13 Days China Essentials Tour
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13 Days China Essentials Tour Map
Day 1   Beijing 

Please arrange international flight to get to Beijing. We will meet you at the airport, transfer you to the hotel and check you in. Feel free at leisure for the rest of the day.
Accommodation : In Beijing

Day 2   Beijing 

Spend a whole day exploring Beijing. the first site we will visit for today is Tiananmen Square, which is the largest city public square in the world. It has great cultural significance as it was the site of a number of important events in the Chinese history, including the proclamation of the People’s Republic of China on October 1, 1949. Thereafter, bus transfer to the next stop The Temple of Heaven, which is located in the southern part of Beijing, and has been one of the most sacred places for the whole country for more than five centuries. The complex was visited by the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer to heaven, and is the largest one in Beijing among several royal altars to Heaven, Earth, Sun, Moon and other deities or symbolic forces of Nature.
And in the afternoon, we are going to visit the Chinese royal palace Forbidden City, Also called Palace Museum, the Forbidden City is recognized as the most magnificent and splendid palace complex in China and one of the five world-famous palaces, along with the Palace of Versailles in France, Buckingham Palace in England, the White House in United States, and the Kremlin in Russia.  
Accommodation : In Beijing

Tian'anmen square   Forbidden city
Tian'anmen square                                                            Forbidden city

Day 3   Beijing 

Morning head to visit the Mutianyu Great Wall, Mutianyu Section is called as the Majestic Pass on Precipitous Mountains, which is one of the best-preserved parts of the Great Wall, it is also the longest Great Wall in China. On the way, you can take a photo stop at the 2008 Olympic Site to see the Bird's Nest National Stadium and Water Cube Aquatic Centre
After a few hours of exploration, we will down from the Great Wall and travel to The Ming Tombs, which is also known as the “13 Tombs”, this is a collection of mausoleums of the 13 out of 17 of the Ming Dynasty emperors. The tomb that can be visited is that of Emperor Wanli, who reigned from 1537 to 1620, and his two empresses. Unearthed in 1956, this is literally an underground palace located 27m below ground surface.
After the visiting, we will drive back to downtown Beijing for rest and overnight stay.
Accommodation : In Beijing

Mutianyu Great wall   Water Cube Aquatic Centre
Mutianyu Great wall                                                               Water Cube Aquatic Centre

Day 4   Beijing  Xi'an

Monrning enjoy your nice buffet breakfast at the hotel and then tour will begin from the Summer Palace, Situated in the Haidian District northwest of Beijing City, the Summer Palace is 15 kilometers from central Beijing. Being the largest and most well-preserved royal park in China, it has greatly influenced Chinese horticulture and landscape with its famous natural views and cultural interests. It has long since been recognized as 'The Museum of Royal Gardens', here you can spend a few hours to explore the garden or take a boat trip if you are interested. then continue to explore Beijing Hutong, It is said that the real culture of Beijing is the culture of the Hutong and Courtyards. That is so true. Hutong is a Mongolian word meaning water well. At nine meters wide, it is the term given to a lane or small street that originated during the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368). These hutongs, or alleyways, are formed by lines of traditional courtyard residences. Many neighborhoods were thus formed, and the word hutong now refers to these neighbourhoods of alleyways. They have become representatives of local culture, thus it is the first choice for people who would like to learn about the local history and culture.
In the late afternoon, you will be transferred to the train station and take the high speed train to your next stop Xi'an.
Accommodation : In Xi'an

Summer Palace   Beijing Hutong
Summer Palace                                                     Beijing Hutong

