Day 1: Home to Beijing (In-flight Meal) Fly from your home airport to Beijing. Your meals, beverages, and various entertainment options will be taken care of on the flight.

Day 2: Arrive in Beijing (In-flight Meal) When you arrive at the Beijing Capital International Airport, about 20 miles from Beijing, you will get your first experience of China. The country is a combination of social rituals that go back for centuries and the modernization of a growing economy. Your guide will show you to your luxurious hotel.

Day 3: Experience Beijing This day is filled with the contrasts between ancient China and the growing modernization. You will start with an American breakfast and spend the rest of the day experiencing two distinct cultures. The first “official” stop, though, is at Tiananmen Square. Originally built in 1651, and then massively enlarged in the 1950s, this is the second largest city square in the world, and is separated from the Forbidden City by the gate of the same name. For around five centuries, the Forbidden City was the imperial palace for China. This lasted from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty, and UNESCO has listed it as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures on the planet. There are nearly 1,000 buildings in the Forbidden City, which include almost 9,000 rooms. In 1987 it was designated a world Heritage Site and it is really an amazing place to experience. About 40 minutes from the Forbidden City is the Summer Palace, where many emperors enjoyed a summer retreat. The carefully planned gardens are a symbol of health and harmony, and they date back to the Jin Dynasty (around 1115). This palace and the gardens has also been designated a World Heritage Site. Both Chinese history and modern life will surround you this day, and it all culminates with a Peking Duck Banquet. This is one of the most popular dishes in China, and it will be prepared right in front of you by a master chef and served with pancakes, spring onions, and sweet bean sauce. Food Amenities: American Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Special Dinner

Day 4: Explore Beijing
On Day 4 you will have the opportunity to see the Great Wall of China for yourself. This is one of the most incredible man-made wonders of the world, and it runs about 5,500 miles through 150 different countries. Originally meant to deter invaders, it is now one of the most popular attractions in the country.
From there you will get a chance to visit the National Stadium and the National Aquatics Center where the 2008 Summer Olympics were held. This is another wonderful example of the combination of modern and traditional China, and the Stadium shows off their attention to detail and technological skill. The Stadium has been called the “birds nest” because of the steel beams that conceal the supports for the retractable roof. At the same time, the Aquatics Center (sometimes called the Water Cube) is a technologically advanced Olympic pool where U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps secured his Gold Medal.
The next stop today is at the Beijing Zoo, where you will get to see some unique creatures up close. You may get to observe the world-famous Giant Pandas, or you could see some of the other animals that make their home in the Zoo, from the Golden Snub-nosed Monkey to the South China Tiger. The entire Zoo spans more than 200 acres so don’t plan on seeing everything in one trip. Plan your visit ahead of time, though, and you will be able to see some incredible animals.
Following dinner that night, you will get to see the iconic martial arts movie: “Legend of Kung Fu.” This classic is well-known even outside of China, but there’s something special about seeing it in the proper context.
Food Amenities: American Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Beijing to Xi'an
You will get to have a very traditional experience today as you travel by rickshaw to another Chinese treasure that might not be around much longer. The hutongs are alleys that formed in between various courtyard houses. These areas form a type of neighborhood, and there are centuries of history here as families came together and lived as a community.
The economic development of the areas, though, is leading to loss of these areas. The hutongs are being demolished to make room for larger roads or other construction projects. There has, however, been a successful campaign to preserve some of these areas as an important part of Chinese history.
Next you will visit the exotic Lotus Flower Market. These flowers grow in the mud at the bottom of different bodies of water, but their beauty has come to signify Buddhist non-attachment and sexual purity. Just strolling through the market is enough to leave some incredible memories.
In the late afternoon you will fly from Beijing to Xi’an, the former capital of China.
After enjoying dinner in your new location, you will have the chance to see some of the other cultural diversity in China. This is a district where many Muslims make their homes, as well as the location of the Great Mosque of Xi’an.
Food Amenities: American Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Explore Xi'an
Today is the day to experience the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses Museum. UNESCO called this the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” and for a very good reason. There are 8,000 individual figures in this army, and each one of them is unique.
Farmers in the area accidentally discovered this site in 1974, which was then turned into a Museum so everyone could come and witness the 8,000 soldiers and the thousands of weapons that had been buried and untouched for more than 2,000 years.
These soldiers were put here to guard the dead First Emperor of China in the afterlife, whether from malicious spirits or other creatures. They represent the Qin Shi Huang armies, and the detail that went into every single facial expression right down to their feet is truly amazing
The next stop is the Bell Tower, where you will see another part of the traditional culture. This tower was constructed after the residents of Xi’an experienced a terrible earthquake. Many people died, and a lot of homes were lost. The tragedy was attributed to the dragon that normally resided in the nearby water, so they decided to take some precautions. The Bell Tower was created to alert the people if the dragon tried to approach land again,.
Tonight will be the feast of the Imperial Dumpling Banquet, and right after that you will get to see the very famous Tang Dynasty Stage Show.
Food Amenities: American Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Special Dinner

