Mr. Robert & Mrs. Patricia

China Custom Tours 2004

17 Day Visits: Shanghai, Zhujiajiao, Yichang, Yangtze River Cruise, Chongqing, Guilin, Xi'an & Beijing

Private escorted deluxe tour

All inclusive in the itinerary

July 4 Arrive Shanghai

Welcome to Shanghai, China, the economic capital of the People's Republic of China, one of the most fascinating countries in the world. (D)

July 5 Shanghai

A full-day sightseeing tour of the booming city of Shanghai includes visits to the Old Town, with its narrow streets and traditional buildings; the Yuyuan Gardens, an island of tranquility amid the hustle and bustle of the city; the Bund, the waterfront area that was the center of 19th century colonialism; and the Children's Palace, a Chinese-style fortress where local children play after school. Tonight you are sure to enjoy the amazing performers at the Acrobatic Show. (B, L, D)

July 6 Shanghai –Zhujiajiao –Shanghai

Morning excursion to Zhujiajiao, a beautifully preserved riverside village known as the new Venice of China, lunch at a local restaurant, afternoon visit the Shanghai Museum, the architectural master piece. (B, L, D)

July 7 Shanghai - Yichang - Board Cruise

A visit to the most important temple in Shanghai, the Jade Buddha Temple, brings you to the home of two white jade statues of Buddha, given to China as a gift from Burma. Fly to Yichang, the "Gateway to the Three Gorges", before boarding your ship for a 4 night cruise of the Yangtze River. (B, L, D)

July 8 Cruising - Gezhou Dam - Xiling Gorge

Visit the construction side of the Three Gorges Dam project. The dam is 27 miles upstream from Yichang City proper, at Sandouping Village, inside the first of the three gorges. It is planned to be, by far, the largest hydroelectric project in the world. (B, L, D)

July 9 Cruising - Wu Gorge

Your excursion today includes a visit to the Shennong Stream in pea boats or the Daning River. You will see breathtaking scenery of the Parrot & Dragon Boat Gorges. You will also pass through the Wu & Quatang Gorges. (B, L, D)

July 10 Cruising – Shibaozhai

Stop at Shibaozhai, a graceful red pagoda clinging to the cliffs over the Yangtze. This 12-story wooden pavilion was built over 400 years ago and was constructed without nails, to make it easier for the monks and visitors to reach the temple at the top. This magnificent structure has been appropriately nicknamed the "Pearl of the Yangtze". If you wish, you can climb to the top of the pavilion via a spiral staircase. (B, L, D)

July 11 Chongqing - Disembark Ship - Guilin

You arrive at the scenic mountain city of Chongqing. Disembark your ship and if time permits, visit the Stilwell Museum, Eling Park and Painter's Village. This afternoon you fly to the unique city of Guilin. (B, L, D)

July 12 Guilin

This morning visit Shangri-La Park, located on the Swallow Lake. You will board a small boat for a short cruise to see farmers at work, local villages and breathtaking landscapes. You will have the opportunity to walk through a minority village and see the minority people weave and making local crafts. Travel to Yangshou and enjoy lunch overlooking the famous Li River before enjoying a motorcycle ride to Moon Hill, passing through the local village of Ai Shan. This evening's entertainment includes a Minority Cultural Show. (B, L, D)

July 13 Guilin – Xian

Visit the Reed Flute Caves, with its wonderful underground scenery. After lunch enjoy a tour of landmark Guilin City and stop at Elephant Trunk Hill before boarding your flight to Xian, located in China's interior. (B, L, D)

July 14 Xian

Your tour of this former capital of China begins with visits to its imposing city walls and the classical Wild Goose Pagoda. Later, a visit to the excavation site of the Terra-Cotta Warriors will simply astound you with its vast stone army created to guard one of China's emperors in the afterlife. After lunch, you will visit the impressive Provincial Historical Museum. Enjoy a special Xian dumpling dinner this evening. Then attend the Tang Dynasty music show. (B, L, SD)

July 15 Xian – Beijing

This morning you fly to the capital of China, Beijing. Enjoy a fascinating sightseeing tour of Beijing, with visits to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Summer Palace. This evening, a special treat is in store - a Peking duck dinner. (B, L, D)

July 16 The Great Wall

No visit to China would be complete without visiting the Great Wall. Travel through the valley of the Ming Tombs, where you will visit the Chang Ling burial site. Then you continue to the Great Wall where you will have the chance to walk along a portion of this 3,700-mile marvel. Tonight, enjoy a special Peking Opera show. (B, L, D)

July 17 Beijing

This morning you take an once-in-a-lifetime rickshaw tour through the narrow streets and alleys of the oldest part of Beijing and enjoy lunch with a local family in their home. A visit is made to the Temple of Heaven, an impressive shrine where Chinese emperors worshipped their gods. Attend a tea ceremony at the Imperial Tea House. (B, L, D)

July 18 Beijing

Full day free at leisure for shopping, a farewell dinner tonight - enjoy Fangshan Imperial food. (B, D)

July 19 Beijing - USA

Transfer to airport for your return flight to the U. S. Arrive home the same day. (B)

B= Breakfast L= Lunch D= Dinner

Tour cost includes:

. All intra-China air/land transportation

. 14 night accommodation in deluxe 5 star hotels with daily breakfast

. Deluxe Victoria cruise ship with shore excursions

. Round-trip transfers between airport and hotel and baggage handling

. Private escorted sightseeing tours, bilingual tour guides, admissions

. Evening cultural entertainments and meals as specified

. China domestic airport taxes

Not including:

. The international air transportation

. Chinese visa fee: $80 each

. Tips to tour guides and drivers:

. Any personal expenses

Hotel list:

Shanghai: Huating Hotel & Tower

Cruise: Victoria cruise

Guilin: Guilin Waterfall Hotel

Xi'an: Shangri-La Golden Flower Hotel or similar

Beijing: International Hotel or Kunlun Hotel