Day 5   Xi'an 

Drive to the countryside of the Xi'an city about 1hrs, we will start our journey from the most impressive historic site Terracotta Warriors which are the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century. Work is ongoing at this site, which is around 1.5 kilometers east of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum in Lintong, It is a sight not to be missed by any visitor to China. Believe you will be amazed by the culture and history to get a feeling back to Qing Dynasty during the 3hrs experience. (No flash when take photos)
Lunch will be in the local restaurant, we will proceed to visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda built to house Buddhist scriptures collected by a Chinese Monk. Big Wild Goose Pagoda has 7 floors in total. Architecture is traditional Chinese style decorating with some Buddha statues. Tourists can see variety of Buddha statues and see the whole Xi’an city at the top floor. 
Thereafter, travel to the famous Muslim Street to taste the delicious local cursine and explore the local lifestyle. In the evening, you will have a time to enjoy the famous Tang Dynasty Show, the show presents the palace dances and songs from the Tang Dynasty (618AD-907AD) when Xian was the capital of China.
Accommodation : In Xi'an

Terracotta Warriors   Big Wild Goosed Pagoda
    Terracotta Warriors                                                              Big Wild Goosed Pagoda

Day 6   Xi'an  Guilin

Full day sightseeing in Xi'an. we will go to the Shaanxi Province Museum, This provincial museum is one of the major museums in China. It holds numerous unearthed cultural artifacts from within the Shaanxi province as well as the rest of China. The newly built modern building recreates Tang-dynasty architecture and successfully symbolizes the great extent of Shaanxi history and its remarkable culture. Afterwards, drive you to the Ancient City Wall, This is the most complete city wall that has survived in China as well being one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world. you will enter the city wall through the ticket gate. Standing on the wall, you can't use your eyes to judge how long the wall is. you can walk around the city wall or experience the cycling. 
Coming out from the city wall, bus transfer to the airport and catch the flight to Guilin. Upon your arrival, be met and transfer to the hotel. Have a good rest.
Accommodation : In Guilin

Ancient City Wall   Shaanxi History Museum
           Ancient City Wall                                                                     Shaanxi History Museum

Day 7   Guilin 

Today we will meet you at the hotel lobby and then head to the beautiful rural countryside-Longsheng to see ancient rice terraces built about 800 years ago. Wander through little stone pathway and traditional wooden houses on stilts and villages of the Zhuang people. Wake up the mountain to admire the spectacular rice terrace scenery. This evening sample the local specialty dinner.
After enjoying the beautiful rice terraces and tasting the local cuisine, we will drive back to Guilin for overnight stay.
Accommodation : In Guilin

Longsheng Terraces   Longsheng Terraces
Longsheng Terraces                                                  Longsheng Terraces

Day 8   Guilin  Yangshuo

Morning your guide and driver will pick you from your hotel. Then you will enjoy the spectacular Li River CruisesThe Li River is the main river system of Guilin Prefecture, Northeast Guangxi. Originating from Kitten Mountain (Mao’er Shan), the Li River winds its way south for 437 km (272 miles). The 83-kilometer-long (52-mile-long) section between Guilin and Yangshuo is the most beautiful part.The Li River from Zhujiang Pier (Guilin city suburbs) to Yangshuo is like an artist's masterpiece. The landscape is decorated with startling hills, steep cliffs, fantastic caves and farming villages, and is lined with bamboo groves. 
Accommodation : In Yangshuo

Li River Cruise   Li river
Li river                                                                         Li river

Day 9   Yangshuo  Guilin

Spend a free day to explore tranquilly countryside and local villages,see rice paddies and fish farms.There are many activities to day,such as cycling,bamboo boat drifting,bargain shopping and cooking class. Afternoon, we will drive back to Guilin.
Accommodation : In Guilin

