25 Days Grand China Tour

International flight on your own arrangement. Once arrive in Beijing,be met and transferred to your hotel. Feel free at leisure for the rest of the day.

The Great Wall

Morning head to visit the Great Wall, Ming Tomb .Then explore the alleyway -"Hutong" by riding on a traditional rickshaw to catch close-up glimpses of local life.
The Great Wall : One of the seven wonders in the world and the symbol of China.Badaling Great Wall is the most impressive and the most visited section of the Great Wall of China. Constructed in 1502 during the Ming Dynasty, the Badaling Great Wall once served as an important military fortification. Many leaders from China and around the world, like Richard Nixon, Margaret Thatcher…all visited this section of the wall.
The Ming Tomb : The only underground tomb of the thirteen tombs of the emperors in the Ming Dynasty.Some 50 kilometers northwest of the downtown Beijing, the Ming Tombs are generally combined with a visit to the Great Wall. Otherwise known as the “13 Tombs”, this is the burial site of 13 out of 17 emperors of the Ming Dynasty. However, the only one you can get a good look at is the tomb of Emperor Wanli, who reigned from 1537 to 1620. This tomb was unearthed in 1956. There are two others that have been uncovered, but the rest remain illusive.

Day 4

Beijing  Xi'an

Bird's Nest National Stadium

Take a photo stop at the 200 Olympic Site to see the Bird's Nest National Stadium and Water Cube Aquatic Centre .Then explore the Summer Palace-a former imperial summer resort. Then take the overnight soft sleeper train to Xi'an.
Bird's Nest National Stadium:The National Stadium, affectionately known as Bird's Nest, is situated in Olympic Green Village, Chaoyang District, Beijing. It was designed as the main stadium of 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. The Olympic events of track and field, football, gavelock, weight throw and discus were held there. Since October, 2008, after the Olympics ended, the National Stadium has been opened as a tourist attraction.
Water Cube Aquatic Centre:Located on the west side of Landscape Avenue in the Olympic Green and to the west of Beijing National Stadium(Bird's Nest), the National Aquatics Center contains the official 2008 Olympics swimming facility. It measures 177 meters (194 yards) long, 177meters wide, and 30 meters (98 feet) high and covers an area of 62,950 sq meters .
Summer Place:Situated in the Haidian District northwest of Beijing City, the Summer Palace is 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) from central Beijing. Being the largest and most well-preserved royal park in China, it greatly influences Chinese horticulture and landscape with its famous natural views and cultural interests, which also has long since been recognized as 'The Museum of Royal Gardens' .

The Ancient City Wall

Morning arrive Xi'an,you will be met and transferred to your hotel.This afternoon stroll on the original City Wall,Which you have opportunity to cycle on this ancient wall,and then explore the Old Muslim Quarter and Old Mosque.Tonight enjoy a local specialty-dumpling dinner before the famous Tang Dynasty culture show.
The Ancient City Wall : An extension of the old Tang Dynasty structure boasting the most complete city wall that survives through Chinese long history.The City Wall has corner towers, ramparts, sentry towers, gate towers, battlements and a a number of city defensive fortifications with very strong defense capability.
Old Muslim Quarter and Old Mosque:The Great Mosque is a Chinese traditional Alhambresque architecture with a long history and grant scale, which is the great combination of Islamic and Chinese culture. It was recorded that it was established in the first year of the Tian Bao reign by Li Lung Ji, after renovations and expansions on several occasions in the Song, Yuan and especially the Ming and Qing Dynasties, it gradually takes on the current performance.
Tang Dynasty culture show:If you prefer a night performance to kill your night time, Tang Dynasty Show is your best choice, which is on the most Xian visitors' top 10 attractions list. The Tang Dynasty Show showcases the costumes, music, and dancing of China's golden age: the Tang dynasty (618 - 907). The show begins with an ancient Chinese musical instrument ensemble while you dine and then later the cultural dance segment begins. The costumes are splendid and you can get some really nice photos if you sit near the stage.

