HIGHLIGHTS OF CHINA 5 DAYS

Beijing

China is one of the four great ancient civilizations. Chinese culture, enjoying an incredibly extensive history, is broad and profound, with the people of different ethnic groups establishing a precious cultural heritage over history's long course.

ITINERARY & PRICES

Day 1 Arrive Beijing (Wed)
After checking in, you have free time to explore this amazing city that is feverishly modernizing, transforming right before your eyes. Being capital of the People's Republic of China, it is the nation's political, economic, cultural, educational and international trade and communication center. Located in northern China, close to the port city of Tianjin and partially surrounded by Hebei Province, it also serves as the most important transportation hub and port of entry. As one of the six ancient cities in China, it has been the heart and soul of politics and society throughout its long history and consequently there is an unparalleled wealth of discovery to delight and intrigue travelers as they explore the city's ancient past and exciting modern development. Now it has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with about 140 million Chinese tourists and 4.4 million international visitors in a year.
Hotel: Novotel Beijing Peace Hotel or similar

Day 2 Beijing (B/L) (Thu)
Stroll through Tiananmen Square China’s historic heart of celebration and also turbulence for almost a century. Onward to the resplendent Forbidden City/Palace Museum (UNESCO site), home for Chinese Emperors since 1420. Walk through the world’s largest royal compound that was off-limits to commoners and learn about important treasures of the Imperial collection on display in the vast inner courts. Have a Chinese lunch at local restaurant. This afternoon, continue to visit the Summer Palace, which is the best-kept existing royal garden in Beijing, a complex of pavilions, temples, and galleries set among beautifully landscaped grounds, situated on Kunming Lake (subject the weather permitting). Evening is free with dinner on own.

Day 3 Beijing (B/L/D) (Fri)
Today, climb the truly awesome Great Wall of China (UNESCO World Heritage site). Visit the Badaling section. All portions ever made would equal a solid defense wall going around the equator one and one-half times. At the less visited Badaling section, one of the most impressive portions of the barrier, you have time to enjoy the area, photograph majestic views and maybe bargain with the local vendors. Visit Beijing Jade Carving Factory followed by a Chinese lunch at local restaurant, drive to the Ming Tombs, and visit the most famous emperors mausoleum of Ming Dynasty with 500 years history—Chang Ling and Sacred Way, the main way of which the Ming Dynasty emperor has to pass through to worship their forefathers. Late afternoon, transfer back to hotel. Peking Duck Dinner at local restaurant.

Day 4 Beijing
Day at leisure.
Optional Tour: $146 per perosn incluiding lunch. Explore the vast Temple of Heaven complex (UNESCO site) that was once a sacred area used only by the emperors of China for important ceremonies to honor Heaven, the supreme power. The main structure is the grand Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, an impressive architectural feat. Today this park is a favorite gathering spot for local residents, a community center where people of all ages come to relax, exercise and express through song and dance. Joining in on activities is a fun way to interact with everyday Beijingers and is welcomed with warm smiles and open arms. Proceed to visit the Lama Temple. It is the largest Buddhist temple of the Yellow-sect in Beijing and has been completely preserved. Built in 1694 as the residence of Count Yin Zhen, the fourth son of the Emperor Kangxi, it was called "the Palace of Count Yong." After Yin Zhen became the Emperor, he continued to use it as an imperial palace for short stays away from the capital. In 1744, it was converted into a lamasery. Yonghegong is the most renowned Tibetan Buddhist temple in China outside Tibet and holds treasures of both the Han and Tibetan cultures. Optoinal Beijing Noodle Lunch at a local restaurant, departure transfer to airport for flight to Xian, once arrival, meet your local English-speaking guide at airport and transfer to your hotel. Evening is free with dinner on own.

Day 5 Depart Beijing (B) (Sun)
Say goodbye to China as you will be transferred to the airport to board your returning flight home. Have a safe flight home.

Starts every Wednesday in Beijing

Single room supplement is extra. Please contact us for Single travel alone and Single room supplement.

INCLUSIONS

• Superior First Class Hotel accommodations with daily ABF
• Round trip airport/hotel/airport transfers
• Sightseeing tours as specified in the itinerary
• Lunches and dinners included as specified in the itinerary
• TOP English-speaking local guides

EXCLUSIONS
• Personal expenses, International Airfare, Visa fees
• Customary gratitude to your guide and driver