warriors, the tomb of Emperor Jingdi and the Muslim Quarter. Once you begin unravelling the several historic and cultural layers of this city, you will find that exploration is its own reward.
Guilin:
Guilin seems to exist in a quiet world of its own making, due in some part to its unique topography. The landscape here is said to be unrivalled by any other part of this vast country. And no wonder. Four lakes, two rivers and the steeply rising karst mountains make for a visual treat. Popular with tourists, the town nevertheless has its quiet moments, in an evening cruise down the river or a visit to one of the emerald paddy villages. For those who seek excitement, the city offers river rafting, theme parks and several culinary adventures.
Shanghai:
Tudor mansions. Futuristic skyscrapers. Neat Art Deco buildings. Shanghai’s architecture is beautifully demonstrative of the city’s spirit. Despite a history that has witnessed the influx of several nations, its people now live firmly in the present, with arms embracing the future. Here, you can party all night, shop for designer garb at glitzy malls, spend a serene hour in the ancient shade of a temple, and sample the fare at street food stalls; all in the span of half a day. Shanghai flaunts her roots with pride.
Forbidden City, Beijing
Located in the heart of Beijing, The Forbidden City houses the Palace Museum and served as the imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it covers 720,000 sq. m. and is the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.
Temple of Heaven, Beijing
The Temple of Heaven is an ancient complex of Taoist buildings situated in the Chongwen District of central Beijing. Built in 1420, it was an essential place of worship for the emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, who would pray to the heavens seeking the boon of good harvests.
Ming Tombs, Beijing
The Ming Tombs are the mausoleums of 13 Ming emperors, their empresses and concubines. They are located about 31 miles north of Beijing, scattered across an area of 25 square miles. Two of the tombs, Changling and the most famous, Dingling, which happens to be an underground palace, are open to the public.
Beijing Zoo, Beijing
Covering an area of approximately 124 acres; Beijing Zoo is China’s oldest zoo, housing more than 6,000 animals of over 500 species. The zoo is home to several rare animals including antelopes from Africa, parrots from South America, polar bears from the Arctic, bison from Europe and apes from Asia.
Great Wall of China, Beijing
Stretching for 3,950 miles, The Great Wall of China is an important symbol of this ancient civilisation. Built as a defensive structure, the original wall was constructed over 2,000 years ago during the Qing Dynasty; and is today listed as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.
Terracotta Warriors, Beijing
Listed as the eighth wonder of the world, the Terracotta Warriors consist of more than 7,000 life-sized terracotta warriors and horses unearthed near the Tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Named as a world cultural heritage site by the UNESCO, it is one of the ten most famous places in China.
Xi’an Bell Tower, Xi’an
Built in 1384 during the early Ming Dynasty, The Bell Tower of Xi’an is a symbol of the city of Xi’an and one of the grandest of its kind in China. Covering an area of 1,377 sq. m., the tower is close to 40 m. high and contains several large bronze-cast bells from the Tang Dynasty.
Ancient City Wall, Xi’an
One of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world, The Ancient City Wall of Xi’an represents one of the most complete and well preserved city walls that have survived in China. After the extension, the wall now stands 12 m. tall, covering a length of 13.7 km.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Shanghai
Located in the southern suburb of Xi’an, this Pagoda was constructed in 652 during the reign of the Tang Emperor, Gaozong. One of the pagoda’s many functions was to hold the sutras and figurines of the Buddha that were brought to China from India by the Buddhist translator and traveller Xuanzang.
Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai
Standing at a height of 1,535 feet, this is the tallest of its kind in Asia. Tourists can enjoy a sweeping panorama of Shanghai city from the observational deck, which is at a height of 863 feet from the ground. The tower contains several tourist facilities like eateries, shops and recreational centres.
Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai
Located in Anren Jie, Shanghai, Yuyuan Garden was completed in 1577 by Pan Yunduan, a government officer of the Ming Dynasty. The name Yu in Chinese means pleasing, and this garden was built specially for Pan’s parents as a place for them to enjoy peace and tranquillity in their old age.
Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin
Considered the emblem of Guilin, Elephant Trunk Hill is shaped like a giant elephant drinking water from the river. Tourists can enjoy a panoramic view of Guilin from the cave situated inside the hill, which is shaped to form the eyes of the elephant; or visit the Puxian Pagoda at the top of the hill.
Imperial China (10D/9N)
Entire empires come alive as history is revisited, in the cultural melting pot called China. Take a long walk on the Great Wall of China and explore the secrets of the ancient Ming Dynasty.
Your Itinerary
- Beijing 3 nights
- Xian 2 nights
- Guilin 2 nights
- Shanghai 2 nights
Day 1
Arrive at Beijing airport where your guide will meet you and accompany you to your hotel. In the evening, you have the option of attending a Kung Fu Show where you can watch incredible stunts performed with swords. Overnight in Beijing.
