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26 Grand Tour of China 26-DAY ITINERARY, CLASSIC TOUR A thorough exploration of China, uncovering the storied past, culture and natural beauty of this vast country takes you through the history of Beijing and Xian, the mystery surrounding the Yangtze River, the ancient remains and natural wonders in Dali and Kunming, the beautiful scenery in Guilin and Yangshuo, and the bustling city life of Shanghai. Guilin(1N) Macau Air Coach Boat Hong Kong Beijing (3N) Chongqing Shanghai (2 N) Xian (2N) Chengdu (1N) Wuhan Yangshuo (2N) Suzhou (2N) Yichang 0 400 miles 0 400 km Inbound (1N) Yangtze River Cruise (4N) Rail Kunming (2N) Dali (2N) Hangzhou (2N) Overnight Train (1N) 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, passing Chairman Mao's Mausoleum, followed by a visit to the Forbidden City. This evening, sample the local delicacy, Peking duck. (B, L, D) DAY 4: BEIJING Take an exciting walk along the Great Wall of China and tour the unique 15 th century Temple of Heaven. Your evening entertainment will be an exciting acrobatics performance. (B, L, D) DAY 5: BEIJING TO XIAN Explore Liulichang's ancient shopfronts and the calligraphy market. Wander through the Summer Palace and admire its landscaped beauty. This evening, board your overnight soft sleeper train to Xian. (B, L, D) DAY 6: ARRIVE XIAN Arrive in Xian and visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda and the Shaanxi Provincial Museum. Walk through the lively Muslim Quarter and explore the Islamic food markets. Feast on a traditional Shui Jiao dumpling banquet while watching a performance of music and dance dating back to the Tang Dynasty. (B, L, D) DAY 7: XIAN Explore the life-sized Terracotta Warriors and Horses. Walk along the ancient city wall, one of the best preserved in all of China. (B, L, D) DAY 8: XIAN TO WUHAN – YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE EMBARKATION This morning, fly to Wuhan and transfer to Yichang to board your Yangtze River cruise vessel for the next four nights. (*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 This morning, visit the site of the Three Gorges Dam, the largest water conservancy project ever undertaken. Back on your cruise vessel, sail through Xiling Gorge, once the most treacherous stretch of the Yangtze now tamed by the new dam. (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 o Fengdu, the Ghost City. Walk through the town, observing statues of ghosts and devils on Mingshan Hill. (B, L, D) DAY 12: DISEMBARK CRUISE – CHONGQING TO CHENGDU Disembark from the cruise vessel and transfer to Chongqing to 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, Kunming GRAND TOUR OF CHINA