The Best of China

Welcome to the capital city Beijing, which so mesmerized the world during the 2008 Summer Olympics. Travelers who purchased our air-inclusive package will be greeted at the airport and travel to your upscale hotel centrally located in downtown Beijing, within easy access to Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world. This evening, your tour director hosts a welcome briefing.

Today we’ll discover the Forbidden City, the largest ancient palatial structure in the world and home of 24 emperors throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is a true architectural masterwork and home to the National Palace Museum. After lunch, we’ll see the Summer Palace, a former royal retreat and now a lovely park, where you might consider taking a scenic boat ride on peaceful Kunming Lake. We’ll gather for a welcome dinner hosted by your Tour Director tonight.

Today, encounter one of the world’s wonders: the legendary Great Wall, which stretches nearly 4,000 miles across China and was built more than 2,300 years ago. After you take the cable car up to the Great Wall, you’ll have plenty of time to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take in the vistas. On the way back to Beijing, we’ll take a photo stop at the iconic Beijing 2008 Olympic Park, where you’ll marvel at the uniquely designed buildings (like the famous Bird’s Nest and Water Cube). 

Enjoy the morning at your leisure (perhaps seeing Tiananmen Square, a prime people-watching spot!). Or take an optional Hutong and Temple of Heaven excursion, where you’ll explore the city’s ancient back alleys via rickshaw before enjoying lunch with a local family in their home. The tour ends with a visit to the Ming Dynasty masterpiece, the Temple of Heaven. Later today, fly to Xian, ancient capital of China for 11 dynasties and historic gateway to the old silk trading route. 

May 2022 Onward: Travel to Xian by high-speed train!

Ready to see one of the greatest discoveries of the 20th century? You’ll be amazed by the Terracotta Army, an afterlife (and life-sized!) army of warriors, chariots and horses built over 2,200 years ago to guard the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi. This architectural treasure was unearthed in 1974 after being discovered by local farmers. Fun fact: each of the 8,000 soldiers differs in gestures and facial expressions. Our next stop is the Tang Art Museum, where we’ll view intriguing exhibits and demonstrations of Chinese culture, including folk arts, ancient painting works and calligraphy. You won’t want to miss tonight’s optional outing: a dumpling dinner (a delectable local specialty), followed by a spectacular Tang Dynasty folklore show. 

Today we’ll board a high-speed train from Xian to Chengdu, the capital of the Sichuan province and once the capital of the Shu Kingdom, and check-in to our hotel. 

Today we’ll see one of China’s natural treasures as we visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. As we learn about efforts to increase the giant panda population, we’ll have a chance to see these beloved creatures in settings that imitate their natural habitats. After lunch, we’ll take a leisurely stroll down narrow Jinli Street, where you’ll find traditional shops selling Shu embroidery, lacquer products, folk handicrafts, curios and calligraphy. Old-world architecture and folk customs harmonize with more modern cafés on Jinli Street. It’s a lovely spot to sit back with a cup of coffee and watch the scene. This evening, enjoy a special Sichuan Hot Pot dinner. 

Today we’ll catch a flight to Shanghai, the “Paris of the East.” On the way to your hotel, we’ll catch our first glimpse of this dynamic city, which blends a seaport legacy with sleek 21st-century architecture.

We’ll start the day with an orientation drive and a stroll along the Bund, the bustling Huangpu River waterfront, followed by a guided walk through Yu Yuan Garden. Take a deep breath and enjoy the rockeries, pavilions and sculpture of this classical Ming Dynasty-era garden, which was created over 400 years ago to be a happy, tranquil place for the owner’s parents. The remainder of the day is free for exploration at your own pace. Two optional outings are available and recommended: a visit to Shanghai Tower and the famous Jade Buddha Temple, as well as dinner and a mesmerizing acrobatic show. 

Enjoy a full day to explore Shanghai or join an optional excursion to charming Suzhou, often called “Paradise on Earth.” See optional tours for information about this outing, which includes a canal boat ride and garden visit. Gather with your fellow travelers for a festive farewell dinner at a famous local restaurant this evening.

Our tour comes to an end after breakfast today. Travelers who purchased our air-inclusive package will transfer to the airport for our return flight to the U.S.