The China Experience
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We recently spent a month exploring China in order to organize a great trip there for you, and it was a fabulous experience. In addition to delicious food, fascinating arts & culture and amazing history and scenery, the element we were most impressed with were the Chinese people--they are warm, friendly, and very happy to meet you.
We have now finalized the details of our trip, and are proud to present it to you now--a fully bilingual guided, very complete and diverse itinerary, with our trademark attention to detail and special surprises!
We look forward to traveling in China with you--please send us an
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for more information or to reserve your space!
(sample dates listed)
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Day 1:
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Depart from US west-coast gateway cities (international airfare included).
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Meals included: (several on the flights over! |
Day 2: ARRIVE BEIJING (in the evening)
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Arrive at Beijing International Airport and clear Chinese customs and immigration. Transfer to Capital Hotel (4-star, and only 5 minutes to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City).
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Meals included: none (since you will likely arrive after dinner--and after many meals on the plane!) |
Day 3: BEIJING/ TIANANMEN SQUARE AND THE FORBIDDEN CITY
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You will start your China adventure with a guided visit to Tiananmen Square (the Gate of Heavenly Peace). This large public square represents the heart of Imperial Beijing. You will then tour the Forbidden City, an architectural marvel completed after a decade of work and symbolizing Imperial power for over 500 years.
The last emperor's nephew doing calligraphy in the Forbidden City
After lunch, you will have 2-3 hours to explore the nooks and crannies of the Forbidden City on your own. Visit a Jade factory later in the afternoon.
An amazing golden jade sculpture (a solid piece of jade!)
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Meals: B, L and a gala welcoming dinner banquet |
Day 4 MING TOMBS/GREAT WALL
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AM: Drive to the magnificent Ming Tombs, burial site of Ming Emperors. You will also visit the underground Tomb, as well as the Stone Animals and the site museum. After, visit a friendship store to learn more about Chinese shopping opportunities!
Palace at Ming Tombs
PM: Private escorted excursion to the Badaling section of the Great Wall. The construction of The Great Wall started in the 7th century BC during the Qin Dynasty, making the Great Wall over 2,500 years old and more than 3000 miles long!
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Meals: B, L and a special Beijing Duck dinner |
Day 5 PEKING MAN SITE
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A depiction of the 500,000 year old Peking Man
AM: Private escorted drive to Zhoukoudian Village to explore the Peking Man Site, an important archaeological discovery which added much to our understanding of prehistoric man. After visiting the fascinating museum, you can leisurely explore the caves, dwellings for thousands of years to early man.
LATE AFTERNOON: Return to Beijing. Remainder of the day is free for private explorations (perhaps a fried scorpion snack from a nearby street vendor?)
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Meals: B, L (scorpions NOT included!) |
Day 6 BEIJING
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Today you have free to explore Beijing as you wish--perhaps a visit to the Silk Market, Prince Gong's Palace and Tea House or the Winter Palace? The choices are endless!
Tea ceremony at Prince Gong's Palace
For those interested in archaeology, we are offering an optional tour today to the recently opened Fengtai Han Tomb site and Beijing University's Sackler Museum (includes guide, transportation and lunch). $45 per person.
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Meals: B (and L if you choose the optional excursion) |
Day 7 BEIJING/ XI'AN
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AM: Private transfer to the airport for early morning flight to Xi'an.
Airport reception/ private transfer to the restaurant for lunch.
Tang dynasty sculpture at Sha'anxi Museum
PM: Private escorted tour to Sha'anxi Provincial Museum, one of the world's great storehouses of ceramics, painting, and textiles. Then transfer to Xi'an Garden Hotel (4-star, in a beautiful Chinese garden setting).
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Meals: B, L, D |
Day 8 TERRA COTTA WARRIORS
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Private all-day escorted tour to see the world-famous Terra Cotta Warriors. One of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, the Terra Cotta Warriors are also one of 27 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in China.
PM: There will be 2 hours free time for you to explore the site on your own. Afterwards a visit to a spectacular Terra Cotta Warrior/ Lacquer/ Silk Factory.
Return to Xi'an in the late afternoon.
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Meals: B, L and a special Sha'anxi style dinner. |
Day 9 YANGLING MAUSOLEUM AND XI'AN
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Private all-day escorted tour to Yangling Mausoleum, with its fascinating collection of smaller terra cotta warriors, musicians, animals and items of daily life.There will also be an opportunity to explore the nearby tomb site.
A (very) little dog on the big walls of Xi'an's old city
PM: Return to Xi'an in the afternoon. Remainder of the day is free to explore places like Xi'an's city walls, the Forest of Stelae or the Muslim Quarter.
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Meals: B, L and a special Dumpling Banquet and Tang court dance and music show at Sha'anxi Theater. |
Day 10 XI'AN/ CHONGQING/ DAZU
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AM: Private transfer to the airport for flight to Chongqing.
Reclining Buddha at Dazu
PM: Arrive at Chongqing. Leisurely drive through ancient Yangtze River Valley hamlets to Dazu Grotto sculptures (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Dazu is home to more than a thousand carvings representing Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian beliefs. After your visit, you will transfer to the Dazu Hotel, your lodging this evening.
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Meals: B, L, D |
Day 11 DAZU/ CHENGDU
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AM: Continue visiting Baoding Shan to visit the second cave, home of new discoveries and the impressive recumbent Buddha.
