12 Day Jewish Oriented China Tour 

Visit: Beijing, Zhengzhou, Kaifeng, Xi’an, Nanjing & Shanghai

China Custom Tours has painstakingly investigated points of Jewish interest and planned a tour to show, to educate and to stir one’s imagination. The China “Chai” Tour is 12 days of visiting and exploring China to follow where the Jews are, were, and may have been. Discover the 5000 year parallel history of the Jews and China, two cultures where varied paths intertwined throughout the centuries. All comforts and security will be assured by the supervision of knowledgeable and qualified guides. Vegetarian meals are available. 

Tour code: 12JOCT

Itinerary:

Day 1/Wed                   Fly USA to Beijing

Enjoy your flight to Beijing.

Day 2/Thur        Arrive Beijing

Upon arrival Beijing, capital of China, a friendly English speaking guide will meet you and transfer you to Jianguo Garden Hotel.

Day 3/Fri          Beijing                                                            

Sightseeing will include Tiananmen Square, the ancient Forbidden City, the Imperial Palace, and the beautiful Summer Palace. Then go on a walking tour through the ancient neighborhoods dating Ming Dynasty, including Beijing’s Hutongs. Attend the Friday evening services at Chabad House, Beijing Jewish Center, where dinner is served for any amount of donation.

Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4/Sat         Beijing                                                            

Start the day with a tour to the Great Wall of China. A cable car is available up to the summit. On return, drive along the famed Sacred Way, and visit the museum of the Ming Tombs. Enjoy a Peking Duck Banquet this evening.

Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Peking Duck Dinner

Day 5/Sun        Beijing to Kaifeng                                           

Take a morning flight to Zhengzhou, transfer to Kaifeng, one of China's seven ancient capitals. Check into your hotel in Kaifeng. Attend a Luncheon meeting and discussion with the scholars to be held at Kaifeng Jewish Study Association. Afternoon – visit  the Jewish History Exhibition at Kaifeng Museum, the families of Jewish descendants and Jin’s family tomb. Also, visit the 13-story glazed octagonal Iron Pagoda built in 1094 AD; and the Dragon Palace, an imperial palace of the Liang, Jin, Han, Zhou and Song dynasties.

Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6/Mon        Kaifeng to Xi'an                                              

Morning drive to Zhengzhou Train station for the train ride to Xi’an, one of the ancient capitals of China. Check into your hotel upon arrival.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7/Tue        Xi’an                                                                             

Visit the Museum of Terra-Cotta Warriors and Horses, one of the greatest archaeological finds of the century, and the Sha’anxi Historical Museum. In the evening, enjoy a regional Dumpling Dinner, then attend a Tang Dynasty music show.

Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dumpling Dinner

Day 8/Wed       Xi’an to Nanjing                                                

Morning city tour includes the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the ancient city wall.  Take an afternoon flight to Nanjing, one of China’s most attractive major cities. It boasts of a long historical heritage and has twice served briefly as the nation’s capital, first, in the early years of the Ming dynasty (AD 1368-1644) and, secondly as the capital of the Republic of China in the early years of the 20^th century. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9/Thu        Nanjing                                                           

Full day visit to the Mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen located at the Southern foot of Purple Hill. It houses the remains of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the great revolutionary forerunner of China. Also visit the Nanjing Museum, the Presidential Palace, the Confucius Temple & National Exam House. Meet members of the Nanjing University at the Jewish Holocaust Memorial.

Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10/Fri        Nanjing to Shanghai                                       

Take a morning train to Shanghai. Upon arrival a friendly guide will transfer you to The Bund Riverside Hotel. Your afternoon will start with a lecture and discussion hosted by the Jewish History Research Center in Shanghai; then visit the Ohel Moishe Synagogue, hospitals, schools, and clubs of the Old Shanghai.  Also visit the former Hongkew Ghetto, where lived a large number of Jewish refugees during WWII. Attend the Friday Evening Services at Shanghai Jewish Center, where dinner is served for any amount of donation.

Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11/Sat                   Shanghai                                                        

Morning visit to the Old Town, Yuyuan Garden, the Bund (waterfront), the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and the bustling Nanjing Road. The rest of the day is free for shopping. After a farewell dinner party, enjoy the Shanghai Acrobatic Show tonight.

Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner Party

Day 12/Sun      Shanghai to USA                                            

Return flight to the USA. Arrive home the same day.

Meals: American Breakfast

Tour code:       12JOCT

2007 Departure Dates & Cost

Superior First Class Hotel Accommodations:

--Beijing Jianguo Garden Hotel

--Xi’an Diamond International Hotel

--Nanjing Ramada Hotel

--Shanghai the Bund Riverside Hotel

All inclusive features:

.--Round trip transpacific air transportation via our selected airlines

.--All intra-China air/land transportation with China domestic airport tax

--10 nights in superior first class hotels

--10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 8 dinners including a dumpling dinner in Xi’an, and Peking Duck dinner in Beijing

-- Round trip transfers between airport/train station to hotel, baggage handling, hotel taxes and service charges

-- Sightseeing tours, cultural entertainments, Jewish history lectures, and other  performances as specified

Not including:

--Chinese visa fee of $80

--Tips, gratuities to tour guides, drivers, and porters

--Travel insurance

--Personal Expenses

Special Notes:

--USA Departure Tax, Fuel Surcharge, and China Domestic Airport taxes apply

--Minimum six (6) passengers required for each departure  

--This tour can be customized upon request at an additional cost

--Land only rate does not include transpacific air

--Tour fares are subject to change