Day 10   Guilin  Shanghai

Today we will do a Guilin City tour. the first site we will visit today is the Elephant Trunk Hill, which is located on the western bank of Li River. The shape of the hill is just like a huge elephant drinking water from the river with its trunk, so it is called Elephant Trunk Hill.Shui Yue Cave (Water Moon Cave) is between the trunk and the legs, which is a semi-round cave penetrated by water. The inverted reflection of the cave in water plus the part above forms a full moon. This phenomenon is unique and many laudatory inscriptions were found on the wall inside the cave. Visitors can boat through the cave to the river. then continue our tour to the mysterious Palace of Natural Art"Reed Flute Cave, Known as “the Palace of Natural Arts”, Reed Flute Cave's remarkable features impress domestic and foreign visitors alike. Situated at the foot of Guangming Hill in northeastern Guiln, Reed Flute Cave got its name from the kind of reed growing immediately outside the cave entrance, which is used to make fine flutes.It has been a tourist attraction for more than 1,000 years. Inside the cave, there are various stalagmites, stone curtains, stone flowers and stone pillars, which constitute a unique charm, making it known as a palace of natural art.This limestone cave with impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations makes the Reed Flute Cave well worthy of a visit.According to legend, it is believed that the green reed could be made into flutes to create dulcet music. The exuberant reed covered the entrance to the cave, so the people of the area used this cave for many centuries as a hideout in times of war.
After the visiting, we will transfer you to the airport to catch the flight to Shanghai.

Accommodation : In Shanghai

Elephant Trunk Hill   Reed Flute Cave
Elephant Trunk Hill                                                         Reed Flute Cave

Day 11   Shanghai 
 

This morning we will start our journey from the Shanghai MuseumShanghai Museum used to be near the Bund area. It is now situated in People's Square and its new buildings were built in 1996, designed by a Shanghai architect named Xing Tonghe. The new design symbolizes China's ancient understanding of the world: round sky and square earth. The museum has a circular roof and rectangular base. It stores 120,000 precious artifacts, which narrate a story of China's 5,000-year civilization. Here you will learn more history and culture of Shanghai and China. Thereafter, we will pay a visit to the BundThis symbol of Shanghai is known worldwide as the ‘gallery of international architecture.’Its assortment of buildings standing along the Huangpu River varying in height, color and architectural design make it one of the most magnificent skylines in the world.The Bund is Shanghai's most characteristic landscape. From here you will also enjoy the beautiful scenery of Huangpu River.
Accommodation : In Shanghai

Shanghai Museum   The Bund
Shanghai Museum                                                           The Bund

Day 12   Shanghai 

Depart from the hotel in the morning, we will travel to the first site Yuyuan GardenA famous garden of beauty and tranquility in the heart of Shanghai built during the Ming Dynasty 400 years ago as a son’s gift to his parents.Black tiles and white walls establish a nonchalant and simple keynote . The dainty style makes one feel comfortable, and each exquisite window lattice is telling its own story, serves the record of the past delicate life. Every piece of roof tile is passing a sort of affection of pride and memories.The entire Yuyuan Garden is bordered by the Dragon Wall. then proceed our journey to the Jade Buddha Temple, A beautiful Buddhist temple constructed in 1882 housing two spectacular, imported, jade, Burmese Buddhas. 
After the visiting, the rest of the day is free for you.

Accommodation : In Shanghai

Yuyuan Garden   Jade Buddha Temple
        Yuyuan Garden                                                  Jade Buddha Temple

Day 13   Shanghai 

Morning enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and then we will arrange the airport transfer for you. Looking forward to seeing you next time. 


Travel in party of Superior Class
★★★★★
Deluxe Class
★★★★
Tourist Class
★★★
2 persons N
4 persons N
6 persons N
8 persons N
Single room Supplement N

Service included:

√ Private transportation with good AC
√ Excellent English Speaking Guide
√ Hotel with breakfast ( 2 persons share one room)
√ Entrance fee listed in the itinerary
√ 2nd class train from Beijing to Xi’an
√ Airfare from Xi’an to Guilin, Guilin to Shanghai
√ 2 bottles of water each person on daily use.
√ Government tax
√ Travel insurance
√ Allowance for the guide and driver

Service excluded:

Personal expenses and tips to the driver
Full board meals
Some activities such as boating, camel riding, culture show,rafting etc.
Flight arrive in Beijing and leave from Shanghai

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