PM: Private escorted drive to Chengdu (about 4 hours). Arrive at the unique Tibet Hotel in late afternoon.
Hot Pot!
EVENING: Enjoy a Sichuan style Hot Pot Dinner.
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Meals: B, L, D |
Day 12 PANDA BREEDING CENTER/ SANXINGDWEI MUSEUM
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AM: We get an early start this morning for feeding time at the Panda Breeding Research, just north of Chengdu. See both Giant and Red pandas at play!
1500 year-old+ brass faces
PM: Private escorted tour to Sanxingdwei Museum, home of large Bronze images of deities, lively human figures, fantastic ritual vessels, exquisite jades, and spirited ceramic sculptures.This museum is a hidden treasure that most visitors do not see!
EVENING: Sichuan Bianlian Opera at Shufang Yayun Tea House. Performance accompanied by tea.
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Meals: B, L, D |
Day 13 CHENGDU
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AM: Private escorted tour to Wenshu, a Buddhist temple dating back to 1691. In the main buildings you will not only enjoy traditional Buddhist architecture, but also more than 100 bronze Buddhist figures, most of which were cast during the Qing Dynasty. You will also enjoy a special Buddhist Vegetarian lunch while at the temple.
PM: At leisure to further explore Chengdu; some good options include a visit to the beautiful gardens at People's Park or the Du Fu's Thatch Cottage (really, it is a pretty place!).
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Meals: B, L |
Day 14 CHENGDU/GUILIN
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AM: Transfer to the airport for morning flight to Guilin. Once there you will be met and taken on an escorted tour city of Guilin.
The Li river from Seven Star Park
PM: Visit Seven Star Park. Explore the peaks and caves to see the stalagmites, stalactites and other natural formations.Private transfer to Park Hotel (4-star, in a beautiful park setting).
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Meals: B, L and a special Guangxi style dinner with an ethnic dance performance and show. |
Day 15 LI RIVER CRUISE/ YANGSHUO
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AM: One of the prettiest areas in China, a tranquil cruise on Li Jiang (Li River) is the best way to absorb the superb beauty of this area. Sail along and pass through the fabled karst mountain landscape while you sip tea, wine and enjoy your lunch on board.
PM: Ship disembarks at Yangshuo. After transfer to your hotel, the remainder of your day is free to explore this magical town.
A tranquil moment on the Li River at Yangshuo
EVENING: Experience a private small boat excursion in the evening to watch the ancient method of fishing with trained cormorants--this is unforgettable!
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Meals: B, L |
Day 16 YANGSHUO
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Today you have free to enjoy this scenic city and surrounding area at your leisure. Hikers will love the walk to the top of Moon Hill, especially for the sunset, while others may like the butterfly sanctuary, shopping on Pantao Road, or simply wandering amidst the karst landscape that is everywhere you look.
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Meals: B |
Day 17 YANGSHUO/GUILIN TO SHANGHAI
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AM: Private transfer to the Guilin airport for a late morning flight to Shanghai.
PM: Arrive at Shanghai at around 1:10pm. Private escorted tour to Shanghai Museum, home to the best collection of public art in China.
Bustling, cosmopolitan Shanghai
EVENING: Enjoy a farewell Shanghai-style banquet at a Shanghai landmark restaurant--a great meal to end a great trip! Private transfer to hotel afterward. Stop at The Bund and Waterfront Park of Shanghai to enjoy the fantastic night view.
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Meals: B, L, D |
Day 18 RETURN TO US WEST COAST
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AM: Private transfer to the airport to board return flight to the US, where you will arrive the same morning you left (you gotta love time zones!). This will give you the whole weekend to organize your photos, shopping and memories before showing them to your family and friends on the next holiday!
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Meals: B |
Thanks for joining us on this very special adventure!
Trip price includes:
- Airfare from Seattle, Los Angeles or San Francisco to Beijing and return to US from Shanghai.
- All lodging (four star or best available).
- Special cultural shows as listed.
- 39 meals (as noted, including special meals such as Peking Duck, the Dumpling Banquet and Sichuan Hotpot).
- All internal Chinese airfare (Beijing to Xian, Xian to Chongqing, Chengdu to Guilin and Guilin to Shanghai).
- All listed excursions.
- All entrance fees.
- All transfers and transportation (land and water).
- A detailed trip information package with maps and supporting documentation.
- The services of a bilingual guide throughout the trip.
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Trip Prices, per person, double occupancy (dependent on final group size):
6-9
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10+
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15 (max)
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$3995
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$3375 |
$3105 |
Single supplement, if you want your own room throughout: $550
Not included in trip price:
- Chinese entrance visa processing (approximately $100--we can help you get this done painlessly).
- Tips for guides, host, drivers, waitresses, hotel staff, etc.
- Personal purchases such as souvenirs, handicrafts, snacks and alcoholic beverages.
- Meals not included (as noted in the itinerary).
- Optional excursions such as the Beijing excursion to the Fenghai Tomb and Sackler Museum.
- Chinese airport tax for domestic flights (totaling approximately $15).
- Chinese departure tax ($30 per person).
- Trip insurance (highly recommended--not for things that CCA can control, but for those things no one can!). We recommend CSA--click on the icon on the left for an online quote:
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us if you have any questions.
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