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Trip 2008 - Tour Destinations
Seeing the sites on your trip ...
See the best that Beijing has to offer! We provide thee day-tours of six sites to makes sure you don't miss any of the major historic attractions in Beijing.
These tours can even be scheduled around your sports so you can enjoy it all. If you want to explore more of China, we also offer tours to its most beautiful
and famous places (Shanghai, Hangzhou, Xian, Guilin, Hong Kong, Yangtze River, Yellow Mountain). For those travelers who haven't been to China before, find more information below about our
Ready-To-Book three to twelve day
excursions that offer the best of China at an affordable price. Travelers choosing our custom itineraries can discover more
marvelous places to visit.
Beijing
Beijing is vibrant and unique city encompassing the ancient past, modern present and dynamic future of China. The city covers an area of more than 6,000 square miles and has
a population of nearly 15 million people. Beijing has been an inhabited city for more than three thousand years; thirty-four emperors have lived and ruled the nation from Beijing.
The city endured invasions by warlords and foreign powers, devastating fires and the rise and fall of powerful imperial dynasties. Each time, it emerged a stronger and more vibrant city.
If you have some free time and would like to explore the city on your own, we can recommend some exciting places to visit. You can experience authentic
Beijing life and get to know old Beijing by exploring its many teahouses, temple fairs and Hutong courtyards. To pick up some souvenirs, the most popular shopping
areas and pedestrian malls are the Yansha Shopping Mall, Tian An Men and Wangfujing Street, Guomao Shopping Mall, Qianmen Street and Xidan Street. And don't forget,
nowhere else on earth will you find such a variety of gourmet Chinese restaurants offering the very best of the eight different styles of Chinese cuisine, as well as western style dishes.
Tian An Men Square & The Forbidden City
No trip to Beijing would be complete without a visit to the Forbidden City. Home to Chinese emperors for centuries, it houses the largest
collection of ancient wooden buildings in the world, with 800 structures and over 8,000 rooms. Though this complex is now officially known
as the Palace Museum, you can still experience the grandeur in which emperors lived. There is plenty to explore at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will also visit the historic Tian An Men Square, which is one of the largest plazas in the world. The square is a symbol of the nation for the Chinese people and has been the epicenter of revolutionary events.
The Great Wall & Ming Tomb
This symbol of China and UNESCO World Heritage Site is not to be missed. Take this once in a lifetime opportunity to visit the centuries old wall built to protect China from foreign invaders. The portion of the 4,500 mile long wall in Beijing has been restored and is well taken care of so that you will be able to see the wall as it looked long ago. The section you will visit was built in 1505 and occupies the beautiful and mountainous Juyongguan Pass. You will see the famous wall wide enough for ten soldiers to march shoulder to shoulder, complete with guard towers, snake along the adjacent peaks. 
You will also visit the Ming Tomb, which is the final resting place of the 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty. These tombs are magnificently decorated and laid out in an intricate fashion. The thirteen tombs are both above and below ground and have been the sites of many important archeological discoveries. The burial chambers of one the most influential dynasties in Chinese history are sure to impress.
Summer Palace & Temple of Heaven
This sanctuary for the Chinese imperial family has provided relaxation and entertainment since the 1500's. Set on 725 acres, the Summer Palace
has over 3,000 buildings, spectacular Chinese gardens and picturesque Kunming Lake. On Longevity Hill, the focal point of the gardens, sit many beautiful temples for you to visit.
The most famous garden at the site is the Garden of Harmonious Interests.
Known as the "garden of gardens" it boasts a lotus pond at its centre, seven pavilions,
five halls and numerous corridors and small bridges, all integrated with the natural surroundings
to produce one of the best examples of Southern Chinese gardens.
The Temple of Heaven was built during the Ming Dynasty as a place for the emperors to make sacrifices to heaven. The sacred building was constructed to represent the ancient Chinese idea of heaven, that "heaven is round and the earth is square". You can even visit the Three Echo Stone and the Echo Wall and see who can hear you. Don't miss this historic symbol of Beijing.
Shanghai
This bustling, modern city is the center of China's economic growth and modernization. See a blend of old and new China in Shanghai.
Walk among the skyscrapes, then visit traditional parts of Shanghai, including the Shukimen houses. In your free time don't miss the famous artwork
from the well known Shanghi school created during the Ming Dynasty. The eclectic cuisine of Shanghai combines regional influences
to create sweet and savory dishes, especially using alcohol and fish. Shanghai is also the home of many Dim Sum favorites.