Day 6

Xi'an  Yichang

The Wild Goose Pagoda

After breakfast visit the historical significance of the amazing The Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses -where7000 individually crafted clay soldiers stand on guard.Then continue to the Bid Wild Goose Pagoda built to house Buddhist scriptures collected by a Chinese Monk,where you can see variety of buddha statues before flying to Yichang to board on the cruise trip.
The Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses : The greatest archaeological findings of the century: the army of terra-cotta warriors and the bronze chariots entombed in vast underground vaults at emperor Qin's tomb.
The Wild Goose Pagoda: The pagoda where widely renowned Master Xuanzang (Monk Tripitaka) stored his classics brought from India. Big Goose Pagoda is one of the oldest structures in China. Originally Big Goose Pagoda consisted of a brick structure of five stores and was about 60 meters high. First built in 589A.D.in the Sui Dynasty. Between AD 701 and AD 704 during the reign of the Empress Wu Zetian five more stores were added to the pagoda making ten in all.

Xiling Gorge

Sail through Xiling Gorge,Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge and enjoy the magnificent views of various shapes of peaks,rolling rills and small towns along the river.Also you shall undertake on-shore excursions to the Ghost City of Fengdu,take a Sampan（wooden boat）tour to one of the Yangtze's tributaries,pass through the world's biggest five level ship lock.
Xiling Gorge:Xiling Gorge is mainly composed of smaller gorges and dangerous shoals. From west to east, there are four gorges - The Military Books and Precious Sword Gorge (Bingshu Baojian Xia), The Ox and Horse Lungs Gorge (Niugan Mafei Xia), Kongling Gorge, and Lantern Shadow Gorge (Dengying Xia) - and some dangerous shoals such as Qingtan, Xietan, Xintan and Konglingtan .
Wu Gorge:The Wu Gorge is the second gorge of the Three Gorges of Yangtze River and is famous for its elegance. Winding over 25 miles, it starts from the estuary of Daning River (east of Wushan) in the west and ends at Guandukou in Badong, Hubei Province .
Ghost City of Fengdu:is known to most Chinese as the 'Ghost City'. Having nearly two thousand years' history, the Ghost City combines the cultures of Confucianism,Taoism and Buddhism with the mystique of ghosts. Many famous literary works like Journey to the West, Apotheosis of Heroes and Strange Tales of a Lonely Studio contain vivid references to Fengdu.

Xiling Gorge

Today experience the Tai Chi morning exercises ,visit the Three Gorges Dam Project,enjoy a variety of Chinese cultural activities on board,such as Chinese brush painting shows,Chinese silk embroidery lessons.
Three Gorges Dam Project:"Three Gorges Dam Project" is the short term for the water control project at the three gorges on Yangtze River. It is located in the middle section of Xiling Gorge (one of the three gorges on Yangtze River) near Sandouping Town inYichang City, Hubei Province. Being the world's largest hydropower project, Three Gorges Dam Project has created many "Firsts" such as the most efficient dam in flood control, the most difficult construction work and the largest migration project in the world.
Tai Chi :is a centuries-old Chinese martial art that descends from qigong, an ancient Chinese discipline that has its roots in traditional Chinese medicine. (The people that you see moving gracefully in parks in China are practicing tai chi.) According to some records, tai chi dates back as far as 2,500 years! It involves a series of slow, meditative body movements that were originally designed for self-defense and to promote inner peace and calm.

Day 9

Chongqing  Dazu Chengdu

Dazu Rock Carving

Disembark and take a relaxing drive to Dazu ,where you will see the World Heritage Site-Dazu Rock Carvings,which date back to 9th century .There are more than 50,000 Buddhists,Taoist and Confucian influenced sculptures scattered over 70 sites in Dazu.Then take a short train to Chengdu.
Dazu Rock Carvings:The Dazu Rock Carving is located in the southeast of the Sichuan Basin, 271 kilometers away from the west of Chengdu, 167 kilometers away from the east of Chongqing. The Dazu Rock Carving lies in Dazu County, which is 167 kilometers away from the urban area of Chongqing city. It's a general designation of the stone statues distributed in 76 places in the whole Dazu County. The number of the stone statues amounts to 60,000.The Dazu Rock Carving is a piece of great work of China's grotto art.  It's not only rich in content but also carved with marvelous technique. It skillfully combines the scientific principles of mechanics, optics, and clairvoyance with statues themselves and landform. The Dazu Rock Carving is reputed as "Artistic Palace of the Tang and Song Dynasties".The Dazu Rock Carving was firstly excavated at the beginning of the Yonghui time of the Tang Dynasty. Experiencing the late Tang Dynasty and the Five Dynasties, it was very popular in the Southern Song and Northern Song Dynasties (A.D.960-1278).