Day 7: Xi'an to Guilin
Part of your experience in Xi’an will include a visit to one of the most popular landmarks in the area: the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. This amazing monastery was constructed in 652 for the Tang Dynasty Buddhist monk Xuan Zang. He was something like the Chinese version of Marco Polo because he made his pilgrimage to India (which was made famous in the novel “Journey to the West”) and returned with many special artifacts. The purpose of the pagoda is to house and protect these items and this part of history.
Xi’an is also home to another historic Chinese wall, and today you will get to see the Ancient City Wall. When you visit these sites you will get a feel for what it was like before battles took to the air, and walls really did make a good deterrent. This wall is actually better preserved that the Great Wall, and it was constructed in the Ming Dynasty to completely enclose the city.
Bicycles will be available for you to use today to ride around the city and really get a feel for the unique ambiance in Xi’an.
After visiting these unique sites you will board a plane and head to Guilin in the south of China. Guilin is known for the sweet osmanthus fragrances in the city and for some of the incredible scenery that has inspired writers and artists for centuries.
Food Amenities: American Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Guilin to Yangshuo
Today you will take a long, relaxing cruise down the Lijiang River from Guilin to Yangshou. You will find yourself surrounded by beautiful hills and bamboo as you float down the crystal clear water. This has been a favorite subject for artists and poets for generations, and it is certainly an experience you won’t forget.
You will get to have lunch on the boat and then after you reach the shores of Yangshou the day will be yours to explore on your own. You can either walk or ride a bicycle around West Street (a road that is paved with marble and is at least 1,400 years old) or head to the shopping district to see some of the unique and charming stores in the area.
When evening comes around, you will have the chance to see the light show “Impressions of Sister Liu” which is performed by many of the local villagers and fishermen, and is directed by the famous movie director Zhang Yimou. This is something the community has done for years, and they still put a huge effort into the quality of the production.
Food Amenities: American Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Hotel Dinner

Day 9: Yangshuo and Guilin to Chongqing
Day 9 takes you back to Guilin where you will visit The Reed Flute Cave, a 180-million-year-old natural wonder. This cave was formed from limestone, and the long process left some very odd-shaped rock formations. There are around 70 inscriptions in the cave written by the people living in the Tang Dynasty (around 792).
From there you will fly to Mountain City Chongqing. This city served as the wartime capital of China during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937 – 1945). If there is time today, you will have the chance to stop off at the Ciqikou Old Street where travelers and locals crowd the streets to get a look at some of the shops that sell porcelain, handicrafts, and other gifts. There are also lots of great restaurants and tea shops here that can give you a feel of the Chongqing before it grew to the huge city it is today. Many of the local people believe that the geography of Chiqikou has perfect Feng shui.
Tonight you can enjoy a great Chongqing Hot Pot dinner, a sort of East Asian variety of stew. The difference is that it includes a simmering metal pot of stock in the center of the dining table for everyone to enjoy.
Food Amenities: American Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Special Dinner