Yu Yuan Garden
This beautiful, classic Chinese garden has a special story behind its creation. Pan Yunduan, a government officer in the Ming Dynasty, built the garden for his parents so that they could grow old in peace, happiness and tranquility. You too can experience the serenity Pan wanted for his parents as you stroll among the many pavilions, halls, rockeries, ponds and cloisters in the gardens. Enjoy the natural beauty of trees, streams, waterfalls and flowers!
Oriental Pearl
This tower is the third largest tower in the world, at 1,535 feet tall. From the top, you will have marvelous views of Shanghai all the way to the Yangtze River. The tower itself is made of 11 spheres and three columns that create the image of pearls falling onto a jade plate. Each "pearl" is unique. One is decorated in a futuristic theme, for example, and the top sphere contains restaurants and shops. The base even has an educational science center.
Jade Buddha Temple
This magnificent temple houses two precious Buddha statues. Built in a classic style, the temple itself boasts beautiful artwork based on Buddhist scripture and thought. The two rare statues housed in the temple were brought there in the 1800's and have survived fire and revolution. The Buddha statues' sitting and reclining poses epitomize the harmony and peace of Buddhism. Whether you are Buddhist or not the beauty and tranquility of this temple should not be missed.
Hangzhou
Hangzhou is known for its splendid natural beauty. This area is also considered the cradle of Chinese civilization and has
many historic sites for you to visit. Hangzhou is said to produce the best green tea in China and is renown for its magnificent silks
and folding fans. Don't forget to sample Hangzhou's delicious dishes, which are noted for their elaborate preparation, sophisticated cooking and refreshing taste.
West Lake
West Lake has all of the elements of a splendid Chinese garden—but on a grand scale! The lake and its environs are composed of unique peaks, colorful blossoms, dense foliage and serene springs and forests. The natural features compliment gorgeous imperial-style architecture and sculpture. This enormous lake offers beauty and peace in a traditional Chinese setting.
Linyin Temple
For nearly 2,000 years, the Linyin Temple has paid homage to Buddha. Founded by an Indian monk long ago, the temple has been destroyed and reconstructed 16 times. Nonetheless, its traditional temple architecture is stunning. The temple compound houses many halls and worship areas and is also one of the richest temples in China. You can visit this working Buddhist temple and rub the belly of the carved Laughing Buddha. It is believed that he brings strength to couples and can make wishes come true.
Six Harmonies Pagoda
Originally built according to Buddhist ordinances to calm the tidal flows of the nearby Qiantang River, the Pagoda is truly a
masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture. Each floor of this magnificent pagoda consists of four elements, exterior walls, a crooked corridor,
interior walls and a small chamber. Viewed from outside, the pagoda appears to be layered—an example of the harmonious combination of bright on the
upper surface and dark underneath. Carvings and paintings adorn the inside. Also, the site is home to an exhibition on pagodas, so you can learn about pagoda construction all around China.
Yellow Mountain
The Yellow Mountain Range would be a breathtaking addition to your itinerary. The rugged peaks and sharp ravines in this mountain range are truly something to behold.
More than just seeing scenery, however, during your trip to this area, you will see relics and artifacts left behind by the ancient and complex Huizhou culture.
The ancient Huizhou culture lives on today in the practices of the people that occupy the region. See white walled and gray roofed traditional Chinese houses
with scrolls of calligraphy featured prominently in the central hall. With a high regard for etiquette, the local people visit one another frequently,
especially on important occasions. For many generations, they have lived an idyllic life-- farming, weaving, cutting firewood, as well as studying-- in this secluded
haven of peace far away from the turmoil of the world.
Xian
Xian is overflowing with history, as it served as the capitol of China for 1000 years. The area is home to many archeological sites
dating back to some of the first Chinese civilizations. Follow in the footsteps of ancient traders, as Xian was the eastern end of the Silk Road.
Sample the delicous local cusine, which is famous for its snacks of beef and mutton, unqiue soup and delicious dumplings.
While in Xian, you will also taste their legendary hand-rolled noodles. Local traditions include a fabulous noodle dance where a chef,
instead of rolling out noodles, waves a long strip of dough around in a dance before cooking them.
Terracotta Warriors and Horses
See the famous terracotta army with your own eyes! Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of a united China,
commissioned this project so that he would be well protected in the afterlife. So far, 8,099 soldiers
have been discovered. Each one is unique with its own individual expression, clothing, stature and weaponry.
