Home » BACKUP » X-files 2009

12-day Golden Route

City: Beijing-Xian-Guilin-Yangshuo-Shanghai

Day 1: Depart Canada
Your journey begins with the overnight transpacific flight. Cross the International Date Line.

Day 2: Arrive Beijing (D)
Upon arrival in late afternoon, meet our guide and transfer to the hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure to explore this city once known as Peking to Westerns.
Accommodation: Qianmen Jianguo Hotel * * * * (or similar)
Accommodation: Doubletree by Hilton Beijing * * * * * (or similar)

Day 3: Beijing (BLD)
Beijing, the capital of China, is the second largest city in terms of population and recognized as the political, educational, and cultural center of China, while Shanghai and Hong Kong predominate in economic fields. Beijing is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China and once served as the capital for 5 dynasties over 800 years in ancient China. It will also host the 2008 Olympic Games.
Today we first visit the Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world. From there you enter The Forbidden City to see the 250-acre complex of palaces, pavilions, courtyards and gardens. You are specially arranged with a visit to the Treasure House where stores rare and valuable collection of ancient art works inside the Forbidden City. After lunch we tour Beijing Hutong by rickshaw to see traditional residential courtyards and visit Gongwang Fu (the Gongwang Mansion), one of the largest quadrangles in the world, and one of the best preserved royal palaces which have existed from Qing Dynasty so far. A delicious Peking Duck dinner is arranged to round off a memorable start to your tour.

Day 4: Beijing (BLD)
We drive 70km northwest of the city for a full-day excursion to the Great Wall, the world's longest man-made structure, stretching over 6,352 km (3,948 miles) from Shanhai Pass in the east to Lop Nur in the west, along an arc that roughly delineates the southern edge of Inner Mongolia. The Great Wall, said to be visible from the moon, was built between 5th century BC and the 17th century to protect the northern borders of the Chinese Empire during the rule of successive dynasties. After lunch, visit the Ming Tombs and the Sacred Path - 13 of the 16 Ming emperors have their lavish tombs here. On the way back we tour (outside of) the "Bird’s Nest" (Beijing National Stadium) and “Water Cube” (Beijing National Aquatics Center) where hosted the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
*Free Foot Massage is specially arranged to relieve your tiredness from this long day’s travel.
(*Free Foot Massage only available for group of 10+)

Day 5: Beijing (BL)
Morning visit to the Summer Palace, a royal resort during the Qing Dynasty. Afternoon free, the suggested to-do list includes Qianmen Street, Silk Alley or Panjiayuan Flea Market. Kung Fu Show in the evening.

Day 6: Beijing-Xi'an (BLD)
Morning sightseeing at the Temple of Heaven. After lunch visit Lama Temple. Late afternoon fly to Xi'an.
Night program includes Big Wild-goose Pagoda Square where locates the biggest music fountain in Asia.
Accommodation: Xi’an Empress Hotel * * * * (or similar)
Accommodation: Sheraton Xi'an * * * * * (or similar)

Day 7: Xi'an (BLD)
Known as one of the most important cities in Chinese history, Xi'an is listed as one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China because it has been the capital of 13 dynasties. Xi'an is also the eastern end of the Silk Road. Xi'an is home to the Terracotta Army designed to follow the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) into eternity.
Today we visit the excavation site of the Terracotta Army located 30km east of the city. Followed by visiting the Shaanxi History Museum. Tonight you enjoy the Dumpling Banquet dinner and entertained with the splendid Tang Dynasty Style Music and Dance Show.

Day 8: Xi'an-Guilin (BLD)
Morning city tour includes Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and the Ancient City Wall. Take an afternoon flight to Guilin, a medium-sized city whose name means "forest of sweet osmanthus trees" - hailed by many as the most beautiful place in China.
Accommodation: Eva Inn * * * * River-view room, by Li River downtown (or similar)
Accommodation: Sheraton Guilin * * * * * (or similar)

Day 09: Guilin-Yangshuo (BL)
Enduring memories are created as you cruise down the Lijiang River to Yangshuo. After disembark, visit the Foreigner Street where you can find a café or restaurant that fits your own taste for dinner.
Accommodation: New Century Hotel * * * * by West Street (best available, or similar)

Day 10: Yangshuo-Guilin-Shanghai (BLD)
Drive back to Guilin in the morning and proceed to see the Elephant Trunk Hill and the Reed Flute Cave – where the limestone karsts formation is one of the finest examples of the kind. Late afternoon fly to Shanghai.
Accommodation: Best Western New Century Hotel Shanghai * * * * (or similar)
Accommodation: Salvo Hotel Shanghai * * * * * deluxe room (or similar)

Day 11: Shanghai (BLD)
Today we visit The Bund - a waterfront promenade famous for its landmark neoclassical buildings of European style, Yuyuan Garden, Town-God Temple bazaar and Shanghai Museum. Evening entertainment is a dazzling acrobatic show.

Day 12: Shanghai-Canada (B)
Bid farewell as we transfer you to the airport for your return flight to Canada.

*Single Supplement does not cover single cabin on Yangtze River Cruise. Share with others. Extra cost will apply if single cabin needed.

The price includes

The price excludes

• International round-trip airfare, airport taxes and fuel surcharge (apply to Land Cost Package);
• Travel insurance;
• Tips for tour guides, drivers, porters, staff on cruise and tour leader;
• China Visa fee;
• Personal natures such as laundry, alcoholic beverages and telephone call;
• Excess baggage.

Remarks:

• Full package may change along with the adjustment of international airfare, airport tax and fuel surcharge;
• For traveling with Air Canada, once seat availability is confirmed, clients must have their tickets issued before the deadline set by the airline;
• Child Rate (2-11 yrs): 80% of the adult fare sharing room with 2 adults, no extra bed.