Day 10: Chongqing and Dazu Grottoes to Yangtze River Cruise
The Dazu Grottoes were originally started in the first year of Emperor Yonghui of the Tang Dynasty (between 618 and 907). The Grottoes are a series of Chinese religious sculptures and carvings that depict some important Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist beliefs.
In 1999 it the Dazu Grottoes were listed as a World Heritage Site. In total, they include 75 protected sites that feature more than 50,000 statues and 100,000 Chinese characters as inscriptions and epigraphs. The Grottoes are located about 60 kilometers to the west of Chongqing, back in the steep hillsides of Dazu County. Be sure to see the rock grottoes on Mount Baoding and Mount Beishan.
Later you will head to the docs where President Prime will take you on a spectacular 4-day Majestic Yangtze cruise adventure. You will launch from the dock at Chongqing late that evening.
The Yangtze River is almost 4,000 miles long, and it has been the divide between northern and southern China for centuries. The north and south of China have some distinct cultural differences, from the dialects they speak to many of their other traditions. And this is the beginning of your amazing trip on the river.
Food Amenities: American Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Cruise on Yangtze
The Yangtze begins is long flow across the country in the glaciers in the west. It winds its way across the southwest and ends in Shanghai where it empties into the East China Sea. It is so massive that the Chinese have come up with different names for different sections, such as Golden Waterway or the Tuotuo River.
The first excursion today is at the “Ghost City” of Fengdu. This area contains a lot of statues that depict devils and ghosts that roam the afterworld. Fengdu was modeled after the Hell as portrayed in Taoist mythology, and it was constructed over 1,800 years ago. Your evening will be spent at the Captain’s Welcome Dinner Party.
Food Amenities: American Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Cruise on Yangtze
Today you will sail through Qutang Gorge. It is the shortest but the most dramatic of the Three Gorges. Wu Gorge is much longer, at 25 miles long, and it is well known for the 12 heavily forested peaks and beautiful scenery.
You will disembark today at Wushan and then board a small riverboat to take a leisurely trip through Shennong Stream. This area features clear running waters and incredible rock formations where you can spot monkeys and goats along the bank as you gently drift along the stream and pass through the Shiplock of the new Three Gorges Dam. You will get to experience this little trip in a sampan, a small boat about 40-feet long, 6-feet wide and usually steered by six boatmen.
Food Amenities: American Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Yichang to Shanghai
This morning you will disembark and visit the huge Three Gorges Dam Project. This is the world’s largest dam at 606 feet tall and 6,500 feet long. The cofferdam was completed in 1997 and the main structure was begun shortly thereafter. The dam also features two 5-stage locks that raise and lower ships to different river levels. Each of these stages measures 65 feet high and 910 feet long.
The ship will sail through Xiling Gorge today, which is the longest of the Three Gorges, and you will finally disembark for the final time at Yichang. From here, you will board a flight that will take you to Shanghai.
Food Amenities: American Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Experience Shanghai
On Day 14 you will reach the heart of China. Shanghai began as a fishing and textile town centuries ago to the current global power it is. From finance and technology to fashion and fun, Shanghai has a huge impact on the world, and you will get to experience some of part of this incredible city today.
This city of 23 million people still manages to hold onto much of its heritage and culture, though. You will get to experience some of the modern commercial aspects along Nanjing Road and Old Street, and then go and soak up some of the traditional culture at the Shanghai Museum, where there are over 120,000 exhibits from many different periods of Chinese history.
You can also take some time today to visit The Bund, the financial center of China that is very similar to Manhattan’s Wall Street. This is where the financial transactions happen that affect both China and many other parts of the world. As China continues to grow, this area will become an even more important symbol of their financial influence, which is why it was featured so prominently in J.G. Ballard’s book, “Empire of the Sun” and Steven Spielberg’s movie adaptation.
When evening finally arrives you will join the farewell dinner of Shanghai Cuisine and then get to see the famous Acrobatic Show. This amazing show features some unbelievable displays of discipline over the movements of the body. It’s an ancient art and a performance you won’t forget.
Food Amenities: American Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Special Farewell Dinner

Day 15: Shanghai to Home OR Post-Trip Extension after Shanghai
Today you pack up your belongings, new purchases, and memories. You will home your sweet home. Or, you can surrender to your longing to experience more of China and arrange a Post-trip Extension with additional cost.