Essence of China Tour Deal

8-Day of Beijing, Xian, Shanghai Tour

China is a time capsule: ancient cultures and modern miracles in eight short days. The mysteries of The Great Wall, The Forbidden City and the Entombed Warriors are there to be discovered along side the amazing New China in Shanghai and Beijing.

Tour Code: cht-da-2

Departure Date: Daily (Prices are valid for travel during the period – May 2, 2012 to June 30, 2012.)

Inclusions:

Private Guide Driver Hotel
Entrance Fees Aunthenic Chinese Meals

From $1,329 P/P Price detail

Tour Itinerary
Price Details
Customers' Feedbacks

Details
Lists

Day1

Beijing Arrival

Attractions:Airport/Train Station/Port to Hotel Transfer

Our guide and will meet at the airport/train station/port upon your arrival and transfer you to your hotel.

Meals:	No Meals
Hotels:	Crowne Plaza Hotel Beijing Chaoyang U-Town \| Sunworld Hotel Beijing \| Days Inn Forbidden City Hotel Beijing

Day2

Beijing

Attractions:Treasure Houses,Hutong Tour in Xicheng District,Tiananmen Square,The Forbidden City

Tian'anmen Square

- Tiananmen Square: Tian'anmen Square is the largest city square in the centre of Beijing, named after the Tiananmen (literally, Gate of Heavenly Peace) which sits to its north, separating it from the Forbidden City. It has great cultural significance as it was the site of several key events in Chinese history. As the world's largest city square and enduring symbol of China's national pride, it is surrounded by many imposing buildings including the Heavenly Gate (entry to the Forbidden City), Museums, government buildings and Chairman Mao's Mausoleum.
- The Forbidden City: The Forbidden City was home to 24 emperors between 1368 and 1911.This "city within a city" is a World Heritage Site, and is the largest and the best preserved ancient imperial architecture complex in the world, with great square, halls and gates contrast with intricate halls, gardens, courtyards and quarters. The exhibitions, both permanent and temporary, are all important treasures of ancient China.
- Hutong Tour in Xicheng District: Hutong is a maze of historic alleyways with old single storey traditional courtyard houses, which are now fast disappearing. In this one hour tour, you can hop on a rickshaw to ride through the narrow alleys as well as visit a local family then walk on the Silver Ingot Bridge (Yinding Bridge) and find out about the different thresholds of the courtyards.
- Treasure Houses: Treasure house has undergone 4 time renovations, the present one takes up almost 220 square metres, more than 440 treasures on display belonged to Qing dynasty royalty, half of which have not never been on display in the old one. It's worthy of visiting.

Meals:	Breakfast
Hotels:	Crowne Plaza Hotel Beijing Chaoyang U-Town \| Sunworld Hotel Beijing \| Days Inn Forbidden City Hotel Beijing

Day3

Beijing

Attractions:Temple of Heaven,The Mutianyu Great Wall(with round way cable car)

Temple of Heaven

- Temple of Heaven: Built in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty, Temple of Heaven is a complex of Taoist buildings where emperors of Ming and Qing dynasties visited for annual ceremonies of pray for good harvests. Located in the south of Central Beijing, it covers an area of 273 hectares. Temple of Heaven was enrolled as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1998.
- The Mutianyu Great Wall(with round way cable car): This less-crowded section of the Great Wall is a about 2.5 hours' drive from downtown Beijing. A cable car takes you to a good section (avoiding a very steep climb), where you can walk along the wall, through the watch towers and enjoy superb views as it snakes across the hills and mountains. You can return by cable car, walk down or walk along the wall for about an hour to descend by chairlift. Wear good walking shoes and protection from the weather.

Meals:	Breakfast
Hotels:	Crowne Plaza Hotel Beijing Chaoyang U-Town \| Sunworld Hotel Beijing \| Days Inn Forbidden City Hotel Beijing

Day4

Beijing to Xian by Flight.

