9 Days Splendid China (ASC09)

Board an international flight bound for Beijing, eager to begin our China vacation. Spend the night aboard as our flight crosses the International Date Line.

Upon arriving at Beijing airport, a China Tour representative will greet you and arrange for your transportation to the hotel, allowing you the first chance to experience China.

This morning, you will sight-see Tiananmen Square, which is noted as the largest public square in the world and then the Imperial Palace in the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming dynasty to the end of the Qing dynasty. For almost 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and their households, as well as the ceremonial and political center of Chinese government. Later stop at a Pearl Factory to gain a little knowledge of fresh pearls. In the evening, you will enjoy an authentic Peking Duck Banquet.
Optional: Hutong tour with rickshaw & lunch at local family ($39/person)

Today you will visit The Great Wall! Visiting the Great Wall is a delightful must for visitors to China. The Great Wall is one of the seven greatest man-made wonders of the world and is definitely the focal point of China. You will walk along one of the three greatest mountain passes – Juyongguan Pass. After that, you will have lunch where you can take some rest. Afterward you will visit the Jade Museum to learn the history of Jade. In Chinese, jade is pronounced as ‘Yu’, and it has a history in China of at least four thousand years. Later visit Traditional Chinese Medicine Center. In the evening, you can choose the optional tour.
Optional: The Golden Mask Dynasty Show (Family friendly with spectacular costumes and ballet dancing with acrobats thrown in) ($49/person)

Fly to Shanghai in the morning before being transferred to Suzhou.
Suzhou, which dates back to 514 BCE, is sometimes called the “Venice of the East”. Next,visit Shan Tang Street, which has always been regarded as the first name of Suzhou ancient streets. It has a long history of about 1,100 years, and its layout and architecture best represent the characteristics of Suzhou’s old alleys. It also has connections to many ancient Chinese celebrities and anecdotes.
Optional Program: Boat Ride on the Grand Canal with walk around the local Market $29 per person.

Today you will visit the Lingering Garden and Silk Spinning Factory.
The Lingering Garden (Liuyuan) is a renowned classical Chinese garden and is recognized along with other classical Suzhou gardens as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
China is famous for its silk, so we will take you to the #1 Silk Spinning Factory in China!
Then, we’ll drive you to Hangzhou.

Hangzhou, one of the seven Capitals of ancient China, is well-known for its tea products.
In the morning take a leisurely boat ride on West Lake to witness the ethereal beauty of Hangzhou’s willow-draped islands and admire the Su Causeway before stopping for a taste of Dragon Well Tea at the Longjing Green Tea Village.
Later, drive back to Shanghai, the largest city by population in China. You will visit the famous Bund. Shanghai is divided by the Huang Pu River into eastern and western sections. Modern mega high rises are seen on the eastern side while traditional European style architecture may be seen on the western side. The Bund is a five-block riverfront promenade with many of Shanghai’s banks and trading houses.
Optional: Shanghai Lujiazui FTDZ & Huang Pu River Cruise ($45/person)

Today is free on your own, or you are welcomed to join our optional tours.
Optional 1: Shanghai day tour with Maglev Train Experience ($49/person)
Sight-see Shanghai’s highlights: Sight-see Shanghai’s highlights, Local Souvenir & gifts Bazaar where you can do some last minute shopping. Continue to modern Xintiandi. Also, you will have the chance to experience Maglev Train, which can reach almost 390KM per hour.
Optional 2: ERA Acrobats Show ($49/person) #1 of 34 Concerts & Shows in Shanghai through TripAdvisor

All good things must come to an end. Board a return flight back home and bid farewell to China. Your amazing China tour ends.