Leshan Buddha Sculpture

After breakfast take a scenic drive to the world's largest Buddha Statue(71m high)at Leshan County,walk down to the foot of the Buddha and hope on a river cruise to appreciate its fill stature and splendor from the river.Tonight sample a local specialty dinner.
Leshan Buddha Sculpture:The Giant Buddha of Leshan (aka Dafo) is the tallest stone Buddha statue in the world, carved out of a cliff face by an 8th-century monk in southern Szechuan province. The Giant Buddha overlooks the confluence of the Minjiang, Dadu and Qingyi rivers and faces the sacred Mount Emei (with which it shares its World Heritage status).History, Construction on the Giant Buddha began in 713 AD. It was the idea of a Chinese monk named Haitong, who hoped that the Buddha would calm the turbulent waters that plagued the shipping vessels traveling down the river. His plans were not just supernatural - the enormous amount of rubble carved away from the cliff would be deposited in the river, altering the currents and calming the water.

Day 11

Chengdu  Lijiang

Giant Panda Breeding and Research Centre

After breakfast visit the fascinating Giant Panda Breeding and Research Centre to learn morn about these amazing endangered animals and the programs that are being implemented to protect them.Later explore bustling teahouses and take a stroll in the lively People's Park before being flying to Lijiang.
Giant Panda Breeding and Research Centre:Zoos, scientific research centers, breeding centers, or semi-protected areas work together to maintain a self-sustaining population of a given species. This population may serve as a hedge against extinction of the species, as well as a reservoir for improved understanding of its natural history. The Chengdu Panda Base is an example of a scientific institute engaged in research towards conservation. Our goal is not only to provide technical support for scientific research on wild pandas, but also to increase the wild population through improved management and, ultimately reintroduction of individuals into areas from which the populations have declined. Research at the Chengdu Panda Base focuses on the advancement of wildlife conservation in China.

Black Dragon Pool Park

Visit the Black Dragon Pool Park to catch the beautiful views of the Jade Dragon Mountain,where from a distance this mountain looks like a dragon flying from within the clouds,and then explore the World Heritage Site of Lijiang Dayan Ancient Town and wander through the ornately-carved wooden buildings,teahouses and cobbled street interspersed with mini canals and stream.Enjoy a dinner at the courtyard local family.
Black Dragon Pool Park:Somewhat idiosyncratically known as Black Dragon Pool, the Jade Spring Park to the north of Lijiang derives its name from the waters which sparkle like jade and are as clear as spring water. The entire park is green with grass and shaded by swaying willow trees.
Jade Dragon Mountain: is the southernmost glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. Consisting of 13 peaks, among which Shanzidou is the highest one with an altitude of 5,600 meters (18,360 feet), Jade Dragon Snow Mountain stretches a length of 35 kilometers (22 miles) and a width of 20 kilometers .
Lijiang Dayan Ancient Town:Lijiang old Town is officially called "Dayan Town", "Dayan" literally means a "great ink stab", a graphic description of the town's location on a piece of rich flatland fed by a river and surrounded by green mountains. Dayan Town is the large Naxi settlement first built during the Southern Song Dynasty some eight centuries ago. Dayan Town is one of the few places in China with well-preserved old style folk buildings.

Day 13

Tiger Leaping Gorge  Shangri-la

Tiger Leaping Gorge

Enjoy a relaxing drive to the First Bend of Yangtze River before going to see the world's deepest gorge -Tiger Leaping Gorge. You will have the opportunity to marvel at the spectacular mountains surrounding this deep water-filled gorge. Continue to Shangri-la,a land of snow-capped mountains, forests,grassland and lakes,and harmonious multi-religious society ,as described by British writer James Hilton in his novel "Lost Horizon".
First Bend of Yangtze River :The attraction is the Jinshajiang section of the Yangtze, with an elevation of over 1800 meters. The sight is one of the top attractions of Lijiang and the important hub linking the Tiger Leaping Gorge, Laojunshan and Meli Snow Mountain.The great Yangtze flows down from the world's roof –Tibet Plateau and enter into the Yunnan province from Batang (one Tibet County), the river mixes two other great rivers, Lancang River (Lantsang) and Nu River (the Angry River) here, and then the Three Parallel Rivers landscape is formed. The river suddenly topped by Hailou Mountain Cliff and takes a sudden turn to the northeast in the Shangri-la County, therefore the peculiar 'V' shape valley appears, and the world famous Tiger Leaping Gorge was created.
Tiger Leaping Gorge:It is on the Jinsha River of the upper reaches of the Yangtze) is located 105 kilometers south of Zhongdian County. The gorge is 17 kilometers long with a drop of 213 meters.The Tiger Leaping Gorge is divided into three sections: Upper, Middle and Lower Hutiao. At the narrowest spot the river is only 30 meters wide. The mouth of the gorge is 1,800 meters above sea level. The river is flanked by Yulong and Haba snow mountains, with a height difference of 3,900 meters. It is one of the deepest gorges in the world.
 

