Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/103673
Yu Gardens Beijing (3N) Be j 0 0 miles km 400 400 Xian (2N) Chengdu (1N) C e Chongqing ongqing Shanghai (2N) i (2 Yichang Inbound (1N) Yangtze R er Riv Cruise (4N) Macau u Hong Kong Air Road Boat majestiC yangtZe deluxe - 14-day itinerary Exclusive (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner This tour is ideal for those looking for an in-depth discovery of China in a short amount of time. Covering large cities such as Shanghai and Beijing, a Yangtze River Cruise on 5-star Victoria Cruises and a visit to the ancient city of Xian, this tour also travels to Chengdu to see the Giant Pandas. days 1-2: us to shanghai Depart on your overnight flight from the US to China. Upon arrival in Shanghai, the beating heart of modern China, also known as the 'Paris of the East,' meet your guide and driver and transfer to your hotel. This evening is at your leisure to explore this vibrant city. day 10: xian Today you will visit the Army of Terracotta Warriors, one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the twentieth century. The figures were created over 2,000 years ago to accompany Emperor Qin Shihuang into the afterlife. day 3: shanghai Enjoy a full-day tour to explore this cosmopolitan city, including the antiquities of the Shanghai Museum, cobbled streets of the Old Town and peaceful Yu Gardens. This evening enjoy a fantastic dinner in the Pudong area. (B, L, D) Take a leisurely walk on top of Xian's ancient city wall, one of the best preserved in China. Stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter and explore the Islamic food markets. (B, L) day 4: shanghai to yiChang - yangZte river Cruise Upon arrival you will be transferred to Yichang wharf to board the Victoria cruise vessel. For the next four nights, cruise along one of the world's greatest waterways, the Yangtze River. (B, L) days 5-7: yangtZe river Cruise During your time on board you will pass through spectacular landscapes and tranquil sceneries. Shore excursions will allow you to explore the fascinating tributary streams. Relax on board your cruise ship and take advantage of the services provided on board. (B, L, D) day 8: Chongqing to Chengdu Disembark from the cruise vessel in Chongqing and transfer to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. Wander amongst bustling street markets this evening or simply relax in your hotel. (B, L, D) day 9: Chengdu to xian Visit the famous Panda Reserve to see these adorable animals being reared in wooded surroundings reminiscent of their natural habitat. Fly to Xian, the historical heartland of China. Enjoy a unique Shui Jiao dinner featuring multiple courses of Xian's famous dumplings, created with many different fillings and corresponding shapes. The entertainment this evening is a dazzling Tang Dynasty Dance performance. Its early folk roots began as a ritual of prayer for a good harvest evolving over thousands of years, reaching its peak during the Tang Dynasty. Open to outside influences, the Tang combined poetry, music, singing and dancing with stunning costumes to create a distinct style. (B, L, D) 14 Majestic Yangtze Deluxe day 11: xian to Beijing Visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda. On to the renowned Shaanxi Museum which is home to thousands of priceless relics. Later we fly to Beijing, China's capital and cultural hub. (B, L, D) day 12: Beijing Travel back in time as you tour the bustling Tiananmen Square before entering the Forbidden City. Marvel at the incredible royal treasures, ancient relics and historic art while lingering over the ornate opulence of the ancient court. This afternoon, visit the beautiful Summer Palace. The palace was famously commissioned by the last empress who diverted so much money to building the site that she bankrupted the Navy. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. Take in the natural landscape of hills and Kunming Lake as well as the wealth of pavilions, halls, palaces, temples and bridges. A visit to the historic Hutong district of Beijing will show you the older side of this intriguing city. Enjoy a ride on a traditional cyclo-rickshaw to explore the maze of alleyways. You will have a chance to visit a local home and enjoy tea with a family. (B, L) day 13: Beijing Today you will see the most famous sight in China, The Great Wall. Built to defend China from the Mongols, construction first started over 2,000 years ago and ultimately the wall reached nearly 4,000 miles in length from the Shanhaiguan Pass on the east coast to the Gobi Desert in the west.