These figures include infantry, archers, officers and are even divided into units as a real military force would be.
Mausoleum of Emporer Qin Shi Huang
Under Emperor Huang's orders, workers also created a replica of the capital city and an immense imperial tomb, the interior of which
is larger than the Great Pyramid at Giza. It is even said that the workers were sealed inside the tomb to guard its secrets. Get a glimpse
into ancient times and discover the fascinating story behing this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The City Walls of the Ming Dynasty
Built to protect the city from invaders that could threaten his power, the first Ming emperor fortified this city,
and his rein, with these splendid walls. The Xian City Walls are the most well preserved in China. The walls stand 40 feet
hight and are almost six miles long. The structure includes ramparts and guard towers that were used protect soldier on patrol
and an intricate system of beautiful gates controlled access to the ancient city.
Today you can enjoy the architecutre of the walls in a relaxing enviroment of a park that follows alongside the walls.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a vibrant and populous city. On the ocean, it has long been a hub of commerce and that tradition continues today. As you stroll the streets of Hong Kong, you can gaze up at the towering skyscrapers and observe the mix of cultures from within China and around the world. Hong Kong also has great shopping in the form of Chinese markets and western style stores. The city has renown resturants that serve Chinese and international food. Its vibrant nightlife has something for everyone.
Victoria & Wanhai
Visit Victoria Harbor where you will see beautiful panoramic views of Hong Kong. This harbor has ideal sea conditions
for a large port and as such many naval battles have traspired over it. The name Victoria is a legacy of English ownership of Hong Kong.
You will also tour the gorgeous affluent distrcit of Wanhai. There you will see the Golden Bauhinia Square and Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition
Centre where Hong Kong was handed over to the Chinese in 1997.
Deep Water Bay
Hong Kong's most beautiful beach cannot be missed! Relax and recover from the summer heat with a swim in the crystal clear waters.
You will escape the crowds of other beaches while at Deep Water and you can enjoy open air cafes and scenic walks in peace.
Enjoy this natural attraction where the mountains meet the sea.
Kowloon
This peninsula in Hong Kong is where its citizens go to have fun. The best restaurants and shopping areas are in this part of town.
Kowloon's well-known Temple Street features a two mile long bizarre that sells many interesting goods. Also visit Wah Tai Sin, a popular shrine in the city.
Participate with Hong Kong residents in having your fortune told or praying to have your wishes granted.
Yangtze River Cruise
Spend three days and four nights on the marvelous Yangtze River. Beginning in Yi Chang, you will cruise through the heart of the Sichuan province, a rural and idyllic area.
Famous for its spicy and flavorful food, you will enjoy every meal in Sichuan! You can even experience the teahouse culture of China, which lives on today in the daily lives of locals.
As you approach your final destination of Chong Qing, you will enter the majestic Three Gorges region. Site of the largest damn in the world,
the Three Gorges area has changed in recent years due to rising water levels and is more beautiful than ever.
No longer the dangerous series of rapids it once was, the Yangtze offers stunning views of the countryside and exposure to local culture and cuisine.
Guilin
This city is legendary for its natural beauty and fragrant Sweet Osmanthus
Trees that adorn its streets. This region's scenery is so majestic, it is known as the "best under heaven." Once the capital of the Ming dynasty,
there are many historical sites to visit as well. Sample the famous cuisine of the region, known for its tasty Guilin chili and breakfasts of nourishing rice noodles.
Elephant Trunk Hill
See the rock formation that looks like an elephant dipping its trunk into the river for a refreshing drink of water.
Legend says the elephant was sent from heaven to help the villagers in their work. The Emperor was angered by this and stabbed the elephant as it drank.
It turned to stone and there it remains today. Walk through the Shui Yue Cave and see the beautiful full moon-like reflections created by the water.
Li River Cruise
The scenery see on the Li River is breathtaking. The best of the unique landscape of Guilin can be seen from the river. Majestic peaks and bamboo forests cover much of the cruise route. Absorb the culture as you see local fisherman float by in boats, workers picking rice in nearby patties and water buffalo amble along the shore. Sample Guilin cuisine as you relax in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Visit ancient ruins and see 
how traditional cultural lives on today. This idyllic cruise will give you memories to last a lifetime.
Reed Flute Cave
Enter this magnificent underground world of pillars, stalactites and stalagmites. Centuries of natural processes at work have yielded a wonderland of formations complimented by creative lighting that heightens the experience. In true Chinese style, most formations have elegant, poetic names.
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