Songzanlin Tibetan Monastery

After breakfast spent time explore the mystical prayer halls and temples of the renowned 300 year old Songzanlin Tibetan Monastery.
Songzanlin Tibetan Monastery:Gedan Songzanlin Monastery, also called Guihua Monastery, is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan province. It is 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) from the seat of Shangri-La County. Construction began in 1679 and was completed in 1681. During the monasteries golden age over 3,000 monks lived and studied there.Built along the mountains with a magnificent facade, the monastery is a faithful imitation of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. Covering an area of 33 hectares (82 acres), the monastery has solid walls and five gates. Two main lamaseries, Zhacang and Jikang, command the highest position in the architectural complex. As one of the largest lamaseries in the Kangzang (tri-province area of Tibet, Sichuan, and Yunnan) region, they are both Tibetan-style watchtowers and are surrounded by eight sub-lamaseries and the dormitories or the lamas.A five-story Tibetan-style building serves as the main hall of the monastery. Seen from the distance, the gilded copper stupa and tiles at the top of the structure seem to shine eternally in the plateau sunlight. The lower tier of this structure is supported by 108 giant pillars, a lucky number to Buddhists.

Day 15

Shangri-la  Kunming

Napa Lake

before taking a nature walk along the Napa Lake.Then visit the lush Tibetan villages and friendly families before going to final stop at a Tibetan Old Town and enjoy a Tibetan dinner.And then flying to Kunming.
Napa Lake:Napa Hai ("Lake behind the forest") Nature Reserve is a state-designated wetlands area situated some 8 kilometers north of Shangri-La County (aka Zhongdian County) on the Yunnan -Guizou Plateau in northwestern Yunnan Province. Not surprisingly, this wetlands area is a true paradise for all types of birds, most especially for water fowl. In spring, the higher, drier parts of the reserve is a prairie landscape carpeted with flowers. Parts of this prairie are farmed, the main crop being highland barley.
Tibetan Old Town:a 1300-year-old Tibetan town located in Shangri-La, which it has experienced both the flames of war and prosperity of frontier trade. Dukezong Old Town's authentic Tibetan dwellings, majestic prayer halls and pagodas, winding lanes offer sanctuary to all those seeking refuge from the bustle city.

Day 16

Kunming  Guilin

Stone Forest

Visit the natural wonder-the Stone Forest,you will be amazed by the bizarrely shaped limestone cliffs and peaks which have formed by erosion after the sea bed was thrust up 270 million year ago.And then take an soft sleeper overnight train to Guilin.
Stone Forest: is in Lunan Yi Nationality Autonomous County, which is about 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Kunming and requires only a three-hour drive. It covers an area of 400 square kilometers (96,000 acres) and includes both large and small stone forests, as well as many other scenic spots. An old local saying says that 'If you have visited Kunming without seeing the Stone Forest, you have wasted your time.' Truly, the site is one of the most important attractions of Yunnan.Walking through the site, visitors marvel at the natural stone masterpieces and are bewitched by the intricate formations. The magnificent, strange and steep landscape creates countless labyrinthine vistas, including:Major Stone Forest, Minor Stone Forest and Naigu Stone Forest, all of which feature stones in various formations. Animals, plants, and even human figures can be found here. Some are elegant, some are rugged, and each is lifelike with its own distinguishing characteristics.

Longsheng

Visit"Palace of Natural Art"Reed Flute Cave,view the beautiful vista of the Elephant Trunk Hill.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.
Elephant Trunk Hill : 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.
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.
Longsheng :Longsheng Gezu Autonomous County (Longsheng Multi-ethnic Autonomous County) is located in the northeastern portion of Guangxi and it is under Guilin's governance. This area is the centralized hub for about ten ethnic minority groups in northern Guilin including Zhuang, Yao, Miao and Dong, etc. who thrive on farming and tourism. Longsheng boasts many attractions that have helped build a thriving culture of tourism.