Day 2
After a hearty breakfast, visit the historic sites of Tiananmen Square, The Forbidden City, The Summer Palace, The Temple of Heaven and a cultured pearl factory. You have the option of spending the evening at the Peking Opera, a national treasure with a 200 year old history. Spend the night in Beijing.
Day 3
Today, you will visit the Great Wall at Badaling. Built during the Ming Dynasty, this wall is a symbol of Chinese civilisation. Later, visit the sacred Ming Tombs where the remains of thirteen Ming emperors are buried; and the famous thrift marketplace, Yaxiu market.
Day 4
Travel to the airport to catch your flight to Xi’an. Upon reaching, your guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel. Later, you will visit The Shanxi History Museum and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a Buddhist monument built around 648 AD by Emperor Gaozong. Overnight in Xi’an.
Day 5
After breakfast, visit the famous Terracotta Warriors where you can admire thousands of life-sized clay figures of warriors and horses. Later, you have the option of attending the Tang Dynasty Dinner Show. Overnight in Xi’an.
Day 6
After breakfast, catch a flight to Guilin, a city known for its unique scenery. Set amidst a landscape of mountains and lakes, its name translates to ‘Forest of Sweet Osmanthus’. Visit the Elephant Trunk Hill and Reed Flute Cave and admire the natural beauty of its stalactite and stalagmite formations. Overnight in Guilin.
Day 7
Today, enjoy a cruise down the beautiful Li River and take in the breathtaking landscape of limestone and karst formations. Later, visit the small market town of Yangzhou and spend some time shopping in Yangzhou West Street Market. Overnight in Guilin.
Day 8
After breakfast, catch the flight to Shanghai, where your guide will meet and escort you to your hotel. In the evening, you have the option of taking a cruise down the glittering waterways of Huangpu River. Spend the night in Shanghai..
Day 9
Once breakfast is done, proceed to a full day tour of the Jade Buddha Temple, Yuyuan Garden, The Bund, the Oriental Pearl Tower and China’s premier shopping street, Nanjing Road.
Day 10
Today, board the Shanghai Maglev, a magnetic levitation train, to go to the airport where you will board your flight back home.
Oriental Odyssey (11D/10N)
A kaleidoscope of mystique and revelation; China offers its tourists a doorway into an ancient civilisation. Discover lost stories and explore treasures long buried as you spend eleven enchanting days here.
Your Itinerary
- Beijing 3 nights
- Xian 2 nights
- luoyang 1 night
- Zhengzhou 1 night
- Hangzhou 1 night
- Shanghai 2 night
Day 1
Arrive at Beijing airport to be greeted by your guide. After checking into your hotel, you have the option of enjoying a Kung Fu show, where you can witness incredible feats by sword-wielding performers. Overnight in Beijing.
Day 2
After breakfast, visit the landmarks of Tiananmen Square, The Forbidden City, The Summer Palace, The Temple of Heaven and a pearl factory. You have the option of spending the evening at the Peking Opera. Overnight in Beijing.
Day 3
Spend the day sightseeing as you visit the legendary Great Wall at Badaling, the ancient Ming Tombs and the famous thrift marketplace, Yaxiu market.
Day 4
Catch your flight to Xi’an from where your guide will take you to your hotel. Later, you will visit The Shanxi History Museum and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Overnight in Xi’an.
Day 5
After breakfast, visit the famous Terracotta Warriors where you can admire the life-sized clay figures of thousands of warriors and horses. Later, you have the option of attending the Tang Dynasty Dinner Show. Overnight in Xi’an.
Day 6
After breakfast, board the express train to the city of Luoyang. Here you will meet your guide who will escort you to your hotel. Later, visit the White Horse Temple, where the Buddhist sutras were translated by Emperor Ming’s delegates. Overnight in Luoyang.
Day 7
After breakfast, visit Longmen Grottoes and the birthplace of Chinese martial arts, Shaolin Temple, where you will be enthralled as you watch the Shaolin Kung Fu Show. Later, drive to Zhengzhou where you will spend the night.
Day 8
After breakfast, fly to Hangzhou, where your guide will accompany you to your hotel. Later, enjoy a cruise on the scenic West Lake and then tour the Dragon Well green tea plantation. Overnight in Hangzhou.
Day 9
Today, visit Ling Yin Temple which translates to ‘Temple of the Soul’s Retreat’. Next, take the bullet train to Shanghai, where you will spend the night. You have the option of going for a cruise on the Huangpu River in the evening. Overnight in Shanghai.
Day 10
After breakfast, leave for a full day tour of the Jade Buddha Temple, Yuyuan Garden, The Bund, the Oriental Pearl Tower and Nanjing Road. You have the option of watching the Acrobatic Show in the evening where you can admire the performances of skilled acrobats. Overnight in Shanghai.
Day 11
Board the Shanghai Maglev, a magnetic levitation train to travel to the airport to catch your flight back home.