Vacation Overview

You are invited to experience the many wonders of China on this tour that captures not only the historical and cultural aspects of China, but also allows you to discover a truly China.

Commence your tour in the capital city of Shanghai，where the highlight for many will be walking along the Great Wall. View the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, hidden underground until 1974 when they were accidentally discovered by local farmers. Relax on board a Yangtze River Cruise and enjoy the stunning landscapes, dramatic gorges, majestic peaks and ancient temples. You will find yourself drifting into Hubei province through the magnificent Yangtze Three Gorges.

What makes a difference on this tour is that you are offered an opportunity in Hubei to learn something which includes Han Embroidery learning and Thaichi gym. etc.

During these 15 days, you will certainly feel acquainted with this ancient land and a truly diverse Chinese experience will always stay in your mind.

 

Accommodations

2Nights in Shanghai: Wyndham Bund East Shanghai or similar 3Nights on board Victoria Yangtze River Cruise or similar

3Nights in Wuhan : Pearl Plaza Wuhan Hotel or similar

2Nights in Xian : Titan Times Hotel or similar

3Nights in Beijing :Wyndham Beijing North or similar

 

Highlights

Hubei Provincial Museum: the centerpiece of this fabulous museum is the exhibition of the after-life complex of Marquis Yi in Zeng State, which includes one of the world’s oldest and largest musical instruments, a remarkable five-ton set of 64 double tone bronze bells.

Learn Han Embroidery and keep as a souvenir.

 

Itinerary

Day1    Depart USA.

Your magical journey to travel to the highlights of China and undiscovered Wuhan begins this afternoon as you depart on your flight to Shanghai, China.

 

Day2    Arrive in Shanghai.

After crossing the International Date Line you arrive this evening in Shanghai, often described as “Paris of the East”. An intriguing, dynamic city, today’s Shanghai weaves the seaport legacy of its past with impressive new 21st century architecture. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted at the airport and escorted to your luxury hotel. This evening, your Tour Director  hosts a welcome briefing.

 

Day3    Shanghai: The Bund & Yu Yuan Garden.

This morning embark on a guided stroll down the Bund, the bustling and exciting waterfront along the Huangpu River. Continue with a walk amidst the scenic ponds, colorful pavilions and walkways of the 16th century Yu Yuan Garden, a delightful reminder of old Shanghai.  Afternoon return to hotel and the balance of the day is at leisure to explore at your own pace. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with your group. (B,D)

 

Day4    Shanghai/Chongqing/Embark Yangtze River Cruise.

After breakfast this morning, you’ll transfer to the airport and board a flight to Chongqing, a   modern river port with ancient history spanning 3000 years. Upon arrival, you’ll embark your luxurious River Cruiser and settle into your spacious cabin. Set sail tonight on the mighty

Yangtze River. Victoria Cruises Premier Ship (B,D)

 

Day5    Yangtze River Cruise.

Sail along the Yangtze River and enjoy your spectacular surroundings. Dock in Shibaozhai, known for its magnificent wooden Pagoda and appropriately named “The Pearl of the Yangtze” . The pagoda was built without nails and is considered one of the gems of Chinese architecture. (Note: Shore excursion is subject to change due to water level.)   An additional optional shore excursion to Fengdu’s “Ghost City” is also available. (B,L,D)

 

Day6    Yangtze River Cruise: The Three Gorges.

An unforgettable day begins as you continue sailing through the Three Gorges. Proceed through the first two – Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge. Qutang Gorge is the shortest (5 miles), narrowest (500 feet), and the grandest of them all. The 25-mile long Wu Gorge is known for its quiet beauty, forest-covered mountains, and cliffs so sheer that the sun barely penetrates   the precipices. Then, board a smaller boat for a thrilling side trip through the magnificent gorges of Goddess Stream. Later, enter Xiling Gorge, the longest (41 miles) and the deepest of the Three Gorges. In the evening, sail through the Three Gorges Dam ship locks. An additional optional shore excursion is also available to White Emperor City (river conditions permitting), an ancient city overlooking the western end of Qutang Gorge. (B,L,D)

 

Day7    Disembark Yangtze River Cruise/Three Gorges Dam/Wuhan (Hubei).

This morning, disembark your Victoria Cruises ship and proceed to the Three Gorges Dam,   the world’s greatest hydro-power project. You’ll then travel across a vast rural plain nurtured by the Yangtze River en route to Wuhan City. Steeped in thousands of years of history and rich cultural sites, Wuhan is the capital of Hubei, known as the Home of Wonders. You’ll check into your upscale hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure.  (B,L)

 

Day8    Wuhan Tai Chi & Han Embroidery

To start, you’ll go to the park along the Yangtze to practice Tai Chi with the local people. It’s the best time to learn Tai Chi in the morning. After that you are going to learn Han Embroidery and keep as a souvenir. On the basis of Chu embroidery, integrating the strong points of various types of Chinese embroideries, Han embroidery created a new type featured with distinctive local characteristics. The needle operating of Han embroidery is different from that of the Four Famous Chinese Embroideries: Su embroidery, Shu embroidery, Xiang embroidery and Guang embroidery. Wuhan is the hometown of Han Embroidery and you could truly enjoy the charming of Han Embroidery here. After, you’ll take the ferry from Hankou to Wuchang, when you’ll be able to see the Dragon-King Temple where local fisherman pray for safety.   (B,D)

 

Day9    Wuhan: Hubei Provincial Museum & East Lake; Yellow Crane Tower.

Wuhan’s central location solidified its key role in Chinese history, with plenty of evidence woven into the fabric of the city. A visit to the Hubei Provincial Museum will walk through the history of this province, and the most exciting artifact is the 2000 year-old Chime Bells musical. Its music will surely touch your heart. Surrounding the Museum is East Lake, one of the oldest public parks in China and a personal favorite of Chairman Mao. A walk around the  lake will take you back in time. Later, enjoy an evening at leisure. (B,L)

 

Day10    Wuhan/Xi‘an.

