Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/439901
54 Short Stays & City Tours SHORT STAYS & CITY TOURS BEIJING China's capital city and cultural hub, Beijing is known the world over as the ultimate ancient historical and cultural city and tourist destination. The city boasts ancient palaces, imperial gardens, temples and the Great Wall. Be mesmerized by the centuries-old attractions as you tour the city's ancient relics, historical monuments and sprawling parks and gardens. BEIJING SHORT STAY Tour the history and culture of ancient times and some of the most famous attractions in the world. DAY 1: ARRIVE BEIJING You will be met at Beijing Airport and transferred to your hotel. DAY 2: BEIJING A wondrous experience is in store when you walk on the Great Wall, appreciating 2,000 years of history and admiring panoramic views. China's most iconic attraction, the wall stretches 4,000 miles from China's east coast to the Gobi Desert in the west. Next is the unique Temple of Heaven, built entirely of wood without the use of a single nail. Walk through the large surrounding park, witnessing the locals engaging in their exercises, playing cards or simply socializing. (B, L) DAY 3: BEIJING Stroll through Tiananmen Square, past Chairman Mao's Mausoleum to the treasure-filled Forbidden City, the sacred center of the Chinese empire for 500 years. On to the lovely Summer Palace, the largest and best preserved classical garden used as a retreat for emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties, the most notorious of which is Empress Dowager Cixi, known as the Dragon Lady. (B, L) DAY 4: DEPART BEIJING Transfer to Beijing Airport for your ongoing flight. (B) CHENGDU Chengdu is the capital of the Sichuan Province, known for its spicy cuisine and home to the famed Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Visit these adorable animals in wooded surroundings similar to their natural habitat and travel to the Giant Buddha in Leshan to see the world's largest stone-carved Buddha statue. PANDA & BUDDHA SHORT STAY Uncover the highlights of Chengdu, rich with culture, beautiful scenery and delicious food. DAY 1: ARRIVE CHENGDU You will be met at Chengdu Airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. DAY 2: CHENGDU – DAY TOUR TO LESHAN Visit the famous Panda Conservation Center to see the pandas being reared in surroundings reminiscent of their natural habitat. Travel to Leshan to visit the remarkable Grand Buddha, the world's largest stone- carved Buddha statue, before returning to Chengdu. (B, L) DAY 3: DEPART CHENGDU Transfer to Chengdu Airport for your ongoing flight. (B) CHINA'S COUNTRYSIDE Escape the big city bustle with a few days in China's countryside. Famous for its picturesque hills, charming rivers and amazing caves, Guilin has long inspired countless artists and poets with its natural beauty. The scenic Li River will guide you down to the small mountain town of Yangshuo, where you can shop the colorful markets or sit at an outdoor café, observing the daily life of the local people. GUILIN & YANGSHUO SHORT STAY Uncover the beautiful natural gems of Southern China, complete with a cruise down the Li River. DAY 1: GUILIN You will be met at Guilin Airport and transferred to your hotel. Visit the colorful stalagmites and stalactites of the Reed Flute Caves. DAY 2: GUILIN TO YANGSHUO Cruise on the stunning Li River and enjoy the breathtaking natural landscape of beautiful limestone hills, tranquil fishing scenes and picturesque villages. Continue downstream to the town of Yangshuo set in the lush green rice paddy fields of southern China. (B, L) DAY 3: YANGSHUO This morning, discover the beautiful rural countryside around Yangshuo, with its pretty hills and local farms. This afternoon is at leisure. Meet again this evening for a display of traditional cormorant fishing. (B) DAY 4: DEPART YANGSHUO Drive back to Guilin and transfer to the airport for your ongoing flight. (B) Yangshuo