Li River Cruises

After breakfast enjoy the spectacular Li River Cruises.The cruise ship goes past the bizarre shaped mountains,villages and water buffaloes.Disembark at the traditional country town of Yangshuo.
Li River Cruises:The Li River (Lí Jiāng, pronounced Lee Jyang) 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. In a Chinese poem it is written: "The river is a green silk ribbon, and the hills are jade hairpins".It is a Chinese tradition to divide the long trip into sections (just as the Three gorges along the Yangtze River) and give each peak an imaginative name. Although some take much of your imagination to see what it is like, listening to tour guide's legendary stories behind them is a delightful experience when you are appreciating the landscapes. Most are mystical fairy and love stories. The writer choose some of the peaks and places to illustrate below. (They are presented in order of location along the River.

Day 19

Guilin  Hangzhou

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.And then flying to Hangzhou-the lake city.

West Lake

Take a cruise on the West Lake to enjoy the beautiful views of lake,visit the culture treasure-Lingyin Temple and give your taste buds newly harvested tea at Longjing Tea Plantation.Final stop is at Six Harmonies Pagoda to overlook the calm Qiantang River. Sample a local specialty dinner.
West Lake:The most famous attraction in Hangzhou is West Lake (Xi Hu /sshee hoo/). West Lake is man-made and created after the Chinese love for garden style parks for recreation.Hangzhou's West Lake Scenic Area, in the southwest of the city, covers 60 square kilometers, of which West Lake itself occupies 5.6 square kilometers.
.Lingyin Temple: Lingyin Temple, or Temple of the Soul's Retreat, got it name from its tranquil surroundings. Sheltered by forested hills on three sides, the temple is a quiet and sheltered sanctuary (when it is not thronged by visitors). Lingyin (Hidden Spirit) Temple is one of the largest and most visited Buddhist temples in China and holds the largest statue of the Buddha Sakyamuni in the lotus position.The temple consists of the Hall of the Heavenly King, Hall of the Great Hero, Hall of the Buddha of Medicine, East and West Winding Corridors and several other buildings. In the center of the Hall of the Heavenly King, sits a statue of Maitreya, the fat, bare-bellied Buddha with a smiling face – the laughing Buddha.

Bund

After breakfast stroll the historic riverfront Bund,where you can see 52 magnificent colonial buildings and the contrasting view of "Old and Modern"Shanghai along the Huangpu River,Then take an under river cable car from Bund to Pudong new areas,reach the top of Jin Mao Building,one of the world's tallest building to enjoy a panoramic view of Shanghai.
Bund: This 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. Over one hundred years, it has emerged as a symbol of Shanghai. It is located between the Nanpu Bridge and the Waibaidu Bridge in the West Bank of Huangpu River, with the total length of four kilometers. It is one of the new ten landscapes of the Shanghai 90s and the top ten tourist attractions.
Huangpu River:Huangpu River is a branch of the lower reaches of theYangtze River. It lies in Shanghai City, formerly known as Huangxiepu or Chunshen River. It takes its rise from theTai Lake, runs eastwards through the Dianshan Lake in Qingpu County and then flows to Minhang District in Shanghai. At the Baidu Bridge in the center of Shanghai City, Huangpu River flows together with the Wusong River (i.e. Suzhou River) and finally flows into the East China Sea.

Yuyuan Gardens

In the morning you will visit Yuyuan Garden and Jade Budda Temple, and the rest of the day is free for you.
Yuyuan Gardens: A 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.
Jade Buddha Temple:A beautiful Buddhist temple constructed in 1882 housing two spectacular, imported, jade, Burmese Buddhas.

Zhujiajiao

Travel to the ancient water town of Zhujiajiao to see the old residences built during Ming and Qing Dynasties,explore twisting cobble streets and distinctive bridges.and then stop at the contrasting,modern Xintiandi,a restored area of old residential house .Followed by a visit to the superb Shanghai Museum.
Zhujiajiao: Zhujiajiao is a township in the Qingpu District of Shanghai. The Qingpu District has a lake and is being developed as a tourist resort area. Zhujiajiao is a township in the Qingpu District of Shanghai. The Zhujianjiao Ancient Town has a population of about 70,000 people. In the centuries past, because of many canals, it was a trading area. People would ferry products and themselves around in little boats and barges. So there are some buildings that date to the Qing Dynasty era (1644-1912) or the early 1900s. Nowadays, younger people and people with some money but want to relax from work are going there to live. It is an official tourist area, so some attractions and buildings require a ticket that you can buy at the gate to the area. However, just to walk around, you don’t need a ticket. Many old people live there.
Shanghai Museum: Shanghai 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.