China Tours, Yangtze River Cruising, Mekong River Cruises, Vietnam Tour, Cambodia Travel
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46 | YUNNAN PROVINCE EXPERIENCE THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA Day 12. Beijing. Great Wall of China. Set out for the Great Wall of China, which winds its way from the Yellow Sea up into the Gobi Desert for more than 6,000 kilometres. Be captivated by the magnitude of this 8th-century monument as you wander along an unrestored and rarely visited stretch of the Badaling section. Later, enjoy a buffet lunch and free-flowing beverages overlooking the wall, prepared just for APT guests. Back in Beijing this evening, indulge in an authentic Peking Duck banquet with all of the traditional accompaniments. BLD YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE Day 13. Beijing, Yichang. After the morning at leisure, transfer to the airport and fly to Yichang. On arrival, transfer to your luxury river ship and settle in for your cruise along the Yangtze River. Four Night Stay: The luxurious Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer. BLD Day 14. Xiling Gorge, Three Gorges Dam. Cruise along the Yangtze River through China's most picturesque area, the Three Gorges region. Pass through the longest of the Three Gorges, Xiling Gorge, cruising through Yellow Ox Gorge and under Huangling Temple. This afternoon, arrive at the Three Gorges Dam and take a tour of the world's largest engineering project. After the Captain's Welcome Reception this evening, enjoy a special Welcome Dinner with your fellow guests. BLD Day 15. Shennong Stream, Wu Gorge, Qutang Gorge. Disembark at Badong and transfer by ferry to a traditional Chinese sampan (longboat). As you cruise on this longboat, poled by a local Tujia boatman, you're able to absorb the serenity of the river and take in the rich surrounding forest and towering rock formations. After lunch back on board, continue to Wu Gorge. Noted for its sheer peaks and towering cliff faces, the gorge is surrounded by the Wu Mountains and is the second of the Three Gorges system. Later, your ship will pass between the Chijia Mountain and Baiyan Mountain to enter the Qutang Gorge, the shortest, narrowest and most dramatic of the Three Gorges. In the afternoon, you may choose to attend an onboard arts and crafts demonstration. BLD Day 16. Fengdu or Relocation Tour. Disembark for a tour of Fengdu. Fengdu is noted for its bustling markets and the many Buddha and Tao temples gathered on Ming Mountain. Or, you may choose to take a 'Relocation Tour', which will give you an insight into the impact of the Three Gorges Dam project on local farming communities and the surrounding area. In the afternoon, choose from a range of activities; attend a Chinese brush painting and calligraphy demonstration, learn how to play Mahjong, learn a few words of Mandarin, or participate in a dumpling making session. In the evening, enjoy the Emperor's Farewell Dinner, a spectacular Chinese banquet feast. BLD ANCIENT XI'AN & THE FAMOUS TERRACOTTA ARMY Day 17. Chongqing, Disembark Ship, Xi'an. Disembark your ship in Chongqing. Today, head to the Chongqing Zoo where more than 200 varieties of wild and rare animals are on display, including the endangered Giant Pandas. Later, visit a local restaurant for an authentic hotpot lunch before transferring to the airport for your flight to Xi'an. Tonight, choose from Thai cuisine at Siam Garden, a Western choice at Yi Cafe or an authentic Cantonese meal at Tian Xiang Ge. Two Night Stay: Xi'an, Shangri-La Hotel. BLD Day 18. Xi'an, Terracotta Army. Travel out of the city 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 were first unearthed by farmers in 1974. Observe the tomb of life-size models that represent the army that triumphed in the Warring States Period, and ushered in the united imperial China era. Watch a panoramic movie telling the story of the warriors and enjoy time to visit the three excavation pits. In the 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, including a wander through the market, followed by dinner at a local restaurant. BLD Day 19. Xi'an, Shanghai. After lunch, transfer to the airport and fly to Shanghai. On arrival, board the high-speed Maglev train into the city and watch on as the kilometres race towards an exhilarating 300 kilometres. Once predominantly a fishing and textiles town, rapid growth has seen Shanghai transformed into a globally significant metropolis, boasting a famous skyline that brushes the clouds and a strong influence in the world of business and fashion. Upon arrival, check in to your iconic hotel overlooking the Huangpu River and enjoy free time. 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 renowned signature restaurant, Ming Court. Or choose to enjoy an exotic fusion menu at Zen Restaurant. Three Night Stay: Shanghai, Fairmont Peace Hotel. BLD Spend time in the World Heritage-listed city of Lijiang