Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/604881
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 some of the most famous and ancient attractions in the world. DAY 1: ARRIVE BEIJING Be met at Beijing Airport and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy your day at leisure. DAY 2: BEIJING A wondrous experience is in store when you walk on the Great Wall, including 2,000 years of history and 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. Then on to the 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) 54 | Short Stays and City Tours 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. CHENGDU SHORT STAY Uncover the highlights of Chengdu, rich with culture, beautiful scenery, and delicious food. DAY 1: ARRIVE CHENGDU Be met at Chengdu Airport and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. DAY 2: LESHAN Visit the famous Panda Conservation Center to see the pandas being reared in surroundings reminiscent of their natural habitat. Next is Leshan's remarkable Grand Buddha, the world's largest stone-carved Buddha statue. Return to Chengdu. (B, L) DAY 3: DEPART CHENGDU Transfer to Chengdu Airport for your ongoing flight. (B) SHORT STAYS AND CITY TOURS Hong Kong