Travel Impressions

24 Magnificent China 21-DAY ITINERARY, CLASSIC TOUR Take a journey through some of China's most famous sites and attractions and an in-depth look at the best of China on one of our most popular tours. All the famous sights are covered, along with some special treats. Gaze in wonder at the Grand Buddha in Leshan, visit the traditional gardens of Suzhou, admire the magnificent giant pandas in Chengdu and more. Guilin (1N) Macau Air Road Boat Hong Kong Beijing (4N) Chongqing Shanghai (3N) Xian (2N) Chengdu (2N) Wuhan Yangshuo (2N) Suzhou (1N) Leshan Yichang 0 400 miles 0 400 km Inbound (1N) Yangtze River Cruise (4N) MAGNIFICENT CHINA DAY 1: DEPART THE US Depart on your overnight flight from the US to China. DAY 2: ARRIVE BEIJING Upon arrival in Beijing, you are met and transferred to your hotel. DAY 3: BEIJING Stroll through Tiananmen Square to the treasure-filled Forbidden City, the largest and best-preserved collection of ancient buildings in China from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, housing over 8,000 rooms. You also take a rickshaw ride through the traditional hutong areas, observing a more traditional way of life. Your evening meal includes the local delicacy, Peking duck. (B, L, D) DAY 4: BEIJING Walk on the Great Wall to appreciate 2,000 years of historical significance while admiring panoramic views. The Great Wall is China's most iconic attraction, and stretches over 4,000 miles from the Shanhaiguan Pass on the east coast to the Gobi Desert in the west. Also visit the unique Temple of Heaven, where locals practice tai chi, dance and gather to socialize over a game of cards or mahjong. (B, L, D) DAY 5: BEIJING Visit the bustling local markets and tour the exquisite Summer Palace. This evening, enjoy a fascinating Chinese acrobatic show. (B, L, D) DAY 6: BEIJING TO XIAN Fly to Xian, the former ancient capital, and visit the Shaanxi Museum, which is home to thousands of priceless relics. This evening, enjoy a traditional Shui Jiao dumpling meal, followed by a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing. (B, L, D) DAY 7: XIAN Visit one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20 th century, the Terracotta Warriors. You will walk along the ancient city wall, one of the best preserved in China. You also stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter to explore the Islamic food markets. (B, L, D) DAY 8: XIAN TO WUHAN – YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE EMBARKATION Visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda before flying to Wuhan. Transfer to Yichang to board the Yangtze River Cruise vessel. (*Yangtze River Cruise itineraries, sightseeing and excursions are subject to change due to water levels, river conditions and cruise line. Alternate excursions may be substituted at the discretion of the cruise company and cannot be guaranteed) (B, L, D) DAY 9: YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE Tour the Three Gorges Dam before cruising upstream through some of the most dramatic scenery in the world. Sail through Xiling Gorge, the longest and deepest of the Three Gorges. (B, L, D) DAYS 10-11: YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE Take an excursion through the Shennong Stream before entering the Wu Gorge. Continue on through the Qutang Gorge, the shortest, narrowest and most dramatic gorge. The next day's shore excursion is to Fengdu, the Ghost City. Walk through the town, observing statues of ghosts and devils on Mingshan Hill. (B, L, D) DAY 12: YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE DISEMBARKATION – CHONGQING TO CHENGDU Disembark from the cruise vessel and transfer to Chongqing, where you will visit the ancient village of Ciqikou, dating back over 1,700 years. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the steep, pedestrian street with tea houses, artists' studios and embroidery workshops lining both sides, located in old structures made of bamboo and timber. Here you will have a glimpse of a way of life that has existed for centuries. Later, you travel to Chengdu, capital of the Sichuan Province. (B, L, D) DAY 13: CHENGDU – DAY TOUR TO LESHAN Travel to Leshan to visit the Grand Buddha, the world's largest stone- carved Buddha statue, and take a short boat trip to view the statue from the river. The carving of the Buddha into the side of Lingyun Mountain began in 713 AD and was completed in 803 AD. Return to Chengdu, visiting the old town of Huanglongxi en route. Enjoy a delicious Sichuan meal in the evening. (B, L, D) DAY 14: CHENGDU TO GUILIN Visit the famous Panda Conservation Center to see these charismatic animals being reared in wooded surroundings reminiscent of their natural habitat before flying to the beautiful city of Guilin. (B, L, D) DAY 15: GUILIN TO YANGSHUO Cruise the stunning Li River to Yangshuo and witness the breathtaking landscape of spectacular limestone hills, tranquil fishing scenes and picturesque villages. Explore this small mountain town, stroll the colorful markets and people watch at an outdoor café. (B, L, D)

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