This morning, fly to Xi‘an, ancient capital of China for eleven dynasties, home of many archaeological treasures, and historic gateway to the old silk trading route. Upon arrival in Xi’an, the first landmark you will encounter is the ancient city wall, the best preserved of its kind in all of China. Stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter and the bustling Islamic food market. Check into your hotel and enjoy an included dinner this evening. (B,D)

 

Day11    Xi’an: Terracotta Warriors

On an included guided excursion visit one of the world’s most amazing archaeological discoveries: a life-size Terracotta Army of soldiers and horses guarding the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi. It was unearthed in 1974 after being buried with the first Qin emperor for 22 centuries! Later, visit the earliest and largest four-sided brick tower of the Tang Dynasty, the Great Wild Goose Pagoda. (B,L)

 

Day12    Xi’an/Beijing: Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City.

After breakfast, fly to Beijing, China’s lively capital and host to the 2008 Summer Olympics. Upon arrival, start your exploration of Beijing with a visit to the vast Tiananmen Square, surrounded by impressive buildings and monuments. It is an excellent spot for people watching! Later, discover with a local expert the Forbidden City, former seat of the emperors  throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is a true architectural masterpiece and home to the National Palace Museum. Check into your centrally-located hotel in Downtown Beijing and an enjoy an included dinner this evening.(B,D)

 

Day13    Beijing: The Great Wall.

It is often said that you have not been to China until you’ve climbed the Great Wall. On today’s exhilarating excursion, you’ll venture outside the city to the legendary Great Wall, which extends nearly 4,000 miles. Walk along the Juyong guan Pass and admire the panoramic views. Later, proceed to the Ming Tombs, burial site of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty. (B,L)

 

Day14    Beijing: Summer Palace & Temple of Heaven.

Today, you’ll visit the Summer Palace, a former royal retreat and now a lovely park that was constructed in the Jin Dynasty ( 1115-1234). The Summer Palace is the archetypal Chinese  garden and is among the most noteworthy and classical gardens in the world. Later, visit the magnificent 15th century Temple of Heaven, where emperors went to worship heaven for good harvests. This evening, savor a special farewell dinner. (B,D)

 

Day15    Beijing/USA.

Following breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA (via Shanghai on 2018 departures). Your memorable journey comes to an end as you arrive back in the U.S.  later today. (B)

 

Examples of restaurants

Shanghai: Shanghai Huhua Seafood Restaurant

Hubei：Jinguiyuan Shishen Restaurant, Wuhan Yansha Restaurant, Yichang

Xi’an: Friendship Restaurant （Hot dishes Table Service and cold dishes buffet） 

         Old Xi’an Restaurant （Table Service）

         Silk road Restaurant（Table Service）

         Golden Flower Chinese Restaurant（Table Service） 

Bejing: Jin DingXuan

 

Type of Coaches that will be used

YuTong , King-Long and Hyundai are the brands of the coach which Wuhan Dynasty  will use in receiving tour groups. The Coaches will be in good condition. Coaches with 49 to 55 seats will be applied, a group of more than 40 tourists will travel around the   certain city with a 55-seat coach.

 

Price:

RMB4100 per (more than 25 people)    (Single Supplement RMB2000 per) 

RMB4500 per (more than 15 people)    (Single Supplement RMB2500 per) 

RMB5000 per (more than 10 people)    (Single Supplement RMB3000 per) 

RMB6300 per (more than 6 people)      (Single Supplement RMB3000 per)

 

Included

- Accommodation at deluxe hotels

- Ground transportation in China

- 26meals: 13full buffet American breakfasts (B), 6lunches (L) and 8dinners (D)

- Comprehensive sightseeing tours, admission fees included

 

Not Included

- The entire tip of the trip

- Necessary tips for the local guide, and driver of the trip are not included (USD10per/ day* 14days=USD140/per)

- Individual tips outside the itinerary

- International and domestic flights

- Victoria Yangtze River Cruise & All shore excursions（Cruises tips are not included）

 

Note: Only local guides will stay with the group.

 

Shopping in China 

Shanghai: Silks

Xian: Jade

Beijing: Pearls&Cloisonne 

Shopping in china

Shanghai

Silks: These silks (textile fibers from animal origins) are produced by many insects such as spiders, caterpillars and some different butterflies like the Ermine moths and Bobyx. Those that are made to produce silk come from cocoons produced by larva (silk worm) of Mulberry (Bobyx Mori). The technique for producing silk date back from 2500 BC and comes from china by the Silk Road. It was a secret until 560 BC.

 

Xi'an

Jade: Jadeis a gemstone extremely hard and tenacious used in jewelries and in ornamentation. It is made out of two main minerals that often, had a similar appearance: the Jade was a mineral seen on the emperor, a symbol of absolute power. The emperor had to raise his scepter made out of Jade during important ceremonies.

 

Beijing

Pearls: Pearls of Soft Water These pearls have been cultivated since the 13e century from the discovery of mud, woof or peals missed in the mold of fresh water. The quality of these pearls are highly variable, they can sometimes be milky or even dull to glossy. The sizes   obtained can vary between 2 and 13mm in diameter. The annual production reaches to 800 tons. The fresh water pearls has had a big popularity because of their variety of colors and shapes as well as their abundance and very reasonable price.

 

Cloisonne:Cloisonne is an ancient technique for decorating metal work objects, in recent centuries using vitreous enamel, and in older periods also in lays of cut gemstones, glass, and other materials. The resulting objects can also be called cloisonne.