China Tours, Yangtze River Cruising, Mekong River Cruises, Vietnam Tour, Cambodia Travel
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36 | CHINA Day 9. Xi'an, Terracotta Army. Today you will discover the attractions of Xi'an, one of the oldest cities in China with more than 3,000 years of history. The city was one of China's Four Great Capitals and is the eastern point of the famous Silk Road. Visit the ancient city wall, one of the largest military defensive systems in the world, constructed in the 14th century during the early Ming Dynasty. Afterwards, travel to a clay factory where impressive terracotta soldiers are still made today. Spend the afternoon at the Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses and the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum. Here lie the three excavation pits where the collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the warriors of Qin Shi Huang, the First Emperor of China, were first unearthed by farmers in 1974. Watch a panoramic movie telling the story of the warriors and enjoy time to visit the three excavation pits where over 8,000 terracotta soldiers, horses, chariots and weapons are arranged in vast columns. This evening, enjoy a Tang Dynasty cultural performance and feast on a local dumpling dinner. Alternatively, you may like to embark on a tour of the Muslim Quarter, followed by dinner at a local restaurant. BLD THE COSMOPOLITAN CITY OF SHANGHAI Day 10. Xi'an, Shanghai. Transfer to the airport and fly to Shanghai. On arrival, ride the high-speed Maglev train and watch the kilometres race towards an exhilarating 300 kilometres. Once predominantly a fishing and textiles town, rapid growth has seen Shanghai transform into a globally significant metropolis. Check in to your hotel overlooking the Huangpu River. Beyond the crisp cool veneer, Shanghai's architectural heritage is like nowhere else. From Jesuit cathedrals, Jewish synagogues and Buddhist temples to home- grown lòngtáng laneways and shíkùmén housing, lift the lid to a treasure chest of architectural style with time at leisure. In the evening, enjoy a delicious meal of Chinese cuisine at the Dragon Phoenix restaurant. Alternatively, you may wish to head to the Langham Xintiandi Hotel's signature restaurant, Ming Court. Or enjoy an exotic fusion menu at Zen Restaurant. Three Night Stay: Shanghai, Fairmont Peace Hotel. BLD Day 11. Shanghai. This morning, be joined by a local guide for an orientation tour through downtown Shanghai. Stop at the Oriental Pearl Tower and take an elevator to the viewing deck, where you will delight in panoramic views of the city. Standing at 468 metres high, it is one of the city's tallest buildings and is brightly lit in different LED sequences at night. After lunch visit an authentic local silk factory for an insight into the history of Chinese silk manufacturing. This evening, after dinner at your leisure, enjoy premium seating at a thrilling acrobatic show. BL Day 12. Shanghai. Choose your activity this morning. Perhaps cruise the Huangpu River through the heart of the city, then explore Yu Garden and enjoy a traditional Chinese tea ceremony. 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. Following your tour, sit down to a dim sum lunch. Alternatively you may prefer to take part in a hands-on cooking class, during which you will learn how to make Shanghai dumplings. Your final option is a full day excursion to Jinxi, an ancient water town. Although only an hour from bustling Shanghai, Jinxi is worlds away in pace and serenity. Less developed than other nearby water towns and largely untouched by tourism, Jinxi's romantic charm is best appreciated during a guided walking tour. Wandering through the covered corridors along the Jinxi River, you'll discover ancient bridges arching over the town's many water alleys. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and time at leisure before returning to the city. This evening, savour a special Farewell Dinner with new friends at The Cathay Room in the Fairmont Peace Hotel, overlooking both the Bund and Huangpu River. BLD Day 13. Depart Shanghai. After breakfast this morning, transfer to the airport for your flight home. B Twist and turn through the dramatic landscapes of the Three Gorges Region