China Tours, Yangtze River Cruising, Mekong River Cruises, Vietnam Tour, Cambodia Travel
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Admire traditional architecture as you glide along Souzhou's Grand Canal 34 14 Day Charming China Shanghai to Beijing 10 Night Small Group Journey | 3 Night Luxury River Cruise COSMOPOLITAN SHANGHAI Day 1. Arrive Shanghai. On arrival in Shanghai today, be met at the airport and transferred to your iconic hotel overlooking the Huangpu River. Enjoy some free time before tonight's Welcome Dinner, during which you will have the chance to meet your fellow travellers and APT Tour Director. Two Night Stay: Shanghai, Fairmont Peace Hotel. D Day 2. Shanghai. Enjoy breakfast at your hotel this morning then step out to begin your discovery of the city. Enjoy a cruise on the Huangpu River through the heart of the city. Admire the colonial-era buildings of the Bund as you glide towards New Bund and past the popular riverside district known as Binjiang Avenue. Disembark and explore beautiful Yu Garden. Regarded as one of the most lavish gardens in China, Yu Garden was built over a period of 20 years by Pan Yunduan who wanted to impress his father, a high-ranking official in the Ming Dynasty. The two acres of gardens encompass ancient structures, clay sculptures, brick carvings and the Exquisite Jade Rock. This evening, enjoy premium seating at a thrilling Chinese acrobatic show. BL THE GARDENS & CANALS OF SUZHOU Day 3. Shanghai, Suzhou. After breakfast this morning, travel by coach from Shanghai to picturesque Suzhou. An ancient city boasting over 2,500 years of history, its winding canals and classical Chinese gardens have long attracted artists, poets and writers. Though Suzhou has changed markedly over the years, the Old City is well-preserved and continues to exude the charming ambiance of its former merchant days. On arrival here, check in to your hotel then board a small boat for a leisurely cruise along Suzhou's canals. Gliding through the heart of the Old City you will get a real feel for local life by the water and enjoy lovely scenes of white-washed houses, stone bridges and traditional-style houses. Afterwards, head to a local silk factory and learn how traditional methods of silk production are still used today. You may then enjoy some time to shop and wander at your leisure before dinner with your fellow travellers this evening. Stay: Suzhou, Crowne Plaza. BLD HANGZHOU – HEAVEN ON EARTH Day 4. Suzhou, Hangzhou, Freedom of Choice. Head to the renowned Humble Administrator's Garden today. At nearly 13 acres in size, it is Suzhou's largest garden and also considered the most beautiful classical Chinese garden in eastern China. Constructed in 1509 by Wang Xianchen, a former government servant, it is located on the site of the ruins of the Dahong Temple which was burned during the Ming conquest. The Humble Administrator's Garden has changed hands many times during its 500 year history, and wasn't opened to the public until 1949 after it was reconstructed by the Chinese Government. As you wander through the gardens you'll experience a tranquillity that represents the spirit of this region. Discover the three main sections which are set around a peaceful lake, and admire the many pavilions connected by intricate pathways and bridges. After lunch, travel by train to Hangzhou, famous for its beautiful West Lake which was long revered by emperors, artists and poets. It was also declared 'the most beautiful and magnificent town in the world' by its first Western visitor, Marco Polo. Tonight, dine at Louwailou Restaurant or enjoy a Western-style buffet. Two Night Stay: Hangzhou, Shangri-La Hotel. BLD Freedom of Choice TM – Sightseeing Freedom of Choice TM – Dining Signature Invitation www.aptouring.com.au