Attractions:Summer Palace with boat Cruise and the Garden of Virtue and Harmony

Summer Palace

- Summer Palace with boat Cruise and the Garden of Virtue and Harmony: The palace is about 12 kilometers northwest of the city center and is equally as famous as the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace is called 'Yiheyuan'(Garden of Nurtured Harmony) in Chinese. It is the best preserved and the largest imperial gardens in China and one of Beijing's premier attractions. It is also possible to cruise on the lake which takes 10 minutes by the ferry boat.

Meals:	Breakfast
Hotels:	Sofitel on Renmin Square Xian \| Grand Noble Hotel \| Xian Skytel Hotel

Day5

Xian

Attractions:Big Wild Goose Pagoda,The Terracotta Warriors and Horses

Big Wild Goose Pagoda

- The Terracotta Warriors and Horses: Discovered accidentally in 1974, this incredible army of over 7000 soldiers, archers, horses and chariots in full battle array has guarded Emperor Qin's tomb since 210BC. Each figure is unique, and the painstaking repair and excavation continues in 3 pits which are protected inside huge hangars. 1.5 hours from Xian, there is also an excellent museum and film about the history of the vaults. Photos (no flash) are allowed. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Big Wild Goose Pagoda: A major Buddhist site, the simple, elegant brick Pagoda stands in the grounds of the attractive Da Ci'en Temple. The Pagoda was built in the 7th century to house the Buddhist materials that Xuanzang (Tripitaka) brought back from his epic journey to India. The Temple complex has several large halls with some great Buddhist statues and murals.

Meals:	Breakfast
Hotels:	Sofitel on Renmin Square Xian \| Grand Noble Hotel \| Xian Skytel Hotel

Day6

Xian to Shanghai by Flight.

Attractions:Muslim Quarters,Ancient City Wall,Shaanxi History Museum

Shaanxi History Museum

- Shaanxi History Museum: The history of Shaanxi is said to be the history of China, and this museum is quite simply one of the nation's best. Four major galleries in large, Tang-style buildings house a vast and impressive collection, beautifully displayed. Most of the item labels are in English, although some other information on the exhibitions is not, but your guide can help here. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Muslim Quarters: The Muslim quarters lies 100 meters west of the Bell tower in downtown Xi'an. The 500 meters long avenue paved by bluestones are dotted with many unique stall, souvenir shop, café and bars which are mostly run by Muslim people. Tourists, especially from overseas come and shop here.
- Ancient City Wall: The walls, ramparts, gates and watchtowers form one of the oldest and most complete city defenses still around. Built in the 13th century on the foundations of the original Tang Forbidden City, it s surrounding the city centre. You can walk or pay extra cost to rent a bike (CNY40 per person), rickshaw (CNY45 per person for 45 minutes) or an electric cart (CNY40 per person) around the full 14km circuit, with great views of the city on either side. If the weather is not good for biking on the city wall, we will substitute a visit to the Bell Tower. Your guide will be very glad to take you the Bell Tower after you have been to look at the city wall.

Meals:	Breakfast
Hotels:	Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World \| The Bund Hotel Shanghai \| Kingtown Hotel Plaza Shanghai

Day7

Shanghai

Attractions:The Shanghai World Financial Center,The Bund,Yuyuan Garden,Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall

Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center

- Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall: A short walk across Renmin Square from the Shanghai Museum, this is a fascinating insight into Shanghai's future. The 2nd floor has a giant walkaround model of the city, and other floors have great displays, interactive exhibitions and walkthroughs of aspects such as the ports, greening, leisure etc.
- Yuyuan Garden: Yuyuan Garden is located in the center of Shanghai old quarters. It was a private garden built in 1559 during the Ming Dynasty, with typical Chinese classic architecture and style. The complex covers an area of 2 hectares, with rockeries, pavilions, ponds and corridors. Yuyuan Garden is surrounding by a busy market place, where visitors can find everything from popular local snacks, handicrafts, antiques and souvenirs to some famous time-honored restaurants.
- The Bund: This 1.5-kilometer-long embankment runs along the western bank of Huangpu River. On its west side it is the "architecture gallery" with 52 well-preserved old European style buildings. Once the major trading and commercial center of old Shanghai, the Bund has now taken on new vitality, with futuristic developments, chic restaurants, top end shops and bars offer plenty to see and do-and by night it's magic!
- The Shanghai World Financial Center: Shanghai World Financial Center is located in Pudong District, reaching a height of 492 meters (1,615 feet). It is now a new landmark of prosperous Shanghai. It was the second tallest building in the world when it was completed in 2007. Its observation deck, at 474 meters (1,555 feet) above the ground, is currently the tallest in the world. The multi-function skyscraper consists of hotels, apartments, restaurants, shopping malls, offices and observation decks.

Meals:	Breakfast
Hotels:	Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World \| The Bund Hotel Shanghai \| Kingtown Hotel Plaza Shanghai

Day8

Shanghai Departure

Attractions:Hotel to Airport/Train Station/Port Transfer

You will be transferred to the airport/train station/port by our private car/van.

Meals:

No Meals

Nov.1-Mar.31	Superior	Deluxe	Economy	Single Room Supplement*
1 person	$2939	$2359	$2169	-
2-5 persons	$1789	$1499	$1379	$312 / $423 / $714
6-9 persons	$1539	$1249	$1139	$312 / $423 / $714
>10 persons	$1379	$1119	$999	$312 / $423 / $714
Apr.1-Oct.31	Superior	Deluxe	Economy	Single Room Supplement*
1 person	$2919	$2369	$2149	-
2-5 persons	$1769	$1499	$1349	$332 / $432 / $708
6-9 persons	$1529	$1259	$1099	$332 / $432 / $708
>10 persons	$1329	$1129	$979	$332 / $432 / $708

Customers’ Feedbacks

Timothy Oct 15, 2010 - Oct 26, 2010

Lisa was an excellent guide (the best of the three that I had, by far!) and I very much enjoyed her company. I will definitely recommend your company to any friends or colleagues who may be interested in visiting China in the near future and I hope I'll personally be able to come back and see more of your fascinating country.

Banoo Sept 21, 2010 - Sept 29, 2010

I have had a chance to poll my companions and complete the survey. I would like to add that you were exceptionable throughout the booking process with the many questions we had. A good start to the whole 'China Highlights' experience. This is what we have for you......keep up the good work!

Derrick Oct 11, 2010 - Oct 23, 2010

Definitely I was quite impressed with Ying. Her English skills are excellent and she does a great job communicating. I really enjoyed her lectures on history, religion and even economic development of the city of Xian. She's truly a professional in the field of turism!!!

Vivian Jul 13, 2010 - Jul 20, 2010

I would like to thank you for your help in organising a highly successful and very enjoyable trip. All the arrangements in China were very well managed, which made the visit effortless.The hotels were comfortable, clean and welcoming. The food in the hotels was satisfactory. The meals we had out were excellent, highlights were the buffet meal in Xian and the last meals in both Beijing and Shanghai. We will recommend you to our friends. China is a fascinating country and I would hope to return again soon

Dennis Aug 18, 2010 - Aug 28, 2010

This was our first time in China. Without China Highlights guidance, we would have been lost trying to make our own arrangements to visit the various sites. Indeed, we probably would not have known what sites to visit! Ans, as helpful, was the assistance on the train reservations between cities; we would not have known how to understand the Rail System in China!

Curtis Jul 20, 2010 - Jul 28, 2010

She was quickly and easily able to answer off-the-wall detailed questions and she went out of her way multiple times to ensure we had the best time. It helped that we were in the same age group and shared common interests. It seemed like we were traveling with a friend not a tour guide.

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Essence of China Tour Deal

8-Day of Beijing, Xian, Shanghai Tour

Price Per Person in US Dollars

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